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MAXXIE: Pretty good fella, but not good enough.
MALE DANCER: h*m*!
MAXXIE: Yeah, because I rule, basically...
MALE DANCER: Shit bender.Ah, Kelly, you're t*nk'!
FEMALE DANCER: What about you, you sweaty f*ck!
MALE DANCER: Aargh! Get away, you scummer.
MAXXIE: Later then! What you think of that, then? Tone?
TONY: What? Think of what?
MAXXIE: The moves... Me, Jonno and Kel worked it out.
TONY: It's OK.
(Cut to to Tony and Maxxie sitting in a bus. A van drives by and blares his horns. Tony panics.)
MAXXIE: Hey! Nothing to worry about, dude. Yeah?
TONY: Yeah.
MAXXIE: It's all right. Everything's cool.
(Cut to to Maxxie and Tony walking down a street. A group of young girls are sitting on a car bonnet.)
GIRL 1 : Hi, Maxxie.
MAXXIE: Hey.
ALL: Hi.
GIRL 1: Who's that?
MAXXIE: That's Tony.
GIRL 1: Hey! What's up with you?
TONY: I had a traumatic subdural haematoma with motor and perceptional complications.
GIRL 2: Are you mental?
TONY: Yes.
GIRL 3: I'd still give you one.
GIRL 4: Totally. He's well fit. Yeah, Queenie?
GIRL 5: Yeah. He's buff.
MAXXIE: Hey come on, Tone. See you later, girls.
ALL: See you Maxxie! Bye!
GIRL 3: I wanna give Maxxie one.
GIRL 4: You can't. He's h*m*.
GIRL 3: Bummer.
(Cut to to Maxxie's kitchen. Tony and Maxxie are sitting at the table.)
MAXXIE'S MUM: See? I remembered your favourite.
TONY: Thanks.
MAXXIE'S MUM: You've grown, Tony. And there's another two inches in you, easy. How's your Mum?
TONY: I don't remember you.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Oh, well. We used to have lovely chats when I was cleaning your mum's place. You were such a clever little lad.
TONY: I'm stupid now.
MAXXIE'S MUM: No.
MAXXIE: Here you go, mate. (Maxxie's Mum hands him his plate.) Thanks, Mum.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Oh, we used to giggle. Well, you never did know what your mum was going to say next.
MAXXIE: Ketchup, Mum?
MAXXIE'S MUM: Yeah, right. (Maxxie Mum's gets the ketchup from the kitchen.) Bloody hilarious jokes she told. Filthy. Oh, a right laugh, your mum.
(Cut to to Tony's mum sitting in the bathroom in her house. She looks sad. Effy enters.)
EFFY: Mum? I need to pee. (Pause) I can manage it myself usually.
TONY'S MUM: Yeah, sorry.
TONY'S MUM: Oh, f*cking... f*cking... f*cking thing!
EFFY: Oh! Ooh. Oooh! Ooh la la!
(Cut to to Maxxie's Dad dancing with his dog in a courtyard outside a block of flats).
MAXXIE'S DAD: Yee-ha!
BOY 1: Oi, look out. Here comes Batty Boy.
BOY 2: You wanna watch it, Dale. He'll slip you a big fat cock!
BOY 3: No f*cking way, man!
BOY 1: Cockety-cock-cock!
BOY 2: Or he'll slurp you a big fat cock!
BOY 4: A big f*cking cock, yeah. He'll be like, "All right, my lover!" and wank you silly all over his face and then he'll be like tying you up and shoving his big fat cock right up your arse and you wouldn't be able to f*cking stop him cos it's f*cking t*rture. You're shrieking and then yo'ure like... I'm just saying f*cking h*m*, though, innit?
ALL: Yeah, f*cking h*m*.
BOY 3: f*ck' h*m*. We'll f*ck them up.
BOY 2: f*ck' queers!
MAXXIE: Lads...
BOY 1: Yeah, f*ck' 'omos!
MAXXIE'S DAD: Nice one, Taz!
MAXXIE: Hey, Taz!
MAXXIE'S DAD: All right, love?
MAXXIE: Yeah, tea's ready.
MAXXIE: Nice routine, Dad.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Nice? It's gonna f*cking slay them at the regionals.
MAXXIE: Cool.
MAXXIE: I just wanted to ask, is it OK if I drop out of my A-levels and...
MAXXIE'S DAD: Come back?
MAXXIE: I wanna leave college and audition for musicals in London.
MAXXIE'S DAD: You're getting qualifications and you're coming to me on the building.
MAXXIE: But how's a history A-level gonna help me be a builder?
MAXXIE'S DAD: You'll be an educated builder.
MAXXIE: Dad, I want to be a dancer.
MAXXIE'S DAD: They have dancing every Thursday down the centre. You love that.
MAXXIE: No, but...
MAXXIE'S DAD: Pastimes. That's what we're into.
MAXXIE: Dad...
MAXXIE'S DAD: The rest isn't for us. Get the dog.
MAXXIE: Taz.
BOY 3: f*cking turd burglar.
BOY 4: Watch out, Dale.
BOY 2: f*cking dog!
MAXXIE'S DAD: Quiet, boy. You got something to say, kidder?
BOY 3: Say what I like. Free country, innit?
MAXXIE'S DAD: Fair point. But here's my suggestion, son. You tell your Dad what you said to Walter Oliver. All right, my lover? (to the group) Lads...
BOY 2: You got f*cked up, man!
BOY 5: Big, big time.
(Cut to to Tony in the bathroom in Maxxie's house. He is struggling to undo his belt.)
TONY: Sid? Sid! Sid!
MAXXIE'S MUM: Tony?
TONY: I need to pee. My hands don't work.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Well, I always sorted you out when you were a baby.
TONY: I got to register for college, sign my name on a form. But my head's forgotten bits of me. All sorts of bits...
MAXXIE'S MUM: Give it time, love.
TONY : Just... I can aim.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Right...
MAXXIE'S MUM: All right?
MAXXIE'S MUM: Bloody hell, Tone! You always did make me laugh.
TONY: You're making me miss.
MAXXIE'S MUM: You and every other bloke in this sodding house.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Whatever happened to that nice lass you had?
(Cut to to Michelle in a bar, visibly drunk.)
MICHELLE: Oh, my God! OK, watch this! Watch this you bunch of p*ssy-f*ck, OK? One, two, three. Go! Oh, my God!
(Cut to to Chris and Jal in a high-rise building.)
CHRIS: We on the right floor?
JAL: Dunno, do I?
CHRIS: All right...angry boots.
JAL: I want to get ready for the party.
CHRIS: Well, that'll take all of about 30 seconds, won't it?
JAL: I get ready. I dress up.
CHRIS: Nah...that's what we love about you, Jal... Unstudied.
JAL: f*cking hell... I dress up!
CHRIS: Is this the door? Whoa. You don't see that every day.
MAXXIE'S MUM: It's open!
TONY: That'll be Sid. He's gonna take me home.
MAXXIE'S MUM: Oh...Chris...Jalander. Oh, what a nice surprise. Came just at the right time.
CHRIS: Right...
TONY: Where's Sid?
MAXXIE'S DAD: Ah! Hi, guys. Hi, Tony, Chris. Hello, funny name. Where'd you lot spring from?
MAXXIE'S MUM: Just finished seeing to Tony.
CHRIS: Yeah. She was... seeing to him...
MAXXIE'S DAD: Great. How are you, lad?
TONY: Better, thanks. She's got warm hands.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Oh, they're lovely and warm. Always say that. (pause) So you're all dancing the night away tonight, huh? Yeah...bit of a party!
JAL: It's not really a party.
CHRIS: Yeah, that's right.
TONY: What party?
(Tony, Chris and Jal are waiting for a bus.)
CHRIS: Look, sorry, Tone. But your mum says we gotta take you home.
JAL: Maybe your folks think it's a bit too soon to be going out.
TONY: f*ck my folks. Where's Sid?
CHRIS: Uh, he couldn't make it, mate. His dad made him stay in and...
JAL: Mow the grass.
CHRIS: Yeah, that's it. He's mowing the grass.
JAL: He couldn't make it, Tony. All right? Sid couldn't make it...
[Sid's house.]
CASSIE: Hey! Hi, Sid! When are you coming to see me? Everyone's so lovely in Elgin. Here's my new friends, Rory and Lachlan.
LACHLAN: All right, wee man?
RORY: Hello there, Sidney.
CASSIE: Rory's going to let me blow his chanter later.
RORY: It's easy. Ye just need to learn tae finger it.
CASSIE: And I've already been beating Lachlan's bodhran.
LACHLAN: Magic! Aye!
SID: What?!
CASSIE: I'm not very good.
LACHLAN: Aye, ye are!
CASSIE: Anyway, there's a present in there, Sid. And watch what I can do.
SID: Mighty f*cking Scotland.
(Maxxie's house.)
MAXXIE:Don't you care what I want?! Don't I get to decide?
MAXXIE'S DAD: Yeah. You're gonna decide to be a builder who dances in his spare time.
MAXXIE: I don't want to be a f*cking builder!
MAXXIE'S DAD: What's wrong with it?
MAXXIE: Nothing. Nothing. I just... I can do this, Dad! (pause) You don't think I can do it, do you?
MAXXIE'S DAD: No, lad.
MAXXIE: f*cking hell! Thanks, Dad. It's not my fault, is it!?
MAXXIE'S DAD: What?
MAXXIE: That you're stuck in a f*cking white van all your life.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Don't you speak to me like that! I'll clout you round the f*cking earhole.
MAXXIE: Like you clout the f*cking dog?!
MAXXIE'S DAD: Don't bring the f*cking dog into it. I'll have no f*cking swearing in this house.
MAXXIE: Mum f*cking swears at you all the time.
TONY: Don't wait.
JAL: We said we'd take you home.
TONY: Don't wanna go home.
ANSWAR: Groove up on the party. Yo, when I'm cruising in my Lamborghini. The chicks see me, they go, "Mmm, wow, he's so sexy" And I might get my sh*t for the end of the night, 'cause p*ssy is p*ssy and baby, you're p*ssy for life. I wanna f*ck you, f*ck you. You already know I wanna f*ck you, f*ck you...
ANWAR: Argh! Ow! Oh... f*ck' hell... Sorry. I gotta remember to stand pimp in these.
JAL: What's happening, "blood"?
ANWAR: I'm in for some serious slippy-slidey todger action at this party, man!
CHRIS: It's not...really a party.
ANWAR: Are you pissing me? It's the biggest night of the year. Everybody's going!
CHRIS: Yeah, except Tony.
ANWAR: Yeah? Shame, man. It's gonna be... Huh! Wah! Chugga-chugga-wah! h*t me! Ow!
JAL: Tony can't go. Remember?
TONY: f*ck...
CHRIS: Yeah... Come on, mate.
JAL: I told you to keep quiet about the sodding rave. And why are you dressed as a crack dealer?
ANWAR: You think it's too much?
JAL: If I'd just met you, Anwar, I'd rather slit my wrists than give you one.
ANWAR: That's because you don't give anyone one. Yeah? Watch out or they'll take your tits into care.
JAL: Huh?
ANWAR: Because they don't get out enough. (Anwar starts laughing) You geddit? Your tits...
ANWAR: Hello, Mr Stonem.
TONY'S DAD: Wondered where you were. (Tony walks inside)Thanks for bringing him back.
CHRIS: That's all right. No problem. Maybe we'll pop round... (Tony's Dad closes the door) ...tomorrow. Let's go get f*cked.
TONY'S MUM: Are you not going to have anything, Tony?
TONY: No.
TONY'S MUM: OK. So, um, what did you get up to today?
TONY'S DAD: He shouldn't be going out! I mean, he's wandering around, God knows where...
TONY'S MUM: Jim...
TONY'S DAD: We don't even know who he's with!
TONY'S MUM: Jim...
TONY'S DAD: I mean, he could have a bleed or a fit or...
TONY'S MUM: Yeah, Jim. He's here.
TONY'S DAD: Oh, f*ck it.
TONY: f*ck it.
EFFY: f*ck it.
TONY'S DAD: All right, all right. Just... for Christ's sake, eat something! Look, Mum's made it easy. It's all...lovely and... bite-sized. Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry. Come on, let's talk about something else. Come on.
TONY'S MUM: Yeah, yeah, ok. Um, what do you want to talk about?
TONY: Dirty jokes.
TONY'S MUM: What?
TONY: Maxxie's mum says your jokes are filthy.
TONY'S MUM: You saw Jackie Oliver today?
TONY'S DAD: Jackie probably was thinking about someone else. Right, Anthea?
TONY'S MUM: Yeah, yeah... Anyway... This mate of mine's been going to the doctor, yeah?
TONY'S DAD: Who's that?
TONY'S MUM: Er, don't think you know him. Um, anyway he had to have some tests. He had palpitations or something... So, he eventually goes back to the doctor to get the results and, er, the doctor says, "Sit down. I'm afraid there's good news and there's bad news. The bad news is you've only got a month to live." My mate's like, devastated, he's gutted. But he pulls himself together and he says, "What's the good news?". And the doctor says, "See my new receptionist? Blonde. Great arse. Huge tits. Well, I'm f*cking her."
EFFY: That's crap.
TONY: Yeah...
TONY'S MUM: My name's Anthea Stonem. Thank you and good night.
TONY: They'll take her tits into care... They're gonna... They don't get out enough! I got it! I got it!
MAXXIE'S DAD: Look, I've told you before, he's not leaving college. That's it!
MAXXIE'S MUM: You don't need to be such a monster man about it! >
MAXXIE'S DAD: Who's being a monster man?
MAXXIE'S MUM: You is.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Bollocks!
MAXXIE'S MUM: What's eating you, you big old bully!?
MAXXIE'S DAD: Nothing! Nothing. Just, just leave it alone. He's not leaving, that's final.
BANDY: All right, Walter.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Bandy... How you doin'?
BANDY: Only passable, Walter. It seems like my Dale has overstepped his mouth.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Little misunderstanding, that's it.
BANDY (to the boy): What have you gotta say, dildohead?
DALE: Sorry, Mr Oliver.
BANDY: And...?
DALE: Sorry, Max.
BANDY: He's baked a cake of remorse.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Very nice.
BANDY: So we're all right then, Walter?
MAXXIE'S DAD: Water under the bridge, Bandy. How's the wife?
BANDY: Oh, not bad. They gave her early release. Still gotta wear the electronic tag, of course.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Bummer.
BANDY: Yeah. And they've banned her for life from operating a concrete mixer or a cattle prod.
MAXXIE'S DAD: It's probably for the best.
TONY'S DAD: Oh, Tony! For f*ck's sake. Come on! (Tony's dad wrestles Tony onto his bed.) f*cking hell.
TONY: Get off!
TONY'S DAD: Oh, f*ck.
MAXXIE: Tony? Are you all right?
TONY: No. Nobody wants me to come out any more.
MAXXIE: Oh, f*ck it. Come anyway.
TONY: My dad won't let me go back to college.
MAXXIE: And mine won't let me leave. We're both bummed, bruv.
TONY: Why doesn't Sid come any more? Can't remember when he was here.
MAXXIE: He misses you, Tony.
TONY: I miss me.
MAXXIE: Come out. I'll get you dancing.
TONY: Yeah? You gonna gay me?
MAXXIE: Hey...Tony's here.
MAXXIE: Who's that?
KENNETH: Hello, everybody. I'd like to sing a little ditty that I hope you'll rather enjoy. Alastair, would you mind pressing play, please? Thanks awfully. Raaaas! Gimme a riddim blood. Mi gonna tear it up with a back ender. I wanna hear it big, blud. I wanna hear it h*t out, blud! I wanna hear it massive! 'Cause we're takin' it uptown!
CHRIS: Hey Maxxie!
TONY: f*ck me... You're just a kid.
EFFY: You're mental.
TONY: Thanks.
EFFY: Ready?
CHRIS: Hey, Jal! Where's your moves?
ANWAR: f*ck me senseless.
CHRIS: Whoa!
MAXXIE: Yeah. He's hot, man.
CHRIS: Ah, you gay boy!
MAXXIE: Shut it!
SID: Here I come, Cas. I'm coming!
EFFY: It's OK, Tony. Come on.
ABIGAIL : No way. Look who's coming. It's Tony Stonem.
ABIGAIL: Oh, my God Tony, hi! You look so, so OK. Not like... Well, they said you were like a total mong, and I would have been so pissed if you were a vegetable and had to be switched off, yah?
TONY: Do I know you?
ABIGAIL: Tony! You do... You know me really rather well. Remember? You were a very naughty boy. But I forgive you... (She glances down at his cortch.) Is it all still working, yah?
TONY: Sorry. Can't place you.
ABIGAIL: You remember, Tony. How you said I was like your total dream shag?
TONY: I said that?
ABIGAIL: Because Michelle had the funny tits, and was so boring, and you wanted to go out with me because I had the longest tongue you ever...
EFFY: He can't...place you.
ABIGAIL: Oh...
EFFY: Come on, Tone.
EFFY: Tongue?
TONY: Oh, yeah.
TONY: Ah! Get off! Ahh! Help! Wanna get out!
MAXXIE: Tony! Tony! Tony!
MAXXIE: Get the f*ck out of my way, will you!
MAXXIE: Tony! Tone? Tone? Tone? Stop f*cking about, yeah? Wait... Wait.
BOY 1: All right, Blowjob.
BOY 2: f*g.
DALE: Cocksucker!
BOY 3: w*nk*r!
BOY 4: All right, gay boy?
ALL: f*cking get him! Get him!
MAXXIE: Tossers.
DALE: Sent them the other way.
MAXXIE: The f*cking cake. I should've knew it when I saw the hundreds and thousands.
DALE: Lemon Drizzle. It's a piece of piss.
MAXXIE: Dale, you can't just treat me like shit and then just... Just... Ah...f*ck it!
(Maxxie's house.)
MAXXIE'S MUM: Jim? What's wrong?
TONY'S DAD: Sorry it's so late... I've lost Tony.
TONY'S DAD: He doesn't answer his phone. I don't even know if he can. I can't keep him in. But... He's not right.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Who is? Everything's mental. This competition last week. f*cking break-dancing chihuahua. I mean, what's it come to?
TONY'S DAD: Right. You never know what's gonna happen till you're sitting in a hospital. And I'm thinking, I've really, really f*cked up here, because I'm supposed to stop this happening. And now I don't know where he is. Something happens, suddenly you've lost them.
MAXXIE'S DAD: His friends'll look after him.
(Outside the club.)
MICHELLE: What you on?
SID: Cass sent me a tab.
MICHELLE: She misses you, right? I don't know what I'm supposed to do. I go to see him. I went to see him.
SID: Well, I suppose you deserve some fun.
MICHELLE: Those guys just like my tits.
SID: Oh. Sweet. You're avoiding me.
MICHELLE: You make me think about him.
SID: You're not the only one, Chelle. I was there every day trying to get him to say something. And everybody really, really f*cked up and I'm just trying to... to... And nobody comes but me 'cause it's so terrible. You should have f*cking helped me.
MICHELLE: All right! When it happened... before the bus... ..he was on the phone and he said something. I don't think he remembers. But he said...
SID: Chelle.
MICHELLE: f*ck's sake, I'm trying to tell you this!
MICHELLE: Oh, Jesus! Tony?
TONY: Hello.
SID: Wait, I'll go back with you.
TONY: Effy's taking me. I will remember everything.
SID: Where are you going?
MICHELLE: Not now, Sid!
TONY: Got lost. Where do I f*cking live?
[Maxxie's house.]
MAXXIE'S MUM: Walter will run him round in the morning. Look, don't worry yourselves, OK. She's a bit upset.
MAXXIE: Yeah.
MAXXIE'S MUM: College starts today. He's in there, love. Talking, not shouting.
MAXXIE: OK.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Lovely bit of cake, that. Young Dale's got the magic touch.
MAXXIE: He's got that all right.
MAXXIE'S DAD: You're good enough.
MAXXIE: Yeah. I am. I'm bloody good.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Get it from your old man, probably.
MAXXIE: Reckon?
MAXXIE'S DAD: I'm artistic, yeah. Not as artistic as you, mind.
MAXXIE: Some things is just the way they are.
MAXXIE'S DAD: Yup. I got lucky, didn't I? You didn't turn out like the f*cking ASBO Army out there.
MAXXIE: No, Dad.
MAXXIE'S DAD: I feel like taking some f*cking credit for it. OK?
MAXXIE: I'm never gonna be a builder, Dad.
MAXXIE'S DAD: You'll understand this one day, kid. You're everything I've got to show for my life. And I'm not ready for you to go, because I f*cking love you too much. I'm an idiot, I know.
MAXXIE: I love you too, Dad.
MAXXIE'S DAD: So if you're not coming building, back to college. Give me the last year. And then it's game on. All right?
MAXXIE: All right.
MAXXIE'S DAD (to the dog): Taz. On your bed. At least the sodding dog does what he's told.
[Maxxie's room.]
TONY: I can register if I write my name.
MAXXIE: It's more than that, Tony. It's not just signing your name.
TONY: Then f*cking help me! Or are you going to be a complete f*cking arse-wit like everyone f*cking else I know?
MAXXIE: Whoa! He speaks. You gotta slow it down. Stop trying to write. It's just a shape your hand makes. Close your eyes and just kinda... dance it.
(Tony closes his eyes.)
MAXXIE: Tone.
(Tony opens his eyes. He sees he has written his name.)
TONY: Do I have to gay you now? | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "2x01 - Tony and Maxxie"} | foreverdreaming |
A boy, Freddie, is on a skate board. He receives a texto. "We smock your last spliff"
FREDDIE: f*ck.
He joins his friends, Cook & JJ.
COOK: Fredster! This stuff is f*cking rubbish, by the way.
FREDDIE: Stop stealing my f*cking spliff! Morning, gents, you thieving bastards.
COOK: Come on, I got you some breakfast.
FREDDIE: They allowed to serve lager at 8 in the morning?
COOK: I had a word... JJ's got some interesting thoughts on the benefits of Carlsberg as part of a balanced dietary pattern.
FREDDIE: Yeah?
JJ: Calorifically it's right up there with 392 energy units, which is nothing on the Snickers Duo I'm having which has the additional drawback of 28 grams of fat. Although I can call upon 1.2 grams of fibre, which doesn't feature in your lager. But you could argue in some sense that hops constitute one of your five a day.
FREDDIE: That'll do me.
COOK: You not having that, Freds?
He takes the beer.
JJ: That's his fourth so far.
FREDDIE: Is that a good idea? We've college in half an hour.
JJ: You'll be carrying an attention deficit into the day.
FREDDIE: Attention deficit? Intelligence deficit!
JJ: Pig!
COOK: Well, maybe I won't go then.
FREDDIE: You're going to bunk off your first day?
COOK: Freddie, mate, the sun's shining.vWe're bevvied,vspliffed and sorted. Feels like the beginning of something.vSo I'm waiting.
FREDDIE: For what?
COOK: The signal.
FREDDIE: We're starting college, Cook.
COOK: No, we're waiting. Something's gotta start us off.
JJ: You're running a randomised fate model to see if you continue in full time education?
COOK: I need motivation. And it needs to be better than sitting in the sun, with you two, drinking beers and smoking your blow. Jensie! Have the same again? And sling a couple of them cherry sh*ts on top? Cheers, darling. Yes, I can feel it! It's got potential, this day. It's pregnant.
JJ: Shouldn't someone pick up that bike before it causes an...?
A car collides a border. It's Mr Stonem's car, and he's verry angry.
MR STONEM: For f*ck's sake! Jesus shit!Where the f*ck did that...?! What the f*ck?! Oh! Look at it! Look at it! Look at my f*cking car! You saw that, didn't you? Did you!? Did you see it?!
OLD WOMAN: I don't know. You drove into the bollard.
MR STONEM: I did not! The f*cking bike jumped out in front of me! You must have seen it, you're my witness, right? Are you blind? Why is everyone round here f*cking blind?
Effy, in the car, looks at the boys.
JJ: That girl's looking at you, Freddie.
FREDDIE: Yeah.
JJ: Maybe she's looking at me.
FREDDIE: She's not looking at you, JJ.
JJ: OK. Nice hair.
FREDDIE: Yeah.
JJ: She's got nice hair and nice eyes. And nice breasts, probably.
FREDDIE: Shut up, JJ.
JJ: Nipples. We'll just imagine her bottom.
MR STONEM: Where's your f*cking white stick, woman?
JJ: She's absolutely lovely.
MR STONEM: You are as stupid as you look! Ah, for f*ck... I want your mobile number.
OLD WOMAN: I don't have one.
MR STONEM: Your f*cking email address, then! Look at the state of my f*cking car! You must have seen something, you demented bint!
Cook joins Mr Stonem. Freddie understands that he used some ketchup as some blood.
COOK: What... What happened?
MR STONEM: Is that your bike, you f*cking idiot?!
COOK: I was signalling... you just kept coming...
MR STONEM: I didn't even see you! You came out of f*cking nowhere!
COOK: I was trying to make you see me. You just kept coming, man!
MR STONEM: No. That's bollocks. No. Listen!
COOK: You f*cked my bike. You just ran straight through me.
MR STONEM: That is not right! You haven't got a witness. Nobody saw me knock you off your bike.
OLD WOMAN: I did. It was just like he said! You ran him over, and now he's bleeding.
COOK: Profusely. Perhaps we should call a policeman. I think it's a crime to leave the scene of a...
MR STONEM: There's no need for that. I'm sure we can sort this out. Let me buy you a new bike... Look, here. Come on, take it!
He gives some money.
MR STONEM: Take it! Come on, have the lot. Have the whole f*cking lot! Oh, bollocks! Forgive and forget, OK? Forgive and forget, OK? OK?! All right.
BOY: Everything all right, Gran?
OLD WOMAN: Oh, yes. Just a slight problem, all sorted out now. Yes. He's a pillock, he wrapped his car around that bollard, and he's called me a demented bint.
BOY: What the f*ck did you say to my Gran, man?
MR STONEM: Hello, nice to meet you...
BOY: Don't f*cking, "Hello," me...
Effy joins Cook. She takes some ketchup on her finger, puts it in the mouth.
EFFY: Sweet.
She leaves at the high school.
JJ: Dad says some things are best left to the imagination. But that's not right, is it?
COOK: Your dad's a stupid tosser, JJ.
JJ: Yes. Do you think she's going where we're going?
COOK: She is now.
In a house. A girl in her bedroom chooses her clothes. She goes out and sees her brother looking by the lock of a door. She h*t him.
BROTHER: Aarrgh! Mum! Mum! Emily h*t me! Aargh!
MOTHER: Emily? Are you hitting James?
EMILY: Sorry! Accident...
JAMES: Argh! That was my bloody widdler!
EMILY: Shut up or I'll tell her what you were doing.
JAMES: I've got a natural curiosity for a boy of my age.
EMILY: f*ck off. And I know it's you stealing the knickers. They better not be sticky when I find them.
She knock at the bathroom's door.
EMILY: Get the f*ck out of there, bitch! Mum! Mum!
MOTHER: Who?
EMILY: It's me, Emily. Tell her to get out of the shower. She's making me late for college.
MOTHER: Gotta dash. Remember to make a packed lunch for James. No!
EMILY: Why don't you get Katie to...?
MOTHER: Good luck at college. Remember to smile.
EMILY: f*cking hell!
Her twin, Katie, goes out the bathroom.
EMILY: You've used all the f*cking water! Jesus! Shit ! Oh, for f*ck's sake! You pervy little bastard.
JAMES: Ow... Ow! Mum!
EMILY: She's gone to work, loser.
She returns in her bedroom, with Katie.
EMILY: f*cking hell. How many times are you gonna do that? I need to wash my hair and you've...
Katie wears Emily's clothes.
KATIE: I knew this top would look f*cking bad-ass.
EMILY: It's mine.
KATIE: Yeah. Aren't you glad I made you buy it? Get dressed, though. We're gonna be late. I dunno where you got this thong, but it's properly cutting me in half.
EMILY: You could give it back.
KATIE: Sorry. You know it doesn't look as good on you. Oh, there's Danny. Hey, cutey! I'm just coming. Hooo! I'm telling you, college? First day? You need to get ready. Cos we're not waiting for you.
Danny, her boyfriend, wait in his car.
JAMES: What about my packed lunch?
EMILY: f*ck off.
JAMES: You shave your fanny with Dad's Gillette Mach3.
In the car.
DANNY: So Tommo goes up the inside, right? I drop back to cover Marco and Keeno. Took a one-two from Jonno, he's gone, "Danno!" So I drag back over the ball. Looked up, chipped the centre back... Boff! Sambo's in on goal.
KATIE: Sambo?
DANNY: He's got a lovely sense of rhythm. Whoa! Where's your knickers, girl?
KATIE: That's for me to know and you to find out, Danny.
DANNY: Nice one! Nice one, yeah?
KATIE: Score one for me, honey.
Front of the high school.
DANNY: Laters, babe.
EMILY:See you, Danny.
DANNY: Yeah, yeah. Yeah. Renault Megane Coupe!
EMILY: f*cking bag...
DANNY: Here, Ems? Ems?
EMILY: Yeah?
DANNY: You oughta spruce up, yeah? Get some decent threads like Katie. We're having a party in the Premier Travel Lodge on Thursday. Party fun, yeah? The lads, they love a twin thing, you know?
EMILY: That's sweet of you, Danny. Can I get back to you on that?
DANNY: Yeah, yeah. Nice one.
A GIRL: Are you Danny? That gas-head footy player?
DANNY: Yup...
A GIRL: My mate Janice wants you to sign her tits.
DANNY: Let me park up.
A GIRL: Your boyfriend's well mint.
KATIE: Yeah. He's totally fit. He took me to the Stakis Grand last week for surf, turf and sh*ts.
A GIRL: Oooh. I love Danny Guillermo. Wow.
A GIRL: Safe.
A GIRL: Lush.
A GIRL: Foxy.
A GIRL: Oh, yeah, cute.
A GIRL: He's signing Samantha's tits!
PANDORA: Bonkers! What's surf and turf, Eff?
EFFY: Sex.
PANDORA: Wow! We'll have a whizzer time at this college, Eff! I'm definitely going to have surf and turf, ASAP. Mum says boys only want one thing so my plan is give it to them, lots of times. That way I'll get good at it, be really popular and maybe my toes will stop throbbing.
KATIE: Bye! Christ's sakes, Ems. Come on, you loser! Oh... What's wrong with you? You're always lagging behind me. Why can't you wear decent clothes? Right.
EFFY: You hate her.
PANDORA: Who do I hate, Eff?
EFFY: I'll let you know.
PANDORA: Cool.
EFFY: Let's get this party started.
PANDORA: You want a lollipop?
EFFY: No.
Students go in the college.
JJ: She smiled at me.
FREDDIE: Cool. She, erm, didn't smile at you, JJ.
JJ: I think you'll find she did. Mum was right. A lack of pubic hair isn't necessarily a drawback.
FREDDIE: It is a drawback.
JJ: Girls are more interested in my character than my cock. That's just been proved.
FREDDIE: She was not looking at you. f*ck me, you're blind.
JJ: On the contrary. My eyesight is keen.
FREDDIE: Yeah? How many fingers am I holding up?
JJ: F... Ow! You always do that...!
COOK: I've got so much cock hair I can backcomb it and use it like a lure.
A girl sits down behind Cook.
GIRL: Nice.
COOK: Like a Porcupine.
GIRL: Right, you're all prick.
COOK: Toosh.
GIRL: You mean touche.
COOK: Probably.
GIRL: Tosser.
COOK: Nice. Here we go.
A VOICE : 'Welcome to Roundview College. A meeting place for young people.'
Professors enter.
WOMAN: God help me.
DOUG: Lovely kids. So full of energy. Makes you feel alive.
PROFESSOR: They look like a right peck of f*ck to me.
WOMAN: If I suddenly get a bit flushed and short of breath, take over, would you, Doug?
DOUG: Why would you get flushed?
WOMAN: Just f*cking do it, ok?!
DOUG: No problem. Flushed. Right you are.
WOMAN: Could I have your attention, please? Yes, we are starting. Excuse...
DOUG: Attention! Pay attention, look you!
WOMAN: Thank you, Doug. Welcome to Roundview College. We are a designated four star educational establishment under the National We're All In It Together Initiative leading to Ultimate Improvement status. Anyone who screws that up will be officially burnt at the stake.
DOUG: And expelled.
WOMAN: Yes, and expelled. God help you all, you're gonna get some qualifications. Any questions?
PFFRT!
WOMAN: Thank you. Now before I turn you over to your form tutors, I'd like to tell you something about the way in which we organise our...
PFFRT!
WOMAN: Right! Very funny. This is a further education college, not a primary school.
PFFRT!
WOMAN: Stop it! Stop it! I'll cut your balls off, you cheeky little turds! You hear me?
DOUG: I do apologise. I think I might be at fault. Too much rhubarb on my Ready Brek. Havoc.
WOMAN: Right.
DOUG: You are looking a little flushed. Do you want me to...?
WOMAN: No! No. Just...
She stop to speak.
WOMAN: Last year, we had some intolerable incidents so, I want to make this easy for you. The following will result in instant expulsion - smoking on the premises, setting f*re to the premises, consumption of alcohol on the premises, consumption of drugs on the premises, consumption of p*rn on the premises, teacher abuse, glue abuse, self abuse, sexual intercourse with any other student, teacher or animal or combination of the above including oral sex and/or use of sex toys, on the premises.
PROFESSOR: That was nasty...
WOMAN: Miss Reedy, our new head of communications. Miss Reedy is joining us from... Where are you joining us from?
MISS REEDY: Um, I had some time off. Seven years. It was stress-related but feeling a bit better now, hopefully...
WOMAN: Oh, Christ.
MISS REEDY: Form BD1, say your name, please, when I... Put your hands up, please, when I call your, erm, name. Emily Fitch? Katie Fitch? Jonah Jeremia Jones?
JJ: JJ, present.
MISS REEDY: James Cook?
COOK: Yo!
MISS REEDY: Elizabeth Stonem? Mavis Jarundi? Dob...rislawa W... Wieczorek? I'm sorry, you're foreign. Frederick Mclair?
FREDDIE: Yes.
COOK: Yes!
MISS REEDY: Denise Adebeyor?
JJ: Yes! The integrity of the unit is preserved. I'm still deeply unhappy with you, mind, on account of the unwarranted v*olence.
FREDDIE: All right, I said I'm sorry.
MISS REEDY: And Naomi Campbell? Naomi Campbell?
DOUG: Naomi Campbell?!
The girl behind Cook puts her hand.
NAOMI: f*cking hell...
COOK: Hey, Naomi. Now I get it. You got anger management issues.
NAOMI: Only when I talk to w*nk*r.
COOK: Cool. You gonna h*t me with your shoe now, or...?
She show her finger.
COOK: I like her.
Emily looks at Naomi.
NAOMI: Oh, Christ. Same f*cking form.
COOK: Hey, babe...? Babe? Babe? Babe? Babe?
NAOMI: Sorry. I'm not a babe.
COOK: No? Well, I'll be the judge of that.
JJ: Shut up, Cook. Sorry about him.
COOK: Listen, trying to break the ice. Guess what I've got tattooed on my cock?
JJ: Cook...
COOK: No, go on. Guess. What would you say?
Naomi puts her hand.
NAOMI: Excuse me?
WOMAN: Yes? What is it?
NAOMI: The boy next to me is acting inappropriately.
WOMAN: How?
NAOMI: He wants to show me his tattoo. And not in a nice way.
WOMAN: Right. You!
COOK: Me?
WOMAN: Yes! Why don't you show us all your pathetic tattoo. We can wonder at its magnificent stupidity.
COOK: I don't think you'd like it.
DOUG: Right lad! Smartish! You've had an instruction. Show her the tattoo, now!
COOK: All right.
FREDDIE: Wait. No, no, no! Cook, wait, no.
Cook show his tatooes, on his ass and his cock.
WOMAN: Please, please!
PROFESSOR: That is f*ck' impressive, so it is.
MISS REEDY: No, no, no, no, no! Let me out! Let me out! Don't make me stay. Let me out!
WOMAN: This is unacceptable. Unacceptable! Silence. Silence! Silence! You, silence!
PF-F-FFRT!
DOUG: I do apologise again.
In the director's office.
WOMAN: If I ever, ever see your face in this office again... Get out! GET OUT! GET OUT!
Cook get out.
JJ: Did she expel you?
COOK: For what?
JJ: Well, getting your cock out in Assembly. I'm guessing, but it's possibly frowned upon. Even in the state sector.
COOK: She understood the bind I was in. I was doing what I was told. Very accommodating. There was something about removing my bollocks with a monkey wrench if she ever saw them again. I think we reached an understanding. Right. To business.
JJ: You mean education?
COOK: Women, JJ.
JJ: Women? Um... I mean, I feel like we might be... I don't want to sort of run before I can walk...
COOK: Wow. Girls!
JJ: There's a lot of them.
FREDDIE: Yep.
JJ: So much choice. It's disconcerting.
COOK: No, it's just a matter of sorting out the wheat from the chavs.
He looks at Effy.
COOK: Ah, there we are. And the wolf shall lie down with the lamb.
JJ: You think she'd lie down with me?
COOK: No!
JJ: Yeah? Well, that line is wrong and popularly misquoted. It should read: 'The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, 'and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, 'and the lion and the calf together and a little child shall lead them.'
FREDDIE: Yeah. We'll try and pick
the bones out of that, J.
JJ: I could show her one of my magic tricks. Dad says it's an ice-breaker.
COOK: Yeah? Let's try that out, then, before we go leaping in, and we can see who gets the fatted calf, right?
JJ: OK.
Cook looks at a girl.
COOK: Yeah, you. Darling, my mate wants to try out his pick-up routine on you. That OK?
JJ: Hey. Hi, I'm JJ. Pack of cards. Nothing funny about them. Except one minute they're blue and...
Freddie try to speak with Effy.
FREDDIE: Hi.
EFFY: Hi.
FREDDIE: You don't mind if I take this locker?
EFFY: You can take anything if you want it enough.
FREDDIE: Great. Everything's new and I suppose we should probably, like, you know, all get to know each other.
EFFY: Why?
FREDDIE: Well, um... I dunno. You definitely looked at me this morning, twice. I just thought, you know, maybe we could get to know each other.
EFFY: I look at lots of people. That doesn't mean I want to get to know them. Do you want me to want to get to know you?
FREDDIE: I, er, I wouldn't mind.
EFFY: Thing is, they want to get to know me too.
FREDDIE: They're just w*nk*r.
EFFY: They're your best friends.
FREDDIE: OK, so they're my best friends.
EFFY: That makes it complicated.
FREDDIE: Um, I was hoping not. I'm Freddie.
EFFY: Tell you what, Freddie. Fill in a form.
FREDDIE: What's this?
EFFY: A list of things we're not allowed to do. Like that head director said before your bestest mate got his cock out. I was gonna see if I could tick 'em all before the end of the day. But this is much more interesting. First one to fill that out gets to... ..get to know me. And no cheating. I'll need evidence.
FREDDIE: OK.
EFFY: Cos I wouldn't f*ck a cheat.
FREDDIE: Sorry?
JJ continue.
JJ: Now watch very closely. Oh! Where's it gone? Presto!
COOK: Presto!
JJ: Put that away before I lose it.
COOK: f*ck me!
JJ: Yes, that's alarming. So I'll just... Ha ha! And the coup de grace. Prestissimo!
COOK: Yeah!
JJ: Magic!
COOK: Question is, pet, does that make you want to give JJ a blowjob? Excuse me, are you f*cking deaf or something?
A woman speak.
WOMAN: Yes, I am deaf. So why don't you give him a blowjob if you love him so much? Tossers. Especially you.
COOK: Who are we speaking to here?
WOMAN: Pixie's lip reading. I'm telling you what she says.
COOK: Right, right. Cool. (He puts his hand front of his mouth) She's got tits like choccy Hob Nobs. I'd like to dunk 'em, suck 'em and lick off the love.
JJ: I'm not sure...
COOK: Droopy, lardy arse. Bit spready, bit low slung. You get me?
JJ: I think we've stumbled upon a flaw in your thinking.
COOK: Listen... I mean, wait.
Pixie h*t him.
WOMAN: Presto. You cunting small-balled arsehole bandit.
COOK: She may be deaf, she's also extremely rude.
JJ: Yeah.
Later.
PANDORA: It's bloody annoying they put us in different forms. I mean, OK, I'm totally useless and Mum says I have to do Hair & Beauty, but I'm good at Philosophy. I can't understand why I can't do Hair and Philosophy. You can't cos it turns out Hair & Beauty is one subject, not two. Blooming Nora, how mad is that?
EFFY: It's inexplicable, Pandora.
PANDORA: Yeah. Inexplicable. What does inexplicable mean, Eff?
EFFY: Can't explain.
PANDORA: All right! Suit yourself, then. Whoa!
She looks at a boy who speak with Katie.
KATIE: Hi, I'm Katie.
BOY: I'm Bruno and what do you know?
He looks at Effy.
BRUNO: Who's your friend?
PANDORA: Pandora. Wow! You're a corker.
BRUNO: Thanks, um... It's nice to... I got to go.
PANDORA: Strewth! Do you think he'd do surf and turf with me, Eff?
EFFY: I'll ask.
PANDORA: Gotta go. Lesson one, practical skills. Filing our nails - handy! I'm Pandora. I'm useless.
KATIE: Cute. I'm Katie, that's my sister. Aren't you Effy Stonem? Haven't you got a really cool brother? Yeah, he's cool. All my friends fancied him. I wasn't so fussed. Didn't he go mental? Anyway I've got a boyfriend. He plays for Bristol Rover reserves.
EFFY: Impressive.
KATIE: Yeah. He's well lush. Let's sit together. We can chat because, you know... We're the best-looking in here, really. Sorry but we are. We should hang out. Definitely.
She sees Naomi.
KATIE: Oh, no, here it comes. Total lezzer bitch.
NAOMI: Excuse me.
KATIE: Like, don't talk to her. She tried to snog my sister at middle school. Pervy. Don't you think, Eff?
NAOMI: Watch out, Katie. I might get confused and f*ck you with my big strap-on by mistake.
KATIE: Muff-munching bitch. Just jumped on you, didn't she...
EMILY: Leave it, Katie.
KATIE: Whatever. Come on. We'll get the best seats, yeah?
EFFY: So, you the doormat, then?
EMILY: Sort of.
EFFY: Interesting, that you just put up with that.
EMILY: Yeah.
They enter in the classroom. Cook, Feddie & JJ are in a corridor.
FREDDIE: It's a challenging list. You gotta give her that.
COOK: Sex in school. Tricky.
JJ: Guys, we are now seven minutes - eight minutes late for form induction.
FREDDIE: Shut up, will you, JJ? Do you think she's serious?
COOK: There's only one way to find out.
FREDDIE: Wait a minute. You're not gonna...
COOK: I've already got 'teacher abuse' ticked.
JJ: And how! Your cock should not be that colour.
COOK: The game is on, Freddie. You wanna play?
FREDDIE: Don't be stupid.
COOK: Tell you what, girls like Stupid. Ain't you worked that out?
JJ: And McFly. Girls like McFly.
COOK: She's a naughty, naughty little girl and I don't like to disappoint.
He open his locker.
COOK: Eh? Someone's left their shit in here. Yeah!
FREDDIE: Nice!
COOK: Check this out!
JJ: Oh, my god. Cook, I'm not sure if that's legal. Oh, that's definitely not legal!
COOK: Dunno who this Sid guy was but he's got f*cking great taste in gash.
JJ: I can't look. Don't make me look. I have to look. Oh, holy shit! That's forbidden. Forbidden, verboten, interdit.
FREDDIE: JJ!
JJ: Prohibido, prohibido!
FREDDIE: JJ! JJ!
JJ: I'm sorry. Was I getting locked on, there?
FREDDIE: Locked on, JJ.
JJ: OK. I'm all right. I'm fine. But can I just remind you, in a casual, non-locked-on way, that we're late? We're late, we're late, we're late!
FREDDIE: JJ!
JJ: Sorry. I'm fine.
FREDDIE: We going?
COOK: Hang on. sh**t me.
FREDDIE: Huh?
COOK: The f*cking camera. Go on. Right, action.
FREDDIE: Cook, what the f*ck are you doing?
COOK: Action. Do it, man! I was saving this for lunch but what the f*ck?
FREDDIE: Cheers! What the f*ck are you doing?
JJ: Whoa! Jesus!
COOK: f*ck me.
JJ: Christ.
COOK: Sorted.
FREDDIE: You are f*cking mental.
COOK: Mental is as mental does. But we're late. Shall we?
FREDDIE: Let's go.
JJ: Come on, run!
They run. Doug & Miss Reedy enter.
DOUG: So, you see, they don't mean it. That's what you have to remember. They're just kids. Kids! Yes?
MISS REEDY: I, um, I suppose so.
DOUG: They don't mean it. Have you ever fallen off a horse? You have to drink your milk and get straight back on that horse. OK? Back. Yes? Uggy uggy uggy!
MISS REEDY: What?
DOUG: Kids. Cheeky, immature. Harmless. They can't hurt you. OK?
MISS REEDY: OK. They can't hurt me.
DOUG: Good girl.
He leave her.
MISS REEDY: ARGH!
Panodra's classroom.
PROFESSOR: Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off.Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly and round it off. Across firmly... Smooth the cuticle, push. Smooth the cuticle, push. Remember to breathe. Smooth the cuticle. Push. Smooth the cuticle. Push. Yes.
PANDORA: I'm sorry...
PROFESSOR: We're filing. What is it?
PANDORA: Well, um, blimey this is fascinating. Mega fun. But the thing is... I have to get out of here.
PROFESSOR: Sorry?
PANDORA: I have to go because I've got three super-duper zits coming on. They're like...proper seepers.
GIRLS: Oh, my God!
PROFESSOR: Yes, Go! Go! For God's sake go! Refresh and moisturise. Don't waste a second.
PANDORA: Yes. Refresh and... I'm on it!
PROFESSOR: Smooth the cuticle. Push.
Pandora goes out.
PANDORA: Blooming 'eck. It's big out here.
Effy's classroom.
PROFESSOR: Right. Um... Now we've gotta... Christ. f*ck it. OK. f*ck, f*ck, f*ck. Um... OK. Whatever... We've gotta stand up, say our names and a unique fact about ourselves. Right. I'll start. Christ. I'm Kieran and I hate being a f*cking teacher. You.
JJ: Um... I'm JJ and with regard to mathematic aptitude I'm in the top 0.3% of the population which is an interesting demographic statistic because paradoxically my communication, interpersonal and intuitive skills are towards the lower quartiles.
KIERAN: Yeah. You've stopped me in my f*cking tracks there, yeah. You.
KATIE: I'm Katie. I've never not had a boyfriend since I was seven.
KIERAN: Congratulations. You.
EMILY: I'm Emily. I've never had a boyfriend.
KIERAN: Shit happens. You.
NAOMI: I'm Naomi. I hate injustice. People tell lies about me.
KIERAN: You at the back.
BOY: I'm Kumir. I'm gay.
KIERAN: Yup. Good. You.
BOY: I'm Max, and both my parents are artists.
KIERAN: Great. I'm very very happy for you. What about you? With the bling.
EFFY: I'm Effy. And I think my mum's having an affair.
KIERAN: Good one. Shows enterprise. What about you, big man?
FREDDIE: I'm Freddie. I met a girl I like today. She's like... Beautiful. That's it.
KIERAN: That's it? That's your unique fact? That's just great.Fascinating, Freddie, thank you for that. What about you?
GIRL: I'm Katie and I had Frosties for breakfast.
KIERAN: Frosties, that's product placement in my opinion. You there at the back beside the wee gay man?
BOY: My name's Nathan and seven members of my immediate family have been on Crimewatch.
KIERAN: Brilliant, what a year this is gonna be.
EFFY: Kieran?
KIERAN: Yes.
EFFY: I'm feeling rather shit. I think I need to go to the Nurse's office.
KIERAN: Oh, yeah? OK. Go on then. Right. Where were we? Oh, stuff it. Let's just watch a DVD about... Oh, Christ. "How To Be Inclusive". Holy Mother of divine shite, who makes up this shit?
COOK: Actually, Kieran, I'm not feeling too well either. My balls are aching. I might have to go and see that nurse.
KIERAN: Right! Bugger off then.
COOK: Cheers, Kieran.
KIERAN: See if she can laser Jordan off them. OK. Right, how the f*ck does this...
Effy & Cook are go out. Pandora enters.
PANDORA: Hey. Can I be in this class? I don't like mine.
KIERAN: Why not? Make up the numbers. You doing some A levels?
PANDORA: One, please. Philosophy.
KIERAN: OK, sit down. When you've worked out the point of living, come and f*cking tell me.
PANDORA: Whizzer! Where's Effy?
Cook enters in the Nurse's office.
EFFY: They don't have a nurse.
COOK: I just gotta get drugs. And sex.
He kiss her. And more...
COOK: Grab my balls! Grab my balls! Grab my balls! Grab my balls! Grab my balls! Grab my balls!
Miss Reedy is in the Nurse's office to. She hears Cook's noises.
MISS REEDY: Aaaargh ! | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x01 - Everyone"} | foreverdreaming |
COOK: “If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your man. You win some lose some it’s all the same to me. Wah wah wah wah wah. Wah wah wah wah wah. Wah wah wah. The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say…”
MAN: Get on home…
COOK: “I don’t share your greed, the only card I need is the ace of spades, the ace of spades…”
FREDDIE: Dude, calm down a bit, it’s like five o’clock. Neighbours haven’t even started yet.
COOK: Sorry. Actually, no, not sorry. I’m so f*cking stocked, man. I’M 17 TODAY! That’s an event tradition, that’s a milestone.
JJ: Isn’t 18 traditionally the age…
COOK: f*ck tradition.
FREDDIE: Just hope some people turn up.
COOK: They’ll come.
JJ: You invited half the college.
COOK: All I know is that it involves my dick getting damp. What are you looking at, you posh student bastards?
GUY: f*ck off back to playgroup.
COOK: f*cking w*nk*r, come here. Come here…
FREDDIE: Come on, leave it. Forget ‘em.
COOK: Ah, we’re here. Best pub in the west.
WOMAN: Hello boys.
COOK: All right, Christina.
MAN: Ay, ay lads, here’s the birthday boy.
COOK: Did you do all this?
MAN: Took me a long time, a good forty, forty-five minutes. Ooh.
COOK: You all right?
MAN: Touch of pain in the privates, it’s the old whore wound. Nothing I can’t handle.
COOK: Oh, these are my boys, Freddie, JJ. Boys, this is Uncle Keith.
FREDDIE: Hi.
JJ: Hello.
KEITH: Pull my finger! You dirty old bugger! If you’d be so kind, Christina?
WOMAN: Right you are, big boy.
KEITH: And when I woke up, the pool was three feet deep in piss. Mum, I shouted, don’t jump in! But it was too late.
COOK: So, you and the Buxton Rovers under 21s managed to do that in one night?
KEITH: Just me, the lads, and a shit load of all-inclusive mild. And they never pinned it on me. Plus, you got to remember, this was 1962. I mean, Pontin's was a fairly permissive place back then. Bit like Afghanistan in the '70s. But with the Krankies and slightly more Taliban.
COOK: Tell that one where you h*t Bob Dylan over the head with a box of fish fingers.
KEITH: Another time. I've gotta go and see a man about a dog. A dog filled with drugs. See you boys. Oh, happy birthday, Cookie.
COOK: That, my friends, is what you call a legend.
JJ: To who, exactly?
COOK: What?
JJ: Who is he a legend to?
COOK: Me. Blokes in pubs. Christina. People.
FREDDIE: I think the guy’s crazy.
COOK: Exactly man. Exactly. Same again please, Christina. Wey! Look, man. Look at that. Quality totty. That's top shelf shit. Guys, guys, hey baby... I'm so happy to introduce you to my legendary night out in celebration of my birthday. Apart from you.
GUY: But I…
COOK: What are you doing here! You burnt my house, man! Get out!
GUY: It was an accident. I'm sorry...
KATIE: What the f*ck?
COOK: I'm 17 today, so all bets are off. Do what the f*ck you like. Flush your mates down the toilet. Eat grapes off each other. Smash speakers over your heads. If partying's a crime, who's gonna get arrested first? LET'S GO f*cking MENTAL! Way hey hey hey hey! Party people!
THE GROUP: “For he's a jolly good fellow. For he's a jolly good fellow. For he's a jolly good fellow. And so say all of us.”
COOK: Thanks man, thank you very much. What's next? Oh, yeah. More drinks! More drinks! More drinks! More drinks! More drinks! More drinks! Yeah?
THE GROUP: Yeah. Yeah. Yeah…
KATIE: He’s fun.
FREDDIE: You have no idea.
JJ: He’s already had half the bottle of vodka.
EFFY: Really? How crazy!
JJ: Ha ha ha. Yeah.
COOK: Tequila! Who’s in?
FREDDIE: Yeah… ok.
COOK: Anyone else?
KATIE: Yeah, go on then.
PANDORA: Yeah.
COOK: Airwolf. Let’s go man. Awoo! Awoo! Awoo! Awoo! Awoo! Awoo! Awooooooooo.
JJ: Awooooo!
FREDDIE: Awooooo.
JJ: Hey, Cook. Do you wanna see your birthday trick?
COOK: Lay it on me, magic man.
JJ: One pint of normal drinking water.
FREDDIE: You'll like this one. I've seen it before.
EFFY: What? He does magic?
KATIE: Wow!
COOK: Shazam! f*ck!
FREDDIE: Cook, what are you doing?
EMILY: That’s minging.
KATIE: What is wrong with you?
COOK: Yes! Come on! Someone’s been drinking… milkshake? Strawberry milkshake. Am I right?
PANDORA: Yeah. How did you know?
COOK: Ah, am I ninja, or am I not a ninja? Christina, we've had rejection. We need a bucket, a mop and 16 sh*ts of tequilaaaaaa!
KATIE: Oh, great, it's the lesbian come to gay us up.
EMILY: Shh... I've told you to f*cking... Just leave it, ok!
NAOMI: Um. Hi, everyone.
EMILY: Hi.
PANDORA: Hi.
COOK: Want to know a secret?
NAOMI: What?
COOK: I know the cure.
NAOMI: The cure for what?
COOK: It’s my cock.
NAOMI: What the hell are you talking about?
EMILY: Hey, look what I’ve made.
COOK: Cake! Top, man, f*cking top!
EMILY: It’s double chocolate chip cookie. Cheers, girl. Mmmm. Cake. My cake! Mine! f*cking good, man... Thank you, man. Uh!
JJ: You okay?
COOK: Yep. Totally cool. Just a bit… you know, full.
FREDDIE: Can't believe you ate the whole thing.
COOK: Someone had to get this party started.
KATIE: Party? Do you call this a party? Where's the conversation? Where's the dancing? Where are the men?
COOK: We’re man.
KATIE: You’re boys.
COOK: Do you want to measure my dick? It's daddy-sized. So you lot think this party's shit, yeah?
EMILY: It’s a little bit…
PANDORA: It could be…
EFFY: It’s shit.
COOK: Shit. Something's got to happen, man. Something big. Come on, man. I'm ready! Just tell me when. Give me a sign! Oh, yeah! Yeah! Thank you, man...
FREDDIE: What? But where are you, I can't hear... I don't have anything, OK?
COOK: Who is it?
FREDDIE: My sister, Karen.
COOK: Tell her I said hi.
FREDDIE: No, I haven't got anything, OK? You'll have to find your own. No, I don't have any drugs! Bye.
COOK: Why couldn't you hear her?
FREDDIE: She's at some engagement party. Her mate Kayleigh's getting hitched.
COOK: So it'll be free bar, free entry, that kind of thing?
FREDDIE: Yeah, I suppose, why? No. No, no, no, no, no. No way!
COOK: Why not?
FREDDIE: ‘Cause my sister's there, and I don't want to see her. Plus, she doesn’t like you very much.
COOK: Why not? I’m always touching her and flirting with her.
FREDDIE: Yeah.
COOK: Her tits stand to attention when I'm around. I've seen it.
FREDDIE: Listen to me, we're not going. No. No. No way.
COOK: Come on everybody, ‘cause, yeah we’re going to a party! All right?
MAN: Not coming in?
COOK: Why not?
MAN: Private party. Plus underage. Plus don’t like look of you. Not coming in.
COOK: Listen to me, robot. You may rank way above me in terms of strength and size, but at least I can love. Now can you let me in?
MAN: Not coming in.
COOK: Listen, fate has brought me here. Do you understand? You're not letting fate in the club. It's not like fate is wearing trainers. Fate just wants a couple of drinks, a little dance. And fate is actually also desperate for the toilet. Now can we come in?
MAN: How about you f*ck off?
COOK: How about you’re a f*cking cock? I’ll f*cking break your f*cking face, mate!
MAN: What?
COOK: I said I’ll f*cking break your f*cking face.
FREDDIE: You’ll get your f*cking head kicked in here! Come on!
KATIE: f*cking prick!
FREDDIE: Just chill out, yeah?
NAOMI: I don’t think he’s gonna let us in.
COOK: Nah, he's just an obstacle. We're meant to go to this party. Fate will sort it. Just wait.
KATIE: Brilliant.
EMILY: f*cking idiot.
EFFY: He’s such a f*cking tosser.
KAREN: Freddie?! What the f*ck are you doing here?
FREDDIE: Hi, Karen.
KAREN: You can’t come in. It’s private.
FREDDIE: Don’t be like that sis’. It’s Cook’s birthday.
KAREN: Unless you've got drugs, f*ck off, and take your friends with you.
COOK: Oh, come on Karen. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.
KAREN: Yeah. Look, it’s not my decision. It’s her party.
KAYLEIGH: I’m getting married.
COOK: Congratulations.
FREDDIE: Jesus.
COOK: Will you let us in?
KAYLEIGH: Well, there is a pretty strict dress code.
COOK: How strict exactly?
COOK: Let’s cock and roll, baby!
KAYLEIGH: Isn't it lush? Daddy says nothing's too good for me.
COOK: You got that right, babe. So, who are you marrying?
KAYLEIGH: Oh, just some guy. He's a bit of a twat.
COOK: Ah, cheers, man.
FREDDIE: When she said “party”…
KATIE: You thought she meant an acid-fuelled sex rave without the Mancunians.
JJ: This is more…
EFFY: Jelly and ice cream.
COOK: Uhh, get it down you, girls. Top freebies, yeah? Love it. I hate champagne.
KAREN: Then why you’re f*cking drinking it, then?
COOK: It’s free.
KAYLEIGH: Dad!
KAYLEIGH’S DAD: Kayleigh-kins.
KAYLEIGH: Hi! This is Cookie…
KAYLEIGH’S DAD: Finish your drink, kid. Have as much as you like. Nothing's too good for my Kayleigh... Right? And I wouldn't want anything to ruin the evening... drop the tone... Anything at all. OK?
COOK: Right you are.
KAYLEIGH’S DAD: Enjoy. Kayleigh. You’re almost a woman…
KAYLEIGH: Thanks, Daddy.
KAYLEIGH’S DAD: Almost. See you around, Cookie.
KAREN: You twat. Didn’t you know?
COOK: f*ck it, man. I’m just getting started.
EMILY: What’s the fuss?
EFFY: It’s Johnny White. The gangster.
COOK: Yeah. Legend.
FREDDIE: He m*rder those two nuns over a pint of Guinness.
KAYLEIGH: Allegedly.
JJ: I hear he s*ab a policeman in the neck with a stuffed guillemot.
KAYLEIGH: That’s so not true. It was a puffin.
COOK: So. Who’s for narcotics?
KAREN: Me.
KAYLEIGH: Me.
EFFY: Me.
PANDORA: Me?
EFFY: What?
PANDORA: I’ve decided I love drugs.
COOK: Aah. Rum punch.
KAREN: What is it?
COOK: Uncle Keith’s special blend. A hallucinogenic opiate and stimulant. Four hours of THC giggles and MDMA highs with a transcendental kicker.
KAYLEIGH: Sounds good.
KAREN: Well, come on, then. Jesus.
COOK: All in good time, babes. Weird girl?
PANDORA: Yeah?
COOK: Hold that.
KAREN: f*ck’s sakes, are we getting any or what?!
EFFY: No, no, no. Wait!
KAREN: Hang on. What are you doing?
PANDORA: What? Was that wrong?
COOK: Did you just swallow my drugs?
KAREN: She’s f*cking finish it!
PANDORA: It tastes horrible.
KAYLEIGH: You’re not supposed to eat it! It goes up the nose, you twat.
COOK: Let’s go fly a kite, girl!
KAREN: What about us?
COOK: Well, you can drink some of the weird girl’s blood, she’s like a walking syringe.
PANDORA: My mouth’s gone all numb.
COOK: I’m not surprised!
KATIE: We’ve done ours, let’s go!
EFFY: Come on Panders, we’re out of here.
KAREN: I said you shouldn’t have let them in.
COOK: Where’s the love?
KAREN: You’re a w*nk*r, James.
KAYLEIGH: You will get us some more, won't you, Cookie?
COOK: Yeah.
KAYLEIGH: ‘Cause if you could, that would be - God - really, really great.
COOK: I need more class A drugs. Quick.
JJ: Why?
COOK: ‘Cause that Kayleigh girl just gave me the look.
JJ: What sort of look is that?
COOK: This one.
JJ: Right. I see what you mean. Freddie, we've got to get this man some drugs.
FREDDIE: Why?
JJ: Do the look.
FREDDIE: What does that mean?
COOK: It means I'm getting laid tonight, Fred.
FREDDIE: Please, not Kayleigh. Think of me and JJ.
COOK: You’re not f*cking her.
FREDDIE: I thought you liked Effy.
COOK: Yeah, she's a peach. But I already tapped that. Top-dollar shag. She's my last resort. Sure thing, I reckon.
FREDDIE: You shagged Effy?
COOK: Oh, come on, Freds.
FREDDIE: When?
COOK: First day I met her.
FREDDIE: Why didn’t you tell us?
COOK: Because apart from those times when my cock is up your arse, you have no reason to worry about where it is the rest of the time.
FREDDIE: But… JJ likes her.
JJ: I was going to ask her out. I mean, she seemed like she liked me.
COOK: You snooze, you lose, dude. I've got a snake in my dick that's about to throw up.
EMILY: Naomi. Wait!
NAOMI: What?
EMILY: Where are you going?
NAOMI: Home.
EMILY: Don’t go.
NAOMI: Why not?
EMILY: I don’t know. Because…
NAOMI: Why does your sister think I am gay?
EMILY: Sorry.
NAOMI: See you around, Emily.
MAN 1: Thank you. Yes, please. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
MAN 2: The father of the bride, Mr Johnny White.
JOHNNY: So. My daughter's getting married and she couldn't have chosen a nicer bloke - Steve Heston. Unfortunately, Steve couldn't attend today without violating the terms of his probation. He couldn't be here himself, but he is well represented by members of his family. Welcome, Hestons. No more rucks. No more knives. No more pliers. We're gonna be tight as a badger's bum. The Whites and the Hestons brought together in the marriage bed, still f*cking each other, but in a good way. Come up here, sweetheart. You've kept yourself pure for so long for this task of peace. In times of strife, you've lit up my life, and now you're gonna be Steve's wife. And I just want to say... Doesn’t she look a picture? I could just eat her. Right, charge your glasses with free booze, and raise them. Kayleigh and Steve.
EFFY: Pandora, wake up, you dozy cow.
COOK: Hi, it’s me. I need a favour.
COOK: Uncle Keith!
KEITH: All right, Cookie?
COOK: Cheers.
KEITH: Not a problem. There you go. Direct from Weston-super-Mare.
COOK: You’re a lifesaver, Keith.
KEITH: Gotta go, Cook. Gotta see a dog about a bone. A bone that is my cock.
KAYLEIGH: Get it out, then.
COOK: Ok.
KAYLEIGH: Not that. The drugs, idiot.
COOK: Oh, ok.
KAYLEIGH: Thank you. Ooh!
COOK: Is that all you’re doing?
KAYLEIGH: Yep.
COOK: That was a hamster-sized bump. Don't you want any more?
KAYLEIGH: No.
COOK: Ok. So…
KAYLEIGH: So. Ok, I’ll see you later!
COOK: What? I thought we were gonna bone.
KAYLEIGH: And what made you think that?
COOK: You’ve had the drugs and you gave me the look.
KAYLEIGH: What look?
COOK: This one.
KAYLEIGH: What the f*ck is that?
COOK: That’s the “I’ll f*ck for drugs” look. Now stop arguing and get on my cock.
KAYLEIGH: What? No.
COOK: Blow me, then. My dick is clean.
KAYLEIGH: I don’t care!
COOK: Hand-job? But you've got to let me have a go on your tits whilst you're doing it.
KAYLEIGH: Listen… If anyone's going to get a lick of my fanny, they'll have to impress me. So...if you do... I'll let you stick it anywhere. My tits, my arse, my armpit... anywhere.
COOK: You’re filthy.
KAYLEIGH: Yes, I am. And look, no knickers. Whoops. See ya!
COOK: Ok.
EFFY: What’s he doing now?
KATIE: Is he going to sing?
FREDDIE: Yeah.
COOK: Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to dedicate this to a very special lady.
FREDDIE: Oh, shit. This is going to be bad.
COOK: “I've been alive forever. And I wrote the very first song.”
MAN: Go on, my son.
COOK: “I put the words and the melodies together. I am music, and I write the songs. I write the songs that make the whole world sing. I write the songs of love and special things. I write the songs that make those young girls cry. I write the songs. I write the songs. Oh, my music makes you dance. And gives you spirit to take a chance. And I wrote some rock 'n' roll so you can move. Music fills your heart. Well, that's a real fine place to start. It's from me, it's for you. It's from you, it's for me. It's a worldwide symphony. I write the songs that make the whole world sing. I write the songs of love and special things. I write the songs that make the young girls cry. I write the songs. I write the songs. I write the songs that make the whole world sing. I write the songs of love and special things. I write the songs that make the young girls cry. I write the songs. I write the songs. I am music and I write the songs...”
JOHNNY: I’m upset, Cookie. You made me look like a f*cking idiot and I'm not used to that, you know?
COOK: Are you sure?
JOHNNY: Stick him up on there. I wanna teach this f*ck a lesson he'll never forget. See? You tried to ruin my lovely party. And now, really really bad things are gonna happen.
COOK: It was worth it. Her tits were mint.
FREDDIE: Mr… Mr White. He's very sorry. I'll take him home, and we're leaving. We don't want to upset your beautiful daughter any more.
JOHNNY: You’re right. She’s beautiful. It’s your lucky day. Let him go.
COOK: Aaaaargh!
JOHNNY: Not like that, you tossers!
KAYLEIGH: My f*cking dress!
MAN 1: f*cking hell, Johnny, you f*cking told...
MAN 2: Oh, f*ck. Oh, God, whoopsey!
KAYLEIGH: f*ck!
MAN (HESTONS): Look at my tracksuit, you wisely little prick!
JOHNNY: What’d you say?
MAN (HESTONS): You're a wisely cunting prick! You f*cking Hobbit! And we've all f*cked your daughter.
Ain't we lads?
GUYS (HESTONS): Yeah.
JOHNNY: What’d you f*cking said? Aaaah, f*ck!
SINGER: “Kayleigh, is it too late to say I'm sorry? Kayleigh, could we get it together again? I just can’t go on pretending. That it came to a natural end...”
COOK: Pfffft!
MAN: Get out, get out!
COOK: Ok. That’s far enough.
EFFY: Cool party.
COOK: Cheers.
FREDDIE: You’re f*cking unbelievable.
COOK: I needed to get laid, man.
FREDDIE: You’re always f*cking trying to get laid!
COOK: I try. I succeed. Right? Speaking of which, any of you girls fancy it?
KATIE: No, thanks! You’re repulsive.
COOK: Weird girl.
PANDORA: You’re beautiful, but no. My tuppence feels all funny.
COOK: How about it then, Peachy? Looks like it's just me and you.
EFFY: Come on, Amy Winehouse. Home.
KATIE: See ya!
COOK: Come on, we'll go somewhere else. Somewhere with women.
FREDDIE: Nah. I ain’t going anywhere.
COOK: Why the f*ck not?
FREDDIE: I’m tired. I’m going home, all right?
COOK: It's two o'clock. What the f*ck are you talking about, "you're tired"?
FREDDIE: Tired of you, mate.
COOK: What is that supposed to mean?
FREDDIE: It means I can’t look after you any more. I can’t do it.
COOK: Oh, f*ck you then! Go on, f*ck off home! Coming then?
JJ: Sure.
COOK: Let’s go find some f*cking woman.
JJ: Hey, Cook, what is this place?
COOK: Oh, it’s just a club. Late night thing, you know? Lots of girls. Friendly.
JJ: Oh. Ok.
JJ: Oh, my stars and garters!
WOMAN 1: All right, my lover?
WOMAN 2: Hello boys. Looking for a sex dance? You like Frankie?
WOMAN 3: Hello darlings.
WOMAN 2: She’s double jointed. So?
COOK: Slinky! But we’re actually after… the other service.
WOMAN 2: Bit of the other? Stepping this way, please.
JJ: The other service?
COOK: Yeah. Tonight’s your lucky night, GayJay. You get to lose your virginity to an odds-on moderately pretty girl.
JJ: I'm not sure I want to.
COOK: Listen to me. Are you a f*cking scrawny little mousy q*eer boy, or are you a man with a functioning set of cock and balls?
JJ: Um… The second one.
COOK: Good. Come on, let’s get our f*ck on.
WOMAN 2: So. What sort of thing are you looking for?
COOK: I'd like a woman with big tits.
WOMAN 2: And you?
JJ: Er...same thing. But not too big, right?
WOMAN 2: Yes, I know the perfect girls for you. Amber! Megan!
COOK: Ha-ha. Yeaaaah!
AMBER: All right, gorgeous? This way.
WOMAN 2: And Megan. Here she is.
MEGAN: Hello! Ooh, curly hair!
COOK: So, will you let me do anything I ask ya?
AMBER: Anything. But it'll cost you, mind.
COOK: How much to whack you up the cr*cker?
AMBER: Hundred.
COOK: Whoa! That's a lot more than I've got. How much for your straight ahead, run of the mill, bread and butter shag?
AMBER: 75.
COOK: What if I'm really good?
AMBER: It doesn’t make any difference, darling.
COOK: Ok. I'll guess I'll just have a hand-job then.
AMBER: All right.
MEGAN: This your first time then? You got cash on you? Right. Tick sharp! Clothes off, we'll get you started. Come on then, let's have a look at it.
JJ: Ok.
MEGAN: You don't have to do anything you don't want to.
JJ: Could I...kiss you?
MEGAN: We don't do kissing.
JJ: That's all I want to do.
MEGAN: Sod it. Come on then.
JJ: Could you...show me how? I've never really...
MEGAN: You've never kissed a girl?
JJ: No. Well… My mum, my Aunt Lucy.
MEGAN: Right. Aunt Lucy.
JJ: I’m sorry.
MEGAN: Come here.
JJ: That was nice! Much better that Aunt Lucy!
MEGAN: Want to do it again? I don’t mind.
JJ: Yeah!
COOK: Oh, Jesus, Amber, you've got liquid f*cking fingers!
AMBER: You like that, yeah?
COOK: I like it very much. Oh Yeah! Yeah!
MAN: Harder! Harder!
COOK: Yeah!
MAN: Harder!
COOK: Harder!
WOMAN: You like that?
MAN: Harder!
COOK: Who's that? Is that...?
AMBER: Oh, that's just Johnny. Greta's regular. Seven inches. Freaky foreskin. Big tipper.
GRETA: Naughty boy!
COOK: Wicked!
COOK: Sorry if you're f*cking, sorry if you're f*cking, Sorry if you're f*cking... What kind of f*cking gay shit is this?
JJ: Cook!
COOK: You're supposed to be banging her, not canoodling!
JJ: Sorry.
COOK: Pay the girl, JJ. Something's come up, and I'm not talking about your willy.
MEGAN: No, no. No charge. I can't charge for a kiss.
JJ: Really?
MEGAN: Actually, no. That'll be ten, please.
JJ: What is going on?
COOK: Sssh!
GRETA: You like that? Madame Greta, say Madame Greta! Electrocution!
JOHNNY: Electrocution!
COOK: Behind this door is opportunity!
GRETA: Not enough!
JOHNNY: Enough! Ha-ha!
JJ: What do you mean? Who’s that?
COOK: It’s Johnny…!
GRETA: Yes! Now you stay here, naughty boy. I'm gonna get the barbed wire.
COOK: Quick, hide!
JOHNNY: Yes, Madame. Thank you.
COOK: Right. Come on. You’re my witness!
JJ: To what?
COOK: This is gonna blow your mind!
COOK: f*cking hell! Look who it is! Say cheese!
JOHNNY: What the f*ck are you doing here?
COOK: We're visiting, Johnny. Look at you!
JOHNNY: f*ck off. I'm busy!
COOK: Shut the f*ck up, or I'll f*cking punch you in your f*cking cock! So. Who'd have thought big bad gangster man Johnny White likes to be spanked like the naughty boy he is?
JOHNNY: I like spanking. What's your problem?
COOK: You ruined my chances of sleeping with two girls tonight by making me look stupid. So, once I show this little
Kodak moment to everyone I know, you're gonna look stupid, and I'll be a legend for managing to take it. This is mine now! See you around.
JOHNNY: You don't have the balls to show that photo.
COOK: What?
JOHNNY: I said, you don't have the balls to show that to anyone. Right?
COOK: You're a f*cking helpless little p*ssy. Watch me.
JOHNNY: Do you know who I am? What I can do?
COOK: Yeah!
JOHNNY: You heard what I said, boy.
COOK: Why don't you say it once more?
JOHNNY: You don't have the f*cking balls! You don't have the f*cking balls! You don't have the f*cking... Nnngh...! Aargh...! Turn it off...
JJ: Cook! Come on, let's go!
JOHNNY: Hey, Cookie. Does your mummy know where you are?
COOK: What?
JOHNNY: Your mum. I bet you're the apple of her cunting eye.
COOK: Shut up. Don't speak about my mum.
JOHNNY: I think you came here to see her, didn't you?
COOK: SHUT UP!
JOHNNY: Because your mum is a f*cking slag!
COOK: Raaaargh! Shut up about my family. You don't know me, so shut the f*ck up!
JJ: That's enough! Cook!
COOK: Do you know who I am? What I can f*cking do?!
JJ: Please, stop it!
COOK: I'm Cook! I'm f*cking...!
JJ: Stop it!
COOK: I'm COOOOOK!
JJ: Stop it, man! It's me! It's JJ!
COOK: f*cking shit... f*cking bastard... f*cking shit... f*cking c**t...
JOHNNY: Kid, kid! I like you, kid. You’re all right.
COOK: SHUT UP!
JOHNNY: The next time I see you, you’re d*ad.
SONG. “Where have all the wicked gone? Is there no-one to condemn me? Where have all the holy gone? Is there no-one left to break you down?”
FREDDIE: Cook, what the hell are you doing?
It's 6am. It's Saturday morning. Everyone's asleep. Including me.
COOK: Wait! Wait!
FREDDIE: Sssh! What?
COOK: I need to speak to you.
FREDDIE: Ok, ok. I’ll meet you in the shed.
FREDDIE: Jesus, man. Have you not stopped drinking?
COOK: Oh, don't be a cock about it. I've been up all night. So what are we doing today, then?
FREDDIE: Didn't you hear what I said last night?
COOK: Oh, come on, man. You were just in a bad mood.
FREDDIE: Yeah. I was. ‘Cause you almost got us k*lled.
COOK: Yeah. Sorry about that.
FREDDIE: You're apologizing? That's a first.
COOK: Something happened. I wasn't me. I was me. I don't know. I did something stupid.
FREDDIE: That's nothing new.
COOK: Something really stupid. Something I wouldn't have done if you were there.
FREDDIE: Right. So you've come here to ask me to look after you all the time. Make sure you don't do anything stupid ever again.
COOK: Something like that.
FREDDIE: No.
COOK: What?
FREDDIE: I'm not going to do that.
COOK: Why not?
FREDDIE: ‘Cause lately, it's like you go looking for trouble.
COOK: I wouldn't say I go...
FREDDIE: Do you want to die, mate? Is that what you want? You're drinking yourself to death, you're fighting gangsters. I don't even want to know what happened last night. You're k*lling yourself to impress some pissed-up old w*nk*r in a pub. Why are you smiling?
COOK: Because it's us...isn't it? Me, you and JJ. Best mates for life.
FREDDIE: You're not taking me with you, OK?
COOK: I f*cking love you, man. I f*cking love you to bits.
FREDDIE: I... Yeah. OK. But you've got to stop all this crazy shit.
COOK: Shut it, you p*ssy.
COOK: “The only card I need is the ace of spades, the ace of spades.”
SONG. “Playing for the high one. Dancing with the devil. Going with the flow. It's all a game to me...” | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x02 - Cook"} | foreverdreaming |
THOMAS: Hello. I’m Thomas. So glad to meet you.
THOMAS: Hello. I’m Thomas. So glad to meet you.
BOY: Hello.
BOY’S MOTHER: Wayne. Come here! Come here! Don’t talk to him for f*ck’s sake.
THOMAS: Allo? Oui maman. Tout va bien. Oui, j’ai trouvé un appartement. Oui, c’est cool, super cool. Il faut que tu le voies. Luxueux. Incroyable ! Un travail…? Oui… Je suis… je suis balayeur. Oui. C’est très facile. On a des machines qui… Allo? Maman? Merde!
THOMAS: I bought this card for 120 minutes. I speak for two minutes. Nothing left.
MAN: You want to buy another card?
THOMAS: No, no, no, no. My mother, she’ll be very upset.
MAN: It’s five pounds. Five pounds. Oi! Oi, what you doing? Come here. I told you kids what I'd do last time!
BOY: f*cking kick him, Aaron! Kick him harder! Paki c**t!
THOMAS: c**t is a very bad word. Even in England, I think. Yes? What is this "Paki" that they call you? Is that bad?
MAN: I'm from Delhi. And I hate Pakis.
THOMAS: So, you see? Disrespectful. Now, go and play. Go!
THOMAS: Mmmm. Oh! Mmmm. Ah!
PANDORA: Wow! You've got a wacker lot of doughnuts.
THOMAS: Yes. Of course, I have too many.
PANDORA: Crazy. Ta.
EFFY: No, thanks.
PANDORA: Effy doesn't do doughnuts.
THOMAS: I see. So, what does she do?
PANDORA: Drugs. We've just been to buy some skunky, haven't we, Eff? I can do six of these no problem, except Mum hides them behind the fridge-freezer. Wow! This is blimmin' amazing! But I need juicing.
EFFY: You need juicing?
PANDORA: Yeah. Chuck us the Irn-Bru, would you, Eff? Barry!
EFFY: What are you talking about?
PANDORA: Uncle Jock always says "Barry" when he drinks Irn-Bru. I don't know why, Mum says it's because he's Scottish and mad.
THOMAS: Hello. My name is Thomas. I'm so glad to meet you.
EFFY: Effy. So glad to meet you.
THOMAS: I came yesterday, from Africa. This place is exceedingly cold.
EFFY: Bummer.
PANDORA: Oh. Hell's bells.
SONG. To the kids in the classroom, Can't you wait until... when they g*ng up and get at you, you wanna be so cool but you know you'll never make it. You think you've got soul but I know you have to fake it. You're gonna be a
pillowcase splitter. Break it out Break your pillow every night...
EFFY: This way.
THOMAS: Incroyable.
EFFY: Sorry?
THOMAS: Your house. It’s incredible.
EFFY: Thanks. Come on. Bring the dozy cow up here.
THOMAS: I think maybe these doughnuts are not good for you.
EFFY: Yeah, that must be it. Mum? Mum?
ANTHEA (EFFY’S MOTHER): Shit! Where's my... Oh, for f*ck's sake.
MAN: Jesus Christ!
ANTHEA: Put your trousers on. Effy. What are you, er, doing here?
EFFY: Pandora puked.
ANTHEA: You know Steve, don't you?
STEVE: Hi.
ANTHEA: He's been helping me with my, erm, my project.
STEVE: Right, yeah. It's really interesting, isn't it?
ANTHEA: Yeah.
THOMAS: Hello. My name is Thomas. So glad to meet you.
STEVE: Hi.
THOMAS: Good evening.
JOHNNY: Shouldn't sneak up on me, should he? Hmm? No? Yeah?
MAN 1: Yeah.
MAN 2: Yeah. No.
MAN 1: Yeah?
MAN 2: No, John.
MAN 1: Should he?
JOHNNY: Bring the f*ck.
MAN 2: Right, up you get, my lover.
JOHNNY: In here! Bring him in the flat, you twats.
MAN 2: Oh, right. Sorry, mate, Johnny. Got the wrong end of the stick.
MAN 1: Yeah, he wants to t*rture him inside, doesn’t he?
MAN 2: Inside, like.
MAN 1: Yeah, inside.
JOHNNY: Put the kettle on please, lads.
MAN 1: It's taking a long time there, boss.
JOHNNY: Yeah.
MAN 2: I keep saying, like. Probably shouldn't watch it. You know?
JOHNNY: Right. Lets get started, shall we? Hello. Who's you?
THOMAS: T-T... Thomas.
JOHNNY: T-T... Thomas? You're in my flat.
THOMAS: I thought it was empty. No-one wants to live here.
JOHNNY: That's true. I wouldn't live here. I'd have to be a dirty arsehole. Right?
MAN 1: Yeah. You'd be a right dirty arsehole.
MAN 2: You wouldn't be a dirty arsehole.
JOHNNY: Passport. Not you, Bennie! You. Fair enough. Business or pleasure?
THOMAS: Sorry?
JOHNNY: Are you here for business or pleasure?
THOMAS: Business.
JOHNNY: Correct answer!
MAN 2: Kettle's boiled, Johnny.
JOHNNY: Now we're ready, Thomas. Lucas. Load a Pot.
MAN 1: Coming up, Johnny.
JOHNNY: This whole estate is mine. People like you, Thomas, you gotta pay to use it, see?
MAN 2: You wanna watch that there, Johnny. That's f*cking hot, mate.
JOHNNY: You sauced it?
MAN 2: Shit, yeah. It's fully charged.
JOHNNY: I want you to see what kind of man you're dealing with, Thomas.
MAN 1: That is... Pure evil!
JOHNNY: I want £300 deposit by Desperate Housewives on Thursday. And don't bother trying to move flat, ‘cause they're all mine. And that'll be £400 by X Factor. We wouldn't want that, would we?
THOMAS: No.
JOHNNY: No. Say goodnight to Thomas, boys.
MAN 2: See ya, cocker.
MAN 1: Cheers, Thommo. All the best.
MAN 2: Be lucky.
MAN 1: He seemed like a nice lad to me.
MAN 2: Yeah, but John's gonna f*ck him.
MAN 1: Oh, yeah. He is.
THOMAS: Dear Mama, little brother and sister. I may be a long way from home, but you are so close to my thoughts. I am sending you this message because you must practice your English before you come. Here, the sun shines just like at home and there are many wonderful people. Dors bien petit frère et petite soeur. Voilà votre chanson. Je veux que vous l’appreniez avant d’aller en Angleterre, d’accord ? “Bebe nani a beti yo. Loba na nga nako zongisa Tango mousousou o toutanaki na mire a ndakou. Bebe nani a beti yo. Loba na nga. Nako zongisa. Tango mousousou o toutanaki na mire a ndakou...”
MAN: Where are you going?
THOMAS: I need work.
MAN: f*ck off, mister. This isn't your work. Boy, they will b*at you. You want them to b*at you?
THOMAS: No. But I must have money.
MAN: They take anyone.
OTHER MAN: Oi!
MAN: No documents. You forgot them, OK?
THOMAS: Ok.
MAN: Now f*ck off. Before we b*at you, huh?
THOMAS: Thank you, Sir.
THOMAS: This is a very cold country.
WOMAN: Did you bring your visa and work permit?
THOMAS: I'm very sorry. I forgot them.
WOMAN: Special skills?
THOMAS: I play all music. I run very, very fast. Like a dog. Also, I am mathematical. I will solve any equation.
WOMAN: None. Qualifications?
THOMAS: Top of my class at school. All A's. The village was very proud.
WOMAN: Where?
THOMAS: In Congo.
WOMAN: None. Work experience?
THOMAS: Every day I fetch the goats. I milk them and...
WOMAN: Goats?
THOMAS: In my village, before sunrise. I milk the goats, I collect the dung since I was four years old.
WOMAN: None.
THOMAS: This job will get me £300, yes? My mother is coming you see and she's a very fussy lady.
WOMAN: Yeah. And you can start tomorrow.
THOMAS: What must I do?
THOMAS: Excellent machine.
KATIE: Effy! Effy! Effy! Excuse me! Effy, hi! Look. I got a new top. It's cool, isn't it? When you've got tits like mine, you've gotta flash them haven't you?
EFFY: Sorry?
KATIE: Breasts, girl.
You should try it.
EFFY: I never try.
KATIE: Huh? Stop f*cking following me, will you!
EMILY: I wasn't, I was...
THOMAS: A strange place, this college.
EMILY: Sorry?
THOMAS: Everyone is loud and they care about nothing.
EMILY: Yeah. You're right.
THOMAS: You are the same as your sister.
EMILY: I'm not the same as her.
THOMAS: No? Maybe you're a little more pretty.
EMILY: Cheeky.
THOMAS: Most satisfactory.
TEACHER: Come on. Pick your positions, everyone. Now, feel the rhythm. Pandora! Take this seriously! That's right. Now swaying. Growl. You're African. Come on! OK. You're stalking, leopards. Come on, Colin. You're camouflaged. Get some bush! And stalking. Stalking your prey! And it's building, building. Marimba! Great! Great, gazelles. Feel the sun beating down on your haunches. Stretch, stretch. And cue vultures! Circling, circling... And pounce! And finish! Finish, Pandora!
THE GROUP: “Nkosi Sikelel! Nkosi Silelel!”
TEACHER: What do you think?
DOUG: Well... That's just smashing, Samantha. Well done, everyone! I can absolutely smell the Savannah. This is going to blow the Ofsted inspectors away. Right! OK, everyone. Thank you. Thank you all. A triumph! They've got a real sense of rhythm, haven't they? Thrilling. In fact, er... I was wondering, well have you seen Out Of Africa?
TEACHER: No.
DOUG: I have it on DVD. Similar themes. Maybe I could come over sometime and wang my disc in your box?
TEACHER: Oh, yeah! Possibly.
THOMAS: Hello friend.
PANDORA: Hi. I forgot my tail.
THOMAS: Oh.
PANDORA: Blooming heck, you've got fast fingers. You can pluck super quick. That's gotta be handy. Thomas? Why are you crying?
THOMAS: Wow! England is beautiful. Everything is green.
PANDORA: Wicked green, ’cause it pisses down most days. Anyway, Effy told me you carried me back, stripped me naked, and laid me tenderly in your bed.
THOMAS: Excuse me? I didn't... What?
PANDORA: You must be wondrously strong to carry me.
THOMAS: I've carried heavier goats.
PANDORA: You're funny!
THOMAS: Am I?
PANDORA: Yeah. And you like all the same things as me. Dancing, doughnuts...
THOMAS: Excuse me. I'm a little hungry.
PANDORA: That's why we're going to see Auntie Elizabeth. She makes ripper scones.
THOMAS: Scones?
PANDORA: Yup. And the best tea ever.
THOMAS: My God! How many people live here?
PANDORA: One. But Auntie Lizzie has a wicked load of stuff.
ELIZABETH: Now then, we're ready to hear all about you.
PANDORA: Thanks, Lizziepoo.
THOMAS: Well, my family is from Ouesso District, Sangha, in Congo. Our village is very poor. I miss them so much. My mother will come next week with my brother and sister, and we'll live here, together.
ELIZABETH: Oh, how very exciting! You must bring them round. Do have a scone.
THOMAS: Thank you.
PANDORA: Oh, no! Tea first. Scones always taste better after tea. Auntie grows it herself.
ELIZABETH: Mmm.
PANDORA: Mmm.
ELIZABETH: Mmm.
PANDORA: Makes my lips tingle and everything.
ELIZABETH: That's wonderful. Mmm! Heaven.
PANDORA: Oooh!
THOMAS: It's interesting. I'd be very pleased to see how it is grown.
ELIZABETH: Of course, my dear boy. Yes. Just as soon as we've all got well and truly sconed.
ELIZABETH: So I had this lodger, Darnell. He's a charming chap from Kingston, Jamaica. Most entertaining. Anyway, he needed somewhere to keep his tea plants. Pay attention, dear. So, Darnell, it was an awful business, poor chap. He fell out with his brothers and they were so cross he had to go back to Jamaica rather quickly. Blimey. They don't half grow. So, this is where we dry it out. It's terribly easy. But, flipping 'eck, it's coming out of my ears. It's lucky that it goes so well with cake!
THOMAS: Maybe I could sell some. I think people would like it very much.
ELIZABETH: What an enterprising chap! You know, you could do worse, Panda. You could do a lot worse! You get me, blood?
PANDORA: You don't have much furniture in here, do you, Thomas?
THOMAS: I must buy some before my mother comes. She is a powerful lady, most powerful. Especially on the backhand.
PANDORA: You're gonna have to sell a shoe-load of tea to buy a sofa, even if it's a once in a lifetime, rock bottom offer at World of Leather. There's hardly enough for three or four cups in those bags.
THOMAS: Pandora, this isn't just what you think it is.
PANDORA: Well, what in the bollocking name of buggery is it? That's smoking a lot better than Mum's Earl Grey!
THOMAS: Yes. And rather more expensive.
PANDORA: You're amazing. Wow. Now I get it. Cripes. That was kissing.
THOMAS: No, Pandora. This is kissing.
JIM (EFFY’S FATHER): So Dave tells Steve exactly how it is. Doesn't pull his punches. He said, "Let's take this outside, you tosser!" Just like that! f*cking hell, Steve. That's the Managing Director, for f*ck's sake! Great guy. Stupid, but great. You liked him, didn't you love?
ANTHEA: Yeah, you know. He's OK. Anyway, look, a funny thing happened to me in the supermarket today...
JIM: Me and Steve have a lot in common. We share the same tastes. He was surprisingly complimentary about you, love.
ANTHEA: Right.
JIM: That'll be him now.
ANTHEA: What?
JIM: I invited Steve over for a drink. I made a friend! f*cking coming!
ANTHEA: It's more complicated than you think.
EFFY: It doesn't seem complicated. You're f*cking my dad's line manager. No biggie.
ANTHEA: Give me a chance to sort it out. Please, Effy...
JIM: Well, it's not Steve. But look who it is! What's your name again?
PANDORA: Pandora.
JIM: Ridiculous!
PANDORA: Hi, Effy. Hi, Anthea. Hi, Jim. This is Thomas. Guess what? We've been snogging!
EFFY: Never.
PANDORA: Yeah! And we need some advice.
EFFY: Oh?
PANDORA: Yeah. We've got a shitload of weed!
EFFY: Right. Let's take this upstairs, shall we?
PANDORA: Eff. I've been doing it with tongues. Come on, Thomas.
THOMAS: So glad to meet you again. You look different with your clothes on.
JIM: What?
ANTHEA: I just defrosted a nice tart tatin.
COOK: You pussies turned up, then?
FREDDIE: Hey. What's up?
COOK: My cock, hopefully. You know what I mean?
JJ: I'm still upset. I'm never going to a brothel with you again.
COOK: Ah! You loved it. Hey-oop. We got action.
JJ: Yeah. They all hate you.
COOK: Why?
FREDDIE: ‘Cause you're a tit.
COOK: How many times have I gotta tell you ret*rd? Tit works. Girls! We were just discussing breasts and there you were.
KATIE: Tosser!
EFFY: This is the guy you're gonna help out tonight.
THOMAS: So glad.
PANDORA: Thomas has gotta get 300 quid by tomorrow, otherwise Johnny White's gonna make him eat...
FREDDIE: Johnny White?!
EFFY: He's got 13 ounces of weed in the bag.
FREDDIE: Ok!
THOMAS: If you'd help, I could give you much. It's excellent weed.
NAOMI: Hi.
KATIE: Oh, Christ. Not again. Who phoned her?
EMILY: Please, Katie. Don't.
NAOMI: Hi, sorry. I couldn't find a bus. You said somebody needed a hand?
KATIE: You like giving hand. Don't you?
NAOMI: See you.
EMILY: For f*ck's sake! She didn't kiss me, OK.
KATIE: She practically jumped you.
EMILY: I kissed her! I was drunk, and someone gave me MDMA, and... I felt like f*cking kissing someone! Satisfied?
COOK: I'm satisfied! Be better if you showed us!
EFFY: Shut the f*ck up, Cook. You promised me a party. Where is it?
COOK: Can't you feel it, kids? It's the sound of the underground. Come on, you suckers. Let's go.
EFFY: Cool.
THE GROUP: Woo-hoo! Come on!
JOHNNY: No f*cking b*at to this tune.
MAN 1: Oh, no. It's there, boss. You just gotta be pilled up.
JOHNNY: You're supposed to be selling not necking, Benny. You look like a f*cking nonce, you twat. Hang on! He's pushing dope at my f*cking shindig! Go! Go, f*ck! No! Him! Jesus! Wait till I get my hands on that little f*ck. Out of my way! f*cking hell. Ooh! f*cking w*nk*r!
EMILY: How much you sold? I have done three bags. Ten each.
NAOMI: Don't even know why I'm f*cking doing this.
EMILY: Thanks for keeping schtum.
NAOMI: I don't care what your sister thinks.
EMILY: Yeah, well, I do. So thanks anyway. I didn't take MDMA that night. I just wanted to kiss you. I want to kiss you now.
NAOMI: You're gay?
EMILY: No... No, I just... Sorry.
NAOMI: Yeah, me too.
EMILY: Shit. Shit!
THOMAS: Which are you?
EMILY: Gay... I mean, Emily.
THOMAS: Emily. Already I have £175. My weed is cheap and, my god, they love it!
EFFY: I got 80.
THOMAS: Oh, this country is so great!
JOHNNY: Oh! T-T-Thomas! You're on my t-t-turf! It's hitting profits, so you gotta pay. And we only accept cash and pain. Get the little f*ck! f*cking smash him!
THOMAS: My brother! White people are gonna to season me!
BLACK MAN: What the f*ck, blood? Quick, gimme your T.
MAN: Make some noise, people!
BLACK MAN: Gimme the T-shirt! Quick! Come on stage, you can blend in the posse. Up here!
MAN: Let's get this started. Yeah, let me hear you make some noise for T!
BLACK MEN: “Listen, let me get on this So I can get real ghetto on this. Unlike you, I don't teef rhymes I'm so sick that I don't feel fine. Melanie's mingin' but Beverly's fine. So Melanie's yours and Beverly's mine. Let me get on this So girls can get real wet from this. So you can't put them lips on this I'm black that's why I stand out. Sippin' moonshine and gettin' shines while the moon's out. You ain't got the creps to step to me man. With my Airforce Ones I'll step to you, man. When the music drops I rave it out. I wanna see your middle finger Then your first finger. Put them in the air and skank it out. Put them in the air and skank it out.”
BLACK MAN: Let me hear you make some noise for my African brother, Thommo!
COOK: 85, 95. That's it. £295. There you go, fella. Should be plenty.
NAOMI: Look after that, yeah?
JJ: Well done, Thomas.
THOMAS: This is... You are good people. This is everything I have dreamed of and... Now you are my friends, too.
COOK: Oh, shit.
JJ: Oh, God!
JOHNNY: Morning, fella. Now we're really gonna fellate you. Gentlemen. Didn't I say I'd k*ll you if I ever saw you again? Believe this is mine. I love my work. Love it.
THOMAS: You must be some kind of English p*ssy c**t? You heard me. I think you're afraid. Possibly your father was a h*m* donkey. I will fight you by myself. You can choose any w*apon.
JOHNNY: You just made my day.
JOHNNY: So, in summary, I win. You are my gimp forever, I take all your money, b*at you, and your mates to a pulp, and my boys r*pe all the women.
MAN 1: Um, boss, the lads... The lads aren't too keen, you know, on the r*pe.
JOHNNY: For f*ck's sake! I'm talking dangerous! Can nobody talk dangerous any more? Jesus! f*cking Bristol. No ambition. No...edge, no style. You know? Provincial.
MAN 1: Sorry, boss.
THOMAS: I'm ready. How do you want to fight?
JOHNNY: Promise you. You're gonna shit yourself. Oh, yeah. You ever seen a Naga Jolokia before, Thomas? Hottest chilli on the planet. It's like being fisted by Joe Calzaghe. And Joe's still got his gloves on. Who flinches... is f*cked. You.
MAN 1: Oh, in God's name, no.
PANDORA: My God!
THOMAS: Mmm. Delicious.
COOK: Well done, mate.
EFFY: Well done, Thomas.
JOHNNY: What?
THOMAS: My mother. She grows these in our garden. We are forbidden to eat them, she will b*at us if we disobey. But boys will be boys. And I am a very naughty boy. If I win, I pay you no money, and you leave me and my friends alone forever. You.
KATIE: Oh, my God.
MAN 1: What is that?
MAN 2: He shat himself.
MAN 1: Oh. Oh, my God. That... That is so humiliating.
MAN 2: Oh, no.
MAN 1: Right, come on, lads. Let's get out of here.
MAN 2: Mate that is humming.
MAN 1: You can't respect a man, who shits himself, can you?
MEN: Nan.
THOMAS: Pandora, sweetness, what are you doing?
PANDORA: I've given it some thought, and I've decided. You're gonna be the first, Thomas.
THOMAS: The first?
PANDORA: Yup. What do I want? Surfing and turfing. When do I want it? Now!
THOMAS: Mama!
THOMAS’ MOTHER: J’attends mon baiser mon garcon.
KIDS: Thomas!
THOMAS’ MOTHER: Laisse-moi voir cet appartement.
THOMAS: Mais tu n’arrives pas avant la semaine prochaine…
EMILY: Come on, JJ.
THOMAS’ MOTHER: Tu étais tout seul pendant trop longtemps… et en plus sans surveillance.
KATIE: Hi.
PANDORA: You gonna come and flippin' well jump me now? I took my bra off and everything! Look! Aren't they f*cking amazing?
THOMAS: Mama...
THOMAS’ MOTHER: Prépare tes affaires.
THOMAS : Mama…
THOMAS’ MOTHER : Prépare tes sacs. Toi, tu vas rentrer à la maison. Vous êtes dégoûtants. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x03 - Thomas"} | foreverdreaming |
SONG. “Oh God now when's the time. For me, oh. When will you see me through? Oh God my mind is eating, my heart out. Oh God my heart is beating. My mind up...”
PANDORA: Please, come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back. Come back.
ANTHEA: Hi, I made tea.
PANDORA: Huh? Oh.
ANTHEA: Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to surprise you.
PANDORA: It’s okay, Anthea. Um… What are you doing?
ANTHEA: Oh, you know… Just, er, just looking.
PANDORA: Right. Whizzer. Effy’s a bit out of it. She’s beautiful. Not like me.
ANTHEA: Oh? Seems like somebody likes you!
PANDORA: My boyfriend gave it to me. I only knew him three days. Thomas. Now, he’s gone.
ANTHEA: But it was fun while it lasted, hmm? So much fun…
PANDORA: Yeah, it’s called love.
ANTHEA: That’s a big word!
PANDORA: I don’t know, four letters is… Oh. But, I’m sure it is love: All you want to do is kiss them, and you know, other stuff. Brilliant stuff.
ANTHEA: Yeah. Yeah, brilliant stuff. Maybe this Thomas will hop on a train and come back to see you.
PANDORA: You can’t get a train from the Congo.
ANTHEA: Congo?
PANDORA: Yeah, it’s a Democratic Republic, located on the Equator, bordering Gabon and Cameroon.
ANTHEA: Yeah, I remember now.
PANDORA: I really miss him. You think love conquers all, Anthea?
ANTHEA: I hope so, sweetie. Why don’t you wake up the sleeping beauty and tell her we have something called “Breakfast” in our country?
PANDORA: After that, we had to get out mega-speedily, so we climbed over some spiky fence, and then found ourselves in this field. Then, what did we do, Eff’?
EFFY: Can’t remember.
PANDORA: We either went to the park to find the boys or then got chips or the other way round. Which was it, Eff’?
EFFY: Chips.
PANDORA: Oh, yeah. Super Cool. Brown sauce soaks up all the Red Bulls. And then we went crazy, ‘cause Cook pulled JJ’s pants and showed us his willy. Morning, Mum. Yeah, thanks. Super duper great night at the youth centre. I made soup, we prayed and recycled socks. Soup. For the homeless, they love soup. Um, Cream of mushroom? Okey-doke. Effy says “Howdy doody”. See you later, alligator.
JIM: Did you just… That was a pack of lies.
PANDORA: Oh, you can’t tell my mom the truth. She’d only do agony flip and go ra-ra.
JIM: Is she speaking English?
EFFY: She means the truth hurts, Dad. It’s for her own good. Otherwise, truth… Boom.
JIM: You all right, love?
ANTHEA: Yeah, I just, erm, I just gotta, er… Stop it.
EFFY: You stop it.
JIM: Is someone going to start speaking a language round here I f*cking understand? Steve, mate! Am I driving today?
STEVE: No.
JIM: You’re doing the International Webcam and Hard Drive Expo in Poole. You don’t want to miss that.
STEVE: I can’t do it.
JIM: Jesus! You should have told me, I f*cking love those hard drive events.
ANTHEA: Jim, who are you talking…?
STEVE: I need you.
JIM: Ok, I’ll get the car keys. Get you to Poole in no time.
STEVE: For f*ck’s sake, I love you! When are you f*cking going to understand that?
JIM: Steve. Mate, I’m… I’m married. I’m straight. Don’t do dick, no way no how, but you know… I mean, c’est la vie. E
STEVE: I can’t stand it, Anthea!
JIM: Each to their own…
ANTHEA: I told you!
STEVE: It’s too late!
PANDORA: Wallop!
JIM: Bitch! Bitch! Bitch!
ANTHEA: You don’t understand. Jim, please! Listen!
JIM: All those weekends! Those bendy f*cking yoga weekends in Dartmouth!
ANTHEA: Jim, please!
JIM: Oh, you were bending all right, weren’t you? In all the right f*cking places!
ANTHEA: Oh, please Jim…! Just let me… I just want to explain to you.
JIM: You’ve done enough explaining, haven’t you?
ANTHEA: Jim, I’m sorry.
JIM: I love you. Please, don’t leave me down.
ANTHEA: What a mess!
EFFY: They f*ck you up!
PANDORA: They don’t mean to, Eff’.
EFFY: But, they do.
PANDORA: Effy! Not now, mum. Effy!
PANDORA: Bugger it, Eff’. You can’t half leg it. And I’ve got cross-country badge! Do you think your mom and funny beard have been, you know… making monkey?
EFFY: Yes, Pandora. They’ve been making monkey.
PANDORA: Wow! Surfed and turfed?
EFFY: Yup.
PANDORA: Eff’. Eff’, don’t cry. Does this mean you’re not coming to my pyjama party?
EFFY: I’m not crying.
PANDORA: Right. But my party?
EFFY: Sure. Why not? Let’s get totally, totally f*cked.
PANDORA: Um, yeah, that’s the thing. My mum’s gonna be there and we’re gonna put on pyjamas and play Twister. It’s brilliant fun, more fun than getting f*cked. Probably. And then, you’re all going to tell me how to do it with Tommo because basically, I haven’t got a clue.
EFFY: Pandora, why are we friends? Do you ever wonder?
PANDORA: Well, that’s super easy. You’re my pal because you’re the coolest ever, and I’m yours because I’ll do anything you say and none of your boyfriends ever want to surf me ‘cause I’m useless.
EFFY: That’s it?
PANDORA: Yeah.
EFFY: Come on, let’s get hot chocolates.
PANDORA: Cool.
KATIE: Effy! Hey!
EFFY: Oh, shit!
KATIE: I’ve ringing you loads! You know Danny, he plays for the Bristol Rivers Reserves, yeah?
DANNY: Yeah, nice one, tasty.
KATIE: This is my new best friend, Effy.
DANNY: Cool tits, yeah?
EFFY: Sorry?
DANNY: Nice jugglies, babe. Perky.
KATIE: Danny! He doesn’t mean it. Do you, babes?
DANNY: f*ck’ right I do! Yeah!
PANDORA: And I’m Pandora.
DANNY: Ok. Hey kid, you should come up the ground, watch the lads train, yeah? ‘Cause after, we get some Lambrinis in, we go lucky in the showers?
EFFY: He’s joking, right?
KATIE: Um, yeah. Right. Anyway, can’t wait for this party tonight! I’ve got a shitload of weed and pills.
PANDORA: Weeds? Um, no…
EFFY: Cool.
DANNY: Yeah man. Way safe. Orgy!
KATIE: You’re not coming. It’s girls only. Right?
PANDORA: Yeah.
KATIE: We’re gonna tell secrets and get intimate, no boys.
DANNY: Intimate?! Yes, nice one. Take photos, babe!
KATIE: So I’ve got Flying Saucepans and Love Fountains. Wow! We’re gonna be fry!
PANDORA: But, we’re doing Twister.
KATIE: Cool. You can snort that, right?
PANDORA: Not exactly.
DANNY: Love Fountains are mint.
PANDORA: Mum’s making brownies.
KATIE: You ok?
PANDORA: She’s upset because her mom’s been making monkey and her dad’s gone ape.
KATIE: Huh?
PANDORA: Bananas! ‘Cause Beardy Steve’s been making her do the Funky Gibbon and… I’ve boobed, haven’t I?
EFFY: Yes!
DANNY: Me loves the Funky Gibbons!
KATIE: Danny!
DANNY: Yeah?
KATIE: You’re gonna f*ck off? We need girl time.
DANNY: Yeah?
KATIE: Practice you ball skills, babe. I’ll do that keepy-uppy thing later, remember?
DANNY: Oh, yeah!
PANDORA: Cool! Mum’s done the signal. So everybody knows where my party is.
KATIE: How many people did you invite?
PANDORA: Um, four. You, Eff’, Emily and Naomi.
KATIE: Naomi? Why did you invite her?
PANDORA: Ems says I have to or she won’t come.
EFFY: Ah. Sweet.
PANDORA: Come on. We can do brownies, and then lick our bowls out.
KATIE: Do you think she knows she sounds filthy half the time?
EFFY: Sometimes I wonder.
PANDORA: Mum!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Blastification! Drat! Drat! Fiddlesticks! Panda, we have spoken about shouting like a goat in the house.
PANDORA: Sorry. Look, mum. Friends!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Still shouting, Panda. Calm time, please.
PANDORA: I’m calm. I’m calm. I’m calm. So, this is Effy.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Effy! We meet at last!
EFFY: Yes.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Pandora has told me so much about you.
PANDORA: Yeah, you know, Eff’, your missionary work.
EFFY: Yes, I try and do as much of that as I can.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: That’s good. There are so many bad things in the world. Boys, and drugs, g*n, alcohol. Boys. Evil things. I’m glad Pandora’s found a channel she can pour her energy into.
EFFY: Well, yes, all the seamen like her.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Seamen?
EFFY: Oh, yes. Loads of seamen. Some of them are homeless as well. We’d love to see Pandora get her own missionary position.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Right… Lovely. And this is?
KATIE: Katie.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Katie. I haven’t heard about you.
PANDORA: She’s a new friend, mum. Stupid.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Well, that’s wonderful. We’re not used to have so many friends, are we, Panda?
PANDORA: No. And I’ve got more. Heaps more. Two more.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Four friends. Goodness. We’re going to have a wild old time, aren’t we? I hope you all like playing Monster in the Dark.
EFFY: Looking forward to it.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: I expect you all want to wash your hands and take your shoes off.
PANDORA: Come on. I’ll show you Mum’s special box.
PANDORA: “London's burning. London's burning.”
PANDORA’S MOTHER: “London's burning, London's burning.”
PANDORA: “Fetch the engines. Fetch the engines. f*re, f*re!”
PANDORA’S MOTHER: “f*re, f*re!”
GIRLS: “London's burning, London's burning... Making brownies, making brownies. Really yummy, really yummy. Making brownies, making brownies. In the kitchen, in the kitchen...”
NAOMI: f*cking hell. Yes?
MAN: Nothing, young lady. I have nothing to say to you at all.
NAOMI: What the f*ck is that?
EMILY: Hi.
NAOMI: Jesus.
EMILY: I’ve never been to a pyjama party before, so I brought Vodka. Was that right?
NAOMI: Don’t know.
EMILY: I don’t wear pyjamas.
NAOMI: Right. I don’t know why she invited me anyway. I hardly know her.
EMILY: I asked her to invite you.
NAOMI: I thought we sorted this out.
EMILY: I didn’t mean like… Well, it doesn’t hurt to get to know each other, does it? We’re in the same class. We’ll be hanging out for the next two years…
NAOMI: You going to tell people you’re gay anytime soon?
EMILY: What? I’m not. I’m not gay.
NAOMI: Telling you, Ems. You haven’t thought this through, have you?
EMILY: No.
NAOMI: So can I just say again? Me, not muff muncher. Me, cock cruncher.
EMILY: You getting any cock?
NAOMI: I have done. Except he had erectile dysfunction. 17 times. I was getting tennis elbow, you know. Yes? Can I help you with something?
MAN: No. This is a quiet cul-de-sac and you are disgraceful young women.
NAOMI: Yeah? So, go f*ck yourself, tosser.
PANDORA: Hi!
NAOMI: Hey… What?
EMILY: Hey!
PANDORA: Mum! More friends! Naomi and Emily!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Calm, please, Panda.
PANDORA: Oh, yeah. I’m calm. I’m calm.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: We’ve been so looking forward to this, haven’t we, Panda?
PANDORA: Yeah. What? Oh, yeah. Shoes!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Are you all chums?
PANDORA: Oh, yeah. Ems and Naomi are real good friends.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: How lovely!
PANDORA: Really good, and now they like me as well.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Hang on. Aren’t you Katie?
PANDORA: That’s the amazing thing! Katie! They’re twins! C’est incroyable, baby.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Sorry?
PANDORA: It’s French. Thomas taught me. He’s such a blinking dream and… Bugger.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Thomas? Who’s Thomas?
PANDORA: Oh, you know…
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Pandora. I do hope you haven’t been defying me on the subject of boys.
NAOMI: He’s my boyfriend, actually. He does, um, excellent French.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Right. Well, Pandora knows my opinion on boyfriends.
PANDORA: They just want to get into my box.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Yes, and I do hope all of you will respect that in this house we do not allow unruly males at parties. I’m sure your parents would say the same thing.
KATIE Um… Yeah.
NAOMI: Yeah.
GIRLS: Boys. Eeugh. Disgusting.
PANDORA: There you go, Katie and Emily. Completely identical.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Are you interested in all the same things?
KATIE: Um…
EMILY: I’m not sure.
PANDORA: You like Twister, though?
EMILY: Sorry?
PANDORA: Twister! It’s brill! It’s gonna be twistomatic, baby!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Pandora gets over-stimulated. We do exercises nightly. Oh, I’ve left pyjamas out for you all. They’re pink and… clean. Very, very clean.
SONG. “I got some troubles but they won't last. I'm gonna lay right down here in the grass. And pretty soon all my troubles will pass, ‘cause I'm in shoo-shoo-shoo...”
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Ooh! Are they nicely gooey?
EFFY: I’m certainly hoping so.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Heavenly. You know, I’m wondering if you aren’t a little bit naughty, Effy.
EFFY: I am.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Well, I bet you’re naughty enough to try these brownies with me before anybody else.
EFFY: I’ll try anything.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Ok, then. Let’s dive in. I love brownies. I love them.
SONG. “Shoo-shoo-shoo Sugar Town.”
NAOMI: Twister. Are you sh1tting me?
KATIE: Don’t worry. I spiked the chocolate brownies with MDMA.
EMILY: You what?
KATIE: Yeah. Appreciate it, ok. There’s f*cking 40 quid’s worth in there.
EMILY: You think it’s funny?
NAOMI: It is kind of.
KATIE: Yeah, enter into the spirit, Ems.
NAOMI: So, Katie you gonna be nice to me now we’re Twister pals? I promise not to grab your minge and everything.
KATIE: Ok, ha ha. Hands off the muff and we’re sorted.
NAOMI: Gotcha! No buffing the beaver.
KATIE: No groping the growler.
NAOMI: Don’t tickle on my tinkle!
KATIE: Ok, I won’t fluff up your flange.
EMILY: You done?
KATIE: Yep. We’re double done with the DNA dump.
PANDORA: Hey, guys! What do you think? Mum made them specially, and look!
NAOMI: Jesus.
PANDORA: So you can have Sexy Poo… Or Brainy Poo. Except for me, ‘cause I have Panda Poo! Mum and me sewed them on. It was a wacker job, I’m telling you.
NAOMI: I’m not wearing that.
PANDORA: Why not? It’s a pyjama party.
KATIE: What the f*ck? Give it here.
PANDORA: Oh, Wizzer Poo! Because look what goes with them. Isn’t Mum wick?!
SONG. “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. And they're like, it's better than yours. My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. And they're like, it's better than yours, damn right...”
COOK: Are they getting undressed?
JJ: Cook, they’re not. Why would they get undressed? Can I just remind you that Pandora's party is specified as a girls-only event?
COOK: Yup. And you know what that means?
JJ: Of course I do. OK, so I'm not 100% sure what it means.
COOK: So let me enlighten you, Double J. Pyjama party means only one thing - girls getting friendly.
JJ: Friendly?
COOK: Oh, yeah. Real friendly.
JJ: Hang on. Even I know that only happens in overblown and possibly illegal teen dramas. Mum says there's a lot less sex going on than I might imagine.
COOK: You never experienced wish fulfilment, J?
JJ: Never.
COOK: They're all in there, girls getting to know each other, experimenting, getting lubed up and gagging for forbidden fruit and we're gonna give it to them.
JJ: If Freddie was here...
COOK: Do you see Freddie? Did we invite Freddie?
JJ: No.
COOK: And why didn't we invite him?
JJ: Because he's a fun-sponge?
COOK: You got it. You see? It's a sign.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Yes?
JJ: Um... Hello.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: I'll call the police.
SONG. “I've seen her once or twice before She knows my face. But it's hard to see with all the people standing in the way...”
JJ: Cook? Cook?!
SONG. “In the mornin' you go g*n'. For the man who stole your water. But the hangman isn't hangin'. And they put you on the street, yeah...”
COOK: Come on!
JJ: This is a fantasy and I have to tell you, a poorly constructed one. Just because I have a natural facility on a climbing wall...
COOK: Come on, we need to see them doing it.
JJ: For the last time, they won't be doing it. They won't be naked, or engaged in mutual masturbation...
COOK: Check.
JJ: What?
COOK: I'm requesting a check. Is that too much to ask of a friend? What the f*ck?
JJ: Oh, my god, oh, my god!
COOK: What... What? What?
JJ: They're n... na...
COOK: Please say naked.
JJ: Nearly.
COOK: Good enough.
JJ: Ah...! Cook...! Cook...! Aah! No...! Cook! Cook!
EFFY: What the f*ck?
NAOMI: Come on, Eff, pyjamas.
EFFY: Whatever...
JJ: I can't hang on. I'm going to slip! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook!
KATIE: What was that?
EFFY: Nothing. Tummy. Too much cake...
PANDORA: Hey, Mum. Look. We're pretty in pink!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Oh! That's wonderful, girls. I must compliment myself, though. My brownies are usually delicious, but I've really excelled myself. This is my third already.
PANDORA: Yum... I'm gonna have three. Thanks, Mum.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Yeah, sure... Wow. Listen to that.
SONG. BON JOVI: Livin' on a prayer.
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Can you hear the music? Oh, yeah!
PANDORA: Mum?
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Oh, that's beautiful. Oh, it sounds...
PANDORA: What's she doing?
PANDORA’S MOTHER: Wonderful, oh, wow!
EFFY: Yeah, I'm getting it!
KATIE: I'm telling you. That is f*cking good shit!
PANDORA: What have you done?
NAOMI: Eat a cake, Panda. It's gonna be a long night.
SONG. “Tommy used to work on the docks. Union's been on strike. He's down on his luck. It's tough. So tough. Gina works the diner all day. Working for her man. She brings home her pay for love. Ooh, for love. She says: We've gotta hold on to what we've got. It doesn't make a difference. If we make it or not. We've got each other. And that's a lot for love. We'll give it a sh*t! Whoa, we’re half way there, whoa-ho...!”
COOK: I'm telling you, man. We gotta f*cking get in there!
JJ: No.
COOK: No?
JJ: Freddie says, every time you ask me to do something, just say no.
COOK: He said that?
JJ: Yes. It's a song which gives useful lifestyle advice but it's also a state of mind.
COOK: Maybe me and Freds will have words. But somehow, Gay J, I'm going to this party. You’re coming?
JJ: No. Just say no.
COOK: Suit yourself, Gay J.
JJ: Oh, balls! Freds, you gotta get down here! We've gone to Nine.
FREDDIE: 'Nine?'
JJ: Affirmative. It's a Niner. Code Red. He's going in.
FREDDIE: 'Stop him, JJ. Stop him!'
COOK: Result. Eurgh! Oh, God...
NAOMI: Dump her in here! Dump her in here!
COOK: Shit! f*ck!
PANDORA’S MOTHER: That was so... So fun.
EMILY: Is she breathing? Yep.
NAOMI: Safe.
COOK: Oh, man!
EFFY: Panda, come on! Let me in.
PANDORA: Go away!
EFFY: It was a joke. It wasn't even me!
PANDORA: You always bog everything up! It's always you! You do everything you like just cos you're depressed cos your mum's getting wacked up the pants! Well, bogging bog off! This is my party and I'm upset because my boyfriend got deported and you're supposed to be eating jelly and playing Twister at my party and telling me how to pop my cherry with my boyfriend...!
EFFY: Christ's sake, I'll show you how to do a blowjob.
PANDORA: I don't want a blowjob. I want my boyfriend back!
EFFY: Panda. I was just... Panda!
KATIE: Um... she's upset.
EFFY: Do I ever get to be upset? Do I ever get to be anyone but me?!
KATIE: Eff...
EFFY: f*ck off!
KATIE: Effy, just... Panda... Oh, for Christ's sake!
JJ: Get Cook out. Don't get arrested. They will not be naked. I'm going in.
KATIE: Where you going?
NAOMI: Wine. I want wine.
KATIE: Hurry up with it! Get beer, lezzer!
NAOMI: All right, all right! Keep your vagina on. Whoa...
NAOMI: So... What do you want, Ems? Pinot Grigio, or... cider oblivion?
EMILY: Anything... Just give me a f*cking... Just... Just give me a...
SONG. “Cause I'm being taken over by a feeling...”
NAOMI: Oh... It's only the drugs, right?
SONG. “It's all about fast cars and cussing each other but it doesn't matter ‘cause I'm packing plastic. And that's what makes my life so f*cking fantastic I don't know what's right and what's real any more And I don't know How I'm meant to feel...”
EMILY: You liked that.
NAOMI: You're gay.
EMILY: Yes.
JJ: Oh, my giddy, giddy, giddy… Aunt!
SONG. GIRLS ALOUD: Jump (For My Love).
COOK: f*ck...
SONG. “..Then jump for my love. Jump in. And feel my touch. Jump, if you wanna taste my kisses in the night, then. Jump for my love. I know my heart can make you happy. Jump in! You know these arms can fill you up. Jump, if you wanna taste my kisses in the night then. Jump for my love...”
KATIE: Shit.
DANNY: Hey, Katie! Katie! Where are you, girl?! Which f*cking house, girl?! Wahey! What's going on, kidder?! The lads!
PEOPLE: Wahey!
KATIE: Oh, shit.
DANNY: Yes! Pyjama party, check it out, lads. Nice one!
KATIE: You're not meant to be here, remember?
DANNY: Come on. Have a heart. We lost 7-0 again, innit? You know the lads... Tommo... Marco... How you doing, man?! Jonno... Sambo... Keeno... Danno... Paedo!
KEENO: Nice...!
SONG. BEASTIE BOYS: Three MCs and One DJ.
EFFY: Sorry. Hello?
COOK: The f*cking door's locked itself, hasn't it? Hey.
EFFY: Hey. You should've pulled.
COOK: I will now, won't I? Is this the cupboard for mindless sex?
EFFY: You don't give a f*ck about anything, do you?
COOK: Nope.
PANDORA: Go away. Go away. Please. I want my boyfriend.
COOK: Yeah.
EFFY: Wait. Hang on. Don't push.
COOK: I wanna...
EFFY: Wait! There's something here.
COOK: No.
EFFY: Aargh! What the f*ck?
COOK: What's going on? Are we...? Are we next door?
EFFY: We're next door.
MAN: 'Hello. I'm Martin. This is Angela.'
PANDORA’S MOTHER: 'Hi.'
MAN: 'And this is how we have sex. Oh. That's lovely, Angela.'
PANDORA’S MOTHER: 'Thank you, Martin.'
MAN: 'Could you rub harder?'
PANDORA’S MOTHER: 'Certainly.'
MAN: You! Yes, you. I've called the police, you know? I'll be giving Angela a report when she gets back.
FREDDIE: Right.
MAN: It's nearly nine o'clock... disgusting. Absolutely shocking, what you kids get up to. Shocking!
FREDDIE: JJ?
BOY: Throw me through the ceiling! Throw me through the f*cking ceiling!
FREDDIE: JJ! JJ! JJ!
JJ: G... G... Got locked on, Freds. It's gone to a 12...easy.
FREDDIE: It's all right. It's all right. Come on. We're gonna leave, come on. Yeah? All right?
JJ: I didn't want to leave without him. It's an international incident. I thought he was gonna... gonna... I didn't want to leave without him.
FREDDIE: f*ck him, JJ.
EFFY: Freddie. You came. Cool.
FREDDIE: JJ gets locked on. You have to look after him.
EFFY: I thought Cook... Cook's his friend.
FREDDIE: I think Cook's your friend, isn't he?
EFFY: Not necessarily. Hey, you'll never guess what Pandora's Mum...
FREDDIE: We're going home, Eff. Where's Pandora? Come on.
EFFY: I didn't mean to f*ck everything up. My parents are splitting up. I'm sorry. I got trashed.
FREDDIE: I'm sorry about that. It's shit.
SONG. CAT POWER: Fool
“Apartment in New York London and Paris. Where will we rest? We're all living on top of it. It's all that we have
The USA is our daily bread. And no-one is willing to share it. Bane and dismannered. We coax all the time. Knowing that nothing is left when we die. Come along, fool a direct h*t of the senses you're disconnected. It's not that it's bad. It's not that it's death. It's just that it's on the tip of your tongue And you're so silent...”
COOK: All right, Panda?
PANDORA: Hi.
COOK: We're the last ones standing. No-one's got any stamina these days.
PANDORA: Right. Whizzer. I wanted to play Twister... and then the girls were gonna tell me how to do sex.
COOK: Bummer. How do you do it, anyway?
PANDORA: Huh? You know, you've done loads of sex.
COOK: No, Twister.
PANDORA: Oh! Well, you spin the dial... and then you put your hands and feet where it tells you.
COOK: Right!
PANDORA: Hand, there. Right. Now me.
COOK: OK.
PANDORA: Over here.
COOK: Oh!
PANDORA: You gotta move that and that. That!
COOK: Oh, great!
PANDORA: That. There. OK, put your hand on yellow.
Is it on there?
COOK: Hey, Panda?
PANDORA: Yes, Cookie?
COOK: Do you want me to show you?
PANDORA: What?
COOK: You know...
SONG. KANYE WEST: Love Lockdown.
“I'm not lovin' you way I wanted to what I had to do had to run from you. I'm in love with you but the vibe is wrong. And that haunted me all the way home so you never know Never, never know, never know enough Til it's over, love. Til we lose control System overload. Screamin' :No, no no, n-no. I'm not lovin' you way I wanted to see I wanna move But can't escape from you so I keep it low keep a secret code so everybody else don't have to know. So keep your love locked down. Your love locked down Keepin' your love locked down. Your love locked down I keep your love locked down. Your love locked down I keep your love locked down. You lose. I'm not lovin' you way I wanted to. I can't keep my cool so I keep it true. I got somethin' to lose... I stayed silent for two years. For two years. I never dared to come alive. Let go of my fears..."
ANTHEA: Wow. You really are beautiful.
EFFY: So are you, Mum.
ANTHEA: I wanted to be… One more time.
SONG. “..Just like I guessed. Just like, just like Just like... Why? Why? Why? Why-y-y? Why? Why-y-y-y-y? Why? Why-y-y...?"
COOK: See ya later.
EFFY: Any good?
PANDORA: I don't know what you mean.
EFFY: I mean he's a sensational f*ck, yeah?
PANDORA: There's a lot of things you don't know about me, Eff. Just ‘cause I'm useless, don't mean I'm nothing.
EFFY: We're friends because you don't surf-and-turf my men. You said that.
PANDORA: He's not yours, Eff. He'll never belong to anyone.
EFFY: Shut up.
PANDORA: That's why you don't really want him.
EFFY: Shut up.
PANDORA: He's not the one you want, Eff.
EFFY: Shut up!
PANDORA: I know because I'm your friend. But you don't make enough effort, Eff. I'm just there to laugh at. You don't know me. My life. My family. My Mum. Why don't you know anything about my Mum? I know everything about yours.
EFFY: You're right. I don't know anything about your Mum.
PANDORA: I'm sorry. OK?
EFFY: Yeah. Oh, Jesus...
PANDORA: What?
EFFY: Careful what you wish for, Pandora.
PANDORA: Why?
THOMAS: Panda! Panda! Panda! Panda! Look, I'm here! Panda! It's me. Are you not glad to see me? Mother said I could come back. What's wrong?
EFFY: Don't be a twat, Thomas. Give your girlfriend a hug.
THOMAS: Yes... Oh, Panda.
PANDORA: I missed you... I missed you too much.
THOMAS: It's OK. Everything is OK. Everything is A1.
SONG. LOW: Breaker.
“Our bodies break and the blood just spills and spills. But here we sit debating math. It's just a shame... My hand just kills and kills. There's gotta be an end to that...” | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x04 - Pandora"} | foreverdreaming |
[Naomi’s bedroom] NAOMI: Jesus Christ. What the f*ck?
MAN: (Waking up in her bed) Huh?
NAOMI: Jesus Christ! Who the f*ck are you?
MAN: I’m a friend of your Mum’s… I had nowhere to kip. Sweetheart, isn’t she? Even if she doesn’t believe I’m the actual messiah.
NAOMI: Mum…! Mum! (Getting up of her bed) Who the hell does she think she is? This is bloody ridiculous, does nobody understand privacy? I’m naked. I sleep naked.
MAN: Nothing I haven’t seen before. You look like your mum, actually. You’ve even got the same haircut she has.
NAOMI: (Leaving the room) Mum!
[Kitchen] NAOMI’S MOTHER: (Looking at a banana) I can see why you find it offensive…
WOMAN: It’s not just the shape, it’s the skin…
NAOMI’S MOTHER: It’s a very aggressive texture. Positively patriarchal.
Man enters naked in the room, eating and listening to music.
WOMAN: Yes. Definitely patriarchal.
NAOMI: Mum. (Entering) Has anyone ever told you what a complete f*cking cow you are?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Plenty of people. Look at this would you, love? We’re thinking of banning it…
NAOMI: There’s a man. In my room. In my bed, mum!
NAOMI’S MOTHER: He had nowhere else to go. It’s called communal living, sweetie…
NAOMI: God! You’re so… irritating!
(Taking the banana, eating it, Naomi leaves the room)
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Kids… Immature…
Emily’s waiting for Naomi in front of high school. Naomi hurries up to avoid her.
She sits on stairs, outside.
KIERAN: Hi.
NAOMI: Hey.
KIERAN: (Smoking) I’m late. Am I late?
NAOMI: Course not… Besides, this is hardly an appointment is it?
KIERAN: Kept behind by Cruella De Ville.
NAOMI: And what did the college director want?
KIERAN: To send me on a motivation course… The Feeling Healing Teaching Program’me.
NAOMI: f*ck’s sake!
KIERAN: And guess what? I f*cking hate teaching! So… How’s your mum? Still saving the world one lentil at a time?
NAOMI: Well, you know… Sometimes she’s up. Sometimes she’s down.
KIERAN: Sometimes she’s only half-way up, which is neither up nor down.
NAOMI: And the Mother Nature thing is getting tired. I’ve got 15 people living in my house, and none are paying rent!
KIERAN: Still, can’t be all bad. Made you, didn’t she? Though apparently Fred West’s daughter‘s a charm. Hope for us all, eh? Right so, that’s me. See you in assembly… Our glorious leader has summoned us all. You’re gonna like this…
NAOMI: Like what?
KIERAN: You’ll find out… Just be there, missy.
Students sit in a big room, Naomi joins Pandora and Effy. Effy and Freddie avoid each other.
NAOMI: What’s going on there?
EFFY: Nothing. (Pandora starts to talk) Shut up!
Looking at Cook.
COOK: Then you’ve got the shaft of your penis…
Effy gets up. Emily’s coming.
EMILY: Naomi. Hey!
Light is off.
DOUG: In ancient times before the now. There was an almighty blazing row between two kingdoms tall and proud. How to decide this without blood?
HEADMISTRESS: (Light is on) Right, settle down everyone… Thank you, Doug, fascinating introduction.
DOUG: No… But I’m not finished!
HEADMISTRESS: Yes, you are!
DOUG: Let’s put it to a vote! Bit of theatre, you know… Impact.
HEADMISTRESS: Ok, it’s simple. We want a student president. This will be a… democratically empowered position, for a talented individual, to proactively seek excellence in matters of student representation. And you, my little education consumers, will choose this president by vote. The election is next week so if you wish to stand, please see Doug after assembly.
DOUG: Can I just… I’ve got a whole rhyme worked out for that bit…
HEADMISTRESS: No. Please, no.
DOUG: I just thought you’d like it, it’s a clever pun on Doug, digging, and I’m awfully nasty about the Welsh…
[Corridor]NAOMI: You’ve got to be joking. I’m not going to help run this place.
EMILY: I don’t get it, why not? You really care about this stuff.
NAOMI: What stuff?
EMILY: Equality, environmentalism, feminism, I don’t ever want to shut my mouth-ism…
NAOMI: Great. You’re making me sound great.
EMILY: Come on. Come on, you know about politics, you’re always talking about it.
NAOMI: Emily. We’ve had about three conversations our entire lives. So the idea that you know I’m always talking about anything is ridiculous.
EMILY: (Leaving) Ok.
COOK: Morning ladies. AH, love is all around.
NAOMI: Piss off.
COOK: Naomikins, I’ve been thinking. You should see more cock.
NAOMI: Pardon?
COOK: Yeah… Me and you. We should go to it. Know what I’m saying?
NAOMI: Excuse me? Go to it?
COOK: Yeah. Definitely.
NAOMI: You’ve got about as much chance of f*cking me as becoming the elected Student President of this dump.
COOK: Yeah? Well, I enjoy a challenge.
NAOMI: Yeah.
COOK: Babe… You’ve got a deal.
NAOMI: What? No, no, no, no, no. I didn’t mean it like that. I’m not going to…
COOK: Guaranteed a shag.
NAOMI: What? Oh f*ck…
[Office]DOUG: Name?
BOY: Crispin.
DOUG: Second name?
BOY: No. That’s it sir. Just Crispin. Like Prince, Madonna, Cher, Lemar… Only Crispin.
DOUG: And uh what are your policies, Crispin?
BOY: A tightening of college selection procedure. They let some awful shit in. (Door’s opening) Like him, for instance.
COOK: All right, Doug? Is this where you register to be president, yeah?
DOUG: You? President?
COOK: Yeah, man. Problem?
DOUG: Um… No, no… Fantastic a two-horse race! Yes! Let the best man win. Oggy oggy oggy! (Silence) Ok. So just fill the form in.
Naomi is looking behind the door. “Crispin” is leaving the room and makes Naomi fall on the floor.
NAOMI: Oh!
CRISPIN: Girls. Stupid. You’re all so stupid.
COOK: (Laughing at her) I can see your knickers.
NAOMI: You? President?
COOK: Why do people keep saying that? Me, president. You, my sl*ve. Why you fighting it, Naomi? You want it. I want it. Let’s get together and feel alright.
NAOMI: You couldn’t make me feel all right if you stapled your tongue to my clit and stood on a cement mixer.
COOK: Too p*ssy to take a chance, little girl.
NAOMI: See you next time.
KIERAN: I… I was gonna ask you if you wanted a lift.
NAOMI: What?
KIERAN: You know, save your legs. Your wheels. Only if you…
NAOMI: You can give me a lift.
KIERAN: Great. Hang on. (Opening the door inside of the car) Mind the spring.
NAOMI: Where? Oh! This is some automobile you’ve got here.
KIERAN: Oh, yes! Would you believe it only cost me £2.50? And three tokens from the top of Weetabix packets.
NAOMI: Yeah. I really would believe that.
KIERAN: Come on, come on, come on… Naomi. Can you give me a lift on your bike?
[Street] KIERAN: It’s all part of her grand love note to Ofsted. It looks good to have a student president. Will that person have power?
NAOMI: Will they bollocks.
KIERAN: I ran for office once…
NAOMI: Yeah?
KIERAN: Oh, yes. You’re looking at the Workers Unite candidate, Bristol City Council Redland w*r, 1998.
NAOMI: I bet that went well for you.
KIERAN: I got six votes, and I knew three of them personally. But then, buoyed up to my success, I decided to dedicate my life to shaping the young minds of tomorrow. Only to discover that they don’t have minds, only mild jangling things between their ears.
NAOMI: Mild jangling things that are colour-co-ordinated to go with their shoes!
KIERAN: I think you should stand.
NAOMI: What? Why?
KIERAN: Come on. You’re the best, we both know it.
NAOMI: Is that a compliment? Are you complimenting me?
KIERAN: Oh, I’ve got a few compliments in me. Listen, is it my drug problem, or is someone waving at that window?
NAOMI: Oh, God. It’s my mum. Don’t look. Shit. She’s so embarrassing.
KIERAN: I want to meet this mythical creature.
NAOMI: No! Bye.
KIERAN: Right.
NAOMI: (Coming back, taking the paper for student president) Thanks.
MAN: You want to do something about this, girl. There is matter in the oven!
(Naomi enters in her house)
WOMAN: You are fungal matter!
MAN: This is your job to clean it.
WOMAN: How many feminists does it take to change a light bulb? One. Me. Because I’m oppressed, yeah? You’re oppressing me!
MAN: The Messiah does not oppress, ok? He enlightens.
WOMAN: Yeah? I’ll f*cking enlighten you, you patriarchal prick!
MAN: Jesus does not do fungus.
WOMAN: Oh, really, does he not do fungus? …
NAOMI’S MOTHER: (To Naomi, a baby in her arm) Hey. I was waving! You were with a man!
NAOMI: What is this? Surveillance culture?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: I was just saying. He looked nice.
NAOMI: He’s my politics teacher, alright?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Ok. Just saying. Nice to see you with a guy. Makes a change. Anyway, do you want to come and help me feed…?
NAOMI: You don’t even know who you’re feeding?! This is our house, mum!
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Yeah, of course it is. I think someone stole the telly from your room. (Naomi leaves) Who are you? Who is this?
NAOMI: Jesus, is there never any peace?! (Emily’s sitting on Naomi’s bed) How did you get in here?
EMILY: This weird guy let me in. Looks a bit like Jesus?
NAOMI: It’s like a game of Christ-themed Guess Who in this house. What do you want?
EMILY: (Giving the paper for student president) Wanted to give you this.
NAOMI: You’re very annoying.
EMILY: Well. You seem to inspire it in me.
NAOMI: (Showing the other paper) Jinx.
EMILY: You’re going to run? Great. I’ll help you with the form.
NAOMI: No, Emily. I don’t need any help.
EMILY: Right. Ok. Well, see you. (Leaving then coming back) Just so you know, my first thought when I see you isn’t “I want to f*ck that girl”.
NAOMI: No. I, huh…
EMILY: We’ve kissed. Twice. It was nice. But it’s also nice just being with you, when you’re not being a prick that this.
NAOMI: Thanks.
EMILY: You should run for President because I think you’d be good at it. It’s that simple, ok?
NAOMI: Ok. Then you should… stay.
EMILY: Thanks. I will.
Later. They’re both lying on the floor.
EMILY: I can just see it now… in lights. “Naomi, get to know me!”
NAOMI: I thought it was quite catchy.
EMILY: Yeah, well, so is AIDS.
NAOMI: Do you think I can do it?
EMILY: I think you can do anything.
NAOMI: Really? I’ve been wondering…
EMILY: Yeah?
NAOMI: What do lesbians… do? I mean, in bed.
EMILY: I know what you mean! But why would I know?
NAOMI: You’ve never…?
EMILY: No. I’ve never!
NAOMI: I mean… Is it all brogues and strap-ons, or…?
EMILY: No! I don’t know. They just do what we do to ourselves. Only to each other. Probably slightly more aggressively. And with, you know oils and stuff.
NAOMI: Oils, eh?
EMILY: Yeah. And stuff.
NAOMI: Oilssss.
EMILY: Yeah. Lots of it. Oils.
NAOMI: Where do you put it? Oils?
EMILY: On salad.
Naomi wakes up in her bed with Emily. She starts to touch her hair, then suddenly understand what she’s doing and gets up.
NAOMI: f*ck’s sake. What are you doing?
Naomi arrives at high school on her bike. There’s a big crowd, Cook’s taking.
COOK: I am Cook! Vote for me! Vote for non-stop partying!
NAOMI: (Joining Freddie) Oh, god.
COOK: Cook! Cook! Cook…
NAOMI: Who’s up there with him?
FREDDIE: JJ. Think I lost him.
NAOMI: What, JJ?
FREDDIE: Yeah, him too.
CROWD: Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook!
NAOMI: Is this about Effy?
FREDDIE: That obvious, is it?
NAOMI: So tell her.
FREDDIE: I did. It should make a difference when someone loves you. Shouldn’t it?
COOK: We love to party! We love to party! (Freddie leaves) Yeah!
CROWD: Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook!
Naomi’s walking next to her bike. Emily is just behind.
EMILY: Hi.
NAOMI: Hi.
EMILY: You left pretty early.
NAOMI: I had, um, things to do, you know?
EMILY: Well, I met your mum. She’s nice.
NAOMI: She’s a cliché.
EMILY: She’s a nice cliché.
NAOMI: Is she? (Stops) Emily, look.
EMILY: I forgot to tell you. I made these in anticipation. (Taking a poster with Naomi for president) Cool, huh? I got the message, Naomi. I’ll manage. But there’s one thing, though. Well, you can’t let him win now, can you?
COOK: (from the crowd) Cook before education! Sex before exams!
After. Naomi’s posters are on lockers. She’s giving them to the crowd.
NAOMI: I’m asking for one-to-one tuition to achieve your goals, work experience and…
CRISPIN: (Singing) My name’s Crispin, that’s my name. I don’t like chavs, that’s my game. If you vote for me, like a princess and a pea I’ll free you from their menace. Ah, yeah! A wigada-wigada-whack West Morningside!
Shits of papers are throwing on him.
DOUG: Next up, Naomi.
NAOMI: What this college need is somebody who’ll understand… Council has to mean something.
DOUG: Give a look to the man Cook!
CROWD: Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook!
Naomi is pasting up posters.
Naomi’s standing on a chair in the middle of the room.
NAOMI: Excuse me. Everyone. Can I just…? Can you listen, please?! (Silence) If you vote for me, I’ll make sure each and every one of your voices is heard. I’ll make it my business to get to know each…
COOK: Apples! (He’s getting applause by the crowd of students) Apples and pears! Get your apples! Apples and pears! Apples!
NAOMI: See, this is what you’ve got to decide. Do you want a comedy president…?
COOK: Banana!
NAOMI: You’re such a f*cking joke!
COOK: I’m a joke? You’re f*cking hilarious!
NAOMI: At least I care about something.
COOK: What’s so good about caring? No-one here cares. We just wanna party!
Students are applauding once more.
EMILY: Cook. Any chance you could be a c**t over there, do you think?
CRAWL: Ooooh!
NAOMI: Emily.
COOK: AH! That’s nice. Getting your girlfriend to hold your hand. (Laugh from students) Bit of moral support, yeah? Sweat, isn’t it?
NAOMI: Oh, f*ck.
COOK: Sweet. Hey, Naomi. If I’m a joke, at least people can have a laugh… Caring is over-rated. Do you want to know my slogan? I’m Cook. Vote for me. I don’t give a f*ck either.
CROWD: (Clapping) Cook! Cook! Cook! Cook!
Naomi takes her stuff and leaves.
EMILY: Naomi. Naomi. Naomi, wait. I didn’t mean to… I’m sorry.
NAOMI: Just leave me alone!
Naomi enters in her teacher’s office, crying.
NAOMI: I hate him! He just… He just…
KIERAN: AH, he’s a ball bag, right?
NAOMI: I was such a dick. Such a dick.
KIERAN: Oh, what’s a bit of public humiliation? I’m a teacher, I’m used to it.
NAOMI: Yeah. People f*ck you up every day.
KIERAN: Yep. Every day. After a while you get to kind of like it. No, I’m serious. There. You look so much prettier when you smile.
NAOMI: I don’t get it. Why are you so nice and all other men are suck w*nk*r?
KIERAN: Oh… Now you’ve got me.
He starts to kiss her.
NAOMI: What? What?! But you’re… Ugh, you’re old enough to be my dad!
KIERAN: Maths was never my strong suit, but I think, you know, not quite!
NAOMI: f*ck! You… f*ck! I thought you liked me!
KIERAN: I do. And I do.
NAOMI: What did you just do?
KIERAN: You wanted me to kiss you.
NAOMI: But I just… I wanted to trust you.
KIERAN: No, you can… (Naomi leaves) trust me.
Naomi cries in her bed. She’s finding a note, writing “Emily slept here”.
NAOMI: f*ck off!
After. She wakes up; Emily’s note is stick on Naomi’s cheek. “Emily” is written on it. She tries to make it disappear, and then takes her phone.
NAOMI: Can we go somewhere? Anywhere.
Emily and Naomi are doing bicycle near the forest. After. They’re in front of a river.
EMILY: Wow.
NAOMI: It’s lovely. It’s a lovely place.
EMILY: It’s one of my favourites.
She stars to take off her clothes.
NAOMI: I didn’t bring a swimming costume.
EMILY: Neither did I. The sun won’t shine forever.
NAOMI: Someone might be looking.
EMILY: Honey, your body ain’t that special.
NAOMI: Don’t look, ok?
EMILY: Fine.
NAOMI: (Taking her clothes off, laughing) I said don’t look!
EMILY: I wasn’t looking, you just…
NAOMI: You were looking. You were perving. You were looking.
EMILY: (Jumping into the river) Come on. Get in!
Naomi jumps too.
NAOMI: Oh, Jesus!
EMILY: It’s freezing!
After. Around f*re, Naomi is drinking in the forest. Emily starts to smoke.
NAOMI: You all right, Em? Hello? Hello? You’re deaf or what?
EMILY: You know, that’s the first time you’ve asked me something.
NAOMI: What, today?
EMILY: Ever.
NAOMI: Well, answer it then. You all right?
EMILY: No, I’m having the worst time of my life. The weather’s shit. The company’s even worse.
NAOMI: Amen.
EMILY: It’s peaceful.
NAOMI: Yeah.
They hold each other’s hand.
EMILY: Do you wanna do blowbacks?
NAOMI: I never got blowbacks. Why can’t people just smoke the damn things straight?
EMILY: It’s fun. Have you even tried it?
NAOMI: No. But being all seeing, I already know it’s shit.
EMILY: Come on. Everything once.
NAOMI: Oh, f*ck it. Go ahead and disappoint me.
They do the blowback. Then, Naomi starts to kiss Emily. Then, Emily kisses Naomi’s neck.
NAOMI: Say something.
EMILY: I’m all about experiments, me.
They take off each other’s clothes, and kiss again to make love finally.
Morning, after. Naomi is taking her bike and is going to leave while Emily’s sleeping. Emily wakes up and sees it.
EMILY: (Following Naomi) Twice! You’re going to do this to me, twice?! Naomi, no! You f*cking stop right now!
NAOMI: What?
EMILY: Don’t you dare leave me in your bed again.
NAOMI: I’ve got to go.
EMILY: I know you, Naomi. I know you’re lonely. I think you need someone to want you. (Stopping to follow) Well, I do want you. So be brave. And want me back!
Naomi is walking away.
Naomi is crying while she’s taking her shower. She dresses up, looking at her in the mirror.
Opening her mother’s bedroom’s door.
NAOMI: Mum? Mum, I know it’s early but…
KIERAN: Naomi.
Her teacher and her mother had slept together, they’re still in bed.
NAOMI: This is my f*cking house!
She leaves.
KIERAN: Naomi! For the love of God! (Following her) Stop will you! I came looking for you, to apologise. (Naomi leaves the house, her teacher still naked behind her) She was here. We got talking. She’s a nice… Naomi, please. I’m a f*cking disaster, ok? I just… I’m lonely.
NAOMI: (Taking her bike) f*ck off!
Naomi is in a classroom, hesitating to call Emily. Doug and the headmistress enter into the room. Naomi hides under a table.
DOUG: Right. Well, these aren’t going to count themselves.
HEADMISTRESS: There’s one thing I want to make clear to you. That boy will not win.
DOUG: Cook? He might win. He seems very popular.
HEADMISTRESS: No, Doug. He will not win.
DOUG: Oh no, I mean… That goes against… I’m totally against that. Totally.
HEADMISTRESS: Don’t you have a career review assessment with me next week?
DOUG: Totally agree. He will not win.
HEADMISTRESS: Right. This is how it will work. Vote for Naomi, this pile. Vote for Crispin, this pile.
DOUG: Someone voted for Crispin?
HEADMISTRESS: (Putting the votes in her bra) Vote for Cook, this pile.
DOUG: Right. Right. I think we’re gonna need a bigger bra.
HEADMISTRESS: Shut up and get on with it.
DOUG: Drum roll, please. Thank you.
HEADMISTRESS: And the winner is… Naomi! Naomi, do you have a few words?
NAOMI: You should have more confidence.
HEADMISTRESS: What?
NAOMI: I mean, your tits are fine. Probably a bit flat, but no need to stuff your bra. (Taking votes out of the headmistress’ bra) Now, I’m not sure, but were these votes counted? (Reading) Cook, Cook, Cook, Cook.
HEADMISTRESS: Naomi. Stop the silliness. Celebrate. You’ve won.
NAOMI: No, Cook won. He’s our president.
COOK: And my first act as President of this school is to declare this riot open!
Naomi makes the ring bells.
JJ: Yeah!
Students are doing the real mess, yelling and breaking stuffs.
KIERAN: So… Where does this go next? Burning all the gym equipment or sh1tting in the College Director’s desk? I tell you, I’d be up for either. I’m sorry.
NAOMI: You’re supposed to be flattered by my intention. But ultimately, honourably, unobtainable.
KIERAN: Yeah. A bit too flattered maybe. A bit too obtainable. A bit of a twat.
NAOMI: Yeah. Maybe. Do you like her?
KIERAN: Yeah. She’s… She’s right.
NAOMI: So go tell her, will you?
KIERAN: Yeah. Sure. Thanks!
Naomi is gonna leave but sees Cook in a room. She comes in.
COOK: I’m looking for three p*rn, two ninja stars and a butt plug that Kieran f*ck confiscated.
NAOMI: Think you’ll be expelled for this?
COOK: No. They’ll have to explain why, wouldn’t they? I reckon, when this is over, they’ll try and pretend it never happened.
NAOMI: You’re probably right.
COOK: I only really entered to piss you off, obviously.
NAOMI: Obviously. You ever wish things were just simple?
COOK: Things are simple. I won. Now we get to willy waggle, yeah?
NAOMI: I never said…
COOK: Are you sure? Are you actually sure you never said because… Hang on. I think we should willy waggle. (Naomi starts to kiss him) They all come to the Cookie Monster in the end.
They kiss on table and on the floor.
NAOMI: Cook! Cook! This isn’t right.
COOK: What?
NAOMI: Sorry. It’s just isn’t a goer.
COOK: Fair enough.
NAOMI: Is that it? You’re not even going to try and convince me? Most guys would.
COOK: Most guys aren’t me, babe. You fancy me, I’m cool with it. So there’s obviously another reason why you won’t f*ck me. And it’s probably a good one, because you’re, you know, clever.
NAOMI: (Kissing him on the cheek) You’re a lot nicer than most people think, aren’t you, Cook?
COOK: f*ck you.
NAOMI: f*ck you right back.
She leaves.
Naomi is walking in the street, the real mess of the high school is now in the street. Cars are even in f*re.
Naomi is sitting in her kitchen.
NAOMI’S MOTHER: You’ve noticed how quiet it is?
NAOMI: You kicked them out?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Probably take a few days to clean the place, right? (Sitting) What did you want to talk to me about this morning?
NAOMI: Is anyone here?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Just some man who seemed to think you wanted him back in my bed. He’s very entertaining for an Irishman.
NAOMI: It is peaceful.
NAOMI’S MOTHER: Yeah. Did I ever tell you how angry I was when I found out I was pregnant with you?
NAOMI: Is this going to cheer me up? Because I need cheering up, ok?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: I’m getting there. I’d met the man of my dreams. I wanted to travel the world, f*ck on every beach in India, be in love, and then I found out I was pregnant.
NAOMI: I can only apologise.
NAOMI’S MOTHER: And you know, your dad turned out to be a shitty little prick, and it was all a little bit rubbish. Until you made my life complete. And actually, rather f*cking wonderful.
NAOMI: I did that?
NAOMI’S MOTHER: I wasn’t expecting it. People who make us happy are never the people you expect. So, when you found someone, you’ve got to cherish it. (Kissing Naomi’s head) Right then. I’ve got an Irishman waiting for me, who says all he needs for happiness is regular sex and potatoes.
Naomi doesn’t move, still thinking.
She rings at Emily’s door.
EMILY: I’m not gonna open the door. My face is all puffy. I’ve been… crying a bit.
NAOMI: I don’t care. (She sits next to the door, Emily from her side, too) I do want someone. Need someone. You’re right.
EMILY: And?
NAOMI: And… when I’m with you, I feel like I’m a better person. I feel happier. Less… alone. Less lonely. (Emily takes her hand by the cat flap) But it’s not as simple as that, is it? Being with someone.
EMILY: Isn’t it?
NAOMI: No. I mean, I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think so. I mean… (Crying) Can’t we just sit like this… for a bit?
They interlace their hands together.
EMILY: Yeah. We can. For a bit. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x06 - Naomi"} | foreverdreaming |
COOK: Oh, f*ck! Jack-a-f*cking-NORY! Smashing.
EFFY: Wow. See you later, yeah?
FREDDIE: 'Hi, you're through to Freddie's Dyslexia helpline. 'Please leave a massage.'
ANTHEA: Jamie Oliver. Bastard. Stephen Fry. Bastard. Nelson Mandela. Bastard. Bastard. Bastard. Oh, big, fat, ugly Irish bastard!
EFFY: What are you doing?
ANTHEA: Oh, I'm just looking at pictures of men, saying which ones are bastards.
EFFY: Nice... Cook's gone.
ANTHEA: Mm-hm.
EFFY: We broke up.
ANTHEA: Yeah. Never mind, sweetheart.
EFFY: You OK?
ANTHEA: Yeah.
EFFY: It's just gonna make it really hard raising our baby.
ANTHEA: Yeah. Bastard.
FREDDIE: Karen, I told you...
KATIE: Hi, Effy. Babe, not being funny, but you look like microwaved shit. What's up?
FREDDIE: Nothing.
KATIE: Oh, my God, it's really good you're here, actually. You can drive, right?
EFFY: Yeah. Why?
KATIE: Cos... Me and Freddie are having a party tonight, in the woods... What's it called again, honey?
FREDDIE: Gobblers End.
KATIE: That's right. You should come!
FREDIDE: I was gonna borrow my dad's car, but now he has to... take Karen to an audition.
KATIE: We're always doing that!
EFFY: Maybe. I have to ask my mum if I can borrow the car.
KATIE: Cool. Can we ask you something, though? Me and Freddie want this to be like, a quiet thing, not some kind of... what did I call it before?
FREDDIE: Pikey hoe-down.
KATIE: Thanks, babe.
EFFY: So?
KATIE: So Cook's not invited. Cos we don't like him.
EFFY: Like I said. I have to ask my mum.
KATIE: OK. Well, you just have a little think about it and let us know, yeah? I'm going to have a shower. You coming, juicy?
FREDDIE: Yeah. In a minute, hon. Yeah. You should come.
EFFY: You want me to come?
FREDDIE: Why are you here?
EFFY: Came to tell you something.
FREDDIE: Yeah?
EFFY: Your shed's changed.
FREDDIE: Effy...
EFFY: I'll see you later, yeah?
FREDDIE: Effy...
COOK: Alright Anth, take me to your kitchen! Your daughter's in for a f*cking treat. Four courses, real fancy shit. Pesto. Salmon. Salad.
ANTHEA: Love, she's gone.
COOK: OK. What time's she back?
ANTHEA: Oh, not till tomorrow. They've gone to some party at Gobblers End.
COOK: Nah... Nah. Nah, cos we're supposed to hang out tonight.
ANTHEA: Was that before you broke up or after?
COOK: I bought a f*cking gateau. Black Forest...
ANTHEA: Oh. My favourite. Cheers.
PANDORA: Can't talk now, Mum. Later. Later, OK? Bye.
You sure this is the right way?
That's what the map says!
Oh, my God!
No we haven't...
Yes, we have!
Well, whatever!
Where do we go now?
Right. Yes. Turn right.
You're not indicating.
No, that's left!
Turn right and go straight on...
I'm sure it's left, right, Fred?
What are we doing?
This isn't the right way, I told you!
Stupid piece of crap.
We're just gonna have to ask someone for directions.
Who?
KATIE: Hello? Hello? Is anybody here? For f*ck's sake!
NICE: Excuse me, gentlemen, could you tell me how to get to Gobblers End, please?
MAN: Well, I wouldn't start from here, love. No, I reckon I could show you.
EFFY: Great. All right. Listen to the nice man, Freddie. Come on.
MAN: Right. Gobblers Knob... Gobblers End, you call it... See the roundabout? Well, go back there...
KATIE: Anybody here? Hello, hello...
MAN: Second on the right. You got that?
FREDDIE: Yeah, thanks.
MAN 2: Hey. You kids want to see something before you go? Are you leaving something for me, lovely?
KATIE: Let me out, please.
MAN 2: Cos I've got something for you.
KATIE: Get out of the way!
MAN 2: Little tradition of ours.
FREDDIE: Hang on, mate, do you really think...
MAN 2: Shut up, kid. Come on, sweetheart, you know you want it.
KATIE: Get off! Get off of me! Freddie! Freddie, help!
MAN 2: You made me miss. Sorry, but... I've never...missed...before.
FREDDIE: All right! That's it, that's enough, leave her alone! Go.
MAN: "Beware the moon"
Whatever. Freak!
f*cking hell!
Did you f*cking see the size of that g*n?
OK, let's get out of here.
Did you see the size of the Kn*fe?
Katie, what happened?
KATIE: f*cking hell. He just started shouting at me. I didn't even do anything.
EFFY: Panda? Panda? Thomas, is she OK?
Um, Eff?
KATIE: It's them. It's them. Freds... Freds...
Oh, my god... Shit!
Calm down, calm down.
Just stay calm. It's probably nothing. Just chill out.
Roll that down. Roll the f*cking window down.
What are they doing? Eff...
Pull the car over.
Stop the car.
Stop the car now!
Effy, stop the car!
w*nk*r.
Effy!
Are they gone? Christ...
I think we should go home.
FREDDIE: They're gone now. We're safe. As long as we, "Beware the moon". Obviously.
KATIE: Why are you laughing? It's not f*cking funny!
FREDDIE: All right, babes. Chill out.
Sorry. I was...
Come on. Not far now.
It's so heavy.
OK. This way, right, Freds?
Yep!
FREDDIE: You'll like it here, mate.
JJ: It's all right.
FREDDIE: So what's the deal with Thomas?
JJ: I don't know! Cook, like, had carnal relations with Pandora!
FREDDIE: Don't call it that.
JJ: His girlfriend's a no-good hussy and he's acting like everything's fine! It's messing with my head!
FREDDIE: How you doing, mate? Wasn't expecting to see you tonight. I mean it's great you're here. Just thought. After what Cook said at your gig.
THOMAS: I would like that we keep that between us for now, yes?
FREDDIE: Yeah. Yeah, course. Whatever you say.
KATIE: Freddie! Is this the right way?
FREDDIE: That's right, sweetheart.
EFFY: Panda. Are you all right?
PANDORA: Yeah! Fine! I mean, relationships just can't stay the same, can they? Can't always be lovely and lush and not full of weird silences all the time. People can't always be perfect cos that's not real, is it? It's not real cos things change. Don't they?
EFFY: Yeah. They do. But you can tell me. If something's up, I can help you.
PANDORA: Everything's great. I love Thomas, he loves me, everything's just, tickety-flippin-boo!
EFFY: OK, if you say so. Look what I found. Shroooms.
PANDORA: Are they funny ones?
KATIE: What are you doing?
EFFY: Found some shrooms. Want some?
KATIE: No! How d'you know they're not poisonous? I don't want you ruining my party by, like, vomming blood! And this isn't supposed to be that kind of party, Eff. It's just drinks and sausages. No mushrooms.
FREDDIE: Whoa, mushrooms! Who's got mushrooms? Give me some!
KATIE: Freddie!
FREDDIE: What? Chill out.
EMILY: Did I hear mushrooms?
KATIE: Emily! Don't you f*cking dare!
NAOMI: Don't listen to her, Ems.
All part of the fun, I suppose.
EFFY: Come on, Panda. Live a little.
PANDORA: No, thanks! Love is our drug!
THOMAS: Sometimes you need a little more sugar in your bowl, though. C'est vrai ca, ma jolie?
EFFY: Go on, Panda.
PANDORA: Eurggh.
KATIE: Don't cry. Don't f*cking cry.
PANDORA: How long till it kicks in, Eff?
EFFY: Not long.
FREDDIE: I am so f*cked. Do I look f*cked? Eff? Listen, before. In the shed. I was just... I just wondered... What were you gonna say?
EFFY: I'll tell you later. Bye.
KATIE: Katie's cold.
EMILY: Cos that's what it's about, isn't it? Forget all that other shit, cos it's not about that, it's about everything else. Like when you open your eyes in the night and you see that face... ..you see that face...
KATIE: Listen, Effy. I didn't even want you here and you've ruined my night. I invited you here was because you can drive and you're embarrassing yourself- don't you think? It's pretty sad, throwing yourself at your friend's boyfriend don't you think?
EFFY: Katie, come and sit down.
KATIE: I'm not being nasty or anything. I don't even think you realised you're doing it. It's just, it makes you look like a desperate whore.
Who moved the stuff?
What?
Who moved the stuff?
The bags are gone.
What are you talking about?
For God's sakes.
This is so not funny, guys.
Chill out, somebody...
Turn the music off!
Oh, shit!
PANDORA: Eff, I don't like it!
EFFY: It's OK, Panda.
Turn the lights off now.
Everything off.
Quick. JJ, get that f*re out!
Shh. Everyone, round the f*re!
Get down, get down.
What the f*ck do you think you're playing at? You f*cking idiots.
Jesus!
You f*cking prick!
FREDDIE: I should f*cking k*ll you!
NAOMI: You scared the shit out of us, stupid prick.
COOK: It wasn't me! There were psychos in the woods with a g*n! I saw them nick your stuff so they started sh**ting. They're f*cking mental!
KATIE: Shut up. Joke's over.
EMILY: You bloody scared us, you stupid f*cking tosser.
COOK: All right, calm down. I took your sodding knapsacks, children. They're just poachers, you daft w*nk*r.
EMILY: Poachers?
COOK: After rabbits and shit. Not you. I was just trying to freak you out.
FREDDIE: Why?
COOK: Cos I thought it'd be funny! And it totally was! Ooh, turn off the lights! Ooh, we're going to die!
KATIE: What the f*ck are you doing here?
COOK: Well, you know me. When I smell a shin dig I’m there.”
KATIE: Yeah well you weren’t invited so you can just f*ck off!
COOK: Ooh, but we’re having such a nice time. Your tits look f*cking mint from this angle by the way.
FREDDIE: What is your f*cking problem?
COOK: Come on then, Rambo. ike you don’t remember. What you want? My f*cking blood? You’ve f*cking taking everything else. You’ve taken f*cking JJ and now you’ve nicked her as well ! She hasn't told you has she? f*ck me! I'm so glad I didn't miss this!
KATIE :What's going on?
COOK: Effy doesn't want me any more. Do you, princess?
EFFY: No.
KATIE: So? Why should we care? Freddie's with me now. Right, Freddie? Freddie? Freddie!
FREDDIE: Right.
KATIE: I'm going for a walk.
FREDDIE: Katie.
COOK: Well, I think she took that pretty well, don't you?
JJ: Just go! No-one wants you here! No-one likes you! So JUST f*cking GO!
NAOMI: Do what he says. f*ck Off.
COOK: Whatever. Have nice lives, all of youse. You coming? Nah, yeah, stay here. With your friends. Look at them. Look at their little faces. You're all such whizzo chums aren't you? Ain't that right Eff? Ain't that right Panda? Panda's been worried lately Eff. Says you don't see each other as much as you used to. Ain't that right Panda? I said to her 'cupcake, maybe if you didn't spend as much time with my cock in your mouth...'
PANDORA: Shut up! Shut up! I can’t, come on Thomas!
THOMAS: Stop! It's fine. I know.
PANDORA: No, no, no...
EFFY: Wait! It was one time right? Your party. It was only once right? I need to sit down!
COOK: Um, sorry, slugger, I don't think you heard. Me. f*cked. Your. Girlfriend. Like, multiple times.
THOMAS: What do you want me to say?
COOK: I don't want you to say anything! h*t me. Come on! Come on, h*t me!
THOMAS: You are such a sad little boy.
PANDORA: Thomas, please. I stopped it. I love you. Just give me a chance.
THOMAS: I have given you chances! And you have not taken them! Time and again you've lied to me! It's too late now! I fell in love with this girl, she was good. She was honest... and doughnuts and... Now she is gone and this new one, I don't like her. She makes my heart hurt.
PANDORA: Please, please, Thomas, come back.
FREDDIE: Effy, are you OK?
EFFY: I'm really tripping, there's something on me.
FREDDIE: Effy. Effy, calm down.
EFFY: Get off me! Get off me!
FREDDIE: Calm down! It's me! Effy, wait! Effy!
EFFY: Who's that?
KATIE: Effy? Is that you? It's all right. It's me. Why are you crying?
EFFY: I...I don't know.
KATIE: Aww. Look at you. You're, like, totally monged, aren't you? Oh.
EFFY: What?
KATIE: f*ck, there's loads of, like, bugs in your hair!
EFFY: Where? Get them out! Get them off me!
KATIE: Effy! Effy! What you doing?
EFFY: The bugs! The bugs!
KATIE: What bugs? There's nothing there. Please don't take him from me.
EFFY: What?
KATIE: Freddie. Please don't take him from me.
EFFY: Hey. Hey. Don't do that.
KATIE: : Get your f*cking hands off me ! As if you could take him from me! God, you're so up yourself! Your life's so shit, you want to crap all over mine! Don't invite f*cking psychos to my party and don't push your flat little tits in my boyfriend's face, OK? I said, OK? Cos I swear, babes, I'm serious, if you ever try and touch anything that belongs to me ever again, I will f*ck you up. I said OK? I said OK?
EFFY: h*t me.
FREDDIE: What?
EFFY: Just once. I want to feel something. h*t me! I dare you.
JJ: Phew! Bit cramped in there. Me, two girls and one tent - nightmare! You ladies like to wriggle, don't you? Anyway. I need a wee and a Tic Tac.
NAOMI: Morning.
FREDDIE: Good morning.
JJ: Has anyone seen Pandora or Thomas?
EMILY: And where's Katie? Thought she'd be with you, Fred.
FREDDIE: Probably still asleep.
PANDORA: Thomas has gone home. He's gone. I got to go now, please.
FREDDIE: Katie!
EMILY: Katie!
EFFY: Freddie!
FREDDIE: Yeah?
EFFY: Nothing.
FREDDIE: Just need to find her, OK?
VOICE: 'Are you saying you don't know where you are?'
EFFY: No, I mean I can't find her.
VOICE: 'Why not?'
EFFY: Because I just f*cking can't, OK! Just send an ambulance, will you?
VOICE: Keep calm... Calm down.
EFFY: I think I h*t her. No, I mean I can't find her. With a rock, and now she's... I was tripping, I didn't mean to. Please...
NAOMI: How long does it take to have a wee, Eff?
VOICE: 'Tell me where you are.'
EFFY: It's Gobblers End. Coming!
PANDORA: 'Hi, this is Pandora. I can't get to the phone right now. Please leave a message. Bye.'
FREDDIE: 'You're through to Freddie's dyslexia helpline.'
EMILY: 'Hi, this is Emily, sorry I can't take your call right now, but...
NAOMI: 'Naomi. I'm not here. Wait for the beep.'
JJ: 'JJ's phone. I can't take your call so just leave me a message. Please call again later.'
EFFY: Hi! Freddie, hi! Are you...
FREDDIE: 'I should've gone with her, Eff. 'Middle of the night, I just let her go. 'She's got nine stitches in her head. 'She was lying in those woods all night. Alone. 'f*ck knows what happened to her. 'She's not even woken up yet.'
EFFY: But she's OK, right? She is OK?
FREDDIE: 'Yeah, I guess. 'Eff? 'Eff, you there? 'I gotta go. I'm meeting Em at the hospital. Call you later.'
EFFY: Freddie, wait.
EFFY: She woke up, then?
FREDDIE: Yeah. She woke up.
EFFY: Fred, listen, she...pulled my hair.
FREDDIE: So what?! She pulled your hair so you smashed her head open?
EFFY: It was an accident ! I was tripping! She choked me, I couldn't breathe!
FREDDY: I can't see any bruises. I can see nine f*cking stitches! But when did it happen?
EFFY: Just before... Em, it was an accident. I promise.
EMILY: You h*t her with a rock. You just left her there. She could have died.
EFFY: Panda, listen.
EFFY: Whose car is this?
COOK: Dunno. But they do have a sterling collection of power ballads.
EFFY: Where we going? OK. Where are we?
COOK: It's you and me, babe. It's always gonna be you and me. It's always you and me. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x08 - Effy"} | foreverdreaming |
[Roundview College.]
EMILY: Katie Fitch, History as exam.
DOUG: Good to see you back, Katie. History at the back there.
JJ: Hi, Katie, I...
EMILY: Hi.
DOUG: Ok, kids, you can turn over your papers, and no funny business. Let's get ready to rumble!
[Fitch's House.]
MRS FITCH: Katie? Katie? Can I come in? How about some sun, eh?
KATIE: Don't.
MRS FITCH: I think so. Come and do PlayStation with James. I could fix your hair.
KATIE: What difference would it make? Still look awful.
MRS FITCH: Oh, no. Marks don't last. They cover up. I rang college today about your history exam.
KATIE: Why? I told you not to!
MRS FITCH: It's important! They said you can sit it later. When you're yourself.
KATIE: I'm rubbish at history anyway. Rubbish at everything. Not like Emily.
MRS FITCH: Oh, hush! I hope they lock that Stonem girl up when they find her.
[Roundview College.]
NAOMI: Nice job.
EMILY: Stop it! Don't. It took f*cking ages!
NAOMI: Yeah, well. Wish I had someone to pass my exams for me.
EMILY:Yeah.
NAOMI: I hope you're gonna finish the job and dump Freddie for her as well.
EMILY: Oh, that's over. Katie knows it.
NAOMI: Yeah. It was an eventful barbecue. Adultery makes a party go with such a swing!
EMILY: It's not funny. Effy hurt her.
NAOMI: Like I said, it was eventful. You should dress up more often.
EMILY: They're Katie's.
NAOMI: Yeah? You look nice. From the neck down.
EMILY: Naomi...
NAOMI: I think I'm going away for the summer.
EMILY: Oh.
NAOMI: Spain, Cyprus perhaps. By myself. Spend some time by myself, you know? Do some thinking. By... myself.
EMILY: About what?
NAOMI: Let's just be friends, OK?
EMILY: We say that, don't we?
NAOMI: Yeah. Have a good summer.
EMILY: I'll miss you.
NAOMI: I can't stand it. I can't.
EMILY: It's ok. Jesus.
NAOMI: Christ. Let's get out of here.
FREDDIE: Katie? I... thought you were Katie. Oh, shit. Shit, shit, shit, girl.
[Fitch's House.]
JAMES: That's secret!
KATIE: f*ck off, worm.
JAMES: Dinner's ready, bitch!
KATIE: Excuse me?
JAMES: Gordon Macpherson says "bitch" all the time. Now I say it too.
KATIE: You don't say it to me, ok?
JAMES: Ok, sorry.
KATIE: What's in the box, James? I know you know the combination.
JAMES: I don't, Emily changed it after I...
KATIE: After you what?
JAMES: Nothing.
KATIE: What's in the box, James?
JAMES: It's a secret. Oh!
KATIE: I'm waiting.
JAMES: Ok, ok. Fannies! It's full of fannies!
[Naomi's bedroom.]
EMILY: You ok?
NAOMI: Yeah.
EMILY: What about your mum?
NAOMI: This is my room. No-one's allowed in here.
EMILY: I wish I had a room like that. Katie and me, we're always together. Everything together. Eating, sleeping... until we were nine we used to take a dump at the same time.
NAOMI: Jesus!
EMILY: Yeah. No secrets, there's no point.
NAOMI: And what about this one?
EMILY: Naomi... I want to tell people.
NAOMI: That you're gay?
EMILY: I want to tell people about us. Come to the college ball with me. Like we're... together.
NAOMI: I don't want to do that.
EMILY: Why not?
NAOMI: Em, it's nobody's business.
EMILY: Why? Who cares what other people...
NAOMI: Emily. I'm not like you. I'm not sure, like you are.
EMILY: What aren't you sure of?
NAOMI: Can't things ever be complicated?
EMILY: Fine. You like boys too?
NAOMI: Maybe. Maybe I only like boys, apart from you.
EMILY: Well, that's f*cking great! You're so in touch with yourself, aren't you? Come to the ball with me.
NAOMI: Don't do that.
EMILY: No. You don't do that. I'm not your f*cking experiment! Where are my f*cking...? Oh, my f*cking shoes! Oh, f*ck it! Keep them. I'm tired. So sick and tired of it. Still holding hands through a cat flap, aren't we? Have fun in Cyprus.
[On the street.]
THOMAS: Hi, Emily. Where are your shoes?
EMILY: They... Hello. I couldn't find them.
THOMAS: Well, you can wear mine.
EMILY: No, you don't need to.
THOMAS: It's ok. I don't mind bare feet. It's easier to run. Here. Let me give you a jacket.
EMILY: No, really, Thomas...
THOMAS: It's fine. I have three coats. See? Now, all fixed up, yes?
EMILY: What do you do if someone you love lets you down? Really f*ck you over?
THOMAS: You must try to stop loving them.
EMILY: Is that possible?
THOMAS: No. I don't think so.
EMILY: I'm gay, Thomas.
THOMAS: It's fine. Shall we call a taxi? I don't think this bus is going to come soon. Besides, my feet are extremely cold.
[Fitch's House.]
MR FITCH: It's pathetic. This guy can hardly do ten reps on a bench press without retching like a baby. Eventually I had to say to him, "Ken, if you puke one more time in my gym it won't be your heart you'll have to worry about cos I'll k*ll you meself!"
MRS FITCH: That's great, Rob. I'm sure he'll appreciate it...eventually
MR FITCH: Too right. No pain, no drain, no gain, yeah? Yeah?
MRS FITCH: I'm sure that's right.
MR FITCH: You don't get your gluts and your pecs taut without reps, reps, reps. I'm always saying that.
MRS FITCH: Yes, you are.
MR FITCH: Wow. Great soup. What is it?
MRS FITCH: Artichoke and beetroot.
MR FITCH: Babe, you're the best. You feed us like champions. It won't make you fit, it'll make you what, Katiekins?
KATIE: Fitch.
MR FITCH: Yes! Don't get fit, get Fitch, right?
JAMES: I want fish and chips. This tastes like bollocky wankshite.
MRS FITCH: James!
JAMES: What? They say bollocky wankshite all the time at Gordon Macpherson's house. Mrs Macpherson says as long as swearing is used in context, it's f*cking A.
MRS FITCH: Rob!
MR FITCH: That's ten reps on the naughty bar.
JAMES: Why, why, why?!
MR FITCH: We're not Macpherson, we're Fitch. Do it. Go! Go, go!
JAMES: It's just not fair.
MR FITCH: And proper extension, boy. One... Two... Three... Come on, kid. Put some burn into it! Four... Five...
MRS FITCH: Emily, is that you, darling?
MR FITCH: Six
MRS FITCH: Dinner's getting cold.
MR FITCH: Get up, kid. You can do the last four reps before bed.
JAMES: You smell...
EMILY: Shut up
MRS FITCH: What have you been doing?
EMILY: Nothing.
MRS FITCH: You look like you've been fighting.
EMILY: Well, I haven't. Look, leave me alone.
MRS FITCH: Ok. Is it a boy that's upset you?
KATIE: Look, mum, I don't think she wants to talk about it.
MRS FITCH: Well, I do. Cos if it's been a boy that's been... You look like you've been roughed up, so tell me.
EMILY: It wasn't a boy.
KATIE: Yeah, see?
EMILY: So... it was a girl.
MR FITCH: You've been fighting with a girl? That's not very ladylike.
EMILY: No, Dad. I've been making love to a girl. Ok? Everybody satisfied?
KATIE: You're such a liar. Don't listen to her.
EMILY: Her name's Naomi. She's rather beautiful. So I was nailing her.
MRS FITCH: Sorry?
MR FITCH: Ok, ok, I get it. Nice one. Had me going there! I've got to mind my own business. Funny, very nice. Very nice! You've got to give it to her! Convincing!
EMILY: Dad. I'm trying to tell you...
KATIE: Shut up!
MR FITCH: I've got Mambo Badminton at nine. High calorie burn. I love those moves. "Nailing her..." You're funny!
JAMES: Gordon Macpherson says you call them d*ke, because you have to stick your finger in them.
KATIE: You ruined my f*cking top.
EMILY: I sat your exam for you. You could've at least backed me up.
KATIE: I did back you up! I just spent an hour downstairs trying to convince mum that you made it all up.
EMILY: That's f*cking great.
KATIE: Because you have!
EMILY: What?
KATIE: You've just conjured up this thing with Naomi because... I don't know, maybe you're jealous of me.
EMILY: Jealous?
KATIE: Yes, jealous, because I get more boys than you, I look better in clothes than you and I'm more popular than you.
EMILY: f*ck off.
KATIE: Yeah, I think so. You can't stand it, it's sad. So are you gonna stop now before you hurt everybody?
EMILY: f*ck off.
KATIE: You're not gay. You're just stupid.
EMILY: Right, I'm stupid. I'm stupid because I don't let anyone f*ck me when they're in love with somebody else?
KATIE: What?
EMILY: You let Freddie use you and look where it's got you. That's a normal relationship, isn't it? She f*cked you up good, didn't she? Nobody hits me over the head with a rock. Loser. Katie. Look at me! I'm still Emily. Oh!
NAOMI: Sorry.
MRS FITCH: That's ok. I'm always in a rush. I'm sorry, I don't think we've...
NOAMI: Naomi, I'm a friend of Emily's.
MRS FITCH: Come in.
NAOMI: Oh, I thought you were in...
MRS FITCH: No, really, it's fine. They're all still in bed.
NAOMI: I should go.
MRS FITCH: Please. Sit down. Please.
NAOMI: I just...
MRS FITCH: Emily's impressionable.
NAOMI: What?
MRS FITCH: She's the younger twin.
NAOMI: Right.
MRS FITCH: And that means that somehow she's always in her sister's shadow. I don't know why that is, but it is. Katie's always in charge. And I think Emily wants to, I don't know, do something to feel that she's...
NAOMI: I don't know what we're talking about here.
MRS FITCH: Yes, you do. So I want you to stop putting ideas into her head, ok? She's not gay.
NAOMI: I'm not gay.
MRS FITCH: Right, so there's nothing to worry about then, is there? Because they're the apple of their dad's eye. He loves them, like, fierce, you know? Just the way they are. Normal, happy twins, and they're more alike than
you'll ever know.
NAOMI: Are you sure of that?
MRS FITCH: I want you to disappear now, Naomi. Don't screw her up, ok? Goodbye, Naomi.
KATIE: Sory
EMILY: Huh?
KATIE: I'm sory.
EMILY: Why are you talking Twin? We don't do that any more.
KATIE: Say you're sory too.
EMILY: Sory. Are you getting dressed? Are you going out?
KATIE: Yep. I'm sick of this f*cking house. I'm sick of being sick.
EMILY: Where are you going?
KATIE: We're going shopping.
EMILY: For what?
KATIE: For Love Ball dresses.
EMILY: We don't have dates.
KATIE: So we'll go together.
EMILY: I don't want to.
KATIE: We're going together! Please, I need you, ok?
JAMES: I want my packed lunch.
KATIE: Shit.
JAMES: Whoa! You're naked, bitch.
KATIE: Kick the shit out of him.
JAMES: Sorry! Mum! Mum!
[In the street.]
PANDORA: Oh.
EMILY: Hi.
KATIE: Hi, Panda.
PANDORA: How you feeling?
KATIE: Yeah, I'm better.
PANDORA: You're feeling better? That's great.
KATIE: Have you heard from Effy?
PANDORA: I'm sure she didn't mean...
KATIE: Oh, I think she meant it, don't you?
PANDORA: I'm sorry.
EMILY: It's not your fault, Panda. What are you doing?
PANDORA: I bought this dress for the Love Ball in case Thomas forgave me. Anyway, I'm taking it back.
KATIE: We haven't got anyone to go with but we're still going. Right, Ems?
EMILY: Yeah, I suppose.
KATIE: So keep your dress and we'll go together, ok? Just the girls, right?
EMILY: You mean, like, go girls?
KATIE: Yeah, go girls. Right. You got it.
PANDORA: Ok, go girls. Whizzer.
EMILY: See you, Panda.
PANDORA: I'm never doing surf and turf with boys ever again. It just f*ck everything up, don't it?
KATIE: Let's shop.
[In the shop.]
KATIE: Shit. Shit. What the f*ck is he doing here?
EMILY: Do you want to go?
KATIE: Yeah... no... I don't know.
EMILY: Come on, let's go.
KATIE: Christ, is he coming over?
EMILY: No, he's not that stupid. Oh, f*ck.
KATIE: f*ck.
FREDDIE: Hi, Katie.
KATIE: What do you want?
FREDDIE: Nothing, I just wanted to see how you are.
KATIE: Oh! Now you want to see how I am. Thanks, that's well compassionate. Cheers.
JJ: Hi, Emily.
EMILY: Hi.
FREDDIE: I didn't know what to say. I f*cked up.
KATIE: No, Freddie. You f*cked Effy when you were meant to be f*cking me. Oh, yeah, after she h*t me with a rock!
FREDDIE: Right. Yeah.
KATIE: I'm trying on dresses.
JJ: So, mum bought me my first man suit for the Love Ball. 65% polyester, 35% viscose. It is a bit crackly and I don't like the way the cat rubs against me...
EMILY: JJ, shut up.
JJ: I needed a tie... and I'm winding up. Freddie brought me here and... I've stopped. I've stopped, but still uncomfortable.
EMILY: Do I really have to tell you what to do now?
EMILY: You didn't tell anyone about me and you, did you, JJ?
JJ: No, no. Of course not.
EMILY: Because that's a secret.
JJ: Yep. Schtum. Need-to-know basis. Zipped it. Total, total secret. I told Freddie.
EMILY: JJ!
JJ: No, no, no, no. It's fine, it's fine, he doesn't even mind that you're gay either.
EMILY: Come on. Let's get you a f*cking tie.
FREDDIE: Can't you see I just want to make things right?
KATIE: You can't. Look at the state of me.
FREDDIE: What can I do?
KATIE: You humiliated me. Effy doesn't even want you.
FREDDIE: No.
KATIE: No, cos otherwise she'd be here and not with Cook. There's nothing I can do to make you want me more than her, is there?
FREDDIE: Katie, I'm sorry.
KATIE: But you f*cking owe me, Freddie. You owe me!
FREDDIE: Ok.
KATIE: You'll take me to that ball and everyone will see you looking like you like it.
FREDDIE: Right, but I told JJ I'd go with him. He's a bit shy.
KATIE: He's taking Emily.
FREDDIE: Oh, he'd like that.
KATIE: I don't care if he'd like that. He's doing it.
FREDDIE: Ok. I suppose after they had their thing... He was very animated, you know.
KATIE: Sorry?
FREDDIE: You know, when they got it on. I told him he was a lucky, lucky boy.
KATIE: Right... Yeah, she said he was cute.
FREDDIE: Cute? He was f*cking ecstatic. But that's a secret, yeah?
KATIE: Yeah, yeah, well, she tells me everything.
FREDDIE: I figured.
EMPLOYEE 1: I told you there was a guy in here.
KATIE: Excuse me, I'm changing!
EMPLOYEE 2: You've got to come with me.
EMPLOYEE 1: That's disgusting. They probably pinched stuff.
EMPLOYEE 2: Yeah, I've gotta frisk you.
FREDDIE: Go frisk yourself.
EMPLOYEE 2: I've got a situation here, Samantha.
EMPLOYEE 1: Get names, Trevor.
[Fitch's House.]
KATIE: How did something like that just happen?
EMILY: He wanted a rumble and so did I.
KATIE: That's not a rumble. That's insanity spelled G-E-E-K! You're such a secretive little cow.
EMILY: What the f*ck?! Can't I sleep with someone now?
KATIE: That's not someone, he's a mong.
EMILY: Right, well, I feel like having sex with him. I don't have to ask you.
KATIE: Yes, you do!
EMILY: What?
KATIE: You have to ask me. You have to ask Katie. Not gay, stupid!
MRS FITCH: Emily... please don't be horrible to Katie.
EMILY: She's a bitch, Mum.
MRS FITCH: She's been hurt. You've got to remember that. Please, Em. No-one's hurt you like that.
EMILY: Ok.
[Roundview College.]
TEACHER: Excuse me! Where are you going?
KATIE: "What?"
NAOMI: Please, Emily. I have to speak to you.
KATIE: "What for?"
NAOMI: Don't hang up.
KATIE: Fine, you can meet me for coffee.
[At the coffee.]
NAOMI: Emily.
KATIE: You gonna sit down?
NAOMI: Was that you on the phone?
KATIE: She shouldn't leave it lying around. Leave her alone, she's mine.
NAOMI: She can't help what she is, Katie. Neither can I.
KATIE: Yeah? Seemed like she could help it when she was f*cking JJ.
NAOMI: What?
KATIE: Apparently he's quite keen, actually. After she saw to him good and proper.
NAOMI: It's not true.
KATIE: You hurt her, and now she doesn't want you.
NAOMI: Why are you so horrible?
KATIE: Because I love her more than you ever can. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got dresses to buy for a ball. You won't be there, because if you are...
[Fitch's House.]
JJ: JJ, hi. Hello, Jonah. Pleased to meet you. Yo, Fitch family.
FREDDIE: What are you stressing about? It's tradition. Parents just want to know their little girls are in safe hands.
JJ: They'll know just where these hands have been.
FREDDIE: JJ, they're not gonna know you had sex with Emily.
JJ: My mum knew straightaway. It was written all over my face.
FREDDIE: Mr Fitch. Freddie, JJ.
MR FITCH: Ah! The young men have arrived. They're getting ready. You know how girls are. They're not still virgins tomorrow, I'll hunt you down like dogs.
KATIE: Come on, they're here.
EMILY: I don't want to.
KATIE: I said Katie schum, ok? I was surprised, that's all. Did she ring you again?
EMILY: No.
KATIE: No. She cos she doesn't want to go with you and I do. So just put the dress on and let's go out.
EMILY: Don't touch that.
KATIE: I know what's in here, Ems.
EMILY: Please. Give it back.
KATIE: It's a box of fannies, is it making you happy?
EMILY: No.
KATIE: So put it away. Please can we go to the ball now?
JJ: They're taking a long time.
FREDDIE: Yeah.
MRS FITCH: It's a chance to get to know you, isn't that nice? So, tell me JJ, do you know Emily well?
JJ: Um, pretty well.
MRS FITCH: She hasn't mentioned you.
JJ: Well, a bit of a secret, you know.
MRS FITCH: Really?
FREDDIE: JJ's a bit shy.
MRS FITCH: I can see that. It's written all over your face.
JJ: No, it's not.
FREDDIE: J...
JJ: I didn't... well, I did... pyjamas and she made me do it.
MRS FITCH: Huh?
JJ: Yes, but it was all totally safe, so don't worry.
MRS FITCH: Right. Right.
KATIE: Hey. We're ready.
[Roundview College.]
DOUG: Welcome to the Love Ball.
GIRL: Nice suit.
DOUG: Have a good time. Pandora! Step this way. I must say, Pandora, you are a vision.
PANDORA: Thanks, Doug!
DOUG: Where is your beau?
PANDORA: Here, silly.
DOUG :No, your... beau, your boyfriend. Your escort.
PANDORA: No, I tried escorting, I didn't like it. So I'm getting myself to a nunnery. You know, no boys, no way, no how. They're idiots. I've had it.
DOUG: Oh, dear. In that case, would you allow me the honour of a dance? Let's get this party started, shall we?
PANDORA: Great. Cos I'm a wicked dancer.
DOUG: You're in the hands of a master.
FREDDIE: Oh, Jesus, what is this stuff?
JJ: It's Dad's potato moonshine. He went on a "distil anything" course. Use it for weedkiller, mainly. What's it like?
KATIE: Urgh! Shit, ugh! f*ck!
EMILY: Katie, this is too weird.
JJ: This just... this feels a bit weird, you know?
FREDDIE: I know. We have to do it, though, right?
KATIE: We're just on a date.
FREDDIE: We're just on a date. No... shagging.
JJ: No? I'd quite like to, you know? If... she'd let me.
EMILY: Just as long as I don't have to shag him.
KATIE: No-one's shagging, we're just gonna...
FREDDIE: Chill out. That's it, ok?
JJ: Ok. Give me that.
FREDDIE: Hang on, JJ, no, you don't... drink.
JJ: Right. Let's do this.
KATIE: Go, girls. All right?
FREDDIE: Ladies. Welcome to the Love Ball.
JJ: Yes, love is all around, hopefully. And...
NAOMI: Oh, how sweet. Out on a foursome. Look at you, JJ. Suave! Well, it should be fun. Emily's great in the sack, isn't she, JJ?
JJ: Um... yes... I mean... wait, I mean... but... Oh, bobbins.
EMILY: Naomi, I wanted to tell you...
NAOMI: Yeah? But you didn't, did you, hon? So, if you'll excuse me...
EMILY: Christ!
KATIE: Right.
JJ: Definitely not shagging tonight, then.
FREDDIE: No, JJ. Come on. They're girls. They always kiss and make up.
KATIE: f*ck off!
NAOMI: You're just a mad f*cking cow, aren't you, Katie?
KATIE: You're so f*cking right. That's for f*cking her up.
NAOMI: But that wasn't me.
KATIE: She's my sister! You're just a slut.
NAOMI: Takes one to know one, doesn't it?
KATIE: Oh, go f*ck yourself, Naomi!
NAOMI: Didn't need to blab about JJ! You just loved doing it, didn't you, Katiekins?
KATIE: She deserved it.
EMILY: What did I deserve, Katie?
KATIE: Emily... No... it wasn't like that! Emily! Emily, please don't walk away.
EMILY: You f*cking cow!
KATIE: Get off! Get off me!
HARRIET: Excuse me. Mavis. Do me a favour.
MAVIS: What?
HARRIET: Bugger off, would you, there's a good girl.
DOUG: Harriet, are you all right?
HARRIET: No, Doug. There's a couple of things I need to go over with you.
DOUG: Oh?
HARRIET: I just want to say... I just want to say...
DOUG: Girls, girls! Girls, girls!
KATIE: Get off!
EMILY: Katie... I can't stand this. I'm a person. I'm not you.
KATIE: I know.
EMILY: You have to understand, Katie. I love you. And I'll never really leave you. But I can't fix this. I like girls. No... I like a girl. No. I love her. Ok? I love... her. Ok?
KATIE: Ok.
THOMAS: Pandora.
PANDORA: Please. Can we start again? I promise. I promise I...
THOMAS: Hello. I'm Thomas. So glad to meet you.
NAOMI: Some party.
EMILY: Eventful.
NAOMI: Yeah. I love you too.
EMILY: I know. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x09 - Katie and Emily"} | foreverdreaming |
EFFY: Morning, slugger.
COOK: Where are we?
EFFY: Thought you were the man with the plan.
COOK: I am. I am.
EFFY: It's been weeks, Cook. One small shitty town after another.
COOK: Oh, Eff, it's not about the destination. It's about the journey. '09 Bonnie and Clyde. Outlaw tour of Britain.
EFFY: I'm serious, Cook. Where are we going?
COOK: We're here. This is it.
EFFY: Here?
COOK: Here. This town.
EFFY: Why?
COOK: Because this is where my dad lives. Aren't you coming with me?
EFFY: Not yet.
COOK: But I want you to meet him. I brought you here to meet him.
EFFY: I will. But I think you need to meet him first. Don't be a p*ssy.
EFFY: Be careful.
[In the pub.]
COOK SR: Ladies and germs, the f*cking Milky Bars are on me. Drinks all round, yeah? Ah, Jesus. Everyone, the fruit of my looms. My f*cking son. And this is his very lovely ladyfriend. Pints and sh*ts over here, monsieur, and make it snappy, my mouth's as dry as a nun's. Have a view at the only copper for 40 miles. Eh? Do what you like. Smoke inside. Ash on the f*cking floor, see if anyone bats an eyelid. In fact...piss on it. There's a couple of old boys would pay top dollar to see that. This ain't Kansas any more, Toto. Out here you are free as f*ck.
COOK: A-f*cking-men.
COOK SR: Right, here we go.
DONALD: You get one round on account of your lad being here.
COOK SR: Donald, how am I meant to clear my tab, eh? Your wife's away so much I hardly get a chance to see to her.
DONALD: That's 345 pounds...23 pence.
COOK SR: "That's 345 pounds...23 pence." Dick. The only thing that matters to shitheads like him is money.
COOK: It's a f*cking disgrace, Dad.
COOK SR: I mean, there's got to be more to life than that, am I right?
EFFY: Like what?
COOK: f*cking.
COOK SR: Shagging. 'Ey! Ah-ha-ha! Great minds, Son. Great minds. Everyone knows the best things in life are free.
COOK: Never a truer word, Dad.
COOK SR: Can't believe it. This. Mm? Feels all right, don't it? Me and you, back together. At last. I'm like a dog with two dicks! There's nothing more important than blood. Eh? Isn't that right, princess?
[Freddie & JJ are working.]
JJ: I can't find item 47758 anywhere. Someone's made a very inconvenient error. If we have to go through all the 477s I'm going to be piqued, not to mention vexed. Especially if someone's...
FREDDIE: You all right?
JJ: Yep, don't worry. My back and skull cushioned the fall. Here's item 47758.
FREDDIE: I told you to be more careful on the step ladder, J.
JJ: Stupid old useless, mental me.
FREDDIE: You're not useless...just... Who loses a toilet seat on a bus?
JJ: The 477s are all from trains.
FREDDIE: Have you got, like, some kind of problem with me?
JJ: I just wish you wouldn't smoke so much weed while we're working.
FREDDIE: Why? They don't care.
JJ: It's just a bit...boring sometimes.
FREDDIE: Are you saying I'm boring? Right, so what's next on the list?
JJ: Look, Fred, sorry.
FREDDIE: It's fine.
JJ: Please, I'm sorry, Fred.
FREDDIE: It's...fine.
JJ: For flip's sake! Stop saying it's fine! It's not fine! Nothing's fine! It's all...smegged, OK?
FREDDIE: You're really getting the hang of this swearing stuff, J!
JJ: OK, how about this, then? I mother-f*cking, fanny-farting, cock-munching resign!
FREDDIE: What do you mean you're quitting? You can't quit.
JJ: I can. I learned from the best.
FREDDIE: You've still got the toilet seat.
ANTHEA: Are you... Effy's friend?
JJ: I... I think so. Are you her mum?
ANTHEA: Can I...sit? JJ, right? The magician.
JJ: Oh...I used to do magic. Not any more, though.
ANTHEA: I used to be married. Not any more, though.
JJ: Pick a card, any card.
ANTHEA: I thought you gave up.
JJ: Some things are quite hard to let go of.
ANTHEA: Effy likes magic.
JJ: Are you sure ?
ANTHEA: Well, yeah, not the... you know, stupid abracadabra sort. I... I'm so sorry.
JJ: It's OK. I've come to terms with the facts.
ANTHEA: You know... she was four years old the first time she b*at me at hide and seek. Four. I was looking for her for hours. When I finally found her... she just smiled. You know that Effy smile? That means..."You don't know me at all." "And you never will." See, that's a kind of magic. She's so good at concealing things and...hiding, avoiding.
JJ: Yeah.
ANTHEA: But I do know her. And I know that she has got so much love in her heart... that the thought of...letting it out, showing her cards... it scares her to death. I never knew it would be possible to miss someone this much.
[In the pub.]
COOK: Go on, Dad! Come on, all the way! All the way, Dad! Go on, Dad! COOK SR: Excellent. Piece of piss. Have that! Well, he's done most of it. Go on, don't be a twat, give him his prize.
DONALD: The whole jar, we said.
COOK SR: All right.
COOK: Nice. Ease you in.
DONALD: One half-pint of bitter, you sad little man. Right! Time! Everyone either head down the club or f*ck off home!
COOK SR: Oh, I'm gonna have to neck it now.
[Outside.]
DONNY: How about that, boys? Eh? All right? What you doin'?
EFFY: I'm not sure.
DONNY: What you doin' tomorrow? It's the solstice steeplechase. Come down and watch.
EFFY: The what?
DONNY: It's a race. Old village tradition. I'm champion, three years running. Aren't I, lads? You know, if you were my girl, I wouldn't let you out of my sight.
EFFY: Yeah?
DONNY: I'd handcuff you to the bed an' all. Those things'll k*ll you, you know.
EFFY: Hadn't heard.
DONNY: That's funny, you can put it on your tombstone.
EFFY: So, what, you don't smoke? Drink? Nothing?
DONNY: We're straight-edge.
COOK: Ef! Effy!Effy!
DONNY: I don't let the pressure crush me up. You've got to look after yourself. Know what I mean?
COOK: Come on, Ef. We're going clubbin'. You, me and Dad.
EFFY: No.
COOK: What?
EFFY: Let's get out of here. Let's just go, now.
COOK: Effy... Listen, there's nowhere else to go. This is it. And it's f*cking brilliant! Come on, let's go get f*cked up.
[In the club.]
COOK: So what d'you think of her, then?
COOK SR: Very tidy. Nice pins, quality tits and an arse like two snooker balls in a sock. Marvellous! Yeah. I'd ride that to hell and back. Looks like I'll have to get in the f*cking queue, though.
COOK: No, I'm going to keep her, you know. She's mine. No c**t's taking her away from me.
COOK SR: I reckon some c**t already did.
COOK: What? You f*cking prick! f*cking prick! f*cking... Come on!
[Out of the boat]
COOK SR: Full moon. When the full moon rises... ..gods and monsters will come out to play. So how does it feel? Eh? To have everyone want you? That Donny's desperate to get into your pants. Are you gonna let him? What about me? You gonna let me into your pants? Yeah. Too pretty for your own good. That's why you destroy everything you touch.
EFFY: Look who's talking.
COOK SR: I'm g*n N' Roses, love. I've got an appetite for destruction.
EFFY: You're not his dad. Not really.
COOK SR: And you're not his girlfriend. Not really. You're going to f*cking snap that boy's heart in two.
EFFY: And you've been doing it to him every day of his life.
COOK SR: Where do you think you're going?
EFFY: Nowhere.
[In Freddie's shed.]
KAREN: Freddie!
FREDDIE: Oh, yeah, right there. Ohh!
KAREN: JJ's here. Bye. Sorry, it's just...Facebook really needs to hear about this.
JJ: I just wanted to say something.
FREDDIE: Maybe I'll turn this off first, yeah? You can look now. So what's up? I thought you'd quit.
JJ: I can't quit. You can't quit. None of us can. We're still the Musketeers. We do stuff.
FREDDIE: Well, what are we supposed to do?
JJ: We're supposed to find them. We're supposed to sort this mess out once and for all.
FREDDIE: There's nothing to sort out.
JJ: Really?
Rings
FREDDIE: What is this number? Hello?
EFFY: Hello?
FREDDIE: Who is this?
EFFY: Freddie... Cook's in trouble. He needs your help. You need to come get him, right?
FREDDIE: Well, why can't you help him?
EFFY: Because I love you.
[On the boat.]
COOK: Where's Effy?
COOK SR: No idea. She must have f*cked off sometime during the night.
COOK: What?
COOK SR: Probably jealous of you and me.
COOK: We've got to find her.
COOK SR: Never mind, she'll be back.
COOK: How do you know?
COOK SR: She's in a small town, she's got f*ck-all money and she's got no car. Anyway, fanny's fanny. Yeah? Family's family. I've got an idea that's going to take this town by f*cking storm. But I need you with me 100%. Yeah?
COOK: Yeah.
COOK SR: Right, when we get in there... You do the talking. Great minds, son. Great minds.
COOK: Yeah, Dad.
COOK SR: Oh, I've missed "Dad".
COOK: f*ck off, Dad!
[In the pub.]
COOK SR: Oh! Place looks cracking, Donald. What time's Binkie the Clown serving up jelly and ice cream?
DONALD: Piss off, you. You're never getting a drink in here, ever.
COOK SR: f*cking hell, Donald. Your customer service has gone right out the window. They'd never stand for that in the States.
DONALD: You want to sod off to America, Cook, be my guest. I'll even buy your ticket.
COOK SR: But if I left, Donald I'd never be able to pay off me debt.
DONALD: How are you ever gonna pay me back?
COOK SR: Little wager.
DONALD: Oh, wonderful! Do tell.
COOK SR: My boy here... is going to enter your steeplechase.
DONALD: That... is...good news. No-one was even bothering to enter against Donny this year. What's the bet?
COOK SR: If my boy wins, you drop the debt, like Bono wants for them starving Africans.
DONALD: Fine. But if he loses... I get your boat and you f*ck off out of town.
COOK SR: You're f*cking on.
DONALD: b*at you later, then.
[In the street.]
FREDDIE: What a sh*thole.
JJ: Well, this was the area code. So what do you reckon? Shall we...have a look around town, do you think, try and find that phone box?
FREDIE: No, we'll stay here.
JJ: How do you know they'll be here?
FREDDIE: They're coming. OK? They have to.
COOK: What the f*ck are you doing here?
JJ: We thought you might be in trouble.
COOK: Do I look like I'm in trouble? I'm f*cking ten times better than you've ever been, you pair of miserable, boring shites.
FREDDIE: Where is she?
COOK: Oh, right. That's why you came. f*cking hell. You don't know when you're f*cking b*at, do you?
JJ: Guys, this isn't how it's supposed to...
COOK: How did you find me?
JJ: She called him. But...just stop this, right? Listen to me, please.
FREDDIE: JJ, stop it.
COOK: f*ck off, JJ.
JJ: Oh, OK, then. You know, flipping... flip the both of you, then. f*ck-turds!
COOK: Enter the race.
FREDDIE: You what?
COOK: Enter the race. The winner gets to keep her. For ever.
FREDDIE: You're a child.
COOK: You're a p*ssy. Come on, let's f*cking settle this.
FREDDIE: In a race?
COOK: You got any other ideas?
DONALD: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the annual solstice steeplechase. From time immemorial this race has typified the spirit of our town tough, uncompromising, hard. Many have attempted the challenge. Few have succeeded. It's winner-takes-all and everyone else can f*ck off. Allow me to introduce the reigning champion, my son, Donny Donaldson.
FREDDIE: Who's that bellend?
DONALD: Not since the first time since Kriss Akabusi graced us with his presence, we have outsiders in the race, so I'd better explain the rules. Once round the village. First one back here is the winner. Oh, and if you drop your elder, you're out, and, er, we give you a bit of a shoeing, lads. Elders, assemble. Choose your riders. Elders, mount. On your marks...set...go! I think I'll chop up your boat and use it for firewood.
COOK SR: Come on, son!
DONALD: Come on, Donny! Away, man!
WOMAN: Why did you stop, mate?
FREDDIE: He f*cking elbowed me.
WOMAN: So?
FREDDIE: That's not fair, is it?
WOMAN: Fair? What do you think this is? Enid Blyton?!
WOMAN: Oh, you twat!
SOMEONE: Crap, you were.
JJ: This is my race! Mine!
PEOPLE: JJ JJ JJ JJ JJ...
DONALD: Tell your dad that I'll be there in the morning to collect me winnings.
COOK: You f*cking dick! You've lost my dad's boat,Effy... I've got f*ck all now, you...
JJ: This is the wushu finger hold. I learnt it in a book. Of a film.
FREDDIE: J, let's just leave it now...
JJ: I'm pretty sure if I apply the correct pressure, your eyes pop out.
FREDDIE: J, my eyes aren't going to pop out.
JJ: Do you really want to take that chance? Let's not air our dirty laundry in public, boys. You, too. Not you, loser.
[In the pub.]
JJ: Take a seat, Ef.
COOK: JJ, mate...
JJ: Now, let's get down to it. No more evasion. No more, "Ooh, I'm so fit and mysterious." Now, Freddie he's in love with you. Aren't you, Freddie? Aren't you, Freddie? And Cook, he loves you, yes? And just for the record, I love you, too. Plus...I won the race. So, three boys, one girl. It's an insoluble equation, unless you choose. Then we can finally get back to our lives.
COOK: f*ck all of yous.
JJ: Cook! No!
COOK: Your Prince Charming made a bet on you whoever wins the race gets to keep you. Classy, eh?
JJ: Effy, I didn't know. Cook, stay.
COOK: No, I'm not living on my f*cking knees any more.
JJ: Cook, we can solve this. Stay here, you two.
FREDDIE: What did you expect? You made this a game first. Remember that stupid f*cking list? You made this happen. And it's all your fault this is all so f*cked up.
EFFY: I know.
FREDDIE: You know? What sort of f*cking answer's that?
EFFY: The only one I've got.
[Outside.]
JJ: Cook! Cook. Cook.
COOK: You all think... you all think that I'm scum that you're better than me that you're better than my dad.
JJ: Cook... I'm not better than your dad.You are. You're better than someone who runs away from the people who love them. Who need them.
COOK: Oh, f*ck off, man. You daft boon!
JJ: Cook... where are you going?
COOK: I'm going to drink myself to death. Then I'm going to say sorry to me dad. Then life finally begins.
[On the boat.]
COOK: Dad?Dad! I thought we was gonna take this town by storm, you and me.
COOK SR: I'm not letting that twat take my boat.
COOK: Well, can't I just come with you, then?
COOK SR: Look, I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask you to turn up here. There's no f*cking space. What the f*ck are you doing? Give me the keys.
COOK: No.
COOK SR: Let me tell you something, James. I never f*cking wanted you in the first place. So give me the keys and get off the f*cking boat.
COOK: No.
COOK SR: Give me the f*cking keys!
COOK: No.
COOK SR: Now, give Daddy the keys, or I'm gonna melt your f*cking face off! Be sensible, son. I'll f*cking do it. I'll f*cking do it! I don't give a f*ck.
COOK: I don't, either.
FREDDIE: This is bad. f*ck! Cook, are you all right?
COOK: He didn't mean it. What's the f*cking difference? Nothing good ever stays with me. Absolutely nothing.
FREDDIE: You've got me. I can't believe we just went granny racing.
COOK: I had it all planned out, man. Get a boat of our own moor it down here a job, everything. But she doesn't love me.
FREDDIE: She does. I know she does.
COOK: She loves you better.
FREDDIE: I was with her last night. Do you understand? So you know what I've come here to ask you. Cook, please... please just say it's OK.
COOK: I can't Freds, I just can't. I'm sorry. I just f*cking love her. I'm sorry. I f*cking love her.
FREDDIE: But we can't share, can we?
JJ: Cook! Cook! Freddie! Right, there you are. What's up?
JJ: On balance, I'd say he was alive.
EFFY: Great.
FREDDIE: Should we...like...tie him up?
JJ: No. A bump to the head like that, you don't want to interrupt the blood flow.
FREDDIE: I dunno, J.
JJ: Right, we'll dump him later. Everyone wrap up warm.
FREDDIE: What are you doing?
EFFY: JJ?
JJ: We are going home.
FREDDIE: We can't just nick the boat, this is ridiculous.
JJ: This is 17 years' worth of birthday and Christmas presents. Cook, start the engine, please. We need to leave quite quickly.
FREDDIE: Why?
JJ: Too late.
DONALD: Oi! Get out of my boat!
JJ: Look.
EFFY: Oh, my God!
JJ: Get on the boat. Go, go, go. Get that engine started, OK?
EFFY: Hurry up, Fred.
FREDDIE: Help me push it out.
EFFY: Hurry up!
DONALD: Get out of my boat!
COOK: Get it started. Come on!
FREDDIE: JJ,help him, will you?
DONALD: w*nk*r!
COOK SR: It's all right, you little f*ck.
DONALD: w*nk*r! You shit, I'll find you! I'll find you!
COOK SR: f*ck you! I'm Cook, you shithead! I'm Cook! Come here. I knew you wouldn't let me down, son. Eh? I'm Cook, you f*ck! Cook!
COOK: No. I'm Cook. f*ck you! f*ck you! f*ck you!
FREDDIE: So...what do we do now? | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "3x10 - Finale"} | foreverdreaming |
Previously Doug: The police would like to interview you all.
Thomas: Somebody gave that girl drugs.
Cook: So?
Thomas: I'll f*cking...
Naomi: Thomas! It was me! Cook dealt me the powder.
Thomas: What?!
I slept with someone who wasn't you.
Pandora: What?!
I told him I never want to see him.
Effy: Well done. He needs to think about what he did.
( Proviseur ): I'm going to... expel you.
At Naomi’s Appartement.
Emily: The postman just looked at my tits!
Naomi: Yeah, he does that.
Emily: You're supposed to be planning us a route across Mexico.
Naomi: Sorry, I got bored waiting for my garibaldis. Can you turn away a minute? Turn back. I saw these a while ago, and...I love you.
Emily: Yeah, I know.
Naomi: Don't forget it, though.
Emily: How do I look?
At Fitch’s House.
Emily: What are you doing?
Rob: Just clearing some space. Fitch hug. You too, big man.
James: Oh, Mum. He wants to hug me again.
Jenna: Hug your father. Emily, in here, please.Can you take that stupid thing off your head? We need to talk about your options for next year.
Emily: I'm going to Mexico with Naomi. Don't worry. It's all worked out.
Jenna: Well, a lot can change in a year, missy. Why don't you look at these in the meantime?
Emily: Have you seen my phone?
Jenna: You have six missed calls. All from me.
Naomi: Morning, Jenna. You're looking very beautiful today.
High Shool Emily: See you at lunch.
Naomi: Yeah. See you.
Emily: What's the matter?
Naomi: Forgot for a second.
Emily: About what? It's nothing to do with us.
Doug: Ah, girls. Good. Follow me.
Emily: Actually, don't. We're late.
Doug: Frankly, Emily, I don't give a damn.The police are back and they want to talk to you both about Sophia Moore. So come along, ladies. This way.
In a Office.
PoliceWomen: So, how close were you to Sophia?
Naomi: We didn't know her.
PoliceWoman: Did you know her, Emily?
Emily: No.
PoliceWomen: You sure? We heard you three were quite chummy.
Emily: Well, we weren't.
Policeman: Have you ever used MDMA?
Emily: Uh... it's illegal.
Policeman: We found traces of it in Sophia's blood. We think she might have bought it in the club.
PoliceWoman: Did you see Sophia at the party?
Emily: We only saw her...
Naomi: We were only at the party for ten minutes or so.We went home long before... before the accident. We didn't see her.
PoliceWoman: Emily said you did.
Emily: Um... no. I meant since the party. There's been posters everywhere. What are you looking for, exactly?
Policeman: Just want more of a complete picture.
PoliceWoman: We just want the truth.
Emily: Why did we just lie to the police? Hey. It's me. What's going on?
Naomi: I did see her at the party. It was me who sold her the MDMA.
Emily: Since when are you dealing?
Naomi: I needed some money and I thought if I just went in on this MDMA...
Emily: I could have lent you some money.
Naomi: It was for these. I thought I could keep you safe. I'm sorry.
Emily: Who gave you the MDMA?
Emily: Why did you give them our names?
Naomi: Em, calm down.
Cook: Course I didn't, man. Chillax. They ain't got nothing on us.
Emily: And you know that, do you?
Cook: I nicked the fella's briefcase. He's a f*cking Bristol Rovers fan. His mum leaves notes in his sandwiches. Look at that.
Emily: But what if they do know?
Cook: That's what'll f*ck this. Getting scared, poking around, causing a f*cking scene in the corridors.
Naomi: He's right.
Cook : Mum's the word, girls.
Emily: Don't you want to know why they had our names?
Naomi: No!
Emily: Why not?
Naomi: Because I don't want to go to jail. Could you just mind your own f*cking business for once, please?
Emily: Ok. Sorry.
Naomi: We just have to act like everything's fine. See you later.
At Sophia’s House.
Sophia’sMom: Hello.
Emily: Hi. I'm a friend of Sophia's.
Sophia’sMom: Thank you for the flowers. Sorry. What was your name again?
Emily: Nancy.
Sophia’sMom : She never mentioned a Nancy. But that's Sophia for you. Secretive. How did you know her?
Emily: Just from... college and stuff.
Sophia’sMom: Are you in with Naomi and Emily and that crowd?
Emily: Um... yeah. I see them sometimes.
Sophia’sMom: I thought they'd have called round by now. Sophia talked about them nonstop.
Emily: Did she?
Sophia’sMom: Did she ever talk to you about me?
Emily: Yeah...Yeah. She really... loved you.
Sophia’sMom: You're lying to me. It's kind of you. Hi, Matt. This is Nancy. Friend of your sister's.
Matt: I'm going upstairs.
Sophia’sMom: Would you like to see her room?
At Sophia’s Room.
Sophia’sMom: She never used to let me go in there. It was always so messy. If you want a memento, just...just let me see what you've taken. I'll leave you to it.
Matt: What are you doing?
Emily: Nothing.
Matt: What's your name again?
Emily: Nancy.
Matt: Sophia never mentioned a Nancy. Did you know someone gave her drugs the night she died?
Emily: I didn't know.
Matt: Were you her girlfriend?
Emily: What? No. Girlfriend?
Matt: You're f*cking lying to me. They're saying she k*lled herself. That's bollocks.I know she didn't do that.
Emily: How?
Matt : Cos she didn't say goodbye to me.
Emily: I'm so sorry. I found this.
Matt: Get out.
At Jenna’s work.
Graham: Hi, chicken. What's the matter?
Emily: Is my mum here?
Graham: Is it... whats his name? JJ? Your mum said he was nice.
Emily: JJ?
Graham: Now, if he's cheated on you, love, the thing to remember about young boysis that most of them would f*ck a snake if you put make-up on it. You can't take it personally. Hmm?
Emily: You told Graham I was straight?
Jenna: Well, he's known you since you were a little girl.
Emily: He's gay as a window!
Jenna: He's an adult. He's earned the right to be gay. You're too young to know what you are.
Emily: I know, Mum.
Jenna: You think you know.Is there any specific reason why you've been crying? Maybe Naomi?
Emily: No, we're fine.
Jenna: You should go travelling to find yourself. Wouldn't she just get in the way?
Emily: She's my f*cking girlfriend! You've got nothing to do with this.
Jenna: All right. All right!Wouldn't you like to set out on an adventure on your...
Emily: No! Get used to it!
Jenna: So... what if I was to give you £1,000? Would that change things?
Emily: What?! Now you're bribing me.
Jenna: Oh, Emily. You're mine! I'm just trying to help you. Naomi's not right for you. And there's something about her...something I don't quite like. I'm just telling you.
Emily: Shove it up your tits.
Woman: Please, they're planning work down there.
At High School.
Freddie: So how was your bath?
Effy: What bath?
Freddie: The one you popped home to take about three months ago.
Effy: Right. I went to Italy.
Freddie: Italy?
Effy: Si. How was your summer?
Freddie: Not bad. Got chlamydia.
Effy: Wow! Exotic.
Freddie: That's what I said. Then I realised Cook had it as well and it didn't feel quite so special, if you know what I mean.
Effy: I bet it liked you more. So, who gave it to who?
Freddie: We didn't. There was an intermediary.
Effy: And you're... all clear now?
Freddie: Oh! Yeah, fine now. Clear as a... bell. Not sure about him, though.
Effy: It's you I spent all summer thinking about.
Freddie: So what is it? Is it my food or my winning personality today?
Emily: Have you ever... loved someone and then...something happens and...you wonder if perhaps you didn't ever know them at all? Do you trust her?
Freddie: What? No? What? No, I don't need to.
Emily: But... if you two got together,wouldn't you be worried she might f*ck Cook again? That hurt!
Freddie: Emily, I'm sorry. I'm just a bit busy at the minute, ok?
On the football.
Emily: Why didn't you tell me you knew her?
Naomi: I met her once, at an open day.
Emily: What open day?
Naomi: It was an open day. What does it matter?
Emily: We're going travelling next year. We decided.
Naomi: You decided. Look, I went to an open day, I met a girl, we talked... that's it.
Emily: You should have told me.
Naomi: Well, how could I, without telling you where I met her?
I didn't want a referendum on our relationship over a stupid open day.
Emily: Did you know she was gay?
Naomi: I met her once.
Emily: Did you f*ck her?
Naomi: No! You think I'd shag some random girl behind your back?
Emily: I'm not saying you did it.
Naomi: Well, what are you saying?
Emily: I'm just asking.
Naomi: Why are you acting like this?
Emily: Her mum seems to think we knew her.
Naomi: What?
Emily: I went to her house today.
Naomi: You promised me you'd stay out of it. Stay out of this.
Emily: Do you know what this is for?
Naomi: Something to do with the Army. robably her cadet locker key.
Emily: How do you even know that, Naomi?
Naomi: Where are you going?
Emily: I'm going to find out if you're lying.
Naomi: Oh, nice! Let's go, then.
Emily: Fine.
Left! Right! Left! Right!
Left! Right! Left! Right!
Inside Sopia's Locker.
Naomi: What the f*ck? That's my old toothbrush.
Emily: It's your bracelet. Is this the one you lost?
Naomi: She went through my rubbish. Close it. Please, close it.
Emily: It's ok.
Left! Right! Left! Right!
Left! Right! Left! Right!
Left! Right! Left! Right!
Left! Left!
Right! Left!
Left! Right! Left! Right! Left! Right!
Left! Right! Left!
Return!
Naomi: She stalked me.
Emily: You're very stalkable.
At Fitch’s House.
Katie: Sam's a post room co-ordinator.
Jenna: Oh, very nice.
Katie: Oh, yeah. He's, like, responsible. Aren't you, sweetie?
Sam: Yeah, babe.
Jenna: No more room for carrot flan, Rob?
Rob: Think I've had too much of a good thing, love.
Sam: I love carrots. This stuff is off the hook, Jenna.
Jenna: Oh, thank you, Samuel. That is so sweet of you.This one's a keeper, isn't he, Katie-kins?
Katie: He's an arse-licker is what he is. But we're letting that one go.
Jenna: Well.
James: Is Naomi coming?
Jenna: No, Naomi couldn't make it.
James: Oh. I wanted to show her my new number.
Jenna: Stop calling it a number.
James: A lot of boys become very curious in women's clothing once they approach pub-erty. Sam: It's called pu-berty, little dude.
Katie: Sam's really clever. Ain't you, babes?
Emily: Why is he here?
Katie: Because he's my new boyfriend. Eat your flan.
Emily: You said Naomi couldn't come to a family dinner.
Jenna: This is a six-seater table, Emily. What do you want me to do? Anyway, this dinner is a happy timebecause yesterday I got my kick-starter takeoff loan approved.
Rob: Loan?
Jenna: As from next week, I'm quitting the salon and will become the managing director of Bristol's premier new wedding-planning service...Let's Get Fitched!
Katie: Let's Get Fitched? Let's Get Fitched... get it?
Sam: Yeah. That's good.
Rob: Yeah, but... I thought we were going to talk about that.
Jenna: We did, Rob. And we decided. This is my shimmering dream. Ah! Toast?
Sam: Word.
Jenna: Got the really expensive stuff as well.
Rob: I've lost the gym.
Jenna: What?
Rob: I've lost it, love.
Jenna: No! But that's your gym, Rob.
Rob: It's the bank's gym now.
Jenna: You're unemployed?
Rob: Yeah, love. I'm bankrupt. But don't worry. I've got an inside tip that they're going to be recruiting at Virgin Active.
Jenna: But what about money? I mean, we need money. I was going to give Emily money.
Emily: I don't want it.
Rob: What money?
Emily: She was going to bribe me not to go travelling with Naomi.
Jenna: It is not a bribe. It's just money I promised my daughter.
Katie: Yeah? Well, where's my money?
Rob: No-one's getting any money.
Jenna: I'm giving Emily money.
Emily: I don't want it. Don't you get it? I want Naomi.
James: I want to f*ck Naomi. What? I do. Get over it.
Jenna: Rob! Did you just hear what he said?
Rob: She is attractive, love.
Jenna: f*ck, Rob! He said "f*ck"!Now do you see what she's done to our family?
Emily: I'm moving out.
Rob: Don't be rash, love. Britney, stop saying "f*ck". Emsy, sit down.
Emily: No. I don't want to live here any more.
Jenna: Fine. Get out. Go on. Get out! You're not welcome in this home any more! You or Naomi!
At Twin’s BedRoom.
Katie: That's my top. You know Mum doesn'tmean to be a total bitch.
Emily: Yes, she does. And you let her.
Katie: She's trying to help you.
Emily: It's all fake. This whole family's fake.
Katie: I'm not fake.
Emily: Fake tan? Fake boyfriend. Fake concern.
Katie: I am concerned! Bitch! And for your information, I was in the sun for five hours today. And as for my boyfriend, he may be little, but for your further information, he's sweet, trustworthy and totally hung, ok?
Sam: Who said I was little?
Katie: Can you get the f*ck out, babes?
Emily: He's definitely a keeper.
Katie: God, you're a selfish cow.
Emily: Oh, f*ck off, Kate.
Katie: Please don't go. I'll back you up.
Outside Fitch's house Matt: You want to pick a better fake name next time. There's no Nancys at Roundview. And only one red-haired girl with a moped.
Emily: You've been checking up on me?
Matt: You lied. I think it's pretty clear.
Emily: She k*lled herself.
Matt: Was it you? Was it you, she k*lled herself?
Emily: No. And it wasn't Naomi, ok? She didn't know either ofus. She lied about that.
Matt: She wouldn't lie to me.
Emily: She lied to everyone!I'm sorry you feel angry at her but it's really not my f*cking problem.
Matt: I need the truth. This isn't all of it.
Emily: No.
Matt: Emily, what are you scared of? We can help each other.
At Fitch’s House.
Jenna: Is it so out of the question that I might know what's best?
Emily: I'm not talking to you.
Jenna: Emily. I don't want you to move out.
Emily: I don't care.
Jenna: I'm just trying to help you!
Emily: f*ck off!
At Twins Room Emily: What is it, Sophia? What did you lock up?
At Naomi’s House.
Naomi: Yes. f*cking...Oh, no. It's ok. It's just Emily. Bonsoir.
Emily: Who was that?
Naomi: Oh, just my mum.What's all this?
Emily: I'm moving in.
Naomi: Where?
Emily: Here.
Naomi: Uh... isn't that the sort of thing people usually discuss?
Emily: I need to, ok?
Naomi: OK.
Emily: Ok?
Naomi: Ok! Although, in many ways, it's sort of a violation. But f*ck it. It's ok.
Emily: Really?
Naomi: Really! It'll be great. You can be my pyjamas. You need to do something about your moustache.
Emily: What?
Naomi: Shit! Shit! Shit! Shit!
At the Party.
Naomi: This is just kind of terrible.
Emily: Yeah.
Naomi: f*ck it! If it's rubbish, we'lljust go back to ours.
Emily: Where?
Naomi: Ours.
Emily: Naomi!
Naomi: Stay alive! I will find you.
Emily: Hi. How you doing?
Thomas: This is the worst party I've ever been to. The worst.
Emily: Really?
JJ: Panda's giving Thommo a dose of the old look-at-me routine. You know how it is...letting your exes know that you're out there, that other people find you attractive... That everything you thought you had together...they can do without it. That they don't need you.
Naomi: That guy over there keeps staring at you.
JJ: I merely observed.
Emily :Let it go. Let it go before you screw everything up. Cook, excuse me? I don't want to see your muff.
Cook: Emilio looks jealous. It's probably still not too late to be overcome by desire with me. I could turn you, deffo.
Emily: f*ck off.
Cook: No, I'm serious.It's probably been a while, innit, since you've seen one of these. Look, mine is totally oustanding, man. What's up, Emilio, man? Why are you hiding in the pisser?
Emily: Do you ever get jealous, Cook?
Cook: If your shag's a shag, then you're always going to get your heart ripped out somewhere, aren't you?
Emily: What do you do about it?
Cook: You just burn, kid. You just burn. You just keep it on the inside.
Emily: Is that possible?
Cook: Yeah. Cos you look a bit stupid if you don't, don't you? Look at me, love. Happy.
Emily: Effy.
Cook: You don't tell any of my secrets and I won't tell any of yours.Or we could just go out there in a blaze of glory. Dance, muff monkey?
Emily: You got it.
Cook: Come on, then, kid.
Man: Oh, sorry.
JJ: Cook!
Cook: Get off me now. Get off! Who f*cking wants one now?
At Naomi’s House.
Emily:I need to see you No, now. I've got something I need to show you.
Tonight.
In The Empty Club.
Emily: Why did you? Why here?
Matt: I dunno. This is where it ends.
Emily: I've got something to show you. I think she wanted you to have this. I got it from her cadet locker. I need to know what's in there.
Matt: Me too.It's her work... her diary, you know?
Naomi: Can't we just leave it?
Emily: I don't think we can, Naoms.
Naomi: She's d*ad. Let it go.
Emily: I can't.
Matt: See you round.
Naomi: Can't we just go home?
Emily: Matt, come back!
Naomi: Emily, please! Emily! Wait! Please!
Naomi: Can't we just go home?
Emily: I don't think so.
Matt: I made this for her. Woodwork, you know?
Emily: Yeah.
Sophia ( Voice): “I can't stop crying I've tried to stop thinking, but it doesn't work.You don't expect stuff to happen.You can't control it.You can't control anything So I'm at this stupid open day and everyone's snotty and rude, and then I see someone. I'd never even spoken to her at Roundview. It didn't seem to matter because then everything got really fun.And by the time we were on our way home, we were telling secrets. I wanted to move my hand. I wanted to move it so much. And then she moved hers. I wish I'd told Naomi how easy it is for me to love someone.We're all lonely and all we want is for someone to...you know, pay attention and tell us we're beautiful and cute and say that they want to..."
Emily: I don't believe it.
Naomi: I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!
Emily: You've ruined it. You don't want anyone to care. I could be d*ad in a second. Everything's... so... fragile. Didn't you realise that? We were special.
Naomi: I was scared!
You're always scared.
Naomi: Emily! Emily!
At Fitch’s House.
Emily: Naomi cheated. And... I don't know why she did that.
Rob: Oh, love. Sweet girl.
Emily: I hate her.
Rob: I know you do.
Emily: I hate her!
Rob: I know, love. It's ok. Listen, I want to tell you something. Listen to me. You know, I cheated on your mum once.
Emily: What?
Rob: I was young. I was too young. I was 19. I'd been married for two years. Her family always saying what's what. Scottish people. God knows I regretted it. Your Aunty Julie's no better-looking now than what she was then.
Emily: Her sister!
Rob: People do stupid things when they're trying to act like they're not trapped.
Emily: Was it ever the same again?
Rob: It was worse. And then it was ok. Then it got better. And then we got you. We got all the things we love.
Emily: Did she hate herself for taking you back?
Rob: What? Hate herself? What for? She didn't do anything wrong. She hated me, though. For a very, very, very long time. She's tough, your mum, you know. You want to be glad of that.
Emily: I'm not like her, Dad.
Rob: That's ok, too. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "4x02 - Emily"} | foreverdreaming |
[Day. In jail…]
Cook is in a dungeon, alone. A woman came to take Cook out.
Woman: James Cook. Your brief wants to meet you.
Cook: He any good?
Woman: Plead guilty. Right?
Cook enters in an other room.
The brief, Duncan: Right? (Making a sandwich) You wouldn’t feed this to a pig. Not even a pig you hated. Life is this. (Showing his sandwich) This. You get born, eat some processed crap, then you die.
Cook: Right. And you’re gonna get me off somewhere in-between, yeah?
Duncan: (Eating) Sit down. I’m your legal aid brief and, er, I’ll make sure you… Face the right way, say yes or no in the right order… And probably waste too much of everybody’s bloody time, basically. GBH… affray… Punch the f*ck out of… Shanky Jenkinson. Do you know him? Do you know Shanky?
Cook: No.
Duncan: Any particular reason?
Cook: I was provoked…
Duncan: By Shanky? (Cook says no with his head.) By who? Who? Who provoked you? (Cook looks around him.) No? (He writes on his paper: “James Cook. Possible moron.”) It’s your first offense. Plead guilty and, by the miracle of British justice you’ll get a bullshit Community Service Order.
Cook: Not guilty.
Duncan: James, you did punch the f*ck out of, er, Shanky in front of… 83 witnesses.
Cook says yes with his head. The brief erase “Possible” on his paper, to just put “Moron”.
[Day. At the court…]
Cook is judging.
Cook: Not guilty.
The judge: Pardon? Sorry. I thought you said “Not guilty” there.
Duncan: (Gets up) Yeah… Yeah, he is, pleading not guilty.
The judge: Really?
Duncan: Really.
The judge: Right. Right. Well, trial for the 15th of this month at 10am. Remanded on bail with an electronic tagging order. And Duncan?
Duncan: Yeah.
The judge: Really looking forward to hearing you defend this one. (He laughs)
After. Cook gets the electronic tagging order up his foot.
Cook: Yeah, it’s too tight, man.
Man: Good. Just checking.
Woman: Every day, between the hours of 7pm and 7am, you’ve got to be in your house. Right? Or it goes off.
Cook: I haven’t got a house.
Woman: It says here you’ll be staying with a Miss Ruth Byatt.
Cook: What?! I ain’t staying with her. No way!
Man: Yes, you are. Otherwise, bleep, bleep, we’ll arrest you, bang you up, and probably bang you about a bit while we’re doing it.
Woman: He’s joking.
He goes outside and sees his mother.
Cook’s mom, Ruth: (To Policemen) And he said, “Is that what you call a broom handle?”
They laugh.
Woman: Miss Byatt?
Cook: Mum.
Ruth: Hello, Jimmy. How you been?
Cook: Nobody calls me Jimmy now, mum.
Ruth: Hello… Smelly.
The policemen and Ruth laugh.
[Day. In Cook’s mom’s house…]
Ruth and Cook get out of the car. She’s drinking into a bottle (of wine?).
Ruth: (To Cook, about his half-brother) He’s dying to see you. (They enter) Go on. Go on! (To her boyfriend) Right! I’m home! Where’s my little sex monkey?
Cook looks at his brother, playing at Guitar Hero.
Cook: Wet willy!
Paddy: (Jumping in his arms) Cook! (He laughs and fights with Cook) Nipple Cripple! (They laugh and sit in the couch.) Mom says she forgives you and you can come back.
Cook: Yes. Yeah.
Paddy And we got pizza to celebrate.
Cook: Oh, yeah. That’s great, innit, bruv? Pizza.
[Day. In his bedroom…]
Cook is in his bed. He hears his mom sleeping with her boyfriend, Alex.
Ruth: Oh, f*ck me, you monkey! Oh, f*cking hell! (They continue to scream. Cook look at the clock, it’s nearly 7am) Oh, f*ck me! (He tries to take off his electronic tagging order but renounce) f*ck me, you monkey!
Cook gets up. A picture of him, Freddie and JJ is on the wall. He looks at it and at others when he was kid. He gets dress and finds a paper of Sophia in his pocket.
Cook: Wasn’t me. (He takes his phone and look at his contacts, Freddie and Effy) f*ck them.
He lets his phone fall down.
[Day. In the kitchen…]
Ruth and her boyfriend are eating pizzas. Cook comes in.
Ruth: Oh, here he is. Come and have some breakfast. Jimmy, this is Alex. He’s going to be doing a piece on me.
Alex: (To Cook) Your mother is a genius. The greatest conceptual artist since Duchamp.
Ruth: He’s going to be doing me all week.
Cook: Great.
Ruth: Jimmy’s a criminal. But we’re forgiving him.
Alex: Ruth says you’re her greatest creation. A walking conceptual installation. That’s cool, man. But all your work’s mesmerising. I mean, look at this. (Gets up and look at a picture on the wall showing tits) Composition, confluence, concept, wow!
Cook: Mum, whose tits are those?
Ruth: Don’t be silly! Can’t you tell?
Alex: (Puts his hand up) It’s tactile, you know? Yeah. You just want to touch them… You just want to come on them!
He continues to eat his pizza.
[Day. In the street…]
Cook is walking with his half-brother, eating at the same time.
Paddy: Will you go to prison?
Cook: I might.
Paddy: But if you say sorry, won’t they let you go?
Cook: I’m not sorry.
Paddy: Why not?
Cook: Never say sorry, kid.
Paddy: Why?
Cook: Because you’re not a p*ssy, are you?
Paddy: No.
Cook: We don’t play their game, do we? We don’t play anyone’s game.
Paddy: Except for Rock Band. We can play that.
Cook: Yeah, yeah, yeah, we can play that. (About food) Finished?
Paddy: Yeah. (Cook let the food down. His brother laughs) You’re barmy!
They arrive in front of the school.
Cook: Cor, this is posh.
Paddy: It’s rubbish!
Cook: Who’s giving you shit, then, dude?
Paddy: (Showing with his hand) Him. Erm… him and him. No, not him, he’s nice. Him, he kicked me in the balls twice.
Cook: (To the boys) Lads! (Saying no with his head. To his brother) Right, in.
Paddy: But I want to hang out with you.
Cook: In! I’m gonna be enjoying my freedom.
Paddy: Doing what?
Cook: I’m going to have a white riot! Touch me.
They punch their hands with each other hand. Cook’s brother runs to go in his school. Cook looks at him.
[Day. At the Roundview College…]
Freddie is playing baby foot against JJ and black guy. JJ is going to win.
The Black Guy: Oh, yes!
Him and JJ punch their hands, make jokes about Freddie.
Freddie: Look, you can not spin it. You’re not allowed to spin it. (The Black guy and JJ are laughing.) Anyway, it was two against one, you w*nk*r.
JJ: (Looking at Pandora) Hey! Do you think we should go cheer her up?
Freddie: How do you except to do that, J? Her boyfriend’s just cheated on her with the hottest of the hot, mate.
JJ: Yup. Andrea is maximo hot. I think about her sometimes. When I’m in bed. When I’m cosy. Just before I go to sleep. Sorry! Ok, I’m back. Right.
Freddie and JJ sit down next to Pandora. They look at her. Freddie puts his hand on her thigh.
Freddie: You’re all right, Panda Pops?
Pandora: Not really.
JJ: You know, love’s thoroughly over-rated, Panda. I’ve never been had a girlfriend and look how happy I am. In between minor psychological breakdowns. Sure, all the serotonin, endorphins and sex, et cetera, feel good. But really, “love” is an illusion. (Pandora starts crying) It can’t last. Nope.
Freddie: (Looking at JJ) Nicely done.
In the corridor, just next to the room where they all are, Cook looks at Effy next to the lockers. She walks away, and goes see Freddie and kiss him. Cook looks at them. He comes into the room.
Cook: Well, howdy-f*cking-doody.
Effy: Hi, Cook.
Cook: I just swarmed by, really, to see how deep everyone’s rolling. See who’s up or a pint and a poke? JJ? Panda?
JJ: (Panda says no with her head.) No, thanks.
Cook: No? Why?
JJ: Just don’t want to.
Cook: Naomi, what about you? Bring your lady, make it a threesome. (Naomi says no with her head.) What’s up with you two? (Naomi and Emily don’t look at each other.) Black guy? Anyone? (Freddie gets up.)
Pandora: Aren’t you scared, Cooky?
Cook: Of what?
Pandora: Of going to the blimmin’ chokey!
Cook says no with his head.
Freddie: (Next to Effy, with his arm on her neck) We’ll come.
Cook: Nah, you’re all right. (Looking at JJ’s face) What happened to you?
JJ: You don’t remember?
Cook: No, remember what? Who f*cked you?
Headmaster: (Arriving) Ah. Finally. The famous Mr Cook. Hi, Dave. Dave Blood. We have met before, in fact, but take my card. (Puts his card into Cook’s pocket) We should powwow.
Cook: What?
Headmaster: I can see that this college has failed you, Mr Cook. And I am deeply sorry. But that is ten years of willy-nilly policy and red tape nonsensery for you. So unfortunately, since you’ve been implicated, as it were, by the law, you have been automatically… expelled. Expunged. Excommunicated. And I’m going to have to ask you to… scoot off.
Cook: Or what?
Headmaster: Well, or Jonathan here will escort you with, er, you know, extreme prejudice.
Cook: Dude… Jonathan can kiss my arse. Unless he’s tired of licking yours, that is. Jonathan?
Headmaster: Yes, that is tremendously amusing. Nevertheless, you are going to have to abrogate and egress from the premises.
Cook: (To Jonathan) Don’t touch me.
Jonathan: This way.
Cook: (Jonathan takes his arms) Get your f*cking hands off, p*ssy!
Jonathan: Come on!
The headmaster takes a bottle of gaze and put it in his eyes. Cook screams.
Effy: What the f*ck are you doing?!
JJ and a lot of students get up, choked.
Headmaster: It’s an incident, certainly. Reasonable force utilised in self-defence. Defence. Luckily, it’s all over now and, er, you can all go back to normal. Good morning.
He goes out.
Freddie: Cook, are you all right?!
Cook: f*ck off, you!
JJ and Freddie look at each other. Cook is hurting in the corridor, he shows his finger to Jonathan, who left him alone. He tries to look at something, and see picture of Sophia with candles.
[Day. In front of Naomi’s home…]
Naomi takes her rubbish out. Cook is in her street. They see each other, and walk to talk.
Naomi: When did you get so sorry for yourself, Cook?
Cook: Hun?
Naomi: We can talk about her. That’s why you’re here, isn’t it? We gave that girl Sophia drugs.
Cook: I didn’t give her nothing.
Naomi: And I had an affair with her as well.
Cook: What?
Naomi: And now she’s d*ad. That’s why you’re here. You feel bad.
Cook: f*ck off! I just come around to see if you wanted that non-lezza willy waggle. That’s all.
Naomi: Yeah, right. Do you want to know how I feel? I feel f*cking terrible. My girlfriend won’t look at me. I could cry every minute. I feel shit and all I can do is… feel it. (Cook starts to walk away.) Deal with it!
She comes back to her house. Cook looks back.
Cook: (Smiling) Waggle me!
[Day. In Duncan’s office…]
Cook is playing with a ball in the room next to Duncan’s office. Duncan opens the door after Cook made a lot of noise.
Duncan: Yes?
Cook: (Still playing with the ball.) Come to see how my case is going, Duncan.
Duncan: You haven’t got a case.
Cook: That’s a matter of opinion, that is, mate. Matter of opinion.
Cook enters into the office. Duncan closes the door, and then sits down. Cook sits in front of him.
Duncan: Well… In summary, you’ve got about as much chance of getting off as I have of blagging a shag with Angelina Jolie.
Cook: Well, lose the moustache, then, probably.
Duncan: It’s just not happening, kid. To use legal terminology, you’re guilty as f*ck.
Cook: Yeah, my mum says I should get a proper lawyer. (Duncan takes a spliff) What? You don’t care?
Duncan: No. I really, really don’t. You see, I get paid anyway.
Cook: She’s filthy rich, man. She’s famous.
Duncan: Yeah?
Cook: Yeah.
Duncan: Lucky you. (Starts smoking)
Cook: Look, Duncan, stuff’s happened to me, man. You should know about this. You should be out there telling them all the shit that’s gone down in my life. Duncan, are you smoking a number?
Duncan: You got a problem?
Cook: Yeah, problem! You’re taking the f*cking piss! Doesn’t anyone owe me anything here? Don’t I get a hearing, no?!
Duncan: You put a kid in hospital. Remember? What’s your excuse?
Cook: People. People f*cked me up, man.
Duncan: Well, go tell that to a judge. (Gets up) “Mummy f*cked me up.”
Cook: (Jumping out his chair and takes Duncan by his shirt.) Don’t f*cking speak about my mother! You don’t talk about her, all right?!
Duncan: I’m not. You are.
Cook: Proper shit, aren’t yeah? (Make a chair fall down) Proper f*cking shit, aren’t yeah?
Cook gets out. Duncan continues to smoke.
[Day. In the street, then at the work of Ruth…]
Cook walks in the street, and finishes to smoke. He enters into the enterprise of his mother. He sees a kind of paper “All my cocks” and all the names of guys his mother slept with.
Ruth: What do you think?
Cook: Is it true?
Ruth: Jimmy, art is always true.
Cook: Why did you leave my dad?
Ruth: Because he was a twat. Agreed? He was entertaining. Good in bed. Didn’t give a flying f*ck for anyone or anything. Ultimately it just gets on your tits. Bit boring.
Cook: Is that why you threw me out?
Ruth: You sold my wedding rings to buy dope. You wanted me to throw you out. Didn’t you? But hey, that’s over. (Smiling) You’ve come to see my work. I love that. And look. I’m hot! Aren’t you proud of what I’ve done?
Alex: (Coming, about one of her work) Oh, my God! Ruth! This is… I am totally engaged!
Ruth: (To Cook) Come and see the masterpiece. It’s going to make Damien Hirst want to cut his cock off and pickle it. (To Alex) Lights, Darling.
Cook: (Looking at “All my cocks”) What? (Sees there is Freddie McClair, his best friend.)
Alex: (About her new work) I want to strip naked, it’s so good.
Ruth: Yes, it is. Thank you.
Cooks looks at his mom.
Alex: It’s real, you know. So, so real.
Ruth: What do you reckon kidder? Has the girl done good?
Cook walks away, but his foot takes the cable and breaks his mom’s work.
Ruth: You little shit! You did that on purpose.
Cook: No!
Ruth: You smart bastard! Don’t you think I know?! Get out! (Try to bit Cook) Go on, get out!
He gets out of the room, in the street, and chuck on the floor.
[Day. In Shanky’s home…]
Cook comes to Shanky’s house and ring at the door. A woman opens the door.
Cook: Yeah, is Shanky in, please?
Woman: Shanky! Friend!
Shanky arrives at the door.
Cook: Yeah, Shanky. You Shanky, yeah? Look… This is weird. Look, I didn’t… I’ve come round to say sorry, well, you know, like… It wasn’t your fault, d’you know, like. See, there’s going to send me down, so if you could say anything like, I don’t know, how I came over and said sorry. I am sorry, mate. You know?
Shanky: I hope they get you in the showers and f*ck you up the arse.
He closes the door, angry. Cook looks at the door for a moment.
[Day. In Cook’s mother’s house…]
Cook had run and breathes hardly. He comes in and sees Freddie sit on the couch.
Freddie: Mate, listen. Thank Christ, you’re here. Your mum’s on one, again. I’ve just come round…
Cook: (Pissed off by Freddie) Yeah? I want to talk to you.
Ruth: (Comes behind Cook) Well, look who it is. The man who’s just cost me ninety thousand quid. Hello, you sweet little turd.
Cook: Mum?
Ruth: That’s right, still your mum. And… yep.
Cook: Where’s Paddy?
Ruth: Oh, he’s gone to see that friend. What’s his name…? Never mind. Look who’s here. Freddie! Freddie, Freddie. Long time no see, Freddie!
Cook: What do you want, man?
Freddie: I came to see if you’re all right, if that’s Ok.
Cook: Yeah, I’m fine! Mm-hm. Tipsy-topsy!
Ruth: Well, I’m glad that someone is. Because we’ve got a… Hey, now we can have a proper party, can’t we?
After. Freddie and Cook are sitting. Ruth is dancing, singing with music very loud and playing to Guitar Hero.
Ruth: Come on, what’s the matter with you?! Sitting on your fat arses.
Cook: Mum!
Ruth: What’s the f*cking matter with you?! Come on! What’s wrong with you?! We’re all f*cking… adults…
She falls down on the floor. Freddie stops the music.
Freddie: She hasn’t changed, then.
[Day. In Cook’s bedroom…]
After. Cook and Freddie are in an other room, looking at each other.
Freddie: Your 15th birthday party.
Cook: What?! Where was I?
Freddie: Drunk. You had six coconut daiquiris. And anyway, I was last man standing, and I was still f*cked off my head.
Cook: So you f*cked my mum?!
Freddie: It wasn’t like that!
Cook: Well, tell me, Fred. What the f*ck was it like? Hang on. No, don’t answer that shit.
Freddie: It was just a blow job.
Cook: Oh! What a relief, man! Thank goodness!
Freddie: I’ll make it up to you.
Cook: How are you going to do that, Freddie? I let you take the one f*cking girl I’ve ever loved, man. Is there anyone else I care about that you want to slip one to, mate?
Freddie: I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Cook: It’s fine. Sorted. Everything’s cool.
Freddie: Effy loves me. How can I…
Cook: Stop talking about it!
Freddie: You smashed JJ, Cook.
Cook: I… I didn’t.
Freddie: (Says yes with his head) He loves you, Cook. Well, that’s all. (Starts to walk and stops near to the door) And I love you too. Whatever you’re doing, you can stop. All you got to do is stop.
Freddie goes out and closes the door. Cook breathes hardly and takes off his shirt. He sits down, and looks at pictures of Effy on his phone. He cries.
[Day. In the living room…]
A policeman takes back Paddy, Cook’s brother. Cook is in the stairs, listening.
Policeman: And I don’t want to see you again. Understand?
Ruth: I thought he was with his friends.
Policeman: He was. Just not in a good way. You want to speak to him.
Ruth: I will. I’m going to. Don’t you worry.
Policeman: Ok. If I hear about you again… Anyway. Good evening.
Ruth: Good evening.
Paddy enters.
Cook: (To Paddy) What did you do?
Paddy: Me and Paul drank six Red Bulls reach, we farted in a lift, we swam in a fountain, stole bras from M&S and we started a f*re on College Green and all the filth showed up.
Cook: Daft little boot, you are. What d’you do that for?
Paddy: Because I’m not a p*ssy.
Ruth: (Screaming and breaking the guitar and television) Every time I try and do something for this family!
Paddy: Mum!
Ruth: See?! That’s what you get! All right?! (To Cook) Everything’s go wrong since you’ve come back. You’re like an infection! (Cook starts to go away.) Go on, that’s right! You all bugger off in the end. (He takes his jacket and Paddy, and goes outside.) That’s right, just go on! Go on! Just bugger off! (Closes the door)
Cook takes the car and drives to go away with his brother.
[Day. In the street, on the road…]
Cook drives with his brother. He lets Paddy drive too.
Cook: Keep it steady.
They spend their day in the car to laugh.
Paddy: Ah! Get off!
Cook: Go on, mate! Go on, kid!
Cook lets Paddy in the car to drive and make a lot of smoke around. They take stuff to break the car, h*t it with rock.
After. They are laying down on the hood of the car. Cook smokes a spliff and gives it to Paddy. Paddy coughs.
Cook: Take it easy. I f*cking love you, Pads, you hear me, yeah? (Kisses him on the head) It’s just you and me, mate. No one else understands.
Paddy: Yeah. f*ck everybody! f*ck mum! f*ck everybody! (Hitting the car with his foot) Everybody else is a f*cking tosser! A f*cking tosser! A f*cking tosser, I hate them!
[Day. In Naomi’s home…]
Naomi is sitting in her bed next to Emily, looking at her. Her phone rings. She gets up.
Cook: Ey up. Look out your window. (She opens her window. Cook is carrying Paddy on his back.) Looking good. (Laughing)
Naomi puts Paddy on the couch and gives him a blanket. She goes in her garden with Cook, sitting, drinking and smoking spliff.
Naomi: We didn’t k*ll her, you know. She k*lled herself. It doesn’t help, though. I still spend every day feeling like I want to puke.
Cook: How’s Emily?
Naomi: Angry. So… Lonely. It all means so much to you, doesn’t it?
Cook: What?
Naomi: Life. You just live a bit harder than everybody else does. You splash about. You wallow in it. Like you can’t lose a moment.
Cook: Yeah, I’m well hard. (They look at each other. She kisses him on the cheek. Then, they kiss each other.) The thing is, Naomi, you splash about, other people get wet. I don’t give a f*ck or anything, it’s just… You get a bit… You know. (They smile. Naomi puts her head on Cook’s shoulder.) f*ck’s sake! I’m never going to get to bone you, am I?
Naomi: No. I love someone.
Cook: You and me both, girl. You and me both.
[Day. In Duncan’s office…]
Duncan arrives with his bike in his arms. He sees that his office is already occupied and sees Cook waiting for him.
Duncan: Lot of people looking for you. Where’s your brother?
Cook: Friend’s house. He’s sleeping.
Duncan: Got to give him back.
Cook: I know.
Duncan: I’d, er, I’d probably get another lawyer, if I were you. Because I’m pretty f*cking shit all round, you know.
Cook: Yeah, you’re shit. But you’re my shit, ok?
Duncan: I’m the only defence lawyer I know with a 100% conviction rate.
Cook: Oh, jeez.
Duncan: They’re going to put you in jail, James. (Cook sits.) What’s eating you? What are you rebelling against?
Cook: What have you got?
Duncan: There you go, you see. You’re too f*cking smart for most people. They don’t even know you’re quoting Marlon Brondo. Do they?
Cook: You’re pretty sharp yourself, for a shit lawyer.
Duncan: Well, it’s easier, ain’t it? Blaming all your shit on everyone else. Well, come on, then, why don’t you tell me something you have done? That you did… all by your shitty little self.
Cook: Last year, I stole my best friend’s girlfriend just because I could. Then I f*cked her mate, best mate, multiple times, man, just because I could.
Duncan: It’s chicken feed, James. What is this? Oprah? Tell me something f*cking worthwhile! Come on, you dick.
Cook: Just wanted to f*cking crack someone.
Duncan: Right.
Cook: He just… Freddie, man. I couldn’t stand the way she was f*cking looking at him. And I was thinking, why does everybody get to piss on me? Everybody always f*cking pisses on me. My f*cking mum. My dad is a f*cking tosser. And no one gives a shit! Everybody’s just out for them-f*cking-selves!
Duncan: Ah, grow up.
Cook: They won’t give a shit.
Duncan: So f*cking what?!
Cook: (Jumps of his chair) So I f*cking smashed the shit out of that kid! I f*cking kicked the shit out of him and I f*cking enjoyed it! I enjoyed it, ok?
Duncan: Ok. That’s pretty good.
Cook cries, gets up and looks at the window.
Cook: Duncan?
Duncan: Yeah, kid?
Cook: There’s something else. The kid was pestering me, man.
[Day. In the inspector’s office…]
Cook tells to the inspectors that he gave Sophia drugs all by himself.
Cook: She kept on asking me for MDMA.
Woman: Sophia?
Cook: Yeah. Yeah. So eventually, you know, I just… I just gave her some just to shut her up more than anything. Then, I didn’t see her again until she fell off the balcony.
Woman: Do you want a lawyer here, James?
Cook: No. It’s fine. He knows what I’m telling you.
Man: And nobody else was involved?
Cook: Nope, nobody but me.
Cook is taken and put in a dungeon. Some time later, he’s called for visits.
[Day. In jail…]
In the room where are the visitors, Effy is waiting for Cook. He sees her and sits in front of her.
Effy: Been up too much?
Cook: Oh, you know.
Effy: I bet it’s all action. Ballroom dancing in the morning, followed by a gin rummy tournament and bumming in the showers.
Cook: Yeah, I can barely sit.
Effy: We’re coming to your trial thing tomorrow.
Cook: We?
Effy: Yeah. We. Freddie’s worried sick.
Cook: I bet he is. Probably scared I’m going to get off and steal his woman again.
Effy: I love him, Cook. That’s what I came to say.
Cook: How is the love?
Effy: It’s a bit of a head f*ck, to be honest. Not simple. I know you’d understand that. But I’m giving it a go. That’s what I always loved about you, Cook. Brave.
She gets up.
Cook: Eff’? Would you tell JJ… you know.
She says yes with her head and leaves.
[Day. At the court…]
Cook and Duncan are sitting next to each other. Duncan looks at his papers.
Cook: You care.
Duncan: I don’t.
Cook: Yeah. Good job this isn’t no win, no fee, otherwise you’d be f*cked.
They smiled. Effy, Freddie and JJ enter. Cook smiles at them.
Man: James Cook.
Cook gets up.
Paddy: (Running to Cook) Cook! Cook! (Man stops him.) No! Let go! (Jump in Cook’s arms) Cook!
Cook: What are you doing here?
Paddy: I bunked off school. I don’t give a shit. I want to watch!
Cook: Listen! Be a big man for me, ok? I need you to sit there for us and wait. You can’t come in.
Freddie takes Paddy.
Freddie: Come and sit over there.
Paddy: Tell them to piss off! Tell them you didn’t do anything!
Cook comes into the room with Duncan. Effy, Freddie, Paddy and JJ are waiting in the corridor, worried. James is interrogating by the judge in the other room.
The judge: And how do you plead?
Cook: Guilty.
The judge: Mr Cook, you’ve wasted a lot of our time, and bail has been a disaster. Your mother says she’s unable to control your behaviour and she’s unwilling to accept you back into the family home. Do you understand?
Cook: Yes.
The judge: So I’m afraid a custodial sentence is inevitable. In any case, I’m told there may be other charges. However, since you wisely changed your plea, we’re going to remand you into custody for reports. You should expect to be there for several months. And James, while you’re there, I strongly advice you to behave yourself. Sentence set for two weeks from today. Take him down.
Two policemen take him outside. His friends look at him.
Paddy: (Taking his hand) Cook! What’s happening? What’s happening, Cook?! Tell them to piss off! Cook!
Freddie takes Paddy. Effy and Cook look at each other during Cook is taken away. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "4x03 - Cook"} | foreverdreaming |
[Effy's House.]
FREDDIE: I really f*cking love you.
EFFY: Raise it a million.
Morning.
ANTHEA: Ciao mi bella bambini! I'm drinking a macchiato in Saint f*cking Peter's Square, exactly where we sat in the summer. I'm just thinking of you. Hope you're all right, darling. I'm having an amazing time with Aldo so, look, I'm gonna stay on a bit longer, sweetheart cos Rome shits on Bristol from a height! I'm missing you loads, and turn your mobile on, love, yeah? I'll call you later. Va fan, f*ck yourself!
FREDDIE: Morning, beautiful. Oh, shit! Judgment day. Eff, what's the matter? Come on, it won't be long. It'll only be a bollocking about attendance or something.
EFFY: Just...don't.
FREDDIE: You coming down?
EFFY: Still up. Way up. This is me happy.
FREDDIE: I can't miss a disciplinary. Dad'll flip.
EFFY: Be a long time d*ad.
[Freddie's House.]
KAREN: Freddie? Freddie, where have you been? I was in the middle of doing your hair.
FREDDIE: Not now, Karen.
KAREN: But if this style goes to shit I'll fail my feathering module!
FREDDIE: Oh! Not right now.
KAREN: But I never see you any more. When are you done with that f*ck-a-thon?
FREDDIE: Oh, you wanna sponsor me! That's good cos we're saving the polar bears.
KAREN: I want to cut your f*cking hair.
MR MCLAIR: Cobwebs. Got to be vigilant.
FREDDIE: Stay out of my room, Dad.
MR MCLAIR: So you've been busy, saving the polar bears?
FREDDIE: Can you get out now, please?
MR MCLAIR: Freddie, acknowledge your father. Look, whatever the college says, you do. No more neglecting your studies. I'm glad this young lady's making you happy, but...
FREDDIE: No, you're not, you're jealous.
MR MCLAIR: What? Clean yourself up. Never thought I'd have to hide in my own house.
[In the street.]
JJ: Salut, etranger!
THOMAS: Hello, stranger!
JJ: I thought study was too 2009 for you and Effy. Where is she anyway?
FREDDIE: She's at home. She didn't feel well.
THOMAS: Trop de jiggy jig!
JJ: Don't you get... bored. Reduced to a mechanism? I mean...
FREDDIE: You just don't get it, do you, J?
JJ: Well, hallelujah for that.
THOMAS: Il y a quelqu'un pour chacun.
JJ: There's someone for everyone.
FREDDIE: Right, boys, I've gotta go. I've got a meeting with Mr. Love, Interim Educational Intervention or something.
JJ: Tough Love!
THOMAS: Le Lips is tres, tres dans le merde!
JJ: I heard he power-hosed Dylan Simpson for forging sick notes. You could plead possible sexual OCD for interfering with your study.
FREDDIE: I'll bear that in mind, J. See ya later.
PANDORA: What you staring at?
[At school.]
MR LOVE: What are you waiting for? Come in. Door! Frederick.
FREDDIE: It's Freddie.
MR LOVE: Why don't you sit down, Frederick? Little to the left, please. Thank you. So the history coursework, I'm told, is late.
FREDDIE: Yes, sorry.
MR LOVE: In fact, I'm told that everything you do is late or inadequate or both. And do you know what late and inadequate means for you... ..Frederick? That's your life. Right there. You have until Monday to complete the missing coursework. Can you be adequate, Frederick? Can you do that?
FREDDIE: I can try.
MR LOVE: Try? What would Michael say?
FREDDIE: Pardon?
MR LOVE: Michael. What would he say?
FREDDIE: "I'm bad."
MR LOVE: Yes, and what else?
FREDDIE: "b*at it"?
MR LOVE: No. He'd say, "Gotta be starting something." OK? Don't you think you should be leaving?
FREDDIE: Right now?
MR LOVE: Yes.
[Effy's House.]
FREDDIE: Eff? Eff, are you home? Effy. Eff, what are you doing in your mum's room? Effy. What? What is it?
EFFY: You've found my p*rn stash.
FREDDIE: Effy...
EFFY: To make it easier.
FREDDIE: All right, what the f*ck did you take cos you're not making any sense?
EFFY: Easier to accept.
FREDDIE: Accept.
EFFY: The end.
FREDIE: End. What f*cking end would that be?
EFFY: Mine... Freddie.
Morning.
FREDDIE: You all right?
EFFY: Hunky f*cking dory.
FREDDIE: Maybe just calm it down a bit, yeah?
EFFY: I'm not the one grinding my teeth.
FREDDIE: Both of us, for a bit. Or do you want to f*ck up your A levels? Eff, please, just drop the dark shit, yeah? Effy, Effy, Eff, listen, all right? OK? It's me. OK? Me.
EFFY: And this is me.
FREDDIE: Jesus...I thought we were happy.
EFFY: Too f*cking happy.
FREDDIE: Right, OK, what? So you want to end it? Is that what you're trying to say?
EFFY: No. It's gonna happen.
FREDDIE: Why are you head f*cking me, Eff? Cos I can't handle it.
EFFY: Better f*ck off then.
[At School.]
FREDDIE: Where's Josie?
MR LOVE: She's had a small breakdown. I don't blame her. I mean look... beanbags. So, Frederick, how may I help you?
FREDDIE: It's OK, I mean, I don't actually think you can.
MR LOVE: No, there's nothing I cannot do, Frederick. Nothing. I guarantee it.
FREDDIE: All right. OK. So what do you do when you can't tell anyone shit cos it might really f*ck things up and you don't know what to do or what's happening? You just know that something really, really... ...f*cking bad is going down.
MR LOVE: Just... No. I think... But I'm not sure... I think you've got me there. Just over there.
[Retirement home.]
FREDDIE: All right, Grandad?
GRANDAD: You've gone bloody big! Give me a hand up. That Violet, she wants me to witness her will. Think she's up for a shag.
FREDDIE: Grandad!
GRANDAD: What? Get it when you can. Who's floating your boat these days? Not still chasing that Elizabeth one?
FREDDIE: No, not chasing any more.
GRANDAD: You snared her in the end then?
FREDDIE: She snared me, Grandad.
GRANDAD: Uh-oh! You'll never get out of that headlock.
FREDDIE: I just did.
GRANDAD: Slam down! Hey, yes! Reckon we need a time-out, eh? Your mum's own miniature museum. The worse she got, the more she made. Mystifying. How's your dad these days? Better fix this young man a drink. You gonna come and tell your grandad what's wrong?
FREDDIE: Grandad, when Mum was young, did you know that she was ill then?
GRANDAND: The days I spent thinking on that. Maybe I did. Maybe I didn't want to. Memories play tricks.
FREDDIE: So did hospital make her worse? She did get worse in there, right?
GRANDAD: It's the chicken or the egg. You never know with the mind. The old invisible universe.
FREDDIE: We should have been the ones to look after her, without anyone else butting in. We could have if he hadn't have just given up.
GRANDAD: You can't blame Leo for what happened to your mum.
FREDDIE: It's his f*cking fault, Grandad.
GRANDAD: Anger will help you survive for a while, but then it'll eat you alive. So...let it go. Living in the past will only f*ck you up, Frederigo. Pardon the Spanish. Do what you can now. Forget what wasn't done then.
[In the street.]
EFFY: This is me, whoever that is. So leave whoever a message.
FREDDIE: f*cking hell, Effy, pick up.
MAN: Gotta stay vibed to the world, kid, alert! I could be prizing your arse out of your head right now.
FREDDIE: As if I've got time for this! I've got to tell someone something.
MAN: You're pretty f*cked, aren't you, mate, and so's your bike.
FREDDIE: f*ck!
[Effy's House.]
PANDORA: Freddie! Freddie! Some bloke in the kitchen hung Anthea's pans off his knob-ring and I yanked 'em off cos it ain't hygienic but he screamed and I can't find first aid or Effy anywhere!
FREDDIE: Who the f*ck set this up, anyway?
PANDORA: Eff! She only posted it about two hours ago.
KATIE: I am not mingling with goths. What the f*ck is that?
PANDORA: Goodbye?
KATIE: Where the f*ck are you going, Freds? Where is Effy?
FREDDIE: She ain't here, Kate.
JJ: Is the hall the new kitchen for the cool kids, or something?
THOMAS: Panda, please don't...
JJ: Bonsoir, Stonem resid... Anthea! Va bene! Va bene! "Who are you?" JJ! With the hair. Party? What's giving you that impression? She hung up.
KATIE: I am so leaving now.
JJ: Moi aussi.
THOMAs: Yeah, me too.
FREDDIE: Effy, can you let me in, please? Effy! Effy, can you open this f*cking door? Effy?
EFFY: You didn't reply. I didn't want to be on my own.
FREDDIE: Effy, what the f*ck is going on? I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I shouted at you as well. Really taking the piss this time.
EFFY: Yeah. Freddie, I don't want them here. I thought I did. I thought that was me, but... I don't know what is, but... I know you're the only person I can trust.
FREDDIE: Effy, nothing bad is going to happen. I'm going to take care of you now. All right? I promise. I promise. Effy, I want you to stay here. OK? Stay here for me, yeah?
FREDDIE: Party's over. It's time to leave. Get the f*ck out now! Move! Get out!
He returns with Effy.
FREDDIE: Here. It's OK now.
A noise.
FREDDIE: It's probably nothing. Just a fox or something. Jesus Christ!
COOK: The one and only! You threw me a break-out party, man. I am f*cking touched.
FREDDIE: In the f*cking head. Cook, what are you playing at?
COOK: I'm Bristol's most wanted. What's the problem?
FREDDIE: You've gotta leave. What the f*ck are you doing here anyway?
COOK: I couldn't hack being stuck with a million f*cking me's no more, all right? Where is she anyways?
EFFY: Get out. Get out! Freddie, get him out.
COOK: She looks like the f*cking chick from The Ring, Freds.
FREDDIE: Wait in the shed.
[In the shed.]
COOK: What the f*ck's up with her?
FREDDIE: Nothing. No, everything's...
COOK: Tits up.
FREDDIE: No, OK? Listen. Cook, you're not coming back here like this.
COOK: I've got my own shit to solve.
FREDDIE: Please, just rest your bony arse tight, while I go and get us some food, all right?
[Freddie's House.]
MR MCLAIR: This is your home, not Tesco's. Your grandad phoned last night. He's concerned, and so am I.
FREDDIE: I'll give you the money back for it.
MR MCLAIR: With what? If you want to f*ck up your life, Freddie, if that's really what you wanna do, just don't bother coming back.
FREDDIE: Fine. Do you know what, Dad? You're just f*cking angry because I've got a life.
MR MCLAIR: A life? You look like a dosser. You act like an animal. Who are you?
FREDDIE: Your pride and f*cking joy.
MR MCLAIR: If your mum could see this...
FREDDIE: Well, she can't, can she, thanks to you.
MR MCLAIR: I was trying to f*cking help her.
FREDDIE: She f*cking k*lled herself, Dad.
MR MCLAIR: I had no choice, Freddie.
FREDDIE: Yes, you did. You could have done something, but you didn't.
[Effy's House.]
FREDDIE: Rise and shine. OK, we're gonna stop this. Right, this has to stop now. Can we go now?
EFFY: Where?
FREDDIE: Out. Your carriage awaits.
[In the park.]
EFFY: Why the f*ck did you bring me here?
FREDDIE: Just fresh air and that. Look at it. Good to get away, yeah?
EFFY: Yeah, good to get away.
MAN: Remember, you two lovers, back by seven with my rig, and respect.
[Effy's House.]
ANTHEA: Hello! Mama's home, angel. Holy shit! Effy!
[In the park.]
FREDDIE: I totally f*cking love you. Now's the bit you say...
EFFY: Don't move.
FREDDIE: That one's JJ.
EFFY: Their faces... behind the skin...
FREDDIE: The skin?
EFFY: Between this world and the next... Their teeth and their claws coming out. Trying to break through.
FREDDIE: Did you drop something in the cab?
EFFY: Like a fart or something?
FREDDIE: No, like a tab or something.
EFFY: A tab with your face on it. Here. A hole that fits mine. The moment I saw you, I knew it'd be the closest I'd get to being... close. I didn't know what to do with that feeling. Happiness.
FREDDIE: Listen, Effy. You are closest... I'm ever...
EFFY: But they know now and they're hungry. Really f*cking hungry. Because, for as long as I know, they've been chasing me. And now they're ready, now they're strong enough to break through. And I can't fight them. I used to be able to when I was strong but... You've made me weak. And now I can't, I can't.
FREDDIE: Effy, there's no-one f*cking there. Effy!
EFFY: I can't!
FREDDIE: Effy!
EFFY: Let me go!
FREDDIE: Effy, listen. What d'you want me to do?
EFFY: They're ready now.
FREDDIE: Effy, stay here!
EFFY: They're coming.
FREDDIE: I'll fight 'em. Is that going to stop you? I'll f*cking fight them. f*ck off! f*ck off, you c**ts, I'll k*ll you all!
EFFY: I have to go home now.
FREDDIE: What?
EFFY: Get me the f*ck out of here, Freddie, please. Freddie!
[In the street. It's Carnival.]
FREDDIE: Shit!
EFFY: Why the f*ck did you bring me here?
FREDDIE: I didn't, I didn't know. f*ck off! Oi! Come on! Get the f*ck away now! Effy! Effy!
COOK: Freddie! What are you doing here?
FREDDIE: I've lost her.
COOK: Come on, let's find her.
EFFY: Katie! Katie!
KATIE: Eff, come on. Freddie! Freddie!
FREDDIE: It's OK.
KATIE: Freddie, what's happened? Is she all right?
FREDDIE: It's OK. Let's get her out of here.
[Retirement home.]
GRANDAD: Freddie, what a lovely surprise.
FREDDIE: I didn't know where else to go.
GRANDAD: And which of you lovely girls is Elizabeth?
KATIE: I'm Katie.
GRANDAD: Lovely! Sit down, Freds.
FREDDIE: No Grandad. I've got to stay with her.
GRANDAD: It's fine. Sit down. Now, why don't you take her to the dining hall? Where they do a very nice cup of tea.
KATIE: Come on, Eff. Everything's all right.
FREDDIE: Did what I could, Grandad. I did everything.
GRANDAD: I know you did, son. But you need help. You can't take this all on yourself.
FREDDIE: I'm gonna have to, Grandad. No-one cares. Nobody.
GRANDAD: I know that's not true.
FREDDIE: No, I don't think you do, actually. I don't think you understand.
GRANDAD: I do. You care and that's what's k*lling you. What use are you going to be doing this to yourself?
FREDDIE: I don't give a f*ck. I can't let this happen again. I'm not gonna let this happen again.
GRANDAD: Do you have any idea how hard your dad fought to keep your mum in this world? He fought...
FREDDIE: No, he didn't. He gave her up, Grandad, he let her do it.
GRANDAD: No.
FREDDIE: Yeah. He bottled it. He f*cked it up, Grandad, we all f*cked it up.
GRANDAD: No, he did the best he could, and that's what you're going to do. You think the world of this girl, eh?
FREDDIE: I really love her, Grandad. I can't manage without her. She's like nothing... I'm not ready to lose her yet.
GRANDAD: Do what you have to do. Just for a bit. She needs help. Live to fight another day, eh?
KATIE: Freddie! Effy won't come out of the toilet.
GRANDAD: What? You've left her alone?
FREDDIE: No, no, no... No, no, no... Effy, Effy... Help! Someone help!
[At the hospital.]
EFFY: Go on. Go... Away.
[On a bench.]
ANTHEA: Before she h*t the world, she was this... f*re, heating every bit of me. It was, like, so intense, it b*rned. I think I knew, even then, that she was going to be remarkable. And then... When I held her for the first time... Man, it was like holding this... Beautiful b*mb. The energy was...you know. Even then, it scared me. So I think I'm prepared for this. Whatever this is. She's going to need us. To help rebuild her again.
FREDDIE: She's going to need you.
[In the garden.]
FREDDIE: There's no future without her.
COOK: f*ck the future. There's nothing any more. There's nothing but now, mate.
FREDDIE: What have I done? What did I do?
COOK: You went to the end of the f*cking earth, man. The end of the f*cking earth. You're gonna have to go further now, mate. For her. For you. For me. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "4x05 - Freddie"} | foreverdreaming |
Thomas is running. Cook is having sex with a girl. Emily is waking up. Mandy is on the bed with her.
Karen is in Freddie's room.
KAREN: Freds? I'm wearing your best tee.
Effy at the Hospital.
KATIE: Anything?
EFFY: Only in my head. He's talking in my head.
KATIE: What's our Fred saying?
EFFY: He's saying they're all f*cking mad.
WOMEN: Two, three and... go!
KATIE: Where's Panda gone? What's she doing? Oh my God!
WOMAN: You're going the wrong way!
EFFY: Go, Panda. They're all after you.
KATIE: Bounce to me!
Naomi's House.
NAOMI: Ems! I'm back!
EMILY: No! Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh, shit.
NAOMI: Hi. I got eggs. We can have eggs, yeah? And Red Bulls and pain au chocolat and... I got the heat. What? NAOMI: She'd been snoring like that all night.
EMILY: What?
NAOMI: You were both so f*cking trashed. So I slept in the sofa with Panda.
EMILY: Right.
NAOMI: She's quite cute. For a straight girl. Wow. In the scud. When did that happen?
EMILY: I didn't notice.
NAOMI: Good thing. You might have got you know... Tempted...
EMILY: I was wrecked.
NAOMI: Yeah. You were both pissing corn. Like I said, cute. Is this bad? You all need your breakfast? I can fry you, poach you, scramble you. Do you any way you like. But shower though, cause, Ems... You smell of something and it ain't roses.
At the Hospital.
EFFY: Couldn't you have just brought me some grapes or something?
PANDORA: Grapes are for chipmunks. This is so better. I wrote you a song, I just can't get the hang of... Tit and piss, the instructions were in Japanese! Oh, f*ck me up the arse three ways! Come on, you nonky c**t!
KATIE: Language!
PANDORA: Great, isn't it? I've been practising. Oh, I've got it! Scrapey, scrapey for you, shakey, shakey for you.
KATIE: What for?
PANDORA: Life. Can't stand still, can we? So this is gonna cheer you up.
PANDORA (singing): “Some days are disasters, that you wish could just end.
Other days are bastards, just like a bad boyfriend.
But it makes me feel much worse than this,
to see your face marked with a frown.
I’m not telling you to smile, but don’t be down.
Don’t be down my friend, don’t do your wrist any harm.
You don’t belong on a funny farm.
And I’d rather see you in a party dress, than in a hospital gown.
I’m not telling you to smile, but don’t be down.”
EFFY: Did you write that?
At Naomi's House.
GIRL: Oh, f*ck me!
NAOMI: Seems nice.
COOK: Met her at Dojo's. h*t it off. You know.
NAOMI: Like a whirlwind romance.
COOK: Yeah, well, we got chatting.
NAOMI: Did you?
COOK: No.
NAOMI: Well... least you're moving on.
COOK: Yeah. Yeah, I'm well over Eff. Finito. It's like... liberating, yeah.
NAOMI: Good.
COOK: Moving on.
NAOMI: I'm looking forward to meeting...
GIRL: Phew, f*cking hell! I'm never having the mezze platter again. I opened the window a bit, you know.
COOK: Naomi, Arcia.
NAOMI: Pardon?
ARCIA: Arcia.
NAOMI: Sorry, I didn't quite...
ARCIA: Arcia.
COOK: Arcia?! Arcia, all right?
NAOMI: Yeah, it's fine. Arcia, Arcia. It's pretty... Arcia.
ARCIA: Cheers. Listen, lover, I think I lost my pissing thong in the bus station.
COOK: Er, did you?
ARCIA: You know I f*cking did, stud man! He's a little criminal.
NAOMI: That is what they say.
COOK: Yeah.
At the Hospital. Effy is looking a photo of Freddie.
VOICE: I'm not going! I'm fine here! Leave me alone!
FOSTER: Sometimes it's hard to move on. How are you, Elizabeth?
EFFY: Better.
FOSTER: Sure?
EFFY: No.
FOSTER: Your mother wants you to go home. She says she can look after you there.
EFFY: Is that good?
FOSTER: Good? You know better than that, Elizabeth. We have to forget about good and bad.
EFFY: My boyfriend ran away. That was bad.
FOSTER: How can we know? If only we knew how things will turn out.
EFFY: Yeah.
FOSTER: I came to tell you that I'm leaving my job here.
EFFY: You? You're leaving?
FOSTER: Don't be upset. I think... Maybe it's time.
EFFY: Do I say thank you?
FOSTER: We don't know yet. But I think... Yes, you could be something I'm proud of.
EFFY: I'll never forget you.
FOSTER: No. You won't. Goodbye, Elizabeth.
EFFY: Goodbye.
VOICE: Effy, Effy...
EFFY: Freds?
At Naomi's house.
MANDY: I thought you didn't sleep with her any more.
EMILY: Yeah, well, people keep moving in.
MANDY: Isn't what you told me, that's all.
EMILY: Mandy, we haven't done anything. So, I don't why... I mean, we didn't do anything last night. Did we?
MANDY: You wanted to. If you hadn't been totally f*cking AWOL...
EMILY: No. I didn't.
MANDY: Yeah? Otherwise, what have we been doing? What have you been doing? She thinks I'm straight!
EMILY: What? How do you even...
MANDY: Said it when she was looking at my tits, didn't she? Bit f*cked up, that. I don't want to be f*cked around, Emily. Just cos she won't take you to Goa.
EMILY: Don't.
MANDY: I'd take you. We'd go dancing. Sleep in a hut. I'd make love to you on the beach. Isn't that what you want?
NAOMI: Ems! Mandy! Breakfast! Oh, yeah. There's someone here you've got to meet.
THOMAS: You're Freddie's sister.
KAREN: Yeah. Thomas, right? I thought maybe he's hiding in here.
THOMAS: Why would he hide from you?
KAREN: I don't know. But something's not right. So I want to... I don’t fit here.
THOMAs: I don’t think it matters. I don’t fit anywhere.
KAREN: But I like all the wrong things.
THOMAS: Like?
KAREN: You know. Gossip Girl, Davina, Dick Van d*ke, Lady And The Tramp, Hannah Montana, monster trucks, Dancing On Ice, mojitos, Rio Ferdinand, Marsala Zone, Pop Tarts, Jude Law’s accent in Cold Mountain, hair straighteners, Love Actually, Kylie, Whitney, Britney, Robbie, Brucie, L’Oreal, Wild At Heart, milk, comic relief, ponies, Posh, Becks, pecs, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and heavy petting. Oh, I f*cking love that. Anyway, Freddie doesn't mind what I like. If they knew where he was, they'd tell me, right?
THOMAS: Let's ask. I like to run. I run like a dog.
KAREN: Cute. So what are you doing here?
THOMAS: Oh, Katie has a plan. I'm supposed to teach her French for her interview. You know, Panda notices that we are a little too friendly. She's jealous, and she wants me back because she can't stand to see me giving Katie French. It's a good plan, yes?
KAREN: Go for it, Thomas.
In the bus.
KATIE: Panda?
PANDA: Yo.
KATIE: You're looking happy.
PANDA: Am I? That's weird. I'm suicidal, obviously.
KATIE: Because your boyfriend smashed your heart into 1,000 pieces seven months ago?
PANDA: Yup. He did that. Tragic, ain't it? Bummer.
KATIE: Thomas is coming round to Naomi's later to give me French lessons for my interview. That's kind of him, isn't it?
PANDA: Yeah, kind.
At Naomi's House.
ARCIA: Hmm, you like a bit of cheese cake, isn't it?
KAREN: Well, this is... nice, isn't it?
JJ: Yeah, it's nice. I think it's nice.
NAOMI: I'm doing cocktails. Who wants a Ball Breaker? I've got rum, creme de menthe, ouzo and... rum.
MANDY: I'm fine.
KAREN: No, I'm all right, thanks.
NAOMI: Oh, come on! What's wrong with everyone?! It's nearly half eleven.
ARCIA: I'll have one. I love that creme de menth-ay stuff. Makes you piss green, innit?
NAOMI: There you go. Come on, you pussies. Ball Breakers. They're cool. If Effy's having one, you can all f*cking...
COOK: What did you call her?
NAOMI: Um... I might have made a slight...
COOK: Her name's Arcia, for f*ck sakes! Why's everybody weirding her?
ARCIA: Yeah. Your friends are weirdal, Cook. They don't half f*cking stare, do 'ey?
COOK: Oh, man! Um, I just remembered, you gotta go.
ARCIA: What?
COOK: Something's come up. I've gotta, um...
ARCIA: But we was gonna get piercings.
COOK: Yeah, yeah, and we will soon. Soon...
ARCIA: What the f*ck?!
COOK: You said you was gonna be right up my alley, wasn't it?
ARCIA: Yeah...
COOK: Yeah, bye.
ARCIA: Screw you!
NAOMI: Did I do that?
EVERYONE: Yeah, you kinda.
KAREN: I'll go. Cook...
COOK: I'm losing it, man.
KAREN: Cook, come and talk to me.
COOK: I never clocked that she looked like Eff, I swear.
KAREN: Chrissakes, stop being a tit. Freddie. Somethings up.
COOK: Look, Karen. I’ve asked around. There is no sign of Freds. He’s legged it, that’s all there is.
KAREN: You owe him, Cook. When you ran off last year, who came looking for you?
COOK: That’s only ‘cause I took his girl with me-
[Karen slaps Cook]
KAREN: You stupid bastard! What is wrong with you all?
COOK: f*ck…
KAREN: You find him! You f*cking find my brother!
COOK: Karen, I’m sorry. I miss him too.
KAREN: No, you don’t. Nobody loves him like I do. Not even that crazy bitch, Effy. He’s all I’ve got. God knows he’s all you’ve got.
[She hands a notebook to Cook]
KAREN: Read that and tell me there is nothing wrong. I’ll give you a blowjob every day for a year if that’s all you care about.
COOK: You’ve got me wrong, Karen.
KAREN: Show me.
Cook reads Freddie's book.
COOK: So do I, Freds. So do I.
NAOMI: Come on. Where's everybody going?
KATIE: Hey.
JJ: Hey. I'm going. The atmosphere's not great in there.
KATIE: Naom's caning the spliff again.
JJ: Yeah, and the rest. Well, let's go get some of that baby food.
PANDA: Hi, Tommo.
THOMAS: Panda. Katie, are you ready for some French?
KATIE: Yes, thanks, Thomas, I'd love some. You remember I said...
PANDA: Yeah, I remember.
KATIE: I'm pretty cool, huh?
THOMAS: Do you think she cares?
KATIE: Oh, she cares. What's going on in there?
THOMAS: Je ne sais rien, putain. I don't know anything.
KATIE: Huh?
THOMAS: It's time for our lesson, Katie.
NAOMI: Where's everybody gone? Hey, hey, hey, hey. What is it?
MANDY: It's Mandy.
NAOMI: Yeah, yeah. You can dance. Come on.
MANDY: I gotta get going.
NAOMI: No. No. Everyone's so f*cking pissy. Come on. Emsy's got the gob on and I wanna party. That's all we have to do.
MANDY: OK. Why not?
NAOMI: There you go. You hear that?
MANDY: Why not.
NAOMI: Let's have a bit more volume. Better! You dance pretty good... for a straight girl. Yeah. We... We had problems. Me and Emsy. Cos... Cos I was... I was bad, and... That right, Ems? See? I'm forgiven. It's just been heaven these last months. f*cking heaven. I'm only saying... I'm only saying because...
MANDY: Naomi...
NAOMI: Eh?
MANDY: If you don't want her... I do.
[Mandy makes a kiss Naomi and Naomi slaps her.]
THOMAS: "Combien de fois allons-nous baiser?"
KATIE: "Combien de fois nous allons baiser?"
THOMAS: It's future conditional.
KATIE: Hang on, let me try again. "Combien de fois... nous allons baiser?"
THOMAS: Awful. You're actually terrible.
KATIE: I know. I'm terrible. Let me try again. Combien de fois nous... allons... baiser.
THOMAS: Not even close! Watch my lips, listen to how I say it. "Combien de fois allons-nous baiser?"
KATIE: Alright, I think I've got it. "Combien de fois nous allons baiser?"
THOMAS: No, you're not listening. One more time.
KATIE: "Combien de fois allons-nous baiser?"
THOMAS: OK... Try this one... "Tes mamelons se leveront pour moi".
KATIE: Ok... "Tes mamelons se leveront pour moi". What the f*ck's "mamelons"?
THOMAs: These.
KATIE: You cheeky bastard. Honestly!
THOMA: I'm sorry! I'm so sorry.
Katie kiss him.
KATIE: No, no, no. Oh, my God, I'm sorry.
THOMAS: No, it wasn't...
KATIE: I thought we were... No, that's not right. I'm such a dozy bitch! I didn't realise.
THOMAS: What?
KATIE: Don't make me say it, Tommo.
THOMAS: You are beautiful, Katie, in so many ways. But I can't stop loving her. Sorry.
KATIE: Oh, f*ck!
EMILY: I love you.
NAOMI: Don't lie. My mum's coming back next week. Maybe you should go.
VOICE: Cook!
COOK: What? Freds? Hey, Fredster. Look where we ended up. All back at Naomi Campbell's. Naomi...
Morning. Police is behind Naomi's house.
PANDORA: Naomi! Bit loud. Bit loud! f*ck!
NAOMI: What?
PANDORA: Cook! Cook!
EMILY: What the f*ck?! What's happening?
PANDORA: Gotta go, Cookie, the fuzz.
COOK: I'm on it.
POLICE: Open the door! Police!
COOK: Always looking good in lingerie, Panda.
POLICE: This is the police, open the door! This is the police, open the door. James Cook? Open the door. This is your last chance. Right, OK, step back. James Cook! Police, stay where you are! You, stay there. Where's James Cook? Where is he?
Thomas is running.
MAN: Come on.
THOMAS: Yeah...
MAN: You train pretty hard.
THOMA: Yeah. I run fast... like a dog.
MAN: Perry, I'm still f*cking watching you, you know! 17, 18, come on. Shape. Shape. Move! You just ran 400 metres in 48.2 seconds.
THOMAS: So?
MAN: So?! That would put you in the European Junior Championships, that's all.
THOMAS: I'm not from Europe. I'm from Congo.
MAN: So what you doing here, then?
THOMAS: Nothing. I work. I run. So?
MAN: No college? Why not?
THOMAS: And I mind my own business.
MAN: Sure you do. You could be in university, a shit-load of universities. You know, there are scholarships for boys like you.
THOMA: Boys like me?
MAN: Yes. Boys that run fast. Problem?
THOMAS: I can do many things. I don't have to run for Whitey to get what I want.
MAN: No? OK. Perry, if you do not put that f*g out of your mouth, I am going to ram it up your arse. Neither do I. You... can call me. And fix your head. We gotta take our chances, young blood. Otherwise, what else we got?
MAN: Right, Perry, get down! Squat thrusts! Two, three. You are going to puke your guts, or I'm going to rip your balls out and sell them to Nando's! Come on!
In Freddie's shed.
EFFY: You f*ck everything up again?
COOK: Yeah.
EFFY: It’s his birthday today.
COOK: Yeah. Do you think he’d mind?
EFFY: Freds probably got scared. I’m pretty scary.
COOK: Yep.
EFFY: But I can’t not know… if he couldn’t bear it. I can handle it. I think I can handle it.
[Cook hands her Freddie’s notebook]
COOK: We’ll go and find him. Alright?
JJ: My powers of deductive reasoning are unparalleled. They're actually hunting you with dogs. Impressive. Anyway, we weren't sure if the coast was clear.
COOK: What do you mean, "we"?
JJ: Yeah, and it's a bit chilly hiding out there in the garden. The sea eagles are roosting.
PANDORA: Hello, Eff. I've been trying to tell you something.
EFFY: Spit it out, Panda-pops.
PANDORA: I'm going away.
EFFY: Really? Fine. Where?
PANDORA: Harvard. On a history scholarship. I might have done some exams without telling anyone.
Naomi's house.
NAOMI: Hello, Mum. Yeah. Looking forward to seeing you, too. Oh, no. Nothing much. Just... the usual stuff. Yeah, I accepted a place at Goldsmiths, but... I know how proud you are of me, Mum. I love you, too. It's all over.
Freddie's Shed.
KAREN: I thought... What the f*ck are you doing?
JJ: We're having a party. Freds'd like it. Don't you think?
KAREN: Yeah. Yeah, I guess he would.
JJ, Karen & Cook are dancing.
EMILY: So here! Hi, Thomas.
THOMAs: Hey! I've never been here before, to Freddie's shed.
EMILY: Yeah. Same here. First time for everything, yeah?
THOMAS: Yeah.
KATIE: Right. Let's get this party started. What the f*ck kind of lame-o rave is this?! I dressed up.
COOK: Yeah. Well, pardon me for farting, dinky tits. You took long enough getting here.
JJ: We're playing Ace of Truth. And I can tell you we've learned a few things tonight. Haven't we, Karen?
KAREN: You said it had to be shocking.
JJ: Yeah. Please don't say it. I'm still feeling queasy. Who's going to start?
NAOMI: I will. I’ve loved you from the first time I saw you. I think I was twelve. It took me three years to pluck up the courage to speak to you. But I was so scared of the way I felt, you know, loving a girl. I learned how to become a sarcastic bitch just to make it feel normal. I screwed guys to make it go away, but it didn’t work. When we got together, it scared the shit out of me because you were the one person who could ruin my life. I pushed you away. I made you think things were your fault, but really, I was just terrified of pain. I screwed that girl Sophia to kinda spite you for having that hold on me. I’m a total f*cking coward because I got these, these tickets to go for us three months ago. But I, but I couldn’t stand… I didn’t want to be a sl*ve for the way I feel about you. Can you understand? You were trying to punish me back and it’s horrible. It’s so horrible because, really, I’d die for you. I love you. I love you so much and it’s k*lling me.
Cook in the garden.
COOK: Freds?
He sees someone.
COOK: Who's that?
He follows the man. It's John Fauster.
In the shed.
THOMAS: I'm going away, Panda.
PANDA: How ?
THOMAS: Yes. Even though I have no exams, I have a chance to study. They have a scholarship for athletes. A friend is going to help me.
PANDA: Right. I was going to tell...
THOMAS: It's a long way away. The USA. It's called Harvard. I think I have a chance there. I can make a new start. And you know... I run like a dog.
PANDA: That sounds cool, Tommo. Wacker.
Fauster's house. Cook finds Freddie's clothes, with some blood.
COOK: What? Get out.
COOK: What have you done?
FOSTER: Don’t be stupid, Cook. She told me all about you too. There was much to correct in that girl. I almost managed it. Perhaps I still can.
COOK: You. You did something to my friend?
FOSTER: This is wasting time. Would you kneel down, please?
COOK: Mr. Foster.
FOSTER: Dr. Foster, actually. Kneel down, please.
[Cook shakes his head and John shoves him in the stomach with his bat.]
COOK: I don’t think you know what I am, mate.
FOSTER: I think I do. You’re nothing. You don’t deserve that girl. And, you know… I do.
COOK: I’m a f*cking waste of space. I’m just a stupid kid. I got no sense. Criminal. I’m no f*cking use, man. I am nothing. So please, please… get it into your, you know. Into your bonce. That you k*lled my friend. And, I’m Cook. I’M COOK! | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "4x08 - Everyone"} | foreverdreaming |
Franky's bedroom.
FRANKY: Hey, what are you looking at? Come here.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: All set, tiger? That's the last of the boxes.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Serrano and Reblochon sandwich, just in case the cafeteria isn't... Now, where's that smile?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: You off, Franky? Franky?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: New start, remember? Just try to blend in.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: And don't take any crap this time.
FRANKY: Bye, Dads.
In the street.
BOY 1: What the f*ck is that? Is that a batty or a lezzer?
BOY 2: Let's check it out!
BOY 1: We're BS5, get me?
FRANKY: So?
BOY 1: Yo. You deaf? Yeah, get it, bitch. Oh, my days!
BOY 2: You got dropped by a batty lezzer!
BOY 1: Shut the f*ck up! Come on, boys. Let's get 'er.
BOY 2: Get him!
BOY 1: She went up here. There. Stop her.
FRANKY: Shit, shit, shit.
BOY 1: You're so iced.
FRANKY: Screw you!
BOY 1: Get her! Oi!
BOY 2: Ouch. Ouch.
BOY 1: Batty's getting away.
Front of the school.
FRANKY: Out of my way! f*ck, f*ck, f*ck. Get out of my way! Move! Move, move!
NICK: You OK, babe?
TEENAGER 1: What the f*ck happened to my bike?
TEENAGER 2: Mangled to shit, mate.
FRANKY: Sorry. I'm really, really sorry. The, er... The brakes were f*cked.
GRACE: Wow.
MINI: Has the circus come to town or what?
At school.
DOUG: Uh, uh. In you go.
FRANKY: I'm, uh, I'm Franky. Er, Fitzgerald? It's my first day.
DOUG: F... F...Fitz. Oh! The last-minute transfer. Francesca? Your first period is Sports Foundation, so...
FRANKY: What? But, I haven't got kit...
DOUG: Franky, my dear, I don't give a damn! And I've got just the thing, my own contribution...
In the cloakroom.
MINI: Er, excuse me. I was just wondering, are you, like, in fancy dress, or is that look an actual, like, choice?
FRANKY: What?
MINI: Oh, my God, what the hell are those? Problem? Earth to Oddness, what are you staring at?
FRANKY: f*cking hell.
MINI: See you on the field, stud. Try not to run me over next time. See ya.
GRACE: Bye.
On the sports ground.
GIRL 1: Move! You muppet.
MINI: p*ssy. Coming through, bitch!
MINI: Ahh! Take that! Nobody does that to me, OK?!
SPORT TEACHER: Oi, oi, oi! Hey! Shake hands and heal, ladies. Come on, shake. Nothing to see, girls. Play on.
MINI: Better watch your f*cking back, or you're d*ad meat... bruv.
In the canteen.
RICH: Scooter Girl! Now we're even Steven.
ALO: Hey, short stuff, what's up?
FRANKY: Nothing, just some nightmare girl.
RICH: So who is this chick that brings on the sweats?
FRANKY: Think her name's Mini.
BOYS: She's f*cked.
FRANKY: Why?
ALO: Meet Anita. Mini's last slay. She wore the same outfit on first day of college. Not pretty.
RICH: If Roundview was a medieval village, I'd strap that witch to a ducking stool.
ALO: Save us your Middle Ages wet dream, Rich!
RICH: She's probably got gills under her armpits.
MINI: Ahem!
ALO: Ladies! How's it hanging?
MINI: Cowshit and Bullshit. f*ck off, now. Those dicks are death. Avoid. Haven't seen you around Bristol. How come you started so late?
FRANKY: I 've like... moved here.
LIV: From where?
FRANKY: Oxford.
MINI: Understandable, but why?
FRANKY: If you're gonna start shit, can you just get it over with now, because I had enough grief before...
MINI: Start shit?
LIV: What grief?
GRACE: Before, like, Oxford, or past-life before? I had a dream two Sundays ago that I was a sl*ve, on a plantation in Jamaica...
GIRLS: Shut up, Grace.
MINI: No hard feelings. Again. I'm Mini.
LIV: Liv.
GRACE: Grace. Hello!
FRANKY: Franky.
MINI: You know, you are pretty f*cking...
GRACE: Badass.
MINI: Yes, you are. So, Franky Badass... fancy hanging out later?
FRANKY: No. Er, I mean, no thanks.
MINI: Are you say not cheap thing ?
FRANKY: No, I'm sure it smells lovely.
MINI: Not alternative enough for you?
FRANKY: I... I just... I got to, um... I've got go home after college.
GRACE: See you later!
MINI: Don't be gay, Gracey.
LIV: What was that about?
FRANKY: New start, yeah? New start.
LITERATURE TEACHER: Ah, newbie. School's out.
FRANKY: I, uh, had a stomach ache.
LITERATURE TEACHER: Oh, you got proof? Stool photos, shit like that?
FRANKY: Er, no.
LITERATURE TEACHER: Copy what's on the board. Present tomorrow. You're first.
In the street.
FRANKY: All right?
GRACE: Oh, great!
LIV: It's not brutal, Mini. It'd be rude not to. Franky ?
FRANKY: Nice one.
MINI: Welcome to our world!
GRACE: Come on, Franky.
GRACE: Peek-a-boo, Mini-moo!
LIV: Franky's seriously got the funk.
MINI: So, Franky, I'm having a party tomorrow night and er, was wondering...like to come?
FRANKY: That'd be... yeah, that'd be cool!
MINI: Excellent. Oh, but what are you going to wear? Cos we need, well, the situation sorted out first. No offence!
In a make-up shop.
MINI: Oh, my gosh. You've never worn make-up before, have you?
FRANKY: No.
LIV: What about with your girls in Oxford?
FRANKY: I didn't have none.
MINI: No friends?
FRANKY: No, I had a mate, a best mate, Dean, but he went young offenders.
GRACE: That is so f*cking cool!
MINI: I won't bite.
LIV: Look it's just to try. OK? Some eyeshadow won't hurt.
MINI: Ah, beautiful.
LIV: You've totally got, like, "f*ck me" eyes, girl. Totally "f*ck me sideways" eyes.
MINI: When you've finished licking her out... We've got outfits to sort!
MINI: This will be perfect for you, Franks!
FRANKY: I look like a f*cking twat.
MINI: What, like me, you mean?
FRANKY: No, no, it's just...
LIV: You look...
GRACE: Like a punky butterfly!
MINI: So, it's a sort of that.
FRANKY: What is?
MINI: What you're wearing to my party, butterfly. Minus the wife-beater and, um, shorts, naturally.
FRANKY: f*cking hell.
MINI: Hurry up !
LIV: Knock yourself out. Got the eye make-up for you - enjoy.
GRACE: Peg it!
LIV: That was so sick, Franky!
GRACE: You OK, Mins?
MINI: Fine. I mean, apart from securing a Crimewatch spot with thieves, abso-f*cking-lutely!
FRANKY: I'm kind of near here, so I'll see you guys.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Franky?
LIV: Is that your dad?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Franky?
GRACE: And who's that with him?
FRANKY: My other dad. I'm, er... I'm adopted.
GRACE: Oh! Like Annie. I totally love her.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: I can't stand the bitch. Are they, er, troubling you?
FRANKY: No, I'm fine.
MINI: We're Franky's new friends!
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Friends?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Friends?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Girl...
FRANKY'S DAD 2: ..friends?
Franky's house.
MINI: Was Franky, like, bridesmaid?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Oh, no, we've only been blessed with her for two years.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Ta-daah!
FRANKY'S DAD 1: My man's a Chef de Partie.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Franky? Anyone else?
LIV: Mmm, this is sex!
MINI: So you actually made it, Jeff?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: At four this f*cking morning.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: I couldn't sleep. Franky's first day.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Should have phoned after college. Had us worried sick.
MINI: Sorry. Totally my fault. Franks was trying stuff to wear to my party.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Party? That's f*cking brill! Franky's going to a party, Geoff. What did you try on, darling?
MINI: We got her make-up, necklace and this. She looked oh-my-God amazing. You so have to wear it.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Franky?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Er, sorry. She's still a bit fragile.
MINI: That, erm, grief in Oxford, right?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: You... you know about that?
MINI: Yeah, Franks told us everything. Really tough, huh?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Yeah, it was. Sorry, I need to check on dinner. I'll be back in two shakes.
MINI: They got married in an army uniform. Twisted or what?
GRACE: Mini, that's naughty!
MINI: What the f*ck?
LIV: Oh, my God, she's been fraped!
GRACE: Come on, Mini, this isn't fair!
MINI: Yeah, but look at that one!
FRANKY'S DAD 1: We do not lock doors in this family.
FRANKY: It's the toilet.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Well, I haven't heard any lavatorial what-have-yous whatsoever, clever clogs. Chin up. Your mates await!
FRANKY'S DAD 2: What the hell are you doing looking at those?
MINI: It just came on when Grace brushed past it. We're really, really sorry. We're friends.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: This is not fair. She had a really shit time at the last school.
MINI: We were just looking.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: I don't care, this was a real...
FRANKY: What the f*ck?! I can't believe you looked at them! Please don't say anything. Please, promise. Promise me!
LIV: Yeah, Franky, we promise.
GRACE: Yes, Franky, of course.
MINI: Cross our hearts.
GIRLS: Bye.
FRANKY: Dicksplash!
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Geoff, did you hear that? She just called her dad "dicksplash".
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Franky, only I can call Geoff that.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Great, gold star for discipline.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: I was aiming for levity. You need to start trusting. No person is an island. You're going to have to make an effort this time.
FRANKY: f*ck off.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: Freeze. You are not ducking brekkie again.
FRANKY: Trick or treat?
FRANKY'S DAD 1: Oh, bloody Nora.
FRANKY: Don't take the piss, all right.
FRANKY'S DAD 2: You've just been a bit over-zealous, that's all. Here, let me. When I was your age, I bough myself a Sergio Tacchini tracksuit and a sovereign ring for every finger.
FRANKY: You wore sovereigns?
FRANKY'S DAD 2: I even had a Playboy one. I didn't get any more shit off the estate after that, but I developed so much testosterone, I didn't know what to do. So I joined the TA.
FRANKY'S DAD 1: And when our eyes met across the as*ault course, he just couldn't deny me.
At school.
LIV: f*ck me, Franky.
GRACE: Pretty please with sugar on top. Adoring the new you.
LIV: Yeah, it's well original, Franks.
MINI: What's it called. Lidl La Roux?
GRACE: Mini...
MINI: I'm sorry, but you can't come to my soiree like that.
FRANKY: Why?
MINI: Cos... Cos I mean, it looks like she's been g*ng-r*ped by clowns! What about that gorge dress I got you?
FRANKY: I don't think it's...
MINI: Soz, don't speak mumble. What?
FRANKY: It isn't right.
MINI: Why not? Come on, why not?
FRANKY: Do I look like a bulimic f*cking Barbie? Shit. I'm sorry.
MINI: Fine. It's fine. See you guys in class. Nick.
In classroom.
LITERATURE TEACHER: And it was my cell-mate, Peter, who taught me to read and it really helped block out the flashbacks from that... gruesome night. Who's this?
ALO: Your mum?
LITERATURE TEACHER: No. This is my mum, sandwiched between Dickens and Nabokov. This is the original punk - Charlotte f*cking Bronte! This is my ID. Do you get me? Yeah? Good. Now, I asked you to prepare and discuss to the class whether choice truly shapes us. Thank you, Richard, please resume picking your hole. Oi. Fresh meat. You're up.
LITERATURE TEACHER: No. f*ck is good. f*ck is poetic expression for the unsayable soul. Carry on.
FRANKY: Right. Yeah. So, um... f*cking. Erm... Yeah. Basically if... If you can, like, choose your identity cos... I tried today and now I feel, kind of, less like me and I mean I'm not exactly over the moon about being me in the first place, but now... Now I think... I kind of like it less than trying not to be me. Um, cos I just want to, like, just be.
GRACE: Yes, we can!
LITERATURE TEACHER: Well done, Fitzgerald, you just took a big dump on the grave of Jean-Paul Sartre.
NICK: Sorry, Sir. Rugger practice, like, over-ran and shit.
LITERATURE TEACHER: Your turn to pick up the soap, was it?
NICK: We use shower gel in the free world, Sir.
LITERATURE TEACHER: Sit the f*ck down, meatheads. Next up...
FRANKY: What's the big joke?
ALO: You... Franks.
MINI: Oh, my God! I'm so sorry. I thought something like this might happen. That's why I tried to help.
FRANKY: You promised.
LIV: Oh, Franks...
GRACE: Franky...
MINI: Looks like someone won't be coming to my party. Shame. What?
FRANKY: f*ck you! f*ck you all!
FRANKY: f*ck you, you bitches! f*ck! You! Go! Go away, please! I said, "go away"!
MATTY: Is it real?
FRANKY: Do you want to find out? It's a re-drilled replica. It sh**t b*ll*ts, OK?
MATTY: b*ll*ts for bitches?
FRANKY: What?
MATTY: Is this how you have fun?
FRANKY: Can you just leave me alone? Go on, then. I don't have to take this shit any more.
MATTY: No, you don't. Bang. You're beautiful.
FRANKY: No. No, I'm not. I'm... I'm a no-good shit magnet. I'm... I'm nothing.
MATTY: So why do I see a...glorious f*cking head-f*cked thing?
FRANKY: Who are you? Don't...
MATTY: See you around. Remember to aim straight for the heart next time.
Franky's bedroom.
GRACE: This is amazing! Is it like Wallace & Gromit?
FRANKY: After the apocalypse. How did you get in?
GRACE: Your dad let me. The old one. He's lovely.
FRANKY: So...you've come to take the piss some more?
GRACE: No, Franky. I came to say sorry.
FRANKY: Sorry ? For f*cking my life up? Again?
GRACE: That wasn't me, it was Nick. Mini's boyfriend?
FRANKY: Doing her dirty work.
GRACE: She's really sorry, Franky.
FRANKY: Bollocks.
GRACE: She is. I know she is. Deep down. She just... doesn't know it yet. We really like you, Franky. Me, Liv and um...
FRANKY: Have a great party.
GRACE: I'm sorry you won't be going, Franky.
FRANKY: Yeah. So am I. What do you think? Yeah. Me too. Let's go. Now. Now.
In the street.
ALO: We don't have an invite, dude.
RICH: f*ck it, just be cool! Evening, me lovely.
WOMAN: Don't think so, boys.
ALO: She's only a little chicken.
RICH: Rush on three. One, two...
WOMAN: Don't f*ck, lads.
BOYS: All right! All right!
ALO: Cor, you look sharp, Franks! I could go gay for you, I reck.
RICH: She's a girl, you dick.
ALO: You all right, little 'un? Franky!
RICH: Come on. Fancy a spliff?
FRANKY: Thanks.
WOMAN: You'll look like a nun at a brothel in there.
At the party.
FRANKY: Mini.
MINI: Franky, what the hell are you doing here?
FRANKY: I came because you, uh, you invited me.
MINI: Well, now I'm uh-uh-un-inviting you, Cinder-fella, so...leave.
FRANKY: I don't want...to. No, I'm staying. I'm...I'm not going anywhere.
MINI: F-R-E-A-K. Now what does that spell? Let me see, oh, yeah, you. No wonder the girls at your old school went ape shit on your arse. I mean, just, just look at you, standing there like some...
FRANKY: Cuntless d*ke-alike no-breed stutter-f*ck spako lamo shit-headed w*nk*r magnet Oliver Twist-ed thimble-titted loser-loner fugly bastard? I think you're great. A billion miles better than this, this bollocks place. And I really feel...that, that we could be mates... f*cking awesome mates.
MINI: They're not your mates. They're my mates. We only let you tag along with us for jokes.
FRANKY: That's not true. Is it, Grace? That's not true.
MINI: Speak up, Gracey.
GRACE: Mini, please.
FRANKY: We had laughs, Liv, didn't we?
MINI: Must've been tripping, Frankenstein. Now get the f*ck out of my party. That bad-mouthed lesbo's like shit on my f*cking stiletto.
LIV: Seriously, Mins, this isn't Year 11 any more.
MINI: Where the f*ck is Grace?
ALO: I take it madam had a delightful eventide. Shit.
GRACE: Franky! Come back!
FRANKY: Oi! What the f*ck? Get off me! Stop! Agh, what are you doing?! Can you f*cking put me down already? This isn't funny. f*cking hell, Rich, I'm gonna be sick.
At the swimming pool.
ALO: Right. Are we ready, yeah?
FRANKY: What the f*ck?
GRACE: Welcome to Bristol, Franky. This is my favourite place.
FRANKY: Cheers. You f*ck!
RICH: Come on, come on!
GRACE: Come on, Franky, get in now!
FRANKY: I'm freezing... | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "5x01 - Frankie"} | foreverdreaming |
A party.
ALO: Rich... Rich, mate. Rich!
RICH:Sorry.
ALO: I want you to meet someone...This is Rich.
ARABELLA: Hi. I'm Arabella and this is Sally. So, what were you listening to?
RICH: You wouldn't like it.
ALO: No, no, no. No, Rich, please...
ARABELLA: Actually, we made a playlist, so...
ALO: I'm not with him.
RICH: Now, this... is music. Angel Of Death.
PEOPLE: Turn it off! Turn it f*cking off! Turn it off!
RICH: Wait - this is a good bit coming up... Slaye-e-e-e-er!
BOY: Oof!
ALO: You dick! I'm never going to get laid if you keep being such a douche to all the dames we meet.
RICH: That's because all the girls we meet are always arseholes.
ALO: I don't care if they're one-legged, d*ad hermaphrodites, I need some sex - soon. It'll never happen if you actlike an axe wound all the time.
RICH: I'm not wasting my time on peroxide-sodden Miley Cyrus Cowellistas.
ALO: You're so full of shit. So, if a tasty metalhead piece of clunge wandered into your life, you'd ask her out - straight away
RICH: Yeah. And...she'd say yes.
ALO: Right... Well, then, I'm going to find you one. I'm going to partner you up! I'll be like Cilla Black... with a dick. This'll be easy. College Green is swarming with the f*ck.
RICH: She can't be fat, though.
ALO: Bollocks.
Rich House.
RICH: Hello?
ALO: 'Rich - college, now!'
KEVIN: Morning. Off to college, are we?
RICH: Yes, Kevin, that's where I go every day.
KEVIN: I really wish you wouldn't call me Kevin, I'm your dad.
RICH: Yeah, well, I'm going now.
KEVIN: Have a good day, then. I love you!
RICH: Yeah, whatever.
Library.
RICH: Right, what's going on? What? Why are we holding hands...?
ALO: Get...
RICH: Right, what?
ALO: I give you... So...go and talk to her.
RICH: No, but...
ALO: Look at her, mate! Remember what you said.
RICH: Fine... Hi... I, um...er... Um... Oh... Your T-shirt, that's... Ha-ha! Um... I...I was just.. looking for a book. Yeah, here it is. Ha-ha! Ah.I've... been looking for this for ages. Er...anyway um...bye. So... Shut the f*ck up, Alo.
ALO: You need help, Richard.
RICH: No, I don't. OK, you gave me barely any time to prepare, Alo. I haven't even had breakfast yet.
ALO: Bollocks. You're terrible. You need someone to teach you the ways of the woman. The method of the muff. The Tao of... tit-f*ck.
RICH: And that's you, is it, Alo? Yeah? The guy who masturbates so much that his hand is now a shrivelled wank claw.
ALO: I've got most of the movement back now, haven't I? Maybe you're right, though. I mean, we need someone who properly knows girls, but isn't going to think we're weird. Like a girl. But not like... well, not like a girl.
School.
FRANKY: Look, Rich, I can see your problem, but you've come to the wrong place. I can't help you. I mean, I don't know anything about girls either. I don't have a mum or a sister. My experience of girls is mostly being beaten up by them.
ALO: Oh, we're f*cked, then.No.
FRANKY: Wait. I know someone who can help.
ALO: Ah! Ha-ha-ha-ha!
Dancing room.
ALO: You can see her vag through that leotard.
GRACE: Oh! What are you guys doing here?
FRANKY: Rich here needs help.
GRACE: Hi, Rich. What can I do for you?
FRANKY: He needs help talking to girls. Ooh! Is someone in love?
RICH: There's this girl who works in the library. And...
MINI: Gracie! Oh. What are you doing in here?
FRANKY: Talking to Grace. Why? Is that like a problem, or something?
MINI: Oh, no. I can't tell you where you can and can't be or stop you from talking to Gracie, can I?
FRANKY: No, you can't.
MINI: I mean, we were just wondering if Gracie's still coming for that mocha. Weren't we, Liv?
LIV: Yeah, come on, Gracie.
MINI: Hey, I can see your... your vag through that leotard. I can honestly say I have absolutely no, repeat, no problem with it at all. I mean, if she wants to stay and chat with inbreds and lesbos and nerds.
RICH: Hey, no, hang on a f*cking minute.
MINI: f*ck off back to Valhalla, weirdo.
RICH: Valhalla? Oh, let me guess. That's a reference to my taste in music, right?
MINI: Are you coming, Gracie?Yeah.
GRACE: I'll, er...see you guys.
College Green.
RICH: Er...hi.
GRACE: How can I help you?
RICH: Grace?
GRACE: Yep, it's me.
RICH: Oh, f*cking hell. What's with the disguise?
GRACE: Oh, I think it's best if I stay undercover. Mini will be happier if she doesn't know about it. The last thing I wanted to do is upset anyone.
RICH: Mm, how valiant of you I know, right?
GRACE: So, I've decided to help you.
RICH: I don't think that's a good idea.
GRACE: Why not?
RICH: No offence, but you kind of represent everything I despise in the world.
GRACE: Oh, don't be silly, Richard. My mum always says opposites attract.
RICH: That's magnets. We're people.
GRACE: Come on.
RICH: What?
GRACE: Take me to her.
RICH: Who?
GRACE: The girl you like. Come on. Come on, then.
Library.
GRACE: Wow, she's pretty. Why is she wearing a dog collar?
RICH: Cos she's a metalhead.
GRACE: What's a metalhead? What?
RICH: This is. Me. I'm a metalhead. I like metal music. Why do you think I dress like this?
GRACE: I thought it was a joke
RICH: No, it's not a joke. You know, I'm not a f*cking clown dressing up silly to make you laugh. This is me. This is who I am. Forget it. This will never work.
GRACE: But it will work. You may not know this about me, Rich, but I'm not only a dancer, I'm an actor as well.
RICH: Right, how's that going to help anything?
GRACE: Using acting, I shall inhabit the role of "the metalhead", and whilst I'm in character, you can practise chatting her up.
RICH: That's the worst idea since genocide. Possibly even worse. Why would you ever want to do that?
GRACE: Fun.
RICH: No way.
GRACE: What other choice have you got, Richard?
RICH: All right, fine.
GRACE: Great. Now all you have to do is help me get into character.
RICH: Fine! Right, come with me.
Shop.
MAN: Yo, yo, Rich. How you doing, bro? I got your tickets.
RICH: How much?
MAN: There you go.
RICH: Brilliant. It's going to be f*cking sweet.
MAN: Yeah.
GRACE: What's that?
RICH: Napalm Death. Biggest gig of the year. They haven't played in the city since... Atomic Kitten were big.
GRACE: Oh. Maybe we can go together.
RICH: No, if I went with you, I wouldn't want to go.
MAN: Who is this nice young lady that you are not taking to the gig, Rich?
RICH: Grace. She's just a mate.
MAN: How you doing, Grace?
RICH: Not even a mate. She's more of an acquaintance.
GRACE: Hello, Toxic Bob. How you doing? Oh, what's that?
MAN: This behind me is Misplaced Abortion's third record. Apparently Dirk Strangle, the singer, he went loopy after they made it. It is said to be the heaviest, loudest record of all time. Only three in existence.
GRACE: Have you listened to it?
MAN: No, no, no. You can't listen to it. It's way too heavy. And to the normal human brain it doesn't make any sense. And to most of us, it sounds like silence.
GRACE: That makes no sense.
MAN: I know.
RICH: What a surprise. She doesn't understand. You've never heard of these guys? It's f*cking ret*rd, right?
MAN: Mind if I play her a few things? Knock yourselves out. I'll give you something light to ease you in.
RICH: Ready?
MAN: I think you might like this. Grab them headphones. It won't be like last time. All right, are you ready? Better, right?
GRACE: How much is it?
MAN: Well, I tell you what, you can take it...take it as a gift cos I feel bad you passed out, and all that stuff. If you don't like it, bring it back.
RICH: What, free metal? Where's my free metal? You never give out free metal. Just cos she's got those and that.
GRACE: Oh! Sod off, you...sod!
MAN: Rich, let me tell you a story. I told Dave Mustaine this in 1983 and I think it bears repeating today.
RICH: What?
MAN: Don't be an ass hat and people will like you more. You need to be nicer to me, Rich.
In the street.
RICH: Come on, you're never going to like this CD.
GRACE: You know, you've called me stupid about three times today, and I want it to stop. I bet you couldn't answer one question about ballet.
RICH: Yeah, that's because ballet is lame and I really couldn't give a f*ck.
GRACE: Ballet is everything to me. Just like metal is to you. I'm trying to understand your way, but you won't let me.
RICH: You didn't really like the stuff Toxic Bob played, did you?
GRACE: I did like it. It had counterpoint and melody and everything else I like in music. Not that horrible noise you played me. That was just evil.
RICH: Right, well, ballet is just for gays and grannies.
GRACE: Stop treating me like an idiot and help me. Cos I'm trying to help you, aren't I? Aren't I?
Roundview.
ALO: Oh, suit yourself.
RICH: What?
ALO: So, are you going to do it, then?
RICH: Do what?
ALO: It, her, the Angel of Death. You've had plenty of time to prepare with Grace. If you don't do it...
RICH: What? What...what terrible act will you visit on my soul?
ALO: Gay.
RICH: Oh, that's mature
ALO: Gay.
RICH: So, are you just going to...
ALO: Gay.
RICH: I'm not...
ALO: Gay, gay, gay, gay. Gay, gay, gay, gay, gay... ?
RICH: Yeah, all right, you're a f*cking...
ALO: Lovely. First thing tomorrow. Ah...! Just drop me here.
In a pub.
GRACE: Shove up.
RICH: Sorry, someone's sitting there.
GRACE: Oh, yeah? Who?
RICH: Er...you.
GRACE: What? I'm Sub. Short for Sub-Rosa. Nice to meet you.
RICH: Hey, Sub, I'm Rich.
GRACE: So, what do you do for fun, Rich?
RICH: Er...listen to music. Go to gigs. Er...hang out with my mate Alo. That's about it, really.
GRACE: You don't have any other friends, just this Alo guy?
RICH: Yeah, just him, really.
GRACE: No-one else?
RICH: Well, recently there's been a couple of other people. This girl Franky and... others.
GRACE: Others?
RICH: Yeah...there's this girl who's helping me, I suppose. OK, what sort of music are you into, Sub?
GRACE: Oh, you know, Industrial, mostly - Godflesh, early Scorn, TKK.
RICH: Nine Inch Nails?
GRACE: f*ck off. Trent Reznor can suck my cock. This girl, then, who's helping you... what do you think of her?
RICH: Honestly?
GRACE: Honestly.
RICH: She's all right. But... she lets people walk all over her. And her friends treat her like shit, and she doesn't say a word.
GRACE: Maybe she knows her friends love her.
RICH: Or maybe she's got no f*cking self-respect.
GRACE: You think you know me, Rich. No-one f*cking knows me. Not you, not Mini, not Liv. No-one's got a f*cking clue who I am or what I can do.
RICH: So...so, you're Grace now?
GRACE: Yes, I am Grace, and I'm not going to let you talk to me like that.
RICH: This is more like it, Grace. You shouldn't let me trash-talk you. You shouldn't let anyone trash-talk you, especially your mates.
GRACE: It makes me so...f*cking angry.
RICH: Be angry.
GRACE: I am angry!
RICH: Never compromise.
GRACE: Never compromise.
RICH: Yeah, like this track. "f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me."
GRACE: Yeah, f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me.
RICH: f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me.
GRACE: Yeah, f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me. f*ck you, I won't do what you tell me!
In the street.
RICH: f*ck! So... Um...I guess I'm going to ask out the Angel of Death. First thing tomorrow.
GRACE: Oh, right.
RICH: Yeah, well, um... I've, um...got to go. So, um...I'll see you later.
GRACE: Yeah. See you later.
RICH: What would you do, eh, Barney? Just ask her out, I suppose.
Rich House.
KEVIN: Er...did you say something, Richard?
RICH: No, Kevin.
KEVIN: Listen, you know it's your mother's birthday tomorrow.
RICH: Yeah.
KEVIN: Still, though... Get her something.
RICH: What, with money you've given me? It seems a bit pointless, doesn't it?
KEVIN: Listen, I know what it's like. When I was your age, all I cared about. I was getting away from my family,
RICH: Yeah? What went wrong?
KEVIN: Bye, Richard.I l...
RICH: Don't f*cking say it, all right?
Library.
RICH: Hello. I'm Richard Hardbeck. How are you? Um...OK, so, what sort of music are you into? What do you like to do for fun? Look, listen. Do you...do you want to come out for a drink with me?
GIRL: No.
RICH: No, actually, why not? Why not?
GIRL: Yeah. Because I'm too pretty for you. Because you're weird-looking. Because I can smell your pants from here. But mostly because I would rather rim the shit-smeared arsehole of a d*ad horse with AIDS than even consider the possibility of touching your wiry, gangrenous, vile, inadequate, half-circumcised, horrifically smelly, pubescent dick. OK?
School.
GRACE: Rich. Hey.
RICH: Hey.
GRACE: So, last night was fun.
RICH: Er...what? Yeah, yeah. Fun.
GRACE: I was wondering if, um... you might like to do something again some time. Cos I've got this ballet recital...
RICH: No, I can't come tonight. I've got my gig, haven't I?
GRACE: OK, well, then maybe...
RICH: No, OK? I said no.
ALO: Van. Now.
RICH: What?
ALO: Explain yourself.
RICH: Now you've got something to wank over when your broadband fails. What's the problem?
ALO: The...the problem is that I just saw you reject a date with one of the hottest girls in college.
RICH: She's not hot, OK?
ALO: Every other man in the room would be balls deep...
RICH: I'm not every other man.
ALO: What's so f*cking special about you? Why are you so different to everyone?
RICH: Cos I don't compromise ever. I'm metal!
ALO: the next thing you'd see is me body-popping to Lil Wayne down Oceana.
RICH: Mate, listen to me.
ALO: Right, you can't just go through life with all these f*cking...
RICH: No, how about you listen to me... for once? This is Barney. Napalm Death. He never let anyone walk on his foot.
ALO: What the f*ck does he know? He spent his life either sitting on a bus, masturbating, or playing unlistenable music in Swansea! He ain't got a clue! Where you going?
RICH: To prove you wrong.
ALO: Oh, you're full of shit, Rich! You're just scared! Man the f*ck up!
Shop.
MAN: Hey, what's up, Rich? Looking forward to Napalm Death tonight?
RICH: I want it, Bob.
MAN: You want what?
RICH:You know what.
MAN: Oh, you want it?
RICH: Yes. Yes.
MAN: It's 500, boy.
RICH: It's all there, huh? Is it?! Just a record? And I saw your copy of Heat, you f*cking sellout!
MAN: Some people's children...
RICH: Hm. Bring the noise, f*ck.
Hospital.
RICH: What...what do I do now?
DOCTOR: Wait.
RICH: Wait for what? What do I donow?
In the street.
RICH: I can't hear you. I've gone deaf. I've seen a doctor, though.
GRACE: Should come back soon.
RICH: Listen, Grace... ...I thought that, er... I thought your dancing was really beautiful. I tore up the ticket.
At the gig.
RICH: Be careful. f*ck careful! Grace.
Rich House.
RICH: Oh, thank f*ck. Cheers, Barney. Oh, f*ck. Kevin! Kevin!
KEVIN: I'm in the Wendy house.
RICH: I'm out of moisturiser, so if you and Anita have got... Oh. Cheers. Kevin? Can I ask you something?
KEVIN: Sure.
RICH: How did you... How did you ask Mum out?
KEVIN: Ah. Question about the fairer sex. Interesting.
RICH: Forget it, if you're going to be a douche.
KEVIN: No, no... Listen... If there's a girl that you like, all you have to do is ask. That's what I did with your mother. And it was the most frightening thing I ever did. You've just got to be brave. The worst that could happen is, she says no.
RICH: And what then?
KEVIN: Well...you try again... or you move on. No problem, son.
RICH: See you...Dad.
At school.
ALO: Is the gay convention in town, or something? Where the hell have you been all day?
RICH: Listen, Alo, I...
ALO: No, mate. Don't.
RICH: I...I just, you know... I...
ALO: It's cool, mate. No worries, yeah?
RICH: OK.
ALO: OK.
FRANKY: I'm sorry, was that, like, a conversation you two just had? That was like an outtake from Rain Man.
ALO: Yeah? I'm Tom Cruise.
RICH: Er...have you seen Grace?
FRANKY: Why?
RICH: Because...
FRANKY: She's on College Green.
RICH: Oh. Er...see you in a bit, yeah?
ALO: Yeah, in a bit.
College Green.
RICH: Grace.
GRACE: Oh. Rich.
RICH: Hey, can I, er...talk to you?
GRACE: Oh, OK. So, you can hear again?
RICH: Er...yeah. Something must have clicked last night.
GRACE: Awesome. Look, I'm meeting Mini in a minute, so you need to be quick.
RICH: Well, um... I had a good time last night.
GRACE: Me too.It was perfect. I loved it. I would have told you after, but you were deaf. You got my text, though?
RICH: Yeah.
GRACE: Oh, right. Things got pretty close last night, didn't they?
RICH: Er... It's probably good...
GRACE: nothing happened between us. Right?
RICH: Yeah, I..guess so.
GRACE: Who are the flowers for?
RICH: My mum.
GRACE: Really?
RICH: No, really.
GRACE: Right.
MINI: Gracie!
GRACE: I have to go. I'll, er...see you soon? Hi, Min. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "5x02 - Rich"} | foreverdreaming |
Nick and Liv in Nick's bedroom. His phone ringing.
NICK: Hey, babes. 'Still at the rugby?' No, the rugby do's done. I'm just on my way home with the boys. We stopped off for...Pop-Tarts. See you soon. Love you too.
LIV: This is never happening again.
NICK: You said that last time. And you called me, remember? You love it! More than you know.
Liv's house.
LIV: Mum?
LIV'S MOTHER: Every night for a week, you turn up looking like a zombie, Olivia. Do not tell me there is nothing to worry about, your entire aura is telling me quite the opposite.
LIV: Mum, I'm fine.
LIV'S MOTHER: You are not fine, Olivia, you are out of control. Where the hell is it?
LIV: What?
LIV'S MOTHER: The purple one. My amethyst. If I show up at the Eternal Circle without my own crystals, I'll look like a bloody day-tripper! Have you hidden it?
LIV: Why would I do that?!
LIV'S MOTHER: I don't know, Olivia. I don't know why any of you do any of the things that you do.
LIV: Is that it? You're welcome.
LIV'S MOTHER: Thank you. Maude! Breakfast. This retreat could be a real breakthrough for me, you know? Maude, your hair looks insane. You haven't been up all night reading again, have you? Fine. Be like that, then. So I'm leaving on a sour note, am I?
LIV: No...
LIV'S MOTHER: Well, that's how it feels. See you in a couple of days. And I'm trusting you with the house.
MAUDE: I liked it better when she was into aliens.
ALO: Houdini! What happened to you at the party last night?
LIV: I had to... Why are you here?
FRANKY: Well, Mini told us to, but...we're not really sure...
MINI: Hi-de-hi! There she is! Head inside, everyone! Come on, Nick.
LIV: What's going on?
ALO: I think someone broke into my bag last night. I'm sure that was you.
MINI: Nick told me everything. And I am so sorry. I'd eaten, like, one sultana that day. Everything after my fashion-show meltdown is kind of a blur. Did we fight?
LIV: You don't remember?
MINI: Oh my God, we did. Can we be friends again? Just, like, forget the whole thing? I'm really sorry, Liv.
LIV: Yeah...I'd like that.
MINI: Thanks, Liv.
LIV: Come in.
MINI: Hi, everybody. Thanks for joining me here. This is really difficult. OK, um, I've been a... complete bitch. To you all. Some more than others. And I'm really sorry. It's just... well, you're all so cool and alternative, and when I'm with you I feel like a bit like... Nicola Roberts. She's the plain one in Girls Aloud. Franky, er, you were right. We could all be awesome mates. I want that now. So do, um, Liv and Nick. So we were wondering if you could find it in your hearts to give us a second chance? Right, guys?
LIV: Yeah. Right.
FRANKY: Well, I'm in. I mean, as long as everything is... in the past, right?
MINI: d*ad and buried. Friends again! Peace in our time!
RICH: This is actually happening, is it ?
ALO: Brilliant. Brilliant.
NICK: Nice one, buddy.
MINI: Group hug!
RICH: No, I don't like hugs.
MINI: Amazing. We're all friends. Oh, and, um, look! I got us all a little present. My mum's back seeing that Hell's Angel. Ta-da!
ALO: No-one leaves till this bag is empty.
MAUDE: If that's really tobacco, then why's it green?
ALO: Tobacco is green.
MAUDE: Then what's she smoking?
ALO: Heroin. Heroin.
FRANKY: He's kidding. It's tobacco.
MAUDE: Why did you tell me that?
ALO: What's it like being ginger?
NICK: You OK?
LIV: Stay away, please.
NICK: Do you think she knows?
LIV: She can't. How can she?
MINI: What are you two whispering about?
LIV: Nick's having trouble making friends.
MINI: Oh, sweetie! Just smile and nod if you're having trouble.
NICK: Yeah.
MINI: Mm, this needs some gin.
LIV: Er...that's my mum's expensive stuff.
MINI: You were wrong, by the way. He does love me.
LIV: OK.
MINI: It's reached a whole new level. It's weird I used to be that hung up about sex, when now it's just all the time. I've got carpet burns on my ears. So good.
LIV: I'm happy for you.
MINI: Don't know how I let it bother me so much. As if anything could get in the way of me and Nick being together.
LIV: What's going on here?
MINI: Everyone's having such a good time. It really would be a shame if you spoiled it. You know what this needs? Sherry.
LIV: Hmm. You're right. OK, I'll go get some.
MINI: You do that.
LIV: You're coming with me.
MAUDE: Oi! Who needs fresh air? It's all over the place. I want to party.
LIV: What about the sci-fi season? You said you wanted to go, right?
MAUDE: Frak, yeah! Mum said I couldn't.
LIV: Enjoy.
MAUDE: What about you? What are you doing?
LIV: I'll come back soon. Don't worry.
MAUDE: You're going to see Bella, aren't you? Why can't I come? She's my sister too.
LIV: Do I love you?
MAUDE: Indeed you do.
LIV: See you in a bit.
Front of the prison.
LIV: You all right?
BELLA: Mmm. Got a blade in my pants. I've just come from the shower. Had to sort some bitch for stealing my shampoo. She looks a bit like you now. When are you going to bring Maude along, man? I miss her.
LIV: I don't think Mum'd be too into that.
BELLA: Ah. Still trying to keep Mum happy? For me?
LIV: Look, OK. I f*cked Nick. And I know that's wrong, right, but I think Mini knows, and she's trying to pretend nothing happened, and I did it again and... Why should I feel guilty when Mini's always f*cking playing me?
BELLA: If she wants to say it never happened, say it never happened. Everyone's a winner. Keep it simple.
LIV: Yeah, but...
BELLA: Liv! If I can survive a place like this, you can say you didn't f*ck some boy.
LIV: Well, thanks, sis.
BELLA: Stop being a p*ssy.
To the station.
LIV: Have I met you before?
MATTY: You'll have to do better than that.
LIV: No, I wasn't trying to... Whatever.
MAN: Oh!
LIV: I'm so sorry. Are you OK?
MAN: Don't worry about it. I can't run for ever. Here. Enjoy that. You make a lovely couple. Emancipation from the bondage of the soil is no freedom for the tree.
POLICEMAN: Come here!
MAN: Thanks for your help there, miss.
LIV: You're welcome.
POLICEMAN: I'm arresting you for possession of Class A drugs. You don't have to say anything...
LIV: Oi! Where are you going?
MATTY: Haven't decided yet.
LIV: That's mine.
MATTY: Well, he gave it to me.
LIV: Because he thought you were with me.
MATTY: Well, I'm not.
LIV: What was it, anyway?
MATTY: Ooh! You ever seen crystals that colour before?
LIV: No. Let's do it.
MATTY: I don't know who you are.
LIV: So? It'll be fun.
MATTY: Fun? I'm just trying to get out of this sh*thole.
LIV: I hate this town too. Let's get f*cked, burn it to the ground, dance on the embers, and then you can get on your coach.
MATTY: Done.
LIV: Let's go.
MATTY: So, what are we going to do, then?
LIV: Well, we stole this day.
MATTY: It doesn't count. So we can do what we want.
LIV: We're going to need to make some rules, though.
MATTY: What?
LIV: Keep it simple. No future, no names, no touching. This is not a hook-up. I've got interpersonal issues. And syphilis.
MATTY: OK.
LIV: The reason I chose you is cos you're little, and I do karate. This is, like, a one-day-only deal. And if I see you on the street tomorrow, I am going to blank you, so don't get weepy about it.
MATTY: Fine. I'm leaving tomorrow.
LIV: Good. b*mb away.
MATTY: So we just wait, do we? Till we come up?
LIV: Hmm. We could get some booze... but I've haven't any money.
MATTY: Do we need money?
LIV: Let's see.
MAN: Gordon? It's your wife. The twins have found your figurines, and one of them's choking on a hobbit.
GORDON: Which one?
MAN: It's not Frodo, is it? That's valuable.
GORDON: Which kid, you idiot? For God's sake, this is all I need. Yes, darling. I can hear you. Calm down!
LIV: Thanks. Come again.
MATTY: I'm stealing this.
LIV: Just go.
MATTY: Bye!
GORDON: Oi! Stop those kids!
MATTY: How you feeling?
LIV: Amazing. You dick. He could have caught us!
MATTY: What's the point of doing it if you don't enjoy the chase?
LIV: You're a bad influence.
MATTY: Who's that?
LIV: My husband.
MATTY: Really? f*ck him.
LIV: You've shoplifted before, haven't you?
MATTY: Everything I'm wearing I stole.
LIV: Sweet. Give me your watch, then.
MATTY: No, this was a gift. My brother gave it to me. Everything else, though, was nicked.
LIV: My sister took me shoplifting once. She had this special coat with massive pockets.
MATTY: Yeah? Can I have her number?
LIV: Have you no shame?
MATTY: No. You can take all this back to the garage if you really want to. I'm sure he'd be happy to see us again. Tricky, without receipts.
LIV: Cheers. You're not real. You're like a Charles Dickens character named Teddy Sextramp. What do you think?
MATTY: Teddy Sextramp?
LIV: Teddy Sextramp, who I met with drug dealers and police, and we go shoplifting, and who said it was OK to look at strangers that way? Cos it's too much, Teddy. And yes, I would say yes. I'm coming up. How about you?
MATTY: I think so. How are my pupils?
LIV: Open your mouth and say "ah".
LIV: Let's check it out.
MATTY: Hello?Hello?
LIV: Whoo.
MATTY: Don't worry. She doesn't bite.
MAN: Can I help you?
LIV: Oh, we're just browsing...
MATTY: Just browsing at your rat.
MAN: She's a mouse. I made the whiskers myself. I have a wonderful three-piece suit that would fit you, young man. Hmm... Ah! And for the lady... Yes. Yes, try it on.We'll leave you to it. I might just hang out with her.
LIV: How's this?
MAN: Sharp. See if you like the lining.
LIV: No, I'm in here.
MAN: I wonder if you wouldn't mind looking up, into the camera, there.
LIV: Now, let me help. What are you doing?
MAN: I wouldn't normally, but you seem so accommodating.
LIV: No. I don't want to! Take it off! Get off me! Get off me!
MAN: I need to see you!
LIV: f*cking perv.
MATTY: Evidence.
LIV: Need to get that f*cking CCTV tape. Where is it?
MATTY: Got it.
MATTY: Today, we take this perv's dosh and rinse him dry. Tape, money, let's go.
WOMAN: Hello, is anyone there? I need to return my costume.
LIV: We need to get out of here.
MATTY: What's the matter?
LIV: Starting to hurt.
MATTY: Is there any more?
LIV: Table manners.
MATTY: The rules.
LIV: It still hurts.
MATTY: That means nothing. Trust me. My hand kills from when I punched my brother, but he was fine. And the perv will be too. It's OK. We did nothing wrong. Anyway, we were never there, remember?
LIV: I still think we should check.
MATTY: OK.
LIV: It's not a good idea.
MATTY:OK. We just walk past, yeah?
LIV: He's d*ad.
MATTY: Pervs don't die. He'll be back.
LIV: Well, he's hurt, right? Where were you going today, with your bag?
MATTY: Don't know. Away. Into the countryside somewhere.
LIV: Can I come? Can we go together?
MATTY: Are you serious?
LIV: Yeah. f*ck that guy. We'll just go. We'll run away.
MATTY: Refill?
LIV: Refill. Where are we going to go?
MATTY: Let's go first thing tomorrow. We're not done with tonight yet. Whatever we do, it's you and me. You and me. Always.
LIV: This is real, right?
MATTY: This is real.
LIV: Let's go. Yeah?
ALO: Richard... Richard! You fell asleep, you f*cking amateur!
RICH; No, I didn't.
GRACE: Oh. Franky's gone. What a lightweight. Olivia?
LIV: That's my name.
MATTY: It's lovely.
RICH: Didn't even get the sherry.
LIV: What the hell are you doing? That's my bed.
MINI: And I'm in it with my boyfriend.
LIV: Whatever. I'm out of here, anyway.
MINI: Who's he?
MATTY: Hi. Sorry. I'm Matty.
MINI: Matty?
MATTY: Matty.
NICK: Matthew? What the f*ck?
MATTY: Nicholas?
MINI: Have I missed something?
NICK: Yeah. He's my brother.
LIV: Shit. They're brothers.
MATTY: Don't worry, I'm leaving. We're just leaving.
MINI: Nick!
NICK: Whatever he's told you, don't believe him. He's a psycho.
MATTY: Why do you care? You've got to be sh1tting me. You and her?
LIV: Party is over. Everybody out!
MATTY: Liv...
LIV: Don't touch me!
MATTY: Whatever's going on, I don't care.
LIV: Yeah, well, I do.
MATTY: I don't care about him. It's you and me.
LIV: I don't know you... and I don't trust you. So get the f*ck out of my house. And the rest of you. Out!
LIV : Franky!
FRANKY: Where is everyone?
LIV: Party's over and leave me alone?
FRANKY: What's going on with you and Mini?
LIV: What do you care? It's between me and her.
FRANKY: All that hate and blame is... toxic.
LIV: Or are you just a bit too f*cking sensitive?
FRANKY: I watched this earlier. Liked it.
On the video.
MINI: Ready? Good afternoon. This is the news. Today, it has been revealed that geography teacher Mr Beale has no penis... but Liv fancies him anyway.
LIV: I don't care, I don't care, I don't care.
LIV: Good afternoon. Today, it was revealed that Kirsty, Kelly and Marilyn are all slags. It has also been revealed that Sam is a fat slag, Dionne is a dozy slag,and Miss Page is a total f*cking slut.
On the radio.
VOICE: When emergency services were called in response to a reported robbery at Nimmo's Costume Emporium, owned and managed by Stanley Nimmo, a well-known and popular figure in the area. It was when Mr Nimmo was being treated for his injuries that police found evidence of covert surveillance in the shop's changing rooms. It is understood Mr Nimmo attempted to flee the scene, and was restrained by police, who later charged him with possession of indecent material.
LIV: He's OK.
MAUDE: Are you crying?
LIV: No. I'm fine.
MAUDE: Really? Well, I'm not. I've just walked home.
LIV: Oh, God, Maude, I'm so sorry...
MAUDE: You said you'd come back. I watched the whole thing waiting.
LIV: Shit, I'm really sorry. You must be starving.
MAUDE: I'm not hungry. You're a crap shit.
LIV: Doesn't sound right when you swear.
MAUDE: It doesn't sound right when you try to be cool. You're not cool. And I am swearing now, because you let me down. So deal with that, f*ck. Eat that, sister.
BELLA: What are you doing back here?
LIV: I want to talk about you and Mum.
BELLA: This thing between us, do you?
LIV: If we can't talk about that, we can't talk about anything.
BELLA: Oh, for f*ck's sake, Liv! Just keep it simple!
LIV: Our whole family's been trying that, and we're falling apart.
BELLA: She deserved what I did to her. She's a psycho control freak, who drove Dad away and tried to blame it on me. Every f*cking day. I hate her, and she hates me, so what is there to talk about?
LIV: Me and Maude? I'm not coming back here.
BELLA: You're never going to be me.
LIV: Yeah, I know.
VOICE: The coach for Swansea is now leaving from Bay 4. Now boarding at Bay 4, for Swansea.
At the station.
LIV: The costume shop guy's OK.
MATTY: Yeah, I saw.
LIV: But you're going anyway?
MATTY: I always was. Nothing's changed.
LIV: Everything's changed.
MATTY: No, we just got wasted. Nice f*cking you.
LIV: Watch yourself!
MATTY: You don't trust me, remember?
LIV: I'm sorry. What can I do?
MATTY: I'll break your fingers.
LIV: No, you won't. Stay.
MATTY: I can't do this on my own.
LIV: Matty Sextramp! Keep it. Someone you trust.
MATTY: That'll k*ll you.
LIV: I'm sorry. I trust you.
LIV: Like a fox ate my brain and shat it back into my head. Still just about works though. Are we...? What are we?
MATTY: We're OK. Just like your brain.
LIV: Don't kiss me. I stink.
MATTY: I can handle it.
LIV: Did I disgrace myself?
MATTY: No.
MATTY: We broke into someone's house.
LIV: Whose?
MATTY: Mine.
NICK: Who's in here?
MATTY: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Nick, it's me.
LIV: And me.
NICK: Are you OK?
LIV: I'm fine. Better go.
MATTY: I'll see you.
LIV: Thank you.
NICK: What are you doing here?
MATTY: I'm sorry I h*t you. I need to come back. Please talk to Dad for me. I thought it was burglars. I'm sorry.
NICK: You totally lost it with us, Matty.
MATTY: Please can you talk to Dad? I want to come back.
LIV: Do you remember how we became friends? I'd been crying all morning and you came over to me. I thought you were going to give me a tissue, like everyone else who knew what happened. But instead, you gave me these... in the middle of winter. I felt so cool with you. And we were so much better than all those nice boys and girls, like we knew a secret they didn't. But we don't tell each other our secrets... do we? I owe you so much. Can I try and explain what happened?
MINI: Why would you do that?
LIV: So we'd have a chance. I'm so sorry, Mini.
MINI: Nick told me you drank a bottle of vodka to apologise to his brother. Funny. Out of all the boys in town, you ended up with him.
LIV: What can I do to make it OK? Just tell me, I'll do it. Anything.
LIV: You're joking? You're joking?
MINI: If you mean it.
LIV: Mins, my stomach is, like, raw.
MINI: Good.
LIV: Can't we just talk?
MINI: After you show me how sorry you are.
LIV: I can't...
MINI: Do it. If you're really sorry. I hope you die puking up your kidneys. Bitch!
LIV: Mum? Mum, are you here?
LIV'S MOTHER: Maude?
LIV: It's me.
LIV'S MOTHER: What have you been doing? Look at the state of you, again.
LIV: Mum, it's been horrible. Mini hates me, I don't know what to do.
LIV'S MOTHER: It's all a party to you, isn't it? I trusted you with my house, Olivia.
LIV: I'm sorry. How was the retreat?
LIV'S MOTHER: Pointless. It's all pointless, Liv. I do know my hobbies are ridiculous. But I can't just jet away like your dad, so what can I do? Maude's out. Did you see the mess she left in the kitchen? She's so angry. What do I do? Send her away somewhere?
LIV: Maude's fine.
LIV'S MOTHER: Throwing crockery is not fine. I will not have v*olence in this house, Olivia.
LIV: Maude didn't throw it. I did.
LIV'S MOTHER: Why would you do that? | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "5x04 - Liv"} | foreverdreaming |
Morroco, In the desert.
Mini: All right, Ginger Minge? Which way?
Alo: Yeah, I-I think this map might be a bit shit.
Mini: This isn't a map. It's a multiple choice test for ret*rd twats.
Alo: Yeah, I confuse easily.
Mini: Yeah... You find the f*cking airport Alo, and I'll check to see if my tits are still there.Teamwork, right?
Alo: Yeah.
Liv: Uh, f*ck! It's moving! Oh, shit! They're all over me! f*ck! Oh, f*ck!
Mini: For f*ck's sake.
Liv: Oh, my God - get them off me!
Mini: Chill out! What the f*ck's going on, OK? Stop moving, stop moving OK, OK, OK?
Liv: Get it! I think it's in here.
Mini: Just stop moving, let me check.
Plane's noise.
Nick: Say it.
Alo: Follow that plane!
Mini: Oh, f*ck! You tossers!
At the airport.
Rich: Everyone seems friendly.
Grace: Honestly Rich, do you have to wear your cousin's hand-me-downs?
Rich: Look, I'm not gonna buy clothes I'm not gonna wear again.
Grace: Your cousin's gay, right?
Rich: Rufus? No! He's just imaginative.
Grace: Right.
Rich: Look, you don't get heavy metal beachwear. It's just not our scene. What was that for?
Grace: Just don't change.
Rich: OK. Where the f*ck is everyone!?
(En français dans la série)
Man: Hello Miss. Welcome to Morocco.
Grace: Thank you, it's our first time.
Man: Excellent. Perhaps you will let me show you the wonders of our contry. Yes, let me show them to you.
Grace: That sounds exciting, but no thank you.
Man: And yout friend, many ladyboys want to meet him.
Rich: What did he say?
Grace: He likes your shorts.
Rich: Ah...
Alo: Whoo!
Man: They are great big gays, yes?
Alo: Richy Roo! Richy Roo!
Grace: Yes.
Liv: Gracie!
Grace: Hey, black bitch. Hey, white bitch.
Mini: Hey, silly bitch.
Everyone: Holiday!
In the car.
Nick: All right, we're gonna piss on Rider in his sleep!
Grace: Why?
Liv: His Dad's Villa's not finished.
Rich: Hang on, he said it was a luxury pad.
Liv: Rider's gotta turn the water on, man.
Alo: Yeah, the pool's a bit more of a barbecue pit.
Rich: Shit! We paid!
Alo: Chill out, man. He promised - it's gonna be full by the time we get back.
Mini: Whoo!
Liv: And we found three ounces of ganja underneath the kitchen floor!
Nick: Holiday!
Grace: Morocco! Whoooaahhhh!I'm flying.
Everyone: Whoooah!
At the villa.
Nick: Here it is, guys - Chateau Rider.
Rich: I don't know why you had to bring so much stuff.
Grace: I don't know how people dress here. I need options.
Alo: Now, about the bedrooms... It was all decided democratically.
Rich: Yeah? How?
Alo: Mini chose her room and then we all drew lots... and... Well, you weren't here.
Rich: Right. It's not that bad... What's the problem?
Alo: You've got the penthouse. Sorry, mate, but we got you a mattress.Yay!
Rich: For f*ck's sake! It doesn't even have a roof.
Mini: Shouldn't turn up late for holidays, should you?
Alo: Cheer up, mate, all right? We'll go for a dip. Rider's been turning the water on... I'll tell you what, mate - it's f*ck' A... Last one in the pool's a p*ssy!
Liv: It is a lovely pool.
Alo: Here we goooooo!
SLAP
Alo: Aargh! Aargh!
Liv: I don't think Rider put the water on yet.
Alo: For f*ck's sake, Rider, you useless bastard!
Rider: Mate. You're making a lot of noise. Get up here. I'm getting stoned like a whore in a burqa.
Alo: I think that might be a little bit r*cist, mate.
Rider: r*cist? Or is it Ace-ist?
Mini: Oi! Rider! You said the f*cking pool would be filled up by the time we got back.
Rider: You went already?
Mini: Put the water on, Rider. Otherwise I'll have to mess you up.
Rider: Really? Any time!
Mini: Cos I haven't had a shower in 43 hours...
Rider: You smell like muff. But you know, I dig that in a lady. Let's McMake out, lassie...
Mini: This is your fault! He's your friend!
Nick: I f*cking hate him. Don't I, Rider?
Rider: You love me, you h*m*.You all love me and you're all h*m*, especially the women, hopefully... Ah!
Mini: OK... Let's get f*cked.
[later]
Nick: I'm going to see if I can find some more drugs.
Rider: Yeah go for it man.
CAR HORN BEEPS
Franky: Oh, just shut up and leave me alone. I'm sorry about the f*cking map. OK?
Matty: I don't care. I don't care. Oh, for crying out loud! Oh, come on, Franky!
Franky: You just f*cking sit there you don't you, you twat!
Matty: I was just saying that the...
Franky: You go on and on like...
Matty: OK, OK. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I was trying to pass the time. I thought you liked Simone De Beauvoir...
Franky: Screw you! You mind f*ck!
Mini: Franky.
Nick: Matty.
Mini: Hi.How was Tunisia?
Matty: Yeah, it's... it's a long way, that's all.
Liv: Hey.
Franky: Hey.
Liv: Been busy losing your virginity then?
Franky: Yeah, yeah a lot. Ah, I missed you guys.
Liv: Sure, honey.
Mini: Hey, crazy bitch, we want a snog too. No offence, Franks. You ming like muff plus!
Franky: Oh, I'm sorry. Where's the shower?
Alo: Ooh, it feels good. It feels good.
Nick: On the chest, yeah?
Alo: Yeah, yeah, good. Oh, Yeah! Nearly, nearly, nearly. I'm clean! I'm clean!
Rider: How's the washing up liquid?
Alo: It's mad! It's like lemony zest! Honestly my balls are so tingly right now... Woo-hoo! Shit!
Nick: Um, ladies you're in the locker room.
Mini: Yeah, just checking you stick to the water ration. One bottle per person. Because I need to detox.
Rider: Yo, Nicky, Tiny Tits wants a shower.
Mini: What did you call me?
Rider: Nothing.
Mini: Franky wanted to talk to Matty. Yeah?
Franky: Er, Matty, I'm sorry. I got cross.
Matty: That's all right, I know I go on about...
Franky: Yeah. You know, I don't even like Morrissey.And you just kept saying the lyrics and farting and, you know, it's really irritating but, er... But, you know, it doesn't matter. We're here now, we've made it to Morocco and we can talk to other people, you know other than each other...
Matty: Cool.
Franky: Yeah.
Mini: Sorted! Now girls got to freshen up. Oh, if I catch anyone checking out fanny festival, I'll be taking your lemony balls for a long walk. OK?
Boys: Yeah, sure cool...
Mini: Right!
Rich: I mean, what the f*ck!? We paid for a room. We all paid!
Grace: Rich, leave it.
Rich: For f*ck's sake! There's no roof, there's no water. There's no electricity. How are we going to see or wash or flush the f*cking toilet?
Grace: Come on, Rich...
Rich: Or listen to my new Slayer album?
Grace: Rich! Do you like this? A holiday's like a box of chocolates, Richard. You never know what you're going to get.
Rich: You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen.
Grace: Got ya. Ha!
Grace (singing): Shades of wine love keeps dancing through my mind... And I sing. Not that metal shit either.
Rich: Nu-huh!
Grace (singing): No, I can't escape this time all because of you... Yesterday, love was just a word to say. Overnight a holiday All because of you... So unreal, life was just a... A ferris wheel... What was that?
MUSIC AND SHOUTING IN DISTANCE
Rich: It sounds like a party.
[Later]
Liv: Come on, Alo. Use your massive nostrils to sniff it!
MUSIC GETS LOUDER
Alo: Yes, it's down here.
Liv: Keep running ginger boy. Where's he going? Wait! Wait! Alo.
Alo: Ooo! Ooo!
Liv: Follow him, follow him, follow him. Where the f*ck's he gone?
Alo: Wait, I've found it. Yes! All right! Whoooo! Guys, it's here, it's down here!
At the other villa.
Liv: Let's crash it man.
Luke: Silly French left the top...
Franky: Er excuse me, you speak English, right? Thank god cos we're lost.
Mini: f*cking idiot!
Matty: I'm sorry I talk too much about stuff.
Franky: It's OK, Matty. It's fine.
Matty: We were having a f*cking classic summer holiday.
Franky: I know.
Matty: So what's going on?
Franky: Do we have to do this?
Matty: What? It's us. We're great together.
Franky: Is this what it's like, being with someone?
Matty: You loved it. Tunisia, the beach. Making love to me.
Franky: It gets boring, Matty. All the f*cking and the talking. And... and just all the stuff. OK?
Matty: That's not fair.
Franky: What's fair got to do with it?
Luke: Hey there.
Franky: I'm sorry. I was just looking for somewhere a bit quiet.
Luke: That's cool... It's never that quiet when we're here.
Franky: We?
Luke: My mates, we like a good time.
Franky: I should go find my boyfriend.
Luke: OK. Boyfriend, sure... Where are you staying?
Franky: In the villa over the hill. It's a bit of a wreck.
Luke: Really?
Franky: Yeah, it's a bit shit. It's been empty for a while.
Luke: Tell me something I don't know, weird girl.
Franky: That's hard. You seem so wise.
Luke: OK. Then I suggest we dance our f*cking dicks off.
Next morning.
Mini: Hey. What are you doing, Farmboy?
Alo: Um... Well... I suppose I was seeing if my p*rn app will download onto this iPhone that I nicked.
Mini: And you have no particularlevel of shame about that?
Alo: Er, no, I always steal from people who make me feel inferior.
Mini: Like who?
Alo: Well, pretty much anyone, er, especially if they're rich, good looking and having a lot of sex.
Mini: And that evens it out, huh?
Alo: Yeah, you should try it sometime.
Mini: Why don't you just try having some sex.
Alo: Yeah, don't be stupid. Who'd want to have sex with...
[Mini kisses him.]
Alo: Whoa, hang on.
Mini: If you tell a soul, I'll f*cking k*ll you, all right? Stop pinching yourself. You're awake and it's time this ship set sail.
Alo: I'm awake. I'm awake. I'm awake. I'm awake. I'm awake. I'm awake.
Mini: Oh, my God. You've got to be f*cking kidding.
Rich: This is the only room I've ever had where you have to wear sun block.
Grace: It's heavenly.
Rich: Yes, heavenly. If I die tomorrow, then I'd go happy.
Grace: What about me. I wouldn't be happy.
Rich: Oh, yeah. Well, I'd just come back and do knob jokes to cheer you up.
Grace: I'd like that. Your knob's always been a bit of a joke.
Rich: It has.But, usually, it's ready for a bit of stand-up.
Grace: Nice.
Rich: Nice.
Grace: Rich?
Rich: My love?
Grace: As long as you're here, you may as well know... I've had a number of orgasms today and right now I'm completely happy.
Rich: Don't knock it, kid.
Nick: I had to drive your truck back, last night.
Matty: Yeah, cheers. I walked.
Nick: By yourself? What's going on, bro?
Matty: She was so into it in Tunisia but then after a while... I think maybe she can't do it.
Nick: Do what?
Matty: Be with someone.
Nick: Mate, sort it out.
Liv: Where did you get to... last night?
Franky: Nowhere.
Liv: Yeah?
Franky: Nothing happened. He drove me home, that's all.
Mini: Oh, the relief!
Grace: You should sort things out with Matthew.
Franky: Yeah? Why?
Grace: Well, because he's your boyfriend and, well, last night you were acting like... a bit of a slut.
Franky: Is that what's life's all about then? Not upsetting our boyfriends? f*ck sakes!
Mini: I liked her better when she might or might not have been a lesbian.
Liv: Yep.
Mini: Oh, yeah. Right on cue.
Liv: f*cking hate this w*nk*r.Yeah, I'd still shag him though.
Mini: You're such a massive slut.
Luke: Hi, kids.
Mini: Uh, hi, older dude.
Luke: Yeah, we just wanted to drop over.
Jake: Yeah, friendly, y'know. Anyway, we had a kicking time last night, right?
Mini: Did he just say kicking?
Luke: Yeah, yeah, Jakey's retro. Anyway, thing is, it's a bit embarrassing but you guys have got something that belongs to us.
Nick: What?
Luke: This. We thought the place was empty and we stashed it here.
Mini: Finders keepers?
Luke: I'm sorry. It's just, we owe a little cash on it.
Matty: Well, take it and f*ck off then.
Luke: I tell you what, how about we chuck in some eighths to say sorry?
Alo: Yeah, or you could chuck in some ounces. I mean, we do a lot of spliff.
Luke: Yeah, yeah, sure, man. And come to the beach party today.VIP list. We're sorted for E's. What do you say?
Alo: What, they've still got E's here?
Rich: f*ck, that is retro.
Luke: Jake's DJ-ing.
Rich: I'm f*cking hot. Believe it.
(BEATBOXES)
Alo: Yeah, pretty good.Not as good as this.
(BEATBOXES)
Mini: Oh, my God, what w*nk*r!
At the beach party.
Rider: Let's get leathered!
Liv: Hey! How are you?
Man: Good. Great. Fabulous!
Liv: Come and dance with us.
Man: Ah... My friends. They will tell tales on me.
Liv: Why?
Man: I'm a God-fearing boy.
Liv: Yeah, yeah, it ain't cool.
Luke: You're thinking... Why is life so f*cking predictable? You're 17.
Franky: I'm 18, actually.
Luke: You're 18, you've got to go back to school, go back to your mum and dad.
Franky: Not exactly.
Luke: It's all inevitable. It's all going to go down.
Franky: And?
Luke: You don't owe anybody anything. You owe nothing. Come with me.
Franky: Where?
Luke: Anywhere. Until we get bored.Then... whatever. This... is real life. This is it.
Franky: And we go right now?
Luke: Right now.
Alo: Whoa!
Mini: Oh, uh... yeah. It's me, Farmboy.
Alo: Coincidence?
Mini: Unhappily. No. Er, I just came to reiterate what will happen to you if you mention that...
Alo: I banged your brains out.
Mini: No, you didn't.
Alo: I f*cking did.
Mini: It's never happening again.
Alo: Why not?
Mini: Well, because... Because... Well, basically you're not worthy of me. OK?
Alo: Don't you like having your brains banged out?
Mini: No-one can know, Farmboy. Oh! Ah!
Jake: Oi.
Matty: What?
Jake: Nothing. Nothing much.
Matty: So...?
Jake: We want a favour.
Matty: We?
Jake: Yeah. Yeah, Luke and me. We'd like a favour.
Matty: Why should I do anything for him?
Jake: Because, er... the girl. You've been f*cking her. And now Luke's going to f*ck her.
Matty: Oh, piss off!
Jake: Sit down.
Matty: Nah. Why should I?
Jake: Well, mainly because I strapped about six kilos of dope into the bottom of your truck. Not that you'll find it.
Matty: You what?!
Jake: You want the girl back? S'easy. You drive your truck into Marrakesh for us. Boom. Luke leaves her alone. Everyone's lovely again. There's an address there.
Matty: You're f*cking kidding me. It's 300km away.
Jake: The roads are quiet. No cops about at this time. Safe.
Matty: What if I said f*ck you?
Jake: I ring them. You know, whatever it is, www.moroccancrimestoppers. Tell them you got a load of gear strapped into your... I think you should get going.
Man: When I am lawyer, perhaps I will come to London and marry you.
Liv: Hey. Hey. Cut the plausible Arab malarkey.
Man: That's what I have to be careful of. English girls.
Liv: Everyone should be.
Man: You must take care too.
Liv: Why?
Man: There's this guy who hides drugs in holiday houses.
Liv: Yeah? Who?
Man: You found drugs, yes? He is bad. Very bad. English boy. His name is Luke. Very bad. You must not know him.
Liv: Shit!
Franky: What about my things?
Luke: What about them?
CAR ENGINE STARTS
Grace: Hey. I want to talk to you.
Matty: Grace. Not now.
Grace: You're not handling the Franky thing...
Matty: Leave me alone, OK! She's gone.
Grace: What?
Liv: Hey. Hey! Stop them! Matt, you p*ssy, stop them!
Grace: What? Liv!
Liv: Drive, for f*ck's sake! Come on, Matty!
Grace: What's going on?
Liv: That new guy's dangerous.
Franky: Do you always drive too fast?
Luke: Don't pretend you don't love it.
Franky: What are you doing?
Matty: Come on, f*cking thing!
Liv: They went that way. There they are.
Franky: Stop the car! Stop it.
Luke: This is it, kid. This is it!
Liv: Just f*cking stop them!
Grace: For f*ck's sakes, slow down!
Liv: Just stop the car, please!
Grace: Please slow down!
Liv: For God's sake, Matty, hurry up!
CRASH.
[Matty wakes up, and run.]
Three weeks later, at Roundview.
Music Teacher: Thank you, Marvellous Marimbas. I'd like to think Vivaldi would've been stoked had he been able to hear that. Well done, the Little Glocks, as well. Right, we can have some lunch.
Doug: Excuse me, kids. Can we have some quiet, please? Yes... simmer down, look you! Thank you. I have a letter here from the Principal, Professor Blood. I hope you'll let me read it. Dear Pupils, I want to thank you for the concern you have shown, to my daughter Grace and to me and my wife in the last three weeks. You will have heard that Grace is still not well and this is going to take some time. Obviously, we are very concerned, but I would ask that, for the present, you do not visit the hospital. I will let you know if the situation changes, and thanks, everyone, again. for their concern. Professor David Blood. There it is. I'm sure we would all like to... yes... give Gracey... a great big... Oggy Oggy.
Music Teacher: Right, you heard the Acting Principal. Oggy Oggy Oggy!
In the office.
Josie: So... you understand this, right, Nick?
Nick: Yes.
Josie: If your brother contacts you, you come and see me and I'll call the police for you, cos I'm your Responsible Adult. Well, obviously I have my moments, but...
Nick: He hasn't called me.
Josie: They found a lot of drugs hidden in his car. Like dope, kuh-tah-mine... You know how... people get a bit upset.
Nick: It wasn't Matty's.
Josie: And your brother ran away from the accident...
Nick: I know, Jose!
Josie: If he rings, right... I mean - you would tell me if he rang you, wouldn't you?
Nick: To be honest, Josie, I wouldn't f*cking tell you.
Josie: Right... Right. Right. You want to go for a few drinks?
Nick: You're a Responsible Adult, Jose.
Josie: Responsible fanny f*ck!
Mini: Hey.
Nick: Hey.
Mini: Right, erm... you OK?
Nick: Not really.
Mini: No. She's going to be all right, you know.
Nick: Yeah... I know, she'll be fine.
Mini: Why did he run like that?
Nick: The stuff in his car, I... suppose. I guess he'll explain it. I guess he... got a bit obsessed with Franky.
Mini: Yeah. I... kind of wonder how that feels. Weird, I suppose. Um... this probably sounds a bit f*cked coming from me but, erm... if I could help you with anything... I would, Nick.
Nick: Tell me why he doesn't ring.
Mini: Because he loves her.
MOBILE RINGS
[Later]
Music Teacher: Yes?
Rich: Erm... I'm Grace's boyfriend... Rich. Richard. Oh...
Music Teacher: How can I help you, Richard?
Rich: Right... The thing is, race couldn't complete... couldn't finish her music coursework, so, erm...
Music Teacher: Grace was very talented.
Rich: Is. She is very talented.
Music Teacher: Yes, but, er...
Rich: So that's why I've finished off her music coursework for her. She's already done the vocals, er, me and my mate, we've put some...
Music Teacher: I'm sorry, it's for Grace to pass it when she's ready.
Rich: She just needs the grade.
Music Teacher: I'm sorry, Richard. Grace has to do it.
At the hospital.
Nurse: This is no good.
Rich: Five minutes, nobody will know. What harm can it do?
Nurse: That's not the point.
Rich: So, what is the point? Can you tell me that?
Nurse: Don't go aggro on me, Richard. Her father says no.
Rich: I have to give her something.
Nurse: I'll give it to her. You go home and wait for her to ring you. OK?
Rich: Here... Tell her I did my best, and tell her that Alo helped me cos he does computer shit on his PlayStation.
Nurse: All right.
Rich: And tell her that you're a mean old cow who probably never gets laid.
Nurse: I will.
Nurse: I gotta say - that boyfriend of yours is super nice. You totally lucked out, did you not, Gracey? He says his mate helped him with it. Whatever. I guess we'll listen, beautiful.
ACOUSTIC GUITAR INTRO
(GRACE)
Shades of wine
Love keeps dancing through my mind
No, I can't escape this time
All because of you
Yesterday, love was just a word to say
Overnight a holiday
All because of you
So unreal, life was just a Ferris wheel
Till you told me how to feel
Things I never knew...
Franky is crying.
END.
Next on Skins:
Rich: Grace? It's me again. Can you just wake up?
-
Rich: Where is she, then?
Alo: Zurich. Go and find her.
Rich: Grace...
-
Rich: You awful, awful bastards! You're a f*cking joke.
-
Liv: What the f*ck has happened to us all? | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "6x01 - Everyone"} | foreverdreaming |
Alo: Where are you going, buddy?
Rich: Somewhere that smells less like our balls.
Alo: That is not balls, man, that is soul lubricant.
Rich: I'm pretty sure it's balls.
Alo: O'Malley, please, yeah! Just one more, right? It's right f*cking there, man.
Rich: I'm late for visiting time.
Alo: Well, it's hardly visiting time if Blood won't let you in.
Rich:That's not the point.
Alo: What if this is it, man, the day we perfect Filthy Woman, get a contract and we start the revolution, as discussed?
Rich: And what if today's the day she wakes up? Thank you.
PHONE: Hi, it's Grace, smile and speak at the beep.
Rich; Grace... It's me... again. Can you just wake up? I love you. Did you hear what I said there? I love you. Yeah? I f*cking love you.
Phone ringing.
Rich: Grace?
Grace: Rich.
Rich: Grace. Are you all right, can you hear me?
Grace: Why aren't you here?
Rich: I... I tried. I tried. We all did. Your dad won't let us in.
Grace: Then try harder, Richard.
Rich: What?
At the hospital.
Pauline: Seriously, Richard? Are we seriously doing this again?
Rich: Oh, come on, give me a break, Pauline. She's the love of my life. Look... Two minutes and I'm gone, yeah? The love of my life.
Pauline: I don't know, Richard.
Rich: The love of my life.
Pauline: Stop saying that!
Rich: It's working, though.
Pauline: Yes! No, no! Look. Why don't you...?
Mr Blood: Nurse, call security, tell them that the boy has got in... again.
Rich: Don't bother. I know the way out.
Mr Blood: This is exactly the kind of blatant emotionalism we shan't have to deal with in Switzerland.
Pauline: Grace might benefit from being around people who love her. Professor Blood. Wait, please!
Mr Blood: He is inappropriate, indecorous, inane and in a great deal of trouble.
Pauline: Don't you think this is a bit hasty?
Mr Blood: My daughter deserves the finest medical care available and a clinic in ZuRich is the finest...
Pauline: ZuRich?
Mr Blood: In all of Europe. I want her ready to leave for Switzerland by this evening. Good day.
Rich: Grace.
Grace: There's a door over there, you know.
Rich: It's hard to explain. Involves your crazy dad. He is crazy, you know.
Grace: I'm disappointed. I thought you would find your way in sooner. If you were worth your salt.
Rich: Well... I'm here now and that's the main thing. That's the main thing.
Grace: Don't ever get ill on me again, OK? I mean it. Like... ever. I mean it.
Rich: OK.
Grace: Dad's taking me to Switzerland to get better.
Rich: Yeah, I know. I probably really love you, Grace, but your dad's a total bell end.
Grace: I want you to think a way out of the predicament, Richard. This is your moment to show me what you're made of.
Rich: Hmm.
Grace: Promise me, Rich.
Rich: I promise.
Grace: Cool, get in here.
Rich: What... now?!
Grace: I'm horny, aren't you?
Rich: f*ck it, yes.
Grace: Come on, hurry up.
Rich: All right, all right.
Grace: Get in here.
Rich: All right. All right. Oh, shit... sorry. Stupid f*cking jeans.
Grace: Mind my catheter.
Rich: Shit, sorry.
Grace: Whoops!
Rich: What? f*ck off! f*ck off! f*cking come on, then. What about my... f*ck!
Rich's house.
Rich mum: Sweetie!
Rich: What?
Rich mum: Surprise! We got you a ticket! You're coming to Halkidiki with us!
Rich: I f*cking well am not.
Rich mum: Richard!
Rich dad: Anita! Mr Blood called again today.
Rich mum: I know you're worried about Grace, poppet. We all are. How much have I spent on flowers in the last two weeks?
Rich dad: £11.49.
Rich mum: £11.49, poppet.
Rich dad: But you can't keep doing this to that poor family. Give them some space, Rich. A holiday will do you the world of good. And you'll make lots of new friends. We met some lovely young girls banana-boating last year.
Rich: Yeah? I'd rather hang myself.
Rich mum: Kevin, unpack the bags.
Rich dad: Anita, I'm sure he didn't mean...
Rich mum: I said unpack the effing bags! Every single warning sign Take A Break said to look out for, but you wouldn't listen! I will not come home to my baby swinging from the rafters!
Rich: Mum, I'm not going to actually...
Rich mum: We will fix you, poppet. I know it hurts. Of course it does but you'll move on. It's just young love. It's not real.
Rich: Mum, I'm fine. She needs me here. If Blood wants me to stay away, I'll stay away. But I'm not leaving. OK? If she's not on that flight in four hours, I'm actually going to be forced to k*ll myself. Are we clear, Kevin?
Rich: Mr Blood? I've been thinking and, er... you're right... about everything. Whatever you want for her, whatever you want me to be, I'll be. Just don't take her away, all right? Mr Blood? No! No f*cking signal! f*ck!
Blood's house.
Alo: Rich! Come on, Rich? Come on, Rich! Richard! I can smell you from out here, man. I've got weed! You've been man-tracked, bitch. Nice gaff. Where is she, then?
Rich: ZuRich?
Alo: Like in space?
Rich: It's in Switzerland.
Alo: She's only been awake five minutes and he takes her skiing? That is mental.
Rich: She's at a clinic, you subnormal twat. And he can do what he wants, apparently.
Alo: So let's go.
Rich: Where?
Alo: ZuRich, man. Delta Force Rescue.
Rich: I don't know where she is.
Alo: Oh. So we'll just wait here till she gets back, then?
Alo: Et voila. Huh? That's Swiss.
Cheers, mate.
Rich: Give me...
Alo: Oh, shit. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry, mate.
Rich: You f*ck... f*cking hell. You f*cking dickhead, man.
Alo: I'm sorry. You want some?
Rich: Yeah.
Alo: It's massive. God, my chest.
Alo: Whooooo! Boom-town! This is great, innit? I mean it's like being on Bad Boy Island.
Rich; Huh?
Alo: Pinocchio! Our first squat. This is it, man. This is where it all begins.
Rich: What?
Alo: The music revolution.
Rich: Hang on. We're not going, er...
Alo: Our first gig is going to be a f*cking blinder.
Rich: You can't put a gig in a house.
Alo: Right, firstly, this isn't just any house. This is David Blood's house. Secondly, we need to f*ck his shit up. So come on! I do like f*cking his shit up.Now you're talking. Swing away.
Rich: Um...
Alo: Yes, that's what I am talking about! Mindless anarchy. That's what the kids are about nowadays!
Rich: Wooo!
Alo: Yeah!
Rich: Stop!
Alo: Come on, man. Let's go poo on his bed!
Rich: Shut it! Shut up! Just shut it, shut up! Aargh. f*ck sake!
Alo: What are you doing, buddy?
Rich: Shut the f*ck up. f*ck! No f*cking signal.
Alo: Do that thing where you put your sim card on your forehead.
Rich: Shut up.
Alo: It proper works. Shitbox told me. Listen you got to...
Rich: What, Alo? What the f*ck do you want?
Alo: I'm trying to help you.
Rich: Well, don't! I don't want any f*cking help. No-one can help me because I've got no f*cking signal and I want to speak to my girl... friend! I've got to find her.
Alo: Have you checked the fridge?
Rich: What?
Alo: I know, I know. I am that good.
Rich: OK. You have some uses.
Alo: One, one, OK...
Rich: Guten tag. Yeah, yeah, go, go.
Voice: Willkommen zum Klinik Gotzmann.
Rich: OK, I don't understand any of those words. Yes. I'm trying to contact Grace Blood. Grace Blood! No. Listen, please! Why does nothing work? Keep your gonads on!
Voice: Guten tag. Wie kann ich dir helfen?
Rich: Er... yes!
Voice: g*n.
Rich: Ja, bonjour...
Voice: Ich verstehe nicht.
Rich: Ist der une... Um... Grace Blood, por favor?
Voice: OK, you're looking for Grace, buddy. Ha-ha!
Rich: Yes, I'm, er... Grace Blood... I'm her brother.
Voice: Ja cool. Putting you through. Hold the line.
Rich: Yes! Yes! Yes, you do love me, you f*cking love me! Come on! Yes! Grace!
Mr Blood: This is unacceptable behaviour, Hardbeck. It's futile.
Rich: Grace! Grace!
Mr Blood: Leave us Alone!
Rich: Grace, can you hear me?
Alo: I'm really s... Talk to me, man.
Rich: Go home, Alo. I want to be on my own. All right?
Rich: Don't grow up, Gracey.
Mini: Wait, wait, hon...
Alo: There, there?
Mini: Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, no. No, no, no. Wait, wait. Keep it there. Keep it there, f*ck!
Alo: Oh, f*ck!
Mini: No, wait, wait.
Rich: You awful, awful bastards.
Alo: Ah... Jesus and Mary... Can I just... You're on your own here, big boy.
Rich: This is... This is horrific.
Alo: Mate, I... She always makes such a racket, honest. It's like a paddling pool got punctured or something.
Rich: Oh, cheers. You know what? f*ck the both of you.
Mini: Er... Rich, why didn't you... Why didn't you call me? What, she wakes up and you just don't bother to let me know?
Rich: I lost my phone.
Mini: I'm her best friend.
Rich: Well, I'm sorry. I see you managed to fill the emptiness inside, though.
Mini: I wanted a f*ck. He's available.
Alo: Yeah. But you like me, right?
Mini: Long as you don't talk, yeah, it's all right. But this is a secret, right?
Alo: Min, I don't give a f*ck.
Rich: Why don't you just wipe yourself down and then piss off? That's my phone. Shut it. I, er... I need some closure here. Yeah, go on, then.
Grace: Rich?
Rich: Oh, thank Christ!
Grace: I tried to ring you.
Rich: I know. Er... when... When are you coming home, Grace? Because I really need you, OK?
Grace: Rich, I haven't got long. They're moving me again. Dad won't tell me where.
Rich: Your f*cking dad wants to split us up. Run away.
Grace: It's not that simple.
Rich: It is! Just run away and I'll...
Grace: He's my dad, Rich.
Rich: Meet you in Paris, OK?
Grace: I can't. Shit, it's him.
Rich: No, wait, Grace! Oh, f*ck me. f*ck! f*cking hell. Ah! Ah! f*cking hell, yeah! Ah, f*ck! f*ck! Ah!
Rich: No!
Alo: See the acoustics in here, man?!
Rich: Oi!Get this out!
Alo: Why? This could be the gig of the century! Rich... Richard, you give me back my amp! Rich!
Rich: That's nice. That's really f*cking nice, isn't it?
Alo: Touch my kit, Rich, and you'll get this one down your throat and this one up your arse. Everything I do for you and you f*ck it back at me. I fetched your gear for you.
Rich: I don't want you to fetch my gear! I want you to fetch my girlfriend!
Alo: Don't you get it, man? If she wanted to be here, she would be here!
Rich: No!
Alo: She's dumped you, mate! All right, actually, no... she got her dad to do it for her. Maybe that is a bit p*ssy, but now we're going to party like it's 1999 and get the f*ck over it! Rich...
Rich: You f*ck off! No, you dildo. Get off!
Alo: What are you doing?
Rich: You two look so f*cking lame,
Alo: I'm giving it a sheen of responsibility.
Rich: Well, don't, all right?
Alo: Rich, get off!
Rich: You think being in this stupid band is going to help? Music doesn't solve anything!
Alo: Yes, it does.That's what you've told me all my life. This is the music revolution.
Rich: Music revolution! You are first against the wall, O'Malley!
Alo: I was trying to help you. I am always trying to help you.
Rich: Why bother?
Alo: Because I'm your mate.
Rich: Yeah? You sure you don't want to be in the band so Mini can let you look her in the eye when you suck her cock?
Alo: Can you just keep it down, yeah?
Rich: She still here?
Alo: Yeah. She doesn't want anyone to know.
Rich: Do you want to know why Mini doesn't want anyone to know? It's cos she'll f*ck anything and you're anything. You're a f*cking joke.
Alo: Mate... Oh, f*ck! Oh, mother f*ck!
Rich: You know what? You give up poking Yoko Ono and we'll start the music revolution together. Me and you.
Alo: Don't ask me to do that, man. I might never see breasts like that again. I mean, they are magnificent. Rich! Not the axe, Rich. Rich, don't throw away the dream!
Rich: You dick.Take your piece of shit axe, your piece of shit amp and put it in your piece of shit van and f*ck off!
Liv: Let me get this straight... you broke in to your college principal's house, started living there and wearing his clothes?
Rich: Alo started it.
Liv: Jesus Christ! Why haven't you rung me?
Rich: Huh?
Liv: I've been going off my nut cos my best friend's been in a coma for four weeks and nobody could be arsed to ring me, tell me she woke up and left the f*cking country.
Rich: I thought Mini would have told you.
Liv: Mini knows about this?! What the f*ck... she can't pick up the phone?
Rich: Maybe her mouth's too full.
Liv: What?!
Rich: Nothing.
Liv: Everything's mental since f*cking Morocco. Can't we take her dad to court or something?
Rich: I don't think it works like that.
Liv: What the f*ck is wrong with you? I thought you were metal.
Rich: Yeah, I thought I was, too.
Liv: You're not the only one who misses her, you know? What the f*ck has happened to us all? Where are my friends?
Rich: I-I'll get you some biscuits. Oi, mate, can we get some biscuits here, please?
Liv: I do actually feel a little better. You said you'd meet her in Paris, right?
Rich: I didn't get round to where to meet. Her dad came in.
Liv: Ring the stupid clinic again.
Rich: They won't talk to us.
Liv: How hard can it be to find someone in Paris?
Rich: In the whole of Paris? Pretty hard.
Liv: Not sounding very metal again, Rich.
Franky: Liv.
Liv: Here she comes.Hi.
Franky: So, what's so important you couldn't tell me on the phone?
Liv: Grace woke up.
Franky: Oh! f*ck, um...Can we go see her?
Liv: How's your French?
Alo: Oh, mate, I'm going as fast as I can.
Rich: It's all right. You don't have to leave.
Alo: No, I think we really should leave.
Rich: Why?
Alo: According to Facebook, there's about 300 people coming here to watch us play tonight.
Rich: Cancel it.
Alo: See, the thing is, I might have said that there's an empty house in the middle of the countryside and the owners are away, so they're really gonna come and f*ck this place up. Good. I hope they burn it down.
Mini: Right, cock boy, I'm leaving... Oh... Hi.
Liv: What are you doing here?
Rich: You found them, then? Your... straighteners?
Mini: Yeah, yeah, I'm really gonna... straighten my hair tonight.
Liv: Mini, why didn't you tell us Grace was OK?
Mini: The signal's shit here... I just found out!
Rider: Yay!
Mini: Well that's... that's my ride.
Rider: So what's the happy haps? You guys just chillin'?
Mini: Shut up and drive me home,
Rider: Wrist Monkey. Gonna get my dick sucked tonight. Up top, Creevey! Stay fresh, yeah?
Liv: You're not going anywhere, Mins. We need to take a fiver off every idiot that comes here tonight, then we fill up this dump truck with Diesel and we go get our friend back OK?
Mini: What?
Liv: Nothing.
Alo: Come on, mate. It's Revolution Time. Anybody f*ck up, I'll chew their balls off.
Rich: Mate, we need to, er...
Alo: Get a new drummer. Yeah!
Alo: Good evening, children of the Revolution!
Rich: This house... this f*cking house... belongs to someone who doesn't care as long as you're in your place. This house is a f*cking prison! It needs... It needs to be... Ripped the f*ck apart!
Rich: Grace! Grace! What?
Alo: Rich, just wait a second.
Rich: I can't. I'm wasting time.
Alo: You just made a mistake, it's all right.
Rich: She's got to be here!
Alo: Rich, she's not here. You're seeing things!
Rich: Nothing works without her, Alo, none of this!
Alo: We're gonna find her, mate. First thing tomorrow.
Rich: No, not tomorrow! I need her now! It f*cking hurts! It f*cking hurts so much.
Rich: Grace? Hello? Grace?!
Rich: Hey...
Grace: Hey.
Rich: I came to find you.
Grace: Yeah? After you trashed my house.
Rich: Sorry about that. It got out of hand.
Grace: Everything does, sooner or later.
Rich: Yeah. Where is he? Your dad?
Grace: I left him behind. He can't get past things.
Rich: Like?
Grace: Like I... probably love you. Rich... You've still got your clothes on.
Rich: Oh... we can... we can do that now?
Grace: We certainly can.
Rich: Everything's better. Here you are again.
Grace: Here I am again.
Rich: I love you... so much.
Rich: Grace?
Grace: I had to go.
Rich: Yeah. Why?
Grace: You know why, Rich.
Rich: No.Come back.
Grace: I can't.Isn't everything beautiful this morning? Everything is so beautiful.
Rich: I don't understand.
Grace: I love you, Rich.
Mr Blood: You f*cked my house up, I see.
Rich: Sorry. Where's Grace gone?
Mr Blood: I'm very sad to say... Actually, she died yesterday afternoon.
Rich: I just spoke to her. I speak to her all the time.
Mr Blood: Me too. What else is there to do?
Rich: She never woke up, did she, from the accident?
Mr Blood: That's why we went to Switzerland. To see if they could wake her up. I just wanted to try it, you know?
Rich: So all this time, she was...?
Mr Blood: They said there was nobody left inside. I thought, what would she think of me for turning off the stupid machine thing? What would she think?
Rich: She'd have thought you're her dad, and that's what you're supposed to do. She loved me. And I...
Mr Blood: Yes. That's why I'm here. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "6x02 - Rich"} | foreverdreaming |
Alex: Three... two... one...
Alex: Tea and toast.
Grandma: Ah. You know I could have done at least with a bit of grapefruit. Or a croissant or some buck's fizz to f*ck me up nicely some mentholated cigarettes.
Phone ringing.
Alex: Hi, Dad.
Alex dad: Alex. Right. How you getting on? You all set for the move next week?
Alex: Yeah.
Alex dad: Good. Good. Erm, remember to label everything. D'you hear me Alex?'
Alex: Yeah I will.
Alex dad: Is she there?'
Alex: She's... she's still sleeping.
Alex dad: Well the home are expecting her next Wednesday, so just remind her.'
Alex: Yes.
Alex dad: OK.'Remember to label everything.'
Alex: I'm doing it, Dad.
Alex dad:'You better be.'
Grandma: Silly old twat.
Alex: He's your son, Gran.
Grandma: Did he at least remember to wish you good luck for today? No, well never mind. You don't need any.
At Roundview.
Doug: You and I have a lot in common. Your first day. Mine too. Be confident. Assertive. Give them a chink of ligh and they'll take you to the cleaners, Boyo.
Alex: Yeah, I'm used to being the new boy. I'll get by.
Doug: Here we are. Information Communication Technology. Your first class.
Alex: Pretty sure I didn't sign up for that.
Doug: Ah, yes, your father phoned. He changed some things around.
Alex: Right.
Doug: Class, this is Alex Henley. He's new today. So go, take him to your bosoms and show him a thundering good time.
Liv: Doug. Problem with the flies.
Doug: Oh... goodness! I do apologise. We don't want to see that, look you. There's another thing. I'm not Doug any more. I'm also the head teacher and that means you have to call me by my proper name Mr Cyhoeddus-Gwalchmai. Yes, all right, very amusing. All right settle down.
Nick: Rich is supposed to be my project partner.
Alo: His girlfriend just died. I don't think he cares about your f*cking coursework.
Nick: I suppose.
Alo: He'll be back when he's got over things. Just get Franky to do it for you. Everyone else does.
Alex: Mate, I'm really really sorry.
Alo: What the f*ck was that for?!
Alex: It's numbers mate. Only numbers.
Liv: Mini. How long is this going to go on for? I called you four times last night.
Mini: I was busy.
Liv: With what?
Mini: Bloody hell, Mum. I was doing coursework.
Liv: You don't need to avoid me.
Mini: Why would I be avoiding you?
Liv: Because you don't want to talk about her.
Mini: That's not it.
Liv: Come on, Mins. We have to see each other every day. Gracey would say...
Mini: I'm not avoiding you, OK?
Alex: Hey.
Liv: Yeah? What's your problem?
Alex: Huh?
Liv: Punching people?
Alex: I don't have a problem.
Liv: So why did you do it?
Alex: Numbers.
Liv: What?
Alex: If you live by this, everything's random.
Liv: So what are these numbers telling you now?
He kisses her. She beats him.
Alex: Alex.
Liv: Liv.
Alex: Pleased to meet you.
Liv: I never even knew this was here. I only live, like, 200 yards away.
Alex: Yeah. It's funny what you see and what you don't see. Like you and your friend aren't speaking to each other.
Liv: What?
Alex: And why you're pouring a quarter of whisky into your coffee before noon.
Liv: I'm an alkie.
Alex: I'm a psycho.
Liv: With a magic dice.
Alex: Everything about me's magic.
Liv: Hmm.
Alex: Yeah, you should try it - keeps things buzzy.
Liv: You reckon?
Alex: Erm, what was the name of your friend that died?
Liv: Grace.
Alex: You want to meet the wicked witch? Hello? Gran? She'll be here somewhere.
Liv: She does exist, right?
Alex: Pretty sure she does, yeah.
Grandma: Oh, hello, Alex.
Alex: Are you wanting to come out of there or...?
Grandma: No. I'm fine where I am. Oh...! I was joking.
Alex: Sure, Gran.
Grandma: I must have got a bit confused.
Alex: Erm, this is Liv.
Grandma: She's a girl.
Alex: Yep, that's right. She's a girl.
Grandma: I like the colour of you.
Liv: Thank you.
Alex: Beans for three. There you go, Gran.
Grandma: Very handsome. Wouldn't you say?
Liv: Of course I am.
Grandma: It's the cheekbones. He gets them from his Grandad William. He was an extremely virile man.
Liv: Right.
Grandma: I was only 13 when I met him.
Alex: You were 23, Gran. Don't go overboard.
Grandma: Oh, yes. There was a dance. He was all dressed up in uniform. He comes over, with a shiny penny in his right hand. He throws it up, catches it. And he says... Heads - we have a dance then we go our ways. Tails - you come with me and we'll get wed at Dover as soon as you like.
Liv: And you married him?
Grandma: Well, I screwed him senseless for quite a while. You know, they're going to put me in a home. Alex is packing my things away, getting me ready.
Liv: Why are they putting you in a home?
Grandma: Because I'm losing my mind. Alex is doing a nasty little job for his dad.
Alex: I'm just trying to look after you, Gran.
Grandma: Yes, well, tell your dad to keep his poisonous little hands off my house.
Alex: You better go. So, you had the baked beans, a glass of coke... That's about £3.50.
Liv: And there wasn't even a dessert.
Alex: Maybe next time, yeah?
Liv: Some of us are going to the pub. Latimers. And... er... you should come along.
Alex: Maybe.
Liv: Sure.
Alex: "15th September, 1964. 13 miles off St Kilda. The sea was rough, Force 9 today, but the Captain was determined to run for Norway and refused to put in at Greenock."
Grandma: Oh! Idiot.
Alex: "One engine is down and we are taking in water, but I have taken bets from eight of the crew against making it. If we are rescued, I will be a rich man."
Alex: Hi. Erm... anybody want a sh*t?
Alo: Look I don't want any trouble, mate, all right?
Alex: No. A sh*t. You know? Or a... something. Take that as a yes, then.
Liv: I'll give you a hand.
Alex: Nah, it's OK. I've got it.
Mini: You got a new friend, then?
Liv: He's a nice guy.
Alo: He's a whack job. Have you seen what he's done to me?
Liv: Just give him a break.
Mini: We don't need any new friends. I'm fine.
Nick: Whoa, that's a lot of cash.
Alex: Yeah, I like cash. I like the feel of it in me hand.
Nick: Er... I see that.
Alex: What was she like? Grace.
Nick: Mate. You're cool and everything. But leave that alone. All right?
Alex: Yeah, sure.
Liv: Alex, this is, er, Mini, Alo, Nick and Franky.
Mini: You're boring.
Alex: You're way too cool to be her friend.
Liv: It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.
Alex: Her boyfriend's getting a bit anxious.
Liv: Oh, that's just Alo. He's not her boyfriend, trust me.
Alex: I guess you guys are a little on edge, yeah?
Liv: We're, er... yeah. This was probably a mistake.
Alo: All right, f*ck it. I'm dancing. Liv? Franky? Come on, yeah? Yeah?
Nick: That's way too gay, mate.
Alo: What?!
Alex: I'll dance with you.
Alo: Um, yeah, maybe, mate.
Alex: Oh, shit! Shit. Sorry.
Nick: f*ck it. Come and gay me.
Alo: Huh?
Nick: Are you dancing or what?
Alo: Yeah.
Alex: Hi, Dad.
Alex dad: 'Alex. Where are you? Erm... I'm at home. I've been calling the house phone. Nobody answered.'
Alex: Yeah, well, Gran likes to turn the TV up loud.
Alex dad: 'Where are we with her? Are you packing her stuff?'
Alex: Yeah, it's not... It's not... It's not simple.
Alex dad: 'What are you talking about?'
Alex: I've been thinking.
Alex dad: 'Not your job to think, Alex. It's your job to act. I'm relying on you. OK?'
Alex: OK.
Alex dad: I'll be flying over next week. Want it all sorted out by then. Clear?'
Alex: Crystal.
Alex dad: Good. Say hello to your gran for me.'
Alex: "How are you, Alex?" "Oh, good, thanks, Dad. "First day at college today." "Oh, yeah, how did that go?" "Oh, really well, thanks. "I met this really nice girl and... and she was so..."
Liv: And she was so...?
Alex: So... Are you a gambling woman?
Liv: Alex, what the f*ck?!
Boy: Alex. How's it going, you all right? Good to see you again. Usual table, yeah?
Alex: You know how to play cards?
Liv: No.
Alex: Oh, shit. That makes two of us. Right, then. Rock'n'roll.
Alex: Ah. Ace flush. Full house.
Boy: Hey, calm down! Calm down!
Liv: What's going on?
Alex: They just want to make me a cake. Celebrate my victory.
Boy: He says you're a cheat.
Man: No, no. Not a cheat. A f*cking cheat.
Alex: Well, obviously, I'll take issue with that. No! Now, look, you're scaring my girlfriend. I don't suppose you know kung fu?
Liv: No.
Alex: Oh, dear.
Man: You're a f*cking tosser.
Alex: I'll tell you what. Let's play tossers, eh? Call it, go on. Call tails, I dare you. For the money? Then we can part as friends, yeah?
Man: Tails.
Alex: Collect the money, Liv. Run.
Liv: f*ck. You're just...
Alex: I'm a cheat.
Liv: Yeah. You're a f*cking cheat. Jesus!
Alex: Ah, shit, sorry. I've got to... My gran, you know? Taxi's on me. Here, er, take some of this.
Liv: OK, but...
Alex: I've had a lovely time. See you at college, yeah?
Liv: Alex... you don't have to be shy.
Alex: I know. Take care, yeah?
At a gay boy's flat.
Alex: You need to update your profile pic.
Gay boy: Oh... it was a little while back.
Alex: In a galaxy far, far away. Yeah.
Gay boy: It was all right though? Yeah?
Alex: Sure. What's this?
Gay boy: You're a nice kid. Take it.
Alex: I'm not a f*cking rent boy. And even if I was, 20 quid?! Seriously? You're missing the point, mate. Just for a moment, everything was meaningless. Oh, well. Cheers. Oh, and erm... you need to see someone about your dental hygiene problem. I'm not telling you that to be cruel, I'm telling you because it's true.
Alex's house.
Alex: Three, two, one.
Alex dad: Alex, I need you to call me back. Alex, why aren't you answering your phone? Alex, your behaviour is concerning me. I'm waiting to hear from you. OK? Call me.'
At Roundview.
Liv: What's your stupid card say today then?
Alex: One. Break and enter a stranger's house.
Alex: Liv. Liv, is anyone in?
Liv: No. Definitely a serial k*ller.
Alex: f*cking 'ell! This place stinks!
Liv: Yeah. What a dirty bastard.
Alex: Exotic p*rn collection. Whoah! Let's f*ck with this guy's head.
Liv: You're not going to take a dump on the bed or something?
Alex: Uh-uh. Exact opposite.
[later]
Alex: Liv, I'm... f*ck!
Liv: Whoo-hoo!
Alex's house.
Alex: My dad's here. Hi, Dad.
Alex dad: Hello, Alex.
Alex: What are you doing?
Alex dad: I'm doing what you were incapable of doing. Sorting things out.
Alex: Look, we don't need to do this. She doesn't have to go into a home. I'll quit college and I'll get
a job. I'll... I'll look after her.
Alex dad: No.
Alex: Why not?
Alex dad: Because that's my decision.
Alex: No, that's not an answer!
Alex dad: If you're going to get emotional, I won't discuss it with you.
Alex: You're not discussing it with me anyway!
Alex dad: We all need to take a break! Calm down. Meet me tonight for dinner, OK, and pack this stuff away. Or I will. Mum? I'll come back later.
Grandma: We don't need you. William's looking after me.
Alex father: No, Mum. Dad died a very long time ago. Here. I'll call you later - and pick up this time!
Grandma: Alex, let's dance.
Liv: Come on.
Alex: No, not now. Not now, really.
Grandma: One last dance for old time's sake. It's no fun dancing on your own.
Nick: So I've got the rules right? Number six is always "run away". Number one. Hang myself, right. Number two.
Alex: Not sure the dice is for everyone.
Nick: Two. Get into heroin.
Alex: Case in point. Let's start smaller, eh?
Nick: Wank myself stupid?
Alex: Now you've got it.
Boy: Can I have your attention, please? Everyone? Everyone, yeah? Just to let you know, this afternoon there'll be a memorial service for Grace Blood, who tragically died as the result of a tragic accident. I'm sure it would mean a lot to her if you could attend. These are... bloody difficult times, yeah? But if we talk about it, we'll get through this. As a community. Together. Yeah? And there's one more thing. Refurbishment's finished on the squash courts. They'll be open again from tomorrow. Thank you.
Alex: So?
Liv: We're not f*cking going, that's for sure.
Mini: So you decide for all of us. Thanks.
Alo: I don't think she meant it that way...
Liv: Did he even know her? We're not going.
Nick: Maybe we should, you know, show face or something.
Mini: Better ask her permission.
Mini: What's your problem?!
Mini: Who's got a problem? Not you. You're out every night with Mr f*ck here.
Liv: Don't say that.
Mini: Tomorrow will probably mess with your busy schedule.
Liv: f*ck you Mini!
Liv: Why did she..? Why did she have to f*cking...?
Alex: She just wants attention.
Liv: No, Grace! Why did she...? Why did she have to f*cking...?
Alex: Liv. I didn't get around to telling you about me. I'm gay.
Liv: Stop it. Stop f*cking with my head!
Alex: I thought maybe you knew.
Liv: No, you didn't think that!
Alex: I was going to tell you.
Liv: You spineless little shit. You can't stand up to your dad. Can't deal with your own life. You used me!
Alex: I've just never had a proper mate before.
Liv: What? What!? Who said I was your mate, you twat!
Mini: Who the f*ck are you anyway? We don't know you. We don't need you. Bit stupid.
Liv: Leave me alone!
Alex: C'mon, Gran. I don't wanna play hide and seek today.
Boy: There are things we want to say. And sometimes...
Liv: Oh, Christ.
Boy: Words aren't enough.
Franky: She f*cking hated you, you moron! She told me you showed her your dick!
Mini: Franky !
Boy: Oh my god. That's a bloody lie! I never... It was an accident. She saw it, accidentally!
Liv: I'll take that. What the f*ck is wrong with all of you?! What the f*ck!
Mini: Liv!
Liv: You wanna remember something? You want some fond memories to wank over? Well, remember this. f*cking w*nk*r.
Franky: I think Grace would've liked that.
Mini: Oh, yeah. Liv's always had top tits.
Alex: I'm sorry.
Liv: You f*cking should be!
Alex: I know. I really am. I just get in over my head sometimes.
Liv: Oh, really? I practically had my tongue down your throat!
Alex: Yeah, and that was a nice thought.
Liv: Oh, Jesus!
Alex: Look. I want to make it up to you. I think I can help.
Liv: With what?
Alex: With everything.
Mini: So what are we here for? This had better be a pretty f*cking decent party.
Nick: Looking good so far.
On the boat.
Alo: Woo-hoo! Woo!
Liv: Go on, Alo.
Alo: f*cking hell.
Nick: Alo !
Alo: Woo-hoo! Woo!
Liv: Alo, I thought you were the DJ.
Alo: The high seas!
Liv: We should go on boats more often.
Nick: Sweet boat. Shit weather.
Alex: Yeah. It was a tough choice between taking out the boat or the 'copter. You know how it is.
Nick: Nice one. Alo, Alo!
Franky: You should be a captain, Alo. You should have your own boat.
Liv: Did you steal it?
Alex: Isn't hard to rent a boat. You just need a false ID and a stack-load of cash.
Liv: Why? Why do you care? You didn't even know her...
Alex: I know you. And... I need a friend right now. So does she.
Liv: Being angry with me isn't... it isn't going to change anything.
Mini: So?
Liv: So talk to me.
Mini: I don't want to. Or even if I did, I... I can't. Not without her here. I need a light...
Liv: I haven't got one...
Mini: It's funny, that looks like the one in... Oh!
Liv: What? f*ck! What the f*ck is it doing?
Alex: It's a she. And she's not doing anything.
Mini: Alo! Alo! ALO!
Alo: What's going on?
Nick: Alex? What the f*ck?
Alex: My gran didn't want to go where she was told... She wanted to go somewhere else instead. That's it.
Alo: Oh, that's it! What a relief!
Alex: You said you weren't allowed to go to Grace's funeral.
Mini: You don't get to say her name, Gay Boy. This isn't her.
Alex: Will you help me?
Alo: You've gotta be kidding me!
Alex: I'm asking. All right? I'm asking for a bit of help.
Franky: Yeah, let's do it.
Nick: What?
Liv: Just help him, you idiots.
Alex (reading): "My dear. The weather is turning and I'm scared for this leaky old tub. But I have to take the odds, whatever they are. Life's a gamble, honey chuck, you win and you lose. But I know you'll wait for me... until I round Cape Horn and sail in to the tide to hold you tight. Always yours, William."
Franky: If you see our friend... tell her we miss her.
Alo: Um... is it supposed to float like that?
Alex: I dunno... Three... two... one... Pow!
Voice: 'This is Matty. I'm not around but leave a message.'
Franky: It's me. Don't ever come back.
Liv: What are you going to tell your dad?
Alex: In the grand scheme of things... that really doesn't matter now. I needed that.
Liv: No problem.
Alex: You do get what "gay" means, right?
Liv: That you put it where the sun don't shine!
Always: Friends?
Liv: riends. Whatever. Always run away.
Alex: Bet you don't dare. Bet you.
Liv: f*ck!
Alex: We didn't really think about that.
Liv: You got that dice?
Alex: How do we know what it said?
Liv: It said swim, sucker.
Alex: Bye, Gran. Be happy. | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "6x03 - Alex"} | foreverdreaming |
[At Neverland.]
Alo: Whoo! Mini! Mini! Come dance! Mini!
Alo: I don't give a shit, mate. Like none of the shits. I've got no more shits for that girl. You know, I don't get it. We used to have jokes, like proper f*cking
jokes. And now it's just... I don't know. Reality drama bullshit.
Rich: Al, I didn't wanna tell you this when you were all smitten and shit but you can do better, man.
Alo: For reals?
Rich: For f*cking reals. Why not? What about her?
Alo: Who?
Rich: Her. She's eye-f*cking you, man.
Alo: f*ck, man. She's coming over. Look, she's coming over. f*cking be cool.
Poppy: Hey. Wanna monkey-f*ck?
Alo: What?
Poppy: I'm desperado for a light here.
Alo: Yeah, sure.
Poppy: You know there are 12 other douchebags dressed as Peter Pan?
Alo: Oh, yeah, but they're just wannabes.
Poppy: You wanna know a secret?
Alo: Always.
Poppy: Found a... secret stash of bevvies. Gonna make a cocktail. You want in?
Alo: Cha ! Better?
Rich: Much better.
Poppy: Little bit of this, little bit of that.
Alo: Are you trying to get me drunk so you can get in my pants?
Poppy: Oh, no. That's what the rohypnol's for. This is just for jokes.
Mini: Very mature... farm boy.
Alo: Oh. Er... Mini McGuinness. This is...
Poppy: Poppy Champion.
Alo: Poppy Champion.
Mini: Well, um... enjoy your beer and bants, then.
[In the car.]
Alo: So.
Poppy: So. It's been fun.
[Morning after.]
Alo: I'm... I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. Dewi tried to off-road the van this morning. Totally f*cked it. So, er... we're stuck with Betsy.
Poppy: You own a tractor?
Alo: I know. It's properly jokes.
Poppy: I love tractors.
Alo: Fancy a lift, Tink?
Poppy: What's the plan, Peter Pan?
Alo: Well. I thought we could munch this shiz alfresco.
Poppy: Fancy. Are you trying to impress me?
Alo: I don't need to try. Onwards to Neverland! f*ck! Whoa! Ow! f*cking sweat balls! Ow!
Poppy: Does it hurt? Oh!
Alo: No.
Poppy: You're it.
Alo: What?
Poppy: Come on, Alo! Oh, you cheat!
Alo: Poppy! Oi! Come on! Come on!
Alo: Pretty average land-boy lifestyle, really. Got my mum. My dad. Four cows. Bunch of sheep and chickens. Oh, and Rags, my dog.
Poppy: We got a Labrador once, but my dad gave him to an old folks' home cos he crapped in his bed.
Alo: Bet he was the shit.
Poppy: We called him Napoleon cos he was so little.
Alo: Oh, little dogs are badass.
Poppy: I know, right? Hey, you wanna see me do a handstand?
Alo: Um... yeah.
Poppy: Ta-da! How life-altering was that?
Alo: You're like... really weird.
Poppy: I know you are.
Alo: No, I mean like a compliment. A lot... a lot of girls would hate this, not rom coming it, just hanging out, having jokes.
Poppy: You talking about a lot of girls or just Wendy?
Alo: What?
Poppy: Well, the b*mb who chitchatted with us in Neverland. Well, she's your ex, right? Well, you don't have to tell me if it's too like emo or whatever.
Alo: No! Um... no. Look, we weren't even really together. It was all physical. She has a serious case of libido bipolar, hot and cold all the time. I was like her West Country whore, f*ck just as long as nobody found out.
Alo: So, um... I mean, I'm... I'm just throwing this out there, but...do you want to make this thing official?
Poppy: Are you asking me to be your girlfriend, Alo?
Alo: Maybe. Do you want to?
Poppy: Wait. There's something else I wanna do first.
[At Poppy's.]
Voice:'Meet Joe Jonas!'Excellent!'
Alo: Oh, f*ck! f*ck, I'm going to come!
Poppy: f*ck, yeah! Oh! Oh.
Alo: Oh, no.
Poppy: Oh, yes! Yes, yes!
Alo: Oh, f*ck!
Poppy: Yes!
Alo: What... what the f*ck?
Poppy: Chill out. I never use a condom. It's no biggie.
Alo: No, no, no, no! Don't touch me! Don't touch me! Don't touch me. Stay there. Stay there, stay there. OK. OK.
Poppy: Oh. OK.
Alo: Just tell me exactly... how old are you?
Poppy: I'm 14. Almost.
Alo: Oh, my God! You're 13!
Poppy: I don't get it. What's the drama?
Alo: Of course you don't get it. You're a child.
Poppy: I'm not a child. I can get the adult menu at Pizza Hut.
Alo: What the f*ck? Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I'm a teenage paedo. Like an actual paedophile! Me! f*ck! I woke up this morning and I was normal!
Poppy's dad: Poppy!
Poppy: Shiz. That's my parents.
Alo: Oh, my God.
Poppy: You just get off your arse.
Poppy's dad: All right, I will, then.Lovely!
Poppy's dad: You know, when we met, you loved the fact that I fought.
Poppy's mum: If that was all that was wrong with you then, Connell, things change.
Poppy's dad: Let's not talk about things changing, love. Unless you want to talk about your tits.
Poppy's mum: Oh, f*ck off!
Poppy's dad: And your arse.
Poppy's mum: Go and do the garden like you...
Poppy's dad: Don't f*ck me around the f*cking Cotswolds!
Poppy's mum: were, Connell, if f*cking only!
Poppy's dad: If only I could get at them, love! Don't talk to me like that!
Poppy's dad: That's right! No, no, don't pin any of this "oh, he doesn't even touch me any more" shite on me, all right?
[At Roundview.]
Rich: Boo!
Alo: f*cking...
Rich: So. How did D-day go with the green fairy?
Alo: Pixie. Look, mate, I... I really need to talk to you about...
Rich: Oh, Frankster. Alo was just gushing about his new squeeze.
Franky: New squeeze?
Alo: There's no squeeze.
Franky: Yeah, Al. About that. I, um... Hey, Hardbeck, do you mind if I chat up your life partner for a hot minute?
Rich: Sure. Oh, what, alone? Oh, cool, yeah. Mm. Yeah. Laters.
Franky: I know about you and Mini.
Alo: Yeah, and?
Franky: And? Look, Mini likes to think she's a complicated girl, Alo, but she's not. When she says no, she really means yes.
Alo: That sounds a bit wrong.
Franky: Focus, Alo. Mini needs you.
Alo: She doesn't even like me.
Franky: Doesn't matter. You have to get her back Don't you get it? You two are like the only good thing to happen this entire crappy year. So, stop f*cking it, Alo.
Alo: How am I f*cking... You know what, Franks? I cannot deal with this bullshit right now.
[Later.]
Alo: I'm sorry but it's over. No, don't cry. I'm not dumping you. I just don't want to hear or see you any more. It's over, bitch!
Rings.
Poppy: Oh, my God! Oh, my God! I'm so glad you came!
Alo: Oh. Um... Poppy. I... We need to talk.
Poppy: After you meet my mates.
Girl: So, what are you, like, 30?
Alo: Yeah, close.
Girl: Anyway, status update?
Poppy: Well, it's not Facebook official. But it's totally official. Right, babes?
Alo: Yeah, yeah. Love you too, girlfriend.
Girl: So, what, have you two like done the nookie?
Poppy: Don't be dizzy, Megs. I'm no Taylor Swift. We did it like a million times last night. Doggy, pony, everything. Right, babe?
Girl: You should defs invite some of your hot mates to come jam. The boy-girl ratio here is practically lezbo. No offence, Pops.
Alo: Yeah, they're not really into electro-pop. Or prison.
Girl: What?
Girl 2: Tune!
Alo: Ah. What's happening? Poppy! Poppy! Hey! We need to talk. Hands to yourself, Chris Brown. You wanna do hot knives?
Alo: Poppy. We don't have to do hot knives.
Poppy: Cheska scammed some MD off her sister. We could drop a few b*mb if you want.
Alo: Poppy. I should never have come here. I... I'm sorry but I can't be your boyfriend or whatever you want me to be. Look, it's not you, it's me. OK? No, actually it is kind of all you. But, I mean, don't feel bad because we can still be mates. I mean not, like, call or text or hang-out kind of mates. But... I'm really sorry.
Poppy: You're gonna go back to that mega-bitch Mini, aren't you?
Alo: No! I don't know!
Poppy: Fine. Flip off! You make people think you're nice but you're not nice. You're just a... a hypocrite! Get out! Wait! Stop! Please don't go! You won't be happy with her! She doesn't love you!
Alo: Listen to me, OK, Poppy? I'm sorry, OK? But I... I don't love you back. And it's... it's just not love if someone doesn't love you back.
Poppy: Stop. Stop it. Stop it!
Alo: I'm not your boyfriend! You're a child! It's sick! I don't even like you! And no amount of head or head-f*ck is going to change that! Poppy, look...
Girl: Back the f*ck up, kiddy fiddler!
Girl 2: Pervert! Someone call the police!
Alo: No, it's... I'm going, all right? I'm going.
[At Roundview.]
Rich: So, you gonna tell me, then, what happened with, er... Poppy, champion of the world?
Alo: No. Shut up, all right? I've been thinking. Why don't we go away?
Rich: What?
Alo: Yeah, you know. We'll... we'll h*t up Amsterdam. Lost Boys it like we always said we would.
Rich: Is this about your exam? Because I told you you can't cram an entire term the night before, Al.
Alo: No. This is not about an exam. I just wanna get away, that's all. And right now I want to go to Amsterdam with my best f*cking matey. Now come on. What do you say?
Rich: I dunno, Al. I'll think about it, yeah?
Alo: Bullshit, Rich. Do not just say stuff to make me feel better.
Rich: I think it's tops. Just... I mean well back-burn it.
Alo: No. It's a yay or a nay, or f*ck off, Rich.
Alo: McGuinness!
Mini: Thanks.
Alo: That's OK.
Policeman: Is this year 13 geography?
Teacher: Yes.
Policeman: Aloysius Creevey.
Alo: Oi! What the f*ck are you doing?
Policeman: You're nicked.
Policeman 2: Yeah, all right, mate!
Policeman: Come on, son. You won't need A-levels where you're going.
Alo: Look. Whatever you think I've done, all right, you're wrong.
Policeman: I'm just waiting to hear you say it. Play silly buggers if you want. We've got all day.
Policeman 2: Smithy, we've got squash at seven.
Policeman: We've got till six. Minus an hour for lunch. So, you better start talking, boyo, cos you're in trouble.
Policeman 2: Big trouble.
Policeman: You're looking at at least three years' jail time. Plus a year on the sex offenders register.
Alo: Three years?
Policeman: We have a statement here given by Poppy Champion earlier today. Mitch?
Policeman 2: "Aloysius Creevey groomed me until I sexed him. He said he liked 'em young."
Alo: Nuh-uh, right? It's the other way around. She's had more sex than me!
Policeman 2: "He told me I could play with his puppy. But he didn't mean his pet."
Alo: I meant Rags. My dog Rags, not... my penis.
Policeman 2: "He gave me alcohol and..." And drugs. "He said it wouldn't hurt."
Policeman: You sick bastard.
Policeman 2: You sick... you sick bastard.
Alo: Look, all right? She is the sick one. She's lying! Oh, come on! Right. OK. All right. I had sex with her, but I didn't know she was underage, OK? I didn't know. I swear I didn't know!
Policeman: You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.
[In jail.]
Keeper: Aloysius Creevey. You've got a visitor.
Doug: Hello, Aloysius. How are you, lad? We've cleared out your locker. Most of it we had to confiscate. Or incinerate. Here's the rest. I think you know what I'm going to say. I'm sorry, Aloysius.But we are suspending you from Roundview College, subject to further investigation.
Alo: Doug, please.
Doug: It's out of my hands, Aloysius. They're saying you're a danger to children. Or in street parlance, a nonce.
Alo: I am not a nonce, all right?
Doug: I know that. But technically you are. Sorry. But chin up. You can bounce back. Get on that horse. And don't let the bastards grind you down! Not you. I didn't mean you.
Alo: Can you leave now, please?
Doug: Yes. Yes. Remember, lad. Oggy, oggy, oggy! Yes?
Keeper: You just called me a bastard.
Doug: Er... no. I... I didn't.
Keeper: Aloysius Creevey. You've been released on bail pending trial.
Rich: You should have told me.
Alo: I thought I could handle it.
Rich: You know everything's gonna be fine, right?
Alo: No, Richard. It's not fine. That is the opposite of what its going to be. Everything is f*cked. If it's f*cked now, what's it gonna be like next year or in five years? I cant hack this for the rest of my life, Rich, all right? What shall I do?
Alo: What are you doing?
Rich: Just...
Alo: I don't need that kind of cheering up.
Rich: Just ring Poppy and be like, you know, what the f*ck and shit.
Alo: I don't think I'm allowed to talk to her. What are you doing? Rich! Rich, I think that's still illegal. Don't call her. Don't call her, Rich. Rich! Rich, don't. Don't f*cking...
Rich: It's ringing.
Alo: Rich, stop. No, no! Rich, don't...
Rich: It's ringing.
Poppy: There you go.
Alo: Thank God! I got arrested because of you! Sorry. OK. I am being charged with a sexual as*ault of a minor. Do you have any idea how serious that is?
Poppy: I know and I'm sorry. I was just monumentally pissed at you.
Alo: I could go to jail. If you tell them I made it all up, they'll drop the charges.
Poppy's dad: Poppy, who are you talking to?
Poppy: Dad! I... No-one. Dad!
Poppy's dad: Hey, now you listen here, you sick paedo f*ck. You're going to jail.
Alo: Hi, Mr Champion. If you'd kindly let me finish speaking with Po...
Poppy's dad: Now, I'm a God-fearing man, but I swear to baby Christ if that limp dick jumps out of your pants again, I will bite it off!
Alo: Mr Champion, I apologise. If there's anything...
Poppy's dad: I will bite off that cocky cock of yours. Do you hear me?
Alo: Yes, I can hear you.
Poppy's dad: I will r*pe you in your prickless hole with your own dirty dick. I will r*pe you so f*cking hard you'll wish you died as a child!
Alo: OK.
Poppy's dad: 'f*ck you!'
Rich: What did she say?
Alo: No. No, that was her dad, right? He wants to bite my dick off and r*pe me with it. So, you know, no biggie.
Rich: So, that... it didn't go well, then?
Alo: Come on, mate. Let's just leave.
Rich: Oh, f*cking great. Where you going? You can't just run away from this.
Alo: I can, Rich, yeah? People say that they can't run away from their problems. Well, yeah, they just weren't running fast enough.
Rich: Alo! Alo! Al!
Bus driver: I don't know what kids' bus you're getting, mate.
Alo: f*ck's sake!
Voice: 'Hi, this is Mini. Can't talk right now. Leave a message.'
[At the public garder.]
Alo: Oi! Who's down here then? Ow! Go back up, you little bastard.
Mother: Tyler, get away from that strange man! You nonce!
Alo: No, it's not what it looks like.
Mother: Come on, girls.
Alo: I've haven't even been to court yet! Oh, shit.
Dewi: Morning, boy.
Alo: All right, Dewi? How did you find me?
Dewi: When you weren't in the barn. Thought you'd be here. Hear you messed up.
Alo: Yeah, I know.
Dewi: Mmm. Well, I brought this for you. It's from your ma. She's worried about you.
Alo: I'm running away, Dew.
Dewi: Not a fan, then?
Alo: Hmm.
Dewi: The thing about Peter Pan is, boy, he's a coward. He had the chance of a lifetime and he bottled it. Just f*cked off back to Neverland. All alone forever, he was, by his own hand. Poor old Wendy, she had to grow old without him. f*cking tragedy, if you ask me. Well, I suppose... you're old enough and, well, you're ugly enough to make your own decisions. Or make your own mistakes. That's all I have. It's up to you now, son. Stay or run. Just look after yourself, eh, boy?
[At Mini's]
Alo: McGuinness! McGuinness! Mini!
Mini: For f*ck's sake, farm boy! What are you playing at?
Alo: OK. OK, OK. With a little hindsight, the whole breaking and entering does feel a bit excessive. But, to be fair, I did knock and you didn't answer, which is kind of rude considering you're actually home.
Mini: Maybe because I didn't want to speak to a child molester!
Alo: It was an accident.
Mini: What? What? You slipped, fell and molested a pre-teen girl?
Alo: Don't say that.
Mini: I mean, you know, congratulations. You finally found a girl with the same mental age as you. But, seriously, Alo, what is wrong with you?
Alo: You're what's wrong with me! I'm not just some lame Michael Cera. You can't treat me like a bitch and expect me not to fall in love with you. It's not fair, Mini.
Mini: Who said I was in love with you?
Alo: Don't... don't do that, OK? Don't revert back to that Mean Girls McGuinness bullshit, OK? I hate that girl. I want you. I know you, Mini. I know you're afraid.
You're terrified of being alone, but guess what. I'm not your dad.
Mini: It's not that easy.
Alo: How? How is it not that easy? I don't see what can be easier than just you and me. What are you so afraid of? What... what is it?
Mini: I want you to go, Alo.
Alo: No.
Mini: Leave now. Get out! Get out of my room! Get out! Get out of my room!
Alo: OK. OK, OK. I'll go. I love you and I know you love me, too. And when you're ready to admit that, you come and find me. Cos I'll be f*cking waiting. However long it takes.
Franky: You have to tell him.
[At Poppy's.]
Poppy: Alo! You came.
Alo: Let's just get this done, yeah?
Poppy: OK. They're in here. Mum. Dad. This is Alo. He's here to talk about the charges.
Alo: Hello.
Poppy's mum: You'd better sit down.
Poppy's dad: Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don't you dare sit at my table.
Poppy's mum: It's my mother's table.
Poppy's dad: Well, it's my house. So he'll stand.
Poppy: So, anyway... Basically, you know what I told you and the police? Well, I made it up.
Poppy's mum: This is your fault.
Poppy's dad: She needs boundaries! You... you just let her gallivant...
Poppy's mum: I do not!
Poppy's dad: You're as soft as shite.
Poppy's mum: You'd tie her up by the roadside.
Poppy's dad: That dog was a hell beast. He's better off.
Poppy's mum: What, d*ad?
Poppy's dad: I did not k*ll him.
Poppy's mum: Who are you trying to convince? You had it in for that dog right from the start!
Poppy's dad: Instead of using that Kn*fe to butcher the overcooked lamb, Poppy's mum: why don't you just put me out of my misery and slit my bloody wrists?
Alo: Shut the f*ck up! This is bullshit. Poppy wanted me to come here and convince you that what she was saying wasn't true. But I can't do that. Cos it is. But you should know that it was an accident. If I'd ever known her age, I would never have... You can have me arrested. You can b*at the shit out of me. But I guarantee... it's not gonna make you feel any better. Aah! Whoa! Aah!
Poppy's dad: You know what? I do feel better! I'll see you in court, scumbag!
[Later.]
Mini: Aye aye, Captain! So you're living in a playground now. Smart move, farm boy. You look like shit.
Alo: Yeah, well, you should see the other guy. He's totally fine.
Mini: Been looking for you everywhere.
Alo: Why?
Mini: Just trying to make convo. Come on, useless. Let's get you home. Alo.
Alo: Yeah?
Mini: Hand off my arse.
Alo: Don't be so fussy.
[At Alo's.]
Alo: I've really f*cked it, haven't I?
Mini: Yep. To be fair, um... it is quite an achievement to, er... screw up so epically.
Alo: Cheers. What?
Mini: Nothing. Nothing.
Alo: You were gonna say I f*cked up with you as well? I f*ck up everything. It's true.
Mini: I wasn't sure what I wanted.
Alo: Yeah, well, you were right not to be sure. I'm just a f*cking quarter bottle of disappointment, me, ain't I?
Mini: If I had a... a problem, like a really big problem and, er... Well, would... would you help me? Would you, like, stand by me? Would you help me?
Alo: What? What is it? Oh. Hello?
Poppy (phone): 'Alo? It's me.'
Alo: I'm not supposed to be talking to you, am I?
Poppy (phone): 'I was just ringing to tell you that you kind of made my mum leave my dad.'
Alo: Oh, for f*ck's sake.
Poppy (phone):'It's fine. He's a bit of a prick. Everyone knows it. But Mum made him drop the charges. And you're lovely. 'Whoever gets to be your girlfriend is lucky, cos you're lovely. Plus, you've gota ginormous willy. Bye, Alo.'
Alo: Mini? Mini? What? | {"type": "series", "show": "Skins", "episode": "6x07 - Alo"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #101 - "Pilot - Premiere"
Original airdate: October 16, 2001
Written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Directed by David Nutter
The Premiere episode ran 8:51 minutes over the hour.
The camera pans outer space. We see meteorites hurtling towards a bright light. There is a small spaceship/pod hurtling through space along with the rocks.
The camera pans the moon, then Earth.
The debris and the ship are hurtling towards Earth.
Screen Text: October 1989
Cut to a helicopter flying over a cornfield. We see a sign that says: Welcome to Smallville Kansas Pop 25,001 Creamed Corn Capital of the World.
Cut to the inside of the helicopter. A bearded man (Lionel Luthor) is sitting reading the Daily Planet. The headline says: Green Industries CEO Missing Presumed d*ad. There is a red-haired boy (Lex sitting next to the man with his eyes held tightly shut. The Boy looks scared.
Lionel: (To Lex) This has got to stop. Open your eyes, Lex.
Lex: (Distraught and with his eyes still closed) I can't!
Lionel: Luthors are not afraid. We don't have that luxury. We're leaders. (He puts his arm around Lex's shoulders. He leans closer to Lex's face. Lex's eyes are still shut) You have a destiny, Lex. You're never going to get anywhere with your eyes closed.
***
Cut to arial sh*t of Smallville.
A small, raven haired girl (Lana) in a white fairy princess costume is in a flower shop. She's waving a wand.
Lana: Abracadabra
Jonathan and Martha Kent walk into the shop.
Jonathan: (to the woman behind the counter) Afternoon, Nell.
Nell: (With a sexy tone to her voice) Jonathan! (She sees Martha is with him) Martha (seems disappointed to see her) What a surprise. What brings the reclusive Kents to town?
Martha: (Walking to the counter) Tulips. Red ones if you have them.
Nell: (To Martha slyly) What about a tiger orchid?
Jonathan: (Joining them) No, thanks. Martha has her heart set on tulips.
Nell: (In a catty manner) Yes. Well, they are a very uncomplicated flower.
Jonathan and Martha give each other an ironic look. Martha walks over to Lana and kneels down next to her.
Martha: That is a beautiful dress, Lana. Are you a princess?
Lana: I'm a fairy princess.
Jonathan: (To Nell) Hey, where are her parents?
Nell: Oh, at the Homecoming game like everyone else. I'm being the good Aunt.
Lana: (To Martha) Do you want to make a wish?
Martha: I would love to make a wish.
Lana: Okay. Abracadabra.
Lana extends the wand towards Martha's head and touches her brow.
Cut to the street outside of the flower shop. We see Jonathan putting bags in the back of a red pick-up truck. Martha is in the car, staring out the window, looking dreamy-eyed. Jonathan gets in the car behind the wheel.
Jonathan: I know what you wished for.
Martha: (Wistfully) I see a little face. It's all I ever wanted.
They kiss. Homecoming parade of cars goes past them down the avenue.
Jonathan: (Looking at the car parade) Hey, looks like Smallville won again.
He starts the engine. They drive off under a banner that says: Let's Go Crows!
***
Cut to outer space. We see the pod and the meteorites h*t Earth's atmosphere. The meteorites leave a fiery trail through the air.
***
Cut to a crow in a corn field. The crow gets startled by a rock falling from the sky. It caws.
Cut to Lionel Luthor. Lionel is meeting with some local farmers outside by the cornfield.
Lionel: (Calls out) Lex? Son?
Cut to Lex Luthor standing by the cornfield. Lex turns toward his father. Lionel turns back to the farmers.
Lionel: (To the farmers) Now, where do I sign?
Farmer: Right here, Mr. Luthor.
Cut to Lex walking out into the cornfield.
Disembodied Voice: Help me.
Lex: (Surprised) Huh? Lex stops and looks around.
Voice: Help me. Please.
Lex looks around, scared. Camera pans a scarecrow.
Lex is scared. He starts running through the field in panic. He pulls out an asthma inhaler. He falls. He loses his grip on the inhaler and it falls a short distance away from him. He reaches for it and sits up with his back against a wooden pole. He hears a voice.
Voice: (From above) Hey, kid.
Lex slowly turns around and looks up at the pole and sees a guy roped to the pole in nothing but boxer shorts and an S' spray-painted on his bare chest.
Lex: (Falling back) Uhh!
Guy: (To Lex) Help me. Help me, please.
In the distance, we see the meteorites h*t the atmosphere with black plumes of smoke. Lex has gotten to his feet and is watching the sky in shock. The meteorites h*t the ground in the cornfield. A large cloud of debris is moving toward him. He starts to run. The cloud blasts over the guy roped to the cross and overtakes Lex, bowling him over.
Lex: (Screams) Aaah!
***
Cut to the main street in town. People are out on the main avenue after the Homecoming game. A black tail of smoke is visible in the sky, like a streak leading straight to the cornfields in the distance. Everyone is looking up at the sky.
Nell walks out of the flower shop with Lana in her arms.
Nell: (Shocked and looking up at the sky) What on God's earth?
Cut to a young couple standing across the way from the flower shop by a gray car. They see Nell and Lana.
Woman: (Calls out) Hi, Lana!
Lana: (Calls out) Mommy! Daddy!
Suddenly, a meteorite descends and hits the couple and their car, bl*wing them up. Everyone starts running and screaming as more meteorites h*t. The meteorite has thrown Lana and Nell to the ground. Cut to Nell holding Lana, crouched on the sidewalk next to the shop. Lana is crying.
***
Cut to the Kents driving home in their red pick-up truck. A meteorite hits by the side of the road.
Martha: (Scared) What's happening, Jonathan?
A meteorite hits the road right in front of them and causes them to crash.
***
Cut to the cornfield. Close-up of Lionel frantically searching for his son.
Lionel: (Calls out while running into the cornfield) Lex! Lex! Where are you?
Wide sh*t of the cornfield. The cornfield is completely flattened. Lionel sees a tuft of red hair on the ground. He leans down and picks it up. The looks around Lionel: Lex? Lex?
Lionel sees something and runs over and finds Lex lying on the ground, whimpering, with most of his hair gone
Lionel Luthor steps back with a look of horror/disgust on his face.
***
Cut to the Kent's overturned vehicle. They are inside the overturned car, hanging upside down. They start to revive. Jonathan looks out the window and sees a naked little boy.
Jonathan: Martha?
Martha turns her head to look out the driver's side window. They look at each other in shock.
Cut to the boy. The boy smiles.
***
Cut to Jonathan and Martha walking through the debris. Martha is holding the little boy wrapped in a blanket.
Jonathan: (In exasperation) Kids don't just fall out of the sky, Martha.
Martha: Then where did he come from?
Jonathan: I don't know, but he must have parents.
They find the pod.
Martha: Well, if he does, they're definitely not from Kansas.
Jonathan: (Placatingly) Sweetheart, we can't keep him. What are we going to tell peoplewe found him out in a field?
Martha: (Cryptically) We didn't find him. He found us.
***
Screen Text: Today
Camera pans a farm. Cut to a computer screen with the caption, Records Galore! Record breaking teen becomes the fastest man alive. We see Clark speed-reading the screen. The next screen says, Six-year old Korean boy lifts car off injured father.
Martha: Clark Kent, you're going to be late for the bus!
Clark: (Yells out) Coming, Mom!
Screen Text: Smallville
An average weekday morning in the Kent household. We see Clark in the kitchen opening the refrigerator. There's Pepsi and Mountain Dew on the door. He pulls out the milk and drinks from the bottle.
Martha: (To Clark) Uh-Uh.
Martha grabs the milk away from him.
Clark: It tastes better out of the bottle.
Martha: Where'd you learn your manners?
Clark: (Jokingly) On a farm.
Jonathan Kent enters through the front door. He has on a flannel shirt and jacket. He takes off the jacket.
Jonathan: (To Clark) Well, good afternoon, sleepyhead.
Martha: (To Clark and Jonathan) Oh, and don't forget I have class tonight so you two are on your own. And don't order pizza. There's plenty of food in the fridge.
Martha passes Jonathan a mug, and Jonathan grabs the milk and drinks out of the bottle
Clark is sitting at the table looking at a piece of paper. Honeycomb cereal is on the table.
Jonathan: (To Clark) Hey, what you got there, Son?
Clark: Permission slip. It's for the football team. A couple of spots opened up and they're having tryouts this afternoon.
Jonathan takes the slip, looking concerned.
Clark: (Pleading) Come on, Dad. You played football in high school.
Jonathan: That was different, Son.
Clark: Why?
Jonathan: You know why.
Clark: I figured I'd run at half speed and I won't h*t anybody.
Jonathan: A lot of things can happen in the heat of the game, Son.
Clark: Most new guys hardly even play. Chances are I'll ride the bench half the season. (In a serious tone) Dad, I can be careful.
Jonathan: (Placatingly) I know that you can be careful but what if there's an accident?
Clark sighs.
Jonathan: Look, uh
Clark, I know this has got to be really hard for you but you got to just hang in there, like you promised. (Pats Clark on the shoulder)
Clark: (Sounding frustrated) I'm sick of hanging in there. All I want to do is to go through high school without being a total loser.
He picks up his things and leaves. Jonathan sighs.
***
Cut to Clark walking outside of his house. There are cows. He sees the school bus pull off in the distance. We see a red mailbox that says, Kent Farm. He jogs toward the road.
Cut to Chloe and Pete on the bus. Chloe passes Pete some money.
Chloe: I can't believe you bet against your best friend.
Pete: (Smugly) Statistical fact: If Clark moved any slower he'd be extinct.
They laugh.
Cut to Clark standing in the road thinking. Then he looks like he has an idea and takes off at super speed.
Cut to the school bus drive by a billboard that says: Welcome to Smallville Kansas Pop 45,001 The meteor Capital of the World!
Cut to Clark super speeding through the corn field Cut to Chloe and Pete inside the bus as it stops to pick up some kids. We hear a thud on the roof.
Chloe: (To Pete) Did you hear that?
We see Clark run by.
Cut to a billboard that says; Pleasant Meadows Another Luthor Corp Project New Homes starting at $245,000 Making America a Better Place to Live.
***
Cut to Smallville High School.
There's a red and yellow banner on the front that says Fly to Victory. We see Chloe and Pete walking up the stairs out front.
Pete: (To Chloe) So, anyone asked you to the dance?
Chloe: Not Yet.
Pete: Well, if nothing pans out with you-know-who maybe you and
Chloe: Pete, do you want to take a commercial break from the soap opera in your head? I've told you 100 times, I'm not interested in Clark.
Pete: You're vehement denial has been duly noted.
Chloe laughs.
Pete: Hey, maybe you and I could go together. I mean, not as a date-date thing, more as a friend-friend thing.
Clark walks up holding a stack of books.
Clark: Hi, guys.
Chloe: (In confusion) Uh
Didn't you just
Weren't you
Clark: (Disingenuously) I took a shortcut.
Chloe: (Incredulously) Through what? A black hole?
Pete: Clark, you'll have to excuse our intrepid reporter. Seems as though her weirdar is on Def Con 5. She thought something was attacking the bus
Chloe: Okay, just because everyone else chooses to ignore the strange things that happen in this leafy little hamlet doesn't mean that they don't happen.
Pete: Now, you know we'd love to join you and Scooby inside the Mystery Machine for another zany adventure, but we got to hand in these permission slips before homeroom.
Clark: Actually, Pete, I'm having second thoughts. I don't think signing up for the team is such a great idea.
Pete: Clark, listen, this is the only way.
Chloe: (Amazed) Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait. You two are trying out for the football team? What is this, some sort of teen su1c1de pact? (Giggles)
Pete grabs Chloe, pulls her to the side.
Pete: (In an intense whisper) We're trying to avoid becoming this year's scarecrow.
Chloe: What are you talking about? (Raising her voice mockingly) And why are we whispering?
Pete: It's a Homecoming tradition. Every year before the big game, the football players select a freshman, take him off to Reilly Field, strip him down to his boxers and then paint a S on his chest.
Clark: And then string him up like a scarecrow.
Chloe: Jeez, that sounds like years of therapy waiting to happen.
Pete: Why do you think we're trying out for the team? Figure they won't choose one of their own.
Clark looks around. Sees Lana Lang across the yard.
Clark: I'll see you guys in class.
Clark walks off in Lana's direction
Chloe: Bye.
Pete pulls out some money.
Pete: Give him ten seconds.
Chloe: Five.
Cut to Clark walking towards Lana with his books and his skateboard.
Cut back to Pete and Chloe
Pete: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Cut to Clark falling to the ground, scattering his books every where.
Cut to Chloe.
Chloe: Statistical fact: Clark Kent can't get within five feet of Lana Lang without turning into a total freak show. She takes the money from Pete.
Cut to Lana passing a book to Clark, who is picking himself up off the ground. The book is The Portable Neitzsche. Lana is wearing a green necklace that glows when Clark gets near to it. Lana picks up one the of the books and passes it to Clark.
Lana: Neitzsche. Didn't realize you had a dark side, Clark.
Clark is hunched over looking sick.
Clark: (Looking up at Lana) Doesn't everybody?
Lana: Yeah, I guess so. So what are you? Man or superman?
Clark: I haven't figured it out yet.
Whitney: Lana there you are.
She turns and smiles as him. They kiss. Clark watches, slowly picking his stuff up off the ground.
Whitney: (To Clark) Hey, Clark. (To Lana) I was wondering if you could do me a humongous favor. Could you check over my English paper? I didn't finish it until 2:00 AM.
Cut to Clark easing into a sitting position on the low rail of a fence, still looking sick.
Whitney: So, I'm not too sure about the ending.
Lana: I'm sure it's great.
Whitney: (To Clark) Dude, are you feeling all right? You look like you're about to to hurl.
Clark: I'm fine.
Lana and Whitney turn to walk away. Whitney picks up a book from the ground.
Whitney: You forgot one, Clark.
Whitney tosses the book to Clark. Clark moves to catch it, dropping all the rest of his books and ending up back on the ground in the process.
The school bell rings.
***
Cut to the inside of the school.
We see a trophy case. We see a guy (Jeremy) looking in the case. He punches through the glass casing and grabs a picture of three football players.
Jeremy: It's payback time.
We see Jeremy walk away, throwing a bandana on the floor that he had wrapped around his hand.
***
Cut to a blue-gray Porsche driving down a road towards a plant. The sign outside the plant says Luthor Corp Fertilizer Plant No. 3. It's overcast and is raining out. The car pulls into a parking space and a young looking bald guy gets out. He's wearing a black jacket, black pants, gray shirt and black driving gloves. He looks around and sighs.
Lex: (Sarcastically) Thanks, Dad.
The license plate on the car says Lex' and it's from Metropolis, USA
***
Cut to a close-up of a person hiking a football. A whistle blows. We see that Whitney and the football team is practicing on the high school field.
Cut to Lana practicing on the field with the cheerleading team. She's in the point position and seems to be the head cheerleader.
Cut to Clark sitting in the bleachers watching Lana and looking at his notebook. He fantasizes that he's the quarterback of the football team during a big game. He's getting ready to throw the ball. Time is running out but there's no one open. He takes the ball himself, bursting through the opposition with his super strength and super speed. He scores. He spikes the ball on the ground in the end zone and it bursts upon impact. The crowd is screaming his name. Lana runs up to him:
Lana: (to Clark adoringly) I knew you could do it, Clark.
They move closer, they are just about to kiss, while the crowd is chanting Clark's name. Before they actually kiss, Clark snaps back to reality.
Pete: Clark! (Pete is wearing a football uniform. The helmet is a little too big on him) How do I look?
Clark: Like a tackle dummy. (Clark gets up to leave) Good Luck.
Pete pulls off his helmet and looks after Clark indignantly.
***
Cut to Lex driving down the road in his blue-gray Porsche. We see a red flat bed truck rolling down the road in the opposite direction. A metal coil falls from the back of the truck and onto the road.
Cut to Clark standing on a bridge, looking over the railing down at the water.
Cut to Lex driving. His cell phone rings. He looks away from the road and retrieves the cell phone from his jacket pocket. He looks up and suddenly sees the metal coil on the road. He frantically tries to pump the breaks and shift gears. His car hits the coil. Lex loses control of the car. The car careens into Clark and through the metal railing. The car and Clark go flying off the bridge and into the water.
Cut to the Porsche underwater. Lex is in the driver's seat, unconscious. His Cell phone is floating nearby. Suddenly, we see Clark rip the hood of the Porsche back like a can opener. He rescues Lex.
Cut to Clark laying Lex on the ground by the river. He gives him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and cardiovascular stimulation.
Clark: (Urgently to a comatose Lex) Come on! Don't die on me!
Lex coughs and spits up water. Coughs some more. He opens his eyes and looks up at Clark.
Lex: I could have sworn I h*t you.
Clark: (Hesitantly) If you did, I'd beI'd be d*ad.
Clark looks behind him at the bridge and the mangled broken railing.
***
Pan of the riverbank:
A wet Clark is sitting with a red blanket draped over his shoulders. While State Troopers comb the area. Clark's father comes running up.
Jonathan: Clark! (He runs up to Clark and puts a hand to his face) Son, are you all right?
Clark: Yeah, I'm okay.
Jonathan: (Yells to a Trooper) Who's the maniac that was driving that car?
Lex is standing nearby, also with a red blanket over his shoulders.
Lex: That would be me. Lex Luthor.
Lex extends his hand to Jonathan to shake but Jonathan looks him up and down and ignores his hand.
Jonathan: (Agitated & strident) I'm Jonathan Kent. This is my son.
Jonathan takes off his jacket and puts it around Clark's shoulders.
Lex: (To Clark) Thanks for saving my life.
Clark: I'm sure you would have done the same thing.
Clark gets up and he and his father turn and start walking away. Lex grabs ahold of Mr. Kent.
Lex: You have quite an extraordinary boy there, Mr. Kent. If there is any way I can repay you
Jonathan: (Turns towards him, seriously) Drive slower.
Lex watches Jonathan and Clark walk away for a second then turns back towards the river as the crane from the depths is raising his Porsche. It's completely mangled but the hood has clearly been torn off. Lex looks speculatively in the direction that the Kents took.
***
Its night and the camera pans the yellow Kent house. Cut to Clark in the barn looking at the moon through his telescope. Then he focuses the telescope on Lana's house, which is across the way (one mile). We see Lana come out onto the porch. She's holding a mug and sits down. Clark is smiling goofily as he watches. Suddenly Whitney sneaks up behind Lana, surprising her. Clark scowls.
Whitney: Hey. He hugs her and kisses her on the cheek.
Lana: Whitney. My aunt will be back any minute.
Whitney: Aw, come on. We're living life on the edge.
Lana: Yeah, well, if Nell finds us out here your life won't be worth living.
Whitney: Where is she anyway? Bridge club?
Lana: Lex Luthor's.
Whitney walks around and sits down next to Lana
Whitney: I didn't know your aunt was in with the Luthors.
Lana: She sold them a ton of land.
Whitney: They own the Metropolis Sharks. She could put in a good word for me.
Lana: If you want someone to put in a good word, ask Clark. He saved Lex's life today.
Whitney: You're kidding.
Lana: Sometimes people can surprise you. I think it's kind of cool.
Whitney: Coach said a scout from Kansas State is coming to the game on Saturday.
Lana: That's great!
Whitney: I don't want to be a remember him. Smallville's got enough of those guys.
Lana takes off her necklace and gives it to Whitney.
Lana: I want you to wear this to the game on Saturday.
Whitney: I can't take this.
Lana Smiles.
Lana: You can give it back after you win.
Whitney: Is it really made from a piece of the meteor that, you know
Lana: So much bad luck came out of it. There can only be good luck left.
Whitney kisses her. Cut to Clark still watching through the telescope. He sits down next to his telescope despondently.
***
It's still night and the camera pans the outside of Frank's Auto Repair shop. We see a man inside start the engine of a car. We see a younger man (Jeremy) watching him from the shadows by the door.
Frank: Jeez, kid. You scared the crap out of me. (He walks towards the kid speculatively) Don't I know you? You look like that scarecrow kid. Where the hell you been?
Jeremy smiles.
Frank: Hey, freakazoid. Wake up.
He pokes Jeremy on the shoulder. He gets an electric charge that throws him across the shop, knocking over a tool cart. Frank looks up from the ground as Jeremy approaches.
Frank: (Scared) That was twelve years ago, man. It was just a game. What do you want?
Jeremy: To play.
Jeremy reaches out and touches Frank's chest, electrocuting him. Jeremy picks him up and pins him to the wall.
The camera pans to a picture on the wall of three guys in Smallville High Football team uniforms. The glass covering the picture shatters.
***
It's daytime. Cut to Clark walking on the Kent farm. He has his book bag and is wearing a red flannel shirt. Looks like he is coming home from school.
Suddenly, Clark spies a brand new red and white truck parked outside of the house with a big blue bow on it. He's shocked and walks quickly over to it.
We see Martha in farm gear by a small tractor.
Clark: Hey, Mom! Whose truck?
Martha: (Dryly) Yours. It's a gift from Lex Luthor.
Martha sits down on the tractor and pulls a card out of her pocket and hands Clark the card.
Clark opens the card. The card's cover has the large initials LL'. Clark turns away from his mother and starts to read it out loud, smiling.
Clark: Dear Clark. Drive safely. Always in your debt. A maniac in a Porsche.
Martha is watching him speculatively.
Clark: (Amazed) I don't believe it. (He turns back to Martha) Where are the keys?
Martha: Your father has them.
Clark looks worried.
Cut to Jonathan feeding wood into a large chipper. We see Clark walking over. Jonathan turns off the machine and pulls off his ear protectors and goggles.
Jonathan: I know how much you want it, Son. But you can't keep it.
He walks past Clark, shaking his head.
Clark: (Argumentatively) Why not? I saved the guy's life.
Jonathan: So you think that you deserve a prize?
Clark: That's not what I meant. (Clark follows Jonathan) Look, how about you drive the new one and I'll drive the old one? Everybody wins.
Jonathan: This is not about winning Clark.
Clark: (Stridently) It's not like the Luthors can't afford it.
Jonathan: (Sighs) Do you want to know why that is? Do you remember Mr. Bell? We used to go fishing on his property? How about Mr. Guy? He used to send us pumpkins every Halloween. Well, Lionel Luthor promised to cut them in on a deal. He sent them flashy gifts. (Jonathan twirls the truck keys around on his finger) Only once they sold him their property, he went back on his word. He had them evicted, Son.
Clark: (Belligerently) So you're judging Lex on what his father did?
Jonathan: No, Clark, I'm not. I just want to make sure that you know where the money came from that bought that truck.
Clark stands a moment in consternation. Giving his father a hard look, Clark goes to the stairs and starts to go up to the loft.
Jonathan: (Sighs) Clark, I know you're upset, Son, but it's normal
Clark throws his book bag on the stairs in frustration and comes back down to confront Jonathan.
Clark: (loudly in anger) Normal? (Walks back outside the barn to the chipper and flips it on. He hold up his hand) How about this? Is this normal? (He plunges his hand into the chipper)
Jonathan runs over to him. We hear gears grinding.
Jonathan: (In panic) Clark!
Jonathan tries to pull Clark's arm out of the chipper. He looks at Clark's arm in amazement as he realizes that it's not injured. Clark's shirtsleeve is tattered.
Clark: (Loudly in frustration) I didn't dive in after Lex's car! It h*t me at 60 miles an hour! Does that sound normal to you? I'd give anything to be normal!
Clark stomps off past Jonathan and up the loft stairs. Jonathan sighs. We see Martha in the background looking on in concern. She gives Jonathan a, I don't know what to tell you to do look.
***
Cut to Clark sitting in the loft next to the telescope. Jonathan comes up. He pulls something wrapped in cloth out of his jacket pocket. He picks something up from off a table. It looks like a little clock.
Jonathan: It's time, son.
Clark: (Dejectedly) Time for what?
Jonathan: The truth. (He sits down next to Clark) I want you to take a look at something. (He unwraps the item in the cloth. It's a article that looks something like a large diskette thing with strange symbols on it) I think it's from your parents. YourYour real parents.
He passes it to Clark.
Clark: (Looking at it) What does it say?
Jonathan: I tried to decipher it for years but it's not written in any language known to man.
Clark looks at him suspiciously.
Clark: What do you mean?
Jonathan: Your real parents weren't exactly from around
here.
Jonathan casts a significant gaze in the direction of the telescope.
Clark: (Scoffing) What are you trying to tell me, Dad? That I'm from another planet?
Jonathan just looks at him.
Clark: (Incredulously) And I suppose you stashed my spaceship in the attic?
Jonathan: Actually, It's in the storm cellar.
Cut to the storm cellar. Jonathan is pulling a tarp off Clark's spaceship.
Jonathan: This is how you came into our world, Son. It was the day of the meteor show.
Clark backs away.
Clark: Wait, this is a joke, right? (He turns away from Jonathan then turns back in anger. To Jonathan loudly) Why didn't you tell me about this before?
Jonathan: We wanted to protect you.
Clark: (Yelling) Protect me from what? You should have told me!
Clark super speeds it away from Jonathan and the ship.
Jonathan: Clark. Clark!
***
The camera pans Lana riding into a cemetery on a horse. She's carrying flowers. She dismounts and hears a noise.
Lana: Who's there?
Clark: It's me. (He steps out of the shadows) Clark.
Lana: (Surprised) Clark Kent? What are you doing creeping around the woods?
Lana walks towards him.
Cut to Clark standing by a large angel statute with wings. The juxtaposition makes it look like Clark has wings.
Clark: You'd never believe me if I told you. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
He turns to walk away.
Lana: Clark, wait. (She walks over to him) I just wasn't expecting to see anyone out here. Are you okay?
Clark: I'm hanging out in a graveyard. Does this strike you as okay behavior?
Lana: Hey, I'm here, too.
Clark: Good point. What's your story?
Lana: Can you keep a secret?
Clark: I'm the Fort Knox of secrets.
Lana: I
Came out here to talk to my parents. (She laughs a little with embarrassment and turns away) you must think I'm pretty weird. You know, conversing with d*ad people.
Clark: No, II Don't think you're weird, Lana. Do you remember them?
Lana: They died when I was three.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lana: It's not your fault, Clark. (She smiles and takes Clark's hand, leading him over to a gravesite) Mom, Dadthis is Clark Kent. (To Clark) Say hi.
Clark: Hi. (Clark waves and Lana laughs)
Cut to a tombstone. It says Lewis (1957 1989) and Laura (1959 1989) Lang. Forever Loved.
Lana squats down and puts the flowers on the grave. Clark squats down also.
Lana: (Talking to the gravestone) Yeah, he is kind of shy. (She listens) How should I know? (To Clark) Mom wants to know if you're upset about a girl.
Clark shakes and ducks his head.
Clark: No.
Lana: Dad wants to know if you're upset about a guy.
Clark: (Quickly) No! No.
Lana laughs.
Lana: He has a twisted sense of humor.
Clark smiles, ducks his head.
Lana: Seriously, Clark
Why are you out here?
Clark: Lana, you ever feel like your life was supposed to be something different?
She nods her head.
Lana: Sometimes I dream I'm at school, waiting for Nell to pick me up. But she doesn't come, so my parents drive p. They're not d*ad, they're just really late. Then I get in their car and we drive back to my real life in Metropolis. That's usually when I wake up. But for a minute, I'm totally happy, until I realize I'm still alone.
Lana looks down.
Clark: (As if he hears someone speaking) What's that Mrs. Lang?
Lana looks over at Clark slowly.
Clark: YeahYeah, I'll tell her. (To Lana) Your mom wants you to know that you're never alone. That she's always looking over you. No matter what.
Lana looks at him in wonder, smiling a little.
Clark: What's that, Mr. Lang? (To Lana) Your dad thinks you're a shoe in for Homecoming queen.
Lana smiles, laughs.
Lana: They really say all that?
Clark: Oh, yeah. They're quite chatty, once you get them started.
Lana smiles
Cut to Clark walking Lana in from her barn
Lana: thanks for walking me home.
Clark: Beats creeping around the woods.
Lana laughs.
Lana: Do you realize this is the longest conversation we've ever had? (She stops walking. Looks over at Clark) We should do it again.
Clark: Yeah, we should. (He pauses, then says in a rush) So you going to the dance?
Lana: Yeah, with Whitney.
Clark: (Hurriedly) Right. (He looks down) Of course.
Lana: How about you?
Clark: Nah. Figured I'd sit it out.
Lana: Well
If you change your mind, I might save you a dance. (She kisses him on the cheek) Goodnight, Clark. (She walks off, looking back once and smiling)
Cut to Clark grinning.
Cut to Whitney, standing on Lana's porch watching Clark walk away.
***
The camera pans the outside of stately Luthor Manor. Cut to the inside of the house. We see Clark walking down a deserted hallway looking around.
Clark: Hello?
He looks around. Walks to the door of a room, and suddenly hears and sees two people fencing. Clark watches with surprise. The female combatant pins the man to the wall. In frustration, the man throws his sword across the room, at the wall right next to where Clark is standing. The sword is embedded in the wall by his head. Clark looks at the sword by his head in shock.
Cut to the guy taking off his mask. It's Lex.
Lex: Clark?
Clark glances nervously at the sword in the wall by his head.
Lex: I didn't see you.
Clark: (Nervously) I
Uh
buzzed but no one answered.
Lex walks over to him. He grabs the swords and pulls it out of the wall. Clark looks on nervously.
Lex: How'd you get through the gate?
Clark: (Quickly, self-consciously) I kinda squeezed through the bars. (Adds quickly) If this is a bad time
Lex: Oh, no, no. I think Hykia has sufficiently kicked my ass for the day.
He walks over to her and tosses her his mask.
Clark: (Looking around in Awe as Lex walks past him) This is a great place.
Lex: Yeah? If you're d*ad and in the market for something to haunt.
Clark: (Quickly, self-consciously) I meant, it's roomy.
Lex walks out of the room and into the hallway. Clark follows.
Lex: It's the Luthor ancestral home, or so my father claims. He had it shipped over from Scotland stone by stone.
Clark looks around.
Clark: Yeah, I remember trucks rolled through town for weeks but on one ever moved in.
Lex stops as he's ascending the staircase to the second floor. He turns back and looks down at clark, who had been trailing along behind him and who was still on the first floor landing.
Lex: My father had no intention of living here. He's never even stepped through the front door.
Clark: Then why'd he ship it over?
Lex: Because he could.
Cut to a second room with workout equipment in it. Implicating that they are on the second floor of the mansion. There's a f*re blazing in the fireplace. Lex pulls off his white fencing jacket. He has a black shirt on underneath.
As he moves around the room quickly, he removes his fencing uniform and gets otherwise organized.
Lex: How's the new ride?
Clark: That's why I'm here.
Lex crosses the room. Throws the fencing jacket. Places a towel around his neck. He goes over to a table with beverages and fruit, and with his back to Clark, starts opening a blue bottle of water.
Lex: What's the matter? You don't like it?
Clark: (Quickly) No, it's not that. I can't keep it.
Lex pauses as if vexed, as if the thought of Clark saying no never occurred to him. He puts down the water and turns, walking over to Clark. He pulls up his sleeves. Looking Clark in the eye earnestly, then looking him up and down
Lex: Clark, you saved my life. I think It's the least I can do.
Clark looks down.
Lex: Your father doesn't like me, does he?
Clark takes a breath as if he's about to say something.
Lex: (Forestalls him) It's okay. (Lex reaches up and rubs his bald head) I've been bald since I was nine (he turns towards an oval, full length mirror) I'm used to people judging me before they get to know me.
Lex stares in the mirror.
Clark: It's nothing personal. He's just not crazy about your dad.
Lex: (Looking in the mirror) Figures the apple doesn't fall far from the tree? (Lex nods) Understandable. (He turns away from the mirror, back towards Clark) What about you, Clark? Did you fall far from the tree?
Clark doesn't say anything, just looks down, and then up at Lex. Lex smiles a little at him, coyly.
Clark: I better go. Thanks for the truck.
Clark hands Lex the keys to the truck. He turns and walks towards the door.
Lex: (Calling out) Clark
Clark stops, turns.
Lex: Do you believe a man can fly?
Clark: Sure. In a plane.
Lex: No, I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about soaring through the clouds with nothing but air beneath you.
Clark: People can't fly, Lex
Lex: I did. (He turns away) After the accident, when my heart stopped. (He turns back) It was the most exhilarating two minutes of my life. (He stares off into space) I flew over Smallville, and for the first time, I didn't see a d*ad end. I saw a new beginning. (He looks at Clark, smiling slightly) Thanks to you I have a second chance.
Clark looks down.
Lex: (Intensely) We have a future, Clark
(Clark looks up at Lex) And I don't want anything to stand in the way of our friendship.
***
Cut to town. We see emergency medical personal taking a man out of a store on a stretcher. There's a crowd. We see Chloe and Pete in the crowd and then we see Jeremy.
Pete: That's the third guy this week.
Chloe: and they're all former jocks.
Pete taps Chloe on the shoulder to get her attention.
Pete: (Indication Jeremy) Who's the weirdo?
Chloe: I don't know. Let's check him out.
Chloe takes a picture of Jeremy.
Cut to the torch office at the high school. We see a high school yearbook picture of Jeremy Creek.
Chloe: His name's Jeremy Creek. This is a picture of him twelve years ago. (Cut to a computer screen) This is one I took four hours ago.
We see Pete and Clark standing around.
Clark: That's impossible. He'd be like 26 today. Must be a kid who looks like him.
Pete: My money was on the evil twin theory, till we checked this missing persons.
Chloe passes Clark a report.
Chloe: Jeremy disappeared from the state infirmary a few days ago where he'd been in a coma for 12 years. They say he suffered from massive electrolyte imbalance.
Pete: that's why he hasn't aged a day.
Clark: So you're telling me he just woke up.
Chloe: Well, no, there was a huge electrical storm, and the hospital's generator went down, and when it came back on, Jeremy was gone.
Pete: The electricity must have charged him up like a Duracell.
Clark: And now he's back in Smallville, putting former jocks into comas. Why?
Pete: Because twelve years ago today, they chose Jeremy Creek as the scarecrow.
Chloe hands Clark a newspaper clipping.
Clark: (Reading aloud) comatose boy found in field, twenty yards from meteor strike.
Chloe: The exposure to the blast must have done something to his body.
Clark: (Disbelieving) No, this can't be right.
Pete: (To Chloe) I think you ought to show him.
Clark: Show me what?
Cut to a door opening into a dark room.
Pete flips on a light.
Chloe: It started out as a scrapbook and just kind of mutated.
Clark: What is it?
Chloe: I call it the Wall of Weird.
Cut to a wall of all kinds of newspaper clippings and photographs. Chloe stands in front of it and spreads her arms out.
Chloe: it's every strange, bizarre and unexplained event that's happened in Smallville since the meteor shower.
Cut to a Smallville Ledger article on the wall that says: area man gains finger on left hand loses one on right.
Chloe: That's when it all began when the town went schitzo.
Another article: River dredging reveals bizarre, glow in the dark Geodes.
Chloe: So, what do you think?
Clark: (Slowly) Why didn't you tell me about this?
Clark walks over and studies the wall.
Chloe: (With annoyance) Do you tell me everything that happens in your life? We all keep secrets, Clark.
The camera pans across the wall, stopping on a Time magazine cover with a young Lana Lang on it in her princess outfit, crying. Title says: Heart Break in the Heart Land. Clark stares at it in shock.
Clark: Lana? My fault. It's all my fault.
Clark rushes out.
Chloe and Pete stare after him in confusion.
Cut to the front of the high school. Kids are exiting the building, cheering. We see Clark walking down the stairs. A hand reaches out from behind and grabs his shoulder.
Clark turns around.
Clark: (Belligerently turning around) Chloe, just leave me alone.
Clark spins around. We see that it's Whitney that has him by the shoulder.
Whitney: Congratulations, Clark. You're this year's scarecrow.
Angrily, Clark knocks Whitney's grip off his shirt.
Clark: (Belligerently) Don't mess with me right now.
Whitney: (Belligerently posturing) Come on. (He pushes Clark) Bring it on.
Whitney pulls off his jacket. Clark goes to punch him and we see Lana's necklace hanging around his neck. Clark flinches and Whitney throws him to the ground.
Whitney grabs him by the shirt.
Whitney: (thr*at) What's going on with you and Lana?
Whitney growls and we see the necklace hanging around his neck.
Clark looks sick.
Clark: Nothing.
Clark is staring at the necklace in horror.
Whitney: Huh? Like her necklace? (He rips the necklace off his neck) Huh? Good. Cause this is as close as you're ever going to get to her.
He ties the necklace around Clark's neck.
Whitney and his jock friends pick Clark up and dump him in the back of a pickup truck.
Cut to Jeremy watching from the shadows.
It's night. Cut to a man roped to a cross in a cornfield. The camera pans over. It's Clark. He has Lana's necklace around his neck. It's glowing. He has a red S' spray painted on his chest and has on a blue pair of boxers. Clark is shuddering and breathing hard.
We see that Jeremy is watching him.
Jeremy: It never changes.
Clark: Help me.
Jeremy: Hurts, doesn't it?
Clark: You-- You'reYou're Jeremy.
Jeremy: I thought if I punished them it would stop. But it never stops.
Jeremy starts to walk away.
Clark: Wait. Where are you going?
Jeremy: Homecoming dance. I never made it to mine.
Clark: Get me down. Please.
Jeremy: You're safer here.
Jeremy walks off.
Cut to a picture of the sign outside of Luthor Fertilizer Plant No. 3. We see Lex driving in a car. Lex sees Jeremy jumping over the fence, exiting the cornfield. Lex stops. Stares. Jeremy looks at him. Lex flashes back to his ordeal in the cornfield as a child. He gets out of the car. Looks, but Jeremy is gone. He goes to get back into the car. Then suddenly, he hears a low voice.
Clark: Help me.
We see Lex making his way through the cornfield with a flashlight. He finds Clark.
Lex: (Astonished) Clark?
Clark's head is hanging down. When Lex says his name, he looks.
Lex: Aw, jeez. (Lex rushes over to Clark, starts trying to get him down) Who did this to you?
Clark: Doesn't matter.
Clark falls to the ground. The necklace comes off. The glowing green light dies. Clark is suddenly rejuvenated. He jumps over to his clothes.
Lex: (Surprised) Clark, you need to see a doctor.
Clark: (Dismissed him quickly) I'll be okay.
Clark rushes off through the cornstalks.
Lex: (Calling out) Well, at least let me give you a ride!
Lex lets his flashlight fall to his side in confusion. As it does, he notices Lana's necklace on the ground. He picks it up. It's a dull green. He studies it then looks over in the direction that Clark took.
***
Cut to the Smallville High Homecoming dance. We see Jeremy skulking around outside. Cut to the inside of the building. We see kids dancing. We're seeing Chloe and Pete dancing and Lana and Whitney dancing. Lana and Whitney are wearing the crowns for Homecoming King and Queen.
Cut to Jeremy as the f*re sprinkler system box outside the building. He opens it up.
Clark: Jeremy. You need to stop this.
Jeremy stops in surprise and looks behind him. Clark is standing off in the distance.
Jeremy: I don't know how you got here but you should have stayed away.
Clark: (Warningly) I won't let you hurt my friends.
Jeremy: Those people in there aren't your friends. The sprinklers will get them nice and wet. I'll handle the rest.
Clark: They never did anything to you.
Jeremy: I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing this for you and for all the others like us.
Clark: What happened to you was my fault. I can understand your pain.
Jeremy: I'm not in pain. I have a gift, and a purpose, and a destiny.
He turns away but Clark is in front of him again, using his super speed.
Clark: So do I.
Jeremy reaches out and attempts to electrocute Clark. Clark throws him into a car. Jeremy gets up and looks at Clark angrily.
Clark: Give it up, Jeremy.
Jeremy gets in the car and attempts to run Clark over. Clark gets smashed into a wall that has an emergency hydrant attached to it. The car, with Clark in front of it, bursts through the wall, busting the pipe. Water leaks into the car, electrocuting Jeremy.
Clark pulls the door off the car. We see electricity running all along Jeremy's body. Then the electricity shorts out. Jeremy looks up at Clark in confusion.
Clark: Are you okay?
Jeremy: Who are you? Where am I?
Clark: I'm Clark Kent. And you're in Smallville
Jeremy: I want to go home.
Clark nods.
Cut to the dance. We see Lana and Whitney dancing. We see Clark watching from the shadows. We see Lana and Whitney kiss.
Cut to Clark walking in the parking lot. He sees the parked cars and gets a speculative look on his face. He grins.
Cut to Lana and Whitney exiting the gym, saying goodbye to people. Bunches of people are standing around, laughing. Whitney runs over and sees that his truck, along with two other trucks are piled, one on top of the other.
Whitney: (Angrily) Who did this to my truck?
We see Clark in the distance. He stops, looks over at Whitney, smirks, then walks off.
We see Lana look off in the distance in confusion as if she sees Clark.
***
Cut to Clark in the loft looking out at the sky through his telescope.
Jonathan: Your grandfather gave me that telescope when I waswas about your age. I came downstairs for breakfast on morning and there it was.
Clark sits down. Jonathan sighs.
Jonathan: Are you okay?
Clark looks over at his father for a long moment.
Clark: Can I answer that in about five years?
Jonathan: (Smiling) Yeah.
Jonathan goes to leave, and starts to walk down the stairs.
Clark: Dad
(Clark is standing at the loft railing looking down at his dad on the ground floor) I'm glad you and mom are the ones that found me.
Jonathan: We didn't find you, Clark. You found us.
They smile at each other.
Cut to Clark in the loft. He turns on the radio.
Lana appears, still dressed in her Homecoming gown and crown.
Lana: I didn't see you tonight, Clark.
Clark: (Surprised) Lana. What are you doing here?
Lana: I saved you that dance. (She walks over and they start to dance. She stops and looks at him) Is everything okay, Clark?
Clark: It's perfect.
Horn honks, and we realize that Clark is daydreaming. He walks over to the window. He sees a car caravan from the party in front of Lana's house. Lana is standing on her porch steps, waving.
Clark: (Softly, to himself) Thanks for the dance, Lana.
Lana turns, as if she hears him. She smiles, ducks her head, then heads into the house.
End.
Transcribed by: LexSlash LLC and Theresa.
Re-transcribed by: Ezmeralda | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x01 - Premiere"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #102 - "Metamorphosis"
Original airdate: October 23, 2001
Written by Alfred Gough & Miles Millar
Directed by Michael Watkins and Philip Sgriccia
Act 1 Teaser
We see a boy sitting in a tree with a video camera. Night.
CUT TO Lana in her room after a dance. She takes off her tiara and puts it in a drawer full of crowns, ribbons, and trophies. She sees a gold box on her bed. She opens it and butterflies fly out. We see the boy watching this through his camera.
CUT TO the boy getting into a his car and driving home. At home, he peeks around the corner of the living room and sees a video of Lana playing on the television. His mom is there.
Mother: Is this what you do with your time now, Greg? (She has a handful of tapes.)
Greg: Where did you get those?
Mother: Oh, you've got a lot of nerve talking to me about privacy. I am in the garden club with Lana's aunt. How am I going to face Nell knowing that my own son is creeping around videotaping her niece? Is that where you were tonight?
Greg: No, I was out collecting.
Mother: Two disgusting habits.
Greg: Insects aren't disgusting, mom.
Mother: Look what has become of you, Greg. This isn't you.
Greg: People change.
Mother: Really? Monday morning, I am phoning Claremont Military Academy.
Greg: Yeah right, Mom.
Mother: No, Greg. I've had it with your behavior. This time I'm making the call.
Greg: Hey, who's gonna take care of my bugs?
CUT TO Greg in his room. He has dozens of t*nk full of insects. He reaches into his backpack and pulls out a jar full of fireflies giving off a green glow.
Greg: Don't worry, guys. I'm going to take you somewhere safe.
We see him driving out of Smallville, his car filled with his bug t*nk. He takes a sharp turn and one of the t*nk breaks, letting green fireflies and many other bugs loose. He starts slapping at them as they swarm over him.
Greg: No! No! Ah! Aah! (He crashes into a telephone pole and we hear him continue to scream)
Back to his room where we hear his mother knocking on the door.
Mother: Greg? Where have you been?
She comes in and sees that all the t*nk are gone and he isn't there. She leaves. We pan up to see Greg on the ceiling looking down. He has bug bites all over.
(Opening credits)
We see the landscape of Smallville going by from above. Night. We come to Lana's house, go through the window and stop above her asleep in bed. We have been seeing all of this from Clark's point of view as we now see him floating above her bed. She opens her eyes.
Lana: It's all your fault, Clark.
Martha: (From the other room.) Clark! (He wakes up floating above his bed. He falls) Clark, we're leaving for the farmer's market in 15 minutes and you haven't done your chores yet.
The farmer's market. Day. Clark picks up a sign that says Kent Organic Produce and puts it up outside his parents' booth. When no one is watching, he pushes the nail through it with his thumb. Lana and Whitney approach.
Chloe: All hail the Homecoming king and queen.
Lana: Clark, I didn't see you at the dance last night.
Clark: Oh, I was... (Looks at Whitney) A little tied up.
Jonathan: (To Whitney) Hey. Congratulations. That was one heck of a game. I haven't seen an offense that good since I played.
Whitney: Thank you, Mr. Kent.
Clark: I'm going to get the rest of the boxes out of the trunk.
Whitney: I'll help.
Jonathan: Lana. (Hands her an apple)
Lana: Thank you.
CUT TO Clark and Whitney on the way to the truck.
Whitney: Kent, you realize last night was just a joke, right? Hey, I need that necklace back.
Clark: I don't have it.
Whitney: Look, it's Lana's favorite so...
Clark: So then you better go out to that cornfield and find it. (Walks away)
CUT TO Lana looking at a butterfly mobile. Greg walks up behind her.
Greg: Beautiful isn't it?
Lana: Greg. Hey, I didn't recognize you without your glasses.
Greg: Did you know the average butterfly only lives for eight hours?
Lana: The fast die young. They're the rock stars of the insect world.
Greg: Hey, Lana, I was wondering if you would help me with my Lit paper.
Lana: Nathaniel West assignment giving you brain freeze?
Greg: Yeah, it's kicking my ass.
Lana: Sure, okay.
Greg: Great. How about my house after school?
Lana: Library might be easier.
Greg: It's a date.
Whitney: Lana, your aunt's looking for you. (She goes) Hey, bug boy, do me a favor and quit tailing my girlfriend.
Greg: You afraid of a little competition, Whitney?
Whitney: We're not in competition, Greg. But if I find out you've been leaving butterflies in my girlfriend's bedroom, you'll know about it. (He leaves)
Greg: Yeah, well, just remember. Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
CUT TO Clark watching Lana and Whitney leave as Lex walks up.
Lex: Can't knock your taste in women. You want to tell me what happened last night?
Clark: It was just a stupid prank.
Lex: You were tied to a stake in the middle of a field. Even the Romans saved that for special occasions. You could have died out there.
Clark: I appreciate your help. I just want to forget it ever happened.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. What is the hold up, son?
Lex: Mr. Kent, it's good to see you. (Offers his hand. Jonathan shakes it)
Jonathan: Lex. (To Clark) Come on, we've got to finish up.
Clark: Okay, Dad. (Jonathan walks away)
Lex: At least I got a handshake this time. (Clark smiles and leaves)
Act 1 Scene 2
Whitney driving home in his truck. Day.
CUT TO Greg running up the side of a tree near the road with blurry speed. As Whitney drives by, Greg jumps on top of the truck and pounds on the roof. The driver's side window breaks and the truck tips onto its side knocking Whitney unconscious. Jonathan, Martha, and Clark drive up.
Martha: Oh, my God, Jonathan! (Clark gets out and runs to Whitney's truck which has started on f*re. Jonathan grabs a f*re extinguisher form his own truck. Clark pulls Whitney out)
Jonathan: Clark!
The truck explodes and Clark shields Whitney with his body. The flames engulf them.
Jonathan & Martha: Clark! Clark!
The smoke clears and Clark and Whitney are both okay. Jonathan touches Clark's back and it burns him.
Act 1 Scene 3
Jonathan and Clark on the Kents' front porch. Day.
Jonathan: Whitney's gonna be all right. He's got a couple of cuts and bruises but nothing serious.
Clark: Does he remember anything?
Jonathan: No. Just that something smashed his truck and he woke up in the ambulance.
Clark: You need to talk to Mom. I think I really freaked her out this time.
Jonathan: You also made her really proud, Clark.
Clark: Dad, something else happened to me this morning. When I woke up, I was... kind of floating.
Jonathan: Floating?
Clark: As soon as I woke up, I crashed. I mean, Dad what's happening to me?
Jonathan: I honestly don't know. As soon as you start breaking the law of gravity, we're definitely in uncharted territory.
Clark: I just wish it would stop.
Jonathan: Look, Clark, I'm your father. I'm supposed to have all the answers. It kills me that I don't, but you gotta have faith that we'll figure this thing out together.
Clark: I do, but this is happening to me and I'm scared. (He goes inside)
Act 1 Scene 4
Lex is in his study looking at Lana's necklace. Day. He goes to the desk and puts it in a small box.
Act 1 Scene 5
Lana riding a horse. Day. She rides back to the s*ab and gets off. Lex is waiting there.
Lex: Your form's good but his gait's off. You might want to check your shoes. Lex Luthor. I'm a friend of your aunt's.
Lana: Sneaking up like that. You're lucky you didn't get kicked.
Lex: You must be Lana. It's a pleasure to finally meat you.
Lana: We've already met.
Lex: I seriously doubt I'd forget meeting you.
Lana: You were a little preoccupied at the time.
Lex: I get the feeling I didn't make a great first impression.
Lana: When I was ten, I went to Metropolis for a riding competition,. Your father invited us to stay over. My aunt said you had an indoor pool. When I went to check it out, I found you and a girl skinny dipping. I think you were teaching her the breast stroke.
Lex: That was you? Wow. You're all grown up now. (Sees a case of ribbons, trophies, and plaques.) Very impressive.
Lana: It's tacky. But it makes my aunt happy.
Lex: (Pointing to a picture of her with her necklace.) That's a very unusual necklace.
Lana: Thanks. It's very special to me.
Lex: How come you're not wearing it?
Lana: I lent it to my boyfriend.
Lex: Lucky guy. What's his name?
Lana: Whitney Fordman.
Lex: The kid that Kent saved today?
Lana: I just came back from seeing him. He's lucky Clark was there.
Lex: I know the feeling. Kind of makes you wonder if you're with the right guy. One chucks footballs, the other helps save lives.
Lana: For someone who just moved into town, you've got a lot of opinions.
Lex: You just seem more interesting than that. While you're nursing your boyfriend back to health, ask him what he was doing before the big game.
Lana: He was with me.
Lex: Are you sure? Tell your aunt I stopped by. (He leaves)
Act 1 Scene 6
Greg's mother comes home and the thermostat says 103° F. Day.
Mother: Greg?! What's going on here? (Coming up the stairs) Greg? (She goes into his room) I have had-- (The room is full of spider webs. She turns around and Greg is there) What the hell has gotten into you?
Greg: About 2 million years of intelligence and instinct.
Mother: You stop this. Stop this right now.
Greg: I can't. See, it's too late. Nature's already taken it's course. First I'll eat, then I'll molt, then I'll mate.
Mother: You need help.
She goes to leave and he blocks the way
Greg: Hey, Mom? Did I ever tell you about the Pharaoh spider? It's a fascinating creature. See, after it hatches, it kills its mother. (He opens his mouth and webs come sh**ting out)
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark is at Lex's castle looking at a model of an ancient city. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: Save any lives on the way over? You keep it up and you could make a career out of it.
Clark: I was just dropping off your produce. Sorry my parents gave you a hard time.
Lex: Ah, if push came to shove, I would have arm-wrestled them for it.
Clark: (Looking at the model) Planning an invasion?
Lex: My father gave this to me when I was nine.
Clark: Cool gift.
Lex: It wasn't a gift. It was a strategy tool. My father equates business with w*r. It's the battle of Troy. It started because two men were in love with the same woman, kind of like you and the quarterback. That's why he strung you up in that field, isn't it?
Clark: If we're at w*r, Whitney's pretty much won her.
Lex: You lost one battle, Clark. That's all. Besides, I don't believe Lana's as infatuated as you think.
Clark: They guy's captain of the football team. The whole town treats him like a god. Game over.
Lex: If you hadn't pulled him out of that truck, your problems would be solved. (Clark looks at him) I'm kidding of course. Don't worry, Clark. I've got your Trojan horse. (He takes the box with Lana's necklace in it off the fireplace. He opens it and Clark backs away) Clark, you okay?
Clark: Yeah, I'm fine. (Lex closes the box and Clark's pain stops) That's a cool box. What's it made of?
Lex: Lead. My mother bought it in a Kasbah in Morocco. A little guy told her it was made from the armor of St. George, the patron saint of boy scouts. She gave it to me before she died. I think she was trying to send me a message. (Offers it to Clark)
Clark: I can't take that.
Lex: What is it about Kents and gifts? It's yours. Hand it to Lana. Tell her what happened. Trust me, once she opens it, you'll win her heart. That necklace gives you the power. All you've got to do is use. it. (Clark takes it)
Act 2 Scene 2
Whitney and Lana at Whitney's locker. Day.
Lana: Where were you before the game on Saturday?
Whitney: Can we talk about this later?
Lana: It's a simple question, Whitney.
Whitney: I was warming up.
Lana: So you didn't grab Clark and hang him up in a field?
Whitney: Lana, it was just a prank.
Lana: Could I please have my necklace back?
Whitney: I lost it.
Lana: Were you planning on telling me? Or was that a prank too? (She walks away. She passes Greg on the stairs)
Greg: Lana, hey. I thought you'd forgotten. I've been waiting for like an hour. You remember the English paper?
Lana: Sorry, Greg. Something really important came up. Can we do it some other time?
She turns to go and he grabs her arm.
Greg: Hey, are you bl*wing me off for your boyfriend?
Lana: I'm not bl*wing you off. I need to see Clark.
Greg: Kent? So you'd rather spend time with him? Is he more important than me?
Lana: Greg, I can't talk about this right now. I have to go. (Walks away)
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark outside the farm with the lead box. Day. He opens it and his hand turns pale and the veins start to bulge. He closes the box and his hand turns to normal. He goes to the loft and Lana is there looking through the telescope. He hides the box under a blanket and walks up to join her.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: Your mom said I could wait up here. I hope you don't mind. This is an amazing place.
Clark: My dad built it. Calls it my fortress of solitude.
Lana: (Points at the telescope) I didn't know you were into astronomy.
Clark: Th-that's a hobby.
Lana: Did you know you can see my house from here?
Clark: (Innocently) No. Really? You know, we've lived a mile apart our whole lives and you've never come over.
Lana: And youre wondering what I'm doing here now.
Clark: Not that I don't enjoy the company, but yes, I was.
Lana: I found out about what Whitney did to you. The whole scarecrow thing and I came to apologize.
Clark: It's not your fault. Just forget about it.
Lana: I can't. He had no right to do that to you and you turn around and save his life.
Clark: I appreciate you coming over here, but you're not the one who should be apologizing.
Lana: I didn't come here to defend him. I came here to see you.
Clark: Who told you?
Lana: Lex Luthor. Dropped some bread crumbs and I followed the trail. I'm glad he did, Clark. He was just being a good friend. You're lucky. That's rare.
Clark: Oh, Lex is definitely one of a kind. What are you gonna do?
Lana: I'm not sure. I thought I knew Whitney. Now I wonder what else I've been blind to in my life. He even lost my favorite necklace.
Clark: Can't you get it replaced?
Lana: It sounds kind of weird, but it's made from a fragment of the meteor that k*lled my parents. Nell had it made. Gave it to me the day she officially adopted me and told me that life is about change. Sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's beautiful, but most of the time it's both. I better go. I'm glad you're okay, Clark.
Act 2 Scene 4
Greg is taking a shower. Day. He starts to scrub his neck and a chunk of skin falls to the floor. He continues to peel skin from this face, neck, and chest.
Act 2 Scene 5
Jonathan in the loft putting large blades on a mower. Night. Clark enters.
Clark: Need a hand, Dad?
Jonathan: Best idea I've heard all night. (Clark goes to help him and stops when he hears something. Greg jumps out of the shadows and on top of Clark. Clark throws him off.) Clark? (Jonathan comes up the stairs to join Clark) Hey, Clark. What happened? Are you all right?
Clark: There's someone in the rafters. (They both grab flashlights and begin to look around. Jonathan turns around, shining his light at Greg who pushes him over the railing)
Clark: Dad!
We see Jonathan falling in slow motion, heading straight for the blades. Clark jumps to the bottom floor and lies on the blades so that Jonathan lands on him.
Jonathan: What in the hell just happened?
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Jonathan, Martha, and Clark in the loft later that night.
Jonathan: I never saw anybody move like that.
Martha: Did you get a look at his face?
Jonathan: He came right off the ceiling at me. It was almost as if he--
Clark: Wasn't entirely human? I saw his face. I think it was Greg Arkin.
Martha: That's a name I haven't heard in a long time. You and Pete used to hang out with him in grade school.
Jonathan: Why would he want to hurt you?
Clark: I don't know.
Martha: Are you still friends?
Clark: I pass him in the halls, but people change.
Martha: I remember his mother used to keep him on a short leash. But I can't believe he'd hurt a fly.
Clark: Maybe that's because he was too busy collecting them and every other bug he could get his hands on.
Jonathan: Clark, kids just don't leap off the ceiling and att*ck people.
Clark: (Pointing his flashlight at gooey green footprints on the ceiling) How do you explain that?
Jonathan: I don't know. Seems kind of out there.
Martha: This coming from the man who's been hiding a spaceship in his storm cellar for the last 12 years. (She leaves)
Jonathan: It's not that I don't want to believe you, Clark. It's just... I'm having trouble getting my head around this one.
Clark: Dad, do you ever wonder why all these weird things happen in Smallville?
Jonathan: Every town has its share of tall tales.
Clark: Except here they're all true. Chloe showed me this wall. It's covered with all these articles she collected about all the weird stuff that's happened Smallville since the meteor shower. It's all my fault.
Jonathan: Look, Clark, if you're talking about 50-pound tomatoes and two-headed calves, then I got a better explanation for you. LuthorCorp. I mean, Gold only knows what that fertilizer plant's been pumping out over the last 12 years.
Clark: LuthorCorp didn't k*ll Lana's parents.
Jonathan: Neither did you, son. You can't blame yourself for something you had no control over.
Clark: Dad, I know. I still feel responsible.
Jonathan: What happened to Lana's parents was a terrible tragedy. But no matter how many extraordinary gifts you have, you will never be able to change that.
Clark: Then how do I make this feeling go away?
Jonathan: You can't. But that's what makes you human.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark and Chloe in the hall at school. Day.
Clark: Chloe.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Is Greg Arkin still the science reporter for the Torch?
Chloe: Well, if your definition of a reporter is someone who actually turns in articles, then no. Greg hasn't shown his face in the office for like week.
Clark: I've got to find him.
Chloe: What's the sudden interest in Greg? You coming out the entomology closet?
Clark: It's nothing. I'll catch up with you later.
Chloe: I hate it when you do that.
Clark: Do what?
Chloe: Just shut me out. It's like one minute you're here and then the next you're gone. Clark, you're not outgrowing me as a friend are you?
Clark: Chloe, I could never outgrow you. Other than vertically.
Chloe: It's amazing how fat that Kent charm will get you. Now, what' up with Greg?
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark and Chloe at the Torch. Day.
Chloe: I found an article about Amazonian tribesmen who took on the traits of the insects they'd been bitten by, but nothing as extreme as what you're talking about. Did you have any luck?
Clark: Only that Greg didn't move to Smallville until after the meteor shower, so he couldn't have been exposed to the blast.
Chloe: Yeah, but his bugs could have been. Think about it, Clark. Pieces of that meteor are still buried all over Smallville. The whole habitat's infected. So when boy catches bugs and bugs bite boy, you end up with... bug boy.
Clark: Look, Chloe, you can't even walk out your door in the summertime without being bitten by a mosquito. Why don't we have a whole town of bug people?
Chloe: Uh, because you need a certain level of toxins to cause mutation. Those Amazonian tribesmen were all att*cked by swarms.
Clark: Greg did keep t*nk of bugs in his room. Maybe they got sock of the view and stage a revolt.
Chloe: Well, according to this, bugs have a very short life cycle. So if he really has gone Kafka, let's hope he isn't in the mating phase.
Act 3 Scene 4
Clark, Chloe, and Pete looking in through a window at Greg's house. Day.
Chloe: It doesn't look like anyone's home.
Pete: The place is a mess. Remember what a neat freak Greg's mom was?
Clark: Yeah, she used to make us take off our shoes. One time I forgot and she yelled at me.
Chloe: Is that what broke up the friendship?
Clark: After 7th grade, Greg's parents got divorced and he just sopped calling after that.
Pete: Which sucked because he had a k*ller tree fort his dad built in the woods.
Clark: It was okay.
Pete: Clark never liked it. He used to get dizzy just walking over there.
Chloe: How come?
Pete: He was afraid of heights.
Clark: I didn't believe it was structurally sound.
Chloe: (Opening a window) You guys, come here.
CUT TO Pete and Clark in the bathroom taking pictures of the skin in the shower.
Pete: Oh man, that's disgusting. What is it?
Clark: I think it's skin. He must be molting.
Chloe: (From Greg's room) You guys better come in here! Guys?
Pete: Oh man. Looks like you're not the only one in Smallville with the hots for Lana.
Chloe: I think Greg's found his mate. (One of the Lana videos is playing. Clark goes to a corner of the room where the spider webs are thicker) Clark, what do you see?
Clark: I'm not sure.
Pete: Clark, be careful.
Chloe: I don't like this.
Clark pulls the webs apart and Greg's mother falls out, her face shriveled.
Clark: Lana!
Act 3 Scene 5
Lana feeding the horses in the s*ab. Day. Whitney enters.
Whitney: Your aunt said you were out here.
Lana: How are you feeling?
Whitney: Better. That's not why I'm here though. Lana, when I saw you and Clark outside your house that night, I freaked out.
Lana: What did you think we were doing?
Whitney: I guess I got scared and did something stupid. I would do anything to take that back.
Greg: (Entering) It's too late, Whitney. She's mine now.
Lana: Greg?
Whitney: Get away from her.
Whitney goes toward him and Greg throws him across the s*ab.
Lana: Greg, what's going on?
Greg: It's time.
Lana: Time for what?
Greg: For us.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Whitney regains consciousness. Day. Clark enters the s*ab.
Clark: Lana! Lana!
Whitney: Greg's got her.
Clark: What happened?
Whitney: I'm not sure. Greg threw me against the wall like it was nothing, then grabbed Lana. I've never seen somebody that strong before.
Clark: Which way did he go?
Whitney: He headed off into the woods.
Clark: I think I know where he's going.
Whitney: Great, I'll drive.
Clark: You know the old Creekside Foundry?
Whitney: The one that got h*t with the meteor shower?
Clark: Follow the dirt track about a hundred yards back. There's a tree fort in the woods.
Whitney: How do you know he's there?
Clark: Greg used to collect bugs there when we were kids.
Whitney: (Starting the car) Look, Kent, I want to apologize.
Whitney looks up and Clark is gone.
CUT TO Clark running with super speed to the tree fort and up the ladder. He finds Lana under a blanket of webs unconscious.
Greg: Get away from her.
Clark: Greg, I know what's happened to you.
Greg: Well then you know that I've been freed.
Clark: No, you haven't You're a sl*ve to your instincts.
Greg: I have no rules, Clark. I eat what I want, I go where I want, and I take what I want.
Clark: You're not taking her.
Greg: Well, then try to stop me.
Clark: You're not the only one who's changed.
Greg lunges at him and they both fall out of the tree fort. When Clark gets to the ground, Greg isn't there. He sees Greg run away and jump over a chain link fence.
CUT TO Clark entering an old warehouse. He becomes uneasy, and we see meteor rocks on the ground. He goes up some stairs to a wooden platform, as he gets weaker. Greg walks up behind him and picks up a large pipe. He hits Clark with it, sending him flying across the warehouse He lands right next to some meteor rocks and the veins of his hand start to bulge.
Greg: You haven't changed at all, Clark. You still get sick around this place, just like when we were kids. Hey, Clark. Did you know the Buffalo ant can lift 30 times its own body weight? (Lifts Clark and throws him. Clark lands and crawls into a broken concrete shell) Clark? Clark where are you? Come on out! I just want to play. Clark? Come out!
His hand returns to normal. He looks at the shell around him.
Clark: It's lined with lead.
Greg: Give it up, Clark! You can't fight natural law! Only the strong survive. (Clark comes out and pushes him against another concrete slab) Did you really think you could hide from me?
Clark throws him. He lands against a support beam and accidentally pulls a lever next to him.
Clark: Greg, watch out!
A large piece of construction equipment lands on him. Thousands of little bugs crawl out from under it. Clark super speeds away.
Act 4 Scene 2
Whitney enters the tree fort and pulls the webs away from Lana's face. She wakes up.
Whitney: Hey. It's okay, it's okay. It's me.
Lana: Whitney...
Whitney: You're safe. You're safe. (Picks her up) Come on, come on.
CUT TO Clark running out of the woods. He sees Lana and Whitney walking towards the car. Lana stops and hugs him.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark in the loft. Night. He takes the lead box and walks to Lana's house. Outside her door, he opens the box and takes out the necklace with a trembling hand.
Lana: (From inside) Whitney? Is that you?
She opens the door and no one is there. When she turns to go back in, she sees the necklace hanging from the doorknob. She smiles and takes it inside. We see Clark watch her from the road. He smiles and walks away.
Fade to black.
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x02 - Metamorphosis"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #103 - "Hothead"
Original airdate: October 30, 2001
Written by Greg Walker
Directed by Greg Beeman
Slow motion opening sh*t of the Smallville High football players (The Crows) lining up on a scrimmage line for a play. We hear heavy breathing. The players are in red jerseys with white numbers. It's a night game and rain is pouring down. The opposing team wears orange helmets and white uniforms. The Crows are on offense.
They have the ball.
Cut to the Crows' sideline. We see a few helmeted players and the coach (Coach Walt) Wearing a red windbreaker. They are all soaking wet, watching the field intently.
Cut back to the field. Quarterback Whitney Fordman (number on his jersey: 14) Calls a play.
Whitney: Blue 32! Hut! Hut!
Whitney drops back to make a pass, patting the ball as he tries to see his receiver through the gloom and the rain. An opposing player breaks through the line but is tackled.
Cut to the crowd in the stands, the ones in the front are on their feet and jumping. They're in rain gear and holding signs, one of which reads Let's Go Crows. The crowd farther back huddles under their umbrellas.
Cut to Whitney waiting to find his receiver. He spots an opposing player closing in on him. He turns and runs, only to be tackled by another opponent.
Whitney: Ugh!
Crowd: Aahhh!
Cut to the coach at the sideline throwing his playbook to the ground in anger.
Pan across the crowd. They are jumping and milling about in the rain.
Coach Walt is standing on the field yelling angrily for Whitney.
Coach Walt: Whitney, get over here!
Cut to Whitney jogging up to the coach on the sidelines. Players and other on the coaching staff form a small crowd behind them. Above their heads, cheerleader's pompoms can be seen.
Coach Walt: (Shouting angrily and gesturing) Refresh my memory. Didn't I just send a pass play in there?
Whitney: The rain was comin' down so hardI couldn't see if Donner was open so I figured I
The coach grabs Whitney by the faceguard of his helmet and pulls him down to see the embroidered lettering on the coach's windbreaker.
Coach Walt: (Angrily) Hey, what does it say on my jacket?
Whitney: Coach.
The coach pulls Whitney back up by the faceguard and releases his helmet.
Coach Walt: That's right! Coach! Football is not a democracy, and you will do as I say because I know what's best for you! (Calming down a little) Now look, son, we have run this play a hundred times in practice. You don't have to see Donner to know where he is. Just throw it to him. I want you to go out there and run the same play, and I want you to win this game for us, okay? Go ahead.
Whitney nods and heads back onto the field.
Cut to the field. Both team's players line up for another play.
Whitney: Blue 32! Hut!
Whitney drops back to make a pass.
Cut briefly down field, out of focus, indication Whitney's problems seeing his receiver.
Cut back to Whitney still holding the ball. He avoids a tackle, runs forward, and throws the pass a second before being tackled by an opponent.
Cut to the receiver running in the end zone. Cut back to Whiney sitting up from the tackle to see what happens then back to the receiver, who jumps to make the catch and splashes to the muddy, soggy ground.
Touchdown.
Coach Walt jumps and yells. Cheerleaders cheer. The crowd screams. Whitney raises his hands in the air in triumph.
Whitney: Yeah!
***
Cut to the Crows' locker room. Soggy players burst in the door, yelling and banging their helmets against the lockers as they file in and form a group outside the Coach's office.
Football Players: Whoo! Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!
Players wave towels, give a few high fives, and hoot and howl as the coach climbs on something behind the group to speak.
Football Players: Whoo! Yeah! Whoo! Yeah!
Coach Walt: (loudly to get the player's attention) All right bring it up! Bring it up! Bring it up!
The group quiets somewhat.
Coach Walt: (Enthusiastically, waving rolled papers) All right, listen up. There is another team eating crow tonight, gentlemen!
Pan across the players. We see Pete Ross among them.
Football Players: Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!
Cut back to the coach. The noise level drops again as he continues.
Coach Walt: I don't have to tell you how important next Friday night's game is.
Whitney steps up to address the group.
Whitney: Yeah, not only is it gonna gut us in the state championship, but it'll be Coach Walt's 200th min!
The players huddle in a circle, putting their right fists together while they chant.
Football Players: Coach Walt! Coach Walt! Coach Walt! Coach Walt! Coach Walt! Coach Walt!
They pound their fists and then break up over a crows logo on the floor. Two players jump and bounce off each other's chests.
***
The camera pans through the coach's office, across a Crows banner, a poster of the coach yelling, pointing a finger, and some pictures in frames.
Fade to a wooden door with a sign that reads SAUNA. The door has a visible exterior lock. A blue towel or robe is hanging on a hook near the door, and a plaque nearby reads: Walt's private Sweat Box/From the Alumni Association/In Recognition of twenty years of dedicated service. Some snapshots are visible, their corners tucked between the plaque and the wood of the sauna.
Cut to interior of the sauna. Coach Walt is pouring water from a ladle over heated rocks, which causes a cloud of green-colored steam to rise into the air with a sizzle. He bends forward into the cloud of steam and sniffs deeply. He is wearing a towel with another draped over his shoulders.
Coach Walt: (Grunting) Mmm. Ahhh.
The coach drops the ladle into a bucket of water as he climbs onto a bench and sits back, sighing in relief.
The camera pans back to the heater. The rocks are still emitting green steam. The camera moves to the interior of the heater where we see several layers of the rocks, the lowest ones containing glowing green fragments. They're meteor rocks.
Cut back to the coach. He's leaning back, resting with his eyes closed. A knock on the sauna door rouses him.
Coach Walt: (Calling out) Come on in.
The sauna door opens and we see Principal Kwan, a dark-haired Asian man wearing a dress shirt and tie under a dark sweater. Kwan looks annoyed/uncomfortable.
Coach Walt: (smiling) Principal Kwan
what brings you to this sweat box?
Principal Kwan: We've got a problem, Coach.
Cut to the coach's office. We see the coach in a red robe looking through a green manila folder. He flips it closed.
Coach Walt: Cheating, huhmy boys? (He sighs softly)
Coach Walt crosses the room and we see Kwan leaning against a desk. Kwan straightens as he speaks.
Principal Kwan: Seven of them, on their math midterm. Which means they're ineligible for next Friday's game.
Coach Walt: (Dismissively) Well, just keep it quiet for a couple of weeks, and, uh, we'll deal with it in the off-season.
Principal Kwan: (Seriously) I'm not sweeping a major academic breech under the carpet so you can win a game.
Coach Walt: (Chuckling) You've been here, what, six months? I've been here twenty five years. We're not talking about just a game. We're talking about my legacy.
Principal Kwan: I don't care about your legacy. I'm here to educate young people.
Coach Walt: (Loudly, with anger) I've been educating young people all my life! You know how many boys have gone to college because of me, have gotten good jobs on my recommendations?!
Principal Kwan: (Seriously) I know most people think you walk on water, Coach. I think you're dangerous. I've seen your temper. I've seen your methods. Just because you win doesn't make you right.
Principal Kwan starts walking towards the door.
Principal Kwan: On Monday I'm suspending the playersend of story.
Coach Walt watches Kwan leave, fuming. His rage is apparent on his face. He slams the towel he is holding in his hands against the top of his desk.
Coach Walt: Damn!
The desktop bursts into flames, rising almost to the roof of the room. As the coach looks on in surprise and confusion, another nearby table with a miniature football field and players bursts into flames as well. Fade out on the coach's confused face.
***
Cut to the front of Smallville High School. Cut to Clark holding the Torch, reading the headline.
Clark: Football: Sport or Abuse?
Chloe: So, what do you think?
We see that Clark, Chloe and Pete are walking together up the stairs of the bleachers, outside by the football field. Chloe is holding a cup of coffee.
Clark: I think you need to seriously decrease your Cappuccino dependency.
Pete laughs at Clark's comment.
Chloe: Pete thinks I'm being too hard on Coach Walt.
Pete: The man coached my dad, all my brothers. He used to come over and watch the Super Bowl.
Chloe: Now, while I'm touched by that Hallmark moment, you don't get points for subtlety in journalism. I've already started getting hate mail.
We see that the three of them are now walking in the courtyard behind the school. A bunch of kids are outside, some playing basketball, others sitting at tables, still others standing around. Many cheerleaders are in the area.
Clark: You seem very happy about that. Why?
Chloe: Because it means I'm hitting a nerve. Besides, between the abysmal sentence structure and generous use of obscenities, I've got a pretty good idea of who's been sending it.
Pete: If you think my teammates are reading the Torch, you're giving them way too much credit.
We see Lana and Whiney standing together off in the distance. Clark spies them and the camera goes into slow motion as he watches. Lana is in her cheerleading outfit. Lana and Whitney are arguing.
Lana: (Upset) Don't you even care about this?
Whitney: (Grinning, shrugging her off) I don't see what the big deal is.
Lana: (incredulously) You don't think it's a big deal? I thinks it's a big deal.
Lana storms off past Chloe, Clark and Pete. Chloe turns and watches Lana leave, grinning.
Chloe: Whoo! There's something you don't see every daya pompom meltdown. (She laughs. A group of football players exit the building. Looking over to Pete) Ooh, ooh, here they come! Pete, I need a picture of the cheating jockstraps.
Pete takes a camera off his shoulder. Cut to the jocks and the cheerleaders gathering around Coach Walt in the courtyard. Clark is watching.
Coach Walt: (To the gathered group) I don't want to hear any rumors going around, any false accusations
Camera cuts to Clark.
Clark: Any idea how they got that midterm, Chloe?
Chloe: (raising the digital camera and taking a picture) It's still a mystery, but I'm working on it.
Cut back to Coach Walt's gathering. A football player spies Chloe taking a picture.
Football Player: Hey, what's she doin'?
The Football player throws a football at Chloe's head.
Clark catches the football right before the ball can his Chloe in the face, just as she's about to duck, in a show of super reflexes. Chloe looks at Clark in amazement.
Pete: (Patting Clark on the back and grinning) Ooh, nice catch!
Clark looks over at the jock angrily.
Chloe: (To Pete) One of your teammates attempts to assassinate me, and all you say is nice catch?
Chloe walks away and Pete follows.
Pete: I thought you wanted to h*t a nerve?
Clark lags behind then throws the football back to the jock so hard, the kid doubles over as the ball hits him in the stomach.
Football Player: Uhh!
Coach Walt: (To the jock) You all right?
The bell rings. Everyone starts walking away. Coach Walt looks across the yard towards Clark, speculatively.
We see Clark turn and walk away in the other direction following Chloe and Pete. We see Coach Walt still watching Clark until the coach turns and walks away.
***
Cut to the inside of the school. We see Clark and Pete walking down a hallway. They're both smiling. They stop at some vending machines. Coach Walt walks up to them.
Coach Walt: Hey, Kent. I saw your arm out there. Technique was lousy, but you got a lot of power.
Clark: (smiling) Thanks!
Coach Walt: So why aren't you on our team?
Clark: My dad needs me on the farm.
Coach Walt: Well, your school needs you on the field. We got a big game on Friday night. We're short players. Look, look, II know your dad would understand.
Clark: He's kind of stubborn.
Coach Walt: Yeah, I remember. Jonathan Kent was one of the best athletes I ever coached. A lot of God-given talent. It's in your genes, Kent.
Clark: Actually, I'm adopted.
Coach Walt: (His frustration evident) Look, I am giving you a chance to be a part of something special, a part of history. Now, I've seen you stare at your father's picture in that trophy case. Don't tell me you don't want to be a part of this. Why don't you suit up? Look at Ross here. He doesn't have a lick of natural talent, but he's got a truckload of heart.
Pete: Thanks, II guess.
Clark: Let me think about it.
Coach Walt: (Calling out) Fordman, get over here.
Whitney and Lana walk up.
Lana: Hi, Clark.
Coach Walt: Fordman, you're the team captain. How do you think Kent here would do on the field? I mean, considering our current predicament?
Whitney: (Looking Clark up and down) He might do all right.
Coach Walt: Hmm
He seems afraid though.
Lana: (Defensively) That's not the reason, is it, Clark?
Clark: It's my Dad.
Coach Walt: Kent, there comes a time when you gotta step out of your father's shadow and be your own man. Now what do you say? You ready to be your own man?
Clark: (Looking at Lana then smiling) Count me in.
Lana rolls her eyes and sighs.
Coach Walt: Good. I will see you at practice todaythree o'clock. Don't be late.
Clark nods, smiles. Coach Walt, Whitney and Lana walk away.
Pete: (Pointing at his ear jokingly) Hey, Clark
Hey, um, remind me what your dad said last time you asked him to play.
Clark: He said no.
Pete: (Blandly) He said no. That's what I thought. Call me when the hurting's done. Okay?
Pete pats Clark on the shoulder. Clark looks worried. The bell rings and the two of them go their separate ways.
***
Cut to Whitney and Lana walking down the hallway.
Whitney: So, we okay?
Lana: This isn't about us.
Whitney: The guys made a mistake. I don't see what the big deal is.
Lana: Whitney, they cheated. I don't see how you can support that.
Whitney: Because they're my friends, and they used to be yours. Do you want to tell me what's really going on here?
Lana: It's just that things I thought I knew for sure don't seem so certain anymore.
Whitney: I don't understand.
Lana: (Sighs) I know how much you love football, and you're great at it, and I support you. I want to find something that I'm great at.
***
Cut to the Kent Farm. Cut to the inside of the barn. Jonathan is fixing a piece of equipment. He stops and we see that he and Clark are in the middle of a conversation.
Jonathan: Uh, wait a minute. What do you mean you had to say yes?
Clark: (Grinning proudly) Coach Walt sort of didn't give me a choice.
Jonathan: Let me guess. Did he give you the be your own man speech, right?
Clark looks sheepish.
Jonathan: (Smiling) Well, Walt's been giving that speech for 25 yearssame one. Believe me, I know. What you gotta do is go there tomorrow and tell him you can't play.
Jonathan walks across the barn.
Clark follows, upset.
Clark: Dad, please don't make me do that.
Jonathan: Son, I'm sorry. We've already had this conversation.
Clark: It's never been a conversation. I can be careful, and you don't trust me.
Jonathan: Of course I trust you, Clark, but, uh
Clark: But what? I'm old enough to make my own decisions.
Jonathan: When you're out on the field, and million things can happen that can affect your judgment. I mean, if you get angry, even for just a second, or you, uh, you try to impress some girl with a fancy move, somebody could get seriously hurt out there. You were meant for much more important tings than winning football games.
Clark: (Exasperated) I'm sick of being punished because I have these gifts. Most parents would be happy if their son could be star of the football team.
Jonathan: (Placing a hand on Clark's shoulder) Son
I'm happy when you wake up in the morning. I don't need to live vicariously through your achievements.
Jonathan walks away.
Clark: (Sarcastically) Why would you? You got to play.
Jonathan: (Turning around) I'm not signing a permission slip, Clark.
Clark: (Belligerently) You don't have to. I'm playing football, and you can't stop me.
Jonathan stares at Clark. Clark stands his ground, swallowing nervously.
*** Cut to an outside view of the Luthor manor. Cut to the inside of the house where three guys in suits are standing around in a room impatiently. Lex strolls in casually, wearing workout clothes and a towel around his neck.
Lex: Well, if it isn't the three wise men.
Lex walks into the room. As he passes one of the men, he says facetiously
Lex: Hello, Dominic.
Lex walks across the room to a beverage table and retrieves a bottle of water. Dominic follows him.
Dominic: (Snidely) I'm assuming you're running late because you've been at a fencing lesson, or have you taken up polo again?
Lex: (Chuckles mockingly) I'm not running late. I canceled this meeting, if you recall.
Dominic: And your father insisted that we drive down here and keep it.
Lex: Mmm, and when he barks, you jump.
Lex walks away from Dominic.
Dominic: Have you seen the quarterly numbers?
Dominic follows Lex across the room.
Lex: Yes, I have. (Lex selects a cue stick from a rack on the wall.) We're twenty percent below projections.
Dominic: And your father wants you to take drastic action.
Lex: (Dismissively) I plan to.
Lex starts to chalk the end of his stick.
Dominic: Good. Then I can inform him that you'll be cutting your workforce?
Lex: On the contrary, you can inform him I plan on increasing my workforce.
Dominic: By how much?
Lex: Twenty percent.
Dominic: (Chuckling) Lex, I've always enjoyed your unique sense of humor, but you can't be serious.
Lex: You gotta spend money to make money, Dominic. If we increase productivity and marketing while our competitors retreat, when the sector bounces back
(Lex hits a pool ball into a pocket)
we'll corner the market.
Dominic: (Angrily) Your father sent you to Smallville to turn the plant around!
Lex: (belligerently) My father sent me to Smallville because he'd rather surround himself with drones than people who challenge his archaic business practices.
Dominic: I'll be certain to tell him that.
Lex: Please do. Now, this meeting is adjourned.
Dominic starts to leave.
Lex: (Blandly) By the way, Dominic
Tell your sister I said Hi.
Dominic turns, and glares at Lex, then storms out.
***
Cut to Lana's house. We see Lana folding her cheerleading uniform in her bedroom. Nell opens the door and walks in.
Nell: Lana, you're home early. Did they cancel cheerleading practice?
Lana: Sort of. I quit.
Nell: (Walking towards Lana with concern) You loved being on the squad! What happened?
Lana: I just think there's more to life than memorizing cheers and shaking pompoms.
Nell: You just decided this out of the blue?
Lana: Some of the football players were caught cheatingguys I know. When I told Whitney how upset it made me, he said it was no bi deal, that people aren't perfect. (She puts the box with her cheerleading outfit in the bottom of her closet) I thought, Why am I doing this, wearing a fake smile and stupid outfit for people who will do anything to win a game?
Nell: (Sitting down on Lana's bed) Well, you can't let a couple of bad apples spoil the experience. You're part of a team. You're making friends.
Lana: Aunt Nell, I don't want to go back. I want to try different things. What's wrong with that?
Nell: Nothing. It's just that you're on a good track. I want you to be happy. What are you gonna do with this newfound freedom?
Lana: I thought I'd get a job. Something part-time. Earn some extra money so I can go travel in the summer.
Lana sits down on the bed next to Nell.
Nell: Well, I suppose I could always use some help around the shop.
Lana: Thanks, but I'm not looking for help. I want to do this on my own.
***
Cut to the football team exiting the locker rooms. We see Clark in uniform. He's wearing a red and white practice jersey with the number 89. He smiles as he looks out on the field. Some cheerleaders are practicing, along with the rest of the football team.
Clark looks around, perplexed. He approaches Pete, who is standing on the sideline by the bleachers.
Clark: Have you seen Lana?
Pete: No, but there's your dad.
Pete walks off and Clark looks over to the front row of the bleachers where Jonathan is sitting. Clark walks over to him.
Clark: (Smiling) Dad. I'm glad you're here. It means a lot to me.
Jonathan: (Seriously) I still don't support your decision, Clark. I'm here to see that no one gets hurt.
Jonathan looks away, and Clark turns, walks towards the field with his head ducked, disappointed.
We here a whistle.
Coach Walt: (Calling out) Kent, get in there at tailback.
Clark jogs onto the field.
Cut to the team on the field running a play. Whitney is at quarterback.
Whitney: Blue 32! Hut! Hut! Hut!
Whitney receives the ball and passes it off to Clark. Clark tries to run with it but is immediately tackled.
Clark lays on the ground, stunned, and looks over at his father in the bleachers. Jonathan looks concerned.
Coach Walt: (Yelling) Kent! Quit lookin' in the stands! (Coach pulls Clark to his feet by his faceguard, yelling in his face) Your dad's not coachin' this teamI am! Now I didn't bring you out here to be a tackling dummy! (He pounds Clark on the chest) Get angry! Kick some butt!
Cut to Jonathan looking concerned in the stands.
Cut to Clark setting up on the field. He's very serious, and it's obvious he's not going to let himself be embarrassed again.
Whitney: All right, guys. Same play.
Football Player: (Looking over at Clark) Oh, yeah, we got him.
Whitney: Blue 32! Blue 32! Hut! Hut!
Clark receives the ball, bursts through the defensive line, knocking linebackers over. He hurdles a group of players, using his gifts to sort of jump completely over them. He runs, unchallenged, into the endzone.
We see Jonathan in the bleachers sigh, then get up and leave.
We see Clark in the endzone, clearly feeling vindicated. He spikes the ball and stands there while everyone is cheering.
He looks over to the stands and sees his father leaving. Clark ducks his head, looking disappointed.
***
Cut to Coach Walt sitting in his office watching a videotape of Clark's performance on the field. Principal Kwan enters the office.
Coach Walt: Aahhh
(He turns off the videotape) How's my favorite football fan?
Principal Kwan: Coach, one of the players accused of cheating has come forward and said you supplied them with the tests.
Coach Walt: Oh? And what boy told you that little piece of fiction?
Principal Kwan: I'm not at liberty to say.
Coach Walt: But I'm guessing you already went to the school board and asked them to suspend me.
Principal Kwan: You have a lot of friends in high places.
Coach Walt: (Chuckling) I should have. I coached most of them. You don't understandI'm an institution. Who'd you think the school board was going to believesome cheating little brat who's just trying to cover his own ass, or the man who's been leading this school to victory for 25 years?
Principal Kwan: They may not believe one, but if I can get all of them to step forward, the board will have no choice. They'll suspend you from coaching for the rest of your life.
Coach Walt: (Getting up angrily and pounding on his desk) You will not bring me down!
The television bursts into flames. Both men stare at the television in shock. Principal Kwan looks back at Coach Walt suspiciously.
Principal Kwan: What the hell's going on here, Coach?
Principal looks around nervously then rushes out of the office.
Coach Walt looks at the burning television speculatively.
Cut to Principal Kwan walking outside the school towards his car. We see Coach Walt watching him through the window in his office. Kwan gets into his car.
Coach Walt: Who the hell does he think he is?
Coach Walt closes his eyes, concentrates. We see Kwan stick his key in the ignition. The car won't start. All of a sudden the steering column bursts into flame.
We see Coach Walt standing at the window, concentration.
Kwan attempts to grab his briefcase but it's on f*re. He attempts to get out of the car but the door handle is too hot. Kwan starts screaming.
We see Coach Walt, standing at the window, grinning.
Cut to Pete and Clark exiting the school building.
Pete: Where'd your dad go?
Clark: He, uh, kind of had to get back to the farm. (They hear screaming, and see the burning car.) Go get help!
Clark drops his bookbag and runs toward the car. He smashes the window and pulls the driver's side door off of it's hinges. He pulls Kwan out of the car and carries him away right before the car explodes.
***
Pan of the Kent house at night. Cut to the Kent kitchen. Clark and Jonathan are sitting at the table eating. Martha is standing in the living room, on the phone.
Martha: (Into the phone) Okay, thanks. Bye-bye. (She puts the phone down and walks over to the table) Principal Kwan's gonna be in the hospital till over the weekend.
Clark: Is he gonna be all right?
Martha: He's got some burns and suffered smoke inhalation, but he's gonna be okay.
Jonathan: (In an exasperated tone) Anybody see you, Son?
Martha looks at Clark, worried.
Clark: (Frustrated) Nobody saw me, Dad! (Jonathan nods) I told the paramedics that I wrapped my hands in my jacket when I pulled him out.
Martha: Lucky you were there.
Clark: Well, I kind of missed my ride.
Jonathan: (Scoffing) Look, I saw you play, all right? (Jonathan gets up from the table with his plate) Now, you could have easily hurt any one of those boys.
Clark: (Getting up and following him) But the point is, I didn't. (Jonathan looks at Clark and sighs, then turns away. Clark glances at his mother) Look, why are we even having this conversation? He's never gonna believe me. (to Jonathan) By the way, Coach gave me your old position. (He smiles hopefully) You're looking at the starting tailback for this Friday's game.
Clark smiles. Jonathan walks over to him as if he's about to say something but then he just stares and walks past Clark. Clark looks sad.
Clark: Don't everyone congratulate me at once.
Clark glances at his mother who gives him a sympathetic look.
Clark leaves.
Jonathan: (To Martha) How did he get to be so stubborn?
Martha: Gee, I don't know.
Jonathan: Hey, wait a minuteI was not like that when I was his age.
Martha: no, you were the obedient son who always obeyed his father and didn't run away one summer and try out for the Metropolis Sharks.
Jonathan: Since when did you go and join the other side?
Martha: Jonathan, Clark hasn't been able to do anything normal his whole lifeno playgroups, no little leagueall because we were afraid he might hurt somebody. He's a teenager now. Let's give him a sh*t.
Jonathan: His gifts come with responsibilities.
Martha: This isn't about his gifts, it's about his judgment. You're telling Clark that you don't believe in him.
Jonathan: Of course, I believe in him. W-what if he makes a mistake
and somebody suspects the truth? I do not want anyone coming on this farm and taking our son away from us.
Martha: Well, if we don't start trusting him, nobody's gonna have to take him away. He's gonna leave all by himself.
***
Cut to Clark, Chloe and Pete walking down the street outside of the Beanery.
Chloe: You guys, it doesn't make sense. Cars don't just spontaneously combust.
Clark: the cops said it was faulty wiring.
Chloe: I've already got my headline: Jockstrap Save Principal From Burning Car.
Pete: Will you lay off the jockstraps thing?
Chloe: I still can't believe Clark's been blinded by the Friday night lights.
Clark: I joined the football team, not a cult.
We see Lana walking up behind Chloe. She's wearing a green Beanery apron. Clearly, she's now a waitress.
Chloe: Yeah, next I'm gonna be joining the pompom brigade.
Lana: (Walking past the group) I hear there's a spot open.
Clark: Lana, what are you doing here?
Lana: Taking your order, I hope.
Chloe: W-what is this? Some sort of cheerleading charity, like be a waitress for a night sort of thing?
Lana: Yes, it is, except for the cheerleading and charity pars, and tips are always appreciated.
Clark: So you're a waitress for real?
Lana: Even got the perky name tag to prove it.
Pete: First day.
Lana: Ever.
Clark: Where's your necklace?
Lana: Strict dress codeno jewelry and no open-toes shoes.
Clark: You look very
waitress-like.
Lana: Now, if I could only tell the difference between a half-caf decaf and a non-fat late.
Chloe: In that case, I'll have a regular coffee.
Pete: Hey, times three.
Chloe and Pete sit down at a booth.
They find a tray at the table. Clark rushes over to Lana to give it back to her instead of sitting down.
Clark: Uh, Lana, you forgot this.
Lana: Thanks, that's been happening a lot today.
Clark: First days are always rough. So, you just quit cheerleading?
Lana: You sound surprised.
Clark: Well, Its not like you broke any state laws or anything, but I am. You always seemed so happy doing it.
Lana: My mom was a cheerleader, so was my aunt. I figured it was time to break the vicious cycle.
Clark: What did, uh, Whitney say?
Lana: You're his teammate now. Why don't you ask him?
Clark: You know, it's amazing. The same day I make the team you quit the squad. I was just hoping we'd see more of each other.
Lana: I have four shifts a week. You can stop by anytime you like.
Head Waitress: Lana
table 3 has been waiting for their drinks for 5 minutes. If they go cold, it's coming out of your tips.
Lana: Right, Sorry.
Head Waitress: Don't be sorry, just be faster.
Chloe: Clark Kent is a football player and Lana Lang is a waitress.
Pete: What's the matter with that?
Chloe: Nothing. I just wanna click my heels and get back to reality.
A football player (Trevor) enters the shop and Pete nods a hello. The player goes over to a group of football players and starts talking to them.
Trevor: Coach needs to see us on the field right now.
They get up and leave.
Chloe: What's up with your fallen brethren?
Pete: I don't know.
Chloe jumps up and grabs her coat.
Chloe: I'll see you tomorrow.
She rushes out, passing Clark as he heads back to the table.
Clark: Chloe?
Chloe: Relax, I
I'll see you tomorrow, okay?
She rushes towards the door, past Lana who is holding a tray of drinks. Lana kind of looks towards Chloe and doesn't see a man coming towards her from the other direction. Lana bumps into the man, dropping the try of drinks. Customers applaud. Clark looks at her and grins. Lana nervously grins back.
***
Cut to the football field at the school at night. Close-up of the sprinkler system spraying sh**t of water to water the grass. We see Coach Walt standing in the middle of the field, talking to a goup of seven football players.
Coach Walt: Congratulations. I've never seen a group of young men demonstrate such extraordinary stupidity. Now, which one of you talked? Huh? No one here told Kwan that I supplied you with the test?
Trevor: Coach, no college is even going to look at us with cheating on our record.
Coach Walt: So it was you, huh, Trevor? Now why doesn't that surprise me.
Coach Walt hits Trevor across the face, knocking him to the ground. The water sh**t from the sprinklers turn to flame.
Football Players: Whoa! Oh, whoa! No way!
Coach Walt: (Hollering) Nothingnothingis gonna stand between me and my legacy! Now, you go home, and you keep your mouths shut! Understand?
The players stand around looking scared.
Football Players: Yes
The coach walks away. There's f*re all over the place.
Cut to Chloe in the bleachers with her camera. She's taking pictures.
***
Cut to Luthor manor. It's daytime. Cut to the inside of the house. We see Lionel Luthor burst through the doors into a room.
Lionel: Congratulations, Lex. You made the business page for once.
Lionel drops a paper on Lex's desk. Lex is sitting at the desk, working on his computer.
Lex: I told Dominic I was doing this two days ago.
Lionel: Yes, and my drone dutifully reported it to me. (Lex smiles a little, mockingly) I just didn't think you'd be stupid enough to implement it.
Lex: if you had a problem, why didn't you pick up the phone and call me?
Lionel: We have a reporting structure. (He turns away) Just because you're my son, don't expect any special treatment.
Lex: Believe me, I never have.
Lionel: (Turning back around irately and walking towards Lex) That wounded-pride routine may have worked for your mother, but don't try it with me. (Lionel has advanced to Lex's side of the desk. He reaches out a hand to touch Lex's face. Lex pulls back. Lionel grabs the lip of Lex's chair instead. Lex keeps his head turned away) You know perfectly well how I feel about you.
Lex: Hence, I'm at a crap factory in Smallville.
Lionel: Lex
Did you know Caesars would send their sons to the furthermost corners of the empire so they could get an appreciation of how the world works?
Lex: Whatever helps you sleep at night, Dad.
Lionel: (Sighing) All right. Here is how I propose we solve our
impasse. (He walks over to an epee stand and grabs a sword. He swings the sword a few times) We'll fence for it. If you win, I'll let you pursue your plan. If I win you f*re twenty percent of your workforce. The question you have to ask yourself, Lex, is
are you good enough to take your old man?
Lex glares at him with hostility.
Cut to Lex and Lionel fencing. They are both wearing white fencing uniforms and seem to be fighting in the same room.
Lionel: Look at your moves, Lex They're rash, no thought to their consequences.
Lex: If I wanted a running commentary, I'd buy one of your books on tape.
Lionel: (Chuckling) You know what your problem is?
Lex: (Mockingly) Enlighten me.
Lionel: You're ruled by your emotions. You always have been. (Lionel disarms Lex, holds the sword to his throat) And that can be a fatal flaw.
Lionel backs Lex up with the sword at his throat until Lex falls backward onto a chair.
Lionel: I want those workers gone by noon tomorrow. (He taps Lex twice on the chest with his sword in a condescending manner) Meeting adjourned.
Lionel turns and walks away. Lex gets up, clearly frustrated.
***
Pan of the Kent farm at night. Pan over to the barn and up to the loft window. Cut to Clark in the loft, looking in a mirror and trying on his football uniform. He's wearing number 32. Martha walks up the loft stairs.
Martha: Heading out to the pep rally?
Clark: How do I look?
Martha: As handsome as your father.
Clark: You don't have to do this, Mom.
Martha: Do what?
Clark: Play Kent family peacekeeper.
Martha: Well, if the Kent men weren't so stubborn, I wouldn't have to.
Clark: So you're taking Dad's side?
Martha: No, Clark, I'm not I told him he's being unreasonable.
Clark: Thanks,
Martha: Well, I'm not saying you're entirely innocent here, either. If you want to make your own decision, you need to be prepared to live with your mistakes.
Clark: You trust me, don't you?
Martha: I want to, Clark. So does your dad. Just
give him a chance.
***
Cut to the pep rally. We see a big bonfire, cheerleaders cheering, a mascot (a big crow) running around.
Cut to Chloe walking up the bleacher steps. She sees Trevor by the entrance to a passageway. She smiles and walks over.
Trevor: Why did you call me? What do you want?
Chloe: I want to know if Coach Walt supplied the players with the tests.
Trevor: Look, you can talk to me now or later. Either way, this picture's going to be on the font page of tomorrow's Torch.
Chloe shows Trevor her camera's display screen. On the screen is a picture of the player's meeting with Coach Walt. The f*re sh**ting from the sprinklers is clearly evident.
Trevor: (Glaring at her) Just leave me alone. (He rushes away)
Cut to Trevor walking in the parking lot towards his car. He gets his key out and goes to unlock the door. Suddenly, his arm is grabbed from behind by Coach Walt. Coach uses his powers and burns Trevor's arm.
Trevor: Aahhh!
Coach Walt: Talking to the school newspaper, Trevor? I thought you were brighter than that.
Trevor is kneeling on the ground, in pain, as the coach has a hold of his arm, burning him.
Trevor: (Painfully) Coach! I didn't say anything, you gotta believe me! She was at the field last night! She's got a picture of us in the sprinklers!
We hear sizzling.
Coach Walt: All right. (He lets go of Trevor's arm) Go home. I'll take care of this.
Trevor groans. Coach walks away.
Trevor: (Sitting on the ground panting) Damn.
***
Cut to Chloe in the Torch office working on the computer. She's doing the layout of the article on the football team. We see Coach Walt standing in the stairwell watching Chloe through the glass in the f*re exit door. He closes his eyes, concentrates. Chloe's computer bursts into flames.
Quickly, her whole desk is on f*re. We see Coach Walt concentrating in the stairwell. Chloe backs across the room toward the window. The f*re seems to follow her across the room, spreading across the floor. Chloe is backed into a corner.
Cut to Clark outside the building at the pep rally. Pete walks up.
Cheerleaders: Come on, Crows. Let's go!
Pete: Hey, have you seen Chloe?
Clark: No.
Pete: Hmm.
Cut to Chloe in the Torch office. She looks out the window.
Cheerleaders: Come on, Crows. Let's go! Come on, Crows. Let's go.
Clark sees Chloe yelling and waving from the window, f*re visible behind her.
Chloe: (Yelling and waving) Clark!
Clark sprints towards the building.
Cut to the inside of the office. Chloe covers her head with her jacket and tries to jump through the f*re. She gets knocked to the ground and her jacket is ablaze. She knocks the jacket off and gets to her feet. She tries to run to the door but the door bursts into flames.
Chloe: Oh God!
She turns around but there's f*re behind her too.
cut to Clark zipping through the hallway at supper speed.
Cut to Chloe in the office. f*re is everywhere.
Chloe: Oh my God!
Cut to Clark at the office door.
Clark: Chloe!
Clark's shout startles Coach Walt, breaking his concentration. The f*re immediately dies down. Clark comes running into the room.
Clark: Chloe! You okay?
Chloe: Clark!
They hug. Clark looks around at the charred office.
Cut to Coach Walt walking away from the f*re door.
Cut to Clark still hugging Chloe.
***
Cut to the b*rned Torch office after the f*re has b*rned out.
Clark: The Torch torched. How's that for dramatic irony? (Chloe glares at him) Just
trying to get you to smile.
Chloe: This is more than just arson, Clark. It's like the f*re knew what I was doing.
Clark: And you believe Coach Walt was somehow controlling it?
Chloe: Look at the facts. Principal Kwan launches an investigation into the cheating scandal, Coach Walt tries to fry him in his car. Then one of his players comes forward and he thr*at them all with pyrotechnic sprinklers. I am about to print that picture and the Torch goes up in flames.
Clark: What, now you think he's behind the cheating scandal!? Come on, Chloe.
Chloe: Coach obsessed with winning his 200th game helps bonehead players pass the test so he can secure his position in the pantheon of high school sports.
Chloe: (Dryly) No, it's kind of hard to recover the files.
Clark: You don't have any proof.
Chloe: Trevor Chapell.
Clark: What about him?
Chloe: I'm sure he's the one who talked to Kwan about the cheating. He want to talk. I know it. But he's still scared to talk to me. But I think he might open up to you.
***
Cut to the interior of the Beanery. Lex is sitting in a chair, rifling though papers. He sighs. Lana comes over to wait on him. Lex looks up, surprised.
Lex: (Smiling) Lana! What happened? Did Nell put you out on the street?
Lana: I decided to join the workforce.
Lex: Good for you. I'm sure you'll be employee of the month in no time.
Lex: Closes the file he was studying.
Lana: Right no, I hold the record for most dishes broken in a single day.
Lex: Better bring my cappuccino in a Styrofoam cup, then.
He smiles and Lana turns away to get his order. Clark walks through the door, still wearing his football jersey.
Lana: Well, if it isn't Smallville's latest football star.
Lex looks up in the background.
Clark: Let's see how I do tomorrow night. Hey, have you seen Trevor tonight?
Lana: no, he hasn't been in.
Clark: How are things going here?
Lana: Today is one of those days I just want to scream.
Clark: Well, for what it's worth, I think it's cool you go this job.
Lana: For what it's worth, I'm sorry I'm not gonna get to see you play tomorrow. New girl gets the worst shifts. So, can I get you anything?
Clark: Uh, maybe a cup of coffee.
Lex smiles in the background.
Lana: Coming right up.
Clark: Thanks.
She walks away. Clark walks over to Lex.
Lex: Rumor has it Clark Kent joined the football team.
Clark: Rumor's true. (Clark sits down)
Lex: Congratulations. Your dad must be thrilled.
Clark: Actually, he freaked out. Told me I couldn't play. I'm surprised with my dad. I mean, he claims I should make my own decisions, but then when I do he shuts me down.
Lex: Ah, and you're out late, waiting for him to go to bed so you could avoid the uncomfortable silence that greets you when you get home.
Clark: How did you know?
Lex: Luthors wrote the book on uncomfortable silences.
Clark smiles.
Clark: What are you working on?
Lex: (Groaning) Trying to figure out which poor bastard should get the ax. My father wants me to cut twenty percent of my workforce.
Clark: Any way around it?
Lex: Once my father's made his mind up, he's not easy to turn around.
Lana appears and puts drinks down on the table.
Lana: If it makes you guys feel any better, you should have seen the look on my aunt's face when I took this jobnot that I was eavesdropping or anything. Lana sits on the arm of Clark's chair.
Clark: I guess we're all in the same boat.
Lex: No, no. You both stood your ground and are doing what you want. I caved. (He lifts his coffee mug in a salute) You two have inspired me.
Clark: (Rolling his eyes) Oh yeahjoining the football team and pouring some coffee. We're a couple of real rebels.
Lana: Long live the revolution.
Lex: Cheers.
Lex sips his drink, getting whipped cream on his nose and upper lip.
Lana: How is it.
Lex: It's perfect.
Lana: Okay. (She walks away)
Clark: Is that what you ordered?
Lex: (Dryly) Not even close.
***
Cut to the outside of Trevor's house. It's daytime. Cut to the inside of basement or something. We see Clark open the door and walk in.
Clark: (Calling out) Trevor. It's Clark Kent. I'm here to talk.
Trevor: Just leave or he'll come back.
Clark: Coach Walt?
Trevor: once he gets angry, he's
Clark: What did he do to you?
Trevor: Coach rides me pretty hard, you know? Me and some of the others. Thinks he's our father or something. That's how he justifies it, anyway. Once when I dropped a pass, he drove me home, punched me in the gut, told me not to do it again.
Clark: Why didn't you tell anyone?
Trevor: Coach said he'd throw me off the team! Wouldn't help me pass my classes.
Clark: Did he give you that math midterm?
Trevor nods.
Clark: Trevor, I can help.
Trevor: That's what Principal Kwan said! Look what coach did to him!
Clark: What happened to your arm?
Trevor: It's nothing. It's a carburetor burn.
Clark reaches out. Trevor jerks back.
Trevor: It's nothing!
Clark: Let me see it, Trevor.
Clark unwraps the gauze from Trevor's forearm. We see that Trevor has a burn mark, in the shape of a person's hand.
Trevor: I don't know how Coach did it. But if I talk, he's gonna fry me.
Close-up of Clark's face. He's looking very serious.
***
Cut to the sauna door. We can see Coach sitting inside the sauna through the little window. Suddenly, Clark opens the sauna door. (We can see that the sauna is actually inside the coach's office)
Coach Walt: (Sighing) Kent. Why aren't you in the locker room suiting up?
Clark: I'm not walking out on that field
and neither are you.
Coach Walt: Look, I don't know what the hell your problem is, but you do not want to tick me off right now.
Cut to the green rocks in the heater. They glow and Clark suddenly looks sick.
Clark: (Groaning and looking at his morphing hand in horror) I saw what you did to Trevor's arm.
Coach Walt: Trevor should have kept his mouth shut! (Clark groans and stumbles back a little) What's the matter, Kent? A little too hot for you, huh?
Coach Walt punches Clark in the stomach then grabs him and throws him against the wall inside the sauna. Clark falls to the floor, knocking the heater over. The green rocks spill out onto the floor, right by Clark's head. Clark lies on the floor in pain.
Coach Walt: You'll excuse me now. I got a game to win.
Coach leaves the sauna, shutting the door behind him and locking it. Clark is still on the floor. He can't get up. Coach looks at him through the glass, smiles, and leaves Clark there.
***
Cut to the football field. Coach Walt is standing on the sidelines. We see Pete in the background. The stands are full. Cut to Whitney on the field, about to run a play.
Whitney: Blue 32! Hut!
Cut to Martha and Jonathan walking the stands. Martha spies Chloe.
Martha: Chloe!
Chloe: Hi, Mrs. Kent! Hi, Mr. Kent!
Martha: Smallville's resident cynic have a change of heart?
They sit down next to her.
Chloe: Well, I decided to put my personal politics aside to support my friends.
Martha: Yes, we're trying the same philosophy.
Jonathan: Where's Clark?
Chloe: I don't know. I was supposed to meet him before the game, but he didn't show. I thought he was with you guys.
Martha and Jonathan look around, trying to spot Clark.
***
Cut to the sauna. Clark is still incapacitated. He manages to reach out and pick up a rock. He throws the rock at the sauna window.
***
Cut to the football field. The players are running another play.
Cut to Jonathan running up to Pete on the sidelines.
Jonathan: Hey, Pete! Pete
Pete: Hey.
Jonathan: Have you seen Clark?
Pete: No, I haven't seen him all day.
Coach Walt walks over.
Coach Walt: Jonathan, you know the rules. No parents on the sidelines.
Jonathan: I'm looking for Clark.
Coach: Join the club. I need him out here. I guess he doesn't have what it takes to be a winner, huh?
Coach Walt walks away, hiding his nervousness.
Jonathan walks over to Chloe who is standing by the sideline.
Jonathan: Nobody's seen him.
Chloe: I think the coach is lying.
Jonathan: What's going on here, Chloe? All right, I'll check the locker room, you check the school.
They walk off.
Cut to Coach Walt talking to one of the asst. coaches as he watches Chloe and Jonathan exit the field.
Coach Walt: I'll be back in five.
Asst. Coach: Walt, we're in the middle of a game
Coach Walt: Just call the damn plays!
Coach Walt runs in the direction Jonathan and Chloe went.
***
Cut to the inside of the sauna. Clark is still throwing rocks. He manages to break the glass, then seems to pass out.
Cut to Jonathan walking in the locker room. He walks over to Coach Walt's area.
Jonathan: Clark! Clark?
Jonathan spies the sauna and the broken glass. He looks through the window, seeing Clark.
Jonathan: Clark! Clark! Clark!
Jonathan tries to open the door but it's locked. He bangs on it, puts his shoulder to it, finally kicks it down. He rushes over to Clark.
Jonathan: Can you hear me? Are you all right?
Clark: It's the meteor rocks.
Jonathan: Come on. Come on.
Jonathan drags Clark out of the room.
Suddenly, Coach Walt sneaks up on Jonathan from behind and hits him over the head with a f*re extinguisher.
Jonathan: Aahhh!
Clark and Jonathan fall to the ground. We can see that Clark regains his powers by the morphing of his hand. Coach Walt goes to bash Clark but Clark blocks him and sends him flying across the room and through a glass wall. The coach hits a bench in the locker room and falls to the floor, stunned. Clark walks over as Coach Walt struggles to sit up.
Clark: Coach, you need help.
Coach Walt: (Getting up and backing away) What I need is to win this game!
Clark: It's too late for that.
The coach closes his eyes, concentrates, and the whole room bursts into flames. Clark looks around, unimpressed. As the flames engulf him, Clark walks right through them.
Coach Walt: How did you do that?
Clark's jacket is burning. He takes it off.
Clark: (Dryly) It's in the genes.
The coach takes a swing at Clark. Clark dodges then sends the coach flying into the wall by the showers.
Clark: Give it up, Coach! You've lost!
Coach Walt: (Yelling in manic frustration) No-o-o-o-o-o!
The showers turn on, raining f*re down on the coach. The coach is engulfed in a huge conflagration as Clark watches.
***
Cut to the outside of the Luthor estate. It's nighttime. Cut to Lionel Luthor walking into Lex's office holding some papers.
Lex gets up from behind his desk and is walking over to meet his dad in the middle of the room.
Lex: Two trips in one week. I'm flattered, Dad.
Lionel: What is this?
Lionel waves a report at Lex.
Lex: It's my new proposal. I worked out how to cut the operation budget by twenty percent without losing a single job.
Lionel: Lex. I specifically told you to cut your workforce.
Lex: Why? With this plan, you don't get the bad P.R.
Lionel: That's not the point.
Lex: Careful, Dad you're getting emotional. (Lex reaches out and picks up a epee from somewhere off screen) We could always try a rematch
or are you afraid you can't take your son again?
Lionel: You get one.
Lex: One what?
Lionel: One chance to defy me.
Lex: (Chuckling) I can't figure out what you hate morethe fact that my plan works, or that you didn't come up with it first.
Lionel: Just rememberempires aren't built on clever bookkeeping.
Lex: Dad
You have no idea what I'm capable of.
Lex smiles at his father but just a little.
***
Cut to the outside of Smallville High. There are firemen and other emergency response people all over the place. We see Jonathan and Clark come walking out of the building.
Jonathan: Sorry you didn't get to play.
Clark: Were you here to make sure I didn't hurt anyone?
Jonathan: (Stops and says seriously) I was here to support my son.
Clark: Some of the things I said
were out of line.
Jonathan: Look, II do trust you, Clark. I do. I guess there's always gonna be a part of me that's a little bit afraid. But that's just being a parent.
Jonathan reaches out and squeezes Clark's shoulder.
Clark: Thanks, Dad.
They smile at each other. Jonathan puts his arm around Clark's shoulders and the two of them walk off.
***
Cut to the football field. The bleachers are empty. We see Clark walking on the field, looking around wistfully. Suddenly, he hears Lana's voice from behind him.
Lana: It's peaceful, isn't it.
Clark: Hey. I thought you were working.
Lana: I got let go. Apparently, I'm not waitress material.
Clark: Sorry. How did your aunt take it?
Lana: She said that it was a sign that I should seriously reconsider cheerleading.
Both Chuckle. They start walking across the field.
Clark: Parents. What are you gonna do?
Lana: I heard about the coach. Pretty weird.
Clark: He won his 200th game, and didn't even see it.
Lana: You gonna play next season?
Clark: I don't know if football's for me. I mean, my dad played, my granddad played. I think it's time to break the vicious cycle.
Lana: (Chuckling) Pretty short career. Why the change of heart?
Clark: I don't know. I guess I got out on the field and realized my reason for playing was gone.
Lana Pauses. Looks like she knows that Clark is talking about her but can't acknowledge it.
Lana: I'm sorry to hear that.
Clark: Who said life was fair?
Lana: Are you gonna be okay?
Clark: Sometimes I just wanna scream.
Lana: Why don't we?
Clark: Are you serious?
Lana: (Chuckling) Why not?
Clark: On three. One
Two
Three.
They scream, with arms spread to the sky.
End.
Transcribed by: LexSlash LLC and Theresa.
Re-transcribed by Ezmeralda | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x03 - Hothead"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #104 - "X-Ray"
Original airdate: November 6, 2001
Written by Mark Verheiden
Directed by James Frawley
Act 1 Teaser
Lex enters Smallville Savings and Loan with a backpack. Day. A manager approaches.
Lex: I want to close all my accounts.
Manager: May I ask why?
Lex: Is there a problem?
Manager: No! No, no, no, of course not. It's... it's just the Luthors have been banking here for 12 years. It's quite a shock.
Lex: I'd like it all in cash.
Manager: We'll do our best. Can I get your signature?
Lex: Certainly.
Lex signs the form. The manager takes it back to a file cabinet, holds it next to another of Lex's signatures, and it doesn't match.
Manager: Mr. Luthor, may I see a driver's license, please?
Lex: Why?
Manager: This signature doesn't match our records. I-I just need to verify your I.D.
Lex: I'm standing right here in front of you. What more do you need?
Manager: Sorry, it's bank policy.
Lex: (Pulling a g*n out of the backpack.) I need the money now. Fill the bag.
CUT TO Lex running out of the bank with the g*n and the backpack as the alarm rings behind him. He runs into Clark who is walking up the sidewalk.
Clark: Lex, what's going on?
Lex: Get out of the way.
He pushes Clark aside, sending him flying through a shop window. Clark looks at Lex from the floor of the shop and his vision changes. He gets a flash of Lex's skeleton and it's covered in green patches. His vision returns to normal as Lex runs away.
CUT TO a woman entering an antique shop, which is also her home, carrying the backpack. She runs up the stairs as her daughter comes out of the bathroom.
Mother: (Taking a stack of bills from the bag.) Tina, where did you get this?
Tina: Promised I'd solve all of our problems.
Mother: Oh, please tell me you didn't rob the bank yesterday.
Tina: I didn't. (She morphs into Lex) Lex Luthor did. (Morphs back to herself)
Mother: Stop it! Stop it, Tina. You promised that you wouldn't do that anymore.
Tina: I did it for us.
Mother: Somebody could have gotten hurt.
Tina: Mom, I'm fine, and now we can afford the have the perfect life.
Mother: Tina, nobody's life is perfect.
Tina: Lana's is.
Mother: Stealing isn't the way to solve our problems. I'm taking it back. I'll say I found it in a dumpster.
Tina: (Tries to take the bag) No, Mom, come on! We deserve to be happy! (They continue to struggle for the bag and it rips, sending Tina's mom rolling down the stairs) Mom! Mom! (She runs to her mother and turns her onto her back) No.
Tina gets the phone and starts to dial.
Operator: 911 Emergency. (Tina sees herself in the mirror and doesn't answer.) Hello? Hello? Is anyone there? Hello? Hello, is anyone there?
Tina: I'm sorry. It's nothing.
Tina hangs up the phone.
(opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark, Jonathan, and Martha in the Kents' kitchen. Day. Martha is reading a newspaper with the headline Lex Luthor Robs Bank.
Martha: This is incredible. Why would Lex Luthor need to rob a bank?
Jonathan: I've seen some strange things in my day, but this definitely takes the cake. (Looks at Clark) Well, almost.
Martha: He got away with 100,000 dollars.
Clark: I know Lex. It wasn't him.
Jonathan: Clark, I know that he's a friend of yours, but come on. You saw him with your own eyes.
Clark: I don't know what I saw.
Martha: There must be some kind of reasonable explanation for this. I hope.
Lex: (Through the screen door) Me too. I hate to think I have an evil twin.
Martha: Lex, we didn't hear you pull up.
Lex: (Enters) May I come in? I promise I'm not packing heat.
Clark: Lex, how come you're not in jail?
Lex: Because I was hosting a reception for 200 fertilizer distributors in Metropolis at the time of the robbery.
Jonathan: Do the police have any leads?
Lex: None. That's why I wanted to talk to you, Clark. Your name was on the witness list. Did you actually see this person?
Clark: Yeah, he looked just like you.
Lex: Except his fingerprints and signature didn't match mine. You sure your eyes weren't playing tricks on you?
Clark: What's gonna happen now?
Lex: Hopefully, the money will turn up. In the meantime, the Metropolis tabloids will have a field day, and I'm sure certain people's opinions of me will be cemented in stone.
Jonathan: I gotta get to work.
Lex: (To Clark) I'm sorry you got thrown through that window. I promise I'm not a criminal mastermind.
Clark: I know. A criminal mastermind would have worn a mask.
He pauses and then smiles.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark and Pete in gym class at school. Day. There are boys rope-climbing as the girls leave the gym.
Coach: Come on, move it! That's the stuff. Come on, you can do it. Hustle, hustle, hustle! Get on up there. Get on up there. You can do it. That's the stuff. Let's go, come on!
Clark watches Lana leave with the rest of the girls.
Pete: Keep your eyes in your head, man.
Clark suddenly squeezes his eyes shut and grabs his head.
Coach: Kent, are we boring you?
Clark: I'm sorry. It's-- my head hurts.
Coach: That's because you need to get some blood pumping. Come on. You and Ross are next. Come on down, boys.
CUT TO Pete and Clark climbing ropes next to each other.
Coach: Come on, put a little muscle into it. If Ross beats you it's ten laps. Come on, Clark, let's go. Move it, move it!
Pete: (To Clark.) Looks like someone's doing laps. (Clark looks at Pete and his vision flashes into x-ray. He sees the muscles in Pete's face) Clark, man, what's wrong? Clark, man, what's wrong? (Clark loses his grip on the rope and falls to the ground) Clark!
Coach: Whoa, Kent, are you all right? Kent, what happened up there.
Clark sits up and looks at the wall of the gym with a start. He sees through it and into the girls' locker room. Lana walks into view wearing a towel. She turns her back to Clark and let's the towel drop. He smiles.
Act 1 Scene 3
Martha, Clark, and Jonathan in the Kents' living room. Day.
Martha: So when you have these flashes, you can see through anything? People, objects?
Clark: Sometimes I can see through things, other times it's like an x-ray.
Jonathan: And there's no warning? This just happens?
Clark: Well, I get a headache and then it hits me. I mean, the first time, I thought I was hallucinating and then it happened again.
Martha: Clark, I'm sure there's some way to control this.
Clark: You guys, I can see through things. How do you control that?
Martha: You got to practice, Clark. Your eyes have muscles just like your legs.
Jonathan: Your mom is right, son. Look, all you have to do is you have to figure out a way to, uh, condition them so that you don't get these random flashes.
Clark: Oh, that sounds great. How am I gonna do that? (Leaves the room)
Act 1 Scene 4
Nell walks Tina to the garage where Lana is cleaning. Day.
Nell: Lana, you have a visitor.
Nell goes back to the house.
Tina: Hey, Lana.
Lana: Tina, I didn't see you at school today. Is everything okay?
Tina: Yeah. My mom's not feeling well. But she's better so... So you quit cheerleading and Nell banishes you to the garage?
Lana: She's got clutter issues. I'm trying to help resolve them.
Tina: Has she forgiven you for quitting the squad?
Lana: Not yet.
Tina: Well, at least now you have some more time for you unpopular friends.
Lana: Tina, you're not unpopular. Besides, what happened to a girl who didn't care what people thought about her?
Tina: She went to high school.
Lana: At least your mom doesn't try to run your life.
Tina: You know, you're lucky that Nell cares about you. I mean, if something were to happen to my mom, I don't know anybody that would take me in. I'd probably be shipped off to a foster home or something.
Lana: Thanks for that burst of cheer.
Tina: Well, what do you want me to say? You have the perfect life.
Lana: You want it? You can have it.
Tina: I'd settle for the outfit. Wouldn't it be cool if we were sisters? If anything happened to my mom, do you think that Nell would adopt me?
Lana: Tina, nothing's gonna happen to your mom.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark walks down the sidewalk. Day. He grabs his head and starts seeing this in x-ray. He watches a woman's skeleton walk by. He sees another skeleton with green patches enter the antique shop and when his vision returns to normal, he sees that it's Tina.
Martha: (Coming out of the flower shop) Did it happen again? (Clark nods) Let's go home.
Clark: No, I'm okay. Didn't you need to go to the antique store?
CUT TO Martha and Clark entering the shop.
Martha: Hello? (Tina's mother enters)
Mother: Mrs. Kent. I-I mean Martha. How are you?
Martha: Good. How's business?
Mother: Couldn't be better. I'm doing so many estate sales in Metropolis, I'm thinking of selling the place.
Martha: That would be a shame. I thought you loved the store.
Mother: Not really. I never wanted this life, it just kind of happened.
Clark: Is Tina around? I thought I saw her come in.
Mother: Uh, she's at Lana's. They're inseparable these days.
Clark: Really? I could have sworn that--
Mother: You must be seeing things.
Clark: I need some air. I'm gonna go for a walk. (He exits)
Martha: I came by to pick up the lamp.
Mother: Lamp?
Martha: The one you were restoring for Jonathan?
Mother: Oh, yes. Silly me. It's in the back.
She goes to the back room. Martha looks around. She goes to a dresser with an adjustable mirror and tilts the mirror downward slightly. In it, she sees a stack of bills sticking out from under a chest behind her. She picks it up as Tina's mother reenters.
Mother: It's not quite ready, its...
Martha: I found this under the chest.
Mother: I'm such an airhead. A client paid me in cash. I've been looking for this all day.
Martha: That's a lot of money. You should be careful.
Mother: Thanks. Why don't you stop by next week? It'll be ready then. (Martha starts to go, leaving her purse on the counter. Tina's mother takes the keys out of it) Uh, Mrs. Kent? You forgot your purse.
Martha: Oh. Looks like we're both airheads today.
Martha leaves.
Mother: Bye.
She flips the closed sign on the door and she morphs back into Tina.
CUT TO Martha walking away from the shop. The truck, with Clark at the wheel, comes speeding onto the sidewalk straight at her.
Martha: Clark! Ah!
She jumps out of the way and the truck swerves around the corner. Clark runs to Martha from the other direction.
Clark: Mom, ware you all right?
Martha: Clark. (She hugs him)
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark, Jonathan, and Martha in the Kents' kitchen. Day.
Jonathan: The police found the truck. Abandoned out by the Stewart's farm.
Clark: Did anybody else see the driver?
Jonathan: No.
Martha: I could have sworn it was you, Clark.
Clark: I guess I'm not the only one with a vision problem.
Jonathan: Look, I don't understand. Whoever it was, how did they get your keys?
Martha: I have no idea. I only went into the antique...
Clark: What is it, Mom?
Martha: Nothing. It's just that Rose Grier was acting very strange. I found 5,000 dollars in cash under a dresser. It had a Smallville Savings and Loan band on it. She said a customer paid her, but--
Clark: You think it's from the bank robbery?
Martha: It crossed my mind.
Jonathan: So wait a minute. Rose took your keys, turned into Clark, and then tried to run you down?
Martha: You're right. It's crazy.
Clark: I don't think so.
Jonathan: What?
Clark: I saw a flash of Tina Grier's skeleton. It was weird and green. It didn't look human. You know, like the ones you see in anatomy books?
Martha: That's probably because Tina was born with a soft bone disease. They had that poor girl on all these experimental drugs. Doctors didn't believe she'd live to see first grade.
Jonathan: She did get better right around her third birthday.
Clark: That was right after the meteor shower, wasn't it?
Jonathan: Yeah.
Martha: Clark, what do you think Tina's doing?
Clark: I don't know. I saw the same weird skeleton flash just after the robbery, I think. I just wish I could control this.
Martha: What if you try focusing it, you know like a telescope.
Jonathan: Yeah, you could start with something small. (Reaches into his pocket and holds up his closed hand) Try to tell me what I have in my hand right now.
Clark: (Looks at it) Your pocket Kn*fe.
Jonathan: (Reveals his pocket Kn*fe) You could see through my hand.
Clark: No, you always carry your Kn*fe in that pocket. (Smiles)
Act 2 Scene 2
Lana in the garage. Day. She opens a dusty box. Inside are pom-poms, a snow globe, and old clothes. She finds a diary and starts reading through it.
CUT TO Lana entering the house with the diary.
Nell: Sweetie, what's wrong?
Lana: You lied to me about my mother.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lex comes out of a coffee shop to see a man leaning on his car. Day.
Lex: May I help you?
Roger: Roger Nixon, Metropolis Inquisitor.
Lex: Get off my car.
Roger is holding up a copy of the Inquisitor with a picture of Lex at the robbery on the cover.
Roger: That's a hell of a picture, Lex. You know, it really boosted our sales. Lex: I've read comic books with less fiction than your rag. Roger: Well, how about this? Is this fiction? (Shows Lex a file) It's your juvenile record. Fascinating reading. It must have taken a Brink's truck of your dad's money to keep all those people quiet.
Lex: Those records are sealed.
Roger: I'm a resourceful guy. You know, I saw that picture yesterday, and it got me to think of a follow-up. Lex Luthor's Wild Youth in Metropolis. Does the name Club Zero ring a bell?
Lex: You print one word about that, I'll sue.
Roger: Lawsuits take years. The genie will be out of the bottle and all the people will know that the new and improved Lex Luthor is nothing but a facade.
Lex: You know what I think, Rog? If you wanted to print that, it would already be in the paper. I think you're looking for a payoff.
Roger: It's a business proposition. 100,000 dollars and these records will disappear forever.
Lex: (Getting into his car) I'd question your integrity, but you're a journalist.
Roger: Your father really thinks he can hide you here forever? (Offers his card) You got 24 hours and that's just the front page.
Lex takes the card and Roger speeds away.
Act 2 Scene 4
Lana comes home and Nell waits for her on the porch. Night.
Nell: Lana, I didn't lie to you. I told you your mother would have been proud of you and she would have. She loved you.
Lana: You told me a fairytale about a woman who led the perfect life. That life was a lie. You said she loved cheerleading. She hated it, but was afraid to quit. She didn't even want to stay in Smallville. She wanted to see the world.
Nell: What should I have told you? Your mother was unhappy?
Lana: I would have liked the truth.
Nell: I told you what I thought you could handle. Your mother was like any other teenager. She had her ups and her downs.
Lana: I feel like I spent my entire life trying to measure up to a Laura Lang who didn't exist.
Nell: You're reading a diary of a 17-year-old girl. It's a snapshot. It's one time in her life.
Lana: It's like I wrote this myself.
Nell: The truth is, your mother was the brightest, most beautiful girl in her class. Do you know she was picked to give the graduation speech? I guess the diary ended before that happened. You should have heard the speech she gave that day.
Lana: What did she say?
Nell: Everything had been bubbling up inside her for 18 years. She said she felt suffocated in Smallville.
Lana: Do you have a copy?
Nell: No, but I'll never forget the first line. I never made a difference here, but maybe my children can.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark watches Tina in the hall at school. Day. She is wearing the same sweater Lana had on the day before.
Chloe: Hello, Clark.
Pete: (Waves his hand in front of Clark's face) Is everything okay?
Clark: Have you guys ever noticed anything strange about Tina Grier?
Chloe: Nothing that would require the intense concentration you're exerting to look at her.
Pete: Unh-unh. The only thing weird about Tina is the amount of time she spends idolizing Lana.
Chloe: Yeah, she's practically her clone. (To Pete) Come on, let's go.
Lana and Whitney come out of a class.
Tina: Lana!
Whitney: I swear that's girl's got you lojacked.
Tina: How do you like the sweater?
Lana: It's great. I've got one just like it.
Tina: I know. I got it at the same store. I've been going on this shopping spree. Hey, look. I even found this emerald necklace in the antique store.
Whitney: Why am I not surprised? (To Lana) See you at lunch.
Whitney turns and leaves.
Tina: Hey, are you okay? I stopped by your house earlier and Nell said you weren't in the best mood so...
Lana: I'm fine. Don't worry about it.
Tina: Good, cause I need a favor. My mom is moving to Metropolis full-time but see, she doesn't want to pull me out of school. So I was thinking I can move in with you and Nell.
Lana: (Taken aback) For how long?
Tina: I don't know. A couple months. I mean, my mom would pay you guys. Trust me, money is not a problem. Just name your price. I could even get a horse. Uh, we could go riding together. I mean, wouldn't that be cool?
Lana: Yeah, uh, just give me some time to think about it. Are you sure your mom's okay with this?
Tina: Of course. She knows that we're best friends. It was her idea.
Lana: Well, just let me run it by Nell first. She's kind of particular.
Tina: Nell loves me. Look, I don't understand. I thought that you'd be happy. I mean, people even say that we look alike. We could be sisters.
Lana: I'm just not sure it's such a good idea.
Tina: Oh. Okay, I see, so it was all a lie? I mean, you were just pretending to like me and then when I come to you in my hour of need you're just gonna blow me off?
Lana: Tina, calm down.
Tina: No, you should have said yes, Lana. It would have been perfect.
Tina walks away when she gets to her locker, she rips off the emerald necklace and throws it in the locker then leaves. Clark comes out of a nearby classroom and stares at the locker. He sees through to her backpack., then through that, seeing the money from the bank. Tina comes back.
Tina: Clark! What's your glitch, huh? Why do you keep staring at me?
Clark: Uh, I don't know. Sorry. (He walks away)
Act 2 Scene 6
Martha and Jonathan in the hayloft. Day. Clark enters.
Martha: Clark, what are you doing home so early?
Jonathan: More vision problems?
Clark: I controlled it. Once, sort of. I concentrated and it worked.
Martha: That's great.
Jonathan: What'd you concentrate on? v Clark: Tina Grier's locker.
Martha: What did you see?
Clark: The money from the bank robbery.
Act 2 Scene 7
Tina is in the antique shop, practicing Lana's signature. Day. Two cops approach.
CUT TO Tina's mother Rose coming outside.
Rose: Oh, I was just locking up, deputies. Uh, how can I help you?
Cop #1: We're looking for you daughter.
Rose: Well, she hasn't come home yet. Uh, what's the problem?
Cop #1: The money stolen from the Smallville Savings and Loan was recovered in her school locker this afternoon.
Rose: You're kidding. My Tina? How could she be involved in this?
Cop #1: Well, that's what we'd like to ask her. Would you bring her down to the station when she gets home?
Rose: Certainly. We'll cooperate in any way we can. By the way, who told you the money was in her locker?
Cop #1: Some kid with an anonymous tip. (They leave)
Act 2 Scene 8
Clark in the loft looking at his football bank. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Clark, what are you doing?
Clark: I'm just trying to figure out how much change I have inside.
Lana: You could always take it out and count it.
Clark: Where's the fun in that?
Lana: Did you hear about Tina? They found the money from the robbery in her locker.
Clark: Really? v Lana: She actually cornered me today and asked if she could come live with me and Nell.
Clark: Just what you need. A bank-robbing roommate.
Lana: I told her it wasn't such a good idea. I've got enough problems with Nell without adding more to the mix.
Clark: I always thought you and your aunt were really close.
Lana: She wants me to be something I'm not. It's like having a dual identity. There's the person that everybody sees, and the person that you want to be.
Clark: I know the feeling.
Lana: That's why I came here. I think you're the only person who sees me for who I truly am. I want to thank you for that.
Lana kisses him and he pulls away.
Clark: What about Whitney?
Lana: Forget Whitney. I've had my eye on you, just like you've had your eye on me.
Lana kisses him again. When she pulls back, she's Tina.
Tina: I don't know how you found out about that money, but you should have stayed out of my life, Clark.
Tina throws Clark through the wall of the loft.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Martha and Clark in the loft. Night. Jonathan enters with a flashlight.
Jonathan: Well, there's no sign of Tina or Lana or...
Martha: Are you positive you saw her turn back into Tina?
Clark: I think the meteor shower did something to her bones.
Jonathan: So she can change appearance at will?
Clark: Yeah, and it gives her strength. That's how she threw me out of the loft.
Martha: What should we tell the police?
Clark: Nothing. Tina can turn into whoever she wants and I'm the only one who can tell the difference.
Act 3 Scene 2
Chloe at the Torch. Day. She is working at the computer and hears someone enter.
Chloe: Pete, you throw that rubber spider again, and I'm going for my staple g*n.
Lana: Mind if I come in?
Chloe: The girl who writes for The Pom-pom Parade is, no surprise, out with mono.
Lana: This week's editorial?
Chloe: My semiannual Where Are Our Priorities rant.
Lana: For what it's worth, I really like what you've done with the paper this year.
Chloe: Well, that puts you in the majority of one. I'm sorry about the pom-pom crack. Once I h*t take no prisoners mode, it's kind of hard for me to shut it off.
Lana: Actually, I admire it. You know who you are and you go for it.
Chloe: Well, I appreciate the compliment. However, I know you haven't come down to this hole to give me a pep talk.
Lana: The Torch prints the graduation speech every year, right?
Chloe: Having transcribed last year's snore-fest, that's an unfortunate yes. What year?
Lana: 1977.
Chloe: That's P.C.
Lana: P.C.?
Chloe: Pre-computer, when disco ruled the earth. Anything we have before then's gonna be H.C.
Lana: Hard copy.
Chloe: You catch on fast. (Goes to the file cabinet) Uh, let's see. 77, here we go. (Pulls out the issue) Saturday Night Fever was their prom theme. Styx won Group of the Century, and... wow. Someone got in the administration's collective face.
Lana: (Reading.) Due to the controversial nature of this year's graduation address, the editors have elected not to run the text in this issue of the Torch.
Chloe: Meaning, ironically, it's probably the only one worth reading. You know, maybe I could track something down for you. Do you know who gave the speech?
Lana: Yeah. My mother.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lex in one of his sitting rooms having a drink. Day. There are stacks of money on the table next to him. Roger enters.
Lex: Can I fix you a drink?
Roger: If it's all the same to you, I'd just as soon get my money and get out.
Lex: Of course.
Roger: I assume I don't have to count it.
Lex: I've even supplied the bag. (Throws a bag to Roger who starts filling it with the money) You're feeling pretty good about yourself right now, aren't you? You'd think with all the money my father's spent, he could make things disappear.
Roger: Maybe he's not as smart as he thinks. (Drops a file on the table) The original. Have a nice life.
Lex: If you walk out that door, I will make you disappear.
Roger: What are you gonna do? You gonna have me k*lled?
Lex: No. You'll be very much alive. But there won't be any evidence of your existence.
Roger: What are you talking about?
Lex: Driver's license, passport, social security number, bank account will all be erased. With one call, I can ensure that there will be no record that you actually walked this earth.
Roger: You're bluffing.
Lex: Call your bank. See if your account still exists. (Roger pulls out his phone) That is, if your cell phone hasn't already been disconnected.
Can't get the phone to work.
Roger: What did you do?
Lex: Don't worry, Roger. I'm going to give you a new identity. One that's a little less upstanding. Maybe a m*rder. Maybe a drug dealer. Either way, you'll lose your job, your house, and your family.
Roger: Look, I'll give the money back. Then we'll be even.
Lex: No, we won't. Because I also know your brother works for juvenile court. What'd you tell him? Steal the records and you can make some quick cash? He could do time for that.
Roger: Leave him out of this.
Lex: I didn't get him involved, Roger. You did. You came into my life thinking you could shake me down because I was some spoiled rich brat who needed his daddy's protection. Trust me. When I make things disappear, they stay buried.
Roger: What do you want from me?
Lex: Your help. My father's obsessed with the Daily Planet. But I know the Inquisitor is read by the people. They're the ones I'm interested in. I will feed you stories and you will print them. Any negative stories about me you will k*ll. You'll be at my disposal 24/7. Follow me.
They enter a room with Lex's battered Porsche.
Roger: What happened to your car?
Lex: I drove it off a bridge at 60 miles an hour.
Roger: How are you still alive?
Lex: That's the mystery I need your help solving.
Act 3 Scene 4
Clark sits on his porch looking at the lead box. Night. Lana approaches.
Lana: Clark, what's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?
Clark: Sorry, it's nothing. I wasn't sure it was you.
Lana: This is a bad time.
Clark: No.
Lana: I was out jogging, didn't want to go home, kinda ended up here.
Clark: You and Nell are still fighting.
Lana: How'd you know?
Clark: I'm just perceptive, I guess.
Lana: I found my mother's diary. Discovered that a lot of the things I've been feeling she felt too.
Clark: That's great. Isn't it?
Lana: It's great and it frustrating and it's scary. It's like she could see right through me. Do you ever feel like that?
Clark: More than you know.
Lana: When I was reading her words, it was like she was talking to me. And then she was gone.
Clark: You're lucky... you're lucky you got at least that.
Lana: Have you ever tried to find your parents? Your biological parents, I mean.
Clark: Not really. I figure they're a million years away from my life now.
Lana: If you could ask them a question, what would you ask?
Clark: What happened? Why'd they let me go? How do I make sense of all the strangeness in my life?
Lana: I guess neither of us will ever get a straight answer.
Clark: I hope you find what you're looking for.
Act 3 Scene 5
Whitney joins Lana in the hall at school. Day.
Whitney: Hey. I thought you were working on a project.
Lana: I finished early. I thought I'd spend some time with the best boyfriend in the world.
Whitney: I'd love to but I've got that trig test tomorrow, remember?
Lana: Right. I forgot. That's okay. We've got the rest of our lives. (She kisses him)
Whitney: What's gotten into you?
Lana: It's the new me. You like?
Whitney: I definitely could get used to it. Do you need a ride home?
Lana: I'm covered. Could I borrow your jacket? It's a little cold.
Whitney: Yeah. Yeah, sure. (He gives her his letterman's jacket) I'll see you tomorrow.
Lana puts on the jacket and when she turns around, she's Tina.
Act 3 Scene 6
Pete and Clark walk down the sidewalk. Day.
Pete: So you're telling me Tina Grier can bend her bones like a contortionist and become anybody she wants?
Clark: I saw it with my own eyes.
Pete: I'm sorry, this is usually Chloe's territory. I cover girls, football, and general guy stuff. She does the tails of the unexplained. So why don't you give her a call?
Clark: I did. She said she was busy with something else.
Pete: You realize that's like getting turned down by the National Enquirer.
Clark: Tell me again why we're friends?
Pete: Because even when I think you're whacked, I show up ready to rumble. (Clark looks in the window of the antique shop) Great, it's closed. Clark, man, haven't you ever watched Cops? The last place Tina's gonna be hiding out is in her mom's store. (Clark flashes into x-ray vision and sees a skeleton in a closet) Earth to Clark. Is everything okay?
Clark: I need to get in here.
Pete: Why?
Clark: Just... it's a hunch.
They go in through the back.
Pete: Hey, Clark. What are we looking for?
Clark opens the closet and Rose's body falls out.
Pete: Whoa. Who's that?
Clark: It's Tina's mom.
Pete: Damn. How'd you know she was in there?
Clark: Because I can see right through the door, Pete.
Pete: Very funny, Sherlock. How do you think she died?
Clark: Broken neck... I'm guessing.
Pete: My call, Tina's already on a bus to Metropolis.
Clark: I don't think so.
They find the papers with Lana's name all over them.
Pete: Why's she writing Lana's signature?
Clark: You said Tina was obsessed with her. She's gonna take it to the next level.
Pete: She wants to k*ll Lana?
Clark: Worse. She wants to become Lana.
Act 3 Scene 7
Lana at her parents' graves. Night.
Lana: I found your journal, Mom. The one you kept in high school? Suddenly all these conversations don't seem so one-sided. I tried to find your graduation speech, but they didn't print it. Every time I get closer to you, something pulls me away.
Whitney: (From behind her) Lana.
Lana: Whitney, what are you doing here?
Whitney: You're aunt said you went riding. I just followed the path.
Lana: Just talking to my parents.
Whitney: They're d*ad, Lana. You have this great life and you can't even see it. You have no right be unhappy. They're not coming back, Lana. Deal with it.
Lana: What are you saying?
Whitney: I'm saying you don't deserve your life.
Whitney morphs into Tina. Tina reaches out and takes Lana's necklace.
Tina: I do.
Tina grabs Lana's neck and starts choking her. When Lana loses consciousness, Tina takes her necklace.)
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lana wakes up in a concrete coffin inside a tomb. Night. She starts to scream and pound on the lid. Clark runs into the cemetery.
Whitney: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark: I was gonna ask you the same thing. Where's Lana?
Whitney: I don't know. Nell said she came out here, but I can't find her. (Whitney is holding the necklace and Clark backs away) What's the matter, Clark? Not feeling well?
Clark doubles over and Whitney hits him with a pipe.
Clark: Tina, where's Lana?
Whitney: Tina doesn't exist any more!
Whitney hits Clark again sending him flying into a tombstone.
Clark: I know what' it's like to live with a secret. I know what happened to your mother.
Whitney: That was a lifetime ago. And don't worry about Lana. You'll be joining her very soon. (Whitney takes off the letterman's jacket and throws it aside, the necklace with it) I thought I k*lled you once. I'm not gonna make the same mistake twice.
Whitney swings the pipe at Clark, but Clark runs out of the way with super speed and ends up behind Whitney.
Clark: Where's Lana?
Whitney swings again. Clark ducks and grabs Whitney, slamming him against a tombstone.
Whitney: Who are you?
Whitney pushes Clark against another tombstone and Clark throws him to the ground.
Clark: Where is she?!
Whitney: She's d*ad.
(He picks up the pipe and swings. Clark grabs it and throws him at a tree. When he lands, he morphs back into Tina.
Clark: Lana!
Clark looks around with x-ray vision and sees Lana inside the tomb. He runs inside and punches a hole in the lid. When he pulls it off, Lana is unconscious. Clark picks her up and carries her out.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark stands outside Lana's house. Night. There are police taking statements and Lana stands near the fence in the background. Chloe arrives.
Chloe: Hey, I heard what happened.
Clark: Did you come by to see if I was okay?
Chloe: Actually, as concerned as I always am bout your personal well-being, I'm not here to see you. (She walks to Lana) Lana, um, I did some digging.
Chloe gives Lana a tape that says Graduation Address 1977.
Lana: Oh, my God. How did you find this?
Chloe: If I told you, I'd have to k*ll you, and it looks like you've had enough trauma for one night.
Lana: Chloe, thank you.
Chloe: No problem.
Clark: (To Martha and Jonathan) How's Tina?
Martha: She won't be able to hurt anyone else.
Jonathan: I still don't understand why a girl would do all that.
Clark: I do. You go through life with a gift you have to keep a secret. When you see everyone around you being normal, you get jealous. You just want to be somebody else.
Clark watches as Whitney runs to Lana and hugs her.
Martha: You really like her, don't you?
Lana and Whitney go inside and with his x-ray vision, Clark sees them kiss.
Clark: Mom, if you could see anything, what would you do?
Martha: Learn to close my eyes.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lana sits in a truck outside her house in the rain. Night. She puts the tape in the player.
Man's voice: As principal of Smallville High, I would like to introduce the valedictorian of the class of 1977, Miss Laura Potter.
Laura's voice: Ladies and gentlemen, graduating seniors, good evening. These familiar words open every graduation address at Smallville High, and I use them deliberately, because the rest of my speech will not be for reassurance. (Lana's eyes tear up and she takes off her necklace to hold it in her hands) I never made a difference here. But maybe my children can. When I first came to Smallville High, I was full of hope. I thought the world was going to be different for me. But, of course, it wasn't.
Fade to black.
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x04 - X-Ray"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #105 - "Cool"
Original airdate: November 13, 2001
Written by Michael Green
Directed by: Jim Contner
Crater Lake
Chloe: This is what I love about high school parties. People will gather anywhere as long as there's illegally purchased alcohol and even the slightest chance of hooking up.
Clark: If I recall correctly, you're the one who wanted to come to this party.
Chloe: Yeah, but I didn't know it was going to be so cold. It's like twenty thousand degrees below zero out here.
Clark: I don't know, it doesn't feel that cold to me.
Chloe: Are you from an ice planet? It's freezing. I'm going to go thaw out by the f*re. Have fun.
Chloe walks over to sit by the f*re. Sean Kelvin comes up behind Clark.
Sean: Hey, Kent. You're friends with Chloe. Is she flying solo tonight?
Clark: Believe me, Sean, you're not her type.
Sean: Well, you'd be surprised.
Sean walks over to Chloe.
Sean: If you'd like, I could rub them for you. Nothing heats up a body like friction.
Chloe: Wow. I can't believe you just delivered that line with a straight face.
Sean: Well, all I did was offer to keep your hands warm, Chloe.
Chloe: And he knows my name.
Sean: I've read your editorials in the Torch. Pretty cool.
Chloe: Well, thank you, Sean. I sit next to Jenna in Bio class. Remember, you dumped her last week?
Sean: It was mutual.
Chloe: So you're here trolling for fresh meat.
Sean: Don't worry, Chloe, I'm not going to make a move on you, no matter how pretty I think you are.
Whitney: Yo, Sean! Hail Marys down by the lake!
Sean: Yeah, uh
Hey, can I get your number?
Chloe: Wh-why? You're never going to call.
Sean: I'll call you tomorrow, I promise.
Chloe: Well, I won't hold my breath.
Sean leaves. Whitney, Sean, and some other football players start throwing passes.
Football Player: Hey, Whitney, go wide!
Clark sits down next to Chloe.
Clark: Did you just write your phone number down on Sean Kelvin's hand?
Chloe: Don't sound so shocked, Clark. Guys do find me attractive even though I don't have raven hair and the initials L.L.
Clark: That's not what I meant. The guy's a dog.
Chloe: Clark, relax. I just gave him my number to get rid of him. Get Pete. The taxi's leaving.
Chloe stands and leaves. Switch to Whitney and Sean tossing the ball.
Whitney: So what's with you and that Chloe Sullivan chick?
Whitney: The girl from the Torch? You into her?
Sean: Another notch, dog.
Whitney: That's cold. Hey, hold on. Pizza's here.
Whitney throws the ball, which Sean misses and lands on the frozen lake.
Whitney: Sorry, dude.
Sean: Oh, go ahead. I'll get the ball.
Sean slowly walks out onto the ice towards the football. He picks up the ball and looks around. He starts walking back when he hears a *CRACK*. Sean stops realizing that the ice is cracking. He takes another step and looks like he's about to bolt off the ice when we hear more cracking. The ice gives way under Sean and goes under dropping the ball near where he fell in. Sean starts fighting to get back to the surface but the hole he fell into has already froze over. He can't get out. We see him start slowing down his fight when Sean sinks down to the bottom of the lake.
Partygoer: Hey, where's Sean?
Football Player: Who knows? He's probably in the back of some car.
The next morning, Sean breaks through the ice and walks back to where the party had been the night before. Nobody is around. The f*re still has small flickers of the f*re but its mostly out. Sean walks up to the f*re pit. You can tell he's freezing his skin is blue. Sean hold his hands up to the f*re trying to warm up. As he is breathing its like he's breathing in the warmth of the f*re. All of a sudden we see he has gone back to his normal color and now looks pick and dried off. As he walks away from the f*re, we see what was the small flicker of a f*re is now all ice crystals.
(Opening Credits)
Kent farm Inside Clark's home.
Martha: The distributor gets twelve five.
Jonathan: The feed bill over six months at five percent.
Martha: Plus the mortgage at eight point two. Plus the harvester repairs gives us
Clark: Fifty four thousand five hundred and one dollars and thirty-eight cents.
Jonathan: Hey, uh, son, I'm sorry, we didn't mean for you to hear all that.
Clark: You don't have to protect me. Is it that bad?
Martha: Yeah, it's pretty bad. We might have to take out a bank loan.
Clark: Another one? The interest alone would put us up to
Martha: Clark, don't.
Clark: Maybe I can help.
Jonathan: You already have. Last season you saved us four part-time hands.
Clark: I'm thinking bigger picture. You know, forget about this whole high-school thing and try out for a pro-sports team. I could make a ton of money in endorsements. Just trying to lighten up the mood.
Martha: As much as we'd love to see your face on a cereal box, we'd settle for you getting to school on time.
Clark zips away at super-speed, but comes back for his pop tart.
Clark: Forgot. That's sixty-five thousand, two hundred
Martha: Go!
Clark: --and one.
***
Kent Farm Driveway.
Clark: So, did Sean call?
Chloe: Negative. Not that I was waiting by the phone or anything.
Pete: Maybe he got caught up. One time, my sister didn't hear from a guy for a week. When she called to tell him off, it turned out his grandmother died.
Chloe: Ah, as much as I appreciate the spotlight here, I'm fine.
Clark: You're probably better off. Sean's a total dog anyway.
Pete: He's not that bad, Clark. He's always been cool to me. Just because You can't get past your Lana crush, don't knock us for trying to make a love connection.
Chloe: I thought we were focusing on me, here.
Clark: I don't have a crush on Lana.
Pete: Then why don't you ask some other girl out?
Clark: Like who?
Pete: Like Chloe?
Chloe: Okay, wait! I'm not some crash test dummy you guys can use to try out your dating skills. (To Clark) You, if you like Lana so much, why don't you just ask her out and get it over with. (To Pete) And you, stop acting like a Vegas bookie picks your dates. (To both) And both of you, treat me better.
***
Smallville High Nurses' Office.
Nurse: This is the flu season, young man. I don't even know why you came in today.
Sean: I felt fine this morning, and now I can't get warm.
Nurse: Let's see. This can't be right. You're not a Popsicle. Let's try again. Here we go.
She puts her hand on Sean's forehead, and he starts to suck her heat.
Nurse: Now you're giving me the chills. I'm sending you home.
Sean: Mmm. I'm
I'm actually feeling a little better now. Thanks.
***
Kent Farm
Martha cuts a log with a chain saw and turns, almost sawing Lex.
Lex: Whoa! I come in peace.
Martha: I'm so sorry. I didn't hear you.
Lex: I'm just glad you weren't welding.
Martha: What brings you out here in the middle of the day?
Lex: Those artichokes of yours. I need about thirty of them if you've got them.
Martha: Thirty? That's a lot of artichokes.
Lex: Yeah, I'm hosting a dinner tomorrow night for the local farming community, just an informal talk about some financial options. A lot of farms in town are having money trouble.
Martha: Most people aren't looking for more loans.
Lex: I'm offering my role as an investorhelp people modernize and expand. This town once grew twenty percent of the corn in the state. Smallville was a heavy hitter. It just lost the drive to stay competitive.
Martha: Or its connections.
Lex: If this town ever had connections, they wouldn't have named it Smallville. Your husband hasn't exactly kept his feelings about me a secret, but I'd appreciate hearing your thoughts on my proposal even if you're not interested.
Martha: Jonathan doesn't hate you. It's just
your family's track record hasn't been the best in this town.
Lex: Tell him I intend to change that.
***
SmallvilleThe Beanery
Lex sees Lana reading a brochure.
Lex: That's a great exhibit. I caught it in St. Petersburg.
Lana: Whitney and I are going to Metropolis tomorrow. I thought we'd check it out.
Lex: Ah, trying to give the quarterback some culture?
Lana: It was his idea.
Lex: He figures one afternoon at the museum, he's off the hook for six months.
Lana: For someone who wants people to keep an open mind, you're pretty quick to judge.
Background Voice: Hey, Whitney!
Lex: What can I say? I just think you're with the wrong guy.
Lex sits nearby as Whitney comes up to Lana's table and sits.
Whitney: Hey. Everything okay?
Lana: I was just checking out some stuff for us to do tomorrow. Metropolis, remember?
Whitney: Actually, some of the guys are pooling together and getting the fight on pay-per-view. It's tomorrow.
Lana: And you gave them your money already.
Whitney: Yeah. Hey, we'll go next weekend, okay? I promise. I'm really sorry, Lana.
Lana: Culture can wait.
Whitney: I'll make it up to you. See ya.
Whitney leaves. Lex exits to the sidewalk outside the Beanery and finds Clark looking at Lana through the shop window.
Lex: You know, she's free tomorrow night. Hey, Clark. This is the perfect time for you to ask her out.
Clark: She's got a boyfriend, Lex.
Lex: A high school boyfriend isn't a husband. He's an obstacle. You know, I bet if you ask Lana to go with you to the Radiohead concert in Metropolis tomorrow, she'll say yes.
Clark: And if she says yes
Lex: I'll give you the tickets.
Clark: Why are you doing this?
Lex: You're like the younger brother I never had. I figure someone should benefit from my experience.
Clark: I can't just ask her out.
Lex: The hardest thing in the world is telling the girl you love that you like her. I'll raise the bet. You ask her in the next sixty second, you get the tickets, and I'll throw in a round-trip limo ride, starting now.
Clark grabs the tickets and goes into the Beanery.
Clark: Hey, Lana, you busy?
Lana: Completely swamped. That's why I'm sitting in a coffee shop attempting to wade through a Russian classic.
Clark: Oh.
Lana: That was a joke, Clark.
Clark: Good. Cause there's this thing tomorrow night.
Lana: Define thing.
Clark: It's a concertRadiohead, to be exactand I got a couple tickets.
Lana: Wow. Where'd you get these?
Clark: A friend. Something came up at the last minute, and I was wondering if you'd like to go, you know, with me.
Lana: I'd
Clark: Just as friends.
Lana: Definitely. I'd love to.
***
Smallville High
Chloe: Wait, let me get this straight you walked in to get a cappuccino and walked out with a date with Lana Lang?
Clark: It's not actually a date.
Chloe: Even with the just as friends rider, I'm impressed.
Pete: How did you score the tickets?
Chloe: I'm guessing a certain follically challenged individual was behind it.
Clark: Lex hooked me up. Actually, Chloe, I have you to thank.
Chloe: What did I do?
Clark: You were right. I just had to get it out there.
Chloe: Well, good. I'm glad.
Sean comes out of the school.
Pete: Maybe this is your chance.
Sean: Chloe, don't I owe you a phone call.
Chloe: I guess so.
Sean: Well, what are you doing now?
Chloe: Well, I've got to put the paper to bed.
Sean: Oh.
Chloe: Maybe afterwards we could, you know, do something?
Sean looks around and spots Jenna Barnum.
Sean: Jenna! Jenna, wait up!
Sean walks over to Jenna.
Chloe: Okay, I was playing barely-hard-to-get. What's the problem? Clark Kent gets a date with Lana Lang, and suddenly there's no luck left for the rest of us.
***
Jenna's House Bathroom
Jenna's in the shower.
Jenna: Sean, is that you? I've been waiting for you I thought you might like to take a shower. Sean?
Jenna: Well, what are you waiting for? The water's nice and warm. Sean?
Sean opens the shower curtain.
Jenna: Aahhh! Sean, what happened to you?
Sean: I'm sorry, but I don't know what's wrong with me.
Jenna: Sean, you're really scaring me. What do you want?!
Sean: I just want to get warm.
Jenna: Ahh! Ahh!
Sean freezes Jenna. She falls to the floor and shatters.
***
Kent farm Inside Clark's home.
Martha: It's bad enough you ride that motorcycle, by why do you have to repair it in the house?
Jonathan: Because if I didn't, you'd never have any reason to be angry with me.
Martha: I'll trade you. Do all the engine work you want, but come with me to Lex's.
Jonathan: We've already talked about that.
Martha: I talked. You grunted.
Jonathan: I thought I was rather articulate. Sweetheart, the Luthors have sold out anyone who's ever trusted them. They don't know what it means to keep their word.
Martha: They is Lex's father, not him. Be honest, you've never seen him be anything but generous. Arrogant and a little strange, yes, but he's been a good friend to Clark. We have to at least hear him out.
Jonathan: Why?
Martha: We need options, Jonathan. Out home is on the line, our farm. You don't have to like him to listen. Besides, um
I already told him we would come.
Clark: Hello, citizens.
Martha: I'm not familiar with this child. Where's the moody one, lives upstairs, runs real fast?
Clark: Oh, he's going on a date tonight. Not a date date, but a concert.
Jonathan: Well, just who might this not-a-date date be with?
Clark: Lana Lang. Lex hooked me up with a couple of serious tickets and his limo.
Jonathan: Oh, he did?
Clark: It's okay if I go, right?
Well, I guess Lex Luthor has worked out all of our evenings for us.
Martha: Clark? Isn't Lana still going out with Whitney?
Clark: She's not married, Mom.
***
Sean's House.
Sean's using the phone.
Sean: Bella! Bella, it's me Sean.
Bella: (Voice) What do you want?
Sean: I thought we might get together, do something.
Bella: (Voice) Yeah, like that's going to happen.
Sean: Come on, Bell, we were good together once. Sure, I might have made some mistakes, but, you know
Bella: Save it for some other girl.
Sean: Bella? Bella!
Sean notices the phone number written on his hand.
Sean: Chloe.
***
Kent Farm Inside Clark's home.
Chloe: Your online horoscope suggests that you try not to flaunt your excitement, which I know will be hard since you've been waiting for this date since, like, your first growth spurt.
Clark: I'll say this one more time and then I'll print up bumper stickers. This isn't a date.
Chloe: All right, just check out Lana's outfit. If a girl wears something new to hang out with you, you know at least she thinks it's a date.
Clark: I thought you came over for fashion advice.
Chloe: Burn that. What else have you got?
Clark: I'll check the laundry basket.
Chloe's cell phone rings.
Chloe: Hello?
Sean: Hey, Chloe.
Chloe: Sean, hi.
Sean: Don't I owe you a phone call?
Cut to Clark going through the laundry.
Chloe: Guess who just called me? Sean.
Clark: Did he apologize for bl*wing you off?
Chloe: He said he wasn't feeling well.
Clark: Chloe, I saw him go off with Jenna. I guess she made him feel better.
Chloe: Well, he-he promised it was completely over with her.
Clark: You like him, don't you.
Chloe: He may be a little intellectually challenged, but he's really hot. Besides, he begged to get together tonight just to talk, so I told him he could bring me a coffee at the Torch.
Clark: Sounds like a date.
Chloe: It's not a date. It's a fact-finding mission to see if he deserves a date.
Clark: I just don't want to see you get hurt.
Chloe: Don't worry, Clark. I figure if you can take a risk with Lana, I can take a sh*t too. Uh
blue's a good color on you.
Clark: Really?
***
Luthor EstateLibrary
Lex: Welcome. I'm delighted you decided to come.
Martha: Your house it's very
Lex: Large?
Jonathan: To put it mildly.
Lex: The word restraint doesn't exist in my father's vocabulary.
Martha: I-I'm sorry, are we early?
Jonathan: I think we should go.
Martha: Wait, wait, Jonathan, just because no one else came
Jonathan: That is if anyone else was even invited.
Martha: Oh, I don't think Lex would
Lex: Actually, I would. I did. But only because I knew you wouldn't have come otherwise. I know your farm's in trouble, Mr. Kent. Small town.
Jonathan: So you thought you would just take advantage of my family's problem.
Lex: No. I thought I could help.
Jonathan: Well, then, I guess we're here to listen.
***
Limo interior.
Clark: I've never actually sat in a limo before tonight.
Lana: I did once. Nell got one to take us to the ballet, but it wasn't as nice as this.
Clark: Beats another night of defensive reading. You've done it since we were kids. Whenever the world gets disappointing, you retreat into a book. There are worse things.
Lana: No, your right. It's justIt's easier than dealing with my own life, you know what I mean?
Clark: I do the same thing with astronomy. I look at different worlds and wonder if my life would be better there.
Lana: You always seem to understand what I'm trying to say. How come you know so much?
Clark: Magic. You don't believe in magic? I'll show you.
Clark shuffles a deck of cards and fans them out.
Clark: Pick a card.
Lana: All right.
Clark X-rays Lana's chest and, of course only pays attention to the playing card.
Clark: Three of hearts.
Lana: Full of surprises.
Lana: This is weird, huh. I felt like I had to explain tonight to Nell.
Clark: I spent the better part of the day convincing people this was not a date. How about Whitney?
Lana: I didn't tell him.
Clark: And your feeling guilty about that?
Lana: He's hanging out with his friends, and I'm hanging out with mine.
Clark: Exactly.
Lana turns on the television.
Reporter: And in Smallville tonight, police are seeking seventeen year old Sean Kelvin after the mysterious death of a fellow Smallville High student Jenna Barnum, Whose body was found early this afternoon
Lana: Oh my god.
Reporter: Kelvin was last seen leaving
Clark: Stop the car.
***
Smallville High Torch office.
Chloe: Sean? Hello? Is that you?
Chloe finds a trail of flower petals leading down the hall.
Chloe: Okay, this is interesting.
***
Smallville The Beanery.
Lana: Clark, what's wrong?
Clark: Well, it's complicated. Can you hang out here for a while? I want you to be safe.
Lana: Safe from what?
Clark: I promise I'll explain when I get back. Will you wait for me?
Lana: Sure.
Clark: I just want you to know this is the best non-date I've ever had.
***
Smallville High Pool.
Chloe: Sean? What's going on? I agreed to a cappuccino. If you think I'm skinny-dipping with you, try again buddy.
Sean: I'm sorry, Chloe. I don't have a choice.
Chloe: What happened to you?
Sean: I can't stay warm.
Chloe: Why don't you just sit by a f*re?
Sean: Because I only get a quick fix. Body heat lasts longer.
Sean freezes the pool.
Sean: I promise it won't hurt, Chloe.
Chloe: Clark! Clark! Clark, help!
Clark: Are you okay?
Chloe: My foot's stuck.
Clark: You okay?
Chloe: Yeah.
Clark: Go! Run!
***
Smallville High Torch office.
Chloe: Did I thank you for that rescue yet?
Clark: I heard about Jenna on the news and I didn't want you to be next.
Chloe: Well, I finally find a guy I like and he turns out to be homicidal.
Clark: You deserved a lot better than Sean even before he tried to k*ll you.
Chloe: That's sweet
I think.
Clark: Any idea what happened to him?
Chloe: The only similar thing I can find is a medical condition where there's damage to the thermo sensitive cells in the brain. The person literally can't stay warm. It's like a permanent case of hypothermia.
Clark: So Sean's getting his heat where he can take it.
Chloe: Yeah, preferably from high-school girls. But you saw the pool. You take the heat out of water, you get ice. He's like a battery that can't hold its charge. I think we should call for help.
Clark: I'll take care of that. We need to get you home. Come on.
Chloe: Y-you have to believe me when I say that almost getting my heat sucked was not a passive-aggressive attempt to ruin your date.
Clark: Lana.
***
The Beanery
Pete walks in with a girl and sees Lana.
Pete: I'll be right back.
Pete walks over to Lana.
Pete: Shouldn't you be fifth row center right about now?
Lana: Hey, Pete.
Pete: Where's Clark?
Lana: We saw that news report about Jenna, and he suddenly said he had to run off.
Pete: I heard that, too. I always thought that Sean was a good guy. I guess we don't know people as well as we think.
Lana: You've been friends with Clark for a long time. Is he always so
Pete: Clark-like?
Lana: Yeah.
Pete: Sometimes he's totally there and you think you know everything about him, and then there's this part that's
Lana: Mysterious.
Pete: Yeah, that's it. Clark Kent international man of mystery.
Lana: Well, whatever it was seemed important.
Pete: I can't believe there's anything more important to him than you.
Whitney: Lana! What are you doing here?
Lana: Just reading.
Whitney: Pretty dressed up to be digging into a book.
Pete: I'll catch up with you later.
Lana: Pete, why don't you take your date for a spin in the limo?
Pete: Oh, she's not a date. She's just my friend.
Lana: Either way, I won't be needing it.
Pete: Ooh! Thanks!
Whitney: What were you doing in a limo?
Lana: Just hanging out with a friend. Could you take me home?
***
Power Relay Station
Sean freezes the lock and breaks it open.
***
The Beanery
Clark arrives to find Lana gone.
Clark: This can't be happening.
The power fluctuates.
Clark: Sean.
***
Power Relay Station.
Sean sucks electricity.
***
Luthor Estate Library.
The lights dim, then come back up.
Lex: Guess the generator works. Power must have blown. Where were we?
Jonathan: I believe you were explaining how you could single-handedly save the family farmer.
Martha: Jonathan
Lex: It's okay, Mrs. Kent. I understand your husband's skepticism. Your farm's drowning in debt. We both know it. All I'm trying to do is offer you a hand but you keep slapping it away.
Jonathan: I learned a long time ago from a man much smarter than myself that you need to solve your own problems.
Lex: Your father lived in different times, and he had his share of help. It seems government subsidies carried him through a number of lean years.
Lex shows Jonathan and Martha a file.
Martha: Where did you get these?
Lex: It's a matter of public record. I'm making a business offer. I had to do my due diligence.
Jonathan: Why are you so interested in our family, Lex?
Lex: Your son brought me back from the Mr. Kent. When he reached in and pulled me out, he gave me a new life. Your father put his family's future over his own pride. Are you willing to do that?
***
Road outside the Luthor Estate.
Whitney and Lana are in his truck.
Whitney: I know this is probably one of those times I should just let things go, but I'd kind of like to know what's going on.
Lana: You went out with your friends, so I went out with Clark. He invited me to a concert.
Whitney: So you two were just hanging out?
Lana: Right.
Whitney: Is this some kind of test to see what I would do? Why didn't you just tell me?
Lana: Because I knew you'd overreact.
Whitney: You go on a date with another guy, and I'm overreacting.
Lana: It wasn't a date. Clark's a friend,
Sean appears on the road in the truck's headlights.
Lana: Whitney, look out!
Whitney: Sean! Hold on!
The truck goes off the road and crashes.
Whitney: Lana, are you okay?
Lana: My ankle hurts. I think I twisted it. Where did Sean go?
Whitney: I don't know. I've got to get you somewhere safe. Hold on.
Whitney: Come on, come on. You all right? Come on, over there. Those lights are over at the Luthor house. It's just down the road.
***
Luthor Estate Library.
Martha: So you would give us the latest farming equipment and technology.
Jonathan: All in exchange for our independence
Lex: My influence will be minimal, but existing, yes. It's a partnership.
Jonathan: We could get a loan.
Lex: Or you could allow me help you get to the point where you never need someone like me again.
Martha: I'll admit, it looks generous.
Lex: It is.
Jonathan: Which begs the question, What does Lex Luthor get out of all this?
Lex: I believe there's profit to be made. I'm not exactly in the charity business.
Jonathan: Like father, like son.
Lex: Take some time to think about it. I'm sure you'll see the benefits outweigh your other options. To the future.
Lana and Whitney arrive.
Martha: Lana!
Whitney: She's okay.
Martha: Where's Clark?
***
Road outside the Luthor Estate.
Clark arrives and finds Whitney's truck. Sean freezes him.
Sean: Thanks for the warm-up, Clark.
Sean heads for the Luthor estate.
***
Lex: This kid sounds dangerous. I've got the gate down and the alarm on. You're staying here until they find Sean. Sorry about your date.
Jonathan: No, and I'm still getting the answering machine at home.
Martha: Remind me I don't have to worry.
Jonathan: He's Clark, Martha.
The lights dim.
***
Luthor Estate Exterior.
Sean freezes the building's generator.
***
Road outside the Luthor Estate
Clark wakes up.
***
Luthor Estate Library.
Lex hands flashlights to Jonathan and Martha.
Lex: Here you go.
Jonathan: Thanks. I'll go check the front gate.
Lex: It should be secure.
Martha: I'll check the generator. Where is it?
Lex: It's on the side of the house, but I can get it.
***
Luthor Estate Exterior.
Martha finds the frozen generator.
Sean: Hello.
Martha: Are you Sean?
Sean: Yes, ma'am
Martha: What do you want?
Sean: Who, me? I just want to get warm.
Clark: Get away from her, Sean.
Martha: Clark.
Clark: Go in the house, Mom. Go, now!
Sean: That's your mom? She's hot!
Clark: Sean, you have to get to a hospital.
Sean: What are they going to do? Put me under an electric blanket? I need heat, Clark contact! That's the only thing that's going to work for me. Every person's another fix.
Clark: You're not getting into that house.
Sean: Who's gonna stop me? You? Ooh! Brr!
Clark and Sean fight. Sean winds up straddling a prone Clark.
Sean: I don't know what it is about you, Clark, but I haven't felt this good in two days. And when I'm done with you, there's your mom, your dad
and Lana.
Clark: I'll never let you hurt them.
Clark tosses Sean into a lake, which freezes around him.
***
Kent Farm Barn
Lex: Good morning. I heard you took out a bank loan today.
Jonathan: Did you?
Lex: After our conversation the other night, I was frankly surprised. You despise me that much?
Jonathan: Believe it or not, Lex, some things actually have nothing to do with you. I decided to bet on my family.
Lex: You're betting with Clark's future. I'm just trying to ensure it.
Jonathan: Yeah, well so am I.
Lex: With the bank? They'll k*ll you with interest while waiting for you to fail.
Jonathan: At least with the bank, I know where I stand.
Lex: I know you don't believe me, but I genuinely want to help you. When you change your mind, my offer still stands.
***
Smallville High
Chloe sets a candle at a shrine for Jenna. Clark and Pete walk up.
Clark: You okay?
Chloe: Yeah. The memorial service is tomorrow. I was just thinking how that could have been me. All because some guy expressed some modicum of interest in me. I thought I was stronger than that.
Clark: Everybody's searching for the soul mate, Chloe. It's not a sign of weakness.
Pete: I can't believe both your dates went straight to hell and I ended up with the limo.
Clark: How was that?
Pete: It was sweet. I've already hooked up with another date for next weekend.
Chloe: I'm swearing off men.
Clark: We're not all bad.
Pete: Maybe you should just swear off heat-seeking horn dogs.
Chloe: The next time a guy asks me out, I'm definitely doing an in-deph background check.
Clark sees Lana. Chloe sees Clark seeing Lana.
Chloe: Come on, Pete, Clark will catch up with us later.
Chloe and Pete walk away. Clark walks over to Lana.
Clark: Lana. Hey, how's your ankle?
Lana: It's better, thanks. You never came back the other night.
Clark: W-well, I did, but you were gone. I'm sorry. I wanted things to work out differently.
Lana: Don't worry about it.
Clark: I was thinking maybe we could, you know, try again sometime. How about Saturday?
Lana: Whitney's taking me to the city. He's got the whole day planned. I think our non-date freaked him out.
Clark: What'd you tell him?
Lana: The truth. That we're just friends. I have to go.
Clark: Lana
Why do you go out with him? Whitney, I mean.
Lana: Because whenever I need him, he's there. I guess he makes me feel safe.
End.
Transcribed by: LexSlash LLC and Theresa.
Re-transcribed by Ezmeralda | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x05 - Cool"} | foreverdreaming |
HOURGLASS
Airdate: November 20, 2001
Written by: Doris Egan
Directed by: Chris Long
Transcript by: Shannen
Scene opens with a sh*t of a large koi pond, crossed by a wooden bridge, then cuts to a sh*t of a large building, perhaps one of the older ones in Smallville. With it's vine covered columns out front, it almost appears to be a library type building, although the faint announcement over a loudspeaker of "I need an orderly to room 206" establishes it as some kind of medical care facility. The scene cuts to a sh*t of Clark Kent and Pete Ross walking down a long hallway. An old man with a walker crosses in front of them. Clark and Pete smile in acknowledgement at the man, although Pete's smile seems somewhat forced and not as sincere as Clark's.
Pete: Man, I don't know how I let you talk me into this.
Clark: Every Smallville High Student needs to complete 30 hours of community service.
Pete: Yeah, but we could have served our community by lifeguarding the girl's swim class at the Y, instead of hanging out with the denture crowd. I mean, what's the attraction?
Cut to a sh*t of Clark looking ahead and smiling hopefully. Cut to a sh*t of what has captured Clark's attention...Lana Lang, pushing a cart of books out of a room in front of the two boys.
Lana: (smiling) Hi Clark, Pete.
Cut to a sh*t of Pete looking at Clark and semi-rolling his eyes.
Clark: (fake surprise) Lana! I didn't know you were volunteering here.
Pete: (Sarcastically, under his breath) Yeah, right.
Clark nudges Pete with his arm to get him to keep quiet.
Lana: For a couple of weeks now. Are you part of the companion program?
Clark: Yeah, I'm reading with Cassandra
Lana: She's an interesting woman. (Disbelieving) Some of the nurses say she can see the future.
Clark raises his eyebrows in interest, Pete rolls his eyes and looks to Clark with a "What have you got me into" expression, and Lana grins at the boys before pushing her cart on down the hall. Pete gives Clark a "Now I know why we're here" look, and Clark shrugs in apology.
Cut to a sh*t of a woman's hands scanning a Braille book. For some reason, the page is lighting up as she scans, almost as if the light were coming from her fingers. The camera pulls back to reveal the hands belong to Cassandra Carver--a frail, yet still spry looking elderly woman in her 80's, perhaps. Her hair is tucked back into a bun, and dark glasses hide her eyes.
Cassandra: It takes two of you to read to me now, does it?
Cut to a sh*t of Clark and Pete in the doorway, looking into the room with surprised expressions.
Cassandra: (From her chair) Don't just stand there. Come in.
Clark and Pete slowly enter the room.
Clark: (Amazed) How'd you know there were two of us?
Cassandra: Well, I'm blind, not deaf. (chuckles) I heard your little friend's shoes squeaking all the way down the hall.
Pete: (Curiously) Can you really tell the future?
Clark: Way to go Pete. Real subtle.
Cassandra: What's your name?
Pete: Pete Ross.
Cassandra: Mr. Ross, if you want your fortune told, go to the circus.
Cassandra leans forward in her chair, and her book falls from her lap to the floor.
Cassandra: Oh...
Pete and Clark both start to bend for the book, but Pete nudges Clark back and picks up the book first. He hands it to Cassandra, and as she takes it, their hands touch. Cassandra reaches out and grasps Pete's hand with both of hers.
Cassandra: Oh....It's a long walk home, Mr. Ross. Check your pockets.
Pete checks his jacket pockets as Clark looks from Cassandra to Pete in confusion.
Pete: Oh man...I locked my keys in the car. Dude, you're on your own.
Pete leaves as Clark looks at Cassandra in amazement. She just smiles knowingly at him and rises from her chair.
Cassandra: Now...what's your name?
Clark smiles widely at Cassandra.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana, pushing her book cart into a room and knocking on the door.
Lana: Mr. Bollston? It's Lana Lang.
Camera pans over the room. We hear classical music playing, see a music stand with sheet music on it, and finally see Mr. Bollston--an older, heavyset man in his 70's. His eyes are closed, and he raises a hand to shush Lana as he enjoys the music. After the music reaches it's peak, he reaches over and switches off the record player before turning his wheelchair around to face Lana.
Mr. Bollston: Lang. The Langs moved to Smallville in 1938. Took over a couple of dust bowl farms--knew a bargain when they saw it.
Lana: (Impressed) You're a local history buff.
Mr. Bollston: It's kind of my obsession. So...are you my next victim?
Lana: (Smiling) You don't look that scary to me.
Mr. Bollston: You should have known me in my younger days.
Lana: I'm sure you were quite the heartbreaker.
Mr. Bollston: How about a spin around the grounds, and you can tell me what the Langs have been doing since 1938?
Lana smiles and nods in agreement.
Cut to the bridge over the koi pond. Lana is pushing Mr. Bollston in his wheelchair along the bridge.
Lana: It's so beautiful. I don't know why more people don't come out here.
She stops pushing the wheelchair, reaching down and setting the brake.
Mr. Bollston: They're too busy watching television.
He pulls his robe tighter around his neck.
Mr. Bollston: Say, would you mind running back to my room and getting me a scarf? I don't want to catch a chill.
Lana: (Smiling) Sure.
Mr. Bollston: Aww, honey...you're a doll.
Lana smiles at the man before heading back to get his scarf. Mr. Bollston waits until Lana is far enough away, then reachs into his robe and pulls out a pack of cigarettes--obviously something he's not supposed to have. He puts a cigarette in his mouth before reaching into his pocket to pull out a lighter. As he starts to light his cigarette, he fumbles the lighter and drops it onto the bridge. Coughing, he tries to lean over the side of his wheelchair to pick it up.
Cut to a sh*t of Cassandra, inside, coughing just as Mr. Bollston was. Clark stops reading and looks up in concern.
Cassandra: (Coughing) Water...please...
Clark gets up and picks up the glass of water on a table near Cassandra's chair. He goes to raise it to her lips as she rises from her chair. She knocks the glass from his hand, and we see it falling toward the floor in slow motion.
Cut to a sh*t of Mr. Bollston, straining as he reaches over the side of his chair for the lighter. Alternate between sh*ts of the glass falling and Mr. Bollston reaching for his lighter. We see the wheelchair start to tip over, then cut to a sh*t of the glass hitting the floor and shattering.
Cut to a sh*t from below the surface of the koi pond. Through the water, we see Mr. Bollston's wheelchair tip over and fall into the pond. From the bridge angle, we see his wheelchair go under the water, and hear electricity crackling (perhaps it was an electric wheelchair) We see electric sparks sh**ting up and a small expl*si*n, then see Mr. Bollston floating face down in the water as bolts of electricity crackle in the water around him.
A bright flash, and we cut to a sh*t of Cassandra looking shocked. Another bright flash, and we cut to a sh*t of Mr. Bollston's face underneath the water. His features shift, and he suddenly reverts to a younger--perhaps early twenties--version of himself. He stands up, looks at his hands, and realizes he's no longer an old man, but rather a young one. He begins to laugh, somewhat menacingly.
Young Bollston: (Splashing the water) Whoo!
Mr. Bollston exits the pond, and we pan over the water's surface to a more shallow area, where we see several glowing green meteror rocks embedded within the stones lining the bottom of the pond.
Cut to a close up sh*t of Cassandra's wide, unseeing eyes as she stares at Clark.
Clark: (Worried) What's wrong?
Cassandra reaches out and touches Clark's face, passing her fingers over his cheeks and lips.
Cassandra: (Cryptically) Someone close to you is going to die....very soon.
Cut to Clark looking at her in confusion.
(Opening Credits)
sh*t of the Kent Farm. We see a blue blur, and hear the familiar woosh of Clark speeding by, headed toward the barn.
Inside the barn, Jonathan Kent is cutting a piece of wood with an electric table saw. The saw suddenly stops working, and Jonathan pulls the wood out to see what's wrong. We pull back to see Clark standing next to the wall near the outlet, the unplugged cord to the saw in his hand.
Clark: Guys, when you need this kind of stuff done, just ask me. That's what I'm here for.
Martha: (Removing her safety goggles) Is something bothering you, Clark?
Clark: (Exasperated) No, I just think we should start putting safety first. If you haven't noticed, this stuff is pretty dangerous.
Jonathan: (Amused) Well, this is a farm. It kind of goes along with the territory. Seriously son, what's going on?
Clark: (Sitting down) When I was at the retirement center, I met this old blind lady. I know this sounds crazy, but she can see the future.
Martha: (Concerned) What did she tell you?
Clark: That someone very close to me will die soon.
Jonathan: (Disbelieving) Listen, Clark...you can't let some old...lady..scare you with a half baked prediction. She probably just does it to scare the nurses anyway.
Clark: She told Pete he'd be walking home. Seconds later he realized that he'd locked his keys in his car.
Martha: No one can tell the future.
Clark: (Frustrated) What if she can?! What if she told me because there's something I can do about it?
Martha: Then she should have given you a little more information, like name, time, and place.
Jonathan: Even if she can predict the future, there's nothing she can do to control it. Nobody can.
Clark just sighs and watches as Jonathan resumes sawing.
Cut to sh*t of the front of the retirement center. Young Mr. Bollston (referred to now as Harry) dressed in scrubs, bounds down the steps. He looks on in mock pity as an old man with a walker passes by. Harry then heads to his room. We see him pull an envelope from under his mattress and open it. He pulls out yellowed, old newspaper articles. As he flips through them, we see bits of the headlines: Strangulation...m*rder Trial Continues--Harry Volk On Trial for m*rder. He also pulls out a list of handwritten names. We see parts of last names--Garfield and Gage. Across from those names are the names Zoe Garfield, and Jim Gage. Harry crosses the room and studies himself in the mirror.
Harry: Fate's given you a second chance, Harry-Boy. And this time...they're gonna pay.
Cut to a close-up of a silver unicorn necklace. We pan down and see the wearer of the necklace is also clad in a green waitress apron, adorned with the nametag reading "Zoe". We pull back and see "Zoe" is a young blonde girl, early twenties, who works as a waitress in The Beanery. She's carrying a plate featuring a large burger and mounds of fries. She sets it down in front of her customer--Harry. Harry exhales in pleasure and caresses the food.
Harry: God, I haven't been able to eat one of these in years--I mean, not since the bypass.
Zoe looks at him in confusion--wondering why a young man would have had a bypass.
Harry: That was a joke.
Zoe: You're a riot. (Indicates menu behind the counter) What can I get you to drink?
Harry turns and looks at the chalkboard menu, confused when confronted with all the various expresso, latte, and cappuccino choices.
Harry: How much is coffee? From, you know...beans?
Zoe: $2.75
Harry: (Incrediously) Did they carry it here from South America on foot?
Zoe: (Annoyed) You sound like my grandpa.
Harry: Just make sure it's hot.
Zoe: (Walking away) Yeah, whatever.
As Zoe heads back toward the counter, Chloe Sullivan, Lana, and Clark enter the Beanery.
Clark: It's not your fault, Lana.
Lana: Do you know anyone else who's lost an entire old person in a wheelchair?
Chloe: No...that's pretty impressive, even by Smallville standards.
The three friends take a seat at a table. Lana and Chloe sit across from Clark. Harry is seated at the table directly behind Clark.
Clark: Maybe he was kidnapped.
Lana: Who'd want to kidnap Harry? He's just a harmless old man.
Harry leans back slightly, eavesdropping as he realizes the teens are talking about him.
Chloe: (Jokingly) Maybe a koi turned into a piranha and ate him.
Harry chuckles to himself at Chloe's comment. Clark smiles and shakes his head at Chloe's joke.
Chloe: You asked for my help. I'm just thinking out of the box.
Harry: I like your theory.
Clark looks surprised and annoyed that someone is eavesdropping on them.
Chloe: (Also annoyed) You know, you might want to work on your eavesdropping technique.
Harry: Sorry. I'm...uh...I'm new in town. I just heard this is where young people congregate.
Lana tries to hide her amusement at the man's odd choice of words. Chloe however isn't as polite.
Chloe: (Sarcastically) Yeah, we congregate here often.
Clark attempting to smooth things over, turns in his seat and offers Harry his hand for a handshake.
Clark: Hi, I'm Clark. The rude one's Chloe, and this is...
Harry: Lana Lang.
Lana looks up in surprise.
Harry: The name tag was a big clue.
Lana looks down and sees she's still wearing her stick on name-tag from her work at the retirement center.
Harry: So...uh...good luck finding your missing old person.
The three teens exchange uncomfortable glances. They obviously find this man to be a bit too odd.
Zoe comes back with Harry's coffee.
Zoe: Enjoy your coffee. They brought it in by burro this morning.
Harry: Thanks honey. You're a doll
Lana looks at Harry curiously, remembering that old Harry said the same thing to her before he was "lost".
Cut to a sh*t of hands playing classical music on a piano. We pull back to see that Harry is sitting at the piano in the lobby of the retirement center, playing...lost in the music. He finishes with a flourish, and as he does so, we hear a single voice.
Cassandra: (Sitting in a nearby chair) You play beautifully.
Harry: I was supposed to attend the Metropolis Conservatory.
Cassandra: Your voice sounds young. The Conservatory closed its doors in the 70's.
Harry: (Chuckles) I mean, I've always dreamed of attending there. That is, if I lived in a different time.
Cassandra: Ah. Any chance you could give an old lady a hand back to her room?
Cassandra holds out her hand toward Harry.
Harry: (Whispers softly) I already know my future.
Harry turns and walks away, leaving Cassandra with a concerned look on her face.
Cut to a sh*t of the side of a wooden crate filled with vegetables. The writing on the side indicates crate contains "Kent Organic Produce". Clark lifts the crate as we hear tires screeching in the background. Clark tuns and sees Lex Luthor, inside a black Ferrari, skidding and zooming up the driveway at a high rate of speed. The car skids to a stop right in front of Clark and the door opens.
Clark: (Overly concerned) You might consider rounding those curves at a speed that won't actually break the sound barrier.
Lex: (Exiting the car and walking toward Clark) Where's the fun in that?
Clark: (Still concerned) Seriously. You could get hurt.
Lex: (Slightly sarcastic) Why the sudden interest in my health?
Clark looks down, embarrassed under Lex's stare.
Clark: I met this woman at the retirement center, and she can kind of see the future.
Clark and Lex turn and walk toward the house.
Lex: (Disbelieving) Yeah? She tell you your future?
Clark sets the crate down near the entrance for the kitchen staff to pick up.
Clark: Not exactly. She said someone very close to me would--
Lex: Die?
Clark: I know it sounds nuts, but when you talk to her, it's like she really knows.
Lex: (Dryly) Come on, Clark. She knows when she has a good audience.
Clark: You sound like my parents.
Lex: (Amused by the idea) That's gotta be a first.
Cut to a sh*t of the doors to Lex's study swinging open. Lex and Clark enter, continuing their conversation.
Clark: Lex, I think this woman is the real deal.
Lex: Then the question you've gotta ask yourself is...do you really wanna know the future?
Clark: Don't you wish you knew how it was all gonna turn out?
The two men each reach for bottles of Ty Nant water sitting in an ice bucket on a small bar in Lex's study and twist them open.
Lex: Life's a journey, Clark. I don't wanna go through it following a road map.
Clark: (Overly concerned again) It still wouldn't k*ll you to drive more slowly.
Lex: Why? I have you as a friend. You changed my future once, right?
They stare at each other for a long moment--Clark looks uncomfortable about Lex bringing up the car accident. Lex smirks and takes a drink from his water.
Clark: (Uncomfortably) I've got some more deliveries to make.
Clark turns and starts to leave.
Lex: You never told me this woman's name.
Clark: I thought you weren't interested.
Lex: (Sarcastic and dismissive) Maybe I'll ask her for some stock tips.
Clark: (Slightly upset at Lex's tone) Cassandra Carver.
Clark leaves without saying goodbye. Lex watches him go, smirking and drinking his bottled water.
Cut to a sh*t panning over a wall of photographs--some older, some recent. As the camera pulls back, we see Lana is studying the wall of photographs. The wall is titled "Young At Heart" and it contains photos of the retirement center citizens, with their childhood photos next to recent photos.
Clark: I don't think that's gonna help bring Harry back.
Lana: Clark, what are you doing here so late?
Clark: I came to see Cassandra, if she's still up. (Indicates the wall[/i] What happened to Harry's younger picture?
We see that only Harry's older picture is displayed on the wall. Next to it is a blank space where his younger picture used to be.
Lana: (puzzled) I don't know.
Clark: (concerned) Is everything OK?
Lana: I met with the administrator...you know, to tell them what I knew about Harry. The police were there.
Clark: Well, it's a missing person's case. It's not unusual.
Lana: That's not the reason.Harry Bollston's real name is Harry Volk. He was a m*rder, Clark.
Clark: (Surprised) A m*rder? Why would they let someone like that stay here?
Lana: Because it happened 60 years ago, when he was 17. I guess they figured he was just a harmless old man who moved back to his hometown to die. Back in the 40's, he was studying to be a concert pianist. He was up for a full scholarship to the Metropolis Conservatory. But his teacher recommended somebody else.
Clark: So he k*lled his teacher?
Lana: No. He said the teacher k*lled his dream, so he k*lled the teacher's dream. The man's son.
Clark looks concerned, as we see Harry's older picture again.
Cut to a sh*t of a televised football game. We pull back to see a man in his mid forties, sitting at his kitchen table watching the game.
Jim: (Yelling at TV) Come on, come on! Throw the ball, throw the ball! Watch the blitz! Yes! Yes! Ha-ha! You got it!
The electricity crackles, then the power goes out in the house.
Jim: (Frustrated, getting up from table) Damn it! Circuit breaker...
The man walks to a side table and pulls out a flashlight. He turns it on, and heads for the phone. As he picks up the reciever, he hears a knock on the door. He aims his flashlight at the back door, and we see Harry standing at the door. He's dressed like a uitility worker, smiling and holding a clipboard.
Jim: Can I help you?
Harry: Evenin'. Sorry about the trouble sir. We got a faulty line about a mile down the road. I just wanted to make sure your circuit breaker hadn't been fried.
Cut to a scene inside the house. Harry is holding up a reader to the circuit box, poking around at the wires while the man aims the flashlight at the box.
Harry: (Conversationally) Anybody else at home?
Jim: Nah, I'm divorced.
Harry: I saw the name on the account was...uh...Jim Gage. Any relation to a Randolph Gage?
Jim: Well, I'd say so. He was my father. He passed back in '93.
Harry: I remember reading his obituary. It said he opened the first car dealership in Smallville.
Jim: (Smiling and impressed) In 1935! You've got a good memory.
Harry: Thanks. I had a lot a lot of time to k*ll.
Harry turns away from the circuit box and heads toward his toolbag, as Jim remains standing next to the circuit box.
Jim: We've got three dealerships in three counties now.
Harry opens his toolbox, which is almost empty. He reaches in and pulls out a length of piano wire.
Harry: Sounds like your father left you a bright future.
Harry smiles coldly and pulls the piano wire tight, like a garrote, between his hands.}
Cut to a sh*t of Cassandra. She looks up as she hears footsteps, and we see Clark hesitate at her door.
Cassandra: Are you going to come in or not, Mr. Kent?
Clark looks surprised that she knew it was him.
Clark: (Curiously) How do you do that?
Cassandra: When one sense goes, the others get...heightened. Oh, I must admit, after yesterday...oh, I thought I'd never see you again. (Points to a chair next to her) Sit.
Clark smiles and takes a seat next to her.
Clark: What you told me, I can't get out of my head.
Cassandra: Imagine how I feel. When it first started happening, I, uh...I thought it was a curse. I kept getting snapshots of things I couldn't control.
Clark: When did they start?
Cassandra: When I first lost my sight. It's funny--I woke up that morning, like any other. Then the meteors came. One h*t a field behind my house. The flash burnt my optic nerves.
Clark: (Guiltily) I'm sorry.
Cassandra: It's not your fault.
Clark still wears a guilty expression, because he knows the truth.
Cassandra: It's amazing how one moment can change your life forever.
Clark: (Hesitantly) My friends and family, they think that you're...
Cassandra: (Amused) A fraud, huh? (Chuckles[/i] People are afraid of the unknown, Clark. They only want to know if everything's gonna turn out all right. I can't guarantee that. What I can show you are signposts on your journey. What you do with them is up to you.
Clark: (Seriously) I've got so many questions in my life. I just want some answers.
Cassandra: (Patting the space on the bed next to her) Closer.
Clark gets up from his chair and sits next to her on the bed.
Cassandra: Now...take my hand.
Clark does so. He stares at her curiously for a moment as nothing happens, then looks concerned as their clasped hands begin to shake.
A bright flash opens to reveal Clark, kneeling outside with his eyes closed. Thunder crashes, lightning flashes. Clark is soaked from the rain, which is coming down in sheets. He opens his eyes, and looks around. We see he is in a cemetary. The gravestone in front of Clark reads "In memory of Jonathan Kent. Beloved Husband and Father". Clark looks shocked and upset. He turns and sees the gravestone next to his father's reads "In memory of Martha Kent. Beloved Wife and Mother." The lightning and thunder continues to crash, the rain continues to pour as Clark looks around wildly, extremely upset. He sees another gravestone. This one reads: "Peter Ross". More lightning flashes and Clark turns again. He sees another headstone, which reads "Chloe Sullivan". As the storm continues and Clark looks around, he's confronted with another headstone, reading "Lana Lang." As Clark cries out "No! No!" we pull back to see Clark is on his knees in the center of a seemingly never ending mass of headstones, which spiral out from him as far as the eye can see. Clark screams "NOOOOO!" in anguish, before the scene fades out in a bright flash, and we see Clark yanking his hand away from Cassandra and leaping off the bed.
Clark: (Anguished) No!
Cassandra: (Upset) You saw that too?
Clark zips out of the room at super speed.
Cassandra: Clark!
Cut to a scene of Cassandra, putting her face in her hands, very upset by what she and Clark have seen.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm in the morning light. We go inside to see Clark coming down the stairs, his parents following closely behind.
Martha: Clark, maybe you were having some kind of hallucination.
Clark: (Insistent) It wasn't a hallucination. It was a glimpse of the future--[/i]my[/i] future.
Jonathan: And you saw an endless graveyard?
Clark: Like I was the last person on earth.
Jonathan: (Perplexed) Look, son...I don't know what you did or didn't see, but come on--you gotta consider the source.
Martha: Your dad's right. We don't know anything about this woman.
Clark: I know she lost her vision in the meteor shower.
Jonathan: (Sarcastically) Oh, uh, and that makes it so she can predict the future?
Clark: Is it so crazy? I get h*t by a car and I'm fine. I walk through f*re and I'm OK. What's next?
Martha: (Concerned) You can't let this one image--whatever it means--consume your whole life.
Clark: What if it is my destiny? To out live everyone that I love? I don't wanna be alone!
Clark walks across the kitchen, away from his parents, obviously upset. Jonathan sighs, and he and Martha step behind their son to offer words of comfort.
Jonathan: Clark...I don't know what your future holds...
Clark turns to face his parents.
Clark: (Hopeful) I think this woman has the answers.
Jonathan: (Matter of factly) The only person who controls your destiny is you.
Clark: (Upset) Well right now, I don't feel like I have control of anything.
Clark walks off, leaving his parents with concerned looks on their faces.
Cut to a sh*t of the braille edition of the Daily Planet. We see Cassandra's hands pass over the page. As the camera pulls back, we see she's sitting in an outside garden/sitting area at the retirement center. We also see Lex is approaching her from behind, twisting a small flower between his fingers that he picked from one of the plants.
Lex: (Unsure) Cassandra Carver?
Cassandra: (Continuing to read her paper) Do those expensive shoes come with a name?
Lex: (Glances at his shoes, then smiles) Lex Luthor.
Lex sets the flower down next to Cassandra's newspaper.
Cassandra: (Curious, but unimpressed) Oh. Of Luthor Everything Incorporated?
Lex smiles, amused, and walks around the table, across from Cassandra.
Lex: More or less.
Cassandra: And what does the savior of Smallville want with an old blind woman?
Lex: (Friendly) You seem to have made a real impression on my friend Clark.
Cassandra: (Bemused) So, you came to see for yourself?
Lex takes a seat across from Cassandra.
Lex: Clark's not stupid. If he says you know things, there must be something that made him think that.
Cassandra: (Seriously) What gives me the feeling...you're not here for stock tips, Mr. Luthor?
Lex: (Leaning across the table) Please. Call me Lex. I was hoping you could give me some insight into Clark.
Cassandra: And you call him a friend, do you?
Lex: He saved my life...but he's also a mystery.
Cassandra: (Chuckles) Most people are. That's what makes them interesting.
Lex: (Seriously) I'm willing to treat this as a professional service.
Cassandra: (Shaking her head) Save your money, Lex. I can't tell you about Clark...even if I wanted to.
Lex smiles tightly, more than a little annoyed.
Cassandra: I can only tell the future of the person I touch. (Holds her hand out to Lex[/i] Hmmm?
Lex: (Sitting back, uncomfortable at the prospect) I don't need to know my future.
Cassandra: Why? Because your father already has it mapped out for you?
Lex: (Leans forward, speaks with intensity and slight anger) I believe we make our own destiny.
Cassandra: And don't you want a glimpse of...what it is you'll make? Maybe I'll see your friend Clark....or maybe I'll see something else.
At this point, Lex is both very angry--although controlled--and also very sure this woman is a fraud. He stares at her intensely for a long moment.
Lex: (Cooly) Goodbye, Miss Carver. It's been enlightening.
Lex's tone indicates it's been anything but. He rises from the table and heads toward the exit.
Cassandra: (Calling back to Lex) Come back again, hmm? When you're ready.
Lex continues to walk toward the exit without looking back or even acknowledging that he heard Cassandra.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High. We go inside and see Lana staring at something on the wall, obviously upset. We hear a door open behind her.
Clark: (Entering the room) Chloe, what...
Clark stops when he sees Lana inside the Torch office.
Lana: (Turning to face Clark) She's not back yet.
Clark: (Nervously) Lana, what are you doing here?
Lana: Chloe called me too. She said she had some info on Harry. When I got here, I started looking around. I found this.
Lana turns and disbelievingly indicates the Wall of Weird.
Clark: (Quietly as he walks toward the WoW) Chloe calls it the Wall of Weird. She believes everything strange in Smallville started with the meteor shower.
Lana: How about you Clark? Do you believe that?
Clark: Yeah, I guess I do.
Lana nods, then walks closer to the wall.
Lana: (Upset and angry) Does that include me? I'm up there with a three headed calf and the monster from Crater Lake.
We pan to the wall to see the cover of Time Magazine, featuring a three year old Lana dressed in her princess costume, crying her eyes out, displayed prominently on the wall.
Clark: The stuff on this wall...it has nothing to do with you.
Lana: Remember when you said people keep their darkest secrets hidden?
Clark nods.
Lana: (Sadly) Mine's out there for all the world to see. It's hard when everyone knows your tragedy. They treat you differently--like you're gonna break.
Clark: (Sympathetically) I'm sure they just feel bad and wanna help.
Lana: I know. But all they do is remind you of the most painful moment of your life. (Slightly angry) How would that make you feel, Clark.
Clark: (Sadly) Like I wish I could go back and erase that moment from time forever.
Lana and Clark stare at each other for a moment, before Lana chuckles bitterly.
Lana: I thought high school would be different...that I could finally start putting it behind me. But everywhere I go... (Looks to the wall)...there it is. Maybe I should just accept my destiny. All I'm ever gonna be is a little girl in a fairy princess costume who lost her parents.
Clark: (Sweetly) I don't see you that way.
Lana: I know you don't, Clark. You're the only one who doesn't.
Clark and Lana stare at each other for another moment, before Lana turns and leaves the Torch office. Clark watches her go sadly, then turns to look at the wall.
Cut to a sh*t of the window of Clark's loft, lit up against the starry night sky. We go inside to see Clark sitting inside the loft on the edge of his desk, staring--although not through his telescope--toward Lana's house with a concerned expression on his face. We hear footsteps coming up the loft steps, and the sound of it breaks Clark out of his reviere.
Chloe: Clark, we got your message.
Pete: Hey where were you? What happened? I thought we were all supposed to meet at the Torch.
Clark: (Apologetically) I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blow you guys off.
Chloe: Will the lovely Miss Lang be joining us?
Clark: No, I think she had enough weirdness for one day.
Clark indicates some papers under Pete's arm.
Clark: What've you got?
Pete: (Unfolding the newspaper under his arm) A guy was found d*ad in his house. He was blindfolded and strangled with a piano wire.
Chloe: Which is the same signature Harry Volk used in 1945.
Clark: (Studying the paper) Sounds like a copy-cat.
Chloe: A copy-cat of a m*rder that happened 60 years ago, two days after the original k*ller happened to disappear? I don't think so.
Clark: Harry's in a wheelchair, Chloe. Not exactly in prime condition to go on a crime spree.
Chloe: (Handing Clark a square of paper) Well, I found this picture of Harry from the 40's.
We see Chloe has handed Clark a yellowed page of newspaper, on which a picture of Young Harry appears. Clark grabs his jacket and the three friends start down the loft steps as Clark studies the newspaper.
Clark: (Surprised) It looks like the kid we saw in The Beanery.
Pete: Maybe he's got a grandson or something.
Chloe: Or...maybe it's Harry.
Clark: I don't think we should start looking for time machines just yet.
Chloe: OK, fine. Where do you think we should start.
Clark: If someone is following in Harry's footsteps, maybe they sent him some fan mail.
Cut to a sh*t of Harry playing some classical music, lost again in the music. We pull back and see he is playing the old piano inside The Beanery, while Zoe straightens up some things on the counter. She walks over to Harry, who is intently listening to one note. He taps the key repeatedly.
Zoe: (Friendly) We close at 9:00, Mozart.
Harry: (Sighing) Your piano needs tuning.
Zoe: That's because nobody's played it in years.
Harry: Hmmm...
Zoe: (slightly annoyed) You wanna settle up?
Harry: (Hopefully) Can I get one more coffee?
Zoe rolls her eyes and sighs.
Zoe: Don't you have somewhere to go?
Harry: (Good-naturedly) Ah, come on...you can clean up to the sounds of Chopin.
Zoe smiles, and walks away shaking her head.
Zoe: (Chuckling) I guess.
Zoe returns to the front and locks the door, and Harry resumes playing classical music on the piano.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark, Chloe and Pete hurriedly walking down the hall in the retirement center.
Chloe: (Worriedly) What happens if someone sees us searching Harry's room?
Clark: How about we don't get seen?
Cassandra: Clark, is that you?
Clark stops as he sees Cassandra walking slowly toward them from a sitting area down the hall. She waves Clark over. Clark turns to his friends, who are looking at him with confused expressions.
Clark: (Pointing down the hall) Harry's room his down the hallway. I'll meet you there.
Pete and Chloe continue down the hall, while Clark heads toward where Cassandra is waiting inside the sitting area.
Cassandra: (Concerned) The other night you left in a hurry. (Indicates the two chairs next to them) Sit.
Clark sits down, and Cassandra sits across from him.
Cassandra: I..uh.. (Clears throat) ...I hoped you'd come back.
Clark: (Guiltily) I'm sorry. (Seriously) You saw that...whatever it was.
Cassandra: (Taking off her glasses) I always see them. The question is, how did you?
Clark: I don't know. Wasn't I supposed to?
Cassandra: Nobody ever has.
Clark: (Confused) Why me?
Cassandra: Because, we both know... (Lowers her voice) ...you're not like other people.
Clark's eyes widen in fear.
Clark: (Very nervously) Sure I am.
Cassandra: No Clark. I've seen you...before we ever met. More than once, I've touched people, and I've seen such pain and despair and...but then you were there, and the pain was gone.
Clark looks surprised and overwhelmed.
Cassandra: I think that's your destiny, Clark--to help people. To save them from fear and darkness.
Clark: (Considers this) How?
Cassandra: Well, that's for you to figure out. You can fear the future, or...you can embrace it.
Clark is silent as he thinks about what Cassandra has said.
Cassandra: (Holding her hand out to Clark) The choice is yours.
Clark stares at her outstretched hand for a moment, considering his options. He looks at Cassandra, who is waiting patiently, and makes his decision. He reached out and grasps her hand. Instantly, we see a flash, and a series of images rapidly unfold: a screaming young blonde woman being att*cked. An overturned car on f*re, a child clutching a teddy bear trapped in a burning house. The young blonde woman grasping at her throat then lying in the street her face filled with fear. An injured man trapped beneath the overturned car, glass shattering, a closeup of a silver unicorn pendant, the child inside the burning house as the flames climb higher, the young blonde woman looking scared. We flash out and see Clark, looking very concerned as he lets go of Cassandra's hand.
Clark: Who are they?
Cassandra: People who need your help.
Clark: (Confused) How am I supposed to help them if I don't know who they are?
Cassandra: I'm not a radio--I don't pick up continuous transmissions. That's all I have.
Clark: (Thinking) I'll figure it out.
Clark gets up, his mind still on the visions.
Cassandra: Clark...your secret is safe with me.
Clark smiles, then heads off to find his friends.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe and Pete, rifling through Harry's belongings. Pete is going through Harry's dresser drawers, while Chloe is going through a box of newspaper clippings sitting on Harry's bed. Clark enters the room and shuts the door behind him.
Clark: You guys have any luck?
Chloe: (Shaking her head) No fan mail. Just a bunch of old news clippings from The Smallville Ledger...obituaries, articles.
Chloe hands each of these to Clark to look at,
Pete: (With a few papers he found in the drawers) The guy's been obsessed with Smallville for 50 years.
Clark's not listening, as he's staring intently at an article Chloe has handed him. We see the article's headline: "Local Waitress Saves Customer With Heimlich Maneuver". Alongside the story is a picture of Zoe, holding a plaque honoring her acheivement.
Chloe: Clark, is something wrong?
Clark: (Softly) It's her.
Chloe: (Trying to see the article) It's who?
Clark: I gotta go.
Clark drops the article on the bed and hurriedly leaves the room. Pete picks up the article, and we get a close-up sh*t of the necklace Zoe is wearing in the picture--the silver unicorn pendant from Cassandra's vision.
Cut to a sh*t of Harry reflected in the shiny tabletop at the Beanery. He's writing something in a foreign language on a napkin. He flexes his fingers as he writes, as though arthritis is bothering him.
Zoe: (Removing her apron) Thanks for the serenade. But unless you're sleeping here, which you're not, I'm heading out.
Harry approaches her, holding out the napkin.
Zoe: (Curiously) What's this?
Harry: They don't teach Greek in school anymore?
Zoe takes the napkin.
Harry: It's Euripides. The sins of the father are visited on the children.
Zoe: (Impressed) You play Beethoven and you speak Greek? (Smiles) Real cute. What's it got to do with me?
Harry: Actually, Zoe Garfield, quite a bit.
Zoe looks a bit scared.
Harry: Your grandmother--Eve Garfield. She died last year, right? (Whispering thr*at) I was meant for big cities and great concert halls...that was my destiny...
Zoe starts backing up, very scared now.
Harry: And your grandmother--she helped k*ll that future. And now...
Harry pulls out a length of piano wire and wraps it around his hands, tightening it like a garote.
Harry: I'm gonna k*ll yours.
Harry rushes forward, trying to wrap the piano wire around Zoe's neck. She gets her hands up between her throat and the wire and tries to fight Harry off, crying out "No!" As she does so, her unicorn pendant comes off the chain and falls to the floor. Suddenly, the front door of the Beanery shatters as it's kicked in. Harry whips around, yanking Zoe in front of him as he faces the door, and grabs large butcher Kn*fe from the counter.
Clark: (Rushing through broken door) Let her go!
Harry holds the Kn*fe up to Zoe's throat.
Harry: Ah-Ah! Don't move! Don't move!
Zoe wimpers as Harry, using Zoe as a shield, crosses around Clark and heads out the door. He gets outside and suddenly, Clark is in front of him. Harry glances back, shocked, to where Clark had been previously standing.
Clark: (thr*at) I said let her go.
Harry glances down the street and sees a large delivery truck speeding down the street.
Harry: Didn't your parents teach you to respect your elders?
As the truck approaches the Beanery, Harry hurls a screaming Zoe out into the street, directly in the path of the truck. She rolls over and screams as she sees the headlights approaching.
Clark speeds over to where Zoe is and throws himself on top of her, sheilding her from the truck. The driver tries to stop, but he's going too fast. He runs right over there, and from underneath the truck we see sparks as the bottom of the truck scrapes along Clark's back. The truck passes over them and we see they are unharmed, except for the back of Clark's jacket, which is singed and smoking.
Driver: (Leaping from cab) Oh no!
The driver runs back to where Clark and a crying Zoe are getting up. Clark hands Zoe off to the driver.
Clark: Take care of her.
Clark then leaves to find Harry. Once he's out of sight of the driver and Zoe, he zips at superspeed around a corner and stops, looking for Harry. He scans the alley, but there's no sign of Harry. He turns back toward the front of the alley, and suddenly Harry is behind him. Clark turns quickly, just as Harry plunges the Kn*fe toward Clark's heart. We go into Matrix style slow motion as the Kn*fe hits Clark's chest and the blade immediately shatters, sending pieces of metal flying out in all directions, leaving Harry just holding on to the handle. Harry looks shocked. We go back to regular speed as Clark grabs Harry and throws him in the air, where he lands on a parked car, shattering the windows and bl*wing out the tires. Harry groans, blacking out, as Clark runs over and stares at him angrily.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farmhouse at night. We go inside and see Clark and Jonathan are sitting at the table, drinking coffee. Martha has apparently just gotten off the phone and joins them.
Martha: Zoe's gonna be OK. But that truck driver could have sworn he h*t you. (Off Clark and Jonathan's worried looks) Don't worry--he's not asking any questions.
Jonathan: Is that kid in jail?
Martha: No, he's in the hospital overnight for observation.
Clark: Does Zoe know why he wanted to k*ll her?
Martha: (Shaking her head) She's just grateful you happened to come along.
Jonathan: Is that what you told the police?
Clark: (Dryly) I figured they wouldn't want to hear I got a vision from an old blind lady.
Jonathan just looks at Clark, aware that the comment was directed toward his earlier doubts about Clark's claims regarding Cassandra.
Martha: (Concerned) I'm not sure how I feel about Cassandra.
Clark: Mom, she's my friend. She told me my destiny was to help people.
Jonathan: You don't think she knows your secret?
Clark just looks at Jonathan, then looks down guiltily...a silent "yes". Jonathan and Martha exchange worried looks.
Jonathan: I don't think you should see her anymore.
Clark: (Insistant) If I hadn't gone to see her, Zoe would be d*ad.
Jonathan: (A bit sternly) Your destiny may be to protect people, but ours is to protect you, and that's gotta come first, OK?
Clark just looks at his father, understanding but upset.
Cut to a night sh*t of the fountain outside Luthor Manor.
Clark: (Voiced over the sh*t of the manor) My mom said you called?
We hear floodlights flipping on, and see an empty room...empty except for the battered Porche--dented, and with the roof torn off-- sitting in the center of the floor. Lex and Clark enter the room.
Clark: Is this the Porche from---I don't understand. Why do you still have it?
Lex: (Circling the car) I once read about a rich man who survived a hotel f*re. He hung onto the ledge for an hour before the f*re department rescued him. Afterwards, he bought the hotel...always stayed in that room. When they asked him why, he said he figured fate couldn't find him twice.
Clark: (Studying the car) I thought you didn't believe in fate?
Lex: I don't... (Coming around to stand next to Clark on the drivers side) But everytime I look at this car, I wonder.
Clark just looks at him with an innocently questioning look on his face.
Lex: I had a team go over this thing inch by inch. They tell me there's no way the impact could have ripped open the roof like this.
Close up of the destroyed roof.
Clark: (Shaking his head) They must have made a mistake.
Lex studies Clark for a long moment.
Lex: Do you remember anything about the accident?
Clark turns and meets Lex's gaze, not backing down.
Clark: No, just that I pulled you out. That's it.
Lex: (Sort of disbelieving) I thought that you might be able to tell me more.
Clark: (Shrugs, continuing to meet Lex's gaze) I'm sorry.
Lex gives Clark a small smile and walks back to the front of the car.
Lex: It's a little strange to be walking around when every shred of evidence says I should be d*ad. An unsolved mystery, I guess.
Clark: (Looking inside the car) Maybe fate has something else in mind for you.
Lex turns back to Clark, smiling dryly.
Lex: (Dismissive) You've been spending too much time with your friend Cassandra.
Clark: (Continuing to study the car's interior) Well, at least she doesn't dwell on the past.
Lex stares at Clark somewhat coldly, and Clark looks up and smiles.
Clark: Lex, you're alive. The question you need to ask yourself now is, where do you go from here?
Lex turns back toward the car, considering what Clark has said.
Cut to a sh*t of a policeman walking down the halls of the hospital. He stops a doctor who is walking down the hall.
Police Officer: I'm here to pick up the kid from the Beanery as*ault and take him into custody.
Doctor: (Looking at a chart) Right...the young John Doe. He's all yours. We got him locked up in here. I checked on him this morning. He's sleeping like a baby.
The doctor turns and opens the door. Inside the room, we see Young Harry has been replaced by Old Harry, who is lying in the bed, handcuffed to the side of the bed.
Harry: (Weakly) Help me...
Cut to a sh*t of Lana and Clark walking along the koi pond bridge at the retirement center.
Lana: The police questioned Harry all morning. He said he was kidnapped by this kid who was obsessed with his old case.
Clark: (Disbelieving) So somehow in broad daylight, this kid got out of handcuffs, smuggled Harry inside, and chained him to a bed?
Lana: That's the official story.
Clark: It may be official, but it doesn't make sense.
Lana: You could always add it to the Wall of Weird.
Clark stops, suddenly feeling sick. He looks over the bridge and sees the koi swimming around a group of meteor rocks. Clark takes a couple of deep breaths to steady himself.
Lana: (Worried) Clark, are you all right?
Clark: (Sounding nauseous) Not really. I think I'll go inside...talk to Harry.
Clark heads back toward the retirement center, clutching his stomach in pain, as Lana watches worriedly.
Cut to a sh*t of a record playing classical music on a record player. A hand removes the needle from the record. We see that it's Clark, inside Harry's room.
Clark: (Conversationally) You know, I found a picture of Zoe Garfield in a box under your bed.
Harry: (Lying in his bed) And who are you?
Clark: Clark Kent, but we've already met.
Harry: (Indignant) How dare you go through my belongings!
Clark: How do you explain the pictures?
Harry: Why do I need to explain it?
Clark crosses the room and grabs a chair next to Harry's bed, turning the chair backwards and straddling it. He crosses his arms over the top and stares calmly at Harry.}
Clark: You know what Harry? I think you and this kid are the same person.
Harry: I'd say you have a very active imagination.
Clark: (Evenly) I don't know how you did it, but I know it's you.
Harry: You said your name was Kent? Grandfather Hiram, father Jonathan? Funny...I don't remember you on the family tree.
Clark just continues to stare calmly at Harry, Harry's words having no effect.
Clark: (Evenly) I'll be watching you.
Harry chuckles nervously, never taking his eyes off Clark.
Harry: (Ringing the call button) Nurse...nurse. Help me, somebody. Help.
Clark and Harry continue to stare at each other. As a nurse enters the room, Harry takes on the posture of someone in pain.
Harry: (Weakly) Oh nurse, he's harassing me. Haven't I been through enough.
Clark continues to stare evenly at Harry, not fooled by his act.
Nurse: I think you should leave, young man.
Clark: (Getting up, still keeping his eyes on Harry) Don't worry, I'm going.
Harry watches Clark from the corner of his eye as Clark leaves.
Cut to a sh*t of the koi pond. Harry is rolling his wheelchair around the bridge. He rolls over to a section where the broken railing is crossed off with police tape--the same area where Harry fell into the pond. He gazes over the edge, his eyes eager. From beneath the surface of the pond, we see Harry and his wheelchair tip over into the water, and hear the crackling of electricity.
Cut to a sh*t of several large stacks of newspapers being slammed down on a desk. We see Chloe is the one responsible, as she, Pete, and Clark are inside the Torch office. Pete is working on a nearby computer, while Clark goes through a file cabinet.
Chloe: (Sighs) This is everything I could find on Harry Volk. The Ledger carried stories on the trial, the m*rder, the investigation...you name it.
Pete: Is anybody watching this guy?
Clark: (Looking through some papers in the cabinet) Lana's got an eye on him.
Chloe and Pete exchange a look that says they don't have much confidence in Lana.
Clark: (Without looking up) I heard that.
Pete: What exactly are we looking for.
Clark: (Closing the cabinet and crossing the office) I dunno. There's gotta be a connection between the people Harry's going after.
Chloe: In Zoe Garfield's statement to the police, she said that Harry accused her grandmother of k*lling his future.
Clark sits down at a desk. As he does so, Lana quickly enters the office.
Lana: Harry's gone. They found his wheelchair out by the koi pond half an hour ago.
Clark: (To Chloe) I saw meteor rocks in that pond.
Chloe: At least now we know how he's doing the time warp.
Lana: What do you mean?
Clark: (Hesitantly) I'll explain later. (To Chloe) We gotta figure out who he's gonna k*ll next.
Chloe: (Concerned) Clark, take a look at this.
Chloe hands Clark an old issue of the Ledger.
Clark: What is it?
Chloe: It's a list of the jurors that worked on Harry's trial.
Clark: (Reading) Rudolph Gage, Eve Garfield... (Realizes) He's k*lling the descendants of the jurors that convicted him.
Pete: Talk about not letting it go.
Clark's eyes widen as he studies the list more closely.
Lana: (Concerned) Clark, what is it?
Clark: Look at juror number eleven.
Clark hands Lana the paper. As she takes it, we see the list, including juror eleven.
Lana: Hiram Kent. Wasn't that your grandfather?
Clark: Harry's gonna k*ll my dad.
Cut to a sh*t of Martha Kent, looking out to door of the Kent house at a person standing on her porch. She opens the door.
Martha: Can I help you?
Cut to a sh*t of Harry--young again--standing on the front porch. He's again dressed in the uniform of a utility worker.
Harry: Yeah, got a report about a gas leak. You, uh, mind if I come in?
Martha: Gas leak? I don't smell gas.
Harry: Your husband called about it earlier. Is..is he around?
Martha: He'll be back shortly. Umm..where's our regular gas man, Curt?
Harry: Vacation.
Martha: (Nodding) Oh, that's right. Um...would you excuse me a minute?
Martha closes the door, and goes back into the kitchen. She picks up the cordless phone and starts dialing as she walks away from the door and crossing into the dining room. Her face takes on a shocked look as she hears nothing but static on the line, as if the line's been cut. Harry comes in through the dining room door, holding a length of piano wire in his hands.
Harry: Curt isn't your regular gas man, is he Mrs. Kent?
Martha: (Scared) Wha...what do you want?
Harry: (Shrugs nonchalantly) To k*ll your husband.
Martha: (Shocked) What did Jonathan ever do to you?
Harry: Nothing... (Angrily) ...but his father did.
Harry starts to come after Martha. She reaches behind her and grabs a flower vase off the hutch next to her. She smashes the vase over Harry's head, and he falls to the floor, stunned. Martha takes advantage by running for the door, grabbing her car keys on the way.
Martha bursts out of the door and runs around the house toward her car. Inside we see Harry getting up. Martha gets to her car and starts to unlock the door, but as she looks down, she sees all four of the car's tires have been flattened. She looks around for a place to hide and runs toward the barn as Harry stumbles down the steps of the house.
Cut to a sh*t of Harry wandering around inside the dark barn. He knocks several things off a work bench before finding a large machete Kn*fe on the table. He takes the Kn*fe and calls out to Martha.
Harry: Come on Mrs. Kent! I'm too old for hide and seek!
Cut to a sh*t of a scared looking Martha, huddled inside the empty grain silo. We hear grinding, and cut to a sh*t of Harry sharpening the blade of the Kn*fe on an electric Kn*fe sharpener. Inside the silo, Martha looks for an escape route other than the door she came in. She sees a small vented window close enough to climb out of, but as she approaches it, Harry thrusts the Kn*fe through the vent.
Martha: (screaming) Jonathan!
Harry opens the door to the silo and steps inside, closing the door behind him.
Harry: You can't save him, Mrs. Kent.
Harry steps inside and whistles quietly. Circling each other inside the silo, and he waves the Kn*fe at her. Martha reaches out and grabs a chain hanging in the center of the silo. The chain releases the grate near the top of the silo, allowing the grain stored at the top to come spilling down onto Harry.
Harry: (Shielding himself) Ahhh!
Martha tries to take advantage of the fact that Harry is blinded by the corn dust, and rushes past him toward the door, but she's not quick enough. Harry reaches out and grabs her legs, sending them both toppling to the floor with the grain raining on them. Martha kicks Harry in the stomach and tries to scrabble over the rapidly mounting grain toward the door, but again Harry catches her, and pulls her back. Martha screams and begins kicking and punching Harry, but he manages to hang on to her. They both are coughing as the dust from the grain makes it hard to breathe.
Cut to a sh*t of Jonathan's truck coming up the driveway. We see a blur, and suddenly, Clark is standing in the driveway in front of the truck. Jonathan slams on his brakes to avoid hitting his son.
Clark: Dad! Are you OK?
Jonathan: (Climbing out of the truck) What are you doing? What's the matter?
Clark: (Worried) Where's Mom?
Jonathan: I don't know. What's the matter with you?
Clark: Somebody's trying to k*ll you.
Jonathan: (Looking around, confused) What?
Clark looks around, and sees his mother's car. He focuses his eyesight, and sees that the tires have been flattened. He turns to his father, very worried.
Clark: He's already here.
Cut to a sh*t inside the silo. Martha is coughing and choking on the grain dust. She and Harry are nearly buried by the falling grain, and are struggling weakly to get out. Both of them lose consciousness and are covered completely by the grain.
Clark superspeeds around toward the barn, with Jonathan coming up behind him. Clark focuses his X-ray vision toward the silo and sees two skeletons inside, one obviously female. The female form is still moving, but barely.
Clark: (Upset) No!
Clark rushes to the side of the silo and rips open the door that Martha and Harry entered through. Grain, which is no longer falling from the top of the silo, spills out the door as Clark and Jonathan climb inside. They dig through the grain, trying to find Martha.
Jonathan: Martha! Martha!
Clark: Mom! Mom!
Jonathan: Martha, come on! Martha!
Clark finally uncovers Martha. He hands her off to Jonathan who starts CPR.
Clark: Come on Mom! Breathe!
Jonathan: Martha!
Suddenly, Martha begins gasping for air and coughing. Jonathan helps her sit up.
Jonathan: Are you okay?
Martha: (Gasping) You think...I'd ever leave you two alone?
Clark: Oh man.
Martha reaches out and embraces both Jonathan and Clark tightly.
Martha: (Pulling back to look at Clark) Cassandra was wrong, Clark. Nobody's gonna die.
Clark looks around, and notices Harry's hand sticking up from the grain. It withers and goes from a young hand to a very old hand as Harry dies.
Cut to a sh*t of Cassandra sitting in her room at a desk working on a puzzle. The sun is streaming in her room, so it's obviously the next day. She pauses from her puzzle and listens to the approaching footsteps. She looks toward the door, where we see Lex striding in, smiling and carrying a large bouquet of white roses.
Cassandra: (Getting up from her desk) Well...you're the last person I expected to walk through my door.
Lex: (Holding up the roses) I come bearing gifts.
Cassandra: (Chuckles) So did the Greeks.
Lex grins and enters her room further.
Lex: I wanted to take you up on your offer.
Cassandra: Hmm...I thought you controlled your own destiny.
Lex: (Seriously) I do. But certain things have happened in my life. Signs I don't want to ignore.
Cassandra: What kind of signs?
Lex: I lived when I should have died. There must be a reason for that. You see, I don't want to do good things. (Pauses) I want to do great things.
Cassandra: Well you don't need me for that.
Lex: (Slightly mocking) What's the matter, Cassandra? Are you afraid of what you'll see?
Cassandra sits in a nearby-overstuffed chair.
Cassandra: (Indicating across from her) Sit.
Lex pulls out the ottoman beside Cassandra's chair and sits on it, across from her, the roses still in his hands.
Cassandra: (Chuckles) You've been warned.
Cassandra holds out her hand. Lex looks at it for a second, then sighs and takes it.
A bright flash opens up to the presidential seal on the floor of the Oval Office. We pan up and see Lex, clad in a white suit, standing behind the desk in the Oval Office, looking very Presidential. In a fast forward motion, we see Lex walk over to a set of glass doors leading outside. He opens the doors and looks out. Another bright flash opens and reveals a closeup of Lex's eye. As we pull back, we see Lex, clad in his white suit, standing in the middle of a field of sunflowers with mountains in the background. He looks around, then leans over to sniff one of the flowers. He then brings his black gloved hand up to caress the sunflower. As he does, the sunflower withers and dies. Soon, the entire field has withered and died, leaving Lex standing in a field filled with human bones. Lex looks around, amused. The sky blackens, lightning flashes, and thunder rumbles. Suddenly, the dark clouds become blood red. Lex looks up, studying the sky. As he does several drops of blood land on his suit. He looks confused for a moment, and holds up his arms. We see only one of his hands is clad in a black leather glove, while the other is not. He looks up as the blood raining from the sky falls on him, covering his face and his suit. He holds his arms up, almost embracing the blood rain as it falls, completely covering him.
Another bright flash pulls up back to the present, and we see Cassandra's wide, unseeing eyes as she stares blankly ahead, not saying a word. Lex waits, but finally can't wait anymore.
Lex: (Leaning forward, still holding Cassandra's hand) What did you see?
Cassandra does not answer. Her face remains unchanged.
Lex gives a nervous half smile...then his face clouds. He looks fearful, and almost sick as he realizes Cassandra is d*ad. He pulls his hand back. Breathing heavily and sweating, Lex gets up and takes several steps back, still staring at Cassandra with a look of horror on his face. He glances down and realizes he's still clutching the flowers. He drops them, and we see them fall in slow motion to the floor.
Lex: (Still backing away slowly) I need some help in here! (Backing toward the door, wiping his hands on the front of his coat) Somebody!
A nurse comes in as Lex rushes out the door. He walks toward the windows overlooking the grounds, still wearing an expression of horror, and still wiping his hands on the front of his coat nervously. He stares out the window, taking several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down.
Cut to a sh*t of the nurse checking Cassandra's pulse. She reaches over and closes Cassandra's eyes. We turn to see Clark entering the room, looking very worried.
Nurse: (Upset) I'm sorry son. She's gone.
Clark looks at the nurse, shocked for a second, then looks sadly at Cassandra's body.
Clark: (Amazed) She saw it.
Nurse: Saw what?
Clark: (Sadly) Her future.
END CREDITS | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x06 - Hourglass"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #107 - "Craving"
Original airdate: November 27, 2001
Written by Michael Green
Directed by Phil Sgricca
Opening sh*t of a man (Mr. Melville) walking towards a greenhouse. The sign on the greenhouse says: Melville Nursery.
Cut to the inside of the greenhouse. We see a close-up of someone's hand doing some gardening. The camera pulls back a little and we see Mr. Melville enter the greenhouse. He walks towards the person doing the gardening. We see it is a teenage girl (Jody). She's working with the soil and we see that the soil is littered with green meteor rocks.
Mr. Melville: (Tentatively with his hands in his pockets) You know, uh, if you're not in the mood for my spaghetti, we could always order in Thai.
Jody: (Gardening and not looking at him) No spaghetti, no Thai. I-I want to look good for Lana's birthday party.
Mr. Melville: (Sighing and walking towards Jody beseechingly) I just think that maybe you're focusing a little too hard on this one party.
Close-up of Jody's face. We see that she's rather overweight.
Jody: (Frustrated) It's not just the party. It's everything. It's nobody likes me, and why should they? (She walks away) I'm a cow. (She picks up a carton of produce) But
(With hollow enthusiasm) I've got a new plan -- from now on, no more food just this.
Jody lifts the carton to indicate the vegetables.
Mr. Melville watches her leave with a worried look on his face. He walks over to a bucket that contains a whole bunch of green meteor rocks. He reaches out and grabs one of them, inspecting it.
***
Cut to Smallville High. We see a close-up of Jody pasting pictures of her own face on pictures of the bodies of models from magazines. The camera pulls back and we see Jody cutting the head off one picture.
Chloe comes up to her.
Chloe: (Facetiously) Cutting the heads off supermodels It's kind of redundant, isn't it.
Jody: (Smilling nervously and closing one magazine) Just looking for outfit ideas.
Pete walks up and starts to look at the other magazine that is open on the table. Jody closes it.
Jody: I still don't have anything to wear to Lana's party. What's up?
Chloe: (Hopefully) Uh, Pete and I were kind of hoping you could give us a quick algebra download.
Pete reaches out again to try and look at the magazine on the desk. Jody moves the magazine out of his grasp.
Jody: I thought Clark usually helps you guys.
Pete: (Smiling) He's a little preoccupied helping the birthday girl.
Jody: Oh.
Chloe: (Trying to convince her) We'll even buy you lunch.
Cut to a close-up of Jody pouring a green concoction out of a thermos in front of her locker.
Pete: (Looking at the liquid unenthusiastically) That looks, uh
appetizing.
Cut to Chloe looking grossed-out.
Jody: Losing weight is never pretty.
Jody takes a sip then holds the cup out to Pete who holds up a hand to decline.
Two guys walk over to them. One of the guys (Dustin) is carrying a basketball.
Dustin: Hey, Ross, we're getting a little game together. You want in, (He looks at Jody) or you want to keep whale watching?
The two guys start laughing.
Cut to Jody looking embarrassed. She glances nervously at Pete.
Pete: (Angry) Dustin, back off.
Dustin: Ooh, chill out, cool guy. I didn't know you were a cubby chaser.
Dusting dribbles the basketball, hitting Jody with it and disrupting her drink. The drink gets all over her and Chloe. We see that the green concoction is all over Jody's cloths and face. Pete catches the ball and glares at Dustin.
Dustin: Oh!
Dustin laughs mockingly. Jody rushes off.
Pete: (Calling after her) Jody, wait!
Dustin: (Meanly) Oh, man. You'd think someone that big would have a thicker skin.
With a glare, Pete throws the basketball, hitting Dustin in the forehead.
Chloe: (Stridently) You'd think someone that stupid would have a thicker head.
Chloe rushes off in the direction Jody took. With a glare at Dustin and a frustrated exhalation, Pete follows Chloe.
***
Cut to Jody in her house using a blender to mix more of her green diet concoction.
Mr. Melville: (Standing at the kitchen door) Jody, we've talked about this. Starving yourself isn't the way.
Jody: I'm tired of waiting waiting and weighing and keeping a diary of everything that I eat so that I can feel guilty if I have one extra grape.
Mr. Melville: I understand all of that, but you can't just stop eating. It's not healthy.
Jody pours herself a big glass of green stuff. Mr. Melville walks over to her.
Mr. Melville: Honey, you're beautiful already, just like your mother.
Jody: (Barely looking at him) No, Dad, I'm not. Mom wasn't fat.
Jody drinks the concoction. Mr. Melville looks down and sighs.
Cut to Jody walking into a bathroom. She walks over to a mirror and studies her face in it. She sighs, takes off her shoes and gets on a scale. The scale settles at 168 pounds. Jody starts to get stomach cramps. She pulls her shirt and we can see a weird motion going on in her stomach. All of a sudden, her stomach flattens. Jody looks at her face in the mirror and is shocked to see that her face has thinned out. She gets back on the scale and the number decreases from 168 to 139. Jody looks confused, like she's thinking. She puts a hand to her mouth and looks at a close-up of her face in a small mirror.
***
Cut to someone running on a treadmill. It's Lex Luthor on a treadmill in the office room in his mansion (the room with the desk and the stained glass windows). He's hooked up to a heart monitor and there's a man in a suit (Doctor Vargas) monitoring his progress.
Doctor Vargas: Okay, that's enough.
He approaches Lex, hits a few buttons on the treadmill console and reach up to Lex's face, disconnection the monitoring device while Lex is still running.
Lex: Done already?
Lex gradually slows his pace down.
Doctor Vargas: Yeah. It looks like your heart could go on like that forever.
Lex: Good. Then I won't have to go through this physical nonsense for five years.
Lex gets off the treadmill, wiping his face with a towel that was on the handle. He walks across the room and retrieves a blue bottle of water, and takes a drink.
Doctor Vargas: Well, let's hope not. (He follows Lex across the room) There is one thing I need to talk to you about. (He takes out a pen and pad and starts making notes) Your blood work came in. You have an unusually elevated white cell count.
Lex: What? Like Leukemia? That's not likely. I don't get sick.
Doctor Vargas: Are you on any medication?
Lex: Nope.
Lex sits down at his desk, putting his feet up. The desk has an open laptop computer on it (Titanium Mac), two bottles of blue water, and a bowl of nuts.
Doctor Vargas: Do you have any allergies?
Lex: No.
Doctor Vargas: Childhood illness?
Lex: (Shortly) Asthma.
Doctor Vargas: When did that stop?
Lex: (Facetiously) The day I lost my hair. (He gestures with the bottle) Is this going somewhere?
Doctor Vargas: If this were anywhere else, I'd order a battery of tests, but I do see a lot of this in Smallville.
Lex: Why should Smallville be any different?
Doctor Vargas: (Putting the pen in his suit pocket) Well
Some say it's because the LutherCorp plant has contaminated the environment.
The Doctor starts packing his briefcase.
Lex: I very much doubt that.
Lex has a green apple in his hand from a bowl of apples that was sitting on the windowsill behind his desk.
Lex: Let's order those tests.
Lex walks past the doctor and out of the room.
***
Cut to the front of Lana's house. Cut to the inside. We see Nell walking with another woman with a binder in her hand.
Nell: Now, I want this to be special. What do you think about a 3-tier birthday cake?
They walk across the room and we see that Clark and Lana are sitting at a table, putting away some school books.
Lana: Thanks for the lifeline.
Clark: It's a math midterm. It's not like I pulled you out of a burning building.
Lana gets up from the table and starts putting on her coat.
Lana: I still appreciate it.
Nell: (Standing in the doorway) Lana, I just wanted to get your opinion on the balloons. I think white always looks good.
Lana: (Smiling hesitantly) Works for me.
Nell is smiling and starts heading back into the living room.
Nell: Okay.
Clark gets up from the table, and the two of them head for the door.
Lana: This whole birthday extravaganza has been pretty distracting.
Clark: Having a birthday party at Lex's mansion seems pretty cool to me.
They walk outside onto the porch.
Lana: It stopped being my party a long time ago. If it was up to me, it would be pizza and loud music with my friends.
Clark: Did you tell Nell that?
Lana: We've been through a lot in the past few months. I figure I should give her this one.
As they are walking down the porch steps, a silver truck pulls up and Whitney jumps out hurrying towards Lana.
Whitney: Lana, guess what?
Lana: (Smiling excitedly) The scout called!
Whitney: (Smiling excitedly and pulling Lana into a hug) I just head I go the tryout with Kansas State!
Lana: That's incredible!
Clark: (Looks dejected then calls out to Whitney) Hey, congrats.
Whitney looks at Clark, then ignores him.
Whitney: (To Lana) I haven't said yes yet. They want me there on Saturday, but that's your big night.
Lana: It's Nell's big night. I was just telling Clark it wasn't important.
Clark: Yeah, scout's honor.
Lana: I want you to go.
Whitney kisses Lana.
Clark: (Looking uncomfortable) Hey, I'll catch up with you guys later.
***
Cut to Smallville High. Pete, Clark and Chloe are walking together outside the school.
Pete: Clark, I'm telling you this is good news for you.
Clark: Kansas State gives Whitney a full scholarship and Lana gives him a tongue bath. How is that good news?
Chloe: Even I'm having a hard time following the skewed Ross logic.
Pete: Lana's gonna be dateless for her own party.
The three of them walk past Jody, who is sitting at a picnic table, without seeing her.
Jody: (Calling out) Hi. Pete.
The three of them turn around. Jody gets up from her seat. She's obviously thinner.
Pete: (Shocked) Jody?
Pete walks towards Jody.
Chloe: You look
Jody: Thinner?
Chloe: (Walking over) I was still looking for an euphemism, but yeah.
Clark: Are you okay?
Jody: Never better. My diet's just starting to pay off. I bought some new clothes.
Pete: (Smiling) You look great.
Jody: Thank you for sticking up for me yesterday. Most people wouldn't have done that.
Pete: Most people can't stand Dustin.
Jody: Yeah. (She laughs a little, nervously) Listen
I was wondering do you have a date for Lana's party?
Pete stares at her, speechless. Jody looks at him worriedly. Clark pokes Pete in the back, prodding him to respond. Pete is still dumbstruck so Clark answers for him.
Clark: no, he's still free.
Jody: Would you like to go with me?
Pete takes a deep breath, smiling stupidly, still dumbstruck. Clark pokes him again.
Clark: He'd love to.
Jody: (Smiling) Great. Okay, well, I'll see you later.
Pete: (Softly) Bye.
Pete turns, watching Jody walk away.
Chloe: I don't get it.
Pete: (Glaring at Chloe) Women dig me. Get used to it.
Chloe: No, I mean Jody It's like she lost that weight overnight.
Clark: (Grinning) If she could, half the school would be after that secret.
Chloe: Let's go.
***
Cut to the Kent Kitchen. Martha is making a coffee. Lana appears at the screen door.
Lana: Hello.
Martha: Lana! Hi. Come in.
Jonathan: Hey, Lana, can I, uh, interest you in a latte?
Lana: I'll pass bad waitressing flashbacks. I brought over the produce order for the party.
Lana hands Martha a list.
Martha: Well, you could have called it in.
Lana: and miss a chance to get out of the house? Nell's planning this party like a royal wedding.
Martha: Oh, yeah, I can tell.
Cut to Clark backing in through the kitchen door, carrying three crates of apples. He maneuvers the crates across the kitchen without looking around and noticing that Lana is there.
Clark: Dad, I got the post in the west field. (He puts the crates on a counter) I h*t some granite, but I jammed it through.
Clark turns around and notices Lana. He stops talking nervously. Everyone is mired in a nervous silence. Lana looks around confused.
Lana: Very impressive.
Clark: I had a sledgehammer.
Lana: Aah.
Jonathan: (Dropping a spoon in the sink with a flourish) Somebody's gotta work around here.
Clark nods his head at Lana, indicating that she should follow him into the other room. Martha stands in the kitchen, listening to their conversation covertly.
Clark: I though you'd be posing for ice sculptures by now.
Lana: I'm hiding out.
Clark: You have my sympathies, and Whitney's not even here for backup.
Lana: I know. I was contemplating stowing away in the back of his truck on Saturday.
Clark: A no-show at your own party that would keep the town talking.
Lana: I wouldn't do that to Nell. It's just
All this attention is a little unnerving.
Clark; Well, if you'd like, I could be your escort on Saturday.
Cut to Martha perking up at the offer. Lana looks a little nervous, and Clark adds hurriedly
Clark: You know, so I can fend off the throngs of adoring fans.
Cut to Martha making a face.
Lana: (Looks down, smiling) I'd like that.
Clark: Great.
Lana: I better go. Um, if I'm away too long Nell will probably send out a search party.
Lana grins and turns towards the door. Suddenly, she stops and turns back around.
Lana: And, Clark
Promise me you'll make it this time.
Clark: I promise.
Lana smiles and nods her head.
Lana: (To Martha as she heads out) Thanks. Bye.
Martha: (To Clark) Escort to fend off the adoring fans?
Clark: What's wrong with that?
Martha: Nothing, Clark. I just don't want to see you get hurt.
Clark: Mom, Lana and I are just friends.
Martha: Okay. I'm
I'm officially butting out. So, what are you gonna get her for her birthday?
Clark: I don't know. Any ideas?
Martha: My mother always said the best gifts come from the heart.
Clark looks serious, nods.
***
Cut to Jody in the kitchen of her house, standing at a blender, mixing a concoction. Mr. Melville walks into the room.
Mr. Melville: Jody, you feeling okay? You look a little
He walks towards her.
Jody: Uh yeah, don't worry, Dad. I'm feeling great. I even got a date for Lana's party.
Mr. Melville: Jody, that's terrific, but I want you to eat something more than those, uh, shake things, all right?
Jody: You know what? I will. I'm done counting calories.
Mr. Melville: Oh, I've gotta go. Don't stay up too late.
Jody: Okay. Bye.
He walks out of the kitchen. Jody starts drinking a big glass of green liquid.
Cut to Jody getting on a scale in her bathroom. The scale reads 137, then decreases to 134. Jody pulls up her shirt, looking at her stomach which is rumbling. The scale decreases to 112. Jody looks very happy for a moment, then looks suddenly ravenous. She licks her lips.
Cut to Jody opening her refrigerator. She starts stuffing food into her mouth frantically. She makes a big mess. Food is on the floor. She is frantically grabbing food from everywhere. Stuffing it into her mouth. Finally, she falls to the floor. We can hear her stomach rumbling. Suddenly, Jody jumps up and grabs the blender with the green concoction in it, throwing it against the wall in a fury. She's upset and panting.
***
Cut to a person driving a car at night in the rain. It's Jody. She has a bunch of fast food on the seat next to her and she's stuffing her face. She's driving and eating, and suddenly, she hits a deer. She screams as the deer smashes into her windshield and the car careens out of control. The car comes to a stop. Jody is unhurt, but she's breathing heard. We see the deer laying d*ad on the road. Jody gets out of the car slowly, looking at the deer. She makes her way over to it. She grabs her stomach as if she's in pain, and falls down on her knees next to the carcass. Suddenly, her mouth opens impossibly wide and she starts to att*ck the deer, seeming to be eating it, or sucking on it.
***
Cut to Clark in the loft looking through his telescope. He's watching Lana and Whitney sitting on Lana's porch. Whitney seems to be giving Lana a book. Lana smiles and hugs him. Clark sighs and looks up from the telescope. He looks back down again, watching Lana and Whitney.
Chloe: Getting your morning Lana fix?
Clark jerks upright, stepping back from the telescope, startled.
Clark: Chloe, don't you ever knock?
Chloe: It's a barn, Clark.
Clark: Is there a reason you're here so early or do just enjoy busting my chops?
Chloe: (Smiling) Little of both. Did you hear about the accident last night? A deer was his on Route 5.
Clark: That's not exactly Wall of Weird material.
Chloe: Check out the paper. (She passes a paper to him) Animal control said that the deer died of causes unknown.
Clark passes the paper back.
Clark: So?
Chloe: (Scoffing) Well
Not much unknown about a bumper at 60 miles an hour.
Clark: I'd love to run down theories with you, but I've got chores to do. I still haven't figured out what to get Lana for her birthday.
Clark and Chloe head down the loft stairs.
Chloe: Well, you or your family knows people at animal control, right?
Clark: One of the perks of growing upon a farm.
Chloe: Well, I was thinking, maybe we could stop by there before school. You could use your pull. We could take a couple of pictures. I'll help you out with your gift-giving dilemma.
Clark: Okay. But I want it to be something unique.
Chloe: Just don't make it as unique as what you gave me last year.
***
Cut to the animal control offices. Chloe and Clark are standing outside of a locked examination room. They can see the deer through the glass.
Chloe: Very impressive use of pull: Can I use your bathroom?
Clark: I can't believe we're creeping around looking for road k*ll.
Chloe: The deer's in there. (She tries the doorknob) The door's locked. Um, I'm gonna go find a maintenance worker.
As Chloe walks away to find help, Clark uses his super strength on the doorknob. He opens the door.
Clark: (Calling out) Chloe, it's open.
Chloe: How'd you do that?
Clark: Kent charm.
The walk into the room. Chloe pulls out her camera and Clark shuts the shades.
Chloe: (Elbowing Clark) Lift it up. Go.
Clark lifts the sheet covering the deer. He grimaces.
Clark: Looks like jerky.
Chloe looks around, spots a lab report, picks it up and starts reading.
Chloe: The lab report says the deer lost something like 80% of its body fat. It's like it's been liposuctioned to death.
Clark: (Facetiously) What do you think it is, Chloe some fat-sucking vampire in town?
Chloe: This is Smallville, Clark land of the weird, home of the strange.
Chloe takes a picture.
***
Cut to a man typing on a keyboard. It's Lex and he's pulling up the Smallville Torch website. He's sitting at his desk, drinking orange juice. The Torch website has a Special report as the lead article: Smallville: America's Strangest Town. Lex looks at the screen thoughtfully.
***
Cut to Mr. Melville standing outside the closed door to the bathroom in his house. He knocks on the door.
Mr. Melville: (Calling out worriedly) Jody, honey, are you are you okay in there?
The camera pans a bunch of pictures of Jody and her father pasted to the bathroom mirror.
Jody: (Calling off screen) Yeah, Dad, I'm fine.
Mr. Melville: Well, I-I'm afraid I've got some bad news. I've got to go to Metropolis for a few days, or I'm gonna lose this client.
Jody: When will you be back?
Mr. Melville: Not till Sunday morning, which means I'm gonna miss your big date.
Jody: It's okay. It's no big deal.
Mr. Melville: Well, do you think maybe I could see you before I leave?
Jody: Oh. I'm kind of indecent at the moment.
Mr. Melville: Honey, I think that maybe we need to talk to somebody.
Jody: I don't need a shrink.
Mr. Melville: I just want you to look in a mirror and be happy.
He reaches out a hand to turn the doorknob.
Jody: Daddy, I am.
Mr. Melville stops, pulls his hand back from the doorknob, shaking his head. He walks away from the door.
Cut to a close-up of Jody, sitting on the floor in the bathroom, looking at a picture of her and her father. She smiles. The camera pulls back and we get a look at the entire room. Food is littered all over the place. The room is a catastrophe site.
***
Cut to a view of the outside of Smallville High, then to the Torch office. We see Lex looking at the Wall of Weird.
Clark: (To Lex from off screen) Most of my friends are trying to get out of high school.
Lex turns around.
Lex: (Smiling a little) I was meeting with your principal. Apparently, you guys are in dire need of a new computer lab. I figured I could help.
Clark is standing in the doorway. He walks further into the room and puts his jacket on the back of a chair.
Clark: They might even name a lunch special after you. How'd you end up here?
Lex: My plant manager, Gabe. He's always going on about his daughter, the reporter in the Torch. Thought Id drop by and say hello. She wasn't around, but I was struck by this.
Lex turns back towards the Wall of Weird.
Clark: That's Chloe's hobby. She thinks she can trace all the freak things in Smallville to the meteor shower.
Lex: Interesting theory.
Clark: Most people think its crazy.
Lex: Maybe. (He turns towards Clark) Do you remember where you were when it fell?
Clark: (Looking down) Not really. My parents hadn't adopted me yet.
They both lean against the top of two desks.
Lex: I do. I was right here in Smallville. My mother wanted me to spend some quality time with my dad. He brought me here on a business trip just a quick hop to Smallville to finalize a deal. Funny how one day can change your whole life.
Clark: What happened?
Lex: I was out in a cornfield when the first meteor h*t. It was like a tidal wave coming at me. Then everything went black. Next thing I remember, I was waking up in Metropolis General completely bald.
Clark: (Looking down, upset) Lex, I didn't know.
Lex: (Laughing ironically) Not many people do, Clark. He gets up and walks towards the wall. I should've died that day. Instead I walked away with this.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lex: Why? It's not your fault.
Lex: When I was younger, I though it was a curse. Kids figured I was a freak or on chemo. Then I began to see it as my gift, the thing that defined me, that gave me strength.
Clark: Do you ever wonder what you'd be like, you know, if you hadn't come that day?
Lex: (Smiles a little, shaking his head) It doesn't matter, Clark. It happened. Personally, I think my future's gonna be brighter than that spoiled, rich brat who walked into that cornfield.
Clark smiles a little, uncomfortably.
Chloe walks into the office.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor.
Lex turns towards her, smiling.
Lex: It's Lex.
Lex walks towards her and shakes her hand.
Lex: Clark was just telling me your meteor theory. I like it. Especially since most people think my company is secretly behind everything that goes wrong in Smallville.
Chloe: That's the reigning theory.
Lex: Are you the only on that blames the meteors instead of me?
Chloe: Pretty much. Well, there is Mr. Hamilton.
Clark: Except most people don't have too high a regard for a guy who sells plastic meteor chips to tourists.
Lex: Doesn't exactly inspire confidence. (Cut to Clark shaking his head. To Chloe) Call me when you're looking for a summer job. I've got friends over at the Inquisitor. (To Clark) I'll see you tomorrow. I hear you're escorting the birthday girl. Nice work.
Lex turns to leave the office, heading out the doorway.
Clark: (Defensively, looking nervous and calling out after Lex) We're just going as friends.
Lex: (Stopping and turning back towards Clark) Sure you are. Hope you got her a nice gift.
Lex smiles a little, then heads out the door.
Clark: Yeah.
Cut to the school hallway. Jody is pulling some things out of her locker. Pete appears.
Pete: Jody, I didn't see you in class. Are you okay?
Jody: Yeah, I'm fine. Just stomach flu. I can't keep anything down.
They start walking down the hallway.
Pete: Maybe you should go see the nurse.
Jody: I've got it under control.
Pete: Are you sure you're okay?
They stop walking.
Jody: I'm fine. I just need to rest up for tomorrow night.
Pete: Look, if you don't feel up to it, I'll understand.
Jody: (Smiling) Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world.
She walks off. We see her stop by the stair well. She's having stomach cramps. We see Dustin standing on the staircase.
Dustin: (Calling out) Hey, Jody, I've been watching you.
Jody: I'll bet you have.
Jody walks up the stairs towards him.
Dustin: Hitting the gym was a good idea.
Jody: You should take your own advice.
She looks him up and down but then hunches over in pain as she has another stomach contraction.
Dustin: Whoa. You all right?
Jody: I'm just a little hungry.
Jody runs her hand over her stomach seductively. Dustin watches.
Dustin: Huh.
Jody: (With a sexy tone of voice) You, uh, like what you see?
Dustin: (Smirking) Totally.
Jody: (Walking closer to Dustin and whispering huskily) I'll bet you wouldn't mind seeing a little bit more, would you? (Dustin smirks) Follow me.
***
Cut to the outside of the school, by the track. Lana is sitting in the bleachers. Clark walks up.
Clark: Confederacy of Dunces.
Lana: First edition.
Clark: Early birthday gift?
Clark sits down next to her.
Lana: From Whitney. I couldn't believe it.
Clark: It's a cool gift.
Lana: That's the thing with Whitney. Sometimes I think he's a million miles away, and then he surprises me with something like this.
Clark smiles wistfully, and Lana looks down.
Clark: How are things on the party front?
Lana: I surrendered. I told Nell to make the final decisions without me.
Clark: I cannot believe how anti-birthday you are. Haven't you ever had a happy birthday?
Lana: Once. I went to a drive-in.
Clark: That doesn't sound like Nell's style.
Lana: It was with my parents. My dad pulled the car up the front row so that the screen filled up the entire windshield. I remember feeling all grown up because I got to sit in the front seat with them. The played Bugs Bunny cartoons before the movie started. I was cold, so my mom wrapped me up in her sweater.
Clark: That sounds nice.
Lana: I fell asleep before the movie even started between my mom and dad. That's the last time I can remember feeling completely safe.
Clark: That's a great memory.
They smile at each other. In the distance we can see Dustin and Jody walking. The enter some sort of room under the bleachers. Jody takes off her jacket.
Dustin: Hey
We're fine. No one's gonna see us.
Jody: Good.
Dustin: (Moving behind Jody and putting his arms around her) You don't think I, uh, I ever meant that stuff I said about you when you were
Jody: Fat? You thought it was funny calling me names, making me cry, making me wish that I were d*ad rather than fat.
Dustin: (Smirks) Well, what can I say?
Jody: You can say you're sorry. (She att*cks him)
Dustin: (Screaming) Ahhhh!
Cut to Clark walking outside. He hears something. H walks over to the door to the room to investigate. He uses his X-ray vision to see into the room. He sees two skeletons struggling, one obviously attacking the other. Clark kicks the door in, using his super speed to rush to Dustin's rescue. We see Clark walking cautiously. As he passes by a steam pipe, Jody, hidden somewhere at a distance, releases the valve, causing steam to go sh**ting towards Clark's face. Clark simply reaches out and bends the pipe, halting the steam. Suddenly, Dustin jumps up and across Clark. Clark looks at him in disgust. Almost all of his body fat has been drained away, and he's emaciated. Jody is nowhere in sight.
***
Cut to a country road. We see a mailbox with the name Hamilton. We see a dilapidated stand with a sign that says, Meteor Rocks $5. We see a black sports car pull into the driveway. The license plate says: LX LTHR. Lex gets out of the car and looks around.
Cut to a sh*t of a barn. Cut to the inside of the barn. We see Lex walking through the door. There's lab equipment everywhere. Lex walks across the room. We see a shelf with a bunch of tagged meteor rocks and a green liquid in a jar. Lex reaches out to touch one of the rocks.
Hamilton: (Calling out from off screen) Ah! Don't
Touch that! (Lex turns around quickly and we see Dr. Hamilton holding a couple of boxes) You're not sterile and you're not me.
Lex: My apologies, Dr. Hamilton.
Hamilton: (With disgust) Ugh. You don't have a website, do you?
Lex: Excuse me?
Hamilton: They're usually the ones who track me down freaks with websites.
Lex: I'm just a fan.
Hamilton: Ah.
Lex: Lex Luthor.
Lex holds out his hand. Hamilton ignores it.
Hamilton: The billionaire's son? Mineralogists don't have fans. (He nods his head) Come on. (He walks away)
Lex: Most mineralogists didn't handle the first Apollo moon rocks.
Hamilton: That was a lifetime ago, when I was a respectable scientist.
Lex walks over to Hamilton and picks up a test tube with green liquid in it.
Lex: You know, we may have a few things in common. I was kicked out of Metropolis University, too.
Hamilton snatches the test tube away from Lex.
Hamilton: Uh-huh.
Lex: Ever since I found out about a medical condition I have, I've become very interested in your work, Dr. Hamilton.
Hamilton: And you think it has something to do with the meteors.
Lex: Isn't that your theory? That meteors somehow alter cellular makeup? That sounds to me like research worth funding.
Hamilton: (Laughing derisively) Yeah, well, sorry, my funding is private, and so are my results.
Lex: Your funding comes from tourists.
Hamilton: If you are so interested in meteors, here, take one. Enjoy it. I have nothing else for sale.
Hamilton pushes a large meteor rock into Lex's hands.
Lex turns away and is studying the rock.
Lex: When you change your mind, you know where to find me.
Lex leaves. Hamilton watches him as he goes, and sighs.
***
Cut to the lunchroom at Smallville High. We see Chloe and Clark walking with lunch trays.
Chloe: I called the hospital this morning. Dustin's in a coma. His body went into shock from the loss of fat. He hasn't told the police anything.
Clark is sipping some chocolate milk.
Clark: Time to revisit the fat-sucking vampire theory.
Chloe: You know, if you hadn't been there, he probably would have died, Clark.
Clark: What I can't figure out is why anybody would want to steal body fat.
Chloe: I know, it takes eating disorders to a whole new level.
They approach a table where Jody is sitting.
Clark: Jody.
Jody: Hi, guys. What's up? Jody is sitting at the table eating a whole lot of food.
Chloe: Uh, study group, remember?
Jody: Totally slipped my mind.
Chloe: (Looking at what Jody's eating) So, no more veggie shakes, huh?
She looks at Clark in surprise.
Clark: Are you feeling okay? Pete said you felt sick yesterday.
Jody: Oh, that. I'm fully recovered.
Chloe: I guess it's safe to say that the diet's finally over.
Jody: (Stuffing her mouth) Mmm, I'm starving. I haven't eaten anything all day. (Both Clark and Chloe are staring at Jody and the way she's eating) I'm just a little nervous about the party tonight.
Chloe: Yeah.
Jody continues to stuff her face. She looks up and sees Clark staring at her in shock.
Jody: So, um, I'll see you guys tonight.
She rushes away from the table, grabbing some snacks as she goes.
Chloe: Okay, what was that about?
Clark: I don't know. I gotta fly. We'll talk about this later?
Chloe: Okay. Hey, where are you going?
Clark: I'm still working on Lana's birthday gift.
Chloe: Any hints?
Clark: Yeah, it's not a gift certificate.
Clark leaves and Chloe grabs a bag of cookies off the table and starts eating them.
***
cut to a view of the Luthor mansion. Cut to the inside of the house. We see people setting up for a party. We see Lana standing on a balcony watching the activity. Lex walks up to her.
Lex: What do you think?
Lana: It's really
Lex: Not you at all. (Lana sighs, smiling) I heard the quarterback couldn't make it. Too bad.
Lana: I knew you'd be devastated. Whitney's trying out for a football scholarship to Kansas State. Didn't think he made the cut, but then someone fell out.
Lex: I know.
Lana gives Lex a suspicious look as if he had something to do with it.
Lex gives Lana an innocent look.
Lex: Your aunt told me. (He smiles a little) I like your new escort better. (Lana shakes her head) Have fun tonight.
Lex walks away.
***
Cut to the Kent house. We see Martha ironing a blue shirt. Clark walks down the stairs in Khakis and a white t-shirt. He sits down on a step and ties a shoe.
Clark: Mom, you almost done?
Martha: Relax, Clark, you're not gonna be late for once. By the way, did you figure out what to get Lana?
Clark: Yeah, Lex helped me out.
Martha: So what is it?
Clark: I thought you were butting out of this.
Clark gets up and walks over to her.
Martha: (Sarcastically) Then you'd better learn how to iron.
She passes him the shirt. Clark puts it on.
Chloe walks into the house in a rush.
Martha: Hi, Chloe.
Chloe: Hi, Mrs. Kent.
She rushes up to Clark and tries to hand him a piece of paper.
Chloe: Clark, take a look at this.
Clark: Chloe, why aren't you dressed?
Chloe: I didn't have time. Clark, you really, really need to check this out.
Clark takes the paper and starts reading it out loud.
Clark: Smallville body and fender replaced windshield, replaced side panels. Cause of accident Impact with deer.
Chloe: It was Jody's car, Clark.
Clark: What do you think happened to her?
Chloe: Her house is built right next to one of the big meteor hits.
Clark: And she lost all that weight by drinking juice from vegetables grown in the soil in her greenhouse.
Chloe: It must have done something to her metabolism. She's losing weight too fast to keep up with regular food.
Clark: And that's why she needs body fat.
Clark: We need to find her.
Clark rushes past Chloe.
Chloe: (Catching his attention) Jody wouldn't let anything keep her from getting to that party.
Clark: (Thinking for a minute) Pete.
Clark rushes out.
***
Cut to Jody's house. She has on a sleeveless red dress and is admiring her slender self in a mirror.
Jody: Perfect.
She hears the doorbell.
Cut to Pete standing outside Jody's front door holding a bouquet of flowers. Jody opens the door.
Pete: Whoa. Hi.
Jody: Hi.
Pete: Perfect flowers for a perfect date.
Pete offers her the flowers and she takes them.
Jody: Thank you.
She turns off the light in her house, steps outside and shuts the door. The start walking towards Pete's car arm in arm.
Jody: They're beautiful, Pete.
Pete: So's that dress.
Jody: Thanks. It was my mom's.
Pete pulls the car keys out of his pocket. All of a sudden, we hear Jody's stomach rumbling. She stops d*ad in her tracks and looks distressed.
Pete: Something wrong?
Jody: I'm fine. I just need to eat.
Pete is looking at her suspiciously. Her stomach rumbles again.
Pete: that doesn't sound right. Maybe we should go to the hospital.
Pete takes her are to lead her to the car but Jody gets distressed. She pulls her arm away from him and backs up.
Jody starts walking backwards towards her house in distress.
Jody: You've always been good to me, Pete. (She turns and runs towards her front door calling out) Please, go away now!
Pete: (Calling out) Jody!
Jody: (Opening the front door) Go away!
Jody goes inside the house and slams the door shut.
Pete: Jody, wait!
Cut to the inside of Jody's house. It's dark and Pete is standing outside knocking on the front door.
Pete: Jody. Jody, come on! Jody! (He turns the knob and walks into the house) Jody? Jody, where are you?
Pete starts walking up the stairs.
Jody calls out to Pete from the kitchen crying.
Jody: Pete, please get away!
Pete heads back down the stairs, in the direction of her voice.
Jody: (Crying for off screen) It's all my fault.
Pete: Jody?
Jody: (Crying off screen) I just wanted to be skinny. There's only so much a person can take.
We see the flowers Pete gave her on the floor as Pete walks slowly towards the kitchen.
Jody: Pete, please, go home.
Pete: Come on, Jody, you don't have to hide.
Jody: I don't want to hurt you.
Pete: Come on, Jody, you couldn't hurt a
Pete finds Jody sitting on the kitchen floor, crying in a corner.
Pete: Just tell me what's happening.
Jody: (Harshly) Please
Leave.
Jody looks up at Pete violently then gets up and att*cks him, knocking him to the floor. Pete is knocked out. Jody is crouched over Pete. Her mouth opens wide as she prepares to drain him.
Cut to Clark walking through the front door.
Clark: (Calling out) Jody? Pete?
Jody stops what she's doing and looks around in shock. She gets up and rushes out the kitchen door. Pete starts to revive. Clark sees him on the floor and rushes to his side.
Clark: Pete, are you okay? Pete, what's wrong?
Clark looks over at the kitchen door, and then takes off after Jody. He rushes outside, looking around. Clark looks over towards the greenhouse, and then uses his super speed to jet over there. He rushes into the greenhouse.
Clark: Jody!
Clark starts to looks sick. He looks around and sees meteor rocks all over the place. Suddenly, Jody sneaks up behind him and hits him over the head with a shovel. Clark falls to the ground.
Jody: Why can't you just leave me alone?
Clark: (Trying to struggle up) You're sick. Whatever you did to yourself you can get help.
Jody: All I wanted was to be thin!
Jody goes to his him again but he ducks. She goes to h*t him again and he catches the shovel with his hand. Jody kicks him.
Clark: (Struggling to get up) Jody, this isn't you.
Jody: (Mockingly) What? Isn't this what I'm supposed to look like?
Jody hits Clark in the face with the shovel, knocking him out outside through a glass partition. She raises the shovel over her head, preparing to finish Clark off, but then stops in horror as she sees her own reflection in the shards of broken glass. Jody turns away.
Jody: Look at me, I'm a freak.
We see Clark getting up behind her.
Jody: I know how to stop this for good.
Jody uses the shovel to smash a gas pipe. She looks around for something to ignite an expl*si*n. She spies the halogen lamps hanging from the ceiling. Jody goes to use the shovel to smash the lamps.
Clark is struggling up and grabbing a hold of her, trying to stop her.
Clark: No
Wait
Cut to an outside view of the greenhouse. The greenhouse explodes.
Cut to Pete walking outside through the kitchen door of Jody's house. He's rubbing his head.
Pete: (Calling out) Jody!
Pete sees the burning greenhouse. He runs over there.
Cut to Clark laying Jody down on the ground. She's unconscious.
Clark: (Calling out) Pete! Get over here. Quick!
Pete walks over and kneels down by Jody.
Pete: Clark, is she okay?
Clark: I think so, but we need to get her to a hospital.
***
Cut to Lana at her party. She's standing outside on the balcony of the Luthor mansion. She looks upset. Lex walks out and joins her.
Lex: Sneaking out, huh? Isn't this your shindig?
Lana: Says so on all the invitations.
Lex: Right. You're not hiding. You're getting some air. I spent 18 years of Luthor Christmas parties in the coatroom.
Lana: I'm still waiting for my reinforcements.
Lex: I know Clark. He'll be here. If he can.
Lana: (Shaking her head) It's just a birthday.
Lex smiles at her a little, then heads back inside. Lana sighs.
***
Cut to the Kent house. Clark walks through the door. Jonathan and Martha are in the living room sitting by a fireplace.
Martha: (Worriedly) Clark, what happened? The police called.
Clark: I'm fine.
Jonathan: How's Pete?
Clark: He's got a serious migraine, but other than that, he's okay. Jody Melville's on the way to Metropolis General. Her father's gonna meet her there.
Martha: (Sympathetically, reaching out and touching his hand) Clark, I'm sorry about the party.
Clark: (Sitting down) I promised Lana I'd be there. I can't believe I let her down.
Jonathan: Well, when you do the things you do, Son helping people then sometimes you have to make sacrifices.
Clark: Like Lana?
Martha: Maybe, but you made your choice.
Jonathan: where are you going?
Clark; I don't have to sacrifice everything.
Clark rushes out of the house. Jonathan and Martha look after him with perplexed smiles.
***
Cut to Lex sitting in the office in his house. He has an envelope in his hand with a return address that says: Doctor Vargas, 1401 Alma Street, Metropolis, KA 66632-2423. Lex sighs and uses a letter opener to open the envelope. He reads the letter, then looks up thoughtfully and crumples it.
Cut to Hamilton in his lab working on a large meteor rock. Lex walks in.
Hamilton: (Mockingly) Back for some more rocks?
Lex: Apparently, I have a clean bill of health.
Hamilton: Congratulations. I guess that means you won't be bothering me any more.
Lex: I couldn't figure out why you're so resistant to accept my help. Then I had a friend do some digging. And here I thought you got kicked out of Metropolis University for your meteor theories, but apparently, it was your student/teacher relations. I wonder if the Smallville police have you registered.
Hamilton: Get out.
Lex: I want you to look at something.
Lex pulls an envelope out of his jacket pocket. Hamilton takes the envelope and opens it.
Lex: I don't care about the past. I believe in the power to reinvent your self. You want to prove to the world you've been right all along? That check should cover your vindication.
We see that the check is made out for one hundred thousand dollars. It's drawn on Lex Luthor's personal account.
Hamilton: (Sighing) What you're looking for could take years.
Lex: (Leaning close to him) I'm a patient man.
Lex walks towards the door.
Hamilton: (Calling out after him) Tell me why does a billionaire's son care so much about a bunch of rocks that fell out of the sky 12 years ago?
Lex: (Stopping, but not turning) I save that story for the people I trust.
Lex leaves.
Hamilton studies the envelop.
***
Cut to Lana's house. We see Clark throwing rocks at her bedroom window. Lana comes to the window in her pajamas.
Lana: You kind of missed cocktail hour.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lana: I told you I stopped believing in happy birthdays a long time ago.
Clark: Well, maybe I can change that. Look, I know I blew it tonight, but at least let me give you your present.
Lana: When?
Clark; (smiling a little) Now.
Lana smiles and heads into her house to get dressed.
Cut to Clark and Lana sitting in a truck watching cartoons projected on the side of a barn, like a drive-in movie. Lana is drinking soda and Clark is eating popcorn. Lana looks delighted. She's smiling and watching the show avidly.
Lana: Pass the popcorn.
Clark: Lana
Lana: Yeah?
Clark: Happy birthday.
Lana: Shh.
Clark laughs and ducks his head. Then he looks up and over at Lana and smiles happily.
The camera pulls back. We see Bugs Bunny on the movie screen.
That's All Folks flashes across the screen. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x07 - Craving"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #108 - "Jitters"
Original airdate: December 11, 2001
Written by Michael Green
Directed by Phil Sgricca
Act 1 Teaser
The camera pans the outside of the Kent house. We see Jonathan working underneath a blue pick-up truck.
Day. We hear a clank.
Jonathan: Son of a g*n! (He sits up and puts his finger in his mouth)
CUT TO Martha in the kitchen.
Martha: What else? Oh, don't use the upstairs bathroom. It's backed up. I have to snake the pipes.
Clark: Where's the leftover pizza?
Martha: Fridge, second shelf. You can nuke the chili for dinner. (Clark, wearing head phones, doesn't answer) Clark? (Martha removes them from one ear) Some clue you actually heard me.
Clark: Upstairs bathroom off limits, after nuking the chili dinner.
Martha: Glad to see your hearing hasn't changed.
Jonathan: (From outside) Clark! Can I get a hand out here please?
CUT TO outside.
Jonathan: Hey. Son, would you, uh...
Clark: Sure.
Jonathan: Thanks. (Clark picks up back end of truck) Truck picked one heck of a day to snap an exhaust hanger.
Martha: Okay, I left the number of our hotel on the nightstand. I think that's everything.
Jonathan: That ought to do it. (Clark puts truck down) I'm definitely raising your allowance.
Martha: If you need anything--
Clark: Call. Mom, it's a couple of nights in Metropolis. I'll be fine.
Jonathan: I'm sure he'll be fine. And soon, madam, so shall we be.
Clark: Oh, I almost forgot. Sorry. (He pulls out an envelope with Mom and Dad handwritten on it) Happy anniversary.
Martha: Sweetheart. Bye-bye.
Jonathan: Clark, thanks for the card. Hey, think fast. (Throws rag he was using)
CUT TO sh*t of Metropolis buildings at night. Then a baby's mobile playing Lullaby.
Mother: Good night, little one. (Pulls covers up to baby's chin) Shh. (Leaves room)
We see a shadow crossing the room to the crib.
Man: Don't worry. Daddy's gonna get better. (His hands start to shake uncontrollably. The crib shakes with him)
Mother: (Re-enters) Hello? Is someone there? (The room is empty) It's okay, honey. It's just thunder.
CUT TO outside LuthorCorp in the rain. The same man is there, still shaking. He reaches inside his coat for his pills. They fall and scatter. He picks up a few and takes them.
CUT TO inside of LuthorCorp where a janitor is polishing the floor and listening to loud music. The man knocks on the glass door.
Man: Will!
Will: Earl? What are you doing here?
Earl: I need to see Lionel Luthor. I know he's here.
Will: Sorry, man. You know I can't let you in here.
Earl: They did something to me at his plant in Smallville.
Will: Earl, see, that's the talk that got yourself canned, all right? Now, if you got a problem, get some help.
Earl: I tried, they can't do anything. It's getting worse. Please, let me in.
Will: Earl, don't make me call security, all right? Just go home and dry off. (Earl begins to shake) What the hell? Earl? (The shaking breaks the glass) What the hell are you doing Earl?!
Earl: If I don't get an answer, I'm gonna die.
Will: No, no, no, we gotta get you to a doctor.
Earl: They can't do anything. Nobody can.
Earl begins to shake again, unconsciously grabbing Will's neck and snapping it.
Earl: Will? Will? (He flees the scene)
(Opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark, Chloe, and Pete are walking to the bus stop. Day.
Pete: What are you gonna do now that you're officially home alone?
Clark: I was thinking of having a few people over.
Chloe: Do my ears deceive me or is Clark Kent actually suggesting a party?
Clark: A small gathering. You guys, a few other people, maybe even Lana.
Chloe: With or without her possible action-figure boyfriend?
Clark: 8 o'clock. And remember, the key word is small.'
Chloe: Small?
Act 1 Scene 2
Loud music and Clark's house full of dancing high school students. Night.
Chloe: (Yelling over the music.) So, this is what you call a small gathering, right?
Clark: Do you even recognize half these people? (To someone else) Hey, watch the glass! (We hear glass shattering)
Another sh*t of the party and back to Clark sitting down. A sweating partier sits next to him.
Boy: Dude, I think I'm gonna hurl. (Clark uses his super speed to run to the kitchen and grab a bowl which he places under the boy's face just before he vomits) Thanks.
Clark goes to the kitchen and attempts to tidy up.
Lana: (From behind him) Pretty cool party.
Clark: (Turning around) Lana, thanks. It's kind of impromptu. I figure sometimes you just have to kick back and blow off some steam.
Lana: If I had a hundred people trashing my house, I'd be a little freaked out.
Clark: After the first few dishes, you kind of get used to it.
Lana: I don't think I'd be brave enough to risk it.
Clark: I don't know, Lana. I bet you're braver than you think. So you're flying solo tonight?
Lana: You mean what am I doing here without Whitney? I am capable of enjoying myself without him. (They hear fireworks and look out the window) Fireworks? You're full of surprises tonight, Clark.
Clark: Tell me about it.
Pete: (Coming outside) Clark, man, how cool is this?
Clark: Pete, why didn't you just call the cops? It would have been a lot easier.
Pete: Hey, I can't claim credit. It wasn't my idea.
Lex: It was mine. Call it a party gift. I hope you like it.
Clark: It's great, just...
Lex: Don't worry about the police, it's covered. I know this kind of party can make or break a reputation and I wanted to make sure yours was a h*t. I hear you're taking a tour of my plant tomorrow.
Chloe: It's a class field trip.
Lex: What'd you do wrong?
Clark: It's that bad, huh?
Girl: (Touching Lex's arm.) Sorry I took so long. Someone overflowed the bathroom.
Clark: I'm officially d*ad.
CUT TO phone in the kitchen ringing, then to Martha hanging up phone in Metropolis restaurant.
Martha: There's no answer.
Jonathan: Oh he's fine, he fine. We have to trust him, Martha.
Martha: I do, but I still worry.
Jonathan: I know. Metropolis, do you miss it?
Martha: Sometimes.
Jonathan: Yeah?
Martha: But I didn't move to Smallville for action and glamour. I moved because a certain man told me we'd never be rich or travel the world, but he'd always love me. How could I pass up an offer like that? (They kiss.)
Act 1 Scene 3
Back at the party.
Whitney: (Walks in and finds Lana) Hey.
Lana: Whitney, what are you doing here?
Whitney: Looking for you. Why didn't you tell me you were coming here?
Lana: It was kind of last minute. I didn't realize I needed your permission.
Whitney: Lana, can we talk outside? (She follows him out)
CUT TO interior of the loft.
Whitney: Lana, what's going on?
Lana: I told you when we got back together that I needed some breathing room.
Whitney: So you sneak off to a party without me?
Lana: I didn't sneak. I walked. And why are you mad at me? Is it because it's Clark's party? I'm starting to get the feeling you don't trust me. (The loft starts to rattle)
Chloe: (Talking to Clark inside) We'll clean it up tomorrow--
Lana: Clark! You better get out here.
Whitney: (Still in the loft holding a pitchfork as Clark, Chloe, and Lana enter) Kent, get up here. (Clark turns on flash light and shines it at a moving heap of cloth. Whitney lifts the cloth and Earl is underneath) Got him!
Clark: Earl! Hey, back off I know him. Earl, what are you-- what are you doing here?
Earl: I came to see your dad. He's the only one I can trust.
Clark: He's out of town. Hey, what's wrong with you? (Clark reaches for him as he starts to shake. The veins in Clark's hand start to bulge and turn green) Call an ambulance!
Act 1 Scene 4
A sh*t of Earl being wheeled into the hospital on a gurney. Then Chloe opening a can of soda in a waiting area.
Chloe: This guy should be in a detox center.
Clark: He's not on drugs, Chloe.
Chloe: Then why was he shaking like a junkie?
Clark: Look, Earl worked on the farm for six seasons. I spent 12 hours a day with the guy out in the fields. He even tried to teach me how to play guitar. He said it was a good way to impress women.
Chloe: Yeah, we're all a sucker for a guy with a 6-string. How come I've never heard you play?
Clark: I kept snapping the guitar strings. I think Earl got sick of replacing them.
Chloe: You know, just because you spend a lot of time with someone doesn't mean you know their darkest secrets.
Clark: He was like family.
Chloe: Then why did he leave?
Clark: He took a job at the LuthorCorp plant. It was full-time and the pay was better.
Two cops enter.
Cop #1: Where can we find Earl Jenkins?
Nurse: Exam room 3, down the hall.
Clark: Excuse me. I'm a friend of Earl's. Is he in some kind of trouble?
Cop: Oh yeah.
We hear screaming from off camera.
Man: We need some help in here!
CUT TO Earl's room where a man is thrown against a shelf.
Cop: What the hell?
Cop #2 tries to stop Earl's shaking and is thrown across the room.
Clark: Earl!
He tries to help and is thrown through the window of the room.
Chloe: Are you okay?
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
We see Clark's feet walking into his house the next day, slipping over something gooey on the floor. There is popcorn, paper cups, pizza, and everything else from the party scattered everywhere. He sits down and rests his arm on the counter, accidentally resting his elbow in more of the mess. He gets up and uses his super speed to clean the house. When he finishes, he sits back down and puts one last apple into the fruit basket and gives the house a satisfied nod. We hear clapping and pan over to see his parents standing in the doorway.
Clark: Hi. You're home early.
Martha: We called six times last night, spoke with six different people, none of whom knew who you were.
Clark: It was supposed to be an intimate occasion.
Jonathan: Clark, where have you been?
Clark: The hospital.
Martha: That's it. I'm never leaving home again.
Jonathan: Who got hurt?
Clark: Nobody. But I found Earl Jenkins hiding in the loft. He was looking for you, dad. He's all messed up.
Jonathan: What's the matter with Earl?
Clark: I don't know but he's wanted for m*rder.
Jonathan: Earl? (Clark nods) What did he have to say for himself?
Clark: I couldn't get close.
Jonathan: How come, the police?
Clark: No. Because when I got near him, I got sick. It was weird. I mean, every time I stood next to him, it got worse. It's kind of like...
Martha: Like what?
Clark: It's kind of like the way I feel around meteor fragments.
Act 2 Scene 2
We see a nurse taking Earl's pulse through the window and a doctor comes out to talk to Clark and Jonathan. Day.
Jonathan: What's wrong with him?
Doctor: Well to be honest, I don't have the faintest idea. It's amazing his body's been able to survive the seizures this long. Here, take a look at the x-rays. It looks like he's got some sort of mineral poisoning but it's not from any mineral I've seen before.
Clark: Is that why he's shaking so hard?
Doctor: Tiny fragments are embedded under his skin. His body is slowly trying to push them out.
Jonathan: How did they get in there?
Doctor: He claims there was an expl*si*n at the LuthorCorp plant six months ago.
Jonathan: I don't remember hearing anything about that.
Doctor: That's because it didn't happen. I pulled the plant's safety records, I checked with OSHA and the EPA.
Jonathan: Doc, can I go in and talk to him by myself?
Doctor: Better hurry up. Metropolis P.D. will be here any minute to transfer him back to the city.
Jonathan: Thanks.
Clark: I want to go with you.
Jonathan: No. Listen, you said that you felt sick when you got around him, right? Now I'm guessing that whatever he was exposed to, it's got something to do with the meteor rocks and I don't want you passing out around here. That'd bring us a whole other set of problems.
Jonathan goes into the room leaving Clark at the window.
Earl: Jonathan. Am I glad to see you.
Jonathan: Hey, look. (Motions to Clark)
Earl: (Pushing button next to his bed) Clark, can you hear me? (Clark waves) I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--
Clark: I'm fine, don't worry about it.
Jonathan: All right, Earl. What's going on? I can't believe that you'd want to k*ll anybody.
Earl: It was an accident. I was trying to see Lionel Luthor.
Jonathan: Why?
Earl: Find out what they were using on Level 3.
Jonathan: Earl, you're not making any sense.
Earl: When I got that job at the Smallville plant, I was assigned to clean Level 3. They were doing these hush-hush crop experiments, a new kind of fertilizer supposed to make corn grow twice as fast. There was something in the fertilizer that was unstable. There was a huge expl*si*n. I was cleaning at the time, and this stuff... it got under my skin. And the next thing I know, they shut it all down and I was transferred to Metropolis. Then, two months ago, the jitters started.
Jonathan: Did you see a doctor?
Earl: I must have seen 50. But nobody could tell me what was wrong. They needed to know what I was exposed to. But when I went back to the plant, they told me that Level 3 didn't exist. That it never had. I got to find out what they were using. That's why I need your help. You gotta get me out of here.
Jonathan: Earl, you're wanted for m*rder.
Earl: No, you don't understand. I can't control it. I'm running out of time. The jitters are getting worse. It's already cost me my job, my marriage, my baby. I gotta get back into that plant or I'm gonna die. Help me.
Jonathan: You get some rest, Earl. (He leaves the room)
Clark: Do you think he's telling the truth?
Jonathan: I have no idea.
Clark: I've got a field trip to the LuthorCorp plant this afternoon. Maybe I could take a look around.
Jonathan: I know that you're worried about Earl, but he's got more trouble than he can handle. I don't even know if he's in his right mind, so please don't... don't do anything.
We see Earl pressing the button and hearing the entire conversation.
CUT TO Earl in a wheelchair in an elevator with a cop. Earl begins to shake.
Little Girl: (Waiting outside elevator) Mommy, I don't want to go to the doctor's. They're gonna give me a sh*t.
Mother: They're not going to give you a sh*t.
Girl: That's what you said last time. (Elevator door opens and girl looks in) Mommy!
The cop is half conscious on the floor of the elevator and the wheelchair is empty and tipped over.
Act 2 Scene 3
We see a school bus driving up to LuthorCorp. Day. CUT TO interior where the high school tour is beginning.
Gabe: Hello, everybody. I'm Gabe Sullivan, plant manager and proud father. Hi, sweetheart.
Chloe: Hi, Dad. (Steps behind Clark)
Gabe: Welcome to LuthorCorp, where we give a crap.
Chloe: Okay, somebody k*ll me now.
Gabe: A little fertilizer humor there. (Chuckles) All right, before we go inside, I need you to remove all your cell phones, pagers, jewelry. Anything that jangles, dangles, or rings needs to go in these plastic trays right here. All right, any other questions? (Clark raises his hand) Yes?
Clark: I heard there was a third level to the plant. Is that true?
Gabe: Yeah, yeah. That's where we do the alien autopsies. (Laughs) I think we better get started.
Chloe: Don't encourage him.
Gabe: This way, everybody. All right, people. let's stay together.
CUT TO Level 2. Earl is walking down a corridor and to a door at the end. He opens it to reveal a janitor's closet.
Earl: (Touching back wall of closet) No, no, no! This can't be. This can't be. This can't be. This can't be happening! Where is it? Where is it?! Where's the elevator?!
Back to tour.
Gabe: (Pointing O.C.) Watch out for these babies. 262 degrees. They get hot.
The students follow with Clark at the end. He sees a door with an Authorized Personnel Only' sign slowly swinging shut and he runs through.
Gabe: This is it. The plant's mission control. 100,000 tons of animal waste is processed here every year. Trust me, the results can be pretty expl*sive. So if any of you had beans for lunch, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. (The students laugh)
Chloe: Among his peers he's considered witty.
Pete: Mm-hmm. Where's Clark? (Rattling is heard from the next room)
Gabe: What the heck? Excuse me.
Gabe walks to door. Door opens and Earl comes out.
Earl: Don't move! (Puts g*n to Gabe's head) Take me to Level 3. Now!
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Press and worried parents including Jonathan and Martha stand behind a chain link fence outside LuthorCorp.
Jonathan: (To man in a suit on the other ride of fence) We need to find out if they're all right. When we send our kids on a filed trip, we'd like to believe that they're going to be safe. If you can't do it, then we need to do it!
There is a honk as Lex Luthor's car is allowed through the gate. He steps out and back to the gate.
Lex: (Motioning to Jonathan and Martha) Let these two in. Just these two.
Jonathan: (As they walk toward the plant) All right, what's going on here?
Lex: There's a lunatic inside demanding to be taken to some place called Level 3. We've managed to evacuate the plant, but he's taken the students hostage.
Martha: Is anyone hurt?
Lex: Not yet.
Jonathan: What's his name?
Lex: Earl Jenkins.
Jonathan: I know Earl Jenkins. He used to work for us.
Lex: Well, what's he doing in my plant?
Jonathan: Well, he claims that LuthorCorp is doing some crop experiments on some secret Level 3 and that's what made him sick. He's convinced that it's the only place he can get a cure.
Lex: Then we've got a serious problem, because there is no Level 3.
They look at a monitor displaying the students and Earl in the control room.
Martha: Where's Clark?
CUT TO Clark running at super speed down a corridor. He stops in front of a group of monitors. He sees the control room, an area outside the plant, and an office. We see him run away, and on the monitor see him enter the office.
Act 3 Scene 2
The control room.
Gabe: I swear, I don't know anything about Level 3.
Earl: You're lying.
Clark: (Entering) He's not lying! (Walks in with rolled papers) I found these blueprints. There is no Level 3.
Earl takes the blue prints and opens them.
Earl: Every night, I go down to Level 2, I follow the red pipes down that long hallway, I go to the door, I open it, and I take the elevator down to Level 3! (To Clark) You're just like everybody else. Now you get over there and you sit down!
CUT TO sh*t of helicopter outside LuthorCorp.
Martha: Who's that?
Lex: My father.
Helicopter lands and Lionel Luthor steps out.
SWAT agent: Mr. Luthor, we have a hostage situation.
Lionel: I was briefed on my way down. Lex! How did you allow this to happen?
Lex: I didn't allow anything.
Lionel: Then how did this man get inside?
Lex: I think--
Lionel: You think? Why don't you know, Lex?
Jonathan: Can we focus on what's important? We got innocent kids in there.
Lex: This is Jonathan Kent.
Lionel: It's been a long time, but I never forget a face.
Offers hand to Jonathan who doesn't shake it.
Lex: Kent's son is inside and they know the g*n personally.
Lionel: What's your assessment of this lunatic?
Lionel passes Jonathan to look at the monitor.
Jonathan: He's sick, he's desperate, and he blames your plant for his condition.
Lionel: This Level 3 nonsense?
Lex: I've assured everyone there is no Level 3. That is the truth, isn't it?
Lionel: Of course it is.
Jonathan: People's lives are at stake, including my son's. What are you going to do about it?
Lionel: I'm going to let SWAT do their job. When he makes a mistake, they'll move in.
Martha: What about the kids? You need to get on the phone and talk to him!
Lionel: Mrs. Kent, I understand how you feel. I want everyone to walk out of there alive too, but I do not negotiate with t*rrorists.
Martha: He's not a t*rror1st! He's sick and he needs help! If you won't talk to him, then Jonathan will!
Lex: (To Jonathan.) You're not the one he blames. Is he, Dad?
Act 3 Scene 3
The control room. The phone rings and Gabe picks it up.
Lionel: (On phone) Gabe, it's Luthor.
Gabe: (Holds phone out to Earl) Lionel Luthor.
Earl: Speaker. (Gabe presses a button) Mr. Luthor, I've finally got your attention, haven't I?
Lionel: Earl, why don't you come out? We've got a lot to talk about.
Earl: Just tell me what you were using down on Level 3.
Lionel: You're sick Earl. Let everyone go. We'll get you help.
Earl begins to shake and holds onto a gas valve to steady himself.
Clark: (Standing) Earl.
Earl breaks the valve and throws Clark backwards. A gauge shows the methane level in the room rising.
Earl: Oh no. See what you made me do? See what you made me... (He goes to the camera. We see him in the monitor outside) See what you made me do?
Lex: Way to go, Dad. I see you haven't lost your touch.
Earl: Your methane gas-valve just broke. The whole place is gonna go up.
Whitney: We need to do something.
Clark: I don't think that's a good idea.
Whitney: That man's nuts. He's not listening to the cops and that methane gas is gonna blow.
Lana: Whitney, I don't want you to get hurt.
Whitney: I'm not putting my life in that man's hands. Two of us can take him. How about it, Clark?
Clark: I can't.
Lana: It's okay. (Whitney stands) Whitney.
Earl: (To camera) Luthor, I trusted you. You told me you were trying to help people. (Sees Whitney coming towards him) Hey, what are you doing?!
Earl swings the g*n and Whitney knocks it to the ground. He punches Whitney in the face sending him to the floor.
Lana: Whitney!
Earl: (Retrieves g*n) It's all your fault, Luthor.
Earl sh**t the camera and the picture on the monitor turns to snow.
SWAT agent: We got sh*ts fired, one hostage down. Full alert.
Lionel: What was that boy thinking?
Jonathan: He wasn't. He's a teenager who's been waiting for someone out here to take the initiative. Look, you've got a hostage situation, a potential b*mb in there. Somebody's gotta do something.
Lex: You're right. I'm going in.
Lionel: Don't be foolhardy. This is not time for mock-heroics.
Lex: You said this is my plant. It's my call.
Lionel: (Grabbing Lex's arm.) I won't allow it, Lex.
Lex: Don't ever to that again. (To SWAT agent.) Tell him Lex Lulthor's coming to see him.
SWAT agent: I wouldn't advise that, sir.
Lex: Make the call.
Act 3 Scene 4
We see the methane gauge rising. Lex enters in a bulletproof vest.
Earl: What kind of man sends his own kid to do his dirty work?
Lex: I'm not doing anybody's dirty work, Earl. This is my plant. (To Lana who has Whitney close) How is he?
Lana: He needs a doctor.
Lex: What are we gonna do about these kids, Earl?
Earl: I never meant to hurt anybody. I tried talking to your father, but he wouldn't listen to me.
Lex: I know the feeling. (Takes off vest) Earl, you say that everybody's been lying to you. I'm gonna tell you the truth. My father doesn't care about you. He doesn't care about anybody in this room. Because if we all die, his P.R. firm will spin it, his insurance company will pay out, and you, Earl, will go down as the bad guy.
Earl: I'm not the bad guy. I'm just trying to get better.
Lex: How are you gonna get better by k*lling a bunch of kids? If you let everybody go, I'll take you to Level 3.
Earl: (Points g*n at Lex) You stop lying.
Lex: Let them go, and I'll show you where it is. Earl, trust me. I'm a man of my word.
Earl: (To students) Get out. Get out. Get out! Everybody, get out!
Clark: Do you really know where it is?
Lex: Yeah. It's in his imagination. There is no Level 3, Clark. Now get out of here.
Earl: Clark. (Clark walks out)
CUT TO students running out through a hallway.
SWAT agent: (Listens to a head set) The kids are coming out.
Martha: Oh, Jonathan.
Jonathan: Come on, sweetheart. They'll come out over here.
SWAT agent: (To Lionel) We need to bring down the f*re doors. The gas levels are too high. Your son will be sealed inside. I'm sorry sir.
Lionel: Do it.
We see Clark and Pete running up a ramp as the f*re doors close. Clark turns back.
Pete: Clark, come on, man, we gotta go!
Clark: Don't worry about me!
Clark rolls under the f*re door and runs back through the building at super speed.
Martha: (Outside) Pete! Where's Clark?
Pete: He's back inside, Mrs. Kent. I tried to stop him. I'm sorry. I-I'm sorry.
Martha: (To Lionel) You have to open the doors.
Lionel: They're safety locked and can't be opened until the gas levels have gone down.
Martha: My son is still in there.
Lionel: So is mine.
Inside, Clark opens the door to the janitor's closet Earl found earlier. He goes to the back wall. Using his x-ray vision, he sees an elevator.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
The methane gauge continues to rise.
Earl: We're running out of time. All right. I've done my part. Now it's time for you to do yours.
Lex: Earl, there is no Level 3. It's all in your head.
Earl: (Hits Lex in the back of the head with the g*n) I should have never trusted you. You Luthors are all the same.
Clark: (Over the intercom) Earl, I found Level 3! They built a wall in front of the elevator but it's still here.
Earl: Stop playing with me!
Lex: Get out of the building, Clark!
Clark: Earl, it's here. Don't you want to see it? I promise.
Earl: (Grabs Lex) Come on. I want you to see the truth. (They walk down a hallway) Come on. Come on!
Clark enters the control room and turns the methane valve down.
SWAT agent: (To Lionel) Sir.
Lionel: (To someone on phone) Hold on.
SWAT agent: The gas pressure is beginning to drop.
Lionel: How did that happen?
SWAT agent: I have no idea.
CUT TO Earl and Lex at the janitor's closet where the back wall has been broken down revealing the elevator.
Earl: Son of a bitch! How do you explain that?
Lex: I can't. (They step through and the elevator dings. There are only two buttons inside) Two buttons, two levels I'm sorry, all right?
Earl pushes the metal beneath the second button and a third button appears.
The elevator opens in a dark room and he pushes Lex in. Earl flips a switch lighting up a large warehouse with a bridge across the top. The elevator is at the beginning of the bridge. Earl begins to walk across it.
Earl: I told you it was here. Huh? Where is... where is everything? There used to be-- there was a field of corn with sprayers all over it. And every night they'd spray this green mist on it. What have you done with it?!
Lex: I don't know. They lied to me too, Earl. I had no idea this was here.
Clark: (Coming off the elevator) Earl. Let's go back upstairs and talk about this.
Earl: It's all gone, Clark. How am I gonna get better if I don't know what poisoned me?
Lex: I didn't know about this place, Clark. You've got to believe me.
Clark: I believe you, Lex.
Earl: He's lying. He's just like his father!
Earl starts shaking and the bridge shakes with him. The bolts start popping out and the bridge tilts leaving Earl and Lex hanging off the side.
Lex: Clark! (The bridge continues to jerk and Lex is thrown off. He grabs on to Earl's legs) Oh, God!
Clark climbs down the tilted bridge and grabs onto Earl's arm. His veins bulge again.
Clark: Ah! (He pulls Earl up and Lex grabs onto the bridge. To Earl) Get to the elevator.
Earl climbs up. Clark pulls Lex up the rest of the way and they climb up together. Earl begins to shake again and Clark and Lex get to the elevator just as the bridge crumbles to the ground.
Lex: Clark, how did you pull us up?
Clark: I don't know. Adrenaline I guess.
Act 4 Scene 2
Outside. Martha and Jonathan laugh as Clark runs into their arms.
Martha: I have never been so happy to see you in my life!
Lex: (To his father) You lied to me.
Lionel: No, no I didn't. I said Level 3 wasn't on any plans. It wasn't. It's plausible deniability.
Lex: What were you doing down there?
Lionel: Doesn't matter. It was a failure, we closed the door and moved on.
Lex: You almost got me k*lled.
Lionel: No, you almost got yourself k*lled. It was your call, remember?
News people come towards them.
Reporter: Mr. Luthor!
Lionel: I'll handle this.
Reporter: Mr. Luthor, what can you tell us about Level 3?
Lionel: I think you're referring to a redundant storage area at the base of the plant. Mr. Jenkins is a very sick man who desperately needs medical attention--
Lex: (Interrupting) That's why my father and I have pledged to find Mr. Jenkins the best medical care possible. He was a LuthorCorp employee and here at LuthorCorp, we always put family first. Isn't that right, Dad?
Reporter: Mr. Luthor, is it true the government is trying to shut you down?
Lionel: No, no, no. No more questions, please. My son has been through quite an ordeal today.
Lionel hugs Lex loosely.)
Lex looks over at Clark and his parents who are still hugging and smiling.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x08 - Jitters"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #109 - "Rogue"
Original airdate: January 15, 2002
Written by Mark Verheiden
Directed by David Carson
Rogue Act 1 Teaser
Fade in on outside sh*t of Metropolis MuseumLuthor Hall. Night. Inside, Clark looks at a jeweled breastplate on display. It has a gold snake curled into an S in the middle.
Lex: You know it belonged to Alexander the Great? They said the design symbolizes strength and courage.
Clark: I can't exactly see myself going into battle with that on my chest.
Lex: Darker times call for darker methods. His opponents thought he was invincible.
Clark: I didn't know you were such a history buff.
Lex: I'm not. I'm just interested in people who ruled the world before they were thirty.
Lana walks up.
Lana: Don't worry, Lex. You still have a few years to go.
Clark: Lana, I didn't know you were going to be here.
Lana: Didn't Lex tell you?
Lex: Must've slipped my mind. Why don't I leave you two alone?
Lex Leaves.
Lana: Having fun?
Clark: Yeah, well, I'm feeling a bit underdressed.
Lana: If it makes you feel any better, Whitney is just as uncomfortable.
Clark: Whitney came too?
Lana: Why don't you join us? I'm going to go yank Nell away from the jewelry exhibit so we can eat.
Clark: Yeah, sure.
Lana leaves. Clark walks away not going over to Whitney, but passing Lex.
Lex: Clark, where are you going?
Clark: I'm going to get some
air.
Lex: You know, you're never going to get her if you keep running away from your enemy.
Clark: Whitney's not my enemy.
Lex: Yes he is, Clark, and the sooner you realize that, the sooner you'll find a way to win Lana. Just remember, keep your friends close and the quarterback closer.
Victoria Hardwick walks up to Lex and Clark.
Victoria: Always the hopeless romantic, Lex.
Lex: Victoria?
Victoria: I'm sorry. Am I interrupting?
Lex: Clark Kent, this is Victoria Hardwick, a very old friend.
Clark: Hi. Clark and Victoria shake hands, and then she turns to take a glass of champagne offered by a waiter.
Clark: (Quietly, to Lex) How close are you going to keep her?
Lex: I'll catch up with you later, Clark.
Clark leaves.
Lex: Want a private tour?
Victoria: I thought you'd never ask.
Metropolis MuseumExterior
A man is beating up another man.
Sam Phelan: (Knocking the other man to the ground and holding up a Metropolis Police badge) You see this? I'm the only reason you're not in a cage right now. Now you get into the IA and you get me those files.
Man: What, is one of them yours?
Phelan kicks him in the face.
Phelan: You got twenty-four hours to get creative. Start thinking.
Phelan looks at the door of the museum and sees Clark walking down the museum steps
Clark: (Walking down the stairs, to himself) Well, Welcome to Metropolis.
Clark spots a homeless man and a dog sleeping on the bench of a bus stop.
Clark: More or less.
A bus comes around the corner. The driver starts yelling and clutching at his chest. It gets Clark's attention when the bus starts hitting parked cars. The driver collapses and the bus is headed for the bench with the sleeping man. Clark darts in front of it with super speed and stops the bus with his body. He steps out of the mess and super speeds away as people start coming out of the museum.
Phelan approaches the wreckage. He touches the bus and looks in the direction Clark ran.
(opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Kent FarmBarn Interior
Jonathan is struggling with a generator on a pulley in the loft. Day. Clark enters carrying a newspaper.
Clark: Dad, let me help you.
Clark grabs the chain with one hand and raises the generator up easily.
Jonathan: Don't break a sweat.
Martha: So, night owl, how was Metropolis.?
Clark: Fine.
Martha: Come on. A reception at the Metropolis Museum and it was just fine?
Clark: The museum was amazing. It's just...
Jonathan: It's just what?
Clark: Something happened.
Clark hands Martha the newspaper and shows it to Jonathan. The headline reading Metro Bus Crashes Museum Gala.
Clark: It could have been worse. I stopped the bus before anyone was hurt.
Martha: Clark, are you all right?
Clark: I'm fine.
Jonathan: What if somebody had seen you do it?
Clark: Dad, everyone was still in the museum.
Martha: I think it's fine. There's no mention of any witnesses in the paper.
Clark: Look, I better get to school.
Martha looks pointedly at Jonathan.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. Look, I am real proud of what you did.
Martha: We both are. (Clark smiles)
Act 1 Scene 2
We see a man waiting in a car as Phelan drives up. Day.
Phelan: Did you bring them?
Man in car: You know I'm not supposed to do this.
Phelan: And I'm not the one with a DUI on my record. You wouldn't believe how many rent-a-cops forget to fill out the previous criminal record section on their job apps.
Man #2 hands him an envelope. Phelan takes out surveillance photos from the Metropolis Museum. The third picture he looks at is of Clark and Lex.
Act 1 Scene 3
Lex's study. Day.
Lex: So what do you think of Smallville?
Victoria: It reminds me of the village where my grandparents live in Wales. Very quaint, very safe, and the last place I expected to find Lex Luthor.
Lex: My father plans to bring me back to Metropolis in a few years.
Victoria: He's lying.
Lex: I know.
Victoria: You deserve something better.
Lex: And you've crossed the pond to tell me what that is.
Victoria: Catching up with an old friend isn't reason enough?
Lex: As much as I'd like to flatter myself, the daughters of multi-national industrialists usually don't fly around the world to rekindle old flames. Neither do executive vice presidents.
Victoria: Then you've heard.
Lex: That you're working for your father? I keep up. How is Sir Harry?
Victoria: Distant, inaccessible, and rich. I believe you know the type.
Lex: What's he want with me?
Victoria: He understands you may have certain negative feelings towards your father.
Lex: Sir Harry has always had an incredible grasp of the obvious.
Victoria: He was hoping those feelings might work to our mutual advantage. He'd like you to reconsider your position with LuthorCorp.
Lex: So he sent you here as an incentive.
Victoria: I've missed you, Lex.
Lex: I'm touched. Do you have a proposal?
Victoria: First I think I'd like something else. (They kiss.)
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark and Chloe sit in front of a computer at The Torch. Day.
Clark: Another scathing editorial?
Chloe: Is there any other kind?
Lana: (Entering) Clark, what happened to you last night?
Clark: I wasn't feeling well. I guess I'm not much of a city guy.
Chloe: You can take the boy off the farm, but you can't take the farm out of the boy.
Principal Kwan: (Enters with an issue of the Torch) Is this your idea of a joke? Concerned parents have been calling all morning.
Chloe: Well, what have you been telling them?
Kwan: What the EPA and other environmental groups said years ago. The meteor rocks are harmless.
Chloe: People have a right to know about the strange things that happen in this town.
Kwan: The Torch is a school paper. It's not your own personal tabloid.
Chloe: Are you censoring me?
Kwan: I'm requiring you to do your job, which is report on relevant school events. Sports, dances, clubs. I'm relieving you of your duties. The Torch is suspended until I can appoint a new editor. (He leaves)
Chloe: Okay, what just happened?
Pete: I think you were fired.
Clark: Chloe, I'm sure there's something we can do.
Lana: Let me talk to Kwan.
Chloe: Not to sound ungrateful or anything, but what do you think you can do?
Lana: I don't know, but let me give it a sh*t.
Act 1 Scene 5
The Beanery. Day. Lex walks past Phelan.
Phelan: Afternoon, Lex... or is it Mr. Luthor here in Smallville?
Lex: Phelan. Isn't Smallville a couple counties out of your jurisdiction?
Phelan: Well, I don't need jurisdiction to look up an old friend.
Lex: We were never friends. If you want to see me, call my office.
Phelan: When's it happen, Lex?
Lex: When does what happen?
Phelan: When do you turn on the people that help you? How many times did I pull you back from the edge? You'd be d*ad now if it wasn't for me.
Lex: You were on my father's payroll, his go-to guy in the department. You got paid to fix situations, so don't try and pretend it was anything else.
Phelan: You have a good life here, Lex. I'd sure hate to see that get compromised.
Lex: You can't touch me and you know it.
Phelan: I'm looking for a witness. I think he saw last night's accident outside the museum.
Lex: And this concerns me why? (Phelan shows him a picture of Clark and Lex) Sorry, I don't know who that is.
Phelan: Hmm. I'd have pegged you for buddies.
Lex: Guess you're losing your instinct. Maybe you should think about retiring. (Walks away)
Act 1 Scene 6
Clark enters the loft. Day.
Clark: Hello? Hello? Anybody home? (A thump is heard) Dad, is that you? (He sees a Metropolis Police badge on the ground and kneels to pick it up) Metropolis Police?
Above him, the generator on the pulley falls, pinning him to the ground on his back. He throws it off. Clapping is heard.
Phelan: Kid, I don't know what they've been feeding you, but that was pretty impressive.
Clark: Who are you?
Phelan: I am your new best friend, Clark.
Clark: How do you know my name?
Phelan: Oh, I asked around. That's the beauty of a small town. Everyone's just so eager to help. (Picks up his badge) A far cry from Metropolis.
Clark: What do you want with me?
Phelan: Your help. You see, Clark, I'm in a battle that I can't afford to lose. Because if I do, the bad guys win. And you have this gift that I need.
Puts his hand on Clark's shoulder and Clark pushes it away.
Clark: I'll never help you.
Phelan: (Whistles) You have a secret you don't want the world to know about. I'm guessing that's why you didn't stick around for the TV cameras last night. You want to keep things that way, you'll do as I say. (Starts to leave) Drop by that overpriced coffee shop tomorrow afternoon and we'll talk about your future. (Looks at generator) Nice catch.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Jonathan, Martha, and Clark in the Kents' kitchen. Day.
Jonathan: He just dropped the generator right on top of you?
Martha: How did he know it wouldn't k*ll you?
Clark: He saw me stop the bus last night.
Martha: Maybe we should call the police.
Clark: He is the police. I saw his badge, Metropolis P.D. Dad... look I'm sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.
Jonathan: Clark, you didn't do anything wrong, okay?
Clark: He told me to meet him at the Beanery tomorrow.
Jonathan: I don't want you going anywhere near this guy. I'll talk to him and I'll find out what he wants.
Clark: Until then--
Jonathan: Until then, you live your life, you see your friends. And we're not gonna let this change us. (Clark leaves.)
Act 2 Scene 2
Clark looks at the stars from the loft.
Lex: (Entering) You look like you're carrying the weight of the world. (Clark jumps) Sorry if I surprised you, but there's really nowhere to knock.
Clark: It's okay. Thanks again for last night.
Lex looks through the telescope.
Lex: Your first visit to Metropolis and you're involved in a police investigation? That has to be some kind of record.
Clark: How'd you know about that?
Lex: The detective in charge came to see me first.
Clark: What'd he tell you?
Lex: Not much. Maybe that's what's bothering me.
Clark: What do you mean?
Lex: Metropolis police usually don't send detectives to investigate traffic accidents. So I made a call. Turns out the official investigation is already closed. Clark, you really don't want Sam Phelan in your life.
Clark: You know him?
Lex: Unfortunately. I had my share of legal problems when I was in Metropolis.
Clark: Serious?
Lex: Expensive. Phelan was the kind of officer my father felt we could turn to for help.
Clark: You're saying he's a dirty cop.
Lex: I'm saying he'll do whatever it takes to get the job done. Plant evidence, falsify reports, anything is fair game and if he's got something on you, Clark, he'll use it.
Clark: He just wanted to talk.
Lex: Then you've got nothing to worry about.
Act 2 Scene 3
Jonathan comes into the Beanery where Phelan is already seated. Day.
Phelan: Mr. Kent. Sam Phelan, Metropolis P.D. I figured you'd be the one to show.
Jonathan: What do you want with my son?
Phelan: We're both rational adults. Let's sit down--
Jonathan: I don't think a rational adult drops a generator on top of a teenage boy, do you?
Phelan: Well, we both know it wouldn't hurt him.
Phelan motions for Jonathan to sit. He does.
Jonathan: All right. What do you want?
Phelan: I just want Clark's help.
Jonathan: With what?
Phelan: Look around you, Mr. Kent. You know what you see? The veneer of safety. Now, people like me are sworn to protect that. I'm the guy standing between the criminals and respectable citizens like yourself. Now, Clark has... a gift and I would like to use his talents to further my cause.
Jonathan: I will not let you exploit my son.
Phelan: I've spent the morning going through the local police files. Clark's name comes up quite a bit.
Jonathan: Clark has never been in trouble a day in his life, Phelan.
Phelan: No arrests, but he's been around a lot of crime scenes. Now, maybe that's coincidence or maybe it's just his natural instinct to get involved.
Jonathan: Okay. I will give you whatever you want. You just stay way from my family.
Phelan: But I want your son.
Jonathan: No.
Phelan: I'll be in touch. (Gets up and leans into Jonathan's ear) Of course if you don't agree, I will tell the world what I know. Best case, Clark's under a microscope, worst case, he's a freak in a jar. Either way, his normal life is over.
Jonathan grabs him and slams him onto the table.
Jonathan: Don't push me!
Phelan: Whoa! Easy there, Mr. Kent. (Jonathan lets him up. To everyone watching) We were just talking. You know, if I were you, I'd learn to keep that temper in check. That could get you in a lot of trouble.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark is at The Torch viewing headlines on the computer screen. Day. We see as*ault Charges Dropped Against Cop and Excessive Force Alleged. Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. (He turns off the computer) You okay?
Clark: Fine. Just doing a little research.
Chloe: Have you heard anything about Lana's meeting with Kwan?
Clark: Chloe, I'm sure it'll work out.
Lana: (Enters) Hey.
Clark: So how'd it go?
Lana: Well, it's interesting.
Chloe: Bottom line it. When can we send out the next issue?
Lana: Day after tomorrow.
Chloe: Cool.
Lana: Except, uh... um, Kwan made me the new editor.
Chloe: Okay uh - rewind. I need you to say that last part again.
Lana: After I made my case, Kwan said if I had that much passion, I should be in charge.
Chloe: I don't believe this!
Lana: Chloe, it's the only way he'd reopen the paper.
Chloe: So what, cheerleading's not enough? Maybe the editor of the school newspaper looks better on a college application.
Lana: That isn't it. I just figured you could ghost-write until we got you reinstated.
Chloe: Okay, so then I would work for you?
Lana: The paper would still be yours.
Clark: Wait, wait. Chloe, think about it. It's not a bad idea.
Chloe: It figures you'd side with her.
Clark: I'm not taking anyone's side.
Chloe: Yeah right, Clark. You're completely objective in all things Lana.
Clark: (Hurt) I've gotta go.
Chloe: No, please, Clark stay! Take my desk!
Lana: Chloe, this isn't what you think.
Chloe: You know what the weirdest part is? For a millisecond I almost thought you were my friend. (She leaves)
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark is walking outside the Beanery as Phelan drives up. Day.
Phelan: Get in, kid.
Clark starts to walk away but Phelan pulls forward knocking over a garbage can.
Clark: What do you want, Phelan?
Phelan: Well, your father came to see me. He seemed like a really good man, always putting his family first. Now if I were you, I'd start thinking like him.
Act 2 Scene 6
Lex and Victoria sit before a f*re in his castle. He pours her a drink.
Victoria: I see you've had a chance to read my father's proposal.
Lex: I didn't have to.
Victoria: Oh, so you've added mind reading to your many abilities.
Lex: I know why you're here, Victoria. Sir Harry wants to take over LuthorCorp and he needs my shares to do it. Your father didn't dream up this little plan, did he? Do you think if you take over LuthorCorp Daddy will finally give you the respect you deserve? He won't, Victoria.
Victoria: So what are you suggesting?
Lex: You came to play on my hatred of my father. Now I'm going to play on yours. Why take on company when you can take two?
Victoria: You know they'd probably k*ll us.
Lex: Probably. But that's what makes life interesting.
They clink glasses.
Act 2 Scene 7
Phelan and Clark pull up outside a dark building in Metropolis. Night.
Clark: What are we doing here?
Phelan: You want to know the biggest obstacle to my job, Clark? It's not the perps, it's the bureaucracy. I mean, how am I supposed to fight crime with one hand tied behind my back?
Clark: I thought you said we were going after bad guys.
Phelan: Oh, we are. They're called Internal Affairs. In fact, the head of the IA division lives right up there on the fifth floor.
Clark: (Getting out of the car) I'm not gonna hurt anybody!
Phelan: Relax. You're just gonna help me retrieve some files. You see, these IA types, they have a real trust problem. It turns out the deputy chief keeps all of his most sensitive case files at home. The man's got a safe. So you find it, you open it, and you bring me whatever's inside. You do this one thing for me, and I'll never trouble you again.
Clark: I know what you're about, Phelan. Lex Luthor told me.
Phelan: Well, your friend Lex isn't exactly on the side of the angels. He's got his secrets just like you. It's apartment 517.
CUT TO a sh*t of a lock popping out of the door. Clark enters and looks around the apartment. He sees a painting on the wall and using his x-ray vision, sees the safe behind it.
We see Phelan waiting outside, his car behind him. The safe lands on the car with a crash.
Clark: (From a window on the fifth floor) Hey, Phelan! (He smiles and uses his super speed to run down to the car. He holds up a file) Want your file? It's all yours.
Gives it to him. There are sirens approaching.
Phelan: Did you call them? (Clark super speeds away) You're making a big mistake...
Realizes Clark is gone. The cops pull up, surrounding him.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark comes down the stairs joining his parents in the kitchen. Day.
Clark: Morning, guys.
Martha: What time did you get in last night? I didn't hear you.
Clark: Uh... late. I was helping Lana at the Torch. I sort of lost track of time.
Jonathan: Clark, has um... has Phelan tried to contact you?
Clark: Dad, don't worry. I think he's out of our lives forever.
There is a knock at the door. They see two cops through the screen.
Jonathan: Ethan, Bob, what's going on?
Ethan: We got a warrant. It's a warrant to search your property, Jonathan.
Jonathan: A warrant? Come on in. What for?
Ethan: We got a tip from the Metropolis P.D.
Third cop enters.
Cop #3: You better come and take a look at this.
CUT TO a d*ad man with a b*llet wound to the chest in the barn.
Ethan: Looks like he was sh*t in the heart. You want to explain to me what a d*ad body's doing in your barn, Jonathan?
Jonathan: I have no idea. I've never seen that man before.
Cop #3: Ethan, we found this hidden under the seat in the truck.
Holds up a g*n in a plastic bag.
Jonathan: That is not my g*n, and I have no idea how it got in my truck.
Ethan: I'm sorry, Jonathan, but we're gonna have to place you under arrest.
Clark: Dad...
Jonathan: It's all right. Call Bill Ross and have him meet me at the jail.
Clark: (Running in front of the cops) You're not taking him!
Jonathan: Clark. Clark! I need you to stay here and I need you to be strong.
Jonathan leaves with police.
Martha: I'll follow in the car.
Clark comes back into the house. He pounds one of the wooden support beams, breaking it.
Phelan: (Entering) That's what you get for trying to be a hero, Clark. You're a pretty smart boy, but you forget. I've been doing this a long time.
Clark: Who's that man?
Phelan: Did you really think you could double cross me? Clark, my job is about scenarios. You never enter a crackhouse with one plan, you go in with ten! That's how you survive! The truth is, kid, you didnt leave me a lot of options!
Clark: I want my dad out of jail.
Phelan: You complicate my life, I'm gonna complicate yours!
Clark: (Slamming Phelan against another beam) Call them now and tell them what you did!
Phelan: What is it, Clark? You wanna k*ll me? You think that's the answer to your problems?
Clark: I want him out!
Phelan: Then we both want something. Only you have a lot more to lose. (Clark lets go of him) I don't want anymore surprises. I'm gonna let you think about last night. Stay close, I'll be in touch.
Phelan leaves.
Act 3 Scene 2
Lana at the Torch. Day. Clark enters.
Lana: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark: Hiding out.
Lana: I heard about your dad. I know it isn't true.
Clark: Thanks. How are you doing?
Lana: To be honest, I'm in way over my head. All I wanted to do is help Chloe out and now I feel like I've completely screwed up everything. I guess that's what you get when you try to be a hero.
Clark: I know the feeling. Do you ever think your aunt's life would be simpler if she hadn't adopted you?
Lana: Clark, what's going on?
Clark: It just seems like all I ever do is complicate my parents' lives.
Lana: You can't blame yourself for what's happening with your dad. Every family goes through rough times. When I was ten, I tried to run away to Metropolis. Nell found me at the bus stop. It was freezing. As she was driving me home, I asked her if she regretted adopting me. She stopped the car. I remember because it started snowing. She looked me in the eye and she said it was the best thing she had ever done. She didn't love me any less because I was adopted. She worried about me more.
Clark: I've gotta go.
Lana: Don't worry, Clark. It'll all work out.
Act 3 Scene 3
At the jail, Jonathan and Clark sit on either side of the glass at the visiting booth. They both pick up the phones.
Jonathan: Hi, son. Where's your mother?
Clark: The police are questioning her. (Pause) I lied to you.
Jonathan: What do you mean?
Clark: I did see Phelan again.
Jonathan: When?
Clark: Last night. I went with him to Metropolis broke into an apartment, found a safe with confidential files.
Jonathan: Oh, Clark.
Clark: I didn't have a choice.
Jonathan: Well, I'm sure that's what he wanted you to think, but you always have a choice, son.
Clark: I was protecting you and mom.
Jonathan: You cannot protect your mother and I by lying to us. Come on!
Clark: Dad, there's more. Phelan came back after you were arrested. I got so angry that I grabbed him. And for a second, I wanted to... I wanted to k*ll him.
Jonathan: But you didn't, right?
Clark: Yeah, but I was close.
Jonathan: (Puts his fist against the glass and Clark meets it with his own) Believe me, son, I know all there is to know about losing your temper. But you can't afford to do it. This is Phelan's game, and he will play your fear and your anger but you cannot let him get to you.
Clark: I don't care. I won't let anybody hurt you and mom.
Jonathan: And he knows that. But once you cross that line, there's no going back.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lex is sitting in the Beanery and sees Clark walking outside. He gets up to catch him. Day.
Lex: Clark. I just heard about your dad. Is he all right?
Clark: He's hanging in there.
Lex: It's Phelan, isn't it? What's he got on you, Clark?
Clark: Just stay out of it, all right? Please.
Lex: Listen to me. You may think you know how a guy like Phelan works, but you'd be wrong.
Clark: Sounds like you're an expert.
Lex: I understand his world.
Clark: Yeah, he told me you have secrets.
Lex: There are parts of my life I'm not proud of, Clark. But I don't want to see you or your family hurt. Now let me help.
Clark: You can't Lex. I gotta handle this on my own. (He walks away)
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark sits on the steps of the loft. Night. Phelan enters.
Phelan: You busy, Clark?
Clark: What do you want from me?
Phelan: That's complicated. After last night, I've got Internal Affairs asking me more questions than I want to answer.
Clark: It's your problem.
Phelan: No, it's our problem. But our next bit of business is gonna be our last.
Clark: Look, I don't care. You can tell the whole world about me.
Phelan: Clark, you may not care about yourself, but think about your parents. Now, your father's in jail on a m*rder charge, and whether he beats it or not, he's gonna lose this farm just paying legal fees. I can still make all that go away. (Snaps his fingers) So what's it gonna be?
We see Phelan and Clark driving away. Lex is waiting outside the farm in his own car and follows, unseen.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Phelan pulls up to Metropolis Museum. Night.
Clark: What are we doing here?
Phelan: Since I couldn't pick up my Internal Affairs records, I figured it was time to pick up my retirement package.
Clark: The breastplate. You want me to steal it for you.
Phelan: I don't give a damn about the breastplate. I just want the ten million dollars worth of jewels that are on it. Come on.
They get out of the car and walk towards the museum.
Clark: So we just gonna bust in?
Phelan: Not quite. See, Metropolis P.D. keeps blueprints on all high-security buildings in the city, so I know this place better than the architect. The security system all runs through this junction box. (Shines flashlight at box on the side of the building) Open it up.
Clark: Is it alarmed?
Phelan: They only alarm things they think somebody could get through. Clark, I'm getting pretty bored with this. You want your old life back, you do it.
Clark bends back the metal of the box.
Clark: Cameras are one thing. What about the guards?
Phelan: (Dialing his cell phone) They're about to get real busy. (To the phone) Yeah, Metropolis Museum? You have two minutes to leave the building. There's a b*mb outside.
CUT TO Lex outside the museum. He sees the guards running out the doors and down the stairs.
Back to Phelan clipping the wires.
Phelan: The cameras are all d*ad in Luthor Hall.
We see Lex looking into a newspaper dispenser with a small box inside. He puts in some change and takes it out.
CUT TO Clark and Phelan at the breastplate display. It's surrounded by bars.
Phelan: Kid, show me the magic.
Clark bends the bars apart and punches through the glass.
CUT TO Lex opening the box and pulling out an alarm clock. He tosses it to one of the guards.
Back to Phelan taking the breastplate.
Phelan: We are gonna make a great team.
He puts it in a bag and zips it shut. Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through a wall and sees the security guards.
Clark: We'll never be a team. (He grabs the bag and throws it through a high window. It lands next to Lex and the guards) You might be able to explain the safe, but your fingerprints are all over that breastplate.
Phelan: You might be strong, but you're not bulletproof!
He pulls out a g*n. We see him pull the trigger and the b*llet comes out in slow motion. Clark leans out of the way. It shatters the glass of another display case. Clark is gone.
Phelan: What are you?!
Lex and the guards come in and Phelan opens f*re.
Guard: Get down!
One of the guards' b*ll*ts hits Phelan. Lex kneels down next to him.
Lex: Phelan, where's Clark? I know he came with you. Just tell me what you had on him.
Phelan: G-go to hell, Luthor. (He dies)
Act 4 Scene 2
Jonathan comes through the front door of the Kent home. Day.
Jonathan: All the charges have been dropped with profuse apologies from the state and Metropolis Police Department.
Martha: Then it's finally over.
Jonathan: This time. Unfortunately there's more than one Phelan out there in the world.
Clark: What do we do next time?
Jonathan: I don't know, son. We're just gonna have to deal with it when the time comes.
Clark: Maybe I should stop using my gifts. That would solve all our problems.
Martha: No it wouldn't, Clark. Your gifts are who you are. You can't live in fear.
Jonathan: Although a little caution wouldn't hurt.
Martha: Clark, are you sure nobody saw you last night?
Clark: I'm positive, Mom.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lana at the Torch. Day. Principal Kwan enters with another issue.
Kwan: Miss Lang! What's this?
The headline reads Kwan Crushes Freedom of Speech.
Lana: It's a news story.
Kwan: It's unacceptable.
Lana: Why? It covers all of your criteria. It deals with a student, a school-sponsored club, and there are no mutants in sight.
Kwan: Did you do this because you thought I'd reinstate Miss Sullivan?
Lana: I did this because it's the right thing to do. Chloe was born for this job.
Kwan: Although I do admire her passion, her reporting lacks accuracy.
Chloe: (Enters) I can work on that.
Kwan: If you want your job back, Miss Sullivan, don't print what you can't prove. Do we have a deal?
Chloe: Yeah. Thank you, Principal Kwan.
Kwan: Don't thank me. Thank Miss Lang. (He leaves)
Lana: Congratulations. You deserve it.
Chloe: Thanks. Uh... you know. Lana, I'm sorry I flipped out on you the other day. I just... you know, the paper's kind of my identity and it's like the only thing that Clark and I do together and when I saw you here--
Lana: You thought I was trying to cut Clark out of your life?
Chloe: Nobody ever said I was rational.
Lana: I want to be friends with you, Chloe. But I don't want to stand between you and Clark.
Chloe: (Her eyes tear up) Oh no. Don't worry. There's nothing between us. We're just good friends. How about you?
Lana: Same thing. We're just friends.
Chloe: Good. I'm glad we got that out of the way. Now, let's see what you've messed up since I've been gone.
Act 4 Scene 4
Lex sitting at his computer. Night. We see surveillance footage from the museum the night before. Something darts across the screen, blurred with speed.
Victoria: Lex, are you gonna come to bed?
Lex: In a minute.
Victoria exits. Lex leans into the monitor. We see the footage again. It pauses just as the blur is in the center of the screen.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x09 - Rogue"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #110 - "Shimmer"
Original airdate: January 29, 2002
Written by Michael Green and Mark Verheiden
Directed by D.J. Caruso
Act 1 Teaser Smallville High-- Exterior
Pete is in front of an American Red Cross banner outside Smallville High. He sees Clark and Lana approaching. Clark is wearing gym sweats. Day.
Clark: So, how'd you get out of gym class?
Lana: I'm spared the sweats a couple of days, perk of chairing the blood drive.
Clark: I'm sorry, aren't you the girl who skinned her knee in seventh grade and passed out when she saw the blood?
Lana: I was hoping I'd live that one down, but yeah.
Pete: Clark, we're gonna be late. We gotta h*t the showers.
Clark: Bye, Lana.
Lana: Bye.
CUT TO a girl sitting on the bleachers writing in a notebook. A boy walks up and takes it from her.
Amy: Troy, give it back!
Troy: Whoa, Amy. Just hang on. I just want to see if you wrote anything about me, that's all. (Another boy walks up) Oh, Jeff, did you know your sister's writing psycho love letters to Lex Luthor? It's always the quiet ones.
Jeff: Give it back to her.
Troy: Hey, it's not my fault you've got a weirdo for a sister.
Amy: You're a child, Troy. It's because of boys like you the girls want a man like Lex Luthor.
Amy takes her book back.
Troy: Keep dreaming, Amy. Your parents clean his bathrooms. You may live there, but Luthor's not gonna slum up with the help.
Jeff: Just leave her alone.
Troy: What are you gonna do about it? (Jeff walks away) Losers. (He leaves)
CUT TO Pete and Clark in the locker room.
Pete: So when are you donating blood?
Clark: I don't know.
Pete: Come on, Clark, selflessly giving of yourself to save others. Girls love that. (Clark groans) You okay?
Clark: Yeah, I'm fine.
We pan over to Troy getting dressed. One of his shoes falls off the bench. As he bends over to pick it up, his locker swings open.
Troy: Very funny, guys.
His shoe rises into the air and slams against the locker. Then the locker swings open hitting him in the face. One of the free weights across the room rises and flies into his chest, knocking him down. It hits him repeatedly.
Troy: Ha! Stop it!
Clark: (From out of sight) Troy, are you okay? (The weight drops) What happened?
Troy: It att*cked me. It was like a ghost.
Clark and Pete go to help him. Behind them, a faint shape of a person is seen outlined in the steam. It looks around and walks away.
(opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark and Chloe in the Beanery. Day.
Chloe: So you didn't see anything?
Clark: By the time I got around the corner, Troy was already on the floor.
Chloe: What about the voice he heard?
Clark: What are you thinking, Chloe, that the locker room's haunted?
Chloe: Not unless the meteor rocks can conjure up the ghost of dearly departed jock straps, which I seriously doubt.
Waitress: (Clearing their table) Here you go.
Clark: Thank you. Well, it's nice to see you still have your standards.
Chloe: Yeah.
Whitney: (To Lana, at the front of the shop) I don't have time right now. (Chloe and Clark listen)
Lana: Look, if you don't want to help me with this blood drive, then just say so.
Whitney: That's not it.
Chloe: (To Clark) That doesn't look pretty.
Lana: Then what is it?
Whitney: I really don't want to talk about this right now, okay?
Lana: No, it's not okay! You have been avoiding me for a week! Every time I ask you what's wrong you push me away. I'm worried about you.
Whitney: Don't be. I just need some space.
Lana: If that's what you want, fine. But if you can't even confide in me, I don't even know why we're going out in the first place.
Lana walks away, toward Clark and Chloe.
Chloe: Oh, quick! Pretend we weren't watching.
Clark: Hey, Lana, how's it going?
Lana: Not great, but thanks for the courtesy clueless.
Chloe: Would it cheer you up if we offered to volunteer a pint for tomorrow?
Lana: Let's fine out. (Looks at her clipboard) How about 9:45? That's open.
Chloe: Cool.
Lana: There, better already. Clark? What time can we schedule you? (He doesn't answer) We didn't pick a time for you yet. When can I put you down?
Clark: Actually, I'm not sure. Can I get back to you?
Lana: Sure. Not a problem.
Clark: Well, I mean I figure I could help out. You know, sign people up, pass out cookies.
Lana: That'd be great. Thanks. (She leaves)
Chloe: Bye. Okay, nice recovery, but am I to assume your offer to help isn't completely without an ulterior motive?
Clark: I'm just being a good friend.
Chloe: Okay.
Act 1 Scene 2
Victoria and Lex at the castle. Victoria is on the phone, Lex is playing pool. Day.
Victoria: Yes, Daddy, we're on schedule. Lex is playing hard to get, but I'm sure I can make him come around. Bye, Daddy. (She hangs up) He wants to know if you're selling this castle after we sell out your father.
Lex: Why? Does he want to ship it back over to Scotland? (He kisses her. We hear a girl clearing her throat off camera.) Amy. Where's your mom?
Amy comes in carrying a tray with two drinks.
Amy: Uh, flu I think. She asked me to cover for the afternoon.
Lex: Have you met Victoria?
Amy: No, not officially.
Lex: She's going to be staying with us.
Amy spills the drinks on Victoria.
Amy: I am so sorry! I'll go get something to clean this up.
Amy starts to leave.
Victoria: She spilled that on purpose!
Lex: It was a mistake. Wasn't it, Amy?
Amy: Sure. (Leaves)
Victoria: She's clearly got a thing for you, Lex.
Lex: Never took you for the jealous type. Her parents are a fixture. I brought them here from Metropolis.
Victoria: Send them back.
CUT TO Amy walking towards the servants' house. Her mother is outside gardening.
Mother: Were you just in the house? Amy! (Amy runs inside and her mother follows) Amy, I asked you a question.
Jeff: (Entering) What's going on?
Mother: Your sister was bothering Mr. Luthor.
Amy: If anyone is bothering him, it's that tramp. She ruining everything. She just wants him all to herself.
Mother: You know, we may live on the Luthor estate, but we're not part of that world. You have to know your place. Both of you.
Jeff: Don't worry, mom, we know exactly what our place is. (She leaves)
Amy: Thanks, Jeff.
Jeff: Just be careful.
Jeff leaves. Amy pulls out a watch and kisses it then puts it on. We see that the face is a Napoleon coin.
Act 1 Scene 3
Clark, Martha, and Jonathan in the Kents' dining room. Night. Clark has his schoolwork out on the table and Martha picks up a pamphlet.
Martha: Clark, what's this?
Clark: Blood drive at school. Lana's running it.
Jonathan: Clark, you know you can't donate.
Clark: I know, Dad. But what am I supposed to tell her?
Martha: That you have a problem with needles, which you technically do.
Clark: Great. Not only do I lie, but I look like a wuss.
Jonathan: Clark, uh... I can't even believe I'm actually gonna say this, but I guess you can't always be honest with people. It's one of the prices you pay for your abilities.
Clark: That's why I volunteered.
Martha: I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Lana is running it.
Clark: Well, Whitney dropped out.
Martha: So you thought you'd move in.
Clark: If he doesn't see how great she is, then he doesn't deserver her.
Act 1 Scene 4
Lex in the castle lifting cushions from a couch, looking for something. Night. The door creaks open behind him. He stops what he's doing.
Clark: (Behind Lex) Looking for something?
We see Clark holding a crate of flowers.
Lex: My watch. The tulips looks great.
Clark: Yeah, you clean us out. Mom said if you want some more, you'll have to call Holland.
Clark puts them on the coffee table.
Lex: They're Victoria's favorite. (The crate slides off the table) What was that?
CUT TO a woman's fingers on the keys of a laptop. LuthorCorp is on the screen. At the security log in screen, Lex Luthor is entered, then a starred out password which is accepted.
Back to Lex and Clark.
Clark: (Gathering up the flowers) You and Victoria must be getting pretty close.
Lex: You seem surprised.
Clark: She just doesn't seem like your type.
Lex: Relationships aren't always about love, Clark. Sometimes they're about mutual goals. Not every girl is Lana Lang.
Clark: Yeah, sorry. It's none of my business really.
Lex: It's okay. I admire your standards. Don't lose that.
Clark: You know, I decided to fight for Lana.
Lex: Good for you. Why the new attitude?
Clark: I decided to take the advice of a friend. (Lex goes back to looking for his watch) Don't you have another watch?
Lex: I've got hundreds. This one's special. My mother gave it to me right before she died.
Clark looks around the room with his x-ray vision.
Clark: I don't see it.
Lex: What are you, part bloodhound?
Clark: No, I live on a farm. I'm pretty good at finding needles in haystacks. How about I go check the library?
Clark comes into the library finding Victoria at the laptop. She logs out of the program. They hear a pounding and leave the room to see what it is. They meet up with Lex in the hall and they all run up the stairs. At the top, there is a door rattling with a bright light shining out through the edges.
Victoria: What's going on?
Lex: Wait here.
Lex goes towards the door with Clark close behind. He reaches for the knob and the pounding and light stop. He opens the door and is thrown back against Clark. They go into the room and Lex turns on the light switch. Black lights turn on lighting up fluorescent letters on the walls that say Leave, Get out, and Go now.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
At the Torch, Chloe puts a picture of one of the Leave messages on the Wall of Weird. Day.
Chloe: It doesn't leave much room for interpretation.
Clark: It was pretty weird. I mean, the door was shaking. When we got close, it blew open and Lex said he felt something brush past him.
Chloe: Maybe his Scottish castle came complete with a poltergeist.
Clark: Well, the police say it's vandals. They don't know many ghosts who write in spray paint and own a black light.
Chloe: So, how's the blood drive?
Clark: Actually, Lana and I are getting together tonight.
Chloe: At her place?
Clark: Yeah.
Chloe: That's very romantic. Just remember, Clark, once you cross that line, you can't hide behind the cloak of friendship anymore. Proceed with caution. (She leaves)
Act 2 Scene 2
A sitting room in the castle. Day. Lex and Victoria are kissing on the couch. Lionel bursts through the door.
Lionel: Lex, you have disappointed me.
Lex: Hi, Dad. It's good to see you, too.
Lionel: Would you mind telling me what she's doing here?
Lex: Right now? Working on my neck. But knowing her, I think that's just a start.
Lionel: (Laughs) Could this be a ploy to get my attention? Well done, it worked.
Lex: I know this is gonna come as a shock, but not everything in my life revolves around you.
Lionel: Oh, I understand. So you're simply... being swindled. Would you excuse us Miss Hardwick? My son and I are going to have a little chat about family loyalty.
Victoria: It's all right. I'll run us a bath.
Victoria kisses Lex.
Lex: I'll be there shortly.
Victoria: (To Lionel) I'll send Sir Harry your regards.
Lionel: Swell. (She leaves)
Lex: This is hardly business.
Lionel: Generations of Luthors would beg to differ. It's always business, especially where the Hardwicks are concerned. Lex, can't you see she was sent to distract you? Sir Harry has been nipping away at LuthorCorp for months!
Lex: LuthorCorp is your company. I'm just one of its many expendable employees as you made abundantly clear when you exiled me to this charming cow town.
Lionel: Empires are not brought down by outside forces. They are destroyed by weaknesses from within! Lex, I've told you this. Smallville is your test. Right now you're failing.
Lex: Thanks for the update, but I know exactly what I'm doing.
Lionel: No, you don't She is playing the only card she's got and you are falling for it hook, line, and sinker.
Lex: My personal life is my business.
Lionel: Not when it affects my company. Then it's my business. Lex, listen to this. If you sell out your family, then you will truly be alone in the world.
CUT TO Victoria listening outside the door. Amy approaches.
Amy: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... (She walks away. Then, without turning back) You don't deserve him.
We see Jeff coming out of the servant house as Amy walks up.
Jeff: Amy, hey. What's wrong?
Amy: Her, what do you think?
Jeff: Amy? Amy!
Amy goes in the house.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark and Lana sit outside Lana's house looking through their papers.
Clark: I've got an opening at 5:00.
Lana: I can shift mine to 4:30 at station B, which makes us...
Clark: Done.
Lana: You're kidding. Everything?
Clark: We own this town.
Lana: We never found a time for you to donate.
Clark: Actually... Lana, I have a confession to make. I've got this thing about needles. It's kind of embarrassing.
Lana: Don't worry about it. Your secret's safe with me. (Stands) You are such a lifesaver, Clark.
Lana Sits on the railing across from him.
Clark: It's amazing you do all these different things.
Lana: Just trying to find my place in the world. I can't thank you enough.
Clark: It's a great cause. How could I not help?
Lana: Ask Whitney. He's, uh... I don't know where he's been lately.
Clark: You know, Lana, if you really want to thank me... don't talk about Whitney.
Lana: Fair enough.
Clark: (Standing) Do you ever think it's strange that my dad and your aunt used to date?
Lana: Nell doesn't really talk about it much. Whatever happened, I guess she took it kind of hard.
Clark: I'm just glad that you and I are so close.
Lana: Me too. That the thing about Clark Kent. He's not always there when you want him, but he's always there when you need him.
Clark: (Sits next to her) It's a fine distinction.
Lana: You're the one who's helping me with the blood drive.
Clark: I am.
Lana: You're the one who listens.
Clark: (Quietly) I do.
Lana: (Looking at his lips) You're the one who's here.
Clark: (Whispered) Yeah.
They lean in to kiss and the front door opens.
Nell: Lana, are you still out-- Clark. Do you have the time?
Clark: No. But I'm guessing it's late.
Nell: Smart kid.
Nell smiles and goes back inside
Lana: (Clears her throat) Uh, I'll see you tomorrow.
Clark: Tomorrow. Lana... um, have you ever seen the sunset from my loft?
Lana: Yes. (Realizes) But that's the great thing about sunsets. They're unique, you always see things you never noticed before.
Clark: Want to come over tomorrow?
Lana: I'd love to. Good night, Clark.
Act Scene 4
Clark and Pete come down the stairs at school. Day.
Pete: Have you seen the sunset from my loft? You actually said that?
Clark: Yep.
Pete: I bet your stomach was in the knots the whole time.
Clark: Yep.
Pete: Clark, if I were you, I'd start scripting what I was gonna say now.
Clark: No, I think I'll play it by ear. You know, fly by the seat of my pants.
Pete: Clark, you're not the flying type. I'll make you some notes.
Clark: Yeah.
Clark stops at his locker and Pete keeps walking. Clark looks down the hall and sees Whitney getting books from his locker. A guidance counselor comes to Whitney.
Counselor: Whitney, your mother called and she filled me in.
Whitney: She shouldn't have.
Counselor: Well, Whitney, she's just concerned. Look, I'm not here to push. If you need anything, my office is just down the hall. Okay?
Whitney: Okay.
She leaves. Whitney closes his locker and goes to leave. He drops his books. Clark kneels to help him pick them up and sees a bag with Smallville Rx on it. He picks it up and Whitney grabs it away. He picks up the rest of his things and leaves.
Clark: Sorry... you're welcome.
As Whitney goes, Clark looks through his backpack with his x-ray vision and sees a pill bottle that says Amlodipine.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark is in the Beanery looking at a paper with information on Amlodipine. Day. It says it treats high blood pressure and chest pain. Amy walks in.
Amy: Hi, Clark.
Clark: Hi, Amy. Everything okay?
Amy: Yeah. Just, um, you know, all the weirdness at the mansion. (Sits down) Everything was fine until Victoria got there. Oh, well, you're Lex's friend. What do you think of her?
Clark: I really don't know her that well.
Amy: Mmm. Well I think I figured out why she's sticking around. I saw her in Lex's bedroom going through his things.
Clark: What were you doing in Lex's bedroom?
Amy: Helping my mom.
Clark: And Victoria didn't see you?
Amy: No. See, Lex is the only one who ever treated me like I was there.
Act 2 Scene 6
A bathroom In Lex's castle. Night. Victoria turns on the bath water. When it's full she turns it off and gets in. She hears footsteps outside the door.
CUT TO Lex at the laptop in his study. Clark enters.
Lex: Clark, what brings you over so late? Doing a little ghost hunting?
Clark: No. I came here to talk to you about Victoria... Where is she?
Lex: She's taking a bath. Why, is there a problem?
Clark: Last night, when I was in here, I saw her. I... don't really know how to say this.
Lex: She was going through the files on my computer?
Clark: Yeah, how'd you know?
Lex: Very little happens in this house without my knowledge.
Clark: You don't seem very upset about this.
Lex: We're playing chess, Clark. It's a game. Like I said we've known each other a long time.
Clark: But you don't love her, she goes behind your back. Why do you want to keep you around?
Lex: It's complicated. Thanks for the heads up.
Clark: That's what friends are for. I guess I shouldn't even bring up that Amy's got an obsession with you.
Lex: It's a teenage crush. Nothing more. Hey, how goes your new Lana initiative?
Clark: I found something out about Whitney. I saw a prescription in his bag. It's for Amlodipine, it's a--
Lex: Heart medication. My mother was on it before she had her surgery.
Clark: Is that what... I'm sorry.
Lex: She was sick for a long time, Clark. The watch I lost, my mom gave it to me when she knew it was getting close. She found a Napoleon franc from 1806 and had it made into the face.
Clark: Why Napoleon?
Lex: You ever see the painting of Napoleon's coronation by David?
Clark: No.
Lex: Napoleon's mother couldn't make it to his coronation. But when he commissioned it, Napoleon told David to paint her in as if she were there, right in the center. Even though she couldn't be there physically, he brought her into his life through sheer force of will, there to share in his greatness.
Clark: That's a good story.
Lex: It's a good watch.
CUT TO a sh*t of candles in the bathroom. One of them goes out as the door opens. Victoria sits up as she hears it shut.
Victoria: Lex: Ah!
Victoria falls back under the water. In the water, we see the outline of hands holding her down. She struggles and manages to sit back up, but is pushed down again. All we see of the attacker is the outlined hand on her head. She knocks a vase over with her leg and it crashes on the floor. Clark hears it from the hallway and super speeds up the stairs and into the bathroom. He picks Victoria up out of the tub and lays her on the floor, covering her with her robe. She coughs.
Clark: You're gonna be okay.
Clark is knocked across the room by an unseen force and knocks into a mirror, breaking it. He uses his x-ray vision and sees a skeleton leaving the room. A piece of the mirror on the floor breaks as the person walks out. Clark sees that there is blood left on the mirror.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark and Chloe at the Torch. Day. They are looking at the piece of broken mirror.
Clark: It's definitely blood.
Chloe: Doesn't exactly fit the Casper paradigm. Which means that whoever att*cked you and Victoria in the bathroom... was invisible? (Takes the mirror and looks closer) What's this green stuff? (She puts it down and smells her fingers) Smells like roses. Uh... Clark?
Holds up her hand. The tips of her fingers are invisible.)
Clark: What happened?
Chloe: I just touched it. Okay, I'm now officially weirded out. What is this?
Clark: I don't know, but if you rubbed that all over you'd be--
Chloe: Naked?
Clark: You'd be invisible.
Chloe wipes off her fingers and they return to normal.
CUT TO Clark and Chloe walking outside the school.
Chloe: Okay so what's our next move? Should we call the police?
Clark: And report an invisible person? We need a viable suspect.
Chloe: Well, who's got a problem with Lex's British fling?
Clark: Amy Palmer.
Chloe: Her parents are on the mansion's house staff, right?
Clark: Amy said she saw Victoria snooping around Lex's bedroom. She said Victoria didn't see her.
Chloe: No wonder. Wait. Didn't Amy give blood?
Clark: 3:45, station B.
Chloe: Whoa. You've got a freakishly good memory. Okay, I'll get the blood type on the broken piece of glass and check it against Amy's.
Clark: Great. Call me later?
Chloe: Top of my speed dial.
Clark leaves.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark walks past the lunchroom and stop when he sees Whitney inside. He goes in.
Clark: Whitney...
Whitney: Whatever it is, I'm not interested.
Clark: What about Lana? You interested in her?
Whitney: What is it with you and my girlfriend, Kent?
Clark: Nothing. We're just friends.
Whitney: You think I don't see the way you look at her?
Clark: Well, at least I pay attention to her. You've got the most unbelievable girlfriend in the world and you don't even know it. What's your problem?
Whitney: How I deal with my girlfriend is my business, okay?
Whitney gets up to leave.
Clark: I saw the heart medication in your bag. What's going on, Whitney?
Whitney: It's my dad. He's been in Metropolis all week, you know, for tests.
Clark: Is he gonna be okay?
Whitney: The doctors don't know.
Clark: You haven't told Lana yet, have you?
Whitney: I figured she's been through enough pain in her life with her parents. I didn't want her to have to go through it with me.
Clark: I don't think you give her enough credit. She's strong. She'd probably understand better than anyone. (Clark leaves)
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark enters the Beanery and sits with Lex. Day.
Clark: Hey, how's Victoria?
Lex: She's resting up in Metropolis for a few days until I can get some answers. (Clark nods, looking distracted) Everything okay?
Clark: You ever gotten information you wish you hadn't?
Lex: In my experience, there's no such thing as too much information. I assume you're talking about the quarterback?
Clark: His father's sick.
Lex: That's too bad.
Clark: I wanted to take my sh*t with Lana, but now--
Lex: You feel like you'd be taking advantage.
Clark: What would you do?
Lex: Who me? I'd go for it. See, but that's what I like about you, Clark. You wouldn't.
Amy: (Enters) Hi, Lex.
Lex: Amy. This is a surprise.
Amy: Oh, well, I just saw your car outside, so I thought I'd come in and say hi.
Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through her sleeve and sees Lex's watch.
Lex: Well, I appreciate the gesture.
Amy: So now that Miss Hardwick is gone, hopefully things will be back to normal.
Lex: Victoria will be back in a few days.
Amy: Oh.
Lex: She's really not as bad as you think, Amy.
Amy: Oh, I-I never thought that. (Laughs nervously) Well, bye.
Amy Leaves. Clark looks thoughtful.
Lex: What is it?
Act 3 Scene 4
Amy's mother, Lex, and Clark enter Amy's bedroom. Day.
Mother: I don't know what to say, Mr. Luthor. Amy's been having some trouble in school, but I can't imagine she would actually try to hurt Miss Hardwick.
Clark: I hope I'm wrong. (Lex opens a cabinet and inside is a shrine full of pictures of him) Looks like she's been collecting you.
Lex: (Pulls his watch from behind one of the pictures) My watch.
Mother: We had no idea, Mr. Luthor. Please don't call the police.
Lex: I'm not interested in retribution or publicity, but Amy needs help. Counseling, medical treatment, whatever it takes. Just send me the bill. Even so, I think it'd be best for everyone if you left the mansion tonight.
Mother: Yes, of course. (She exits and Lex closes the cabinet)
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark enters the loft where Lana is waiting. Sunset.
Lana: You made it.
Clark: Sorry I'm late.
Lana: It's just getting to the good part. (Clark goes to her side and looks at the sunset) What do you think?
Clark: (Looking at Lana) I think it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.
Lana: The other night on the porch, I felt you were trying to tell me something.
Clark: I was... Nell's timing was impeccable as always.
Lana: (Steps closer.) She's not here now.
Clark: What I wanted to tell you was... what I wanted to say was... I would never do anything to hurt you.
Lana: I know that.
Clark: But if I said what I really wanted to say right now, that's what I'd do. I'd hurt you.
Lana: Why don't you take a sh*t? I'm pretty strong.
Clark: I know. But I think Whitney needs to know that too.
Lana: I thought you didn't want to talk about Whitney.
Clark: I-I don't. (Steps away) But if you were my girlfriend, standing in Whitney's loft, I'd hope he'd say the same thing. I understand that you're mad at him, but you need to talk to him, Lana. He needs you right now. He just doesn't know it.
Lana: Clark, why are you doing this?
Clark: Because after all this time, you and I are finally friends, and I don't want to lose that.
Lana: (Looking outside) Look. We missed it.
The sun has set. She grabs her coat and leaves.
Act 3 Scene 6
Amy is leaving the mansion with her family. She stops outside to talk to Lex. Night.
Amy: I just wanted to... feel close to you.
Amy goes to the car.)
Mother: Jeff is going to pack everything else. My husband will be back in the morning to pick it up. Again, Mr. Luthor--
Lex: It's okay, it's okay. Drive safely. (She goes to the car and they drive away. Lex pulls out his cell phone and dials a number) Yes, I'd like to leave a message for Victoria Hardwick. (The phone flies from his hand) Who's there? Come out and show yourself.
Lex is knocked to the ground.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Martha enters the loft where Clark is lying on a couch. Night.
Martha: How'd it go with Lana?
Clark: We're still friends.
Martha: Are you okay with that?
Clark: No... but I think it's the right call for now.
Chloe: (Enters) Hello! Hey, Mrs. Kent.
Martha: Hi, Chloe. (To Clark) I'll see you later.
Chloe: Okay, so, bad news on the Dracula front. The drop of blood found on the mirror was type A. Amy Palmer is Type O.
Clark: But she had a shrine to Lex in her room.
Chloe: She may be a little Lex obsessed, but she's not the one that tried to off Victoria. Check the paper.
Clark: (Looks at the results) Well, Amy's blood type doesn't match but look at Jeff's.
Chloe: Her brother? He's always been so quiet.
Clark: Practically invisible. I'll catch up with you later.
Clark Leaves.
Act 4 Scene 2
We see Lex tied up on the floor of his living room. Night.
Jeff: (We only hear him) Don't you understand? She loved you. How could you send her away?!
Lex: Who are you?
Jeff: Suddenly you care? Master Lex with his castle, his plant, his expensive cars. When did people ever matter to you?
Lex: Jeff? Where are you?
Lex stands and walks toward Jeff's voice.
Jeff: I'm surprised you even know my name. Did you forget the unspoken rule? Servants are supposed to be invisible. We tried to hide, fade into the woodwork. My parents learned to live with it, pretended it didn't matter, but Amy wanted more. And I'm through pretending!
Jeff knocks Lex to the floor.
Lex: What have I ever done to you?
Jeff: Not to me, to Amy. She loved you and you threw her out like she was nothing.
Lex: I thought she was attacking Victoria.
Jeff: That was me. I wanted to scare her, make her leave. I wanted everything back to the way it was for Amy. But you're not interested in love.
Lex: That kind of love could get me arrested. She's a little young for me, Jeff.
Jeff: (As a sword on the wall appears to swing through the air by itself) You ruined her life! Our lives! I'm not gonna let you hurt her again!
The sword flips through the air and sticks into the wall right beside Lex's head.
CUT TO Clark running at super speed to the door of the castle. He tries to open it but it's locked.
Clark: Lex! It's me! Open up!
Lex: Clark!
Clark breaks through. Lex's head is pushed to the wall. Clark tries to go to him but is pushed back.
Jeff: Stay away from him, Kent. This is your fault too.
Clark uses his x-ray vision and sees Jeff's skeleton in front of the fireplace.
Clark: Jeff... what happened?
Jeff: Chemistry, Kent. Some plants don't absorb light. They refract it. I found a weird green rose on the grounds and I studied it. And then, I used the oils to become what I've always been... to Lex, the people at school, everyone. (He takes a mace off the wall and swings it at Clark. The spiked ball shatters against Clark's face) That's right. I've heard Luthor talk about you like you're something special. Well, I'm special too.
Clark is pulled back and grabs at his neck. He elbows Jeff and the scaffolding in the room bends with Jeff's weight as he falls against it. Paint cans on the top spill on him, giving his unconscious body some form.
Act 4 Scene 3
Jeff is on a gurney being wheeled into the ambulance. Clark and Lex come down the stairs of the castle.
Clark: What do you think's gonna happen to Jeff?
Lex: A lot of serious therapy. Clearer question is how he made himself invisible.
Clark: I don't know. I guess the secret's gonna stay with him. How's your head?
Lex: I've survived worse. Can't say the same about my father's antique collection.
Clark: Sorry.
Lex: Don't be. My mother always hated that room. w*r is in our nature, She said. We don't need to put it on display.
Act 4 Scene 4
Clark looks through the telescope in his loft the same night. Through the telescope, we see Whitney and Lana talking on her porch. He says something and she takes him into her arms.
CUT TO Clark leaning against the wall of the loft, his head bowed.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x10 - Shimmer"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #111 - "Hug"
Original airdate: February 5, 2002
Written by Doris Egan
Directed by Chris Long
Metropolis CEP Building, Office of Paul Hendrix.
Paul Hendrix, a man with long curly dark hair, moustache, beard, and wearing a dark suit, stands, looking out the windows of his office at the streets and buildings of Metropolis.
Rickmen: k*ller view.
Hendrix turns at the sound of Rickman's voice and the office door closing. Bob Rickman, a clean-shaven, dark-haired man, enters in a suit and black topcoat, pulling gloves from his hands.
Hendrix: Good morning, Mr. Rickman. Thank you for coming in.
Rickmen: So what can I do for the Center for Environmental Protection ?
Rickman sits in a chair across from Hendrix's desk. Hendrix moves to the desk and sits in a chair behind it as he answers.
Hendrix: Well, I heard your people were down in Smallville doing some surveying. I wanted to discuss your intentions.
Rickmen: My intentions are to build a new plant.
Hendrix picks up a clear bottle filled with an orange-brown liquid from his desk and sets it down again near Rickman.
Rickmen: What's this ?
Rickman picks up the bottle as Hendrix answers.
Hendrix: Groundwater from the last town where you built a plant.
Rickmen: Well, I find that very hard to believe. Rickman Industries has always had a very good relationship with the CEP...
Rickman glances at the name plate on the desk Paul Hendrix, CEP District 42.
Rickmen: ...Paul. Can I call you Paul ?
Hendrix: No. Tomorrow I'll have a restraining order preventing you from moving into Smallville until every case against you is settled.
Rickmen: (Sighs) That's too bad. I Well, I had my mind set on Smallville. This town has a it has a special place in my heart. I don't suppose there's anything I could do to change your mind ?
Hendrix: I'm afraid I'm not as easy to buy off as my colleagues.
Rickman rises and leans over the desk.
Rickmen: I've never bought off a soul in my life. People listen to me because they know I'm right. When they do, they end up better for it.
Hendrix stands and holds up a blue file folder.
Hendrix: Tell that to the 96 cases of vinyl chloride poisoning I've tied to your pesticide plants.
Rickmen: Well. I see there's little else to do. I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your candor. I wish you luck.
As he is speaking, Rickman walks around Hendrix's desk. Rickman extends a hand, and Hendrix takes it. Rickman grips with his other hand, and a green glow emanates from the clasped hands. Hendrix's expression changes he looks stupified.
Rickmen: Now, listen, Paul...I can call you Paul, can't I ?
Hendrix looks confused.
Hendrix: Uh...I guess.
Rickmen: You strike me as a man of passion, Paul. Passion hurts, doesn't it? Hmm? People don't understand. They don't see how you devote yourself to what's right. I bet you're afraid you'll give all that passion to a job that no one even cares about. Hmm?
Hendrix: No.
He looks at Rickman, and then looks down.
Hendrix: Yes.
Rickmen: Yes.
Rickman leads Hendrix over to the windows.
Rickmen: Look at that world out there, Paul. Is any part of it yours?
Hendrix: No.
Rickmen: No. All that pain you feel? There's only one way to make it stop.
Rickman looks down at the street below, and Hendrix follows his gaze. Rickman looks back over at Hendrix and moves to leave, picking a piece of lint off of Hendrix's suit before he goes. Hendrix continues to stare at the street below.
CUT TO CEP Elevator. The elevator chime dings and its floor indicator reads 30 as the doors open. Rickman steps in and speaks to a woman already inside.
Rickmen: Going down?
She nods, and the elevator doors close.
CUT TO CEP Lobby. The elevator floor indicator reads 1 and the doors open. Rickman holds the door and the woman exits.
Woman: Thanks.
Rickman pulls a cell phone from his coat and dials as he walks toward the open doors that lead out of the building. People walk in and out of the building as well as on the sidewalk outside, and a yellow taxi is parked just outside the doors.
Tyler: On the phone Sir?
Before Rickman says anything, Hendrix crashes into the roof of the taxi, shattering the rear windows. People gasp, yell, and rush toward the car.
Rickmen: Tyler, bring the car around. We're going to Smallville.
Man: (From outside) Somebody call an ambulance!
CUT TO Woods. Clark, Lana and Chloe are horseback riding on a misty dirt trail in some woods.
Chloe: (To horses) Okay, here we go. Whoa! (To Clark and Lana) I thought learning to drive my dad's Volvo was difficult. But at least the car came with windshield wipers.
Clark: Chloe, you're doing fine for your first time. (To Lana) So, how's Whitney holding up ?
Lana: His dad's still in the hospital, so he's been working shifts at the store.
Clark: It's tough running a family business.
Lana: I think he secretly wants his dad to sell it. He doesn't want to be saddled with it when he graduates.
Clark: I don't blame him. I don't see myself being a farmer when I grow up.
Lana: What do you want to do ?
Clark: I'm not sure. Just as long as it doesn't involve putting on a suit and doing a lot of flying.
Chloe: Where's my oh I dropped my camera.
Clark: Chloe, what did you bring that thing for, anyway ?
Chloe: I'm not out here doing this butt-bashing thing for fun. These woods are like the Bermuda triangle of Smallville. No, I'm serious, you guys, people come in here, and when they leave they can't remember a thing. There've been dozens of incidences in the past ten years.
Lana: I'll go get your camera.
Lana turns her horse and heads back along the path.
Chloe: Thank you.
Clark: The stories in these woods go back to the civil w*r.
Chloe: No, Clark, what I'm talking about happened like a week ago. Some surveyors from Rickman Industries came screaming out of the woods, and they can't even remember what happened.
Clark: I'm sure you have a theory about this.
Chloe: Kyle Tippet.
Clark: The guy who sells weird sculptures in town ?
Chloe: Yeah, don't you think it's odd he lives out here all alone in the woods.
Clark: Thoreau did.
Chloe: So did the b*mb.
A scream echoes from farther back on the path.
Clark: Lana ! (To Chloe) Stay with the horses.
Clark dismounts and runs back along the path.
Chloe: Uh
okay. Whoa ! Whoa ! Whoa ! Whoa !
Clark stops and looks back to see that Chloe is looking at the horses, away from him, and then runs down the path at super speed. Chloe turns and finds Clark gone, and looks around in confusion.
CUT TO Lana, lying on the ground, opens her eyes to see Kyle Tippet, an unshaven man with dark hair, over her. Clark arrives to see Tippet with arms on Lana's shoulders and Lana struggling to sit up.
Clark: Get away from her !
Kyle runs, and Clark rushes up to Lana.
Clark: You okay ?
Lana: Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
Clark helps Lana to her feet and the two look around. There's no sign of Kyle. Clark sees Chloe's camera on the ground and picks it up.
CUT TO Kent Farm Inside Clark's Home.
Clark rewinds the tape in Chloe's camera and he and Jonathan watch what it recorded on a television. It shows Kyle coming up to an unconscious Lana and shaking her.
Jonathan: What do you think happened, Son ?
Clark: I don't know, but
it just doesn't look like he's trying to hurt her.
Martha enters, speaking into a cordless phone.
Martha: Okay, Nell. Thanks. Bye.
Martha hangs up.
Clark: (To Martha) How's Lana ?
Martha: She has a mild concussion. Other than that, she's fine.
Jonathan: And Nell ?
Martha: That's a different story. She wants Clark to go to the police and say that he saw Kyle spook Lana's horse and att*ck her.
Clark: That's not what I saw.
Martha: From Nell's tone, I don' think we've heard the end of this.
Jonathan: Did Kyle seem at all dangerous to you ?
Clark: He seemed
scared. Chloe mentioned that some surveyors were spooked last week in the woods, and now us. I wonder if there's a connection ?
Martha: Jonathan, you should go talk to Kyle, get this cleared up.
Jonathan: Yep.
Jonathan stands and starts to move across the room. Clark stands as well.
Clark: No, I'll go.
Jonathan: Clark, I don' think that's a good idea.
Clark: It's not like he can hurt me.
Jonathan: That is not the point.
Clark: Dad, I understand what it's like to be hidden from the world. Give me a sh*t.
Jonathan and Martha exchange a look.
Jonathan: All right. Do you know where Kyle lives ?
Clark: I just follow the trail of bad sculptures.
Clark leaves.
CUT TO Rickman's Offices. The large offices are decorated with balloons and posters of plants and flowers with the Rickman Industries logo. A model of a plant sits in the center of the room. Victoria Hardwick is looking at one of the posters, holding a glass.
Rickmen: Miss Hardwick, I'm surprised to find you in Smallville.
Lex comes up behind the two.
Lex: Don't encourage him, Victoria. It's funny, I was just saying what this town needs is more pesticides in the water supply.
Rickmen: Oh, now don't tell me you mind someone else sharing your little sandbox.
Lex: Only when they're polluting it. Hello, Bob.
Rickmen: (Chuckles) Lex.
Rickman extends a hand to Lex, who turns and picks up a glass from a waiter instead of accepting it.
Victoria: I'll leave you boys alone.
Victoria leaves.
Lex: Photos are a bit over-the-top, but I like what you've done with the place.
Rickmen: Oh, it's only temporary. Here, have a button.
Lex: Pass out enough of these and maybe they won't notice you're rendering the town uninhabitable.
Rickmen: I'm just like you, Lex. Government employee sets my emission levels and I abide. You have an objection ?
Lex: Let's call it an interest. Smallville's my home now.
Rickmen: That's right. Yes, Lionel had mentioned that he'd exiled you here. Had dinner with him a couple of weeks ago.
Lex: Yeah ? What happened, somebody more important cancel on him ?
Rickmen: Ha ha ha. Don't worry, Lex. I'll keep my concerns away from the Luthors. Already found the perfect place for the plant. It's out of the way. It's near enough to the river.
Lex: The Kent farm? I assume you've approached them?
Rickmen: Well, that's just a formality.
Lex: The way licenses and zoning permits always seem to be a formality for you, Bob. I know the Kents, and not even you could convince them to sell that farm.
Lex starts to leave.
Rickmen: You'd be surprised.
Lex stops and turns back to Rickman.
Lex: Trust me, Bob. You're not that charming.
Lex tosses the logo button to Rickman and leaves.
CUT TO Kyle's trailer Exterior. Clark pulls up in the Kent's blue pickup truck and exits. The area outside Kyle's trailer is surrounded with modern art-style sculptures made from salvage. A f*re burns in a barrel. Clark looks around as he crosses to the trailer and knocks, looks in a window next to the door, then knocks again. After no one answers, he turns and is startled to find Kyle behind him.
Kyle: You're trespassing.
Clark: How'd you do that ?
Kyle: Magic. Haven't you heard of crazy Kyle who lives in the woods by himself? He's somewhere between Bigfoot and the Blair Witch.
Clark: I'm
Clark extends a hand to Kyle, which Kyle does not shake.
Kyle: Clark Kent. Jonathan and Martha's son.
Clark: How'd you know that ?
Clark withdraws his hand.
Kyle: I live in a trailer, not a cave.
Clark: I wanted to talk to you about what happened this afternoon.
Clark walks toward a pile of salvage.
Kyle: You mean the girl? Well, the horse threw her and I went to make sure she was still breathing.
Clark: So you don't make a habit of scaring people out of the woods
and spooking their horses?
Clark turns to Kyle as he speaks, holding a blue hardhat with the Rickman Industries logo on it. Kyle takes the hat from Clark.
Kyle: If I wanted to explain myself all the time, I'd get a job. But I left that world behind for a reason. Goodbye.
Clark: Why are you so unfriendly ?
Kyle: Because I'm not interested in friends.
Clark: Everyone needs a friend.
Kyle: No they don't, because they'll always betray you in the end.
Kyle enters his trailer, leaving Clark outside.
CUT TO The Beanery. Clark enters and takes a seat at a table, across from where Lana already is sitting.
Clark: How you feeling?
Lana: Better. Thanks. Nell said you were going to talk to the police.
Whitney approaches the table from behind Clark carrying two drinks.
Clark: Actually, I went out and spoke to Kyle.
Whitney: You talked to that psycho ?
Clark: Yeah. He said that he was just trying to make sure Lana was okay.
Whitney takes a seat at the table next to Lana.
Lana: Do you believe him?
Clark: Yeah, I think I do.
Whitney: If I were there, I would have done something.
Whitney and Clark exchange a look, as Lana looks at Whitney.
Clark: Do you remember anything?
Lana: Not really.
Clark: I gotta get home. I'm glad you're okay.
Clark stands and walks away from the table, stopping at the counter near the door and taking a seat on a stool when Lex speaks to him.
Lex: That looked uncomfortable. Listen, has Bob Rickman been by the farm ?
Clark: Why would he be interested in us ?
Lex: He's interested in buying your land.
Clark: (Scoffs) You have met my dad. Why are you even worried?
Lex: I've seen Rickman talk people out of house and home. He's a locust, Clark. He tears through a community and betrays anyone who trusts him. Tell your dad to be careful.
Clark: (Seriously) Okay.
CUT TO Rickman Offices. Rickman is bent over, eyeing the model for his new plant when he hears footsteps and straightens.
Rickmen: Hello, Kyle. Wondering when you'd stop by.
Kyle: We had an agreement. You do whatever you want with the rest of the world, but when it comes to this town, you leave it alone.
Rickmen: We made those rules a long time ago. World's changed, Kyle.
Kyle: Maybe it's time the public knew the whole truth about Bob Rickman.
Rickmen: (Chuckles) Public believes whatever I tell them. I spent the past nine years honing my skill while you just hid in the woods, because you were afraid.
Kyle extends his hand to Rickman.
Kyle: Take my hand. See how afraid I am.
Rickman eyes Kyle, but refuses to take him hand. After a moment, Kyle points at Rickman as he speaks.
Kyle: You've been warned.
Kyle leaves.
CUT TO Smallville Exterior Street outside the Beanery and Rickman's Offices. Whitney leaves the Beanery to see Clark, on the other side of the street, approaching Rickman's offices and encountering Kyle.
Clark: (To Kyle) Kyle. What are you doing here ?
Kyle: Uh, just registering a complaint.
Whitney's face turns angry and he starts across the street.
Clark: What do you have against Rickman ?
Kyle: There used to be a time when people just minded their own business.
Clark looks down, but both look over at Whitney as he approaches Kyle.
Whitney: Hey, Tippet!
Kyle: And what's your problem?
Whitney: You are. Touch Lana Lang again, and I'll take care of you myself.
Clark: Whitney, back off.
Whitney: I've got my eye on you.
Whitney turns and walk toward his truck, disabling the alarm as Clark and Kyle continue to talk.
Kyle: (To Clark) That's why I don't come into town.
Clark: You want a ride home ?
Kyle: Why are you being so nice to me ?
Clark: I figure you're not a bad guy. You're just not a people person.
Kyle: (Laughs) What gave that away ?
Clark: You want a ride or not ?
Kyle: Yeah, I gotta stop and get groceries.
Clark: No problem.
Clark walks toward his truck and opens the passenger door for Kyle.
Rickman, watching the scene from the door to his offices, calls to Whitney, who is staring at Clark and Kyle, and is just about to enter his truck.
Rickmen: Excuse me ! I'm sorry, I couldn't help, uh, overhearing. Are you having a problem with Kyle Tippet ?
Whitney approaches Rickman as Clark and Kyle drive off.
Whitney: Yeah, he att*cked my girlfriend.
Rickman extends his hand to Whitney.
Rickmen: Bob Rickman. Maybe I can help.
Rickman clasps Whitney's hand with both of his, and a green glow emanates from his hand and Whitney's eyes.
CUT TO Kyle's Trailer Exterior. Clark and Kyle pull up to Kyle's trailer. Kyle holds a bag of groceries on his lap.
Kyle: Thanks for the ride, I really appreciate it.
Clark: Next time don't talk my ear off.
Kyle moves to open the door and exit the truck.
Clark: Hey, uh, why were you at Rickman's?
Kyle sits back.
Kyle: Why were you at Rickman's?
Clark: I heard a rumor he's trying to buy our farm.
Kyle: Stay away from him.
Clark: Do you miss it? A regular life, I mean?
Kyle: Some people weren't meant to have a regular life, Clark. Thanks. Bye.
Kyle exits, and Clark drives away as Kyle crosses to the door of his trailer. While unlocking the door, Kyle sees a reflection of Whitney approaching him in the glass of a window next to the door, and turns. Whitney swings at Kyle with a bat, knocking the bag of groceries from his arms. Kyle ducks as Whitney swings again, smashing the bat into the trailer door.
CUT TO the road leading from Kyle's Trailer. Clark slows as he notices a truck parked off to the side of the road. He stops his truck and exits, recognition apparent on his face.
Clark: Whitney.
Clark dashes back toward the trailer at super-speed.
CUT TO Kyle's Trailer Exterior. Whitney continues to att*ck Kyle, missing several times before connecting with Kyle's chest and knocking him to the ground. Whitney tries to h*t Kyle again, but Kyle kicks him back, knocking the bat from Whitney's grasp. Kyle picks it up, and Whitney grabs a flaming beam from a barrel f*re and swings it wildly at Kyle.
Kyle swings at Whitney, connecting with his chest and causing him to double over and drop the beam. Clark arrives as Kyle is about to h*t Whitney with the bat, and places himself in the bat's path. The bat shatters against Clark. Clark pushes Kyle against the trailer, knocking him unconscious. Clark bends down and grips Whitney, who looks up at Clark, panting. Clark looks over at the unconscious Kyle, his expression a mixture of confusion and anger.
Kyle is guided into a police car by a deputy as Jonathan crosses the scene to where Clark and Whitney are leaning against a second police car.
Jonathan: They're booking Kyle for as*ault. All right, what happened, guys ?
Whitney: I saw Kyle in town. He blew me off, so I came out here to talk.
Jonathan: So you drove all the way out here in the middle of the night ?
Whitney: Yeah. I had a feeling he was going to att*ck Lana again. Next thing I know, he att*cks me with a bat.
Jonathan: (To Clark) Is that what happened ?
Clark: I did see Kyle swing at Whitney, but
Jonathan: But what?
Clark: Kyle says Whitney swung at him first.
Whitney: That's crazy. Why would I do that?
Clark: I don't know. None of this makes any sense.
Whitney: Yes it does! First he att*cks Lana, then he comes after me. The guy's dangerous and needs to be locked up
Jonathan: Whitney, we've all had a rough night, why don't you just calm down, alright?
Whitney: (To Clark) You saw it with your own eyes. That freak tried to k*ll me! Now you're saying it's my fault?
Whitney shakes his head and walks off.
CUT TO Smallville High - Torch Office. Chloe holds a copy of a newspaper with a story and picture of Kyle.
Chloe: Tippet hasn't broken hermit status in years and all of a sudden he's one of Smallville's most wanted ?
Pete: Something must have made him snap.
Clark: I think it's Bob Rickman.
Chloe: Yeah, but what does our rural Rodin have against Rickman, other than the obvious poisoning the environment angle ?
Clark: I don't know. Could you do some digging, find a connection ?
Chloe: Yeah. Absolutely. Sounds like an interesting story tree-hugging hermit versus pesticide tycoon.
Chloe hold a separate story with a picture of Rickman alongside one of Kyle. Pete takes the two and looks between the pictures.
Pete: What do you think they have in common?
Chloe: Definitely not their personal grooming habits.
Lana enters, obviously angry.
Clark: Lana. Hey, what's wrong ?
Clark stands and walks up to Lana.
Lana: (To Chloe and Pete) Can you give us a minute ?
Chloe: Yeah.
Chloe and Pete leave.
Lana: Whitney said you accused him of attacking Kyle.
Clark: I didn't accuse him, I just have some questions.
Lana: Like what ?
Clark: Like why was he there ?
Lana: He was just trying to talk with him. We both know Whitney can be a little overzealous, but his heart's in the right place.
Clark: I just don't think Kyle would do something like that. He doesn't seem like a violent person.
Lana: And you can tell that from knowing him for two days ? He's lived in the woods alone for ten years.
Clark: That makes him odd, not dangerous.
Lana: Whitney wouldn't att*ck anybody.
Clark: He strung me up in a field.
Lana: So that's what this is about ? You haven't forgiven him.
Clark: Lana, I just think there's something else going on here.
Lana: Yeah, there is. You're looking for an excuse to knock Whitney. You know what he's going through with his dad. If you don't like him, just say it. Don't pretend to be his friend.
Lana leaves.
CUT TO Kent Farm Barn. Jonathan, wearing work gloves, shovels some manure and hay into a wheelbarrow as Rickman approaches. Some of the manure falls onto Rickman's shoes.
Jonathan: You know, a barn's no place for shoes like that.
Rickman: Didn't like them that much, anyway. Bob Rickman, Rickman Industries.
Rickman extends a hand to Jonathan.
Jonathan: I know who you are.
Johnathan shakes Rickman's hand while wearing the gloves, apprently preventing Rickman from affecting him. Rickman continues to speak with Jonathan.
Rickman: Well, then you probably know why I'm here.
Jonathan: Yeah, I hear that you're interested in this farm, and you have a reputation as a very persuasive fellah. But I gotta tell ya, there's not a snowball's chance in hell I'd consider selling, especially not to Rickman Industries.
Jonathan walks across the barn, removing the gloves as he goes. Rickman follows.
Rickman: You got a problem with progress, Mister Kent ?
Jonathan: No, I'm just skeptical about anyone who thinks they can solve my problems with money.
Rickman: Why's that ?
Jonathan: Because if I was interested in money, I wouldn't be a farmer, would I? If you'll excuse me, I've got some real work to do.
Jonathan points toward the barn's exit. Rickman shrugs his shoulders, turns, and starts to leave, but sees Jonathan put down the gloves and pretends to turn his foot, falls to the floor with an exclamation. Johnathan turns to him.
Jonathan: What happened? You all right?
Rickman: Oh, I twisted my ankle. (Chuckles) I guess you were right about these shoes. Could you, uh, give me a hand?
Rickman extends a hand to Jonathan, who approaches him and pulls him up. Rickman uses his power on Jonathan.
Rickman: Now, are you sure I can't convince you to change your mind?
CUT TO Kent Farm Inside Clark's Home. Clark enters to find Jonathan sitting on a stool, staring at a contract bearing his and Rickman's signature, and Martha standing, speaking to him.
Martha: How could you do this without telling me? What happened to this land is our legacy?
Clark: What's going on, guys?
Martha: Your father sold the farm to Bob Rickman.
Clark: What? How?
Jonathan: I don't know. One minute I'm telling him he doesn't stand a chance and the next thing I know I've got a signed contract in my hand.
Martha: I called our lawyer. He said he can't do anything until he sees the contract but the devil made me do it argument wouldn't hold up in court.
Jonathan: I just don't believe I did this.
Clark: What did Rickman do?
Jonathan: Nothing. He made his case, he shook my hand, that was it.
Clark: It can't be that easy.
Jonathan: Well, then, how else do you explain my signature on this contract ?
Jonathan puts the contract down on the counter, and the three Kents exchange looks. Clark picks the contract up and starts to move away.
Clark: I think I know someone who can help.
Jonathan: No. I will not owe Lex Luthor anything. Thank you.
Martha: Right now you don't have anything to owe.
Clark leaves with the contract.
CUT TO The Beanery. Clark, carrying two drinks, passes Whitney and Lana, who are talking but pause and give him cold looks. He slows for a second, but then continues to where Lex is sitting. He sets a drink in front of Lex and takes a seat. Lex closes a file folder he's holding and leans forward to talk to Clark.
Lex: Ouch. What's that all about ?
Clark: I just won't cave on my opinion of Kyle Tippet. It's put me on the outs with Lana.
Lex: So you're Atticus.
Clark looks confused.
Lex: Atticus Finch? To k*ll a Mockingbird?
Clark: Never read it.
Lex: You should. You two have a lot in common. Small-town heroes. Believe in the truth. Not willing to back down.
Clark: How's it end?
Lex: It's not about the ending, it's about the journey.
Clark looks over at Whitney and Lana.
Clark: What kills me is that I know that I'm right. I just wish I could get them to see it.
Lex: That, my friend, is the key to leadership not only knowing you're right, but convincing everyone else. If you can do that, the world's your oyster.
Clark: Right now, I'd settle for getting our farm back.
Lex: The good news is the deal's worth three times market value. The bad news is, it's ironclad. Meaning it'll take a dozen extra lawyers. Fortunately, I've got an army of them.
Clark: For once, I think my parents will be glad for your help.
Lex: I'd love to know what Rickman said to convince your father. I know the farm's in debt, but he's going to pave it over and turn it into a wasteland. Hardly better than the offers I've made.
Clark: I just know that my father would never sell the farm.
Lex: Except that he did. Rickman's known for getting past people's defenses, but that's just good business
unless you think there's more to it than that.
Clark considers what Lex has said, and his expression changes. He grabs his coat and stands.
Lex: Where are you going?
Clark: Jail.
Clark leaves.
CUT TO Rickman's Office.
Rickman is reviewing some papers in a file (presumably the contract to purchase the Kent farm) as a deputy approaches him.
Deputy: Got a call you had a problem, Mister Rickman.
Rickman: Yes, thank you for coming by, Deputy.
Deputy: No problem.
The two approach each other, Rickman extends a hand, and the Deputy takes it.
Rickman: I need you to take care of an old friend.
CUT TO Smallville Jail Interior. Kyle sits in a cell, his back against the bars. A deputy (not the one who was with Rickman) enters.
Deputy: Let's go. On your feet. You've got a visitor here.
Kyle stands, and the deputy opens the cell. Kyle holds out his hands, and then grabs the deputy's. The green glow of Rickman's and Kyle's powers surrounds their hands.
CUT TO Smallville Jail Exterior. Kyle, wearing the uniform of the deputy he just ensnared, walks between police cars, heading away from the jail. From farther down the street, Clark calls to him.
Clark: Kyle!
Kyle turns to see Clark, and they both turn at the sound of a g*n cocking. The deputy that Rickman entranced aims and fires at Kyle.
Clark: No!
Shifting to super speed, Clark watches the b*llet sail past his head, heading toward Kyle. Clark starts to run, grabbing Kyle and pulling him to the ground behind a cruiser, but not fast enough to keep the bulet from passing through Kyle's shoulder. The deputy continues to f*re his g*n at where Clark and Kyle fell, but when he approaches, the two have vanished, leaving only a bloodstain on the ground. The deputy looks around, confused.
CUT TO Luthor Estate Interior Bedroom. Lex and Clark stand in a bedroom where Kyle lays on a bed. A scruffy-looking man with long hair, and earring and necklaces, sunglasses perched on his head, and wearing a stethoscope, attends the injured, unconscious recluse, stitching his wound. Clark has bloodstains on his shirt.
Lex: How bad ?
Doctor: It's no worse than when Ozzy snorted that row of f*re ants down in Queensland.
Clark takes a few steps closer to Lex.
Clark: (Softly) This guy really a doctor ?
Lex: He was. Now he's more of an on-call specialist. You know
actors, rock stars, billionaire's sons.
Clark: How do you know him?
Lex: Long story.
Doctor: What's a guy gotta do to get a drink around here?
Lex: Finish sewing. (To Clark) Don't worry, Toby appreciates discretion. Nobody will ever know Kyle was here.
Clark: Thanks.
Lex: I'm curious. Why did you think I'd be willing to harbor a fugitive ?
Clark: I figured my parents would freak. And if I took him to a hospital, they'd put him back in jail. You're the only one I could trust.
Doctor: All in all, it's easier than that Kn*fe wound of yours. Club Zero, remember that? Bled all over my Mustang.
Lex: Can we talk to him now?
The man stands and picks up a doctor's bag.
Doctor: I gave him something for the pain. It's lights out till the morning. My usual payment?
Lex looks at Clark, then answers.
Lex: Brown bag on my desk. See you, Toby.
Doctor: Lex.
The man picks up a coat from a chair and exits.
Lex: (To Clark) You'd better get home, it's late.
Clark starts to leave, but pauses near the doorway of the bedroom when Lex speaks to him.
Lex: Hey, Atticus
you may want to change your shirt.
Clark looks down at the stains on his shirt, then over at Kyle, and leaves. Lex looks down at the unconscious hermit.
CUT TO Kent Farm Barn Loft. Lana sits in Clark's loft as he climbs the stairs. Surprise is evident on his face when he notices her waiting for him. She stands.
Lana: Hi, Clark.
Clark: You're the last person I expected to find here.
Lana: I heard Kyle Tippet escaped. I was a little freaked out.
Clark: Don't worry. He's not coming after anybody.
Lana: How do you know?
Clark: I just do.
Lana: I'm sorry I bothered you.
Clark: If you were worried, why did you walk all the way over here, instead of calling.
Lana: I don't know, I thought you might have changed your opinion.
Clark: Well, if you came over for an apology, you're out of luck.
Lana: (Emphatically) Clark, he escaped from jail! You have to admit, it looks pretty bad.
Clark: You don't know the whole story.
Lana: Then tell me. What is it?
Clark: I don't know it yet! But you've already made up your mind about the guy, so what do you care?
Lana: I wanted to clear the air and preserve our friendship, but now I don't even know why I bothered.
Lana leaves. Clark comes close to saying something, but doesn't, looking frustrated.
CUT TO The Beanery. A waitress serves a foamy mug to Lex at the counter.
Waitress: There you go.
Lex: Thank you.
Rickman enters and approaches Lex.
Rickman: Hello, Lex.
Lex turns, and Rickman extends his hand. Lex looks at it, not accepting it.
Rickman: Oh, come on Lex. This Art of w*r stuff is for amateurs.
Lex: It's not that. I just don't like you.
Rickman rubs the fingers of his hand together as Lex moves around him, heading into the other section of the coffee house. Rickman follows.
Rickman: (Chuckles) My attorney tells me that my purchase of the Kent farm is being challenged.
Lex: I warned you that the Kents were a tough nut to crack.
Lex takes a seat at a table, and Rickman sits across from him.
Rickman: I recognize LuthorCorp lawyers when I see them. Why are you involved ?
Lex: Smallville's my home, and the Kents are my friends.
Rickman stands. Rickman: Well, with friends like you, Lex
Rickman puts a hand on Lex's shoulder as he passes him.
Lex: Don't touch me. Speaking of old friends, I heard Kyle Tippet escaped from jail.
Rickman: Now, why do you assume we're old friends?
Lex: Just a rumor.
Rickman: Have you seen him?
Lex: I never met the man, but I'll be sure to pass on your regards when I do.
Rickman starts to leave, and runs into Chloe and Clark. Chloe goes to sit a Lex's table as Clark confronts Rickman.
Clark: How'd you get my dad to sign that contract ?
Rickman: Oh, you must be the Kent boy. I'm a good businessman. No hard feelings, huh?
Rickman extends his hand to Clark. Clark takes it and squeezes, and Rickman's hand audibly crunches. Rickman is surprised he is unable to entrance Clark, and winces in pain at the handshake. He leaves, and Clark takes a seat next to Chloe at Lex's table. An old newspaper article with a picture of Rickman and Kyle holding a plaque sits on the table in front of Chloe as she speaks.
Chloe: So, I spent the morning delving into the exotic world of agricultural equipment, and it seems that Kyle and Rickman were partners in the mid-80s.
Lex: They sold farm equipment?
Chloe: Yeah, they were Salesmen of the Year, three years running '89, '90 and '91. Then the year after that Rickman started his own company and Kyle went Walden.
Clark: Wonder what happened.
Chloe: I don't know but I found this story in the Smallville Ledger.
Chloe hands the clipping to Clark.
Clark: Salesmen trapped in car after meteor shower.
Chloe: I'm guessing whatever's going on started that sunny October day, twelve years ago.
Lex: Let's go ask him.
Chloe: What, you know where he is?
Clark looks over at Lex, who smiles thinly at Chloe.
CUT TO Luthor Estate Interior Bedroom. Lex, Clark, and Chloe enter the bedroom to find a woman in hospital scrubs sitting on a chair, reading, next to the unmade bed where Kyle had been asleep.
Lex: Where's Kyle?
Nurse: Who?
Clark crosses to Lex.
Clark: I think I know where he went.
Clark and Chloe leave.
CUT TO Kyle's Trailer Exterior. Kyle steps out of his trailer carrying a duffel bag as Clark and Chloe approach.
Kyle: I appreciate the help, Clark, but I'm done here.
Clark: We know that Rickman used to be your partner.
Kyle: That was a million years ago.
Kyle walks past them, headed toward the woods, but stops as Chloe speaks.
Chloe: What happened to you guys in that meteor shower? Trust me, you're not the only ones that were affected by it.
Clark: What's going on with you and Rickman? How did he get my dad to sell our farm?
Clark approaches him, and Kyle turns to Clark.
Kyle: You know, until that day we were the worst salesmen to ever carry a catalog
and all that changed after they pulled us out of that car. With a single handshake we could get people to do whatever we wanted them to do. Buy a tractor. Stand on one leg.
Clark: You're saying you have the power of persuasion?
Chloe: How long does it last?
Kyle: Until the person does what I tell them to do. Could be two minutes, two hours, and then they come out of it without a memory.
Clark: What happens if they can't do what you want?
Kyle: They keep trying, unless they're forcibly snapped out of it like your friend, Whitney.
Chloe: Well, it sounds good in theory, but, uh, how bout you prove it?
Clark: Chloe
Chloe: What? The guys lives in a crappy trailer out in the woods. You'd think if he has this power he'd use it to sell some of these sculptures.
Kyle: It's dangerous.
Chloe: I'm used to living on the edge.
Kyle grasps his hand, Chloe takes it, and Kyle grasps hers with both of his, as a green glow surrounds his hands.
Kyle: You have feelings for Clark, don't you, Chloe? You see him, and you want him. All this time, you've been hiding it. Now you can show him.
As Kyle speaks, Clark's eyebrows go up, then he smiles and looks unconvinced. His eyes go wide when Kyle finishes talking and Chloe turns to him, runs her hands up his stomach and across his chest, grabs his coat and shirt and pulls him into a kiss. Clark struggles a little as Kyle looks on, finally breaking the kiss. Chloe turns back to Kyle as Clark stands, stunned.
Chloe: Okay. Come on! I'm ready.
Clark and Kyle exchange a look.
Chloe: What? Why are you looking at me like that? And why is my mouth minty?
Clark: Let's just say he proved his point.
Clark wipes his mouth.
Chloe: Oh
God, did I just
Clark: Don't worry. It was fine.
Chloe puts her hand to her head in shock, and Kyle picks up his bag.
Kyle: Well, now that the party trick's over
I gotta h*t the road.
Clark: Wait. You have these gifts, but you hid in the woods. Why?
Kyle starts to walk away, but stops at Clark's question.
Kyle: Because I was scared that I wouldn't be able to control it and that I'd wind up like Bob.
Clark: What happened between you and Rickman? Why does he want to k*ll you?
Clark walks to stand in front of Kyle.
Kyle: He knows that I know his secret, and
I thr*at to expose him if he ever built a plant here.
Chloe: Yeah, but he'd been destroying communities like this for years. How come you let him get away from it for so long ?
Kyle: Because I wanted to be left alone ! As long as it wasn't here, it wasn't my problem.
Clark: My dad lost our farm because you didn't tell anyone.
Kyle: Do you know what it's like to have to hide because of who you are ?
Clark: Yes, I do. But when you have a gift you can't just hide in a hole and hope it goes away.
CUT TO Luthor Estate Lex's Office. Rickman enters. Lex looks up at him from behind his desk.
Lex: How did you get in here ?
Rickman: Oh, your guard at the front gate let me through. He's a great guy.
Lex: I didn't realize we had a meeting on the books.
Rickman: We don't. I come with an olive branch. I just want to let you know you can call off your lawyers. I am dropping the Kent farm as a proposed site.
Lex: What's the matter? Losing your touch?
Rickman: (Chuckles) No, I've just decided that Smallville really isn't worth the hassle.
Lex: Oh.
Rickman: Least I know where I'm not wanted.
Lex: Okay, then. Thanks for stopping by.
Rickman: Well, since you won, how bout it? Truce?
Rickman extends his hand to Lex.
CUT TO Gas Station Exterior. Clark stands in a phone booth, talking, as Kyle leans against the Kent's pickup truck.
Lex: (On the phone) Hello?
Clark: Lex, it's me.
Lex: What's going on?
Clark: I'm with Kyle. He wants to go public about Rickman.
Lex: No kidding. Wha-what does he know?
Clark: Enough to bring him down.
Lex: Alright, I'm coming to pick you up. Where are you ?
Lex arrives in a black four-door sedan, which he parks near the gas pumps. Clark and Kyle exit the truck and walk over as Lex exits his car and speaks to them.
Lex: I called some friends at the Planet and the Inquisitor. Would you be willing to talk to them?
Kyle: I'll do what I have to, to stop him.
Lex: Get in. I have to fill up if we're going to Metropolis.
Clark: Thanks, Lex.
Clark and Kyle get into the car, and Lex swipes a credit card and lifts the pump. He clicks his remote, which locks the car doors.
Clark: Lex?
Lex begins to spray gasoline all over the exterior of the car.
Clark: What's going on ?
Lex takes a few steps away from the car, lights a lighter, and tosses it onto the gasoline on the ground. The f*re spreads to the car's exterior.
Kyle: Rickman's got to him!
As Lex watches, Clark tries to open the door, and failing, kicks it off the car. Clark rips open Kyle's door and tosses it away, and Clark and Kyle run. The car explodes, knocking Kyle to the ground. Clark picks Kyle up and runs toward the gas station's garage at super speed, disappearing.
Lex: Clark
you have some explaining to do.
Rickman pulls up in a car, exits and speaks to Lex.
Rickman: What just happened?
Lex: I have my suspicions.
Rickman: Well I'd hate to think that you failed to get the job done.
Lex: Relax. Failing isn't something I do.
Rickman lifts a machine g*n, wipes his prints from it, and hands it to Lex.
Rickman: Just in case.
Lex takes the g*n and heads toward the garage as Rickman looks on.
CUT TO Gas Station Interior. Lex enters the garage where Clark and Kyle hide. Lex slowly searches for them.
Lex: I always knew you were keeping secrets from me, Clark
but I never thought they were this good.
Lex spots the injured Kyle and grabs him, lifting him and pushing him against a car.
Lex: Clark? You know that guy you're trying to protect? I'm going to sh**t him now.
Clark emerges from his hiding place, behind a car across the garage.
Clark: Lex!
Lex: There you are.
Lex lets go of Kyle, who slides to the ground, apparently unconscious.
Clark: Don't do this. I'm your friend.
Lex: Oh, please. You think I don't see the way your parents look at me? The way half the town looks at me? You're no different. Friendship's a fairy tale, Clark. Respect and fear are the best you can hope for.
Clark: Rickman's doing this to you.
Lex: What if he did?
Clark: You hate Rickman !
Lex: You can learn a lot from someone you hate.
Lex opens f*re on Clark. Clark twists and turns, dodging some of the b*ll*ts, but finally Clark turns his back as they begin to connect. Clark falls to the ground.
Lex stops f*ring, approaches Clark, kicks him onto his back, and aims the g*n at Clark's chest. Clark grabs the g*n away from Lex and kicks him, sending Lex flying into a set of shelves, knocking him unconscious.
CUT TO Gas Station Exterior. Rickman sits in his car, uneasy. He reaches in his coat pocket and pulls out a g*n, then exits the car. Kyle approaches from behind and grabs Rickman's shoulder and the hand holding the g*n. The two grasp hands around the g*n, their hands glowing green.
Kyle: Hello, Bob.
Rickman struggles, and his eyes glow green.
CUT TO Gas Station Interior.
Clark rushes to the unconscious Lex, checking to see if he is hurt.
Clark: Lex !
Clark turns as he hears a g*n from outside.
CUT TO Gas Station Exterior. Clark runs from the garage to find Kyle standing over Rickman's body.
Kyle: I always was the better salesman.
Clark looks from Kyle to the body, and then back.
Clark: Are you okay ?
Kyle nods, and Clark nods back.
Kyle: I saw you get sh*t, Clark.
Clark: I
uh
Kyle: Don't worry. Just don't hide in the woods like I did. You got a gift. Use it to do great things. I think I'll do the same with mine.
CUT TO Kent Farm Inside Clark's Home. Clark and Jonathan sit at the kitchen table, while Martha stands next to Clark. Jonathan has a newspaper with an article about Rickman's su1c1de. Clark has his shirt open and off the shoulder, exposing several red bruises.
Martha: I can't believe each one of these bruises was a b*llet.
Clark hisses as she touches one of the bruises with a cloth.
Martha: Sorry.
Jonathan: Guess that answers that question.
Jonathan tosses the paper on the table.
Clark: It's weird
I get sh*t at and the b*ll*ts are fired by my best friend.
Clark pulls his shirt on. Martha and Jonathan exchange a quick look, and then Jonathan looks at Clark.
Jonathan: What do you think happened to Kyle?
Clark: I don't know, but I think he's out in the world making a difference now.
At the sound of a knock and a door opening, Lana enters the room.
Lana: Hi, I, uh, hope I'm not interrupting.
Jonathan stands.
Clark: No. Come on in.
Jonathan: We'll, uh, we'll be outside.
Jonathan and Martha leave. Clark walks to stand next to Lana.
Clark: I didn't know if we were still talking.
Lana: I'm not sure what happened with Kyle, and it's really not important. I think our friendship's worth more than one argument.
Clark: Yeah, me too.
Clark and Lana exchange smiles.
Clark: You know, I thought we were done there for a while.
Lana: You and me are going to be friends for a very long time. We may have our ups and downs, but that's just the way it works.
Clark smiles again.
Lana: Did Chloe really kiss you ?
Clark's smile fades to a look of mild embarrassment.
CUT TO Kent Farm Barn Loft. Lex climbs the stairs to find Clark sitting on a trunk near his telescope. The morning star shines in the loft's opening.
Lex: Clark.
Clark: Hey.
Clark turns and stands as Lex approaches him.
Lex: You can tell your dad I talked to my lawyers. Because of Rickman's untimely demise
they're not expanding. They ripped up the contract.
Clark: Thanks.
Lex: Hey, what are friends for?
Clark: How you feeling?
Lex: I still don't remember what happened. Are you sure I didn't hurt you?
Clark pats his chest, and Lex smiles slightly, then moves to look out at the sky through the loft's opening.
Lex: I wonder where Kyle is now?
Clark moves to stand next to Lex, the telescope separating them.
Clark: I don't know. It's still strange to think that he and Rickman were once best friends. (Turns to Lex) Think we'll ever end up like that ?
Lex looks at Clark.
Lex: Trust me, Clark. Our friendship is going to be the stuff of legends.
Lex smiles slightly, and Clark smiles back. The two turn and gaze out at the morning sky.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x11 - Hug"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #112 - "Leech"
Original airdate: February 12, 2002
Written by Tim Schlattmann
Directed by Greg Beeman
Act 1 Teaser
Clark's class on a fieldtrip in the woods. Day.
Teacher: Okay, people, you've got 15 minutes. A storm's on its way and I want to be on the road before it hits.
Pete: How many more rocks do we have to find?
Clark: Two. Rose quartz and meteor rock.
Pete: All right. Let's see who can find it first.
Pete walks away. Clark uses his x-ray vision to find a rose quartz underground. He reaches through the dirt to pick it up.
Clark: Make that one.
Pete: You're a regular rockhound, Clark.
Clark begins to get sick as the veins in his hand bulge.
Lana: Hey, Clark. (She is wearing the meteor necklace)
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Chloe: When is this whole geological scavenger hunt over?
Pete: Not having much luck?
Lana: Someone's doing a little more ranting than digging.
Chloe: I'm sorry, but I find geology even more pointless than algebra. I mean, I could just order these rocks online and have them delivered vacuum-sealed.
CUT TO a boy breaking open a rock with his hammer. He finds meteor fragments inside and puts it in his bag.
Eric: Hey, Holly, do you want a piece of meteor rock?
Holly: Oh, I've got it checked off already. Thanks anyway.
Eric: No problem. Any time.
Another boy in a letterman's jacket approaches.
Brent: Hey, loser. Stop hitting on my girlfriend, all right? Next time, I'm going to knock your rocks into the next county.
Eric: I'd like to see you try.
Brent: Oh yeah? (The teacher walks up) Lucky your daddy's a teacher. (Walks away)
Teacher: (To his son) Eric... how many samples have you collected?
Eric: Just a couple. My glasses keep fogging up.
Teacher: Get with the program, Eric!
Eric: Dad--
Teacher: It's Mr. Summers at school. You have ten minutes to complete this assignment. You better find every rock.
Pete and Clark watch as Eric walks away.
Pete: I'm glad he's not my dad.
CUT TO Mr. Summers getting on the bus as thunder rumbles.
Mr. Summers: Has anyone seen Eric? Apparently he's got himself lost.
Clark: I'll find him.
Clark gets off the bus and super speeds away.
We see Eric standing on the railing of a dam high above. Clark sees him from the ground and super speeds to the dam. Lightning crashes all around.
Clark: Eric! Eric!
Clark stops short. Eric is holding the meteor rock in one hand and his bag in the other.
Clark:Would you just--
Lightning strikes the dam right next to Eric and he loses his balance. He falls and Clark caches the strap of Eric's bag, leaving Eric hanging. Lightning strikes Clark in the chest. The current goes through his arm and into Eric as a green glow comes from the bag. He pulls Eric up. Eric's jacket smolders in several areas. Clark touches it and he draws back as it burns him.
(Opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Jonathan's truck is stuck in the mud outside the house. Day.
Jonathan: Clark! I could really use your help. (Clark comes outside) I loaded all the hay my-- hey! You all right?
Clark: Yeah, I'm just a little tired.
Jonathan: The truck's stuck up to its axle in the mud and the--
Clark: The cows aren't gonna feed themselves. Don't worry, I know.
Jonathan: Yeah, can you give me a hand, please? (Jonathan gets in the truck and starts it as Clark grabs the back) Ready?
Clark: Ready. (Jonathan pushes the gas and the truck remains stuck) Hang on! (He takes off his backpack and grabs on to the truck with both hands) Okay.
Jonathan: Clark, are you pushing?
Clark: Yeah.
The truck doesn't move and Clark falls back into the mud.
Jonathan: (Getting out of the truck) Clark. Come on, son, we don't have time to-- (He sees Clark on the ground. His nose is bleeding) What happened?
Clark: I-I don't know.
CUT TO Jonathan and Clark on the porch. Martha comes out.
Martha: Here's a clean coat, sweetie. Are you feeling better?
Clark: I just don't understand what's wrong with me. Why am I bleeding?
Martha: Maybe it's just part of your development, like x-ray vision. Or maybe the lightning had something to do with it. I don't know.
Clark: I am going to be okay, right?
Jonathan: What you ought to do right now is go to school, and if anything else happens or if it gets worse, give us a call.
Clark: You know, it's weird. I never worried about being sick before.
Martha: You're not sick, Clark. You're just... not yourself.
Jonathan: (Sees the bus drive away) You just missed your bus. You better hurry. (Clark runs to the street and stops) Something wrong?
Clark: My speed is gone, too.
Act 1 Scene 2
Eric joins his parents for breakfast. Day.
Eric: Morning, Mom. Morning, Dad.
Mr. Summers: You're late and I can't wait for you.
Mrs. Summers: Just give him five minutes. What's the hurry?
Mr. Summers: I have a faculty meeting.
Mrs. Summers: Fine. (To Eric) I'll take you when you're ready to go.
Eric: Thanks. (She leaves the room) Mr. Summers...
Mr. Summers: Don't you take that tone with me. Your little stunt yesterday almost cost a fellow student his life.
Eric: I can only apologize so many times.
Mr. Summers: It was stupid and selfish.
Eric: Why don't you save the speeches for you classroom?
Mr. Summers moves to strike Eric, who blocks him with super speed.
Mr. Summers: How did you do that?
Eric: You're the science teacher. You figure it out.
Mr. Summers: Get a ride with your mother. (Exits)
Act 1 Scene 3
Clark and Pete in the locker room. Day. Clark is sweating and out of breath.
Pete: You feeling okay?
Clark: Yeah, why?
Pete: Usually you run the bleachers without breaking a sweat. Today you look like you're about to die.
Clark: No, I'm fine. Oh! Ah! (Falls to the bench)
Pete: What's wrong?
Clark: My leg, it hurts.
Pete: It's a cramp. Walk it off. You're falling apart today, Clark. (Walks away. Eric enters)
Clark: Eric. Hey, you got a minute?
Eric: Yeah, sure. What's up?
Clark: We really didn't get a chance to talk after what happened yesterday.
Eric: Yeah, thanks for grabbing me. That was a pretty stupid move on my part.
Clark: So, you feeling all right?
Eric: Actually, I feel great.
Clark: But there's nothing different about you?
Eric: Why? Should there be?
Clark: No, um, I'm just glad you're okay.
Eric: Clark, your, uh, your nose is bleeding.
Clark catches the blood with his hand and walks away. Eric, sitting at the bench press machine, sets the weight at 600 pounds, the heaviest. He smiles as he benches it easily.
Act 1 Scene 4
Whitney and Lana drive up to Nell's shop. Day.
Lana: Thanks for the ride.
Whitney: You're welcome.
Lana: Do you want to come in and say hi to Nell?
Whitney: I can't. I got to get over to the store. It's stock day.
Lana: See you tonight?
Whitney: Uh, I've got to run the numbers over to my dad at the hospital.
Lana: I thought he was supposed to be recovering.
Whitney: He is. He's just... he needs to feel like he's in control.
Lana: How are you doing?
Whitney: Not that great. I can't get my homework done, I can't train. I might as well kiss my scholarship goodbye.
Lana: Come over tonight. I'll help you with your homework. (They hug)
Whitney: Hey... when did Nell put the shop up for sale?
Lana: What?
Lana sees a For Sale sign in the window.
CUT TO Lana and Nell inside.
Lana: Why didn't you tell me you were selling the shop?
Nell: I'm sorry, sweetie. I only made the decision this morning.
Lana: And when were you planning on telling me this?
Nell: Lana, I don't understand why you're so upset. I mean, you've never shown any interest in this store before and now I'm supposed to consult you?
Lana: Are you selling the movie theater as well?
Nell: Yes, Lana. It's part of the building.
Lana: You know how much it means to me.
Nell: Lana, if I had made business decisions based on sentiment, I would have gone bust a long time ago. Besides, the movie theater's been closed for months now. I'll just sell the building and relocate to a smaller store.
Lana: There has to be another way.
Nell: Look, I'm just thinking of our future.
Act 1 Scene 5
Jonathan and Clark working on the farm. Day.
Clark: Finished with the hay.
Jonathan: How you holding up?
Clark: Considering my chores used to take me five minutes and now they take two hours, I'm all right.
Jonathan: Well, as long as you don't get any worse, I guess we can count our blessings.
Clark: I better get to that fence before dinner.
Jonathan; Ah, don't worry about it. You need your rest. I'll take care of it in the morning.
Clark: Dad, I can do it.
Jonathan: All right, but just remember something, Clark. It took you 12 years to get used to your abilities. Nobody expects you to adjust in 24 hours. Get the gate.
Clark: (Close gate) Hey, dad?
Jonathan: Yeah?
Clark: How do you find the strength to do this everyday?
Jonathan: Years of practice.
Act 1 Scene 6
Lex's study. Day. We see a simulation of Lex's car hitting Clark on the computer.
Lex: This is very good work, Roger.
Roger: All the physical evidence points to this explanation.
Lex: I'm sure you consulted a rogues' gallery of qualified professionals.
Roger: A journalist never reveals his sources.
Lex: You work for the Inquisitor, not the Planet. I want to verify these experts myself. I'll give you ten grand a name.
Roger: Done. This could make one hell of a story.
Lex: Nobody's ever gonna know about this. And if this story is accidentally leaked, you and I are going to have a serious trust issue.
Roger: As opposed to the close, personal relationship we enjoy now?
Roger exits and Lex continues to watch the simulation.)
Act 1 Scene 7
Clark is working on the fence. Night.
Clark: (Accidentally hitting his finger with the hammer) Ah! (Lex drives up) Lex, what brings you all the way out here?
Lex: (Gets out of the car) I needed to talk. You have a minute?
Clark: If you want to help me with this fence.
Clark picks up one side of a board.
Lex: You can't lift that by yourself?
Clark: Look, I've been baling hay for the last two hours. I can barely lift my own arms. (Lex helps him) So what's up?
Lex: We're friends, right?
Clark: Yeah, last time I checked. Why?
Lex: I want you to tell me what really happened the day my car went off that bridge.
Clark: I dove in and I pulled you out.
Lex: And that's it?
Clark: Lex... seriously, what's wrong?
Lex: I don't think you're being completely honest, and I think I know why.
Clark: All right. Well, then you tell me what happened.
Lex: I think I h*t you at 60 miles an hour. Then you ripped open my roof, pulled me out, and saved my life. You're the closest I've had to a real friend my whole life. You don't have to hide anything from me.
Clark: You think I'm hiding something from you? Here. Take this hammer. h*t me anywhere.
Lex: I'm not gonna h*t you, Clark.
Clark: Come on! If I can get h*t by a car, you can't hurt me.
Lex: Clark, I just want the truth.
Clark: The truth is I'm just a guy who tried to do the right thing. Isn't that enough? (Walks away)
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Eric stands outside a shop. Day. He watches Holly and her boyfriend getting into a car across the street. Pete and Chloe walk by him.
Chloe: (Holding her cell phone) Apparently, Clark is still doing his chores and that's why he blew us off.
Pete: He's been acting weird lately.
Chloe: Well, okay, Clark's always acting weird. Why don't you give me a gauge?
Pete: He was so tired in math class today, he face-planted on his desk.
Chloe: I have two words for him. Power bar. (They walk past a man standing in a doorway. He comes out behind them and grabs Chloe's bag) Oh my God!
Chloe and Pete h*t at him.
Pete: What-- get off!
Chloe: Give me my laptop!
He pushes them to the ground and starts running with the bag. Eric sees it, and runs with super speed to stop the man.
Eric: Give it back.
Man: Get out of my way, kid.
He pulls out a Kn*fe and raises it to stop Eric. Eric blocks it with his hand, shattering the blade. He takes the bag and throws the man across the street. He lands at Holly and her boyfriend's feet.
Chloe: Did you see that?
Pete: Yeah. Unbelievable.
They go to Eric who is receiving congratulations and pats on the back from passersby.
Chloe: Thank you. That was amazing.
Eric: Any time.
Act 2 Scene 2
Martha, Jonathan, and Clark in the Kents' dining room. Day. Martha is reading the paper. There is a picture of Eric and the headline says Super Boy. Smallville's Newest Hero.
Martha: I guess we know what happened to your powers.
Jonathan: Must have been the lightning strike. You said that Eric was holding a meteor rock. It must have transferred your powers somehow.
Clark: You know, all these years of hiding. I wonder if it was worth it. Everyone's fine with Eric.
Jonathan: Well, that's just for now, Clark.
Clark: The question is whether it's temporary or permanent.
Jonathan: You know what they say. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place. Look, my guess is that your powers aren't coming back.
Clark: Maybe being normal won't be so bad. I mean, it works for you and Mom.
Martha: Oh, thanks.
Clark: You don't feel any differently about me now, do you?
Martha: Clark! You're our son. Whether you can bench press the tractor or not.
Clark: What do I do now?
Jonathan: Well, life isn't easy for anybody, whether you're normal or super. But you're still Clark Kent. You were raised a certain way and that's never gonna change. Sure, your abilities were part of you, but they didn't define you.
Martha: Look on the bright side, Clark. You don't have to hide anymore. Try to have some fun. (Clark leaves) You're kind of relieved aren't you?
Jonathan: Well, he always said he wanted to be normal. I guess he got his wish.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark, Chloe, and Pete come down the stairs at school. Day.
Pete: Clark, you should have seen it. Eric threw the guy like 30 feet.
Chloe: Not only did he recover my laptop, but I got my first byline in the Smallville Ledger.
Clark: That's great, Chloe.
Chloe: Come on, Clark! How can you be so blasé about this?
Clark: The guy stopped a purse snatcher. It's not that big a deal.
Eric walks up.
Eric: Chloe. Hey, thanks for getting that story in the paper.
Chloe: Thanks for saving my computer. It's my life. Okay, how pathetic did that just sound?
Eric: So, uh, who came up with Super Boy?
Chloe: I did.
Eric: Really? I like that.
Chloe: Thanks.
Eric walks away.
Clark: I thought it was kind of lame.
Chloe: I don't remember asking you.
Pete: Clark's just jealous.
Clark: I hope all this attention doesn't go to his head. He needs to be careful.
Chloe: Well, you know what, Clark? The second you start throwing people 30 feet, I'll write nice things about you too.
Chloe leaves as Whitney and Lana approach.
Lana: Hey, guys.
Pete: Hey.
Clark sees that Lana is wearing the meteor necklace and he is unaffected.
Lana: Clark, are you okay?
Clark: I'm great.
Whitney: Ross, I'm getting a pick-up game together in the gym. You and Kent versus me and Brent. What do you say?
Pete: Clark doesn't really play.
Clark: No, I play.
Whitney: Great. Bring it on.
Pete: Since when do you play?
Clark: Since now.
CUT TO Whitney in the gym dribbling the basketball.
Whitney: The first one to 15 wins.
We see a montage of the game.
Whitney throws the ball to Clark as Lana and Holly cheer in the bleachers. We see Clark sh**t for the basket and miss, then Whitney making a sh*t. Then we see Whitney block Clark, knocking him to the floor. Whitney helps him up and Clark holds his elbow smiling. A sh*t of Pete making a basket, and then of Clark missing again. Whitney catches it and throws it to Brent who makes a basket. Clark catches it and makes it in, then smiles at the cheering girls. We see Whitney make one more.
Whitney: Good game. You guys, we need to play every Tuesday and Thursday at lunch.
Pete: Good game. (To Brent) Good game, man. (To Clark) Why you grinning? We lost.
Clark: I know. Pretty cool, huh?
Act 2 Scene 4
Lex looks out the window of a Metropolis building. Day. Victoria and her father enter.
Victoria: Lex, you remember Dad.
Lex: Sir Harry. Victoria, I've been waiting 45 minutes.
Harry: Oh, we were closing a deal.
Lex: The city of Metropolis giving you the recycling contract?
Victoria: Lex, you seem upset.
Lex: If this is the level of respect you show your business partners, I'm beginning to wonder if I made the right decision.
Harry: You see, Lex, it doesn't really matter. The deal is off.
Lex: I'm sorry, I thought it was your life's ambition to crush my father.
Harry: No, that's your life's ambition. Mine is to take over LuthorCorp.
Lex: How do you plan to do that without my shares?
Harry: You heard of Catmus Labs?
Lex: (Shocked) I've been researching them for about a year.
Harry: Well, your research has just paid off. I bought them... an hour ago.
Lex: And with the profits you'll reap from their patents, you'll buy LuthorCorp outright.
Harry: Tell your father I said hello. (To Victoria) Come on, girl. (He leaves)
Lex: Congratulations. I hope it was worth it.
Act 2 Scene 5
Lana walks around inside the Talon, the old movie theater. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Trying to score the last box of Jujubes before this place is sold?
Lana: Those things could probably survive a nuclear winter.
Clark: You must have a thing about bad sound and stale popcorn.
Lana: My parents met here. My dad worked the concession stand during college and my mom came to see Close Encounters. She got bored.
Clark: How do you get bored watching Close Encounters?
Lana: I don't know. Maybe she had a thing against aliens. She hung out in the lobby and spent the entire night talking to my dad. They'd only been a few years apart in high school, but they never really noticed each other and that night, they just clicked. I know it sounds kind of crazy, but I feel that whatever tangible evidence I have of my parents' existence is slowly being chipped away.
Clark: Sometimes, letting go is the only way to move forward.
Lana: I guess you're right. Besides, there's nothing I can do to stop it. How did you find me anyway?
Clark: Nell told me you were here. I was wondering if I could borrow your English notes. I kind of dozed off in class.
Lana: Sure. (Gives him the notes) Have you been feeling okay lately?
Clark: Yeah, great. Why?
Lana: Nothing. You're just less... Clark Kent-like. It's kind of nice. You seem more relaxed. Like you haven't got the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Clark: Well, I guess I woke up and realized my life had changed. I decided to kick back and accept the fact I couldn't control everything.
Lana: Maybe I should adopt that philosophy myself.
Act 2 Scene 6
Eric enters his house. Day.
Eric: Mom! Hey, have you seen the paper?
Mrs. Summers: People have been calling all day. It's wonderful, dear.
Eric: What's wrong?
Mrs. Summers: Nothing. (She backs away)
Eric: Are you afraid of me? (Mr. Summers enters)
Mr. Summers: Eric, we're just a little concerned about this new found strength you have. Where did it come from?
Eric: It must have been the lightning.
Mr. Summers: I've set up an appointment with Dr. Litvac.
Eric: Dad, Im not sick. I'm special.
Mr. Summers: Once you get a clean bill of health, we'll take you to Metropolis.
Eric: W-what are we gonna do there?
Mr. Summers: I've got an old colleague who's a professor at the university. He wants to meet you.
Eric: Don't you mean study me? I'm not one of your damn science experiments, Dad. This is about you, Dad, it's always about you. Even with this it's still not enough.
Mr. Summers: You might be special, but you still live under my roof and you'll do as I say.
Eric lifts him up by the shirt.
Eric: I am not a freak and I am not going anywhere!
Mr. Summers: Eric, put me down!
Eric: What are you gonna do, Dad? Ground me? Huh? I never have to listen to you ever again. I can do whatever I want and have whoever I want and no one can stop me!
Eric puts Mr. Summers down and runs out with super speed.
Act 2 Scene 7
Eric walks outside the school with a blaring boom box. Day. He stops at a table where Holly and Brent are seated.
Eric: Hey. Wanna go out sometime?
Brent: What do you think you're doing, Summers?
Eric: I'm asking Holly out.
Brent: What, are you suicidal? You're not going out with my girlfriend, all right?
Eric: Watch me.
Brent: Hey! (Stands and pushes Eric) You make the cover of the paper with some bogus stunt and suddenly you're somebody? Huh?
Holly: Brent...
Brent: Face it, Summers. You're still nothing.
Eric punches the rearview mirror off a nearby truck. Students gather around including Clark, Chloe, and Pete. Brent runs around the truck and crawls underneath.
Eric: What's the problem, Brent? (Picks up the side of the truck) Why are you hiding form nothing?
Brent runs away and Eric flips the truck away. Brent stops running when Eric blocks his way. He runs the other way and Eric blocks him again. Eric picks him up and throw him at a table.
Clark: Eric! You can't do this.
Eric: Watch me.
Clark: No, I'm serious! You could k*ll someone. You don't want that on your conscience, believe me. You've just got to calm down.
Eric: You're not my father, Clark. Now shut up and get out of my way!
Eric throws Clark at a parked car. Holly is at Brent's side.
Holly: Get away from us, you freak!
Eric super speeds away.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark is having his ribs wrapped in the hospital. Day.
Clark: How much longer is it going to hurt like this?
Doctor: Oh, you'll be fine in a couple weeks.
Clark: A couple weeks?
Doctor: What doesn't k*ll you makes you stronger.
Martha and Jonathan enter.
Martha: Clark! (She hugs him)
Clark: Easy on the ribs, Mom.
Martha: Sorry.
Jonathan: How's he doing, Doc?
Doctor: Well, nothing seems to be broken. We could get an x-ray just to be safe.
Jonathan: Um, I think we'll just take him on home.
Doctor: It's your choice, but I want to see him back again in a week.
Clark: Thanks, Doc.
Jonathan: (To Martha) You help him get dressed, I'll go take care of the paperwork.
Martha: What happened?
Clark: Eric just flipped out. It was kind of scary.
Martha: I wish you hadn't gotten in his way.
Clark: I don't know what it is. Even though Eric has my abilities, I still think of them as my responsibility.
Lex enters.
Lex: Clark, I just heard.
Martha: Hi, Lex. (To Clark) I'll go see your dad. See ya. (Walks away)
Clark: So did you come by to make sure I was hurt?
Lex: I wanted to make sure you were all right.
Clark: Yeah, never better. Maybe we could go out in the parking lot and you can h*t me with your car.
Lex: Clark, what I said about you the other day... I'm sorry. Nothing appears to be what it seems lately.
Clark: You gonna stop snooping around my back now?
Lex: Listen, I had no right to questions your honesty. All I can do is plead temporary insanity and hope we can find a way to put this behind us.
Clark: Only temporary? (Smiles)
Lex: You need some help?
Act 3 Scene 2
Mrs. Summers on the phone in the Summers' living room. Day.
Mrs. Summers: Yes. Thank you. (Eric enters) Eric, where have you been?
Eric: Mom, I think I really messed up. I need your help.
Mrs. Summers: Your father spoke with Principal Kwan. We know what happened.
Eric: No, Mom, it was an accident. Mom, don't be afraid of me!
Mr. Summers: (Enters with a golf club.) Stay away from her, Eric.
Eric: What are you doing, Dad?
Mr. Summers: I-I told you that someday you'd have to take responsibility for your actions. Well, that day has come.
Sirens are heard.
Eric: What did you do?
Mrs. Summers: Eric, you need help.
Eric: So you called he police? You're my dad. You're supposed to protect me.
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark and Jonathan in the Kents' living room. Day.
Jonathan: I stopped by to see Eric's parents this morning.
Clark: How are they?
Jonathan: They're scared, Clark.
Clark: Were you ever scared of me?
Jonathan: Well, you threw a few temper tantrums when you were little. We had some holes in the walls, but... nah. You were a good kid, Clark.
Clark: I don't think Eric's a bad kid.
Jonathan: Neither do I. He's just a teenager who's in way over his head. That's all.
Clark: You know, when this first happened, I was kind of freaked out. Now I'm kind of enjoying it. I played basketball for the first time without worrying if I'd hurt anyone. I can be around Lana without her necklace making me feel sick. (Touches his ribs) Even this is better than being around the meteor rocks any day of the week.
Martha enters.
Martha: Something happened at Eric's house. The police came but they couldn't control him.
Clark: I have to stop him.
Jonathan: Hang on a second. Youre hurt, remember? If you try to face him down again, he could k*ll you.
Clark: But he has my strength. Maybe he has my weakness too.
Martha: The meteor rocks?
Clark: No one else knows how to stop him. Mom, this is who I am, whether I have my powers or not.
Martha: Clark, what about a meteor rock? It's not like we keep them laying around.
Clark: I know where to find one.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lex, Victoria, and Sir Harry in the Metropolis building. Day.
Lex: I got an urgent call you wanted to see me?
Harry: How'd you do it, Lex?
Lex: Do what?
Harry: Catmus Labs, it's worthless.
Lex: I know. Maybe you should have done your homework before acquiring it so recklessly. Now you've left yourself open for a hostile takeover.
Victoria: (To Harry, defensively) I read the report.
Lex: You mean that little piece of fiction you stole off my computer?
Harry: (To Victoria) This your idea of having it covered?
Lex: That's what you get for trusting family. My father and I will be making an offer on your company in the morning. I'll tell him you said hello.
Harry leaves.
Victoria: How could you do this to me, Lex?
Lex: You did it to yourself, Victoria. You though you could make your bones with Daddy by taking me down.
Victoria: It was just business.
Lex: You call sleeping with me business? I hate to think what that makes you.
Victoria slaps him.
Victoria: We could have been great together.
Lex: I plan on being great all by myself. You better check on your dad. He didn't look well.
Act 3 Scene 5
Lana is in the Talon rolling up a movie poster. Night. Clark enters.
Clark: I was driving by. I saw the light on. I figured it was you.
Lana: Are you okay? I called the house earlier, but your mom said you were asleep. I was really scared.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lana: How do you think Eric got that strong over night?
Clark: I have no idea.
Lana: Can you imagine waking up one morning and having powers?
Clark: It's scary... I guess. I mean, look at Eric. It hasn't helped him.
Lana: That's true. But I still always wished I could fly.
Clark: Yeah, that'd be something, Lana.
Clark looks at her necklace.
Lana: What is it?
Clark: It's your necklace. I never realized how beautiful it was until now. This is gonna sound really strange. Can I borrow it?
Lana: Sure. (She gives it to him) What do you need it for?
Clark: It's complicated. Whatever happens to me, I promise you'll get this back.
Lana: You're scaring me again. What is going on?
Clark kisses her on the cheek.
Clark: Goodbye, Lana. (Exits)
Act 3 Scene 6
Clark walks up to Eric's house. Night. The fence is scattered everywhere. The yard is a mess and a cop car is overturned. Clark looks at the house and sees another cop car sticking out of the roof.
Mr. Summers: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark: I was worried about Eric.
Mr. Summers: It's a police problem now. Damn kid's out of control. Look what he's done to the house.
Clark: Do you have any idea where he went?
Mr. Summers: He talked about getting rid of it. He said that there was only one place he could do that. Whatever that means.
CUT TO Clark running to the dam where Eric is standing on the railing.
Clark: Eric! Eric! (Eric looks back and smiles. Clark pulls out the lead box Lex gave him) Eric, don't!
Eric jumps off the dam.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Clark runs to the ground below the dam. Night.
Clark: Eric!
Eric: You should have let me go the first time, Clark. It would have been better than living like this.
Clark: Eric, why did you jump off that dam?
Eric: I was testing myself to see if I had any limits. Apparently I don't.
Clark: Look, you can adjust to these abilities. You've got to give yourself some time.
Eric: How do you know, Clark?
Clark: (Gripping the box) I-I'm just saying you got to give yourself some time.
Eric: Oh, so in time, my parents won't be scared of me. The girl of my dreams won't think I'm a freak. The cops won't be after me.
Clark: I can help.
Eric: I don't want your help, Clark. (Eric throws him into a chain link fence surrounding a generator. The fence falls with Clark's weight. He reaches for the box, but the necklace isn't in it) If they're gonna treat me like a criminal, then I'll give them something to be scared about.
Clark: It's not the answer.
Eric: (Grabs Clark by the shirt) Come on, Clark. If you had the power to do whatever you want, what would you do?
Clark: I'd stop people like you.
Eric: Nothing on this earth can stop me. Eric pushes Clark back against the generator. When Clark hits the ground, he finds the necklace.
Clark: You're wrong.
Eric: We'll see about that.
Eric pulls a thick wire from the generator. It has sparks and electricity coming from the end. He goes to touch Clark with it. Clark grabs his arm, the necklace hanging from his fingers. They scream as the current sh**t through both of them and a green glow envelopes them. They fall to the ground. The cut on Clark's forehead heals instantly. He sits up and grimaces as the veins of his hands bulge because of the necklace. He goes to Eric's side Eric: It's so cold. It's so cold.
CUT TO Eric being wheeled into an ambulance. Jonathan and Clark walk away.
Clark: What do you think's gonna happen to them now?
Jonathan: I'm not sure. Hey, they had problems long before he had your abilities. How are you feeling?
Clark: Normal, for me.
Jonathan: Clark, your gifts are... well, they're part of you but they don't define you.
Clark: I know. But they complicate all of our lives.
Jonathan: Seeing how destructive Eric got, it just reminds me of how special you really are.
Clark: That's because Eric didn't get my two strongest gifts. You and Mom.
Jonathan: Let's go home.
Act 4 Scene 2
Lex in the living room of his castle. Night. He talks to Lionel on speaker phone.
Lex: Hello, Dad. How's business?
Lionel: Tomorrow's Planet is announcing our takeover of Sir Harry's company.
Lex: Did I merit a mention?
Lionel: Third paragraph. That's what happens when you trust your family, Lex. I'm proud of you.
Lex: Thanks, Dad. That means a lot coming from you. (He hangs up the phone as Roger enters) Your so-called experts were wrong about Clark Kent. I saw it with my own eyes. He's just regular kid.
Roger: That's not possible. So how do you explain the accident?
Lex: I can't, but I'm closing the book and putting it behind me.
Roger: There's something there, Lex.
Lex: I don't care. The Kents are off-limits, understand? You have something for me? (He hands Lex a large envelope. Lex pulls out some pictures) Nice picture quality. Who initiated this little encounter?
Roger: Well, who do you think?
Lex: Victoria?
Roger: Your father.
Roger leaves. We see the pictures are of Lionel and Victoria in bed together.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lana in the Talon. Night. Clark enters.
Lana: Hey. I was just locking up.
Clark: I brought your necklace back.
He hands her the lead box.
Lana: This is beautiful. Where did you get it?
Clark: A friend. It's made of lead armor. I want you to have it. I figure that way it can protect your memories.
Lana: Is this your way of telling me I shouldn't wear my necklace?
Clark: I don't want it to hold you back.
Lana: Sometimes letting go is the only way to move forward. (They go outside) You okay? You look like you've got the weight of the world on your shoulders again.
Clark: Yeah, I guess I do. Can I walk you home?
Lana: Actually, I'm meeting Whitney at the store. Rain check?
Clark: Rain check. Good night, Lana.
Lana: Good night.
They walk away in opposite directions.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x12 - Leech"} | foreverdreaming |
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For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 26-Feb-02 l Written by Philip Levens l Directed by Robert Singer
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kerrplop & Ezmeralda Roswell
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ACT 1 TEASER
Lex, Clark, and Chloe in Lex's study. Night. We see Lex's face on a monitor hooked up to a video camera.
Chloe: Are you ready now, Clark?
Clark: Yeah. I forgot to press the record button. Sorry.
Chloe: So, Mr. Luthor. Are there anymore secret construction projects going on at LuthorCorp like Level 3?
Lex: Please, call me Lex.
Chloe: Okay, Lex. Are you going to answer my question?
Clark: Chloe...
Chloe: What?
Lex: It's okay, Clark. Our critics are our friends. They show us our faults.
Chloe: Benjamin Franklin. (Servant enters)
Servant: Excuse me, Mr. Luthor. Your father's on the phone.
Lex: I need to get this. I'll take it in the conservatory. (To Chloe) I look forward to resuming our verbal judo.
CUT TO three men in ski masks outside the gates of the castle.
Wade: All right boys, this is the big one. Let's go!
Man #2: Yeah, let's do it!
Back to the study.
Chloe: I wonder if he's really taking a call or if he's just trying to avoid me. (She looks at an urn on the shelf) Wow. That's really cool. Do you think it's real?
Clark looks at it. When he turns around, Chloe is gone.
Clark: Chloe? Chloe.
Clark leaves the room and we see the three men are there behind him.
Wade: Okay, the vault's in the wall behind the book case.
Man #2: How do you know?
Man #3: I got my sources.
Wade: He was doing one of the housekeepers.
Man #2: Oh, yeah.
They walk through the bookcase and into the vault.
Man #3: We got 5 minutes. Let's move it!
Man #2: That's it boys! Come on, it's payday!
They go through the vault, taking coins, urns, watches, and cash.
Wade: One minute!
Man #3: Come on, go!
He empties a drawer and finds a disk at the bottom.
Man #2: Time's up! Let's move it! Let's go!
Man #3 puts the disk in his pocket and they run.
CUT TO Clark and Chloe walking through a hallway.
Clark: Chloe, you can't just go snooping around someone's house.
Chloe: Clark, it's a mansion. It's designed for snooping. Okay, fine. We'll go and wait in the library for Lex to officially blow us off.
Clark: (As they enter the study) I'll put the camera away.
Chloe: Okay. I'm gonna go get my bag.
Clark sees the robbers' bags on the floor.
Clark: Hey, what's going on? (Two of the men come into the room and grab Clark.) Chloe, run!
Chloe runs away and is blocked in the hallway by the third man. We see the veins in Clark's hand bulge as he's being held. The other man punches him in the stomach as Chloe runs away from the third in the hall. He catches her from behind and she sees a glowing green tattoo on his arm. She hits him in the face and tries to get away but he grabs her arms. She kicks him and he throws her through a stained glass window.
Man #3: Move it! Move it!
They take their bags and run. We see Chloe hanging on outside the window.
Chloe: Clark!
Clark: Chloe!
Clark runs for the window.
Chloe: Clark!
Chloe loses her grip and falls. Clark gets to the window and sees her unconscious on the ground.
Clark: Chloe!
(opening credits)
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Clark in Chloe's hospital room. Day. Chloe is asleep. Lex enters.
Lex: Clark, don't worry. I brought in the best doctors from Metropolis.
Clark: Is she gonna be all right?
Lex: The doctors aren't sure. The fall was pretty bad. She broke her left arm and has a concussion. They want to make sure there's no brain swelling.
Clark: I should have gotten to her.
Lex: I don't mean to belabor the obvious, Clark, but this isn't your fault.
Clark: I just don't know what happened. One minute the room is empty and then they appear out of thin air. Do the police have any leads?
Lex: They don't think I'm the first one that's been h*t. There have been over a dozen of these robberies all over the county. This g*ng somehow gets in and out without busting a single lock. They even tried to h*t the Smallville Savings and Loan.
Clark: I didn't hear about that.
Lex: Banks don't publicize attempted robberies, Clark. It's bad for their image.
Clark: If nothing was taken, how do they know they were robbed?
Lex: Apparently they tripped an alarm inside the vault. Although no one knows how they got in there in the first place.
Clark: And the stuff they stole from you, can the police trace it?
Lex: I didn't report anything stolen, Clark.
Clark: Why not? I saw them walk out with two bags.
Lex: I don't care about that. I just want to find the people who did this to Chloe and when I do, I promise you they will be dealt with accordingly.
Clark: What does that mean?
Lex: It means you should let me worry about it. Now, why don't you go home and get some rest?
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Lana comes out of Nell's shop as Whitney walks by. Day.
Lana: Whitney. Hey, Whitney, wait up. I thought you were going to meet me at the hospital.
Whitney: I'm sorry, forgot. How's Chloe?
Lana: Better, but not out of the woods yet.
Whitney: That's the thing with this town. It'll always find a way to keep you down.
Lana: Whitney, what's wrong? Is it your dad?
Whitney: No it... it's nothing. I just gotta go do inventory. See ya. (Walks away)
Act 1 Scene 3
Clark is in the barn angrily chopping wood with his hand. Day. His parents enter.
Martha: Hi, Clark. What are you doing?
Clark: Trying to make myself useful.
Jonathan: (Picks up a scrap of wood) Hey, son, we need f*re wood, not tooth picks.
Clark: I know what you guys are gonna say. It's not my fault. Lex already told me. So did Chloe's dad.
Martha: They're right, Clark. You did your best.
Clark: Chloe could've died.
Jonathan: Son, becoming an adult means learning a lot of difficult lessons. One of which is you can't save everybody, no matter who you are.
Martha: You said you could feel the effects of the meteor rocks.
Clark: Yeah, I just don't know where it was coming from. Sometimes I just wish I could leave this town and get away from the meteor rocks.
Jonathan: Hey, hey. I'm sure that you will. You'll get that chance. But running away is not gonna solve anything.
Martha: If you want to make yourself useful, don't hang around here feeling sorry for yourself. Go see what you can find out.
Clark leaves.
Act 1 Scene 4
Nell is packing a box in the Talon. Day. Lana enters.
Nell: I had no idea I still had so much stuff in here. Would you hand me the tape please?
Lana: Yeah. I still can't believe you're selling this place, Nell.
Nell: I can't believe your sudden interest in the place.
Lana: My parents met here. This place means a lot to me.
Nell: I know, Lana. But one screen can't compete with a multiplex and the fact is, I want to be able to send you to any college you want.
Lana: Could you tell me who the buyer is? Maybe I could talk to them, see if they'd be willing to renovate.
Nell: It's Lex Luthor.
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Clark and Pete outside Smallville Savings and Loan. Day.
Clark: Lex said the people that h*t the mansion also tried to rob this bank.
Pete: Look, I got three words for you. Official police investigation.
Clark: The police haven't done anything. There have been a dozen robberies in the past six months all with the same freaky M.O. No sign of entry, the jewels and the cash just vanished, except for this place. Lex says that they triggered an alarm inside the vault. The question is how'd they get inside?
Pete: I don't know. Now stop channeling Chloe and come on. (Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through the door of the vault, which is visible through the window. He sees a human arm in the door) Oh no, not the Kent thousand-yard stare. Clark! Come on, man. I know you feel bad. I do too. But we're not cops.
Act Scene 6
The robbers at their house. Day. Man #1 is channel-surfing. We see green tattoos all over his arm.
Wade: Nothing. Nada. Not a single sidebar. A guy has gotta miss a hundred grand in cash and jewels.
Man #2: Not Luthor, bro. There is no telling how much jack he has got stashed in that castle. (Man #3 puts the disk from the vault into the computer. We see that his left arm is prosthetic) Cash, jewels, art, cars, you name it. If we'd gone downstairs we probably would have found the money pit where he swims in the stuff like that duck with the Irish accent.
Man #3: Uncle Scrooge.
Man #2: Yeah, yeah.
Man #3: He was Scottish, not Irish. But the fact is, we don't have enough time. The stuff doesn't last as long as it used to.
Wade: I know, I know. I'm telling you, we need fresh blood.
Man #2: Yeah, but who can we trust?
Wade: I don't know.
Man #3: I think I know why Luthor didn't file that robbery report. Check this out. (They look at the computer.) Ten to one, the poster-boy for Rogaine doesn't want anyone to know that he's tapped into his daddy's computer system.
The LuthorCorp logo is on the monitor.
Wade: Maybe, then, we pay Luthor Jr. another visit, huh?
Man #3: I think so.
ACT 1 SCENE 7
Lex talks on the phone in his study. Day.
Lex: I don't care. If I wanted excuses, I'd call the police. (Pause) Yeah? Well, you're supposed to be the best private security firm in Metropolis. (He hangs up the phone and turns around, realizing one of the masked robbers is there) How'd you get in here?
The other two are suddenly behind Lex.
Man #2: Same way we did last time, bro.
Lex: I'm calling the police.
Wade: You didn't last time. And we know why. We read the disk, Lex.
Lex: I don't know what you're talking about.
Man #3: You're skimming money from your dad to fund a project in Smallville.
Lex: That concerns a new methane treatment plant. It's going to put our competitors out of business.
Man #1 punches him in the stomach.
Man #3: Methane plants don't need particle accelerators.
Lex: What do you want?
Wade: A million. Cash. If you try anything stupid, even if you think a stupid thought, your disk is gonna be uploaded to the internet for all the world and Big Daddy Lionel to see.
Lex: How do I reach you?
Wade: You don't. We reach you. (Hands Lex a cell phone) Now turn around. (Lex turns) Wait there.
Lex: You have no idea who you're dealing with.
Lex turns around and they're gone.
Act 1 Scene 8
Whitney is hanging up coats at Fordman's. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Hey, Whitney. Whitney?
Whitney looks up
Whitney: Hey.
Clark: I'm here to pick up a microwave for my mom.
Whitney: You can pick it up at the back counter.
Clark: Is everything okay?
Whitney: I bet you think it's just great to live in Smallville your whole life, take over the farm from Dad.
Clark: Well, I'm not sure that's the life for me.
Whitney: Sometimes you don't have a choice.
Clark: Whitney, you'll get out of here. You'll probably go further than anyone else in this town.
Whitney: I lost my scholarship, Kent.
Clark: I'm sorry. Have you told Lana yet?
Whitney: (Shakes his head) I am going to spend the rest of my life in this store, develop a bad heart at 50 like my dad, and become just another Remember him. I'm never getting out of Smallville.
Man #2 approaches with a shoe.
Man #2: Hey, man, you got these sneaks in 12?
Whitney: Yeah.
Clark sees the man's green tattoo.
Man #2: You got a problem, bro?
Clark: No. (To Whitney) I'll go find this.
Whitney goes to help Man #2. Man #1 walks up.
Wade: Hey, aren't you Whitney Fordman?
Whitney: Yeah.
Wade: Wade Mahaney. I saw you throw for 300 yards against Topeka last year. That was a great game, man. Say, uh, I heard that you were trying for a full ride to Kansas State.
Whitney: It didn't work out. (To Man #2.) Size 12 right?
Man #2: Yeah, thanks man.
Wade: Man, well, I know all about that. Senior year I got sacked, blew out my knee, had to have four operations.
Whitney: Tough break.
Wade: I had a dozen schools offer me full scholarships, then it all went way... just like that. So what's your plan now?
Whitney: Don't have one. I just don't want to do this the rest of my life.
Wade: I hear ya. Where's the future in that, huh? Say, uh, we're having a party at our place tonight. Why don't you, uh, swing by?
Whitney: I can't. I gotta close up.
Wade: Come by after. Knock back a brew, detox from this. Come on, man, it'll be fun. Fun!
ACT 1 SCENE 9
Whitney is getting drunk at the robbers' apartment. Night.
Whitney: I am the god of quarters!
Wade: Maybe we could bring you on, Fordman. Could always use a talented guy.
Whitney: Why do you want to help me?
Wade: Guys like us got to stick together. I thought my life was over after football didn't pan out, but it was just beginning. (A girl walks up giving Wade a tequila sh*t. She puts a slice of lime in her mouth and gives it to him. Then she kisses him and walks away) Trust me, it only gets better. Let me show you where the real party is.
CUT TO Wade and Whitney entering a room with a chair and some equipment.
Wade: You ever been inked?
Whitney: I'm not really into tattoos.
Wade: Initiation, bro. The first one's on the house.
Whitney: I don't know, man. They're kind of forever.
Man #2 and #3 enter.
Man #3: You wanna eat with the big dogs...
Man #2: You gotta step up to the bowl.
Wade: (Holding vial of green ink) This is like nothing you've ever seen before. Make you feel like a new man, swear to God. Have a seat.
Whitney: (Finishes his drink and sits in the chair) All right. Just makes sure it doesn't say Smallville.
Wade starts the tattoo.
CUT TO the four of them walking along a railed sidewalk next to a busy road, yelling and drinking. Wade pulls Whitney's jacket down to look at the tattoo. They all cheer. Then, Wade grabs Whitney and holds him over the railing as a large semi speeds toward him.
Whitney: Hey!
Wade and the others: (Chanting) Be the truck! Be the truck! Be the truck!
Whitney: You guys are crazy!
They throw him into the street. He stands just as the truck gets to him. It goes through him, leaving him unharmed. The robbers cheer and Whitney starts to smile as he realizes what happened.
Fade to black.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Clark enters Chloe's hospital room with flowers. Day.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Your dad called and told me you were awake.
Chloe: You're officially my first visitor.
Clark: How you feeling?
Chloe: Like a million bucks... thrown in the washing machine set on spin.
Clark: Everyone was real worried about you.
Chloe: Yeah, I noticed. Looks like Nell's flower shop's been stripped clean. (We see flowers around the room) I especially like the ones from Lex. They make me feel like I won the Kentucky Derby. (Clark offers his bouquet) They're beautiful, Clark. They're my favorite.
Clark: I, uh, I just want to say I'm sorry.
Chloe: For what?
Clark: Letting you get hurt.
Chloe: Well, I am perturbed with you, Clark. I'm also mad that you didn't put out the Chicago f*re of 1871, or prevent the fall of the Roman Empire, making you directly responsible for the Dark Ages.
Clark: (Laughs) Thanks. Do you, uh, do you remember anything about those guys?
Chloe: There was one thing. The guy that grabbed me, he had a tattoo on his forearm, an octagon maybe. What's going on, Clark?
Clark: I don't know. Let me do some digging.
Chloe: Clark Kent, investigative reporter. Has a nice ring to it.
Clark kisses her forehead.
Clark: You get some rest.
Chloe: I'll try. Thank you. (He exits)
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Lex and Lana at the Talon. Day.
Lana: This theater means something to a lot of people. I spent every Saturday of my childhood here, eighth row center. When the lights went down and the screen flickered to life, the problems outside these doors just disappeared. It was like being transported to a magical place.
Lex: That's a nice story. But why is it so important to you really?
Lana: My parents met here. I guess I'm just looking for something to hold onto.
Lex: So I'm supposed to preserve this monument to Lana Lang's sentimental memories?
Lana: That's not what I meant.
Lex: You're a teenager, Lana. Mercurial doesn't do you justice.
Lana: I thought you might understand. Clearly, I was mistaken.
Lex: This is business, Lana. All these old storefronts are becoming professional office space. This town needs a parking garage.
Lana: So you're going ahead with your plans?
Lex: You haven't given me any reason to change my mind. If you'll excuse me, I have a pressing matter to attend to. (Exits)
Act 2 Scene 3
Whitney working at Fordman's. Day. He's wearing dark glasses. Clark enters.
Clark: Whitney, you have a minute?
Whitney: I'm kind of busy.
Clark: You remember the guy who came in here yesterday looking for the shoes?
Whitney: Doesn't ring a bell. A lot of guys come in here.
Clark: Whitney, this is serious.
Grabs Whitney's arm.
Whitney: Ah! Take it easy.
He lifts his sleeve to rub his arm, revealing the tattoo.
Clark: Where'd you get that tattoo?
Whitney: Mind your own business.
Clark: Look, did those guys give it to you? Whitney, they're bad news.
Whitney: You spend all your time trying to steal Lana. Now suddenly you want to become my own personal boy scout.
Clark: That's not true.
Whitney: It's tough seeing yourself the way others see you, isn't it, Kent?
Clark: Stay away from those guys.
Whitney: You're not my father, Kent. Now get the hell out of here.
Clark leaves.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark in the loft. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: Hey. Nell said you called. It sounded urgent.
Clark: Have you seen Whitney today?
Lana: Yeah. I asked him what was going on. He said he was out with some new friends, bl*wing off steam. When I tried to press him, he got angry so I backed off. It's hard watching people you love suffer and there's nothing you can do to help.
Clark: Lana, I don't know if I'm supposed to be telling you this, but Whitney lost his scholarship.
Lana: What? Why didn't he tell me? He was so close to his dream and then to just have it taken away like that.
Clark: Must hurt like hell.
Lana: Thanks for telling me. You're a good friend.
Clark: (Picking up a yearbook) I raided the Torch. I think these are Whitney's new friends.
Lana: Wade Mahaney and Scott Bowman, class of 96. Who are these guys?
Clark: They were Whitney six years ago. All-star athletes, lettered in football, baseball, basketball. They ruled the school.
Lana: What' happened? Clark: I did some checking and according to the Ledger, Wade got injured and Scott got caught up in drugs.
Lana: They watched their futures vanish. Do you think Whitney's in trouble?
Clark: I don't know. I tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen to me.
Lana: He thinks that scholarship is his only way out of here. I wish he'd see himself the way I do. There's more to him than football.
Clark: He's lucky to have you.
Lana: Yeah, big influence I am. I can't seem to convince anybody to do anything today.
Clark: Are you talking about the Talon?
Lana: I met with Lex. I tried to make my case, but he totally sh*t me down. He said I hadn't given him a good enough business reason.
Clark: Sounds kind of harsh.
Lana: Yeah. But I think the thing that makes me maddest is that he's right.
Clark: Maybe it wasn't a rejection. Maybe it was a challenge.
Lana: My first challenge is helping Whitney.
Clark: Let me work on that.
Lana: Clark, why are you doing this? Not that I don't appreciate it.
Clark: I couldn't stop what happened to Chloe. There's a chance for Whitney.
ACT 2 SCENE 5
Whitney locks up the store. Night. The robbers drive up.
Wade: (Holding a vial of green liquid) You got a taste. You want to find out what it's all about, bro?
Whitney: Yeah, sure. I'm in.
Whitney gets in the car as Clark watches from around the corner. They drive away and Clark follows with super speed.
CUT TO Lex getting out of his car outside an old building. His phone rings and he answers it, hearing Wade's voice.
Wade: Glad you could make it, Luthor. Go inside. You'll find a walk-in meat locker. Wait there.
We see Lex enter the meat locker with a brief case.
Lex: (On the phone) Now what? Hello? (The door creaks shut behind him. The robbers and Whitney, all wearing ski masks, walk in through the wall) How did you--
Wade: Open the case, Lex.
Lex: I want the disk first.
Wade: The money, Lex. Give us the money.
Whitney: (Quietly) What's going on?
Man #2: Shut up.
Man #3: (Puts his hand through the briefcase and feels around inside) It's empty. He screwed us!
Lex: I knew if I brought the money, I'd never get out of here.
Wade: Big mistake, rich boy. (Grabs Lex's neck) I phase through your neck, I k*ll you. We want the damn money!
Whitney: Stop it!
Wade: Give us the damn money!
Whitney: You never told me we were gonna do this.
Man #2: I said shut up!
Whitney: Stop it! You're k*lling him!
Man #2: Wade, time is almost up. We gotta blow!
Wade: Next time, bring the money!
Clark bursts through the door. Man #2 swings one of the hanging meat hooks at him, hitting him in the face. Whitney and the robbers start to leave through the wall.
Clark: Whitney?
Whitney stops and turns around.
Wade: (Pulling him through the wall) Come on, rookie.
Fade to black.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Whitney and the robbers drive up in an old car lot outside the apartment. Night. They get out of the car.
Wade: What got into you, bro? What were you thinking?
Man #2: He wasn't thinking!
Whitney: I didn't sign on to k*ll anyone.
Wade: Oh, is that it, Fordman? You trying to quit the team?
Whitney: I'm not saying that. It's just Luthor doesn't seem like the kind of guy that would just pay up and then walk away.
Wade: Don't worry about Luthor. I put the fear of God in him. It's gonna be our biggest payday yet. (Man #1 and #2 start whooping at Whitney) All right, all right that's enough. My boy's fine. Just had a case of big-game jitters, didn't you?
Whitney: Yeah.
Wade and Man #2 walk away from the others.
Man #2: I told you we should not have brought him into this. He's gonna screw everything up!
Wade: Look at us, bro. We are burning up. We can't just keep tattin' up. We need fresh blood to keep this dream alive. Now go get it, bro, and chill out. Go on. (Man #2 and #3 go inside) Listen, bro. I went on a limb for you just now. Don't let me down again.
Whitney: I won't.
Wade: And don't sweat Luthor. As soon as he ponies up the cash, I get the feeling that he is gonna disappear for a very long time. Come on. (They go inside)
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Lex and Clark drive up to the Talon. Night. They get out of the car.
Clark: All right, Lex. What were you doing with those guys?
Lex: They were blackmailing me, Clark. I went there to make a drop. You're wondering if your father's been right about me all along, aren't you? They stole a computer disk that contains confidential information.
Clark: What was on it?
Lex: Nothing illegal, but it's not something I want in the public domain.
Clark: That's why you didn't want the police involved.
Lex: Clark, I told you I'd handle it. The question is, what were you doing there?
Clark: I was following Whitney. He's been hanging out with these guys. I wanted to help him.
Lex: Is this because of Chloe? Clark, you can't save the world. All you'll end up with is a Messiah complex and a lot of enemies.
Clark: I saved you, didn't I? That turned out all right. What's your next move?
Lex: They're gonna learn that it doesn't pay to rob Lex Luthor.
Clark: What about Whitney?
Lex: A man is measured by the quality of his friends. If the quarterback's with them, he'll have to face the consequences.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Pete and Chloe in her hospital room. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Pete? What are you doing here? We were supposed to meet at the Torch.
Pete: Yeah, well, Chloe called and I told her what we were doing.
Chloe: So I insisted that you guys come here.
Clark: You should be resting.
Chloe: You know what? All this resting is driving me insane. These so-called healthcare professionals just want me to stay in bed and eat Jell-O.
Clark: Those fascists.
Chloe: Clark, I need to do this, okay? Don't cut me out of it, please?
Clark: Okay.
Chloe: So I was surfing the net, doing some research.
Clark: How'd you get online here?
Chloe: Pete hijacked the phone line for me.
Clark: What have you got?
Chloe: What if these guys are using meteorite tattoos to speed up their metabolism? I mean, their molecules are literally moving at hyper speed.
Clark: That's how they're able to go through solid objects?
Pete: That's crazy.
Chloe: Well, they're doing it.
Clark: It's like the ultimate rush.
Chloe: But there's no way their bodies can handle that kind of stress for long.
Clark: What are you saying will happen?
Chloe: You take the ultimate rush, you pay the ultimate price.
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Lana at the Talon. Day. She hears a noise.
Lana: Nell? Nell, is that you? (A hand touches her shoulder. She turns around to see Whitney, sweating and pale) Whitney.
Whitney: I'm in trouble, Lana. I messed up. I trusted the wrong guys. I'm sorry. I let you down. I just don't know what to do.
Lana: It's okay, it's okay. (She hugs him)
CUT TO Whitney explaining things to Lana and Clark who has joined them.
Whitney: After they get the money, they're gonna k*ll Lex, and probably me for betraying them.
Lana: You did the right thing.
Whitney: Yeah, too little too late.
Clark: Where are they now?
Whitney: Back at the loft sleeping it off.
Clark: Did you see this disk they stole from Lex?
Whitney: No. But it's gotta be there. I could sneak in and get it.
Lana: It's too dangerous. We should call the police.
Whitney: No cops. I'm already in enough trouble.
Clark: Tell me where they are. I bet I could get in and out before the even wake up.
Whitney: I can't let you go alone, Clark. I got myself into this mess. I got to try and get myself out of it.
ACT 3 SCENE 5
Whitney and Clark at the robbers' apartment. Day.
Whitney: Empty. They must be out looking for me.
Clark: Let's find it before they come back.
Whitney starts looking. Clark looks around with his x-ray vision. He sees the disk in an air conditioning vent.
Whitney: It's not here.
Clark: Uh, keep looking. It's gotta be here somewhere. (Clark opens the vent and gets the disk) Uh, I got it.
They start to leave as the robbers come in through the walls.
Wade: You really screwed up, rookie. (Sees the disk in Clark's hand) Look, I don't know how you found that disk, bro, but I need it back. Now. (Clark crushes it and lets it fall to the ground. Wade shoves his arm through Clark's chest) Hurts doesn't it? It feels like someone chewing up your insides. If I stay in long enough, I can do some serious damage. (He pulls out and Clark falls down. To Whitney) You're next, bro.
Fade to black.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Wade and Man #2 push Whitney through the old car lot. Day.
Whitney: Wade, please.
Wade: Keep moving, rookie.
CUT TO Clark and Man #3 in the apartment. Clark is weakened.
Clark: I know what happened to your arm in the bank vault.
Man #3: Occupational hazard. We waited too long. It didn't hurt. When I pulled out, it was fused at the shoulder.
Clark: You can't keep doing this. You're gonna die.
Man #3: If you hadn't screwed up our retirement plan, we wouldn't have to. But now, you're gonna pay.
Crackling electricity is heard and Man #3 falls. Lex steps out from behind him with a taser.
Clark: How'd you find us?
Lex: Lana called and told me what you guys were doing. Clark, you should have called me first.
Clark: I've got to find Whitney.
Lex: Clark, wait. I'm calling the police.
Lex turns to dial his phone. When he looks back, Clark is gone.
Back to the car lot. We see a wrecked car suspended on a crane. Wade and Whitney stand beneath it.
Wade: I thought you understood. This was your chance to be on top again.
Whitney: I thought my life was over when I lost my scholarship but I was wrong.
Wade: No, you were right. Your life is over! Remember your initiation, bro? That's how you joined us, that's how you're gonna leave. (They look up at the car) We're running out of time. Grab the remote.
Man #2 grabs a control box.
Clark: Let him go! (Whitney sees the glow of the tattoo on Wade's hand fading) The cops are on their way.
Wade pulls a g*n on Whitney.
Wade: Think again, rookie. There's only one way off this team.
Man #2: Don't worry, bro. I got you covered!
He pushes a button on the box. The hook releases and the car falls in slow motion.
Wade: Yeah!
Clark super speeds to Whitney and pushes him out of the way. Wade is crushed. Man #2 starts to run and the cops arrive stopping him.
CUT TO Clark and Lex standing by a cop car.
Clark: What did you tell the police?
Lex: The truth. Those guys broke into my house and that you and the quarterback figured it out, tried to be heroes, and got in over your heads.
Clark: But what about the--
Lex: Walking through walls part? I don't think the cops could handle that much truth.
Clark: Sorry about your disk.
Lex: I didn't come out here for that, Clark. I came because my friend was in trouble.
Clark: Thanks.
Clark walks away. Lex leans into the cop car where the robbers sit.
Lex: Just remember, boys. You keep my secret and I'll keep yours. And if you don't, you'll find out that you're not the only ones who can reach through walls.
ACT 4 TAG
Clark, Chloe, and Lana walk down the sidewalk outside the Talon. Day. A car with the license plate Lex 1 is parked by the curb.
Chloe: Ah, the sweet smell of freedom.
Clark: Chloe, you were in the hospital, not Alcatraz.
Chloe: You spend a week in there, and you'd feel like a prisoner too. I mean, come on. Eating bad food, lights out by nine, and no cable? I'm thinking about doing an exposé. How's Whitney, by the way?
Lana: He's taking it one day at a time.
Chloe: Good. All right, well bye. (Runs into someone) Oh, sorry.
Clark: Chloe, where are you going?
Chloe: I'm just gonna go do a little checking with the police. Apparently none of the tattoo ink was found at the loft and Scott and Derek aren't saying anything to anyone, so I smell a cover up.
Clark: Chloe. It's good to have you back.
Chloe: Thanks.
Chloe runs across the street.
Lana: (Motions to Lex's car) He's early. Okay, here goes nothing.
Clark: It's a good plan.
Lana: Thanks for all your help. Wish me luck.
Clark: You don't need it.
Lana goes inside. Lex waits there for her.
Lana: Thanks for coming.
Lex: I was surprised by your call. After our last meeting, I didn't think I'd hear from you again.
Lana: This time, I came prepared.
Lana hands him a file folder.
Lex: What's this?
Lana: My business proposal. Small towns across the country have revived their old downtowns, returning them to the social centers they once were. They didn't do this by building cookie-cutter malls or parking garages. They did it by restoring the great old buildings that were already there, turning them into cafes, bookstores, restaurants.
Lex: You want to turn the Talon into a cafe-bookstore?
Lana: It could also be a venue for local bands and art-house movies. If you look on page 12, I found out you can register the building as an historic landmark, which gives you certain tax benefits. Just don't ask me to explain them .
Lex: Who's gonna manage it?
Lana: Nell said she'd be interested and I can train with her after school, try running it myself in the summers.
Lex: How'd you come up with this?
Lana: It was something Clark said. He told me you like to challenge people.
Lex: Well, you've definitely risen to the challenge.
Lana: So it's a deal?
Lex: I need to look over everything, but yeah. It's a deal.
Lana: Really?
Lex: Really. I think this could be the start of a very interesting partnership.
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x13 - Kinetic"} | foreverdreaming |
--------------------------------------------------------------
For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 12-Mar-02 l Written by Mark Veheiden l Directed by Michael Katelman
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kalia
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Opens with sh*t of Lex's closed swollen eyes. Camera pans back and spins revealing sweaty Lex is dangling upside down while wearing a straightjacket.
Lex ( slurring): Let me go.
Jude approaches from behind Lex and presses a button causing a white light to shine in Lex's face. Jude walks around Lex and stands directly in front of him.
Lex: What do you want from me?
Jude: The truth.
The man walks backwards following the path he came as the scene fades into one of a dark bustling club complete with dancers on little stages. Cut to front entrance and Lex entering the club with a woman.
Bouncer: Can I see some id?
Lex: You must be new here.
Lex smiles amusedly at the bouncer as a taller black man (Max Kasich) approaches.
Kasich: Hey, it's ok let him through.
Lex: Thanks, Kasich.
Lex and the woman (Amanda Rothman) enter the club. The man checks out Amanda's ass and Lex palms him some money. This guy is armed with a g*n. They smile as they walk together into the club behind Amada passing this huge neon '0.'
Kasich: She's cute.
Lex: She's engaged.
They catch up to Amanda who's looking around the club.
Lex: What do you think?
Another sh*t of that big neon 0 in case we missed it the first time, then one of the dancers wearing a bikini's and body paint matching the striped pattern.
Amanda: It's loud.
Lex chuckles at her amazement, appearing as if he's genuinely enjoying himself.
Lex: How's the VIP room tonight?
Kasich: I think we can make some room.
Lex passes the man a hundred dollar bill. Kasich wears a ring on his hand with a K on it.
Amanda: I hope you didn't feel obligated to entertain me. Jude's only going to be gone for a couple of days.
They walk upstairs towards the VIP room.
Lex: I don't believe in obligations besides, your finance did me a favor. I wasn't looking forward to a night out on my own.
Amanda chuckles as they walk into the less crowded VIP section.
Amanda: Something tells me you wouldn't have been alone for very long.
Lex gives another of his wide smiles.
Lex: Two apple martinis.
He follows her over to a spot at the bar. She puts down her purse and picks up a blue matchbook.
Amanda: Zero consequences. That's quite a promise.
Lex: Only if it's kept.
The bartender serves the two drinks. Lex picks up his and she does the same.
Lex: To my good friend Amanda, on her engagement.
Amanda: Cheers.
Lex ( clinking the glasses together): Cheers.
Lex takes a drink, but before Amanda can she sees something and the smile leaves her face. Sound of loud laughter nearby. She puts her drink down.
Lex: What is it?
Cut to Jude sitting/snuggling between two girls.
Jude: What do you do for me?
Amanda stalks over. Lex puts down his drink and follows. Jude looks up with a oh shit look on his face.
Jude: Amanda...
Amanda: You said you had to go away on business.
Jude: I can explain ok.
Amanda pulls her engagement ring off her finger.
Jude: Amanda, wait a second.
Amanda tosses the ring at him, hitting him in the chest.
Jude: I can explain, Amanda! Just wait. Amanda!
Amanda walks off. Jude looks at Lex.
Jude: You son of a bitch. You did this on purpose.
Lex: You did it to yourself.
Lex walks away following Amanda. Jude gets up and follows as well. Cut to first floor of the club Amanda staggering out through the crowds, Lex following closely behind. Lex catches Amanda and stops her. Jude spins Lex around and punches him solidly in the jaw.
Lex hits Jude back solidly and a fight breaks out under the strobeing club lights. Security guard pulls Lex away and steps between him and Jude. Jude pulls a Kn*fe and lunges past the security guard to s*ab Lex in his left shoulder. Lex screams. Guard spins and sh**t Jude in the chest.
Jude falls to the ground. Lex turns to face Amanda while holding his shoulder. Cut to Jude on the ground with blood on the floor and all over his white shirt. Camera pans upwards showing clubbers still dancing then back to dangling Lex with the white light still in his face.
Jude: Liar! That's what it said in the papers but that's not what really happened.
Lex ( yells): It's the truth. Read the police reports.
Jude walks around Lex and spins him around.
Jude: I know you covered it up. I don't know how you did it, but you're going to pay.
Lex: Who are you?
Jude: Don't you remember? Huh? You k*lled me.
Jude steps into the light so Lex can see his face then points a g*n and cocks it in Lex's face.
Jude: Daddy can't save you this time Lex.
A sh*t fires. Cut to opening credits.
Cut to Smallville High School. One week earlier. Chloe, Pete and Clark walk into the hallway. Pete is studying a small piece of paper and shaking his head.
Clark: There is nothing like 50 minutes of Mr. Austin's English Class to work up an appetite.
Pete: There's nothing like having a 6 page student biography due Monday to help me loose mine.
Chloe: What the biography part or the fact that our fellow student subjects were randomly assigned?
Clark: Well Pete's convinced that the drawing was fixed.
Pete: There are a dozen ladies in our class, each worthy of lengthy interrogation. I get stuck with Stan Gibson.
Clark: The manager of the student store? Well I hear he's very...
Chloe: efficient?
Pete: Very funny. I'm going to have to learn more about the art of selling Go Crow pendants then any human should have to endure. You haven't stopped smiling since we left who's your victim?
Pete rubs her chin as he asks playfully.
Chloe: The illustrious Mr. Kent himself.
Pete: Ohhhh.
Clark: Me?
Pete: I take it back. Chloe's the one with the challenge.
Clark: Excuse me?
Pete: No offence Clark. But digging up 6 pages of interesting stuff on you is going to require some serious excavation.
Clark: I do stuff.
Chloe: Yes, and I'm sure once I deploy my journalistic skills on you I'll be able to unearth a skeleton or two.
Clark: You know, Chloe, this is a class project not a corruption scandal.
Chloe: Relax Clark its not like you have anything to hide, right.
Pete: Cough it up Clark who did you get?
Chloe: Oh, don't tell me, Lana Lang.
Clark pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket, unfolds it and holds it out so Chloe can see it. Pete grabs it away from her to look himself.
Chloe: Oh my god, just look at his face. You don't have to see it.
Pete: Like I said, definitely rigged. I can assume your going to be starting your paper ASAP?
Clark: It will all work out. I've been helping Lana over at the Talon getting ready for the grand opening.
Chloe: Oh that's nice the surrogate boyfriend does the heavy lifting while Whitney works at his dad's store.
Clark: On that note.
Clark turns down a hallway. Chloe grabs his arm.
Chloe: Wait when are you going to sit down to do my interview?
Clark: Right umm. (not meeting her eyes) I'll be around.
Clark walks off. Chloe turns to Pete.
Chloe: Did he just blow me off?
Pete: One step forward, two steps back.
They continue walking down the hallway. Cut to the outside of the Talon, then inside a sh*t to the ceiling. The camera pans down showing Lana and a construction worker.
Lana: You promised me everything would be ready on time.
Contractor: That was before the plumbing started leaking. It hasn't been replaced in years.
Lana: How long will that take?
Contractor: Umm, ah. I can't really give you a straight answer, not until I crawl up there. You resurrect the past you get the problems that come with it.
Lana: Lex Luthor is going to be by later. He's going to need numbers and a timetable. And a better explanation then that.
Contractor nods at her and walks off. Lana turns around to find Jude standing there.
Lana: I'm sorry we're not open yet.
Jude: It's about the assistant manager position. I know I'm late but if I can get an application.
Lana nods.
Lana: Yeah, yeah. Let me just give me a second.
Lana walks to the desk. Jude follows.
Jude: Great. I really appreciate this Ms. ?
Lana: Lang.
Jude: Lang.
Lana: Yeah. Just to warn you, my aunts not taking anymore interviews until next week.
Jude: Well that's alright. I happen to have all the time in the world. I'm Jude Royce.
They shake hands.
Lana: Hi.
Jude: So I understand that Lex Luthor has a stake in this project.
Lana: Yeah. He's one of the owners. Why? Do you know him?
Jude: Well, a lifetime ago in Metropolis.
Lana: It must have been interesting.
Jude: Well. Let's just say there's a reason he's in Smallville.
Lana stares at him curiously.
Jude: You know my advice. Stay away from him. When Lex gets involved things usually turn out badly.
Cut to outside where a very nice black car with a crest is being parked in front of the Talon. Lex climbs out of the car and as he's locked it up a hand touches him on the back. He turns around to find the security guard from the Zero standing there.
Lex: What are you doing here? I thought we had an understanding. After that night we were never to have any contact.
Kasich: I saw him Lex.
Lex: Who?
Kasich: Jude.
Lex looks stunned. Kasich looks freaked.
Lex: We both know that's impossible.
Kasich: Listen to me. He's alive. Everywhere I go I see him. He's stalking me.
Lex: Just... calm down.
Kasich: I'm not crazy.
Lex: This man say what he wanted?
Kasich: Yeah, the truth.
Lex spots Clark walking towards the Talon.
Lex: Listen, I keep an apartment in the city. It's very secure. *Hands the man a key* You stay there and wait for my call.
Security guard nods and walks off. Lex approaches Clark.
Clark: Who was that?
Lex: Nobody.
Cut to inside of Talon.
Lex: I hear we've sprung a leak.
Lana is looking around stunned nodding.
Clark: Is everything alright?
Lana: Just a little weirded out.
Lex: Relax it's just a leak.
Lana: No a friend of yours just came by. Applied for the assistant manager's position. He told me to... stay away from you.
Lex ( amused gasp): What was his name?
Lana walks over and grabs the application.
Lana: Jude Royce.
The amused look leaves his face and Lex just puts a blank mask on staring at the paper. He takes it and looks at it himself.
Clark: What is it Lex?
Lex: When did he leave?
Lana: Just before you came in.
Lex walks outside holding the application. He looks up and down the street.
Clark: Lex. Who's Jude Royce.
Lex: Trust me Clark. *deactivating his car alarm* I have no idea who Lana met today but it couldn't have been him. Don't worry about it Clark. I'm not.
Lex climbs into his car. Clark starts heading inside. Lex turns on the car it starts blaring k*ller and m*rder repeatedly over and over. Lex attempts to turn it off but its not the radio.
Clark: What's going on?
Lex rolls down the windows as a crowd gathers near the car.
Lex: I don't know.
Clark x-rays the car and sees something under the dashboard.
Clark: Feel under the dash. Lex does so and pulls out a CD player which has been rigged to the car.
Lex: Looks like someone decided to get creative while I was inside.
Clark: What were the screams?
Lex: I assume it's someone's creative idea of a joke. And a successful one we've managed to draw a crowd.
People gawking at Lex and his car.
Clark: Lex.
Lex: Clark. This really doesn't concern you.
Lex drives off leaving Clark standing their worried.
Cut to the Kent Farm. Cows standing outside. Cut to inside of the house.
Clark: Hello, anybody home.
Jonathan: Hey. Pull up a microphone son.
Jonathan and Martha are sitting on one side of the table, Chloe is facing them. Clark has stunned expression on his face.
Clark: Hi, Chloe. What's going on?
Chloe: Since I couldn't find you all day I decided to start my biological interview at the beginning. And unlike a certain so-called friend of mine, your parents gracefully agreed to be interviewed.
Jonathan and Martha have painfully cheery expressions on their face.
Martha: Chloe's been asking us some very... interesting questions Clark.
Chloe: Thank you. Now we just have a few more to go... so. We were talking about the early days. So what was involved with adopting Clark? Jonathan: Well well um, it was like any normal adoption I guess.
Chloe: Well can you take me through the process. Did it take weeks or months? Did you guys use a lawyer or did you use an agen- *click* sh**t. I'm out of tape.
Martha sighs with relief as Chloe takes her tape out.
Chloe: That's ok I'll just get some extra C-90's in my car. I'll be right back.
Martha: Chloe's researching your life for a school project?
Jonathan: And when did that happen?
Clark: We just got the assignment today. I didn't know she was going to go Mike Wallace on me.
Jonathan: Look, son. We don't mind asking questions about you but if she starts asking questions about the adoption um.
Clark: What about adoption? Is there something I should know?
Jonathan: Well, we had to make up a story but it's a little more complicated then that.
Sound of the door clicking open.
Martha: Let's just say it's a subject we'd rather not have anybody explore.
Chloe: Sorry am I interrupting?
The painfully cheerful faces appear once again on Clark's parent's faces.
Chloe: Oh, Clark now that your finally spinning in my orbit. I have a couple of pertinates for you too.
Clark: Oh. Actually this is just a pit stop for me. I'm on my way to meet up with Lana to work on my paper.
Chloe: Oh. You know Clark, not to strike a paranoid note are you avoiding me?
Clark: Tomorrow. I promise.
Chloe: Ok. This isn't an official question and I don't want you guys to take it the wrong way but has your son always been this strange?
Cut to Martha and Jonathan just sitting there. Cut to Lana and Clark walking down the street.
Clark: So, how does it feel?
Lana: Feel?
Clark: To single-handedly bring the Talon back from nearly being a parking garage?
Lana straightens the grand opening sign on the door.
Lana: It's nice you know. Being counted on, responsibility. They treat you differently.
Clark: Like you won't break.
Lana: I finally feel like I'm shedding that fairy princess costume.
They smile at each other. Lex drives up in his black car again. Gets out sets the alarm.
Lana: Lex what are you doing here?
Lex: Contractor called. Said he had an estimate. Wanted me to meet him here.
The three enter the building and find the contractor lying on the floor.
Lex: What the hell?
They rush over to him. Lana gets there first and helps the man up.
Lana: Are you ok?
Contractor: Yeah. I came in the back door and somebody jumped me. Forced me to let him in then bashed me over the head.
Clark: Did you see his face?
Contractor: No.
Clark: Look.
A wrapped box with a bow is sitting on a table. Clark walks over to it.
Lana: That wasn't there when I locked up. I'll go call the police.
Lana rushes away and Clark looks at the box closely. There's an envelope addressed to Lex Luthor.
Clark: Lex... Your name's on it.
Lex walks over, grabs the envelope and opens it. Inside is one of the matchboxes from Club Zero. Clark looks at it from where he's standing.
Lex: Zero consequences.
Lex opens the box revealing the severed handing of the security guard with his trademark ring still on it.
Smallville PD are on the scene one officer taking a statement from Lex. Clark walks over to where Lana is sitting and sits next to her.
Clark: How ya holding up?
Lana: Was fine until it showed up.
Clark: Yeah, stupid question.
Lana: What kind of sick person would do a thing like that? Clark: I don't know? But I've never seen Lex so freaked out before.
Lana: Join the club. That guy warned me. He said everything Lex touches ends badly. How much do we know about him and his past?
Lex walks over.
Lex: I want the both of you to know how truly sorry I am about this. (To Lana) I promise this won't affect the grand opening.
Lana: We'll be infamous before we even open the doors.
She gets up and walks away. Lex sits besides Clark.
Clark: Do you know who he is? The guy in the.. you know.
Lex: Max Kasich. And yes I know him a long time ago in Metropolis.
Clark: Do you have any idea who might have done this to him?
Lex: I don't know.
Clark: What about your old friend Jude Royce?
Lex: I doubt it could have been him Clark.
Clark: Why?
Lex: Cause he's been d*ad for three years.
Cut to Smallville High School. Cut to the hallway Chloe walks through a door followed by Pete.
Chloe: Come on Pete, I'm desperate. The only thing I could get from the Kent's is the earth-shattering admission that Clark hates peas.
Pete: Chloe, a body part shows up at the Talon and all you can do is talk about Clark. Where are your priorities? I mean you know Lex Luthor must be mixed up in this somehow.
Chloe: Easy. I know you have issues with the Luthors.
Pete: More then issues. You know what the Luthor's did to my family.
Chloe: Ok. One piece of investigative information at a time. Now about Clark.
Pete: Chloe, what do you want from me? In a world full of designer water, Clark Kent is straight from the tap.
Chloe: I know, but you've known him the longest. I mean all I need is a little anecdote. A small piece of Clark's deep dark past.
Pete: Well, there was something in the first grade.
Chloe: Thank you. That's more then I've uncovered in like the past two days. Now please lets continue.
Pete: There was this bully three grades ahead of us. This kid was determined to pound dents into every kid in school. One day I guess it was my turn. He was my turn. He was about to take my head off when Clark jumped between us.
Chloe: So Clark ran interference.
Cut to Torch office where Clark is printing an article on Club Zero. Headline - Death at Club Zero. Chloe and Pete walk in.
Chloe: Now as kind as that sounds Pete. I really don't feel it falls under the something amazing test.
Clark: What test?
Pete: I'm not finished. Clark didn't just push Brain d*ad away. He put him through a door. I'm talking splinters and broken hinges. How he did it I still have no idea. The guy was like twice our size.
Chloe: Clark, any comment?
Clark: Well we were six years old. Twice our size was like three feet tall.
Pete: If you need any more ancient history ask the source. I've got an appointment at the student store.
Chloe: Have fun.
Pete leaves.
Chloe: So the mystery that isn't Clark Kent deepens.
Clark: Mystery?
Chloe: Yeah, since you've continued to play obstructionist I've had to find information through other means.
Chloe picks up a folder as Clark watches.
Chloe: For instance. I've found that you're adoption was done through Metropolis United Charities. But this is the strange part, they were only in business for six months and what I can tell yours was the only adoption they handled.
Clark: I can't believe you did this Chloe.
Chloe: You didn't know. I just assumed that your parents would have told you. I mean, weren't you interested?
Clark: Why would I be? My biological parents are either d*ad or didn't want me. The point is your prying into my private life.
Chloe: I was just trying to be thorough.
Clark: This is a class project. I spent an hour yesterday with Lana. That's it, that's all I needed. I'm not some mystery for you to solve.
Clark grabs his things and walks out the door. Chloe: Clark I just...
Cut to Lex hitting a punching bag wearing boxing gloves while a man in a business suit stands nearby.
Lex: Talk to me, Mr. Raines.
Raines: According to the doorman, Kasich never made it to the apartment in Metropolis.
Lex: What about Royce?
Raines: His parents died when he was young. Car accident. He was an only child inherited everything.
Lex: And Amanda Rothman. You tracked her down yet?
Raines: She moved, left no forwarding address. When's the last time you've talked with her.
Lex: About three years ago.
Raines: I'll go wider but it could take some time. It would help if you tell me what's going on.
Lex: No it wouldn't. You're my head of security. You'll find her and warn her that she could be in danger. That's all you need to know.
Raines walks off. Lex continues boxing and flashes back to Club Zero. Amanda is kneeling by the body. A paramedic is working on him.
Amanda: Is he ah..?
She looks up at Lex who's standing by watching. Phelan walks in.
Phelan: Excuse me, excuse me. Let me through.
Max stops him from passing pushing him on the shoulder hard. Max: Who are you?
Phelan: Detective Sam Phelan, Metropolis PD. Are you what passes for security in this zoo?
Kasich: Yeah.
Phelan: Don't go anywhere. We'll talk.
Phelan walks over to Lex who's holding a napkin over his s*ab wound. Lex's fingers are covered with blood.
Lex: Thank God you're here.
Phelan: Lex, Lex. You really put your foot in it this time. Tell me exactly what happened. Hey if you fall apart on me I can't help you. What went down?
Lex flashes back. Jude pulls out his Kn*fe, s*ab him in his left shoulder. Max turns around. Lex grabs Max's g*n while Max struggles to keep it from Lex. Lex sh**t Jude in the chest. Jude falls.
Phelan: That's exactly what happened?
Lex nods.
Phelan: Ok, here's how it's gonna go. You were never here. Your name will not appear in any papers or on a police report.
Lex: How?
Phelan: That's what your daddy's money's for. This one's gonna cost him.
Phelan writes something down on a piece of paper.
Phelan: I'll take care of everybody's story, but you are never to see her or talk to her again. You got it? Call this guy, he'll take care of your shoulder. No emergency rooms.
Phelan pat's Lex's face.
Phelan: Ok, get out of here.
Lex walks off giving Amanda one last look. Phelan walks over to Max.
Phelan: Did you see what happened?
Kasich: Most of it.
Phelan: Well smile. Cause your about to come into some serious money.
Cut to Lex boxing. A g*n is placed at the back of Lex's neck. Lex turns around slowly and sees Jude.
Jude: Nothing to say. I thought Lex Luthor had all the answers.
Lex: Look you twisted son of a bitch. I don't know what you want...
Jude: I wanna know what happened at Club Zero. The cover up.
Jude holds the g*n under Lex's chin.
Jude: You know the cop, the one in the report Phelan, he's d*ad. It seems that you were kind of involved in that you see I find that very interesting.
Jude moves the g*n up near Lex's ear and strokes Lex's chest and face with his free hand.
Lex: Why don't you k*ll me now?
Jude: Because its more fun to watch you suffer. Knowing that at any moment, bang.
Cut to outside. Clark is looking at his printouts then at the building.
Jude: Tell me what really happened?
Clark barges in shouting: Lex!
Lex looks around Jude is gone.
Clark: Lex, you all right?
Lex: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark: Your office told me you were here? I thought I heard someone else.
Lex paces the place looking for Jude.
Lex: No I'm all by myself.
Clark: Hey I looked up Max Kasich. I know what happened at Club Zero. How he sh*t and k*lled Jude Royce. Everyone fits into this except for you. What's going on?
Lex: Please Clark. For our friendship I'm asking you to stay out of this. Some secrets are better left alone.
Lex takes a drink of bottled water.
Cut to Kent Farm. Jonathan is outside with a bag of feed. Jonathan walks through a gate.
Jonathan: Come on son. The cows aren't going to feed themselves. Late night?
Clark: I was helping Lana. To her credit she's not gonna let the whole body part incident delay the opening of the Talon.
Jonathan: That's what happens when you get into business with somebody like Lex Luthor.
Clark: If it wasn't for Lex the Talon would be a parking garage.
Jonathan: Son he cast a very very long shadow. I just wanna make sure none of you kids get hurt that's all.
Clark: The past is in the past. The best we can do is look to the future.
Jonathan: Okay, you got me. Speaking of that, how's Chloe's paper coming along. I'm assuming she's done with her interviews?
Clark: I'm not sure.
Jonathan: Look Clark if she mentions anything to you about the peas. I'm sorry it's the first thing that came to mind.
Clark: And if she mentions anything to me about the Metropolis United Charities?
Jonathan: I use to think perseverance was an admirable quality.
Clark: Since I learned the real truth I hadn't thought about the adoption. Dad, Chloe told me that the agency we used was only open six months and I was the only kid adopted.
Jonathan: Look son, the process is a really tough one even if you go through normal channels. With you it was just a little more complicated that's all.
Clark: Is everything legal?
Jonathan: Yeah it's legal. It's just that.. it required a higher level of access then I or your mother had.
Clark: What's that mean?
Jonathan: Let's just say it's a very long road from what's hidden in the storm cellar to what's written on your birth certificate. You hear that?
Clark: Hear what?
Jonathan: The whole herd is just over that rise we ought to be hearing something.
Camera pans up a hill onto a grassy field full of d*ad cows.
Field is covered with bubbling liquids and also steel drums labeled LuthorCorp. People in yellow bio-suits are swarming the field which has been cordoned off. The Kents watch from a fence, Clark slightly off from his parents while Chloe takes pictures. Jonathan looks like he's been crying and Martha's face is red as well.
Chloe (to Clark): What do you think happened? Why would LuthorCorp dump their stuff here?
A silver-grey humvee drives up and Lex gets out of the passenger side of it. Clark turns his head and looks at the vehicle. Jonathan spots Lex and turns away.
Chloe: Um, I'm going to go take from some different angles.
Clark looks at Lex. Lex walks over to Jonathan and Martha.
Lex: Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I have no idea how this could have happened but I'll do everything in my power to find out. And I'll pay for your livestock of course.
Jonathan (sounds like he's been crying too): Oh you think that's how you solve everything don't you Lex. Just sprinkle a little money on it and hope the problem goes away. Well obviously some things are a little more difficult then that.
Jonathan and Martha walk away from Lex who looks really hurt and pissed and takes it out slightly on the fence. Clark walks over.
Lex: I didn't think it was possible to fall any further in your father's eyes. Obviously I was wrong. You know I'd never intentionally allow something like this to happen.
Clark: Does this have anything to do with Club Zero?
Lex: I think so.
Clark: You need to tell the authorities everything you know. This just isn't about you anymore.
Clark walks away and joins his parents who are talking to a member of the Smallville PD. Another officer approaches Lex.
Officer: Mr. Luthor, a CEP guy needs to talk to you. He's over there.
Lex walks off in the pointed direction and finds Jude dressed up as a CEP official.
Jude: Looks like a real black mark on your company's environmental record.
Lex: I'm gonna walk over and tell that sheriff.
Lex goes to walk away. Jude blocks his path.
Jude: And tell them what?
Jude brings up a taser and zaps Lex with it, pushing an unconscious Lex into his van.
Cut to Kent house. Clark's on the phone, Martha's just walking in.
Clark: Alright well, just tell him that Clark Kent called. Thank you.
Martha: Who was that?
Clark: I'm trying to reach Lex. He's not in the office. He's not at the mansion and his cell phone goes straight to voicemail. Where's dad?
Martha: Still supervising the removal of the cows.
Clark: Lex said he'd pay for that.
Martha: Clark this isn't just about money. We don't know what health risk this poses to us or to our neighbors.
Clark heads over to a table where he's put his printouts and picks one up.
Clark: I don't think this is Lex's fault. I think someone is trying to set him up cause of what happened at the night-club.
Martha walks over and looks at the printout.
Martha: Until this is cleared up I don't -
Clark: Mom, Lex has been always good friend to me.
Martha: I know that Clark. I'm usually the one that defends him, but there are some things in his past that are a little shady.
Clark: I thought in this family we don't look at the past.
Martha: Clark, I grew up in Metropolis, I know the Luthor world. It looks glamorous and fun but the kids grow up to fast and they can get into trouble. Whatever is happening to Lex is starting to affect you. Body parts in boxes and poison cows. This isn't normal.
Clark: What do you want me to do mom? Cut him out of my life.
Martha: No, I just want you to cool it off for a while till we know what really happened. Your father and I just don't wanna see you pulled into this problem.
Martha walks out. Cut to the barn. Clark is sitting with some tools Chloe walks in.
Chloe: Can I talk to you for a second?
Clark gets up and heads up the stairs to his hangout.
Clark: That depends if it's on the record or not.
Chloe: Ok, I deserve that. Look I didn't mean to ambush you with the whole adoption agency thing.
Clark: Hey you saw a story and you went right for it. That's what journalist do.
Chloe: Your right, your right and I didn't think about how it would hurt you. And ... as much as journalistic instinct rebels I would much rather have a friend then a subject. So I'm dropping the whole thing.
Clark: Thank you.
Chloe: Can I ask you a question? Totally off the record? Do you ever wonder about your biological parents?
Clark: Every day of my life.
Chloe spots the printouts.
Chloe: Looks like I'm not the only one doing some reading. What's Club Zero?
Clark: Part of Lex's past he asked me to stay out of.
Chloe: Um, oh, by the way. I brought over some pictures for your parents. I figure they could use it for insurance purposes and stuff. I gotta go.
Chloe starts walking out as Clark looks through the pictures.
Clark: Chloe... It's the same guy.
Chloe returns to look at the pictures.
Chloe: But he... but he's...
Clark: d*ad.
Cut to Lex dangling in a straightjacket.
Lex: Help ! ... somebody help!
Lex swings back and forth trying to get loose.
Lex: Help! *ugh* help! Somebody!
Cut to Clark and Chloe at the Torch.
Clark: Still no word from Lex. Nobody's spoken to him since this morning.
Chloe: I've pulled the records on your d*ad guy's license plate. It's registered to a John Smith. Very original. He has an address in Metropolis and he does not work for the CEP.
Clark: How'd you do that?
Chloe: I hacked into the DMV. See sometimes persistence is a good thing.
Clark: Call Metropolis PD and have them go to that address.
Chloe: What's going on?
Clark: I think Lex is in serious trouble.
Cut to darkened room. Jude enters.
Jude: You ready to talk. You're finally where you should have been three years ago. Exposed in the spotlight.
Lex: What do you want from me?
Jude: The truth about Club Zero.
Cut to Metropolis PD car sitting in front of a building. A body bag is being carried out and police are taking statements from people nearby. Clark jogs up, his shirt slightly sweaty and sees the body bag. He x-rays the bag and sees that the right hand is missing.
Clark: Kasich. (whispered, then louder) Excuse me. Did you find anyone else in there?
The police officer shakes his head.
Clark: Do you know where I can find Club Zero?
Officer: You're six months too late kid.
Clark: What do you mean?
Officer: Well it closed down. It was an old warehouse on 78th and Main.
Cut to Lex and Jude.
Jude: Liar! That's what it said in the papers but that's not what really happened.
Lex: It's the truth. Read the police reports.
Jude: I know you covered it up I don't know how you did it. But you're going to pay.
Lex: Who are you?
Jude: Don't you remember. You k*lled me.
Jude moves so Lex can see him and draws a g*n holding it at Lex's head. Lex closes his eyes.
Jude: Daddy can't save you this time, Lex.
A sh*t rings out. Lex opens his eyes seeing Jude on the ground and the contractor standing nearby with a g*n. The contractor presses a button and music and lights key up revealing the place they are in as Club Zero. The man walks over to Lex.
Contractor: No more games Lex. It's time for the truth.
He sh**t the chain and Lex falls to the floor.
Lex: I know you. You're the contractor from the Talon.
Contractor: That's my day job.
He kicks Lex sending him rolling across the floor.
Lex: Who are you?
Contractor: Mandy never talked about her family?
Lex: She said she had a brother in Central City. She said he was in prison, she was the only person he kept in touch with.
Contractor: She was my lifeline while I was inside. See I never had a rich daddy to keep me out of jail.
Lex: I don't understand, what do you want?
Contractor: What do I want, what I want, what I want. Vengeance for my sister.
Lex: What do you mean? Where's Amanda.
Contractor: She's d*ad Lex. She committed su1c1de a year ago.
Lex: I never knew.
Contractor: That's because you cut her out of your life. You know, Jude's death devastated her. He was the love of her life. She had nothing to live for.
Lex: Who's that?
Contractor: Lucky break. Couple of weeks after Mandy's funeral I walk into a greasy spoon in Bludhaven and there he is, flipping burgers. You know how they say everyone in life has a double. I had to look twice. I figure if he could fool me, he could fool you.
Lex: Why'd he do it?
Contractor: He's on parole, needed the money and that's when I got the idea. You ruined Mandy's life. I'd ruin yours. Mandy's finally going to get the justice she deserves.
Lex: You were right, you were right. The reports, what I told Phelan they were all lies. You want the truth, I'll give it to you.
Cut to Club Zero. Jude s*ab Lex. Max pulls his g*n and aims at Jude. Someone in the crowd knocks the g*n out of Max's hand. The g*n is the fired and Jude is h*t and the sh**t is Amanda who drops the g*n sobbing.
Contractor: No, no, no, no, you're twisting it again.
Lex: That's what happened, that's what happened. Amanda pulled the trigger, she sh*t Jude. I was just trying to protect her.
Contractor: I'm through with you Lex.
He picks up Lex and stands him in front of an aquarium on the balcony, aiming the g*n at him.
Lex: k*lling me won't bring Amanda back. None of this can change what happened.
Contractor: I don't care. After tonight you'll never hurt anyone else, Lex.
He fires, hitting Lex in the shoulder. Lex goes flying through the aquarium and over the balcony as Clark enters the building. Clark uses his super speed to run across the room and push a couch underneath Lex as he's falling. Then Clark runs up the stairs, knocks the contractor into a column and out, runs back down and "enters" this time moving at normal speed.
Clark: Lex!
Lex: Get down. A man with a g*n is up there.
Clark: Where? You mean that guy? What happened?
Lex: I have no idea. How did you find me here?
Clark: With a little help from my friends.
Clark starts getting Lex out of the straightjacket.
Cut to Talon, grand opening. It's a decorated very upscale.
Lana spots Clark and walks over to him.
Lana: Well what do you think?
Clark: I'm definitely surprised.
Lana: Me too. Where's Chloe?
Clark: She said she wanted to be fashionably late. I got this for you.
Clark pulls a flat wrapped package from behind his back.
Clark: Don't worry. It's not a body part. It was in the attic with my grandfather's. It was taken just after the Talon opened. I figured you could hang it up above the counter.
Lana: It's amazing. Thank you. *sound of glass shattering* I better get back to work.
Clark: How does it feel?
Lana: Terrifying. Don't tell anybody.
Clark: You're secret's safe with me.
Clark walks further inside and Lex sneaks up behind him.
Lex: I get this feeling you're avoiding me Clark.
Clark: I just realized there's a lot I don't know about you.
Lex: You think my dark past is going to rub off on you. I was trying to protect Amanda. My father wouldn't have raised a finger to help her, but I knew he'd do everything to save his only son.
Clark: So you took the fall and everything was covered up. Is that really what happened? Is that the truth?
Lex: The truth is that I'd do anything to protect my friends.
Cut to the Torch's office. Chloe is sitting in front of her computer with records for Metropolis United Charities on the screen. She waivers between saving the document or deleting it from her machine going back and forth many times before clicking Save.
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x14 - Zero"} | foreverdreaming |
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For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 19-Mar-02 l Written by G. Walker & M. Green l Directed by James Marshall
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kerrplop & Ezmeralada Roswell
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ACT 1 TEASER
A man speeds down the road in a truck. Day. A large yellow flower sits next to him on the seat. He's talking on a cell phone.
James: Yeah. It's James Beales. Lionel Luthor is expecting my call. (We see a small hula girl on his dashboard) So how about this. I don't care if he's in a meeting! Get him out of it! Tell him I found something! (He pauses looking at the flower) No! I won't hold! Get him!
He pounds the phone on the dash and throws it into the backseat. He pushes the pedal to the floor tailgating the truck in front of him, which is being driven by Jonathan. He starts to honk his horn and flash his lights.
Jonathan: What's your hurry, pal?
James: Come on!
Jonathan: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hey!
James: Move out of the way! (He speeds up and hits the back of Jonathan's truck. He swerves out to the side of Jonathan and knocks into the truck again) Get out of my way!
He continues honking and swerving and eventually drives into some shrubbery, causing his truck to flip over and crash on its top.
Jonathan: Whoa! (Jonathan stops his truck and gets out) Hey! In the truck! You all right? (He runs to the truck and pulls James out through the window and carries him over his shoulders across the street) I'm gonna put you down. (The truck explodes) All right. Come on now. Can you hear me? Are you okay?
The flower suddenly perks up next to them. Its petals close up and then open with a burst, sh**ting a mist into Jonathan's face. He sneezes. We gotta get you out of here.
They go and the flower lays back down.
(Opening credits)
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Lex in his study. Day. Dr. Hamilton enters.
Lex: Dr. Hamilton. I thought part of our arrangement was that you don't drop in on me.
Dr. Hamilton: A situation's come up in my lab.
Lex: Don't you mean your barn?
Dr. Hamilton: One of my experiments was stolen by one of your employees.
Lex: Why would anyone at LuthorCorp know about your work?
Dr. Hamilton: He was helping me install some new equipment.
Lex: What'd he steal?
Dr. Hamilton: A flower.
Lex: You're kidding.
Dr. Hamilton: It's called the Nicodemus. It's been extinct for a hundred years.
Lex: I hired you to study the effects of meteors on this town. That is your focus. You're a geologist. Why are you wasting time on bringing flowers back from the d*ad?
Dr. Hamilton: I irradiated the dormant seeds with meteor fragments.
Lex: I want to know the effects on people, not plants.
Dr. Hamilton: It's a first step. That's what science is. It's a process, a journey. You know what? Either you understand that or you find someone else.
Dr. Hamilton starts to leave.
Lex: What's his name?
Dr. Hamilton: James Beales. Now I just found out that he was in a car accident. He almost didn't make it, but another driver pulled him out.
Lex: Don't tell me it was Clark Kent.
Dr. Hamilton: Actually it was his father, Jonathan.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Clark arrives home. Day.
Clark: Mom? Dad? I just heard about the, uh... (He turns the corner to the kitchen and sees Jonathan and Martha making out. He turns away) I did not need to see that.
Jonathan: Hey, son. Just getting the old hero's welcome. You know what I mean? (He slaps Martha's behind)
Martha: Oh!
Clark: What's going on with Dad?
Martha: I don't know. He's been acting strange ever since he got home.
Jonathan: (Getting a beer from the fridge) Hey, Clark. Football game on TV. You wanna watch it with me?
Clark: Don't you have work to do?
Jonathan: Nah, chores can wait. (He puts the bottle against the edge of the table and pops the cap off, causing it to foam over the top) Besides-- whoa! I earned a rest. You can pick up the slack for me, can't ya?
Jonathan wipes the bottle on the curtain above the sink.
Martha: Jonathan! (She throws him a towel)
Clark: It's good to see this whole hero thing didn't go to your head.
There's a knock on the door.
Lex: (Through the screen) Hope I'm not interrupting.
Martha: Hi, Lex. Come in.
Clark: What's up, Lex?
Lex: Looking for Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: What do you want?
Lex: I heard you pulled one of my employees out of a car today. I wanted to see if you were all right.
Jonathan: No, you didn't. You wanted to see if I was going to sue you or not. Of course, that would put an end to all my financial difficulty, wouldn't it?
Martha: Jonathan, that's enough.
Jonathan: No, it's not enough, Martha. you see, I don't like Lex Luthor. I don't like Lionel Luthor, and I don't like your friendship with my son. In fact, if all of you Luthors were to dry up and die, I wouldn't shed a tear.
Clark: Dad, that's enough.
Jonathan: (Belches loudly) I think I'll take a nap. (To Martha, as he leaves) Hubba hubba.
Martha: Lex...
She looks at him apologetically and goes after Jonathan.
Act 1 Scene 3
Pete and Clark in the hall at school. Day.
Pete: Wow. Drinking beer, mouthing off, and counter-macking with your mom? Congratulations, Clark. Your dad's regressed back to being a teenager.
Clark: He's been under a lot of stress lately, but I'm seriously wondering if he's beginning to crack. I mean, who takes a 3-hour nap in the middle of the afternoon?
Pete: I don't know, but I still like the part where he dissed Lex.
Clark: Why? What do you have against Lex?
Pete: Hmm, let's see. He screwed my family out of the cream corn factory.
Clark: Well, Pete, that was 12 years ago. And it wasn't him, it was his father.
Pete: Still, I've never been crazy about the guy.
Clark: Why haven't you said something before?
Pete: I was hoping sooner or later you'd see he was bad news.
Chloe runs up to them with a clipboard.
Chloe: What's your deepest desire? I mean, if nothing was holding you back, what would you guys do?
Clark: Hello, Chloe, nice to see you too. What's up?
Chloe: Principal Kwan thinks that I need to get more in touch with the pulse of the student body. So I've decided to do a poll. Now, if you would both please do your statistical duty...
Pete: (Watching a girl walk by) I'd go over and make out with that girl right now.
Chloe: You know, every answer I've gotten so far has been either sex- or violence-related.
Pete: Well, that's human nature, Chloe. Later. (He walks away)
Clark: Did you know that Pete doesn't like Lex?
Chloe: Yeah, he's like totally jealous of your friendship with him. He feels like you guys aren't as close as you used to be.
Lana: (Walks up) Hey.
Chloe: Hi. (She shows Lana her poll) What about you, Lana? Got one?
Lana: Um, I would climb the windmill down on Chandler's Field.
Chloe: Really? That's your deepest desire?
Lana: Somebody told me you could see the Metropolis skyline from there. I haven't got the guts to climb up and see for myself.
Chloe: Okay.
Lana: I can always make something up.
Chloe: No, it's good, it's good. I like it. It's unleashing the inner Lana.
Lana: Okay. (She walks away)
Chloe: Okay, Clark. You're up. (He watches Lana s she goes) Clark, remember it's a PG-13 poll.
Clark: Ever since Whitney's father's been in the hospital, there's been a no-fly zone on Lana.
Chloe: You know, Clark, there are other girls out there that don't require crossing an emotional minefield.
Clark: Yeah, but I can't just turn off my feelings for her.
Chloe: You know, the choice is yours. You can either sit in your loft and play with your telescope, or move on. (She leaves)
Act 1 Scene 4
Jonathan comes down the stairs of the Kent home whistling. Day.
Jonathan: (To Martha) Hi. What do you say you and I go up to the hayloft and have us a little fun, huh?
Martha: Not now. Somebody's got to do some work around here. Um, maybe you would like to call Lex Luthor and apologize.
Jonathan: Why? All I did was tell him the truth.
Martha: I know I said you should let your feelings out, but you're taking this too far. What's wrong with you?
Jonathan: Nothing. I feel free.
Martha: You don't look well. (Touches his forehead) You're burning up. Why don't you go back to bed? I'll make you some soup when I get back.
Jonathan: Hey! (He grabs her) I know a much better way to break a fever.
Martha: Sweetheart, I-I have to go, really.
She exits. The phone rings and the answering machine picks up.
Jonathan's voice: This is the Kents'. Leave a message.
Beep
Man's voice: Jonathan, it's Jim Alexander over at the bank. Look, I'm gonna be straight with you. I'm afraid we're gonna have to turn down your loan.
Jonathan: (Picks up the phone) Hello, Jim? Yeah, listen to me. I have done nothing but give back to this community, and all anyone has ever done for me is screw me over. So what I'm gonna do is I'm gonna come down there to that bank and you are gonna have to turn down my loan right to my face. That way, I can see whether you still have a pair or whether your wife keeps them in a drawer too! (He bashes the phone against a support beam)
CUT TO Jonathan swerving around the road in his truck, honking his horn and nearly hitting another driver. Clark sees him.
Jonathan: (As his door flies open) Where have all of you learned to drive?!
He rounds a corner almost hitting a pedestrian. He parks outside the bank and gets out of the truck with a g*n as Clark runs to him with super speed.
Clark: Dad, what are you doing?
Jonathan: I've done nothing but give back to this town, and they've done nothing but screw me over. Well, this time they've pushed me too far and I'm pushing back.
Clark: Not with a g*n. Dad, you gotta slow down, you're not thinking!
Jonathan: I'm thinking just fine, son! (He cocks the g*n) Now get out of my way! (He starts walking and Clark grabs the barrel of the g*n, causing Jonathan to accidentally sh**t him in the chest) Clark...
He looks around and his vision starts to blur. His vision goes white and he passes out.
Clark: Dad! Dad!
ACT 1 SCENE 5
We see Jonathan through the window of a hospital room. Day. Outside, the doctor talks to Martha and Clark.
Doctor: His symptoms indicate a severe anaphylactic shock. But we can't detect any known antigens.
Martha: What is it, then?
Doctor: The truth is, if he'd come in just yesterday, I'd say I'd never seen anything like it. But we admitted a car crash victim this morning, a James Beales, showed identical symptoms.
Clark: That's the guy Dad saved. How's he doing?
Doctor: Not good. He fell into a coma an hour ago.
Clark hugs Martha.
Act 1 Scene 6
Lana and Chloe get out of Chloe's car near the woods. Night. They turn on flashlights.
Lana: Okay, uh, so what are we doing out here?
Chloe: Well, Mr. Kent and Mr. Beales both have the same symptoms. So this is the only place they've been together, so I'm assuming that whatever happened to Mr. Kent was caused by something from out here.
Lana: What are we looking for?
Chloe: Anything. Wow, the debris starts from way over there and ends over in that ditch. That's some serious road rage.
They split up and Chloe starts taking pictures. Lana kneels down several feet away.
Lana: I think I found something!
Chloe starts over to see what it is. Lana digs up what's left of the hula girl from Beales' dashboard. She rolls her eyes and puts it down as the Nicodemus slowly straightens up next her. The petals close and then open, sh**ting the mist at her.
Chloe: What you got?
Lana: (Showing Chloe the hula girl) Sorry.
Chloe: That's all right. Let's get out of here. This place is a d*ad end. (They go back to the car and Lana sneezes as she gets in. She sneezes again as they drive away) Gesundheit.
Fade to black.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Lex and Dr. Hamilton in the lab. Day.
Lex: Be honest with me, Dr. Hamilton.
Dr. Hamilton: I told you. It's under control.
Lex: Two men with an unexplained illness, for which no one seems to know the cure, isn't my idea of under control. I did a little research of my own into your unauthorized botany experiment. (He pulls out a book titled The Nicodemus Diary.) Apparently, in 1871, a strange contagion struck the Morelly Settlement, and 200 people died almost over night. A priest, who witnessed the scene left a diary. His last entries described how the settlers began acting out of character. He claimed a local flower was to blame. (Picks up the book and reads from it) On God's green earth, this flower was the thief in the temple, the silent temptress that, with a single sneeze, brought out the basest instincts in men and drove them to v*olence.
Dr. Hamilton: That's been relegated to folklore in scientific circles.
Lex: (Looking into one of the airtight t*nk holding a Nicodemus) If you don't believe in this, you won't mind if I lift the lid and smell the flower. (Dr. Hamilton stops him) Why'd you bring it back?
Dr. Hamilton: These flowers were believed to have toxins that, while deadly, might have other applications.
Lex: I'm not here to bankroll your pet projects. I'm only interested in the meteors.
Dr. Hamilton: You wanted to know what they could do.
Lex: Putting people in the hospital wasn't part of the plan.
Dr. Hamilton: Every discovery has their consequences.
Lex: If Jonathan Kent dies, you're gonna lose something a lot more valuable than your tenure. Pack up one of these flowers. I've got a team of specialists in Metropolis waiting to work on it.
Dr. Hamilton: It's my research.
Lex: I don't give a damn about your research. I just want to find a cure. (Lex leaves)
Act 2 Scene 2
Whitney stops at the drinking fountain at school. Day. He sees Lana enter. She is wearing knee-high black boots, a short black skirt and a t*nk top.
Whitney: Wow. What's the occasion?
Lana: Nothing. I just thought we'd blow off class, today.
Whitney: I-I can't. I'm barely keeping ahead. Then I got to go to the store, and then run by the hospital and see my dad.
Lana: You know what? I am tired of your excuses. Ever since your dad got sick, you haven't been any fun at all.
Lana walks away and he follows.
Whitney: I'm sorry, Lana, but it's kind of a big deal.
Lana: Whatever. I feel like I'm locked in this relationship out of guilt.
Whitney: Lana, what's wrong with you?
Lana: Nothing. I'm just not keeping it inside anymore.
Whitney: Well, if that's the way you feel, maybe we need to reconsider this relationship.
Lana: Okay, fine. It's over, Whitney. (She smiles and walks away)
CUT TO Clark at the Torch. Lana enters behind him.
Lana: Not going to class, Clark?
Clark: (Turning around) I'm not really... up to it.
Lana: What's the matter?
Clark: Nothing. Um, it's just a change.
Lana: (Twirls for him) Do you like it?
Clark: Um, I think the operative word is gulp.
Lana: Listen. I know things are rough, but you can't let them get you down.
Clark: Um, it's kind of hard not to.
Lana: The key is to keep your mind off it. Let your friends be your friends. Let them distract you. Trust them.
Clark: I do trust you, Lana.
Lana: Good. Then follow me.
Lana takes his hand and leads him out of the Torch.
CUT TO Lana and Clark entering the pool.
Clark: Um, what are we doing in here?
Lana: It's quiet.
Clark: It's also completely... (She steps onto the diving board and starts taking off her boots) ...off-limits. Uh, Lana, I don't think I'm really, uh, up for this.
Lana: (Walking further out on the diving board and taking off her belt) You think too much, Clark.
Clark: Right now, I'm thinking you don't seem like yourself.
Lana: Or maybe... (Lets her skirt fall to her feet) ...I'm more me than ever.
Lana kicks her skirt to him and he catches it.
Clark: Lana... this is crazy.
Lana: That's the point. If life doesn't make you crazy, then, uh, why bother living it? I know that's how I want it. (She takes her top off revealing a red bra) The question is, do you want what I want?
She does a back handspring on the board. She stops to look at Clark, then does a back flip into the pool.
Clark: Lana!
Lana: Don't you want to come in, Clark?
Clark: I-I don't think so.
Lana climbs out of the pool and walks to him.
Lana: I know you want me, Clark. Stop holding back. (Closing in on his lips) Come on. You're not made of steel. Or are you?
They kiss heavily. Finally, Clark breaks it off.
Clark: Wait.
Lana: Aren't you tired of waiting? (He starts losing his balance) Need a little help warming up?
Lana pushes him lightly, and he falls into the pool. She hears a door open. When Clark looks up, he sees Principal Kwan looking down at him.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark and Chloe at the Torch. Day. Clark is wearing gym clothes and drying his hair.
Chloe: She just stripped down in front of you? Lana Lang in all her glory.
Clark: Most of her glory. Not that Kwan saw it.
Chloe: Well, at least you'll have a nice picture to daydream about in Saturday detention.
Clark: It was weird. She said everything I ever wanted to hear, but it didn't seem like she knew what she was doing.
Chloe: Well, what do you think made Lana Lang go soft-core?
Clark: First my dad, now Lana.
Chloe: Yeah, and don't forget that Beales guy. Remember the one that you dad helped?
Clark: You know, you must have missed something at the accident site. That's the only connection.
Chloe: No, I didn't, because I was there and I'm fine.
Clark: It just doesn't make any sense.
Chloe: (Looking at one of her pictures on the computer screen) Wait. Looks like we weren't the only ones out there.
Clark: Who's that?
Chloe: I think it's Dr. Hamilton.
Clark: The meteor freak?
Chloe: Yeah.
Clark: What's he doing scoping around in the woods?
Chloe: I don't know. But I have a feeling it's not just a coincidence. I'm gonna go talk to him.
Clark: I'm gonna go talk to Lana. I think whatever happened to my father is about to happen to her.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Lex talks on his cell phone in the Talon. Day.
Lex: I want something better than progress. I was just at the hospital. They're getting worse.
Lana enters.
Waitress: Lana, where have you been? Monique called in sick and we haven't got anyone to cover.
Lana: Why is this my problem?
Waitress: Because Nell's in Metropolis and you're the assistant manager.
Lana: Well, I'm taking the afternoon off, so I guess we're closing early. (She whistles to the customers) Listen up! We're closing early, so coffee's on the house. Drink up.
Lex: I'll call back. (Lex goes to Lana, leaving his keys on his table. She sprays some whipped cream onto her fingers and licks it off) Lana, the Talon closes at 9:00.
Lana: Not today.
Lex: You're not impressing anyone with the attitude, Lana. You're talking to someone who set the bar for adolescent rebellion.
Lana: That's right. I hear you were quite the bad boy before you joined us here in Smallville.
Lex: It's nothing I'm proud of.
Lana: Please. You don't really care about the Talon. You only invested because I asked you to. (Runs her hand up his chest) Now why would you go and do a thing like that? Hmm? (She touches his lips, getting whipped cream on them) The Luthors are famous for their ulterior motives. So tell me, Lex. Was it really about profit?
Lex: (Moving her hand from his stomach) I'm not sure what this is, but it isn't you, Lana. Are you feeling okay?
Lana: Actually, I'm a little nervous. I might need some guidance. You know, from someone with a little more experience. What do you say, boss?
Lex: Lana, where have you been in the last 24 hours.
Lana: (Angry) It's none of your business. What's your problem?
Lex: This isn't you.
Lana: Why? Because I'm not doing exactly as I'm told? Cause I'm not sitting in a corner, hiding in a book? For once I'm not scared of life, and no one can handle it because you all prefer the insecure little girl. Well, I'm sick of her and all her talk about her d*ad parents.
She throws a glass at him. He ducks and it breaks against the wall. Then she runs out, grabbing his keys as she goes. Outside the Talon, Clark sees her speed away in Lex's car.
Clark: Lana!
Clark super speeds after her.
Act 2 Scene 5
Chloe enters Dr. Hamilton's lab. Day.
Chloe: Dr. Hamilton. Hello. Chloe Sullivan, Smallville Torch. We spoke a few times on the internet about the meteors.
Dr. Hamilton: Oh, Chloe.
Chloe: (Shows him a picture) Well, um, can you tell me what you were doing out in the woods last night?
Dr. Hamilton: What I do there most nights. Search for meteor samples. I find it easier to spot them with flashlights.
Chloe: So you didn't see me and my friend.
Dr. Hamilton: I heard voices, I saw flashlights. I know kids like to party, and as you know, I don't like company!
Chloe: So you weren't there looking over the accident scene.
Dr. Hamilton: What accident?
Chloe sees the Nicodemus Diary.
Chloe: I must be mistaken. Sorry to have bothered you.
Dr. Hamilton: And what were you doing in the woods last night?
Chloe: Partying with my friends. (She leaves)
ACT 2 SCENE 6
Lana speeds out to the windmill at Chandler's Field. Day. She gets out of the car as Clark runs up behind her with super speed.
Clark: Lana. What's going on? Does Lex know you have his car?
Lana: He should by now.
Clark: Look, something happened to you. I just don't know what it is.
Lana: It's called self-confidence. For the first time, I'm not repressing my feelings. I'm free.
Clark: No, you're not.
Lana: You should talk. You had me in the pool and you didn't take your chance. I see the way you look at me. Why don't you just tell me how you feel?
Clark: Lana, you're sick. I need to get you to a hospital.
Lana: Don't avoid the question, Clark. Are you in love with me?
Clark: Lana...
Lana: You're such a coward. You can't even answer a simple question. (She starts climbing the ladder on the windmill) You want me, come and get me.
Clark: Lana, stop!
Lana: What's the matter, Clark? Afraid of heights?
Clark: What are you doing? Come down! (About a third of the way up, she stops. She looks around and her vision blurs eventually turning white) Lana! (She loses her grip and falls backwards off the ladder) Lana!
Clark catches her.
Lana: (Faintly) Clark.
Fade to black.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Lana is being wheeled into the hospital as Clark follows. Day. Martha comes out of Jonathan's room.
Martha: What happened?
Clark: I don't know. She's got the same symptoms as Dad and Beales. How's Dad?
Martha: He slipped into a coma. The doctors don't know how long he'll last.
Clark goes to the window of Jonathan's room as Lex enters.
Lex: Mrs. Kent, I've got doctors flying in from Metropolis. I'm going to do everything I can for Mr. Kent. (She nods and goes into the room. Lex joins Clark at the window) Clark, I'm sorry.
Clark: It's not your fault, Lex.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Clark, Chloe, and Pete in the cafeteria at school. Day.
Chloe: Dr. Hamilton had a copy of this book in his barn.
Clark: The Nicodemus Diary.
Chloe: It's a first-hand account of Smallville's first mystery. In 1871, the whole settlement went postal before they even had a post office.
Pete: Nice to know Smallville was still whacked before the meteors got here.
Chloe: Yeah. In the diary, they talked about a flower. The settlers called it Nicodemus. Said it liberated repressed feelings, sent them into rages, then fever, and final... Well...
Clark: All right, well, where can we find this flower?
Chloe: Well, see, that's the glitch. After the m*ssacre, the cavalry torched the whole settlement. They wanted to make sure that whatever caused it wasn't gonna spread. The flower's been extinct for over a hundred years.
Clark: Well, what does Hamilton have to do with this? Isn't he a geologist?
Chloe: With a meteor fixation.
Pete: We tracked down this paper he wrote six years ago.
Gives it to Clark.
Clark: Metropolis University Press?
Chloe: I think this is the last straw. In it, he postulates that meteor rocks can be used to irradiate dormant plant cells.
Clark: So you think Hamilton pulled a Jurassic Park and brought back the Nicodemus.
Pete: Now he's trying to cover it up.
Clark: Let's go talk to him.
Chloe: Wait, there's more. Dr. Hamilton didn't check out the Nicodemus Diary. Lex did.
Clark: You think he's involved?
Pete: I told you all along he was bad news.
Clark: Pete, we don't know anything yet.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Lex outside the Talon talking on his phone. Night.
Lex: Good. (Clark approaches) I'll call back. (To Clark) I just got off the phone with the doctors. They think they've isolated the problem.
Clark: Does it have to do with the Nicodemus flower? I know that you check the diary out of the library.
Lex: Yes, I did, Clark.
Clark: Why?
Lex: Because my property was built on the site of the original settlement. I always thought it was an interesting story. When I heard about your dad's symptoms I remembered it, tracked it down to see if it could be any help.
Clark: Why didn't you tell me about it?
Lex: Clark, it's a crackpot story. I was grasping at straws.
Clark: Do you know Dr. Steven Hamilton?
Lex: Who's that?
Clark: (Grabbing Lex's sleeve) Don't lie to me!
Lex: Clark, calm down. I know you're worried about your father and Lana, but I checked the book out of the library. That's it. I'm not responsible for what happened and I'm doing everything in my power to fix it. That's the truth, Clark.
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Chloe and Pete enter Hamilton's lab with flashlights. Night.
Chloe: Okay, keep your flashlight low.
Pete: You're an expert on breaking and entering now?
Pete knocks over a broom. Chloe puts it back.
Chloe: Pete! Be careful.
They continue to explore. Pete sees something on a table with a tarp over it. He pulls at the tarp and Chloe hears glass shattering.
Chloe: Pete, what happened? (She turns around and he's not there) Pete? you okay? (She sees a Nicodemus on the floor) Pete...
Pete: (Walks up behind her) You looking for me?
Chloe: Oh, no.
Pete: Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?
Chloe: Okay, Pete, you've been infected. We've got to get you to the hospital.
Chloe runs to the door and he stops him.
Pete: That's right. Ignore Pete. Pete's just the funny guy. You don't have to sweat his feelings cause you only got eyes for Clark.
Chloe: Calm down, Pete. I'm gonna call Clark.
She goes to the phone and he throws it off the desk.
Pete: He's probably hanging out with his new best friend Lex Luthor. (He finds a g*n on the desk) Give me your keys.
Chloe: Why? Where are you going?
Pete: (Points the g*n at Chloe) I'm serious, Chloe. Give me the damn keys! (She hands them over)
ACT 3 SCENE 5
Martha in Jonathan's hospital room. Night. Clark enters.
Clark: How is he?
Martha: Not good. Clark, Mr. Beales died half an hour ago.
Clark: With all my abilities, there's nothing I can do. What do we do if Dad...
Martha: I don't know. Did I ever tell you about the first time I ever saw him?
Clark: No.
Martha: He came to Metropolis U. to take a finance course and he was sitting by a fountain all denim and flannel eating an apple. And I asked to borrow his notes. He didn't know that I was the note-taker for the class. He still doesn't.
Clark: You were sly, Mom.
Martha: He was so cute. So I asked him for his notes and he just handed over his notebook without even asking my name and I said, How can you be so sure I'll bring it back? And he said, I prefer to believe in people.
Clark: That sounds like Dad.
Martha: And I remember looking at him, completely embarrassed because I was thinking the dumbest thing. I was thinking God, I hope he marries me. I still think that. Every day there's part of me that says, God, I hope he marries me.
Martha starts to cry and Clark hugs her. There is a knock on the door. Chloe enters.
Chloe: I'm sorry, Mrs. Kent. Can I talk to you for a second, Clark?
Martha: Go.
Clark and Chloe leave the room.
Chloe: I'm so sorry. Dr. Hamilton was lying. I found the Nicodemus flower in the barn. One got Pete and he took a really quick turn to scary.
Clark: Where did he go?
Chloe: He grabbed a g*n and he said he was going after Lex.
Clark leaves.
Fade to black.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Lex and Dr. Hamilton in Lex's study. Night. Lex is holding a book with a picture of the Nicodemus.
Dr. Hamilton: The Nicodemus has existed for hundreds of years. Now, the Native Americans must have developed some sort of herbal antidote and these are the instructions.
Lex: Where'd you find it?
Dr. Hamilton: Collecting dust in some old museum. Now, it's one of a kind so they're gonna want it back.
Lex: I'll get it up to my team in Metropolis immediately.
Pete: Nobody's going anywhere.
Lex: Pete. What are you doing here?
Pete: (Fires the g*n, hitting a vase) I knew you were behind this. You pretended to be Clark's friend, but you're not! And now his dad's gonna die because of you.
Dr. Hamilton: What's this about?
Pete: Do not pretend you don't know! I went to your barn!
Lex: He's infected. Pete, we have the cure. We're going to make everyone better.
Pete: You're nothing but a liar. Clark can't see it, but I can and now you're gonna pay.
Lex: No! (Dr. Hamilton tries to leave with the book and Pete sh**t at him. He gets h*t in the arm and drops the book in the fireplace) Pete, if that book is destroyed, you and Lana and Mr. Kent will all die.
Pete: You're lying!
Lex: Pete, I want to help you.
Pete: You don't want to help anybody but yourself! You come to town and suddenly you're Clark's new best friend. (Dr. Hamilton grabs a f*re poker) I used to think he was a good judge of character.
Dr. Hamilton: Lex, the book.
Lex: Pete, I'm going to reach in there and grab that book. If you want to sh**t me, go ahead.
Pete: No problem.
Lex reaches into the f*re and Dr. Hamilton hits the g*n out of Pete's hand with the poker. Lex gives the book to Dr. Hamilton.
Lex: Get out!
Hamilton runs out of the room and Pete picks up the g*n and sh**t at him as he goes, but misses. He points the g*n at Lex.
Pete: Say goodbye, Lex.
Clark: (Enters) Pete! Don't do it!
Pete: We used to be best friends. His dad screwed over my dad, and now he's trying to screw up things between us. The world's a better place without him.
Clark: Pete, put the g*n down.
Pete: He's behind all this. I saw Hamilton here. They're working on this together.
Clark: Is that true?
Lex: Clark, he's delusional.
Clark: I don't believe you. You're right, Pete. He's been lying to everyone. Yeah, I know who my true friends are.
Lex: Clark, what are you doing?
Clark: You can't talk your way out of this one, Lex. I see how you really are. The friendship is over.
He pushes Lex against the wall, knocking him out.
Pete: (Laughs) Nice one. I'll finish it off. (He points the g*n at Lex and Clark hits it out of his hand with super speed) How'd you do that?
Clark: Don't worry, Pete. We'll get you to the hospital.
He hits Pete in the forehead, knocking him unconscious. Lex wakes up.
Lex: Clark, what the hell?
Clark: I'm sorry, Lex.
Lex: So that was an act.
Clark: I didn't know what else to do. He was gonna sh**t you.
Lex: You had me for a moment. I thought you were serious. (Clark helps him up) What do they feed you on that farm?
Clark: Was Hamilton really here?
Lex: What do you think, Clark?
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Clark is asleep in a chair in Jonathan's hospital room. Day.
Jonathan: Mornin', sleepy head.
Clark: Dad. You're okay!
Clark hugs him.
Jonathan: Yeah, Clark. Clark, what am I doing here?
Martha enters.
Martha: Jonathan! Oh, sweetheart! (She hugs him)
Jonathan: Martha.
Martha: Sweetheart, the doctors in Metropolis found a cure last night. It was an old Native American remedy.
Clark: How are Pete and Lana?
Martha: They're already up.
Clark: Dad, do you remember anything?
Jonathan: No.
Martha: The doctors think it's because of the fever.
Clark: Trust me, it's better that way.
Lex watches at the door.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Chloe enters Dr. Hamilton's lab. Day.
Chloe: Dr. Hamilton. Hello?
The barn is completely empty.
CUT TO Lex and Dr. Hamilton in Lex's study.
Dr. Hamilton: What did you do with my lab?
Lex: I destroyed it.
Dr. Hamilton: How dare you?
Lex: You're lucky you found a cure and nobody infected can remember anything. But people are talking. I'm sure Beales worked for my father, and then there's Chloe Sullivan.
Dr. Hamilton: I'm sensing this relationship is over.
Lex: No, Doctor. I think you're very talented. You just need closer supervision.
Dr. Hamilton: Ah.
Lex: I recently acquired a small research facility outside Metropolis. Catmus Labs. I'm going to hide you out there.
Dr. Hamilton: Remember, Lex. You're the one opening Pandora's box.
Lex: I'm just the key, Dr. Hamilton.
They shake hands.
ACT 4 TAG
We see Clark take his hands from Lana's eyes. Day.
Clark: Okay. Open your eyes. (She opens them) It's Metropolis.
Lana: It's beautiful. (We see the Metropolis skyline from the windmill) I can't believe we're up here.
Clark: It's actually getting down which is going to be the interesting part. It's good to have you back, Lana.
Lana: I spent the entire day apologizing to the Talon staff and to Lex and to Whitney. I just wish I could remember what happened. Sounds like I got a little out of control there.
Clark: You spoke your mind and you did what you wanted. Kind of an alpha Lana.
Lana: I couldn't believe what I was wearing.
Clark: I kinda liked it.
Lana: Clark, I didn't say or do anything embarrassing to you that I should know about, did I?
Clark: (Pauses) No.
Lana: Good, good. So how does it feel being on top of the world? Or at least Smallville.
Clark: I feel free.
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x15 - Nicodemus"} | foreverdreaming |
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For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 16-Apr-02 l Written by Philip Levens l Directed by Paul Shapiro
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kerrplop & Ezmeralda Roswell
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ACT 1 TEASER
A pawn shop. Night. The clerk studies a small angel figurine as a boy watches.
Ryan: How much will you give me for it?
Clerk: Fifty bucks.
Ryan: It's made out of gold.
Clerk: Who told you that?
Ryan: My mother.
Clerk: Tell her it's a fake.
Ryan: I can't. She's d*ad.
Clerk: Oh... I'll give you sixty bucks.
He goes to the safe and turns the combination lock. The boy gets a look of concentration on his face.
CUT TO the boy running out of the shop and getting into a truck with a man and woman.
Man: So what's the deal?
Ryan: I told you I don't want to do this anymore.
Pulls a comic book out of his bag and starts reading.
Woman: Oh, this is our last job.
Ryan: Liar.
Man: (Grabs the comic book away from him) We're all you got, kid. Now tell me the combination.
Ryan: 45-13-29.
Man: Good boy. (Tosses the book back to him. They watch the shop as the clerk flips the Closed sign) Okay, you know the drill, right? Let's do this.
Woman: Get the bag. Let's go.
Ryan: Don't forget my angel.
The man and woman put on masks and the man cocks a g*n as they get out of the truck and head for the shop. When they go inside, the boy grabs his bag and runs to the window of the shop.
Clerk: What's going on here? Hey! Who are you people?
The man points the g*n at the clerk and sh**t.
Woman: No! Oh, my God! Is he d*ad?
The boy runs away.
Man: Let's go! (They come outside and see the boy running) Where's he going? Go! (They chase him into the woods) Ryan!
Ryan, runs out of the woods and into the street and in front of a car. The car doesn't stop in time and Ryan is h*t. Martha gets out and goes to him.
Martha: Oh, my God! Are you all right? Are you all right?
Ryan: (Sitting up) I lost my shoe.
Martha: I'm taking you to the hospital. Come on.
The man and woman run into the street as Martha and Ryan drive away. The man picks up Ryan's shoe as they watch the car go.
(Opening credits)
ACT 1 SCENE 1
We see Ryan through the window of a hospital room. Night. Clark, Martha, Jonathan, and a doctor talk outside.
Dr. Hardin: He checks out physically. Just scrapes and bruises.
Jonathan: Have you managed to contact his parents yet?
Dr. Hardin: Other than knowing his name, Ryan claims to have no memory.
Martha: Are you saying he has amnesia?
Dr. Hardin: True amnesia is extremely rare. It's most likely post-traumatic shock. (Clark smiles and waves at Ryan, who waves back) His memory will probably return within 24 to 48 hours.
Clark: What if it doesn't?
Dr. Hardin: Martha, Jonathan. (She leads them a few feet away from Clark) It's unlikely all Ryan's cuts and bruises were caused by the accident.
Martha: You think he's been abused?
Dr. Hardin: He may not want to remember.
Martha: What will happen to him?
Dr. Hardin: We've called Child Services, but they're understaffed and can't come out until tomorrow at the earliest. So the only place for Ryan to stay is at the juvenile cell at the sheriff's station.
Martha: That's no place for a child.
Clark: Why can't he come home with us?
Martha: That's a great idea.
Jonathan: Can we do that?
Dr. Hardin: I'll have to make some calls, but I don't see why not. It'd be a big help to us and I'm sure Ryan would appreciate it.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Martha enters the Kents' dining room and sees the table full of food. Day.
Martha: Clark?
Ryan: (Enters with a pitcher of orange juice) It's me, Mrs. Kent.
Martha: Ryan, did you do all this?
Ryan: I hope you don't mind. I couldn't sleep.
Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Hey, what's the occasion?
Ryan: I wanted to make myself useful. Thanks for letting me stay here.
Jonathan: Hey, you can stay as long as you want. Maybe some of you will rub off on Clark.
Ryan: What does everybody want? Let me guess. (To Martha as he prepares the meal) Pancakes, with powdered sugar, not syrup.
Hands her the plate.
Martha: How did you know that?
Ryan: I saw you eyeing them when you came in. (Jonathan clears his throat) Scrambled eggs, bacon, coffee with milk and a little bit of honey.
Jonathan: Well, that is some trick there, kiddo.
Clark enters.
Clark: Hey, Mom.
Martha: Hey.
Clark: Going all out for the new kid, huh?
Jonathan: Actually, Clark, Ryan took care of all this himself.
Clark: (To Ryan) You're making me look bad.
Ryan: What do you want for breakfast? (Clark doesn't answer) Don't you want anything, Clark?
Clark: I'm just gonna have some pancakes.
Ryan gives Clark a confused look.
Martha: Ryan, you okay? (He nods)
Jonathan: Ryan, are you sure you don't remember anything about last night? You see, cause I still can't figure out why you were out on Route 90 at ten o'clock at night.
Ryan: I said I don't remember. I'm not hiding anything.
Ryan gets up to leave the room.
Clark: No one said you were, buddy.
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Ryan sits outside the house near the basketball hoop reading his comics. Day. Clark comes out with a basketball.
Ryan: Guess your parents want me to leave now.
Clark: Why would you think that?
Ryan: Because they don't believe me.
Clark: We just want to help you get home.
Ryan: What if I don't have a home? What if you found out I did bad things? What would happen to me then?
Clark: Ryan, everything's gonna work out. I know it. You like comics?
Ryan: I like this one.
Clark: (Reading) Warrior Angel. Why him?
Ryan: Because he protects people who can't protect themselves. I like being around you, Clark. Its... peaceful.
Clark: Why don't you get your head out of that comic and play a little ball?
Clark dribbles the ball and makes a basket. He hands the ball to Ryan who sh**t and misses.
Ryan: I know what you're thinking. I really suck.
Clark: Nothing a little practice can't cure. (Gives Ryan the ball) Go ahead. Get your hand up. Keep your elbow straight. Just guide the ball with your fingers.
Ryan makes the sh*t.
Ryan: Yeah!
Clark: He sh**t, he scores! Nice!
ACT 1 SCENE 4
The man from the robbery enters the hospital. Day.
Man: (To a nurse) Excuse me.
Nurse: Yes?
Man: I'm looking for the boy from the paper. You know, the one who lost his memory.
Nurse: And you are?
Man: Private detective. I work for a couple who lost their son. Is Ryan still around?
Nurse: No. But if you just wait, I'll get Dr. Hardin. I know she'd like to speak with you.
She walks away. The man goes around the corner where the woman from the robbery is waiting and leads her away.
Act 1 Scene 5
Martha watches Clark and Ryan playing basketball and laughing. Day.
Jonathan: That's a great sound isn't it?
Martha: Yeah, it is. Do you ever think we made the wrong decision not adopting another child? Maybe sharing his secret with a younger brother would have helped. He seems to really like Ryan.
Jonathan: I don't think he's the only one. You always had a soft spot for strays.
Martha: The last one turned out all right.
They continue to watch.
Act 1 Scene 6
Lionel bursts through the door of Lex's study. Day.
Lex: I thought you were still in Monaco.
Lionel: Ah, the backbone of surprise is fusing speed with secrecy.
Lex: Von Clausewitz, On w*r. (Lionel chuckles) Isn't that a little 80s, Dad? Even for you?
Lionel: I never give my plant managers a heads-up before a spot inspection.
Lex: What could you possibly have to complain about now? The plant's doing well. LuthorCorp stock is up.
Lionel: I'm not here to complain, Lex. On the contrary, your performance lately has been... more than adequate.
Lex: That sounds dangerously like a compliment.
Lionel: I push you, Lex. I don't deny it. Greatness is a rarefied air one has to be taught to breathe. You know, Philip of Macedonia raised his son among lions to instill fearless ness in him.
Lex: Didn't he also try to impale the kid with a spear?
Lionel: In an aborted coup attempt, but history remembers that boy as Alexander the great.
Lex: You didn't come all this way to lecture me on Greek history again.
Lionel: No. I want you to come back to Metropolis where you will hold the position Special Advisor to the Chairman Emeritus. That would be me.
Lex: At least the title sounds important.
Lionel: It's more than a title, it's an opportunity. It's what you've been waiting for, ever since you came to Smallville.
Lex: I'll think about it.
Lionel: (Chuckles) You want to keep me dangling so it looks like you're granting me a favor instead of receiving one? We don't need to play games, son.
Lex: Dad. Games are all we've got.
ACT 1 SCENE 7
Chloe, Clark, and Ryan at the Torch. Day. Ryan is looking at the Wall of Weird.
Chloe: Wow. You're like a modern-day Kaspar Hauser.
Ryan: Who's that?
Clark: Don't worry. Chloe's the queen of obscure and irrelevant references.
Chloe: He's a kid from the 19th century with amnesia. He showed up in a German town one day without a memory of who he was. All he could remember was his name. How's that for irrelevant?
Ryan: What happened to him?
Chloe: Well, his story spread throughout Europe and people came from all over to see if he was their missing child. Some people even thought he was the lost son of the Grand Duke.
Ryan: Did he ever find his parents?
Chloe: You know... Yeah, he did. Um, he found his parents and they lived happily ever after.
Ryan: Why didn't you just say he was m*rder?
Chloe: How'd you... know that?
Clark: You know, why don't we take that picture?
Ryan: What picture? You're not putting me on that freak wall, are you?
Chloe: It's called the Wall of Weird, and no. This picture's just to check against missing persons. (She takes his picture) Okay, I'm gonna go download this. I'll be there in a sec.
Chloe goes to the computer.
Ryan: (Quietly) She likes you.
Clark: Yeah, we're friends.
Ryan: She wants to be more than just friends. I think she wants you to ask her to the prom.
Clark: Chloe? Yeah, right.
Ryan: No, really. She already picked out a dress. It's pink.
Clark: Ryan, you just met Chloe and she hates dresses and she's not exactly the prom type.
Ryan: Well, maybe she has a romantic side you never knew about.
Clark: Or maybe my mom h*t you harder than I thought.
Chloe: (Walks back with the camera) Let's get a picture of my boys.
ACT 1 SCENE 8
Clark and Lana at the Talon. Day. Ryan is seated away from them at the bar reading a comic book.
Lana: So, how does it feel having a little brother type figure in you life?
Clark: It's pretty cool.
Lana: I always dreamed of having a brother or sister. You know, someone to talk to, help fill the silence.
Clark: Someone you could totally trust and would always be there for you?
Lana: It's just how I see you, Clark.
Clark: Thanks.
Lex enters and sees Ryan's comic.
Lex: Warrior Angel. I'm a fan myself. You must be Ryan. I'm--
Ryan: Lex Luthor. Clark told me all about you.
Lex: You know, I have one of the--
Ryan: Original first-edition panels framed in your house.
Lex: How'd you know that?
Ryan: You're rich. That's what rich people do. Collect stuff.
Clark: I see you've met Ryan.
Lex: Apparently, we're both big Warrior Angel fans.
Clark: I didn't know you liked comic books.
Lex: A strange visitor from another planet who protects the weak. When I was young, he was my idol. Not to mention the fact he's bald. I have the whole collection.
Clark: Maybe I can bring Ryan by later and we can check it out.
Lex: Yeah.
Clark: Would you like that, buddy?
Ryan: Whatever.
Lex: Whatever. (Walks away)
Clark: That was kind of rude. Lex is my friend.
Ryan: Don't worry about him. He's going to leave. Lex's father offered him a new job.
Clark: You don't know Lex's father. He would never do that. You have to stop making up stories about people. I'll see you in a minute.
Clark walks away. Ryan looks at his comic and sees a picture of Warrior Angel ripping through a wall and saying You're safe now. Ryan turns around and sees the man from the robbery watching him. He runs out of the Talon. The man follows him into an alley.
CUT TO inside the Talon.
Clark: Ryan?
Lana: Ryan just took off out the back. He looked scared, Clark.
Back to the alley. The man is looking for Ryan who is hiding in a dumpster. Clark comes out.
Clark: Ryan?
The man leaves as a garbage truck drives up and picks up the dumpster to empty it. Ryan falls into the back of the truck and it starts to compact.
Ryan: Help! Help! Help!
Clark looks through the truck with x-ray vision and sees Ryan inside. He super speeds to the truck and pulls a hose out of the side, stopping Ryan from being crushed. He rips open the side of the truck and looks in.
Clark: You're safe now.
Fade to black.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Clark is working in the loft. Night. Lex enters.
Lex: Clark. Where's your young sidekick?
Clark: Sleeping.
Lex: He thinks you're his big brother.
Clark: Yeah, well, I guess I am. Till tomorrow.
Lex: Kid's growing on ya.
Clark: You know how it is. Being an only child, no one else around. Don't you ever wish you had a sibling?
Lex: I have one, Clark.
Clark: Really? I didn't know.
Lex: When I was eleven, my mother got pregnant again. It was a total surprise. I'd never seen my father happier. The day Julian was born was the only time I felt like I was part of a real family.
Clark: What happened?
Lex: The morning of his baptism, my mother went to his nursery, found him in his crib. He had stopped breathing. My mother was never the same after that and my father got even more distant. I think he saw Julian as his second chance. A chance for him to have a son he could truly love.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lex: It's in the past, Clark. We would have ended up hating each other anyway. My father would've seen to that. But I didn't come over to recount my family's tragic history. My father's offered me a chance to return to Metropolis.
Clark: Did you tell Ryan about that?
Lex: I haven't told anyone, Clark.
Clark: Well, that's what you always wanted.
Lex: I used to think it was. Now, I'm not so sure. I was a different person there, a different person around my father. He wants an answer tomorrow night. We're having dinner in Metropolis.
Clark: If anyone can choose who they want to be, Lex, it's you.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Lana is working at the Talon. Day. Jonathan and Ryan enter.
Jonathan: Knock, knock.
Lana: Mr. Kent. This is a surprise.
Jonathan: Yeah. Ryan's been doing chores with me all day, so I figured he deserved a break. I'd like a cup of coffee, give him whatever he wants, and if you can point me to the phone, I'll see if Martha wants anything.
Lana: All right. It's in the back.
Jonathan: All right. Enjoy.
He walks away.
Lana: So, how are you feeling today?
Ryan: Much better. Thanks.
Lana: Good.
Ryan: Do you think it's okay if friends have secrets?
Lana: Strange question. Why do you ask?
Ryan: Because I think Clark's hiding something from me.
Lana: Everybody has secrets, Ryan.
Ryan: Really? What's yours?
Lana: If I told you, then it wouldn't be a secret.
Ryan: I guess you're right.
A waitress walks up and takes a tray of glasses form the bar.
Lana: Thanks, Skye. You're a lifesaver.
Skye: You're welcome.
Lana: (To Ryan) Why the frown?
Ryan: She's not a good person, Lana. You should f*re her.
Lana: Ryan. Why would you say something like that?
Ryan: Because it's the truth.
Lana: How do you know?
Ryan: It's a secret.
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Jonathan and Ryan drive up at the Kents' home. Day. The man and woman from the robbery watch from their truck.
Man: It looks like Ryan's found himself a new family. (He looks at a newspaper with a picture of Lex on the front page) It's time to get back to work.
Woman: When do we get the kid?
Man: When we're ready.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Clark and Chloe on the road near the woods. Day.
Clark: My mom h*t him somewhere around here. Thanks for helping with the clue hunt.
Chloe: And help solve the riddle of Ryan? It's my pleasure.
Clark: It really is a riddle. I'm starting to think he may not have amnesia.
Chloe: Clark, the kid adores you. Why would he lie?
Clark: Because he's running from somebody.
Chloe: I found something. (She picks up a backpack from the side of the road and they look through it) We got comic books and Twizzlers. Something every growing boy needs.
Clark looks closely at the bag and opens a hidden compartment in the bottom. He pulls out a picture as Chloe gives him a strange look.
Clark: What? That's where I would hide something.
Chloe: If you were a CIA operative. (The picture is of Ryan and a woman) Who do you think it is?
Clark: I don't know. Mom? Aunt?
Chloe: The mystery deepens. I still can't figure out how he knew that Kaspar Hauser was m*rder.
Clark: Well, you weren't exactly wearing a poker face. Ryan does say weird things. I mean, he even said that you wanted me to ask you to prom and that you'd already bought a dress. (Chloe stops walking) It's not pink is it?
Chloe: Uh... okay, I-I, you know, I was just looking at it. It's not like I actually bought it.
Clark: How would Ryan know that?
Chloe: I don't know. Maybe he's an alien or maybe he called Miss Cleo. You know, I don't know.
ACT 2 SCENE 5
Ryan sits with Martha as she peels apples in the kitchen. Day.
Ryan: Clark's the best thing that's ever happened to you, isn't he?
Martha: Yeah, he is.
Ryan: He makes up for not being able to have your own kids.
Martha: He does.
Ryan: Has he always been so strong?
Martha: What do you mean?
Ryan: The way he tore off the back panel of the garbage truck and saved me.
Martha: Don't be silly. He couldn't do that.
Ryan: If you say so. What's your greatest fear?
Martha: That I won't get this pie done by the time you have to leave. Why don't you go outside and sh**t some hoops?
Ryan goes.
CUT TO Clark outside, working on the farm. He sees the door to the storm cellar is open and goes inside. Ryan is there looking at the spaceship.
Clark: What are you doing down here?
Ryan: Clark... don't be mad.
Clark: How'd you know about this?
Ryan: I read about it in your mom's mind. I wanted to see it for myself.
Clark: Can you hear everything people think?
Ryan: Only what's on the surface, what they're thinking at that moment. Except for you. I can't read your mind. That's how I knew you were different. Now I know why.
Clark: I can't believe you'd do this.
Ryan: I'll never tell. You keep my secret, I'll keep yours.
Clark: It's not that simple.
Ryan: Sure it is. I know your dad's always worried that people are gonna find out. I can tell him when someone's getting close. I told you about Chloe. I can tell you about Lana. You want to know her secret?
Clark: No. No, Ryan. I don't.
Ryan: Why not? It's about you.
Clark: Look, you can't do this.
Ryan: You don't understand what it's like to be different. What it's like to have to hide so people don't think you're a freak. Everywhere I go, I hear people's thoughts. I can't block it out anymore.
Clark: (Takes the picture out of his pocket) Is this your mother?
Ryan: (Nods) She died.
Clark: Why didn't you tell me?
Ryan: I was hoping I could start over with your family. They were so nice. I wanted them to adopt me like they did you. So I'd be safe.
Clark: Who's chasing you?
Ryan: My stepfather and his new wife. They've been using me, my abilities... to steal. I wanted to stop. They thr*at me. They h*t me. (A tear runs down his cheek) You have to protect me, Clark. You're the only one that can.
Clark hugs him.
Fade to black.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Someone knocks on the Kents' door. Night.
Ryan: I'll get it.
He answers the door and it's his stepfather's wife. He tries to shut the door and she pushes her way in.
Woman: You say anything, and I'll k*ll them. (Shows her g*n) You know I will. (Jonathan enters. To Ryan) Ah, so you must be Ryan.
Jonathan: Can I help you?
Woman: Mr. Kent. Child Services. I'm here to pick up Ryan.
Jonathan: Well, you're a little early aren't you? We weren't expecting you for an hour.
Woman: We can't thank you enough for taking Ryan in.
Martha: It's our pleasure. He's welcome to stay longer.
Woman: Oh, I'm afraid that's impossible. I need to put him in foster care. That's the law.
Martha: (To Ryan) Well, let's get your stuff.
Jonathan: Uh, we think Ryan might be running away from his stepfather so we alerted the police.
Woman: Don't worry, we'll keep him safe. (Ryan and Martha reenter) Ready to go?
Martha: Oh, could he wait and say goodbye to our son Clark? He'll be home any minute.
Woman: Oh, I'm sorry.
Ryan: It's okay, Mrs. Kent. Just tell him thanks.
Martha: If you need anything just call us, okay?
Martha hugs him.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark comes home and sees Jonathan standing outside. Night.
Clark: Dad? What's wrong?
Jonathan: Child Services came and took Ryan away about 15 minutes ago.
Clark: What? Why didn't he wait for me? I wanted to say goodbye.
Jonathan: I don't know, son. They said they were in a hurry. I'm sorry.
Jonathan goes inside as a limo drives up. Lex gets out holding a sheathed sword.
Clark: On your way to Metropolis?
Lex: Yeah. The big dinner. I, uh, I wanted you to have something.
Lex hands the sword to Clark.
Clark: A sword?
Lex: It's a foil, Clark. Every hero should have one.
Clark: I guess this means you've decided you're leaving.
Lex: I haven't made up my mind one way or the other.
Clark: If you haven't made up your mind, why are you giving me a going-away present?
Lex: Keep that away from the kid.
Clark: He's already gone.
Lex: I'm sorry. I know how much you liked him.
Clark: For what it's worth, I hope you stay.
Lex smiles and walks back to the limo. The driver opens the door for him and we see that he is Ryan's stepfather. They drive away.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lex is riding in the limo. Night. The driver pulls over on the side of the road.
Lex: Driver. Hey, what's going on? (The partition between the front and back seat goes up) Driver?
Lex's door opens and the stepfather's wife pushes Ryan into the car.
Woman: Inside. Come on! Get in.
She gets in the driver's seat as the stepfather gets in the back with a g*n.
Man: Mr. Luthor.
Lex: Ryan?
Man: Shut up! (He hits Lex in the chest with the g*n. To woman) Okay, go! Go! (The car starts moving again) Getting the account number to your trust fund was easy. Now give me the password.
Lex: I don't know what you're talking about.
Man: Just tell me what it is, rich boy.
Lex: My father has it. I don't.
The man points to Ryan.
Ryan: (Sighs) He's lying.
Man: (Cocks the g*n) The password. Now. (To Ryan) You got it?
Ryan nods.
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Clark swings the foil through the air in the loft. Night. Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey, Zorro, what's with the sword?
Clark: It's a foil.
Chloe: I'm guessing it's a gift from out favorite millionaire playboy.
Clark: He's thinking of moving back to Metropolis.
Chloe: Well, I'm still here, Clark. I'm not going anywhere. Um, sources at the sheriff's office have given me a heads-up on Ryan's Step-dad.
Clark: You have sources?
Chloe: Yeah. A cute officer in traffic. I talk my way out of a speeding ticket. He told me I was plucky. Maybe I'll ask him to prom. Um, so Ryan's step-dad is a real catch. He's a career criminal.
She shows Clark a mug sh*t.
Clark: This is Lex's limo driver.
CUT TO Lex being pushed out of the moving limo.
Man: (Looking at a laptop) Give me the password. (Ryan doesn't answer) Don't make me ask again.
Ryan: It's Julian.
We see Lex lying in the street and Clark super speeds to his side.
Clark: Lex? You okay?
Lex: Yeah, I think so.
Clark: Which way did they go?
Lex: Straight down Route 90. Clark, they've got Ryan. Get some help.
Clark runs away and after looking back to make sure Lex isn't watching, he super speeds out of sight.
CUT TO the limo pulling up outside a closed bowling alley. The woman gets out and Ryan's stepfather pushes him out.
Man: Torch the limo, baby. (He takes the laptop from Ryan) Give me that. Julian, Julian. (He types it in, then grabs Ryan by his coat) Give me the real password! Don't mess with me!
Ryan: I'm not gonna tell you!
Woman: (Points her g*n at Ryan) I swear to God, I'll drop him right now!
Ryan: (To the woman) Once he gets the money, he's gonna k*ll you!
Man: Don't listen to him. He's talking trash to pull us apart. We're just about to h*t the jackpot, baby. All we gotta do is trust each other.
Woman: You know, this kid has always freaked me out. But the one thing I'll say bout him is he never lied.
Man: (Pushes Ryan away) You know what? That's true. (Grabs his g*n and points it at her) He didn't. (He sh**t her. Ryan runs to the bl*wing alley and goes inside as a janitor is coming out) Ryan!
Janitor: Hey, kid, where are you going?
Ryan: Call the police!
Ryan's stepfather sh**t the janitor and follows Ryan in. Inside, Ryan runs down one of the lanes and hides behind the pins.
Man: Ryan! You can't hide forever!
Fade to black.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
The bowling alley. Night.
Man: (Yelling to Ryan who is still hiding) You know, your mother really hated you! Couldn't stand having a freak for a son! Come to think of it, I wasn't that crazy about you either.
He rolls a ball down the lane and knocks over the pins Ryan's hiding behind. He crawls over to the next lane. His stepfather starts sh**ting at him and he continues to crawl. Clark runs up to the bowling alley with super speed. He sees the bodies and runs inside. Ryan is hiding between a set of gears by the pins and his stepfather finds him, cocks his g*n, and points it at him. Clark looks through the wall with x-ray vision and he super speeds to a bowling ball. He picks it up and throws it. It crashes through the wall and hits Ryan's stepfather in the chest. Clark super speeds to where Ryan is hiding.
Ryan: Clark!
Clark: It's okay, buddy. (He helps Ryan out and they hug) You're safe now.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Clark and Ryan enter the Talon where Lana is working. Day.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: Hey.
Clark: Ryan would like to say goodbye.
Lana: Where are you going?
Ryan: Edge City.
Clark: Chloe's research turned up an aunt who lives there. She's coming by this afternoon.
Lana: I wanted to thank you for your advice on Skye. You were right. She was stealing form the till.
Lana kisses Ryan on the cheek.
Clark: Hey.
Ryan: Wow. Thank you.
Ryan goes to sit down.
Clark: I think you made his year. (Clark sits with Ryan) So, you recover yet?
Ryan: I don't know. But I'm definitely in love.
Clark: (Looking at Lana) Join the club.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Lex enters his study. Day. Lionel is already there.
Lionel: Shouldn't you be packing?
Lex: I'm not going back to Metropolis.
Lionel: (Chuckles) Come on, Lex. That's all you've wanted since I assigned you to what you so eloquently refer to as the crap factory.
Lex: I know why you want me back. I'm driving you crazy, aren't I? I'm not clubbing till 6 A.M., not getting arrested. I'm on track. That's what scares you. You want me back where you can keep an eye on me.
Lionel: You're making a mistake, Lex.
Lex: You know what those emperors you're so fond of talking about were really afraid of? That their sons would become successful and return to Rome at the head of their own army.
Lionel: You think you can find your future in Smallville? I'm your future. Join me, Lex. Join me in Metropolis. How long have you been waiting to hear my say those words?
Lex: I've waited to hear other things from you for a lot longer. I'll return to Metropolis when I'm ready.
Lionel: At the head of an army?
ACT 4 TAG
Clark, Martha, Jonathan, and Ryan stand outside the house. Day.
Martha: We're really going to miss you, Ryan. It gets cold in Edge City, so I packed some of Clark's old jackets. Something for you to grow into.
Ryan: Thanks, Mrs. Kent.
Jonathan: You're welcome around here any time you want.
Ryan: I know what you're worried about, but don't be. I'll keep Clark's secret. I know what it's like to have to hide who you are from the world.
Ryan's aunt drives up.
Martha: There she is.
Clark: Are you sure you're gonna be all right?
Ryan: (Watching his aunt get out of the car) She's a nice person. She's just as nervous as I am. Are you sure you don't want to know how Lana feels about you?
Clark: I prefer to find out on my own.
Ryan: Clark, be careful of Lex. I know you like him, but there's a lot of darkness he keeps form the world. I've seen it in his head.
Clark: I like to believe in people's best.
Ryan: I want you to have something.
Ryan gives Clark his comics.
Clark: I can't take those.
Ryan: I don't need them anymore. I have you.
They hug.
Clark: See ya.
Ryan goes to his aunt and they hug tentatively. He waves as he gets in the car. They all wave back as they drive away.
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x16 - Stray"} | foreverdreaming |
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For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 23-Apr-02 l Written by Cameron Litvack l Directed by Terence O'Hara
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kerrplop & Ezmeralda Roswell
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ACT 1 TEASER
We see a woman sleeping in a hospital bed. Night. She is connected to a beeping heart monitor and she has an oxygen tube beneath her nose. A young man comes in and sits next to her bed. He has on a bracelet with a green jewel on it. The woman wakes up.
Tyler's Mom: Tyler. I missed you.
Tyler: I missed you too, Mom. Did you get my postcards?
Tyler's Mom: I didn't think you'd come.
She starts to cough.
Tyler: I'm getting the doctor.
Tyler's Mom: Wait, Tyler. I asked you to come home for a reason. I need you to help me. I want you to help me die, Tyler.
Tyler: Don't talk like that. You're gonna get well.
Tyler's Mom: I want to be buried back home in Smallville.
Tyler: You have to be strong, Mom!
Tyler's Mom: I can't fight this anymore. If you love me, you'll do this for me.
He walks to the door and slowly pulls it shut. He walks back to the bed and she nods at him. He takes the tube away from her nose and kisses her forehead.
Tyler: I love you, Mom.
Tyler's Mom: And I love you, Tyler.
He takes the pillow out from beneath her head and puts it over her face. The heart monitor speeds up and then flatlines. A nurse enters.
Nurse: Oh, my God! Security! Get me security now! Get away from her!
Tyler: She was in pain!
A guard enters.
Guard: What's going on?
Nurse: I think he's k*lled her!
The guard grabs Tyler by the shirt.
Tyler: Let go! Let go! Let go!
Tyler thrashes against the guard and finally gets out of his grip, falling back against a window. It breaks and he falls out of the hospital.
CUT TO a morgue where a coroner is examining Tyler's body.
Coroner: Tyler Randall, male Caucasian. Body has multiple fracture injuries consistent with a high fall of more than 20 feet. Subject's neck is broken just below the axis. What do we got here? Let's see. (He lifts the sheet near Tyler's wrist) Oh man, that's gotta hurt. (We hear bones crack as he pushes Tyler's wrist back into place. He removes the bracelet and the green jewel remains embedded in Tyler's wrist) Subject has unknown rock fragment wedged between the brachial radialis and the flexors of the right forearm. (He starts pulling it out with a pair of tweezers) Come on, come on. (He gets it out) Possibly the result of impact. Okay, Tyler. Let's take a look under the hood.
The coroner pulls the sheet down uncovering Tyler's chest and starts up an electric saw. As he's gets closer, Tyler's eyes open and he grabs the coroner's arm, who then drops the saw. The coroner starts turning into gray ash, starting with his arm and coursing through the rest of his body, eventually collapsing into dust. Tyler sits up and gets off the bed.
(Opening credits)
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Clark and Martha drive up to a building called Mobile Meals in the truck. Day. They get out of the truck.
Clark: Well, here we are.
Martha: Clark, I'm only asking for two hours. I'm sorry to cut into your busy social schedule.
Clark: It's not that. I don't mind helping out for a good cause. It's just all these people are--
Martha: Old and sick?
Clark: It's just hard to deal with. There's nothing we can really do to help them.
Martha: You're right. You can't save them from old age and illness, but that's not the point. You're saving them from loneliness. Don't forget the irises. (They start for the building.) You excited about the big fishing trip with your dad next weekend?
Clark: Mmm...
Martha: You didn't forget, did you?
Clark: How could I? We've been going every year since I was seven. Ten hours in a rowboat, swatting mosquitoes, looking for ripples in the water.
Martha: I thought you enjoyed fishing.
Clark: I did when I was younger.
Martha: Well, if you don't want to go you need to tell him.
Clark: I don't want to hurt his feelings.
Martha: He may not like it, but he needs to know.
A man comes out of the building.
Hank: Ah, Martha, Clark, I'd like you to meet Tyler Randall, new volunteer.
Tyler comes out.
Martha: Hi.
Hank: I want you to show him the ropes.
He shakes Martha's hand and we see that he's wearing gloves.
Tyler: Hank tells me you grow the best organic produce this side of Metropolis.
Clark: You just made a friend for life.
Martha: What brings you to Smallville?
Tyler: I came back to make funeral preparations. I recently lost my mother.
Martha: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Tyler: What do you say we get to those deliveries.
Martha: We can start with Mrs. Sykes. She'll be happy to see us.
Clark: Her dog Pepper on the other hand...
Martha: Oh, Pepper's not so bad
CUT TO Tyler, Martha, and Clark entering Mrs. Sykes' house. Pepper runs to the door barking.
Martha: Hi, Pepper, hi. How are you today? Pepper, this is Tyler.
Tyler reaches down to pet the dog and she growls.
Clark: Don't worry, she's probably just hungry. I'll get her something to eat. Come on, Pepper.
Martha: (To Tyler) A lot of our clients are elderly and housebound like Mrs. Sykes. (They enter the bedroom where Mrs. Sykes is lying in the bed) Good morning, Mrs. Sykes. How are you feeling today?
Mrs. Sykes: Terrible. Is that Clark? He looks different.
Martha: No, this is Tyler, our new driver.
She starts to open her bag.
Tyler: Let me. How about some lunch, Mrs. Sykes? (She inhales sharply, clutching her chest) What's wrong?
Mrs. Sykes: It hurts. My pills, get me my, get my...
Tyler hands her the pills and Clark enters.
Clark: Isn't there anything we can do for her?
Martha: I wish there were.
Tyler: (Offering a flower) One of Mrs. Kent's beautiful irises, for a beautiful lady.
Mrs. Sykes: Don't ever get old and sick, son. The world got no use for you.
Tyler: I'll tell you what. I'll bring you another iris tomorrow.
Mrs. Sykes: I like roses. White ones.
Tyler: Then white ones it is.
Mrs. Sykes: I like this one, Martha.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Lex enters his pool room. Day. Lionel's assistant Dominic is already there.
Dominic: Your father's very disappointed with you, Lex.
Lex: My father's disappointment is perennial. Only the circumstances change. What do you want, Dominic?
Dominic: An internal audit of your division has turned up accounting irregularities, and I've been authorized to come down and go through it in a thorough manner.
Lex: So this is payback for turning down my father's offer to join him in Metropolis.
Dominic: Lionel has been very tolerant of your excesses. But this time, you didn't spend the money on parties and sports cars and he wants to know where it went.
Lex: Do you know what my father gave me for my tenth birthday? A copy of The Will to Power. Behold the super man. Man is something to be overcome. Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, Nietzsche. They were the voices that nurtured me after my mother died. My father made ever question a quiz, every choice a test. Second best was for losers, compassion for losers, trust no one. Those were the lessons I grew up.
Dominic: I'll remember that if I'm every interviewed by the biography channel.
Lex: All I'm saying, Dominic, is try and remember who I was raised by. I try to deny it, but I'm still my father's son. Tread carefully.
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Lana refills a woman's coffee in the Talon. Day.
Lana: There you go.
Woman: Thanks.
Lana walks away and we see Clark sitting at a table flipping through a fishing magazine. Lex enters.
Lex: Looks like a real page-turner.
Clark: My father and I have our annual fishing trip.
Lex: Of course you do. My father and I went on a fishing trip once.
Clark: Really? He doesn't seem like the fishing type.
Lex: He's not. We were the bait. We flew to South Australia, went down in the cage, got up close and personal with a couple of great whites.
Clark: Sounds like a Kodak moment.
Lex: When you're rich and untouchable like he is, you do things to make yourself feel alive.
Clark: Why'd you go?
Lex: Because he didn't think I would. We never went on another father-son trip after that.
Clark: I wish my father would do something other than fishing.
Lex: What about a football game? I've got two extra tickets for the skybox at the Metropolis Sharks game next Sunday. They're yours.
Clark: That'd be great. My father's been following the team all season. I wouldn't even have to twist his arm.
Lex: Problem solved.
He gets up and walks away. Clark sees Lana hang up the phone and start crying. He goes to her.
Clark: Lana, what is it?
Lana: That was-- that was Whitney's mom. His dad just had another heart att*ck.
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Jonathan is working with a blowtorch in the loft. Day. Dominic enters and taps him on the shoulder.
Jonathan: Don't you know it is not a good idea to sneak up on somebody with an acetylene torch?
Dominic: I'm sorry. My name's Dominic Senatori, I work for Lionel Luthor. I'm here in Smallville following up on a research project Lex Luthor recently instigated.
Jonathan: Look, Dominic, if you don't mind, I got a lot of work to do around here, okay?
Dominic: There was an incident involving your son and Lex's Porsche and a bridge. Lex has spent a considerable amount of time and capital researching the crash, and I was wondering if you knew why.
Jonathan: Look, the truth is Lex Luthor was driving like a maniac. His car went off the bridge into the water. My son jumped in, risked his life to save him. That's the end of the story.
Dominic: And you wouldn't know why he commissioned an in-depth profile into you and your family?
Jonathan: I have no idea.
Dominic: Fair enough, Mr. Kent. Thank you for your time.
Jonathan: Uh, just out of curiosity, what were Lex's findings on the crash?
Dominic leaves without answering.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark and Lana enter Whitney's father's hospital room. Day.
Father: Whitney, is that you?
Lana: It's Clark Kent, Mr. Fordman.
Father: Oh, Lana. Well, where's Whitney? I haven't seen my son yet?
Lana: Don't worry. He'll be here soon.
Clark: (Quietly) Where is Whitney?
Lana: I don't know. His mom said he'd be here.
ACT 1 SCENE 6
Jonathan is adjusting a fishing reel in the dining room. Night. An open tackle box is on the table in front of him. Clark enters.
Jonathan: Clark, how's Whitney's dad?
Clark: He's hanging in there.
Jonathan: That's good. (He holds up a rod) You remember this?
Clark: It's my first fishing rod.
Jonathan: You used to practice casting it out in the paddock all day.
Clark: I remember.
Jonathan: In fact, I remember that I used to have to pry it out of your hands just to get you to go to bed at night.
Clark: Dad, what would you say if we could be sitting in a deluxe box next Sunday watching the Metropolis Sharks?
Jonathan: I'd say the Milk River's changed quite a bit.
Clark: Think about it. No worms, no cold mornings, no eating canned peaches.
Jonathan: Wait a minute. Did Lex Luthor arrange all this for us? (Clark doesn't answer) Clark, this morning, I had a surprise visit from one of Lionel Luthor's people. Did you know that your buddy Lex Luthor was having us investigated after the bridge accident?
Clark: Yeah, but Lex said it was all in our past. He promised.
Jonathan: You knew and you didn't tell me?
Clark: Because I knew you'd react like this.
Jonathan: I thought we had an understanding. How am I supposed to protect you if you won't give me all the facts?
Clark: I don't always need your protection.
Jonathan: When it comes to your secret, you bet you do. Maybe when you get a little older you'll understand my apprehension about the Luthor family.
Clark: Stop treating me like a kid! I'm not seven years old anymore! I'm not casting lines in the paddock. I don't even like fishing! The only reason I do it is because it makes you happy! (He pauses) Dad, that-- that didn't come out right.
Jonathan: No, son, I think it did.
He exits.
Act 1 Scene 7
Mrs. Sykes is asleep in her bed. Night. We hear a door open and Pepper starts to bark.
Mrs. Sykes: Pepper? (A hand reaches for Pepper and Mrs. Sykes hears her whimper and the become silent) Pepper!
Tyler enters her room.
Tyler: I brought you a white rose. (She starts to cough and he give her a glass of water) You've lived so long with pain. Sometimes, don't you whish it would just end?
Mrs. Sykes: Oh, yes. I can't go on. Not like this.
Tyler: (He takes off one of his gloves) It'll all be over soon. I promise.
Tyler touches her hand and she turns to ash and crumbles.
Fade to black.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Clark comes down the stairs and joins Martha in the kitchen. Day.
Clark: Where's Dad?
Martha: He wanted to get an early start, said he had a lot of work to do today.
Clark: He's avoiding me, isn't he?
Martha: I'm not gonna play referee. You two need to work this out.
Clark: We will. First, we'll have a week of uncomfortable silence, and then we'll start talking about something trivial, and then we'll move on.
Martha: Avoiding it and hoping the problem goes away isn't dealing with it.
Clark: What can I do? You know how stubborn he can be.
Martha: I know how stubborn you both can be. I don't want to see you two drift apart like he did with his father.
Clark: I thought they were close.
Martha: They were, but they kept things from each other. When your grandfather passed away, there was a lot your dad didn't get to tell him, a lot he regrets. I just don't want to see history repeat itself.
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Clark meets Pete and Chloe outside the school. Day.
Clark: Chloe! I just got your note. I can't believe it. I just saw Mrs. Sykes yesterday.
Chloe: I know. I'm sorry, Clark.
Clark: What happened?
Chloe: Well, the official story is that there was some sort of a f*re, but all they found were her ashes.
Clark: And the unofficial?
Chloe: Spontaneous combustion.
Pete: She thinks the old lady just burst into flames.
Chloe: (Reading from a paper) October, 1978. Joyce Maslow was dancing in a disco in Elizabeth, New Jersey when flames burst from her head and back enveloping her. In seconds, she was a human torch, consumed before the eyes of her horrified boyfriend.
Clark: You don't have to look so happy about it.
Chloe: I'm not happy, I'm intrigued.
Pete: Which means you're still gonna look into it.
Chloe: Am I that transparent?
Clark & Pete: Yes.
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Jonathan is dropping bales of hay from the upper level of the loft. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: Mr. Kent?
Jonathan: Clark isn't here.
Lex: Actually, I came to see you. I was wondering if you were planning on coming to the game next Sunday.
Jonathan: I'm going fishing, Lex. I don't know what my son is doing.
Lex: The tickets were meant as a gift.
Jonathan: Yeah, I'm sure your intentions were entirely noble.
Lex: That's not fair. I don't think you understand how I regard Clark and your family.
Jonathan: Yes, I do. I understand perfectly well. We're just the pawns in your eternal chess game with your dad.
Lex: Do you have a family photo?
Jonathan: Yeah, I got lots of family photos, Lex.
Lex: The only picture of my father and me appears in the LuthorCorp annual report.
Jonathan: Is this the part where I'm supposed to feel sorry for you?
Lex: No. I just want you to understand if I'm guilty of anything regarding your family, it's envy.
Jonathan: Well, if you're so envious of my family, then why do you feel the need to investigate it behind my back?
Lex: I wanted to know what happened out on that bridge the day of the accident. I had a theory and it turned out to be false. I was totally upfront with Clark about it. That's what this is about. Clark wasn't upfront with you.
Jonathan: He's a good kid, Lex. I don't want that to change.
Lex: Neither do I. You know, from the day I first met Clark, all you've ever seen is the name Luthor.
Jonathan: Well, so far, you haven't given me a reason to see anything else.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Whitney is sh**ting hoops outside the school. Day. Clark approaches.
Clark: You see that Kansas State game last week?
Whitney: What are you doing here, Clark? Did Lana send you?
Clark: I told her you'd see it coming a mile away.
Whitney: Hey, I'm not angry. So, he's come to find out why the heartless son hasn't gone by the hospital to visit his dying father.
Clark: Something like that.
Whitney: I remember how my dad used to say how he was gonna be there the day I threw my first pass for the Sharks. He said it so often, I actually believed it would happen.
Clark: It still could.
Whitney: My father is the strongest man I ever knew. He lettered in three sports at State. When I see him there in the hospital so weak, it kills me because that's not my father. Whatever you do for a long time to come, your father is gonna be there to support you. I'll only have a memory of my dad, and I don't want that memory to be of that sick man laying there in the hospital.
Clark: No, I get it. It's just, I'd take the man over the memory any day of the week.
Clark walks away and Chloe sees him.
Chloe: Clark, I've been looking all over for you. Look what I found in the Daily Planet.
Hands him a paper.
Clark: Body Disappears From Metropolis Morgue?
Chloe: Yeah, but look at the photo. The coroner's body was disintegrated into ash.
Clark: Just like Mrs. Sykes.
Chloe: I don't know, but it sure would be nice to check out that house for ourselves.
Clark nods.
CUT TO Clark and Chloe in Mrs. Sykes' bedroom. Chloe takes pictures of the bed which has some remaining ash on it.
Clark: You know, this is a crime scene.
Chloe: So? Well, there's no other sign of f*re damage anywhere, so you might want to dial back on that spontaneous combustion skepticism.
Clark: No barking.
Chloe: I wasn't planning on it.
Clark: Pepper.
Chloe: Who's Pepper?
Clark: Mrs. Sykes' dog. She turned into a barking machine anytime someone came over. Pepper? Come here, girl!
Chloe: Well, animal shelter probably came and got her.
Clark looks around. He looks through a drape with x-ray vision and sees a pile of ash under it. He goes to look.
Clark: Oh, no.
Chloe: Oh, don't tell me that's Pepper. Yuck.
Clark picks up a dog tag with Pepper's name on it and Chloe takes a picture. Clark notices the white rose next to the bed.
Clark: What happened may have been combustion, but I have a feeling it wasn't spontaneous.
ACT 2 SCENE 5
Martha drives up to Mobile Meals. Day. Hank comes out as she starts unloading the truck.
Hank: Well, afternoon, Martha.
Martha: Hi.
Hank: I didn't know that you were volunteering today.
Martha: Oh, just dropping off some extra produce. Didn't want it to go to waste.
Hank: Well, here, let me give you a hand with that.
Martha: Oh, that's okay. I got it. Just close that for me.
Hank: (Closes the trunk) All right. I'll be in the office if you need me.
Martha: Okay. (Martha enters the warehouse with the crate of produce. She turns a corner and Tyler pops up in front of her, startling her) Oh, Tyler! What are you doing here?
Tyler: Here, let me help you with this.
Tyler: touches the crate and all the produce turns to ash.)
Martha: Mrs. Sykes... that was you.
Hank: (From outside) Martha? You okay?
Martha: Hank, call the sheriff.
Hank: What's going on here? (Tyler starts to run away) Hold it right there!
Martha: Hank, don't!
Hank grabs Tyler's arms when he gets to the door, and turns into ash. Martha backs away.
CUT TO Clark running up outside. He looks through the building with x-ray vision and sees Martha backing away from Tyler.
Clark: Mom! (He super speeds inside) Get away from her!
Martha: Clark, don't touch him! (Tyler touches Clark's face, making it a grayish color. Clark throws him at a stack of boxes and his face returns to normal) Clark, are you okay?
Clark touches his face, confused.
Fade to black.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Clark is in the loft doing his homework. Day. Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Son, your mom is, uh, she's resting. She's pretty shaken up, but I think she's gonna be fine. The police are looking everywhere for Tyler.
Clark: I don't think they're gonna stop him.
Jonathan: Why?
Clark: Because I saw his heart. It wasn't beating.
Jonathan: Clark, that' doesn't make any sense. How can... how can he walk around if he's d*ad?
Clark: How can he turn people to ash? When he touched my face, I felt like the life was being drained out of me.
Jonathan: (Reaching for Clark's face) Clark, are you sure that you're--
Clark: (Backs away) Yeah. (They share an uncomfortable silence and Jonathan gets up to leave) Dad?
Jonathan: Yeah?
Clark: Nothing.
Jonathan leaves.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark enters the Talon and goes to the bar where Lana is working. Day.
Lana: Clark. I hard what happened at Mobile Meals. Is your mom all right?
Clark: Yeah.
Lana: I can't believe Tyler would hurt anybody. He seemed so nice.
Clark: If you run into him, whatever you do, don't let him touch you. Long story, just trust me.
Lana: Whitney phoned. He wanted to get together later and talk.
Clark: That's great.
Lana: I don't know what you said, but thank you. Gotta go.
Lana leaves as Lex enters.
Lex: Clark, I'm glad I ran into you. I need to talk to you about the Sharks game. Is your dad coming?
Clark: I'm not sure.
Lex: Funny, when I asked him, he was pretty adamant he wasn't gong. I'm rescinding the offer. Go fishing with your dad.
Clark: Lex, you don't have to do that.
Lex: I know. But your dad just wants to spend some time with you. It's not something I want to come between. In his own way, he's just trying to give you something my father never gave me.
Clark: What's that?
Lex: Limitations. All my father ever told me was Don't get caught. Don't cause a scandal. That's not love, that's public relations. You have no idea how lucky you are. When my father dies, kings will come to his funeral, but when yours does, his friends will come. (Lex exits)
Act 3 Scene 3
Lana enters the cemetery. Night. Whitney is standing next to the Langs' graves.
Lana: Nell told me she saw you come out here.
Whitney: Yeah. I just realized that in all the time we've known each other, I've never been here before.
Lana: It's okay, Whitney.
Whitney: No, it's not. It's just the thought of losing my parents was so awful. I didn't want to think about it.
Lana: That's why you need to talk to your father. Go see him, Whitney. Make the best of the time you have left. (They hug.)
Whitney: Thanks, Lana. I'm, uh, I'm gonna go to the hospital. Do you want me to walk you home?
Lana: I think I'm gonna stay. I haven't been out here in a while.
Whitney: Okay.
He kisses her on the forehead and leaves. Lana kneels next to her parents' graves for a moment, then gets up to leave. She hears rustling.
Lana: Whitney?
She gasps as she nearly runs into Tyler.
Tyler: It's all right. I won't hurt you. I don't want to hurt anyone, Lana. I only want to bring them peace. I heard your friend talking. His father must be in terrible pain. I can help your friend.
She hears a branch snap and turns around, and when she turns back, he's gone. She runs out of the cemetery.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lex pours two glass of whiskey in his study. Night. Dominic is at the computer.
Dominic: Then, there's a discrepancy between the purchasing and shipping records.
Lex: Stop. I know my father authorized this investigation, but enough bean-counting for one day. (Handing Dominic a glass) 30-year-old, single-malt. Also bought with my father's money. Make sure you jot that down. (Dominic takes a sip) Let's be frank, Dominic. My father sent you here to spy on me because he's afraid of how well I'm doing. This was my last chance to prove myself and he just assumed I'd fail. Now he has to revise his definition of me. I'm not just his screw-up son anymore. Now I'm competition. And my father only knows one way of dealing with competition.
Dominic: There are some things better left between patient and therapist, Lex.
Lex: You know, in ancient Persia, the kings would k*ll a messenger who brought them news they didn't like. In modern times, a sword in the chest might seem a little extreme. Something more subtle would be in order. Enjoying your drink?
ACT 3 SCENE 5
Pete, Chloe, and Clark at the Torch. Night. They look at pictures of Tyler from the autopsy on the computer. The picture of his hand bent backwards comes up.
Pete: Oh, that's disgusting!
Chloe: I guess I should have mentioned the may not be suitable for all ages disclaimer. Your friend Tyler's been busy.
Clark: What do you mean busy?
Chloe: I mean he tried to k*ll his mother, rose from the d*ad, and escaped from the morgue busy. My buddy Chad works weekends for the M.E. He zip-filed the toxicology report. Besides the fatal amount of pain K*llers, they also found fragments of an unknown green stone embedded in his skin.
Pete: Meteor rocks.
Chloe: Yep.
Clark: If that's the case, why aren't all the d*ad bodies in Smallville rising from their graves?
Chloe: I think it's the lethal combo of pain K*llers and meteor rocks that caused Tyler to pull a Thriller.
Clark: Wait a minute. Didn't you say Tyler tried to k*ll his mother?
Chloe: Tried and failed. His mother recovered enough to be sent home.
Lana enters.
Lana: Clark, I just left Tyler in the graveyard.
Clark: Are you okay?
Lana: He heard Whitney talking about his father. He said that he could bring him peace.
Clark: Did you call the police?
Lana nods and Clark leaves.
Lana: Where are you going?
She looks at Chloe and Pete.
Chloe: Don't look at me. He does that all the time.
ACT 3 SCENE 6
Whitney enters his father's hospital room. Night. He doesn't see Tyler already in the room behind him.
Whitney: Dad...
Tyler: He can't hear you.
Whitney: Who are you?
Tyler: I've come to help your father... and you. (He walks toward the bed and Whitney grabs his shirt.)
Whitney: Hey!
Tyler throws Whitney back where he hits his had on the sink, knocking him unconscious.
Tyler: (To Whitney's father) I can end your pain. I know what you're feeling, how much it hurts. But I can make it all go away.
Tyler takes off his gloves.
Fade to black.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Clark super speeds into the hospital and goes into Whitney's father's room. Night. Tyler is still next to the bed, about to touch Whitney's father.
Clark: Tyler, don't!
Clark super speeds to Tyler and throws him at the wall.
Tyler: I heard you friend, Clark. Seeing his father like this is tearing him apart. I can give them both peace.
Clark: It's not your decision, Tyler.
Tyler: You're wrong. I have to help him.
Tyler walks toward the bed and Clark throws him out the door.)
Clark: You're not taking away their pain. You're stealing Whitney's last chance to be with his father.
Tyler: You can't stop me, Clark. No one can. Don't you see? It's better this way. I know, I could see it in my mother's eyes.
Clark: Your mother's alive. She recovered after that night in Metropolis. They brought her home to Smallville.
Tyler: I thought--
Clark: She's alive, Tyler. Let me take you to her.
CUT TO Tyler and Clark entering Tyler's mother's bedroom where she is sleeping.
Tyler: It's a miracle.
Clark: It's life. As long as we have that, there's still hope.
Tyler: She seems so peaceful. I thought that I was brought back to relieve the suffering of others, but it was my pain all along. What have I done?
Clark: Tyler...
Tyler: I just want it all to be over.
Tyler touches his hands together and turns into ash.
Clark: Tyler!
Clark goes to Tyler, but it's too late.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Lex stands by his car in an alley in Metropolis. Day. Lionel dries up and gets out of his car.
Lionel: Interesting choice of location for a meeting, Lex. Why didn't you just come up to the penthouse?
Lex: I was making a garbage delivery. I didn't want to tarnish the marble.
Lionel: I'm not in the mood to joust, Lex.
Lex: I was hoping you might explain Dominic's visit.
Lionel: My auditors discovered a number of unaccounted expenditures coming out of the Smallville plant. I thought it prudent to investigate.
Lex: Come on, Dad. I squandered more than a weekend in Hong Kong. You didn't sic your adding machines on me then.
Lionel: We're talking corporate finances, Lex, not your pocket money.
Lex: It bothers you, doesn't it? That I'm not dependent on your anymore, that I've made friends in Smallville, people I can trust.
Lionel: Don't be ridiculous, Lex. I'm happy you're doing well.
Lex: No, you're not. You're afraid I won't need you anymore.
Lionel: You'll always be my son... and you will always need me, Lex.
Lionel turns to go.
Lex: Aren't you going to ask about Dominic? He hasn't checked in for hours, has he? Unusual for a man of his tediously predictable nature. (He tosses his key ring to Lionel) Go ahead. Pop the trunk.
Lionel: Lex. What has he done? What has he done?
The trunk opens and Dominic is in it with tape over his mouth. Lex rips the tape off.
Dominic: Ah!
Lex: You want to ask an accounting question, Dad? Call me. And the next time one of your drones bother the Kents, he'll be lucky to catch a ride home with the spare.
Lex starts to leave.
Lionel: Lex... (Lex turns around) Well done.
Lex walks away.
ACT 4 TAG
A football stadium. Night. The players come together around the ball.
Announcer: Now playing quarterback for your Metropolis Sharks, Number 12, Whitney Fordman!
Whitney: Down!
Another player: Set! Hike! Hut! Hut! Hut!
The play starts. Whitney takes the ball and throws it to another Shark, who catches it. We see Whitney's parents watching on the sideline. Whitney's father is in a wheelchair.
Father: Yes!
A whistle blows and Whitney takes off his helmet and goes to his father.
Whitney: You all right, Dad?
Father: Never better.
Lex watches from the empty bleachers and Jonathan joins him.
Jonathan: That's a really nice thing you've done for the Fordmans.
Lex: Thanks, Mr. Kent. That means a lot coming from you. I just want you to know I closed the book on that day at the bridge.
Jonathan: Why'd you investigate it in the first place?
Lex: That day was a miracle. Haven't you ever wanted to find out why things like that happen?
Jonathan: No. I just accept the fact that they do. You don't need an explanation for everything, Lex.
CUT TO Clark and Lana watching the game lower on the bleachers.
Lana: How'd he get the Metropolis Sharks to do it?
Clark: When your father owns the team, I think it's easier to pull some strings.
Lana: It's strange. All this time, I thought Lex never even liked Whitney, and then he goes and arranges all this.
Clark: I think Lex feels he's become part of our lives.
Lana: I'd like to believe that. You asked him, didn't you?
Clark: Being friends with Lex Luthor can be complicated, but it has advantages. (Lana kisses his cheek) What was that for?
Lana: Just being you.
Lana walks away and Clark goes up to join Jonathan.
Clark: Dad, I'm sorry. What I said, it--
Jonathan: Clark. The fishing trips, they never had anything to do with fishing. It was just that I wanted to spend some time with my son. My dad and I, we saw each other every day, but we never really talked. I just don't want history to repeat itself.
Clark: That makes two of us. (They hug) Hey, Dad, I know how we can catch more fish this year.
Jonathan: What, new lures?
Clark: X-ray vision. (Jonathan laughs.)
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x17 - Reaper"} | foreverdreaming |
--------------------------------------------------------------
For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 30-Apr-02 l Written by P. Levens & M. Green l Directed by Michael Katleman
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Kerrplop & Ezmeralda Roswell
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ACT 1 TEASER
We see a bee hover above a flower outside the school. Day. It flies away and we see tables set up and many banners saying School Elections This Week. Many students are there. Chloe walks up to a candidate with her camera.
Chloe: Hey, Sasha, say something presidential.
Sasha: Whoa, Chloe, slow down. The election hasn't even started yet.
Sasha walks away and Chloe sits next to Pete.
Chloe: What do you think Sasha's chances are?
Pete: Well, she knows the most of our student government, she's worked her way up, she's on a ton of committees, but she's more of a worker than a leader.
Chloe: (Looking at another candidate) What about Paul?
Pete: Well, he's certainly the most qualified, but elections aren't about merit, they're about popularity. Which brings us to Felice. Head cheerleader and president of the drama club. That definitely gives her an edge, not to mention that she's also really hot.
Chloe: Yeah, but her name rhymes with a French word for luggage.
Pete: Okay, glad to see you're not reaching for reasons to hate her.
Felice approaches Chloe.
Felice: I saw you taking Sasha's picture. Why haven't you taken mine? That qualifies as bias.
Chloe: For the record, I plan on running photos and bios of all the candidates. Including you, Felice.
Paul walks up.
Paul: Hey, Chloe? What about the editorial? You can only endorse one candidate. So who's it gonna be?
Felice: Who cares? No matter what she says, people are gonna vote for me.
Chloe: Never underestimate the need for the clinically ambitious to pad their resumes.
Paul laughs.
Felice: (To Paul) If you want to avoid the pain and humiliation of losing, drop out now. (She leaves)
CUT TO Paul typing a flyer on his computer. Night. It says Paul Chan, I'll Fight For You. He goes to the bathroom and washes his face. When he dries it, we see two bees on the back of the towel. He opens the cabinet and there are several more bees inside.
Paul: Ow!
A bee falls to the counter as Paul picks its stinger out of his finger with a pair of tweezers. He hears rattling behind the bath curtain. When he pulls it open, nothing is there. Then, he hears the rattling in the sink. He goes toward it and looks down the drain. A swarm of bees flies out of it and att*cks him.
Paul: Aaaah!
(Opening credits)
ACT 1 SCENE 1
Clark, Chloe, and Pete walk down the hall at school. Day. Pete is holding an issue of the Torch with a headline that says Student Stung by Swarm.
Pete: That's got to be my all-time worst nightmare. I get stung by one bee, I swell up like a grapefruit, but over a hundred?
Clark: The question is, how'd they get into Paul's bathroom?
Chloe: Well, the Center for Environmental Protection is sending out a team from Metropolis to investigate.
Pete: Guess that's really gonna shake up our class election.
Chloe: Not really. I mean, Paul's name is still on the ballot. He wouldn't have to take off until the fall, so he could recover by then.
Pete: Out of sight, out of mind. My call, he gets a few sympathy votes, but that's about it.
Clark: Nice to see the softer side of Pete.
Chloe: Seriously.
Pete: Anyway, there's a new candidate on the horizon who I think's gonna really make things interesting.
Chloe: Oh yeah? Who's that?
They turn a corner and see a banner reading Clark Kent for President.
Clark: What have you done?
Pete: I see a big future ahead of you in politics, Clark. You're straight forward, people like you.
Clark: Unh-unh. No way. Definitely not.
Pete: Clark, you've got the whole package. Looks, brains, and that whole farmboy charm. Did I mention the perks of power?
Clark: You know, if it was such a great gig, why didn't you run?
Pete: I know my strengths. I'm more the power behind the thrown, the guy behind the guy. The one who makes it all happen.
Chloe: Pete Ross, the King Maker.
Pete: Exactly. All you have to do is show up, shake a couple of hands, give an election speech. It's easy.
Chloe: And we wonder why our politicians aren't great leaders.
Pete: (Clapping) Clark! Clark! Clark! Clark!
The other students in the hall join the chant.
ACT 1 SCENE 2
Lex speeds down a country road. Day. He sees a woman in a short skirt bent over the hood of her car on the side of the road and pulls over. He gets out of his car dialing a number on his cell phone.
Lex: You look like you could use some help.
Karen: No, I'm fine.
Lex: (On the phone) Hans, I need you out on Route 90, two miles east of the mansion. A red Mustang with engine trouble.
Karen: What are you doing?
Lex: Calling my mechanic.
Karen: Not that I don't appreciate your attempt at postmodern chivalry, but I said I was fine.
Lex: Dolce & Gabbana and a vocabulary? You've got Metropolis written all over you. What brings you to Smallville?
Karen: You're the sheriff come to run me out of town?
Lex: Did the attitude come with the couture or was it an accessory?
Karen: If you must know, I'm thinking about moving here. I'd ask you what it's like, but you don't look like a local.
Lex: I've lived here since last fall. At first, I couldn't wait to get out, but now it's starting to grow on me.
Karen: Why the change? The Normal Rockwell ambiance seduce you?
Lex: Appearance is deceptive. Nothing around here is what it seems.
Karen: I'm intrigued. What do you mean?
Lex: All these questions. This is beginning to sound like an interview. (He reaches into the car and turns the key. The car starts easily and he shuts it off taking her keys) Who do you work for?
Karen: I don't know what you're talking about.
Lex: If I toss these into the woods, you really are gonna need a tow truck.
She doesn't answer. He pulls back his arm about to throw them. She grabs his arm.
Karen: Karen Castle. I'm a staff reporter for the Metropolis Journal.
Lex: I don't grant interviews, Miss Castle. I've spent the better part of my life taking back entrances to avoid people like you.
Karen: Wait, just listen. I want to write an article about you.
Lex: That's your pitch? There are articles written about me all the time.
Karen: But you're either dismissed as a wild child playboy or the spoiled son of Lionel Luthor. You've gotten some good press in the Inquisitor. The Journal is not a tabloid. It's well-respected. It could really help change your image.
Lex: What did you have in mind?
Karen: A cover profile of you and your work in Smallville. I promise it will be fair and accurate and it will give you the legitimacy you need to get out from behind your father's shadow.
Lex: Launching my career and conveniently your own. I admire the effort, Miss Castle, but I have to decline. You get points for style, though.
Lex gets in his care and drives away.
ACT 1 SCENE 3
Clark and Chloe walk down the stairs at school. Day.
Clark: I can't believe Pete did this.
Chloe: (Laughing) I know. Some men are born to greatness, others are dragged into it kicking and screaming.
Sasha walks up.
Sasha: Clark, what's going on? Why are you running? You've never shown any interest in student government.
Clark: Don't worry, it's just a gag. Pete nominated me.
Sasha: So you're going to take your name off the ballot.
Clark: Yeah.
Sasha: Well, good. Cause this election is way too important to turn into a joke. It's bad enough with Felice.
Chloe: I hear she's throwing a pre-election bash with a band and catering.
Sasha: She's trying to buy this election like one of her Prada bags!
Sasha storms off.
Chloe: Talk about tightly wound.
Clark: Chloe, not that I'm planning to, but if I ran, do you think I'd have a sh*t?
Chloe: Yeah. Right after I'm elected head cheerleader. (She walks away)
ACT 1 SCENE 4
Clark, Martha, and Jonathan in the Kents' kitchen. Day. Martha is reading a flyer.
Martha: Clark Kent for President?
Clark: Oh, don't worry. I'm pulling my name out tomorrow.
Jonathan: No, I think this is a terrific idea.
Clark: You do?
Jonathan: Yeah. You're always saying that you don't get a chance to shine because football's off-limits. Maybe this is your opportunity.
Clark: I just assumed you'd say no. Student government is such a public thing.
Martha: But it doesn't require you to use your gifts and it's a school activity you could make you own.
Jonathan: What's the matter, son? You don't look too happy about this.
Clark raises the milk bottle to his mouth, about to take a drink.
Martha: Hey, hey.
Clark: It's just I've never put myself out there. I've always tired to stay out of the spotlight.
Martha: Well, nobody's saying you have to run.
Jonathan: Clark, you can quit if you want. But remember, quitting is a very hard habit to break.
Clark: No pressure.
They both smile at him.
ACT 1 SCENE 5
Clark and Lana in the Talon. Day.
Clark: Wow, the place is um...
Lana: Empty? Deserted? Vacant?
Clark: I was searching for a euphemism to say that, but yeah.
Lana: The Beanery has been trying to put us out of business ever since we opened. I have tried coupons, price cuts, even ads in the Ledger. So far, nothing's worked. At this rate, we're gonna have to close the doors in a month.
Clark: Have you spoken to Lex? He's an investor. I'm sure he can help.
Lana: He's been uncharacteristically silent. Besides, this is my battle to win or lose, and I am determined to win. Speaking of which, I hear you've got a battle of your own on your hands.
Clark: Oh yeah, the election. I'm not really running.
Lana: That's too bad. I think you'd make a great class president.
Clark: Really?
Lana: Yeah. You're honest, people trust you, and you have this innate sense of justice. I can see it on your face how upset you get every time you think somebody's being mistreated.
Clark: You see all that in me?
Lana: Yes, I do.
ACT 1 SCENE 6
Lex pours a drink in his pool room. Day. Clark enters.
Lex: Clark Kent for President.
Clark: How'd you know I was running?
Lex: (Holds up a flyer) I found this on my windshield in town.
Clark: I have an overzealous campaign manager.
Lex: I didn't realize you had political aspirations.
Clark: I don't. I just figure I could make a difference.
Lex: Mmm. Did you swing by for a campaign contribution?
Clark: Actually, I was wondering of you knew about the Talon.
Lex: You mean the fact that it's been practically empty the last two weeks?
Clark: Do you plan on helping Lana out? She's been trying everything.
Lex: She's doing an admirable job.
Clark: If the Talon goes under--
Lex: Clark, I'm not gonna subsidize a money-losing operation. The Talon has to find its own feet.
Clark: Well, you could at least stop by and show some solidarity.
Lex: See? You're already working for your constituents. You want some advice? I think you need a better slogan. (Picks up the flyer) Everybody's used this one, including me.
Clark: You ran for student office?
Lex: Once. But my aspirations weren't very noble.
Clark: Did you win?
Lex: Of course.
Clark: Do you have any tips?
Lex: You don't need my methods. You'll win on your own terms.
Clark: The competition's pretty stiff.
Lex: There's nothing wrong with a good fight. Just remember, the man of tomorrow is forged by his battles today.
Clark: Could I use that? I mean, the man of tomorrow for my slogan?
Lex: Knock yourself out.
ACT 1 SCENE 7
Clark is at his campaign table in the hall at school. Day. Chloe walks up.
Chloe: Clark Kent, the man of tomorrow. Kind of presumptuous don't you think?
Clark: I like it.
Chloe: I thought you were bagging this whole election.
Clark: I had a change of heart.
Lana approaches.
Lana: The man of tomorrow. Very catchy.
Clark: Thank you. And thank you for the encouragement.
Lana: You've got my vote.
Chloe rolls her eyes.
Clark: I was thinking maybe I could have my election rally at the Talon, help bring people by.
Lana: That sounds great. You know where to find me. (She starts to go)
Chloe: Bye, Lana.
Lana: Bye.
Chloe: You're running because of Lana. Why am I not surprised?
Clark: No, I'm running because I think I can do a good job.
Chloe: All right, Clark. Whatever.
Clark: Hey, you know, Pete has faith in me, and so does Lana. It's interesting that you don't.
Chloe: I just want to know what you stand for.
Clark: I stand for truth, justice, and... other stuff.
Chloe: Okay, well, you want to be more specific? Like, tell me where you stand on the issues.
Clark: What issues do you want to talk about?
Chloe: Well, for starters, there's the plan to cut the arts budget, there's the appalling nutritional value of the cafeteria meals, the whole dress code debate, oh yeah, and not to mention that whole student privacy issues with the locker searches.
Clark: Whoa, slow down. I just decided to run last night.
Chloe: Okay, well, I think the man of tomorrow needs to get a platform for today.
Chloe leaves a Pete walks up.
Pete: Okay, there's a girls' volleyball game this afternoon. I figure you could make an appearance, court the jock vote. Keep Friday night clear, there's a band concert. Now, I know they suck, but you gotta be seen as a friend of the arts.
Clark: Pete, what about my platform?
Pete: Who cares? If people like you, they vote for you.
Clark: But what am I gonna say in my speech?
Pete: I don't know. I don't do speeches. I do meet-and-greets. See you at lunch. We can canvass the cafeteria.
They walk away and Clark passes one of his Man of Tomorrow flyers on the wall. Sasha walks up to it and rips it down.
ACT 1 SCENE 8
Sasha walks to her garage still holding the flyer. Day. Inside, she pins it to a bulletin board next to one of Felice's flyers.
Sasha: Who do they think they are? (She hears a loud buzzing behind her and turns around) Stop! (We see the ceiling is covered with thousands of bees, that stop buzzing immediately) Not now. I have work to do.
A large swarm comes together and forms a 3-dimensional image of Sasha's face. She smiles at it.
Fade to black.
ACT 2 SCENE 1
Chloe is typing on the computer at the Torch. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Chloe, any chance you could help us hang some posters? Pete's convinced he puts my name on enough wall space, I'm guaranteed to win.
Chloe: Besides needing to remain an impartial member of the fourth estate, I'm still working on my bee story.
Clark: See if you find anything new?
Chloe: Just that the swarms didn't migrate from any of the usual places. The bee keepers from all over the state have found their hives empty. It's like the colonies just up and left.
Clark: That's weird. Bees are notorious followers. They wouldn't desert their hive without a good reason. (Chloe looks at him) My mom's addicted to Discovery Channel.
Chloe: So how goes the platform?
Clark: I haven't started working on it yet. I've been so busy meeting new people, I even got invited to parties this weekend.
Chloe: I can't believe it only took one day for you to be compromised by the lure of popularity.
Clark: Remind me to pull your funding after I'm elected. Speaking of which, where's the latest edition? (He picks up a file)
Chloe: No, no, no, no, no. I'm not done proofing it yet. Clark, I really don't think you should be looking at it just yet. It's not even done.
Clark: Come on, I've been correcting your comment issues since your first laptop.
Chloe: Cla Clark opens the file and sees the headline Paul for Prez.
Clark: You endorsed Paul?!
Chloe: Clark, I had to be objective. Paul's still in the race, and he'll be back on his feet again by fall. It's great that you're all g*n ho and sloganing now, but the truth is the only reason you ran is because Pete suckered you into it. Paul has a clear stance on issues you have yet to articulate. It's nothing personal.
Clark: No, I understand, Chloe. (He drops the file and leaves)
ACT 2 SCENE 2
Pete and Clark enter the Talon where Lana is working. Day.
Lana: Hey, guys. Taking a break from the campaign trail?
Clark: It's amazing how many people in our school I don't know.
Pete: This is just a pit stop. We wanted to take advantage of your 2-for-1 deal.
Lana: I figure that's the last step before I institute topless waitressing.
Pete: Well, here's to hoping it fails miserably. (Pete goes to sit down)
Clark: It looks like you have some customers.
Lana: They're only here because Whitney forced them.
Clark: Yeah, I passed by the Beanery. They look busy.
Lana: The owner stopped by earlier. He said that he was making it his mission to run this place into the ground, and then had the nerve to tell me that it wasn't personal, just business.
Clark: Why does everyone over 40 quote the Godfather?
Lana: I don't know, but it's really annoying. So how's political life treating you?
Clark: It's definitely a challenge. It shows you who your real friends are.
Lana: How's your speech going?
Clark: I haven't started writing it yet.
Lana: Maybe I could help you with that. Come by tomorrow night. We can work on it.
Clark: Really? That'd be great. You sure you have enough time?
Lana: Look around. Unless Whitney can coerce the baseball team, I think I can squeeze you in.
Lex enters.
Lex: Glad to see business is booming.
Lana: It's hard when even your regular customers blow you off.
Lex: I haven't been bl*wing you off, Lana. I've had my eye on the situation.
Lana: Waiting for me to fail.
Lex: Most new ventures don't make it. You have to prepare yourself for that possibility.
Clark: I thought you didn't like to lose.
Lex: I don't. But it's not my fight. As an investor, you have to know when you cut your losses.
Lana: So, what do you suggest I do?
Lex: The Beanery has declared w*r. If you want to hold onto this place, you need to get creative, be willing to get your hands dirty. Don't worry, I'm not suggesting anything illegal. To quote the Godfather, it's time to go to the mattresses.
Lana: That movie should be banned from basic cable. (She walks away)
Clark: Don't ask.
ACT 2 SCENE 3
Felice passes out campaign buttons outside the school. Day. Sasha approaches.
Sasha: Felice? Can I talk to you a minute?
Felice: You've got 55 seconds left. Go.
Sasha: I've made a decision.
Felice: You're planning on dropping out.
Sasha: No, I've decided you need to drop out.
Felice: Trust me, that's not gonna happen. In case you havent heard, I'm the front runner.
Sasha: That's because these drones wouldn't know a qualified candidate if they saw one. That's the problem with this place. It's like a hive with two queens. Well, if you knew anything about nature, you'd realize one always goes down.
Felice: You know what? You're a freak. (She starts getting into her car)
Sasha: Okay, have it your way. But just remember, I did ask nicely.
ACT 2 SCENE 4
Lex is lying on a massage table in his mansion. Day. Someone is massaging his back.
Lex: Gaby, you're the best part of my day.
Karen: Thank you, Mr. Luthor.
Lex looks up.
Lex: You're not Gaby.
Karen: She couldn't make it.
Lex: I think now would be a good time for you to leave, Miss Castle.
Karen: Do people always do what you say?
Lex: Is that unusual?
Karen: I thought you said you appreciated persistence. (She starts massaging him again) Besides, aren't I doing a good job?
Lex: Lucky for you.
Karen: It took a while to figure out what would tempt you, and then it h*t me. It's not your picture on the cover of the Journal so much as the words Son Outshines Father in the caption. How am I doing?
Lex: A little lower. Let me guess. Your editor promised you your own column if you land me.
Karen: So you can imagine how appreciative I'd be.
Lex: I think I can.
Karen: Tell me, Lex, would you say my chances are above average or below?
Lex: Like I said, I always appreciate persistence.
Karen: You won't regret this. (She picks up her tape recorder)
Lex: Not yet, Miss Castle. I paid for an hour.
Karen starts massaging.
ACT 2 SCENE 5
Principal Kwan drives through the school parking lot. Day. Felice's car block his way. He honks his horn and she doesn't move. He gets out of his car and knocks on her tinted window.
Kwan: Felice Chandler, what's the problem?
Principal Kwan opens the door and finds Felice covered in bees. She falls out of the car.
ACT 2 SCENE 6
Clark walks into the cafeteria, passing out buttons on the way. Day.
Clark: Vote for Clark. Vote for Clark. (He sits next to Pete) I thought getting out there and meeting people would be the worst part, but it's actually kind of fun.
Pete: I'm glad you feel that way, because according to my latest lunchtime poll, you've got a sh*t.
Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Hey.
Chloe: How's it going?
Pete: Just answer no comment. That way she can't misquote you.
Clark: Did you hear about Felice?
Chloe: Yeah, I was just at the medical center. She was stung way worse than Paul. She's in a coma.
Pete: Two candidates att*cked in a week. That's a pretty freaky coincidence.
Clark: I think we've moved past coincidence.
Chloe: What do you think's going on?
Clark: I don't know, but remember last year, Sasha's accident when she was stung by a whole hive of bees?
Chloe: You think because of that, she's somehow controlling them?
The bell rings.
Clark: It's a theory.
Chloe: Yeah, by several leaps and bounds, but I'll look into it. In the meantime, watch your back.
ACT 2 SCENE 7
Clark shuts his locker. Day. Sasha stands in his way.
Sasha: I just heard about Felice.
Clark: Weird, huh?
Sasha: Sometimes things just happen for a reason. She didn't care about this election as much as me.
Clark: She wasn't my favorite person, but no one deserves that.
Sasha: Well, the good news is you don't have to run anymore. Well, with Felice out of the picture, the best thing you can do is let me run things.
Clark: What about democracy? Don't you believe people should have freedom of choice?
Sasha: Look, Clark. I really need this. My parents are riding me to win. They think if I don't win, I won't get into a good college. You have other activities, this is my thing. Why don't you just drop out?
Clark: I'm sorry. I have my own reasons to see this through.
Sasha: You're making a mistake.
Clark: That sounded like a thr*at. You wouldn't happen to know how those bees wound up attacking Paul and Felice, would you?
Sasha: Are you accusing me of something, Clark?
Clark: I just find it interesting that a swarm of bees would att*ck two candidates in this election. My thoughts are somebody's behind it. (He walks away)
ACT 2 SCENE 8
Clark is sitting in the Talon over a blank notepad. Night. Lana sits next to him.
Lana: Mm. Good start.
Clark: My trash bin has three drafts in it. Nothing I can come up with sounds presidential enough.
Lana: You don't have to sound presidential, you just have to say what you believe. Once you answer that, the rest is easy.
Clark: Yeah, well, I still got a lot of work to do then.
Lana: Not as much as I have here.
Clark: Lana, I know you're having a tough time, but I really think it's amazing what you've done with the place.
Lana: This was just going to be the start. My dream was to restore the old theater completely. The projector, the screen, show old movies.
Clark: Just not the Godfather.
Lana: (She laughs) Come on, Clark, back to the speech. You have to decide what you believe in.
Clark: I believe in my friends and their dreams.
Lana: What if their dreams come crashing down around them?
Clark: Nothing's crashing down around you, Lana. Not while I'm here.
Lana: Thanks, Clark. (They hear a rumbling) Did you hear that?
Clark: Yeah, it was coming from over there... and there.
Lana: What is it?
Clark looks through the ceiling with x-ray vision and sees a swarm of bees flying through the air conditioning ducts. He grabs Lana's hand and pulls her to the phone booth.
Clark: Come on! Get in!
Lana: Aah! What about you?
He closes the booth and super speeds into the backroom. When the bees follow him in, he shuts the door and pulls a hose out of the side of a freezer. He sprays the bees with frosty mist, eventually freezing all of them.
Fade to black.
ACT 3 SCENE 1
Clark and Lana sit on Clark's porch. Night.
Lana: I still can't believe you didn't get stung.
Clark: I guess I have tough skin.
Lana: The insurance forms are gonna hurt worse than the stinger, but I'm fine. Thanks to you. (A car drives up) There's Nell.
Clark: I had a really nice time tonight.
Lana: (Laughing) Yeah, we should do this more often.
Clark: You sure you're okay?
Lana: Sorry we didn't get further on your speech.
Clark: That's the least of my worries. Right now, I need to find Sasha.
Lana: Do you think she has something to do with it?
Clark: Yes. I just don't know how she's controlling the bees.
Lana: You need to call Chloe.
Clark: We're still not really talking. Can you believe she didn't endorse me?
Lana: Well, if I were in her position, I probably would have done the same thing. She's just trying to be objective and she endorsed the person who she thought was most qualified for the job.
Clark: Yeah, but still.
Lana: Clark. You said you believed in your friends. She only did what she thought was right.
ACT 3 SCENE 2
Clark goes to Sasha's garage and goes inside. Day. A hand touches his shoulder and he turns around.
Clark: Chloe.
Chloe: Lana told me about the Talon. Thanks for the call.
Clark: Sorry.
Chloe: It's all right. I'm not mad.
Clark: Look, Chloe. I don't hold it against you. The endorsement, I mean.
Chloe: Thanks. I could have warned you, though.
Clark: I just don't like being in a fight with you.
Chloe: Yeah, it wasn't my favorite part either.
Clark: Everything has changed in my life in the last year, with my parents, with Lana. The only thing constant has been you. I'm glad for that, Chloe.
Chloe: Me too.
Something drips on his shoulder and he touches it.
Clark: This feels like honey.
Chloe: Yeah, that's what you usually find in a hive. (Chloe shines her flashlight at the ceiling and they see a massive hive.)
Clark: Don't tell me Sasha did all this.
Chloe: No, her worker bees did.
Clark: How is she controlling them?
Chloe: I think she's emitting something called the queen mandibular pheromone.
Clark: She pick that up when she fell in the hive?
Chloe: She was stung over a thousand times. They were Africanized honey bees and the doctors didn't hold out much hope because she was allergic.
Clark: How do they account for the miracle recovery?
Chloe: They don't. And neither could I until I found out the accident happened in Schuster's Gorge.
Clark: That's the deepest crater in town.
Chloe: Yeah, you do the meteorite math. The bees did something to her to make her their queen bee.
Clark: Now all the bees in the state are taking their cue from her.
Chloe: And they're helping her make Smallvile High her own personal hive.
Clark: We better find her. If she doesn't like the way the vote goes, the school won't be a pretty sight.
Chloe: Neither will she. Bees are only loyal to a point. Once she loses control, her scent will change and the bees will know. They won't be happy.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
Karen enters the Talon where Lex is already seated. Day.
Karen: I thought you wanted to meet somewhere private.
Lex: Lately, this has been passing for that.
Karen: Thanks for agreeing to see me. I just want to get a few more quotes.
Lex: Mm. How's the article going?
Karen: I think people are going to see you in a whole new light.
Lex: Yes, I bet they will. I've had a chance to read the rough draft.
Lex pulls out a paper.
Karen: Where'd you get that?
Lex: I have my sources. It's hardly the flattering exposé you promised.
Karen: It's fair and accurate.
Lex: It's a hatchet job. You twisted everything I said.
Karen: My journalism professor says if you want to bring down Goliath, you better know his Achilles' heel. Yours is your ego.
Lex: I see they like to mix metaphors at East Tennessee Community College.
Karen: Am I supposed to be scared because you ran a background check on me? I have nothing to hide.
Lex: How much did my father pay you?
Karen: You really are paranoid.
Lex: Why else would you sandbag me?
Karen: Because I plan on making a name for myself as a hard-hitting journalist and you're a very visible target.
Lex: What's it gonna take to make this article go away?
Karen: Unlike your whore at the Inquisitor, I'm not for sale. Goodbye, Lex. Thanks for being my first. (She leaves)
ACT 3 SCENE 4
Sasha enters Clarks loft. Day.
Sasha: You, um, wanted to see me?
Clark: I've decided to drop out of the election. I thought you should be the first to know.
Sasha: Good. I'm glad you finally made the right decision. The fact that these people were even considering voting for any of you guys just proves that this school needs a strong leader. Now they'll have one.
Clark: You'll do anything to make sure that happens, including putting your opponents in the hospital.
Sasha; I see what this is. You haven't dropped out at all.
Clark: I know youre behind the att*cks.
Sasha: So? What are you gonna do, Clark? Even if the police believe you, they can't stop me. No one can.
Clark: Try me.
Sasha; That's what you want, isn't it? That's why you lured me here. What were you gonna do, Clark? (She closes her eyes)
Clark: What are you doing?
Sasha: Teaching you that politics is all about sacrifice.
Clark: Where are you sending them?
Sasha: You may be thick-skinned, but what about your mother?
CUT TO Martha driving a tractor out in the field. She stops as she sees the swarm coming straight at her.
Fade to black.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
Martha gets out of the tractor and runs away from the swarm. Day. Clark comes outside and sees her. He super speeds to her side, picks her up, and takes her into the storm cellar.
Clark: Mom, you okay?
Martha: Yeah, thanks. I've never seen bees att*ck like that! What do you think they went?
CUT TO Sasha entering her garage. Clark is already inside.
Sasha: How'd you get here? What about your mom?
Clark: My mom's fine. It's over, Sasha.
Sasha: No, it's not. I still have a speech to make. And just remember, if you try and stop me, I'll be in front of an auditorium full of people and you know what I can do to them.
Clark: You have to stop this. No election is worth hurting people.
Sasha: I have to win, Clark. My parents told me there are two kinds of people in this world, leaders and followers, and they expect for me to be a leader and that-- (There is a buzzing outside the window.)
Clark: Look, you have to stop the bees.
Sasha: I didn't tell them to come back! (She gets stung.) Ow! What's happening? (The bees burst in through the window.) Don't let them k*ll me! She passes out. Clark super speeds to a shelf where he grabs a screwdriver. He throws it at a propane t*nk in the corner of the room as he dives to cover Sasha. The garages explodes. When the f*re dies down, Clark rises from the rubble, picks up Sasha, and walks away.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
Pete and Clark in the Talon. Night. They are looking at a poster that says Congratulations to our New President Paul Chan.)
Pete: I can't believe Felice and Sasha both dropped out, and you still lost. Where did I go wrong?
Clark: You ran a good campaign, Pete. We had fun. Met some new people, and we have enough shirts to last a lifetime.
Chloe takes their picture.
Pete: Please tell me that's not for the Torch.
Chloe: It's for Paul. Since he couldn't attend his own victory party himself, he asked me to take pictures for him.
Clark: Chloe, you were right to endorse him. He was the more qualified candidate, and I got caught up in the whole popularity rush.
Pete: Don't start gloating just because you guys won.
Chloe: Well, my candidate may have won, but my friends lost. I'm really proud of you tonight, Clark.
Clark: Why?
Chloe: Because you're exhibiting dignity in the face of defeat. It's the quality that all great leaders possess.
Lex enters. He goes to Lana at the back.
Lex: Nice crowd.
Lana: I think we'll be having more nights like this.
Lex: How can you be so sure?
Lana: Let's just say I went to the mattresses. Check out page 3 of the Ledger tomorrow.
Lex: Can you give me a preview?
Lana: Apparently, our rival coffeehouse has had several health department violations they've been trying to cover up.
Lex: How'd you hear about that?
Lana: Amanda told me. So Chloe had her reporter friend look into it, and sure enough, it's true.
Lex: Very creative. I'm impressed. (She smiles and walks away as Clark approaches) Hey, sorry about the election.
Clark: My father says you learn more about yourself when you lose.
Lex: What'd you learn?
Clark: I'm not destined to be a politician. You need two different personalities.
Lex: You don't need to be an elected official to change the world, Clark.
Clark: Have you ever thought about getting into politics?
Lex: Someday, I'd like to be president.
Clark: In that case you can have your slogan back.
Lex: That's okay. You can keep it.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
Karen enters Lex's study. Day.
Lex: Miss Castle. Thank you for coming.
Karen: I should probably know better, but I had to hear this. You don't mind if I record our conversation for both of our protection, of course?
Lex: Feel free. I only asked you here to congratulate you. The truth is I'm impressed. You people have caught me with my guard down.
Karen: Let me guess, this is where you try and blackmail me into changing my story?
Lex; I wouldn't dream of blackmailing you or making you change a word, because my father says It's when they stop talking about you that you should worry.
Karen: Then, I guess we're settled. (She turns off her tape recorder)
Lex: On the other hand, it turns out there's an opening for managing editor at the Journal.
Karen: I work there. If there was an opening, I would know about it.
Lex: We don't know the same people. You could run your fair and balanced article word for word if you like, Miss Castle, or you could show up to work tomorrow and walk into a corner office. The choice is yours.
Karen: What's the catch?
Lex: No catch. Well, maybe one. If someone ever tries to blackmail you, now you'll have something to hide.
Karen: I don't know if you're better or worse than your father.
Lex: What are you going to tell him when he finds out you k*lled the article?
Karen: Who says he's behind it?
Lex: Please, Miss Castle, I've never insulted your intelligence, don't insult mine.
Karen: I'll tell him I got an offer I couldn't refuse.
They shake hands.
ACT 4 TAG
Clark takes down a Vote Clark Kent poster in the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Packing up campaign headquarters?
Clark: Yep. It's back to being just a barn.
Lana: I'm sorry we couldn't talk more at the Talon, but it was packed.
Clark: Oh, it looked better that way. I'd assumed that was a good thing.
Lana: It is. It's just I'm not sure I liked what I did. You know, playing dirty with the Beanery.
Clark: Maybe the mattress isn't for you.
Lana: I felt I had to choose between doing the right thing and being successful. The weird part is I kind of enjoyed being underhanded.
Clark: Lana Lang seduced by the dark side? Who would've thunk? Look, don't worry. We all get caught up. I got so caught up in the popularity thing, I almost forgot why I ran.
Lana: Did you ever finish your speech?
Clark: Yeah, not that anyone will ever hear it.
Lana: I could hear it.
Clark: Yeah, when?
Lana: Now.
Clark: Right now?
Lana: Yes, Clark. (She starts clapping) Speech! Speech! Speech! Speech!
Clark picks up his notepad and she sits.
Clark: Nobody thinks that a class president can make a difference, but I disagree. If we want to change the world, first we have to change ourselves. My father always says that we learn life's lessons whether we win or lose, so I hope that my worthy running mates will work alongside me, make our next student council, regardless of who it may be...
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x18 - Drone"} | foreverdreaming |
--------------------------------------------------------------
For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 07-May-02 l Written by P. Levens & M. Millar l Directed by James Marshall
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Tavia
--------------------------------------------------------------
SCENE 1 (TEASER)
Dark and stormy night. Camera pans down, then towards stone building, the Metropolis Children's Hospital, enter through window as lightning flashes. JUSTIN GAINES, a teenager with dark slightly curly hair, is standing at an easel in a dark room, wearing blue-and-black check jacket/dressing gown over grey tee-shirt. A sign on the door reads Radiology'.
DR WELLS enters, dressed in evening wear. He stands by the door.
Doctor: Justin. (Pause. He walks into the room.) I just thought I'd stop by and say goodbye. I heard you were going back to Smallville tomorrow.
Justin glances at the doctor, then turns back to his easel.
Justin: Yeah. Smallville. (He's drawing crude face with a marker pen.)
Doctor: How's it going?
Justin: (Slowly turns easel towards doctor, revealing white bandaged hands.) You tell me.
Doctor: (Walks up to Justin.) You've been here five months. You've come a long way. Your body has done a lot of healing.
Justin: Except for my hands. (Holds up bandaged hands.) They're never gonna get better and that means I'll never draw again and that's the only thing that I was ever good at.
Doctor: (Puts hand on Justin's shoulder.) You suffered severe nerve damage. It's lucky that you have any movement in your hands at all. I did everything I could, you know that.
Justin: (Shrugging him off abruptly.) Really? Is that what you told the five patients who filed malpractice suits against you?
Lightning flashes.
Doctor: No, I can understand you're still being angry. But blaming me isn't going to change your condition. You were in an accident, and you have to accept that.
Justin: I was in a hit-and-run.
Doctor: You know when I was your age, I wanted to be a violinist. So I applied to the conservatory but I failed the audition. Instructor told me that I had the hands of a surgeon. (Holds up hands.) And that's why I moved into medicine. As one door closes, another one opens. (Lightning flashes. The doctor looks at his watch.) You're young, you'll find something new. Goodbye Justin.
Doctor walks away leaving Justin standing by easel. Background music starts, and gradually crescendos through the rest of scene.
Justin: (After a pause, to himself.) Have a nice life Dr Wells.
Cut to hospital corridor, a white-coated man and woman walk past. Lightning flashes. RENÉ (in black evening gown) is waiting, fiddling with ear-ring, and the doctor joins her. They walk along corridor together.
Doctor: René, honey, I'm sorry. Sheesh... (Shakes his head.)
René: Another ungrateful patient?
Doctor: Aren't they all?
A blue-garbed man exits the lift and they enter.
René: So you think he'll sue?
Doctor: He doesn't have any proof. (Hits lift button.) He's alive, he should be thanking me.
The lift door closes on them.
Cut to Justin, who removes clumsy sketch from easel, revealing crayon portrait beneath depicting the doctor.
Cut back to lift, indicator on 14. The lift starts shaking.
René: What's going on?
Lift shakes, throwing René and the doctor around. Cut to lift shaft, with lift falling. Cut back to lift interior, level indicator decreases down to 5. Screams can be heard. Both René and doctor are thrown to ground.
Doctor: You ok?
René nods. The doctor helps her up.
René: (Doctor is fiddling with lift panel.) Get us out of here! Hurry up! Come on!
The doctor is pushing open the lift door, grunting.
René: Come on!
The lift is stuck between floors.
Doctor: (Out through the gap.) Help!
René: Help us! (Pause while lift again shakes.) That's it. Give me a hand up.
Doctor: All right.
She climbs out through gap, with help from the doctor.
Cut to Justin, who picks up red marker pen and slowly scribbles over the hand in the portrait.
Cut back to lift.
Doctor: Ok, grab my hands.
René obeys.
Cut to view down lift shaft as a woman screams, machinery squeals and the lift plummets.
Cut back to Justin, still scribbling over the hand. He smiles slowly.
Cut to OPENING CREDITS.
SCENE 2
Daytime, sunny. Pan up past flowerbeds and weeping cherry tree in flower to exterior sh*t of Smallville High School. Red banner announces Welcome to Smallville High Career Day'. A stream of students is mainly entering the building.
Cut to interior sh*t of CLARK KENT in sky-blue tee-shirt under black jacket.
Danny Kwan (an oriental teenager): I see you in a uniform flying. (Clark narrows his eyes.) You ever considered a career in the air force?
Clark: Um, I'll think about it.
Clark turns and walks off. The crowded hall is full of stalls and decorated with balloons.
Cut to PETE ROSS (wearing tan jacket over red-brown tee-shirt) who takes yellow sheet of paper from woman wearing glasses seated at desk with lots of union flags. Pete is smiling broadly. Clark walks up to him.
Woman at desk (As Clark and Pete walk off together): ... To see you this summer...
As they walk off, the banner behind reads Re-elect Siegel for Mayor'.
Clark: What are you smiling about?
Pete: I just landed a summer job at Mayor Siegel's office working on his re-election campaign.
Clark: I thought you were gonna help your mom out down at the courthouse?
They walk past sign reading Metropolis Police.
Pete: Judge Ross can get some KSU student to schlep her files. Besides who wants to hang out with their parents all summer long?
Clark: Yeah. (Sighing.)
Pete: (Punches Clark's arm.) Sorry Clark.
The sign behind them reads Daily Planet'.
Clark: Did you notice Kwan's son down at the air force booth?
Pete: Growing up with Kwan the air force must seem like Club Med. (Laughs.)
Clark and Pete stop. CHLOE SULLIVAN, wearing maroon-red trouser suit, trousers striped, with yellow shirt and brown bead necklace, approaches from the Daily Planet stall, carrying a green sheet of paper and smiling.
Clark: Wow, you look nice.
Chloe: Thanks, I was uh kind of going for professional. Did you know that the Daily Planet only takes four high school interns from the whole state?
Pete: Ah, you're a sure one, Chloe.
Behind them as they talk is the Metropolis Inquisitor stall.
Chloe: Tell him that. He said they received over five hundred applicants last year. I doubt I'll even get an interview.
Clark: Well there's always the Inquisitor, didn't Lex offer to hook you up?
They walk off together, Chloe between the two boys.
Chloe: No. I'm interning at the Planet, I don't care if it's delivering coffee to the classified department.
Clark laughs.
Pete: Why don't you just try again next Saturday when you're in Metropolis.
Clark: Why are you going to Metropolis?
Chloe: (Stops walking. The other two turn round to face her.) We're going to Metropolis, Clark. The student journalism conference? (Pause. Clark looks guilty.) You were supposed to sign us up and I know you didn't forget because now it's too late to get in.
Clark: I'm really sorry. I've been at the Talon all week with Lana working on a history project.
Chloe: (Shakes head.) So naturally everything else becomes less important.
She walks off, shaking her head.
Clark: Whoa, that's not true.
Chloe: (Turns back to face the others.) Clark, how much time have we spent together in the last three weeks?
Clark: We see each other every day.
Chloe: It was forty-five minutes when my car happened to break down outside the Talon and you gave me a ride home. I practically had to tear you away from Lana.
Clark: Don't you think you're being just a little unfair?
Chloe: No! Whenever Lex and Lana are around it's like the rest of us don't exist.
She walks off.
Clark (going after her): Wait, Chloe! Why are you being so hypersensitive?
Chloe (pausing, turning back to Clark): You know, most men are from Mars, Clark, but you're from some distant galaxy that I've never even heard of.
She walks off rapidly and Clark lets her go.
Clark (shaking his head, talking to Pete behind him): Look, I know I screwed up, but why is Chloe having a breakdown?
Pete (walking away): You're not the most observant person in the world are you.
Clark (following): What are you talking about?
Pete: She wanted to spend a day with you uninterrupted, no Lana, and no Lex. She was planning on asking you to the Spring Formal.
Clark: Yes, but that would be like...
Pete (stopping and turning back to Clark): Date. Clark, maybe if you took off your Lana blinders, you'd realise that Chloe likes you.
Clark looks uncertain.
Cut to Chloe slamming and locking her locker. A hand with a blue elastic bandage rests on her shoulder from behind.
Chloe (turning): Clark, I'm not interested in an apology.
JUSTIN is standing behind her, wearing black-and-grey sweatshirt.
Justin: Well, not the welcome I was expecting, but hi.
Chloe: Hey! (She smiles broadly and hugs Justin.) How are you? It's so good to see you! When did you get back?
Justin: Yesterday. Listen, I just wanted to thank you by the way for sending all those e-mails. (Slightly hesitantly.) They really got me through a tough time.
Chloe: Well, I'm sure that lots of people kept in touch.
Justin: Hey, you'd be surprised. For most of my friends it was out of sight out of mind.
Chloe: (Nods) I know the feeling. So, when can you start drawing your cartoon again, everybody's been waiting for the further adventures of the flaming crows feet.
Justin: (Pause. Looks down. Holds up his left hand with blue elastic bandage.) Unfortunately my drawing hand's kinda sh*t.
Chloe: Oh, I'm sorry.
Justin: It's ok. I'm in the process of re-evaluating my life. (Chloe smiles. Justin continues more cheerfully.) So listen, is there any chance that maybe I could buy you a cup of coffee, or one of those non-fat no foam lattes (?) that you like?
Clark walks up, stands a way off behind Justin.
Chloe: Yeah. (Shakes her head.) Why not. Um... I'm in the process of re-evaluating my life too. (She looks up at Clark, then ignores him.) So...
Chloe gestures to Justin and giggles. Justin and Chloe walk off together, leaving Clark behind.
SCENE 3
Sunny day. Memorial garden with grass, trees and fountains among Metropolis skyscrapers. Traffic noise is audible throughout the scene.
LEX LUTHOR (seen in the distance from behind) walks up to large memorial, climbs steps. The memorial is in black granite, covered by large glass and metal canopy, on top is a statue of an angel in grey stone, carrying two bowls, one with flame, one with small water fountain.
Close-up, Lex, wearing black coat and lilac shirt, puts bunch of white orchids into vase by memorial, crouches down. The memorial inscription reads Lillian Luthor. Loving Wife and Mother. 19511993.'
PAMELA JENKINS, an older woman with red hair, wearing black skirt suit, white shirt, pearl necklace, long patterned scarf, is seen in reflection against the black granite of the inscription.
Lex: What are you doing here?
Pamela: (Walking up to Lex.) I'm here for the same reason you are. (Pause. Lex stands up and turns round to face Pamela.) The anniversary of her death.
Lex: It's been nine years. Why the sudden burst of sentimentality?
Pamela: I deserved that, just disappearing from your life, I--
Lex: I'm sure all that LuthorCorp stock my mother left you helped ease the pain.
Pamela: Is that what your father told you?
Lex: (Pause.) All those years I thought you loved me. (Pause. Lex walks away.) But you were just in it for the money.
Pamela: (To Lex's back as he walks away.) I know you're angry with me and you have every right to be, but we need to talk.
Lex: (Stops. Slowly turns back to face her.) I can't believe there's anything you'd say that would interest me. (Pause) Goodbye Pamela.
Lex walks away, leaving Pamela standing alone in front of the memorial.
SCENE 4
CHLOE and JUSTIN are in the Torch office, holding copy of Torch showing colour cartoon strip, Flaming Crows Feet'. (They are wearing the same clothes as in previous scene.)
Chloe: This one's definitely my favourite strip.
Justin: Really?
Chloe: Yes.
Justin: Do you...
There's a knock at the door. CLARK enters (outfit as earlier). The clock by the door reads about 1.50.
Clark (walking in): Hey guys!
Justin (turning towards door): Hey!
Chloe: You know Justin?
Clark: Yeah. Of course. Welcome back. How're you feeling?
Justin: Oh, um... Just kind of taking it one day at a time.
Clark: Did they ever find the driver who h*t you?
Justin: No. No, I couldn't really give the police that much, I didn't remember anything for a long time.
Chloe: Well, what do you remember?
Justin: Um, a little bit of the license plate. DDI.
Chloe: Well, we should look into it!
Clark: You should call the police.
Chloe: If we find something we'll pass it on.
There's a pause. They both look at Justin.
Justin: Ok.
Justin turns to the desk and Chloe does likewise.
Clark: Anyway, I talked to Lex, he scored us two tickets to the conference.
Chloe (turning to Clark): Oh, don't worry about it Clark. Justin's already signed up so I'm going as his guest.
Justin: Yeah, or we could all go together.
Chloe: No. Um... Clark's not that interested in journalism anyway.
There's a pause. Clark and Chloe stare at each other.
Justin: Right, ok. Uh... I should probably get going. Listen.
Justin turns to leave but drops the folder he's carrying, spilling its contents.
Chloe: Oh!
All three stoop to pick the stuff up. Justin's bandaged hands are clumsy. Clark picks up a page from the Metropolis Inquisitor. The headline reads: Going down! Doctor loses hands in freak accident.' Justin snatches the page from him.
Justin: Thank you.
Clark stares back at Justin.
SCENE 5
Exterior sh*t of the Kent farm, sunflowers in the foreground. Sunny sky. Pan towards house.
Interior sh*t, kitchen. LANA LANG seen through glass door, wearing cream jacket and white shirt. CLARK is seated in the kitchen, wearing a long-sleeved sky-blue jersey. Lana knocks and enters.
Clark: Hi!
Lana: Hey Clark! Is your mom around? I wanted to order some more of her pies.
Clark (getting up and carrying dishes to the sink): She's at class. I can help you.
Lana: Didn't expect to see you here. I thought you'd be helping Chloe proof the latest edition.
Clark: She had enough help.
Lana (walking to the kitchen counter): Are you two still fighting?
Clark (getting something out of a drawer): Who said we were fighting?
Lana: Kind of caught it yesterday at the career fair. (Pause.) What's going on with you two?
Clark: Chloe likes me.
Lana: So how do you feel about her?
Clark: Like maybe we could be more than friends. (Pause.) When I saw her with Justin today I got kinda...
Lana: Jealous?
Clark: (Nods.) It's like you find out this secret and it colours everything. (Pause.) Just can't believe I never saw it before.
Lana: Sometimes the right person can be right in front of your eyes and you never even know it.
There's a long pause, and they look at each other.
Clark (choking back emotion and slurring words slightly): Uh, so how many pies did you want?
Lana (also emotional): Dozen.
Clark (cheerfully): How's Whitney, I hear his dad's feeling better?
Lana: (Nods and smiles.) He's great. (Exhales.)
Clark: Everything ok?
Lana: Never better. (Clark gives a small smile. Pause.) Good luck. I hope things work out with Chloe.
Clark: (Smiles.) Me too.
Lana (quietly): Bye.
She turns and leaves, and Clark stares after her.
SCENE 6
Justin's room, daylight coming in through the blinds. A pencil sketch of Chloe's smiling face is on the easel. JUSTIN, wearing black-and-grey zip top, sits down at the easel, carefully picks up a propelling pencil and tries to draw with his left hand, but he just spoils the picture. He drops the pencil, then rips the sheet from the easel.
Justin: Dammit.
A pencil traces a line across paper, then a second. Pan back and reveal pencils, crayons and rubber are drawing a half-length picture of Chloe in a pink top, apparently by telekinesis, as Justin watches.
SCENE 7
Busy corridor at school. CLARK, wearing red-and-blue check shirt over white tee-shirt, hurries downstairs after PETE, wearing a yellow sweatshirt. Both are carrying books as they walk through the corridor.
Clark: Pete!
Pete (abstractedly, looking at open book): Hey.
Clark: Hey, y'seen Chloe?
Pete: Not since English. She's probably hanging out with Justin.
Clark: What d'you think about that guy?
Pete: Er... He seems pretty cool. (Closes book.) Never got to know him that well before, he was always buried in the sketchpad.
Clark: Chloe seems to like him.
Pete: Careful Clark, you almost sound a little jealous.
Clark: I'm not jealous, I'm a bit concerned.
Pete: Why, because Chloe's fallen for a nice guy? (He holds his hands up.) It's got me worried too.
Clark: Look. (They stop walking. Clark hands Pete a folded piece of paper.) Justin had it in his portfolio yesterday.
Pete unfolds the sheet, it's the Inquisitor headline. Below are a photo of Doctor Wells and picture of a lift covered with cross of tape.
Pete (reading out): Going down. Doctor loses hands in freak accident. (Shrugs.) So?
Clark: That was Justin's doctor. (Pete laughs.) Don't you think it's a little weird he was carrying it around with him?
JUSTIN, wearing black coat and grey sweater, is leaning against wall behind Clark. Behind him is a poster about drink driving.
Justin: I liked the tragic irony. (He walks slowly towards Clark and Pete) Always talk about people behind their backs, Clark?
Clark: Look Justin, I didn't mean...
Justin: Yes you did. So what, so I start spending a little time with Chloe, suddenly you realise she exists and want me out of the picture?
Clark: Chloe and I are just friends.
Justin (quietly and with emotion): You had your chance with her. (Pause.) Now you let me have mine.
Clark and Justin stare at one another. Justin walks away, and Clark and Pete stare after him.
SCENE 8
Luthor Mansion, exterior. Sunny day, clear sky.
Cut to interior of mansion, library. Female hands are holding red book with gold embossed lettering; they open it. Pan back to reveal PAMELA, wearing pale-blue overshirt over a matching top. LEX enters, wearing light-grey shirt.
Lex: What the hell are you doing here?
Pamela carefully replaces the book on the shelf.
Pamela (still holding onto book; a clock is ticking in the background): I wanted to see what kind of young man you'd grown into.
Lex: A very busy one. (Pause. He walks away.) So if there's nothing else...
Pamela: We were close once, Alexander, you were like a son to me.
Lex: (Picks up snooker cue, and chalks the end.) You were an employee, Mrs Jenkins. You were paid to watch me while my mother's health failed and my father criss-crossed the globe on business.
Pamela rapidly walks up to lean against the snooker table, while Lex leans to take aim.
Pamela (earnestly): I loved you like my own. After the meteor shower I was the one person who never looked at you differently.
Lex: (Makes sh*t, stands holding cue.) Just because you knew me at a vulnerable point in my life doesn't give you the right to waltz back in here a decade later. Things have changed. (Walks round table.) I've changed. What do you want from me?
Pamela: I want you to know what really happened.
Lex: (Makes another sh*t.) You lied to my mother on her deathbed.
Pamela: No I didn't. I had every intention of staying but your father sent me away. After the funeral, he called me into his office and he told me if I ever had contact with you again that he would disinherit you.
Lex: Why would he do that?
Pamela: Because he wanted you to be his son, not hers.
Lex (walking round table): So why show up now, hmm? Has the statute of limitations on my father's thr*at expired?
Pamela: (Walks closer to Lex.) I needed to see if you'd found a way to be true to yourself in spite of Lionel's efforts. (Pause.) And to be honest, I... I wanted your forgiveness.
Lex (Leans forward; softly): I'm afraid you'll have to find a way to grant it to yourself.
Pamela: (Looks down, then looks up with tears in her eyes.) Goodbye Alexander.
She walks away. Lex doesn't move.
SCENE 9
Talon interior. Clark (same shirt as earlier) places pie onto wire shelf, and walks towards Lana (in light-blue short-sleeved tee-shirt and jeans), who is counting notes.
Lana: I wish everything sold as well as your mother's organic apple pies.
She hands Clark the pile of notes with a flourish.
Clark: Every little bit helps.
WHITNEY FORDMAN walks up to them, wearing dark jacket over light shirt.
Whitney: Hey Clark!
Clark: Hey Whitney! How's your Dad?
Whitney: On the mend, happy to be home. (Clark walks away, Whitney leans on counter and addresses Lana.) Hey, keep Saturday night free. I've got two tickets to Our Town' at the Metropolis Playhouse.
Lana: Wow, what inspired you to do that?
Whitney: Saw you reading it at school, thought we might start making up for some lost time. (Kisses Lana's cheek.) See you.
Lana: Bye.
Clark rejoins Lana.
Lana: Whitney has paid more attention to me in the last two weeks than he has all year.
Clark: Have you talked to him about it?
Lana: (Shakes her head.) Whitney seemed so happy ever since his Dad got better, he wants to pick up things where we left off.
Clark: How do you feel about that?
Lana: After Mr Fordman got sick, Whitney needed me. It kind of defined our relationship. Now we need to redefine it.
Clark: There's a lot of that going on.
Lana: How are things with Chloe?
Clark: Unresolved.
Lana (lightly): What are you gonna do?
Clark: I don't know. Just don't want to lose a friend in the process.
Lana: Once you've crossed that line you can't go back.
Clark: Chloe gave me that same advice about (pause) someone else.
Lana: What happened?
Clark: I decided to stay friends.
Lana: Do you regret that decision?
Clark: Yeah. I let that moment slip away and I don't think I'll ever get it back. (Pause.) I don't want to make that same mistake twice.
Lana smiles, and nods.
SCENE 10
JUSTIN enters the Torch office, carrying rolled up piece of paper (same outfit as earlier). There's the sound of typing in background. The door closes behind him. Pan across to reveal CHLOE, sitting at computer, wearing blue, green and red patterned long-sleeved tee-shirt.
Chloe (looking up and grinning): Hey! I er just e-mailed the partial license plate details of your h*t and run to my contact over at the DMV. I told him to start with all the cars in the county. He said that he would fax me whatever information he found.
Justin: (Nods and smiles.) Wow. Now here, it took me all night.
He hands Chloe the rolled paper.
Chloe: (Stands, turns away from him and unrolls the paper. It's the finished crayon portrait of Chloe.) Oh wow. (She turns back towards Justin and grins.) It's beautiful.
Justin: Well, so are you. (Chloe laughs.) Did you know that after that car h*t me and I was lying in the road, I kept picturing your face.
Chloe: (Turns back to face him, looking embarrassed but pleased.) Me, why me?
Justin: (During this speech, music starts in the background.) Because I always had the biggest crush on you, and I was too afraid to do anything about it. And I thought here I am about to die, and I'm never going to get the chance to tell her how I feel. (He walks towards her.) But when you started e-mailing me when I was in the hospital, I knew that this was my chance and I wasn't going to let you get away twice. (Pause.) I fought my way back for you.
Chloe smiles up at him and they kiss. While they are kissing, the camera pans round them, the song crescendos, and various small objects in the room (pens, doll, scissors, disk, mug &c) rise into the air and float. After a while, Chloe notices. They break apart. The objects crash back down.
Chloe (startled): What just happened?
Justin: Can you keep an open mind?
Chloe: Sure.
Justin: Something happened to me after the accident. Then when I was in the hospital I found that I could move things (pause) with my mind.
Chloe: Like telekinesis?
Justin: (Nods.) Am I freaking you out?
Chloe: (Smiles.) Believe it or not, I've seen stranger things.
Justin: Cause I don't want to end up on your wall.
Chloe: Don't worry, you won't. Now, let's make everything float again.
They kiss again. CLARK (in red check shirt) opens the door and walks in.
Clark: Hey Chloe, can I-- (Chloe and Justin break apart. Justin smiles at Clark somewhat smugly.) Can I talk to you outside for a second.
Chloe (running hand through her hair): Yeah, sure, Clark. (To Justin.) I'll be right back.
Justin (To Chloe): Ok.
Clark goes out into the corridor, and Chloe runs after him, with a glance back at Justin.
In the office, the phone rings. A fax comes through. The printed sheet has a scrawled, Got a match' in capitals. The printed sheet says: Registered owner Mr. H. Kwan. Address: 1635 West Street Smallville 66645'. Justin stares at it aghast.
Cut to corridor, where Clark and Chloe are alone.
Clark: Don't you think this Justin thing is moving a little too fast?
Chloe: We've been e-mailing back and forth for six months, I know him better than I know you.
Clark: Did he tell you what happened to his doctor?
Chloe: No. (Pause.) But he did tell me that you were talking abut him behind his back.
Clark: Just looking out for you Chloe. (He walks away. Chloe follows.)
Chloe (furiously): What's with you, Clark? Do you have some sort of a saviour complex? (Extremely rapidly.) If I'm in trouble you'll rescue me but other than that you'll remain emotionally unavailable.
Clark: (Stops and turns back to Chloe) I just don't want you getting involved with Justin because you're mad at me!
Chloe: Believe it or not Clark, my world does not revolve around you. Why can't you just accept the fact that I've found someone special and, unlike you, I'm willing to take a chance.
The school bell rings. Chloe walks away and the corridor fills up with people as Clark stares after her.
SCENE 11
Night, quiet residential district. It's raining. A metal dustbin lies overturned in the drive, which is lined by small spherical lanterns.
A black Ford estate pulls into driveway. The license plate reads Kansas DDI 035'. The engine and headlights cut. PRINCIPAL KWAN gets out, wearing blazer and red patterned tie, and picks up the overturned bin.
JUSTIN appears, standing at the end of the driveway. He is soaked, in dark clothes.
Justin: Tell me one thing: was it easy to lie to everybody?
Kwan: Justin? What are you doing here?
Justin: Reliving old memories.
Kwan: Think you should go home.
Kwan turns and walks towards the house, carrying the bin.
Justin (walking up drive slowly): You know I was only half-way across the crosswalk when your car came barrelling round the corner. (Kwan turns back towards Justin.) It h*t me so hard it felt like I'd been broken in half.
Kwan: I don't know what you're talking about.
Justin: As I remember lying in the street, blood dripping into my eyes watching your tail-lights disappear. (He walks towards Kwan.) You didn't even bother to stop.
Kwan (shaking his head): It wasn't me.
Kwan is propelled, screaming, through the air towards the white garage door behind him. He falls, slowly looks up at Justin.
Justin (still coming closer): It started in the hospital. Maybe it's a way to compensate for the motor skills that I'd lost in my hands. (Kwan gets to his feet, without taking his eyes off Justin.) I was immobilised in a total body cast. Then I found that I can move things just by thinking.
One of the lanterns is pulled out of the lawn. It hurtles point first through the air and pins Kwan to the garage door by the shoulder of his jacket.
Justin: But that didn't replace what I'd lost. Because nothing could ever do that.
The car headlights go on, illuminating the terrified Kwan. The car engine starts and revs.
Kwan: Justin! Stop it!
Justin (standing to side of the car): You know what it feels like to be h*t by a two thousand pound car.
The gearbox moves from park into first gear, and the car drives forward towards Kwan, smashing through the garage door and into the back wall of the garage.
Justin looks back, then walks away rapidly.
SCENE 12
CLARK (in red-and-blue check shirt) is reading Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus', sitting on the couch in the Fortress of Solitude. Heavy footsteps are heard. Clark puts down the book and turns towards LEX, who walks up behind him, wearing grey shirt and black coat.
Clark: Hey Lex! What are you doing here so late?
Lex: Came to talk to your parents about the settlement. What are you reading?
Lex smiles, comes and sits beside Clark on the couch and picks up the book. He is clearly amused.
Lex: Men are from Mars, women are from Venus?
Clark: I'm trying to get an insight into the female psyche.
Lex (holding up the book): I seriously doubt you'll find it in here. (Clark gets up.) What's the problem?
Clark (standing by the couch, gesticulating as he speaks): I've got these two amazing friends who both happen to be girls.
Lex (leaning forward and turning towards Clark; seriously): For argument's sake, let's call them Lana and Chloe.
Clark: I've always liked Lana, but I could never get near her. I just found out that Chloe likes me and I think I may have feelings for her too.
Lex: So which one do you want to pursue?
Clark: That's the thing, I want to protect my friendship with both.
Lex: Then you'll never get either one.
Clark: (Pause.) Thanks. (Sits back on couch and takes book.) I think I'll stick with the book.
Lex: Clark, love isn't about playing it safe, it's about risks. Unless you're willing to put yourself out for it you'll never know. (Clark is turning the book over in his hands.)
Clark: Have you ever been in love before?
Lex: I've only loved two women in my life. One died and the other betrayed me.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lex: Some people are meant to be alone.
Lex and Clark look at each other for a long moment, then footsteps are heard. Both look towards MARTHA KENT, who enters the loft wearing tan shirt over red tee-shirt.
Clark: Mum? What is it?
Martha: It's Principal Kwan. He was k*lled in an accident.
SCENE 13
Open to lightbox, two photos of Principal Kwan. Pan out to show the Torch office, with PETE putting down photographs, wearing a tan-and-white checked shirt. CHLOE is there, with her back to the camera, wearing a blue denim jacket, red-and-yellow patterned top, red trousers. CLARK enters in white-and-red check shirt. The clock shows 1.50.
Clark: Hey guys. (He leans against a bookcase by the door.) How are you holding up?
Chloe (walking to desk, clearly distraught): I still can't believe this happened. (Rapidly.) Putting together a memorial issue, but of course when you're looking for pictures of someone you can never find them. Um, Pete, can you check the library files again, one more time?
Pete: Sure. (He turns to leave.)
Chloe (walking towards camera): Thank you.
Pete: No problem. (He leaves.)
Chloe (sorting through stuff, facing camera): Harry (?) Kwan's police report. Apparently his car was still on, must have slipped into gear.
Clark (standing by desk): Chloe, are you ok?
Chloe: Yeah, I'm fine. (She sounds close to tears. She sits down at computer.) I just can't find anything in his office.
Clark: Let me help.
Chloe (getting up again): No thank you. (She sighs.)
Clark (looking at computer screen): Chloe, look at this. (The monitor shows a dark car. Clark enlarges the picture to show the licence plate is DDI 035.) The first three numbers of Kwan's licence plate match Justin's hit-and-run driver.
Clark picks up small piece of notepaper.
Chloe: What are you hinting at Clark?
Clark: Well I'm saying there's a lot of weird accidents that happen round this guy.
Chloe: Clark, you are seriously barking up the wrong tree here.
Clark (getting up): Did you get a response from the DMV yesterday?
Chloe: No, it never came through. (Sound of typing.)
Clark: Yes, you did. Four forty-three yesterday afternoon. That's right around the time you were here with Justin.
Chloe: He couldn't have done it.
Clark: Why, because you like him?
Chloe: No, because I know him and I know he wouldn't hurt anyone.
They stare at each other, then Chloe turns away, sorts through stuff ignoring Clark.
Clark: (Pause, while Clark plays with note.) Hope you're right.
Clark turns away, leaves slowly, putting the note back on the desk. Chloe ignores him.
SCENE 14
Luthor Mansion. Library/office. LEX enters through wood-panelled doors, wearing grey shirt, black pants. He walks towards the desk by the window. LIONEL LUTHOR is seated in the desk chair, wearing a dark suit with blue-grey tie, and spectacles. Lionel turns the chair slowly to face Lex. There is a red book on his knee.
Lionel: I celebrate myself, and what I assume you shall assume.
Lex: For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.
Lionel: (Chuckles.) Sounds like a description of family, doesn't it?
Lex (smiling): Not ours. (Lionel chuckles.) Since when do you read poetry?
Lionel (taking his spectacles off, holding them to his face): We're uh selling Cadmus Labs, Lex.
Lex: Our deal memo gives me fifty percent ownership with veto rights. I don't recall you asking my opinion.
Lionel (still holding spectacles, as he does for the rest of the scene): We only bought Cadmus to bankrupt Sir Harry. After we pumped and dumped the stock, the company's worthless. Served its purpose.
Lex (walking past the desk): You didn't come all this way to talk about Cadmus.
Lionel: (Puts down the book on the desk.) I understand uh Pamela's back in the States and that she paid you a visit.
Lex: (Pours himself a drink of something that looks like whisky from a decanter.) Did you come to disinherit me?
Lionel: Is that what she told you?
Lex: Is it true? (Drinks.)
Lionel: Your mother was uh, she was an extraordinary woman. (He touches the book on the desk.) But her taste in help left a lot to be desired. (Lex walks back past the desk carrying drink.) Pamela was a, a hanger-on. She convinced your mother to leave her all that stock and then she disappeared before the body was even cold.
Lex (coldly): You took time out of your busy schedule to tell me that?
Lionel (leaning forward, earnestly): I know how much she meant to you and I don't want her using emotional tyranny to h*t you up for money.
Lex: Why would she do that? She's got plenty of stock.
Lionel: Probably she doesn't want to sell it to pay her medical bills.
Lex (sounding genuinely confused): What medical bills?
Lionel: She didn't tell you. (Pause, laughs.) How noble.
Lex (walking up to the desk, drink in hand): Tell me what?
Lionel: She's dying, Lex. Cancer. (Pause.) Probably all those years sitting in the sun in San Tropez. (Lex sits down at the desk opposite Lionel.) What does she want?
Lex: Forgiveness.
Lionel (looking intently at Lex): And what did you tell her?
Lex: (Pause, he looks directly at Lionel.) To get out.
Lionel: (Pause.) No. (He slides the book across the desk towards Lex.) She doesn't know you very well, does she.
Lionel gets up and walks out, while Lex sits in silence.
SCENE 15
Daylight. CLARK, wearing jeans, tan jacket over white-and-red check shirt, walks up the drive of the Kwan house. There is an ornamental conifer in the garden, and the number 539 is visible on the wall next to the garage, which is open, with a cross of yellow tape blocking entrance. Clark ducks under the tape, enters the garage and looks around.
DANNY KWAN, wearing a grey tee-shirt, ducks under tape and follows him in.
Danny: What are you doing in here?
Clark (turning round): Danny. Uh... I'm really sorry about what happened to your Dad.
Danny looks down.
Danny (walking past Clark towards back of garage; softly): I don't understand what happened. He, uh, he had the car keys with him, it's like (pause) as if something just smashed the car right into him.
Danny turns back to face Clark. There's a pause.
Clark: Danny, do you know a Justin Gaines? (Pause. Danny nods.) Do you know if he came by here last night?
Danny: No, why?
Clark: (Pause.) I think Justin believes your father was responsible for the accident.
Danny: That's crazy. (He walks back up to Clark.) You should leave.
Clark: He matched part of your Dad's licence plate to the hit-and-run driver's.
There's a pause. Danny looks down, then turns away, walks to the back of the garage.
Clark: Is there a chance Justin's right?
Danny (facing away from Clark, holding a piece of broken wood): My Dad didn't deserve this.
Danny throws down the piece of wood.
Clark: Your Dad wasn't the one driving the car, was he? (Danny slowly turns back to face Clark, who takes a pace towards him.) You're the one who h*t Justin.
Danny: My Dad, he, he uh... He was just trying to protect me.
SCENE 16
Open to a scrapbook, with X-ray pictures labelled Justin Gaines', Dr. Wells'. Opposite is a colour cartoon strip headed Justice', which depicts a lift crashing (captioned whoosh, arg!). Pan back to reveal pensive CHLOE, dressed as earlier, in Justin's bedroom. The walls are lined with pictures. Chloe turns the page to reveal another cartoon headed Justice', depicting the car accident with Kwan. Chloe looks confused and disturbed.
Justin (from outside): Chloe!
Chloe hastily closes the scrapbook, puts it down and walks away from it. JUSTIN enters the room, smiling, wearing black jacket and black tee-shirt with yellow pattern and red collar. He stands by the door, in front of a poster depicting a sprawled female nude.
Justin: Hey. My Mum said you were here.
Chloe: (Her tone sounds a little false.) Oh, I wanted to surprise you, I didn't see you at school today. Did you hear about Principal Kwan?
Justin: (Nods.) I did, that's really weird, right.
Chloe: Yeah.
Justin (walking towards Chloe): I guess you never know when your time's up. (Pause. They are now face to face.) Which is why I think we should make the most of the time that we have. (Justin puts his hand, with blue elastic bandage, to Chloe's face. Chloe gasps.) What's the matter?
Chloe: Nothing. Um. I forgot, I just remembered. Um. I told Clark I'd meet him at his house. (She walks away.)
Justin (turning): You know, for someone that you said's out of the picture, you sure spend a lot of time with him.
Chloe (standing by door): Don't worry, today I plan on telling him exactly what's going on between us.
Chloe leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. Justin turns back and sees his orange scrapbook, which labelled Justin, resting horizontally. He turns it so that it lies vertically, and stares at it.
SCENE 17
The Talon, exterior. The sign reads Poetry reading Thursday night'.
Cut to interior of crowded Talon, CLARK (dressed as earlier) and MARTHA (in red zip jacket over pink top) are walking towards the camera.
Martha: You did the right thing Clark. (She puts her hand on his arm.) Convincing Danny to turn himself in.
Clark: His father's d*ad, now he's probably going to jail.
Martha (her hand still on his arm): Some secrets destroy families.
LANA comes up to them, wearing green top, hair tied back in ponytail.
Lana: Clark, Chloe's on the phone, she sounds really freaked out.
Clark: (Picks up pastel-blue telephone on counter.) Chloe, what's up?
Cut to sunny barn, where CHLOE is speaking into her cell phone. She looks very nervous.
Chloe: Clark! I've been calling all over the place. I really screwed up. Justin is involved, you were right.
Cut back to Talon, Clark is on phone.
Clark: Well, uh, calm down, where are you?
Chloe: In your barn. (Cut back to barn.) I haven't been completely honest with you, Clark. I know how Justin caused those accidents.
The cell phone flies from her hand, hits some bottles which fall over.
Cut back to Talon, Clark is on phone.
Clark: Chloe, Chloe!
Clark puts the phone down, hurriedly jogs out of the Talon.
Cut back to barn. The camera pans around a scared-looking Chloe as thr*at music plays.
Chloe: Justin?
The barn door slams behind her, and she wheels around. JUSTIN appears standing in the barn. Chloe screams and is suddenly thrown through the air, landing among some bits of wood. Chloe grunts in pain.
Justin: How could you betray me? How could you betray what we had together?
Chloe gets up, breathing heavily. She runs towards the door. She is picked up, held motionless in the air, her legs kicking, then is dropped heavily, screaming. She lands on some boxes, which smash. She groans, rubs her leg, gets up and runs to the door, with a heavy limp, grunting with effort. The door shuts and is barred in front of her. She turns to face Justin, her back to the door, breathing heavily.
Chloe (under her breath): Oh, no!
Justin: That's what I love about you, Chloe. (He nods.) You're a fighter.
Chloe runs past him. The camera shows a horseshoe on the wall, the nails loosen. It flies towards Chloe and hits her on the forehead. She is knocked out, lying against a pile of sacks.
Justin walks towards her. A saw flies up in the air, hovers and starts up.
CLARK enters the barn, running. He runs at superspeed to stand in front of the saw, which hits his chest and explodes.
Justin: (Sniffs.) How did you do that?
Clark: You k*lled the wrong man!
Justin: You're lying.
Clark: His son just turned himself in. He was the one who h*t you.
Justin (yelling): That is not true!
Clark: You said you cared about Chloe. How many innocent people are you willing to k*ll, Justin?
Clark walks towards Justin.
Justin (quietly): Just one more.
Clark is thrown through the air, landing in a hayloft.
Justin: You've really gotta stick those landings, Clark!
Clark taps Justin on the shoulder from behind. Justin turns.
Clark: You can't win, Justin.
Clark grabs Justin's arm, and throws him. Justin screams. He hits a light fitting, which sparks, then lands in a corner, and lots of planks of wood fall on him. He's knocked out.
Chloe starts to come round.
Clark: Chloe. (Clark goes towards her.) Are you ok?
Clark touches her face. She has a cut on her forehead which is bleeding.
Chloe hugs him and cries against his shoulder.
SCENE 18
Silhouette of bald man, through wire-glass door. LEX opens the door, wearing black coat, grey shirt and carrying book. Inside is a darkened hospital room, PAMELA is lying in bed, her eyes closed, wearing blue smock. She opens her eyes. Lex walks up quietly, and puts the book down on the bedside cabinet, next to a card and a pot plant. He stands at the bedside.
Pamela: (Sounding tired.) Well, you're the last person I expected to see.
Lex (quietly): Why didn't you tell me?
Pamela: It's not your concern.
Lex: It's not my concern that you're dying? I could help you, I can get you treatment.
Pamela: Oh, I didn't come to you for help or pity, I came because I've nothing left to lose. (She tries to sit up, then sinks back.) The truth is I'm ashamed that it took metastasising to give me the courage. I was too scared to even tell just once (pause) how much you mean to me. (Pause.) How much I wanted to help you grow up.
Lex (breathily): I wish you had. I might be a better man.
Pamela: The fact that you're here speaks volumes about the man that you are. (Pause, Lex looks upwards, then down again.) Your mother would be proud.
Lex: (Pause. Almost a whisper.) I really miss her.
Pamela (whispering): So do I.
She tentatively holds out her hand. Lex grips it.
SCENE 19
Exterior sh*t of Talon. Sunny day. Sign reads Sonnet Saturdays. Free pick up line with purchase.'
Cut to interior of crowded Talon. Lana comes downstairs carrying tray, wearing pink tee-shirt and black jeans. Pan to table with CHLOE (in maroon tee-shirt with white pattern; she has a plaster on her forehead) and CLARK (in blue-and-white check shirt) are seated, both with cups. As they talk, the camera moves closer.
Chloe: I just spoke to Justin's parents.
Clark: How's he doing?
Chloe: He's in the psychiatric ward. The police don't really know what to charge him with, but at least he won't hurt anybody. So, should we do the er I told you so' part? Or is my perennial bad judgement implicit?
Clark: Chloe, I wish I were wrong.
Chloe: What is it with me? I can spot wall of weird material from a mile away, but put it right in front of me and I'm oblivious.
Clark: You're not oblivious, you're trusting. You're strong enough to take risks with your emotions. I wish I were as brave as you. (Chloe smiles.) I still have those two tickets to the journalism convention. It would be a good chance for us to spend some time together.
Chloe (smiling broadly): Ok, it's a date.
Clark smiles, reaches across the table and takes her hand.
The camera pans back to reveal Lana, behind the counter. She looks upset.
WHITNEY enters, wearing black jacket and grey tee-shirt. Lana walks round the counter and goes up to him.
Lana: Whitney, we need to talk. (At Whitney's distraught expression.) What is it, what happened?
Whitney: It's my Dad.
SCENE 20
Blue-tinted exterior sh*t, in the rain. Music plays (Time after Time').
A hand slowly puts down a bunch of white roses and dahlias. Pan back to show Mrs Fordman, wearing black hat and veil, then successively Whitney, Pete and Clark, Mr and Mrs Kent, and Chloe, then back to Whitney as he comforts his mother. All are dressed in mourning, huddled under umbrellas.
A priest in white robes shuts a book. Whitney turns to Lana, then turns to leave with his mother. Lana turns back to look at Clark, who is soaked, standing by a stone angel. Chloe gestures with her eyes at Clark to come.
Clark walks slowly away from them into the graveyard in the rain, head bowed, as the camera pans upwards into branches.
End of episode | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x19 - Crush"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #120 - "Obscura"
Original airdate: May 14, 2002
Act 1 Teaser
Whitney and Lana are horseback riding through an open field.
Day.
They come to a slower pace.
Lana: It's been a long time since we've done this.
Whitney: Yeah.
Lana: I thought it'd be nice, you know? Something to keep your mind off of...
Whitney: It's okay. You can say it, I'm not gonna break. Sorry, I've just been kind of out of it lately.
Lana: I'm here if you need to talk.
Whitney: Well, there was one thing I wanted to ask you. Would you be my date to the Spring Formal?
Lana: (She laughs) Of course. You didn't have to ask.
Whitney: I guess I'm just not taking anything for granted anymore.
There is an expl*si*n in the distance. They tie the horses to a fence and go to see what happened. Cops drive up as a f*re blazes out of a pipe sticking out of the ground. Two cops get out of the car.
Watts: (Into a radio) This is Watts and Vertigo. We have a gas main f*re just off of Route 12, mile marker 18.
Whitney and Lana run up. They see another pipe right next to them shaking.
Lana: (Pointing at it) Whitney, look.
Whitney: (To the men at the other pipe) Hey!
Lana: Hey!
Whitney: Hey! Lana get out of here.
Whitney starts to go to the men.
Lana: Wait, no!
Whitney: Get out of here! Run! (He gets to one of the men) Look at the pipe.
Man: Everybody! Clear on out!
Whitney: Lana, get out of here! Go! Run!
Everybody runs away and Lana runs in the opposite direction. The pipe explodes, throwing her to the ground. She is covered in dirt and several meteor fragments.
Whitney: Lana!
Man: (Pushing Whitney behind the cop car) Get down!
There are several more blasts. Lana looks up and sees the two cops looking down at her. Whitney runs to her.
Whitney: Lana! Lana!
CUT TO Clark entering the hospital and going to Lana's room, where she is sleeping and Whitney sits next to her.
Clark: Hey, I just heard. Is she all right?
Whitney: Yeah. They gave her something to help her rest.
Clark: How are you holding up?
Whitney: I kind of hoped I'd seen my last hospital room in a while.
Chloe enters.
Clark: Hey, hey. (He takes her outside the room) I thought you'd be halfway to Metropolis by now.
Chloe: Ah, it's just a summer internship. I can always reschedule.
Clark: You've been waiting for that interview at the Planet for weeks.
Chloe: I know. I just feel weird taking off right now.
Clark: Lana's gonna be okay. It's just a mild concussion.
Chloe: Okay, I'm crashing at my cousin's dorm. Call me on my cell if anything goes wrong at the Torch.
Clark: We can survive one day without you.
Chloe: Are you gonna wish me luck?
Clark: You don't need it.
Chloe: All right. Bye.
Clark: Bye. (She leaves. Clark goes back to the room) Can I buy you a cup of coffee?
Whitney: Yeah.
Whitney kisses Lana on the forehead and leaves the room.
CUT TO Chloe leaving the hospital. We see Lana's eyelids start to flicker. They open and she sees Chloe going to her car. Her view closes in as Chloe is unlocking the door. Chloe looks up, afraid, as a gloved hand puts a handkerchief over her nose and mouth. Lana sits up in the bed.
Lana: Chloe!
(Opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Jonathan is working beneath the sink as Martha talks on the phone.
Day.
Martha: Okay, well, I'll let you know. Bye.
Clark: (Entering) Who was that? The plumber?
Martha: No, your school. Don't worry, you're not in trouble. They're looking for chaperones for the Spring Formal.
Clark: Oh. What'd you say?
Martha: I said you hadn't even mentioned it.
Clark: I don't think the whole tux and limo thing is for me. Besides, it's customary to have a date to a dance.
Martha: Which is why it's customary to ask someone.
Jonathan: Martha, stay out of it. Son, can you see if you can get that trap out of there for me?
Clark: Uh, sure, Dad.
Clark pulls the pipe out easily.
Jonathan: Thank you.
Martha: So, are you planning on asking Chloe or not?
Jonathan: She just can't help herself. Don't use the sink till I get back. (He leaves the room)
Martha: Well, you said you had feelings for her.
Clark: It's not about Chloe.
Martha: You can't keep putting your life on hold because of Lana.
Clark: But if she sees me with someone else, it's like saying the door's closed.
Martha: The door is closed, Clark. You need to admit that to yourself. (Lex knocks on the door) Hi, Lex. Come on in.
Lex: Sorry to barge in. I came by to see you and Mr. Kent.
Martha: Oh, I'll go get him. (She walks out)
Lex: (To Clark) You in a hurry?
Clark: Yeah. I'm taking over at the Torch while Chloe's out of town. I'll catch up with you later.
Clark leaves as Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Hi, Lex.
Lex: Hey.
Jonathan: What can I do for you?
Lex: The paperwork on the chemical spill finally came through.
Jonathan: Well, I never thought I'd live to see the day.
Lex: Since the dumping wasn't done by an actual LuthorCorp employee, it did require jumping through some corporate hoops. The, uh, accident was unfortunate. I know your loss can't be fixed entirely with money, but I hope this helps.
Lex hands Jonathan an envelope.
Jonathan: (Opening it) Well, I appreciate the gesture, but (Looks at the check) I hope we're not getting special treatment because of your friendship with Clark.
Lex: I assure you, Mr. Kent, that has nothing to do with this.
Martha: This is very generous, Lex.
Lex: Actually, it isn't. It reflects the exact value of the herd and grazing land you lost. I wouldn't insult you by putting you in my debt. All I want is to leave the doubt between us in the past.
Lex offers his hand and Jonathan shakes it.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark struggles with the printer at the Torch.
Day.
Lana enters.
Clark: Hey. How you feeling?
Lana: Better. Now it only hurts when I walk, sit, or breathe.
Clark: (Smiling) I'm surprised to see you. Usually a hospital visit comes with a get out of jail free card.
Lana: Actually, I was looking for Chloe.
Clark: She's not here. She's in Metropolis until tonight.
Lana: You covering?
Clark: Well, if you could call it that. The printer's jammed, the scanner's broken, and the Spring Formal event schedule is late. Chloe leaves for a day and the Torch goes down in flames.
Lana: It's safe to say we won't lose you to the entrancing world of journalism. So, have you talked to Chloe?
Clark: (Shakes his head) I left a message on her cell phone. I think she's busy convincing the Planet they were insane ever to publish without her. What's up?
Lana: I had this intense dream about Chloe I just can't shake. It was totally surreal, but I dreamed that she was att*cked outside of the hospital. I know, sounds crazy.
Clark: But, it's got you freaked.
Lana: It's just it felt like I was right there. She was walking to her car and she was getting her keys out of that red bag with the butterflies on it. (Clark looks thoughtful) What is it?
Clark: She... she was carrying that red bag when she left the hospital. Do you want me to call her dad to see if she's all right?
Lana: You know, I'm sure it's just the concussion. I don't want to scare him just because I spent the night on pain K*llers.
Clark: Yeah, it was probably just a nightmare.
Lana: Um, I'll see you later. (She leaves)
Act 1 Scene 3
Lex is looking over some LuthorCorp papers in his pool room. Day. Roger Nixon enters.
Roger: Lex?
Lex: Since I didn't call you, and I haven't heard of any three-headed sheep born in Smallville recently, what brings the Inquisitor to town, Roger?
Roger: We need to talk.
Lex: Oh, I seriously doubt that.
Roger: (Showing Lex a newspaper) It seems you're giving out gifts to the competition. Now we had an arrangement. You give me stories, I give you information. Now, what did Karen Castle do for you that I couldn't?
Lex: She gave me a pretty mean shiatsu massage.
Roger: Well, mock all you want, Lex. It just means I've had to take the initiative, develop my own leads. There's a story here in Smallville and I am going to make my name on it.
Lex: I thought my position was clear. I don't want you going anywhere near the Kents. They're more than off-limits, they're under my protection.
Roger: And what about the meteors? Are they under your protection too?
Lex: You have something?
Roger: I found a man who had a very interesting view of the meteor shower. Claims he saw something falling out of the sky.
Lex: We all did.
Roger: Yeah, well not like this.
Roger tosses a file onto the pool table.
Lex: If you're feeling so abused, why are you bringing this to me?
Roger: Getting the full story takes money and access, and unlike some, I always hold up my end of the deal. Get ready to thank me.
Roger leaves and Lex picks up the file.
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark tries to start the tractor outside the farm.
Day.
It doesn't start after several tries and he hits the side in frustration, denting it. Jonathan walks up.
Jonathan: Hey, hey, Clark. Take it easy, would ya? This thing's been in our family a long time.
Clark: The stupid thing won't start!
Jonathan: Clark, what's going on, son?
Clark: I'm worried.
Jonathan: I'm sure that Chloe's gonna call any minute and you'll realize you've been worrying about nothing.
Clark: Yeah. (Getting out of the tractor) I'm glad we'll finally be able to get rid of this. You know, we spend more time fixing it that we doing riding it.
Jonathan: Well, I'm not sure that I'm quite ready to retire the old girl yet.
Clark: With Lex's check, we can get a new one.
Jonathan: Actually, I haven't decided to deposit that check.
Clark: Dad, Lex is just trying to do the right thing.
Jonathan: I know he is, Clark. I know he didn't try to buy me off, he's' just trying to repay me for damages that he thinks he caused. You're right, I got no real reason to doubt him. It's just something in my gut tells me I should.
Clark: Lex isn't perfect, Dad. I know that. But slamming the door in his face over and over only helps turn him into exactly what you think he already is.
Jonathan: When did you get to be so wise?
Clark: Ask my dad.
Jonathan: I'll sleep on it.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark enters the Talon.
Day.
Pete approaches.
Pete: Hey, Clark.
Clark: Have you talked to Chloe yet?
Pete: No, but the Planet better not have turned her down if they know what's good for them.
Clark: I just thought she would have called by now to get an update on the Torch.
Pete: Ah, she probably already got the internship and is out partying with her cousin. So, did I mention I'm taking Erica Fox to the Spring Formal?
Clark: Several times, yes.
Pete: The hottest girl in our class. Just wanted to make sure that was clear.
Clark: It is.
Pete: So do you want to know my secret? You do, don't you? I asked her. You ought to try it, Clark. Getting up off your butt is the wave of the future. I gotta go reserve my limo for the Spring Formal, to which incidentally, I'm taking Erica Fox.
Clark: I hadn't heard.
Pete leaves as Lang walks up.
Lana: Any word on our interrupted reporter?
Clark: I called her dad. He was stuck in a seminar. I'm sure she'll be okay.
Lana: Yeah, me too.
Clark: (Seeing a sign saying Spring Formal Tickets Now On Sale.) Oh, you can buy tickets to the Spring Formal here. That's a cool idea.
Lana: You asked anyone yet?
Clark: I've got my eye on someone.
Lana: Well, you better hurry up. No one likes to look for a dress last minute. Not even Chloe.
Clark: What makes you think I'm asking Chloe?
Lana starts to laughs and walks away with a tray of cups. She suddenly gasps and starts to have a vision. She sees a room with teddy bears hanging from the ceiling and Chloe tied up and blindfolded on the floor. Her view goes past Chloe and to a door, where a hand reaches out and locks it. Next to the door is a mirror, in which she sees someone in a strange mask. He punches the mirror, breaking it, and Lana drops her tray.
Clark: Lana?
Lana: It happened again!
Clark: You saw something?
Lana: I saw Chloe. Somebody's got her. You have to believe me, Clark.
Act 1 Scene 6
We see the man in the mask welding something.
Day.
In the next room, Chloe's hands are taped behind her back and she is blindfolded. She is rubbing the tape against a metal rail.
Chloe: Come on, Chloe. Come on. You've been through worse than this. Come on, Chloe.
The tape breaks and she takes off her blindfold. She takes the tape off of her ankles and starts to leave. She walks through the hanging teddy bears in the door and the man in the mask grabs her shoulder and turns her around. He holds up a syringe with green liquid dripping from the needle and jams it into her shoulder. He opens the door as she becomes drowsy.
Man: (Through a voice changer) Home sweet home.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Chloe's father enters the Talon with the two cops from the expl*si*n. Day. Clark and Lana are already there.
Mr Sullivan: Hey, guys. I, uh, I called the sheriff's office because I wanted them to hear this too.
Clark: Any luck reaching Chloe, Mr. Sullivan?
Mr Sullivan: No, I haven't heard from her all day. I'm starting to get concerned. I called her cousin, but all I get is the machine.
Watts: (To Lana) You said you had some proof that Chloe might have been abducted?
Lana: Well, I sort of had a vision.
Vertigo: (Skeptically) A vision?
Clark: She saw Chloe being kidnapped.
Vertigo: Maybe you should have called the Psychic Friends Network instead, then.
Watts: What makes you think it was real?
Lana: I saw Chloe bound and blindfolded in a dark room.
Vertigo: Oh, wow. It's too bad you didn't see something a little more useful like an address where we might find her.
Mr. Sullivan's cell phone rings.
Mr Sullivan: Uh, excuse me.
He steps away to answer it.
Watts: Miss Lang, you went through a pretty rough ordeal yesterday. Are you sure you're feeling okay?
Lana: You mean do I think I'm hallucinating? It felt like I was right there, like I was seeing through the kidnapper's eyes.
Watts: I promise, we'll take this seriously, and look into it.
Mr Sullivan: (On the phone) Thanks. (He hangs up)
Clark: Mr. Sullivan? What is it?
Mr Sullivan: They found Chloe's car. It's been abandoned in the woods.
Act 2 Scene 2
Lex and Roger drive into a driveway of an old house. Day. They get out of the car.
Lex: So far I'm unimpressed.
Roger: Remove judgment for five minutes.
Lex: (Looks at his watch) Starting now.
A man comes out of the house.
Roger: Mr. Cole, Lex Luthor.
Mr. Cole: I know who he is.
Roger: He's very interested in your story. (To Lex) Twelve years ago, Eddie Cole had more clients than he could handle. He spent eight hours a day dusting fields all over Smallville.
Lex: And then?
Mr. Cole: FAA pulled my license.
Lex: And why would they do that?
Mr. Cole: They decided I wasn't fit in the head to fly anymore. Cause I couldn't keep my dumb mouth shut.
Lex: What were your rates for crop dusting, Mr. Cole?
Mr. Cole: 600 a day.
Lex pulls out a stack of hundred dollar bills and counts out six, handing them to Mr. Cole.
Lex: I'd very much like to hear your story.
Mr. Cole: I was up in my prop dusting the Baker's field, 50 acres of sweet corn, when it happened.
Lex: The meteors?
Mr. Cole: It was like lightning all around. Pretty sure I was gonna die right there. Then one just missed my tail by about ten feet. I saw it go straight down and then swerve just before it h*t.
Lex: Doesn't sound like a meteor.
Mr. Cole: I know aircrafts better than most. The way that thing moved, it had to be a ship.
Lex: You saw a ship crash?
Mr. Cole: It's not just that I saw a ship crash. A couple hours later, I went and looked for it. It was gone.
Lex: Maybe it b*rned.
Mr. Cole: Or maybe it was taken. Nobody believes me. I gave Mr. Nixon a map of the crash site.
Lex: I've seen it.
Mr. Cole: So you believe me?
Lex: (After a pause) It's a good story. Thanks for your time, Mr. Cole.
Lex walks back to the car and Roger follows.
Roger: Hey, I thought you'd be pleased. I just booked you the story you've been waiting for.
Lex: You brought me a desperate man and a tall tale. It's about what I expected form you. Sorry, Rog. Time's up.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark sits in the loft.
Night.
Lana enters.
Lana: Any word on Chloe?
Clark: Uh, my dad and I went out with Mr. Sullivan and the police. We searched the woods but we didn't find anything. They've organized a search party first thing tomorrow morning. How are you doing?
Lana: Spent the afternoon at the sheriff's station telling them what I saw. They kept looking at me like I was crazy.
Clark: I don't think you're... crazy.
Lana: (She smiles) How are you holding up?
Clark: I keep wishing Chloe would just walk up those steps. I never appreciated how much she meant to me until now. The thought of never seeing her again--
Lana: Clark. You can't think that way.
Clark: You know, I remember the first time I met her. It was eighth grade. She'd just transferred from Metropolis and I was assigned to show her around. The first thing she wanted to know was where she could buy a copy of the Planet so she could keep in touch with civilization. When she found out I lived on a farm, she insisted I invite her over to experience it first hand. I think she thought I was Amish. When I brought her up here, she just kissed me, right out of the blue.
Lana: Why'd she do that?
Clark: She said I know you've been thinking about that all day, so I figured we'd get it out of the way and be friends. That was my first kiss.
Lana: It's nice it was with someone you still care about. We're gonna see her again, Clark. Lana gets up to leave and starts to have another vision. She sees a windmill and a hole in the ground. She sees Chloe in a coffin being put into the hole and being buried.
Clark: Lana?
Lana: I just saw her again!
Clark: Chloe? Where?
Lana: Buried. She's still alive.
Clark: Did you see where she was?
Lana: I'm not sure, but there was a windmill, a big one.
Clark: She must be on Chandler's field. I'll get help.
Clark runs out.
CUT TO Chloe in the coffin. There is a green glowstick next to her, and she weakens as she starts to run out of air. Clark super speeds into the field. He super speeds up the ladder to look around. He looks through the ground with x-ray vision and sees Chloe in the coffin. He super speeds to her, punches through the ground, and pulls up the coffin. He rips off the lid.
Clark: Chloe? Chloe! (She takes a breath) Chloe, it's okay. Everything's okay.
Chloe: Clark, Clark. I knew it was you. It's always you.
They hug as someone watches them from the bushes.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Chloe is on the phone in her hospital room. Night.
Chloe: Thanks, I appreciate that. (Clark and Lana enter) Oh, I gotta go. Some real people just came in. Okay, bye. (She hangs up) Hi.
Lana: Hi.
Clark: Who was that?
Chloe: The Daily Planet.
Lana: I thought you missed your appointment for the internship.
Chloe: I did. They were calling about an interview.
Clark: Are you gonna do it?
Chloe: Ah, I've always wanted my name in the Daily Planet, but not like this. Besides, I figure that the Torch could use an exclusive, which I will write as soon as I get out of here.
Clark: Chloe, do you remember anything?
Chloe: I remember tripping on some metal rails and I remember hundreds of teddy bears hanging form the ceiling. (Her voice falters) Anyway, that's where I was kept until I... (Starting to cry) I'm sorry, you guys. Flashback. I can still hear the dirt falling on the coffin. Sorry. If you hadn't found me, I don't know where I'd be.
Clark: Don't thank me. Thank Lana.
Chloe: Yeah, you know, I got to hand it to you, you sure picked a perfect time to take a walk on the weird side.
Lana smiles.
Clark: You should get some rest.
Chloe: Clark, um, would you mind sticking around for a little while? Whoever did this is still out there.
Clark: Of course not. I'll stay here as long as you need me to.
Chloe: Thanks.
Lana: Okay, well, I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow.
Chloe: Bye, Lana.
Clark: Okay.
Lana: Bye.
Lana leaves the room. She looks back in through the window and sees Clark touch Chloe's face. She continues to walk away and she has a vision of herself from the back. She turns around and no one is there.
Act 3 Scene 2
Jonathan is loading the truck with feed. Day. Clark walks up.
Jonathan: Hey. Glad you could join me. How late were you at the hospital?
Clark: All night. I snuck in after visiting hours.
Jonathan: I'm sure Chloe appreciated that.
Clark: I'm just worried that the person who did this to her is still out there.
Jonathan: Clark, you got her back safe and sound. That's what's important.
Clark: Not without Lana, I wouldn't have.
Jonathan: Hey, she hasn't had anymore visions, has she?
Clark: No. I think they're connected to the gas pipe expl*si*n. That's when they started. I'm gonna check that out.
Jonathan: No, son. Let the police do it. It's their job.
Clark: I just wish I knew whose eyes she was seeing through.
Jonathan: What you need to focus on right now is getting this truckload of feed over to the Miller's.
Clark: So you've had a night to sleep on it. What are you gonna do with Lex's check?
Jonathan: I might be stubborn, but I'm not blind. Yeah, I had a talk with your mom. As soon as we deliver the feed, I'm taking it to the Savings and Loan.
They get into the truck and someone watches them pull away through binoculars.
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark and Jonathan pull up next to a field full of workers digging and investigating.
Day.
Lex is speaking to one of the workers. He signs a paper on a clipboard.
Lex: Keep them moving.
Man: All right.
The man walks away from Lex as Clark and Jonathan approach.
Clark: What's up, Lex?
Lex: I'm considering buying this land for a pilot agricultural project, but I wanted to test the soil first. Standard operating procedure.
Jonathan: Since when does standard operating procedure include metal detectors and Hasmet suits?
Lex: To be honest, we learned there may have been a major meteor strike on the site. Of course, there's no proof the meteors are actually harmful, but--
Jonathan: It never hurts to dot your Is and cross your Ts, right?
Lex: As you're well aware, LuthorCorp's environmental record's taken some serious hits in recent weeks. Better safe than sorry. Is there a problem?
Clark: Dad?
Jonathan: The problem is, Lex, that what's good for LuthorCorp isn't always what's good for this town.
Man: Mr. Luthor?
Jonathan: Looks like you've got business to attend to. Uh, Lex, I've decided I can't accept your money.
Jonathan holds out the check.
Lex: Mr. Kent, I don't understand.
Jonathan: (He takes Lex's hand and puts the check in it) I wouldn't expect you would. (He goes back to the truck)
Clark: Lex, I--
Lex: It's okay, Clark. I'll talk to you later.
Clark walks away.
Clark: Dad. Dad! Lex didn't deserve that. People test the land all the time.
Jonathan: I know that, Clark. But this field is where your ship crashed down. If Lex's scientists find anything out here, they could trace it right back to you. Come on.
They get in the truck as Dr. Hamilton walks up to Lex with a plastic bag.
Dr. Hamilton: Lex, you've got to see this. (Lex looks at it) You understand what this could mean.
Lex: More than you know. I want you to handle all the tests personally, then report directly to me.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lana is cleaning in the Talon. Night. Whitney enters.
Whitney: Hey.
Lana: Hey.
Whitney: How you feeling?
Lana: Better. At least the nightmares seemed to have stopped. I'm glad you came by.
Whitney: I got caught up at the store, went home early, started going through some of my dad's things.
Lana: You sure you're ready for that?
Whitney: It's okay. It actually brought back some nice memories. And I found this.
Whitney puts a small box on the table and opens it, revealing three army medals.
Lana: These were your father's?
Whitney: Yeah. I knew he served in Vietnam, but he never talked about it.
Lana: Do you know what they're for?
Whitney: Yeah. They keep a registry on the internet. The silver star is for exceptional valor. He rescued three men in his unit during the f*re fight. He was wounded, but he wouldn't leave his men behind.
Lana: Sounds like your dad. I wonder why he never told you.
Whitney: Maybe he just did. You know, you win a couple football games and people start calling you a hero and it feels good, but maybe he's just trying to tell me that throwing a ball isn't the only way to do something important with your life.
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark looks at pictures of the expl*si*n site in the loft.
Night.
Lex enters.
Lex: I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who's curious in Smallville.
Clark: Hey, Lex. What are you doing here?
Lex: I feel like I owe your father an apology, but I'm not exactly sure why.
Clark: It's not you, it's everything. Money problems, the farm. I guess he just didn't understand what you were doing out in that field.
Lex: I thought I made myself clear.
Clark: (Quickly) You did.
Lex: You don't believe me either.
Clark: I know you get obsessed about things. Like the car accident. I find it hard to believe you'd waste your time supervising a routine land survey if that's what it was.
Lex: My life changed when the meteors h*t and I need to know why.
Clark: You can't let it go?
Lex: This isn't some empty emotional quest, Clark, it's about finding the truth.
Clark: The truth?
Lex: I found a man. He said something besides the meteors came down that day.
Clark: Like what?
Lex: A ship.
Clark: And you believe him?
Lex: I listened. Chances are he's just another crackpot, but I'd be remiss if I didn't check it out.
Clark: And when the next story comes up, you'll be sure to check that one out too.
Lex: Clark...
Clark: When are you going to be able to put your past behind you?
Lex: Take a look at the stars, Clark. Some of them have been extinguished for thousands of years, but their light is only reaching us now. The past is always influencing the present. I can't change that. All I can do is try to understand it.
Act 3 Scene 6
Clark is at the Torch.
Night.
Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Chloe, why aren't you at home sleeping?
Chloe: If I fall asleep, I'll have night mares, so I figure the best thing to do is keep busy. God knows you left enough of a mess for me to clean up.
Clark: Well, I'm glad you're here. (Whitney enters.)
Chloe: Whitney. You sure you're in the right place?
Whitney: Clark called, said he needed my help.
Clark: I think I figured out how Lana got her visions. It was the expl*si*n.
Chloe: You think the blast somehow caused them?
Clark: It was more than that. It connected her with someone at the accident.
Chloe: Clark Kent leaps tall theories in a single bound. How did you arrive at this one?
Clark: Well, apparently there were meteor rocks at the expl*si*n, and I found this article.
Clark hands Chloe a paper.
Chloe: (Reading) The De Kretser Syndrome?
Clark: It's kind of like a post-traumatic stress disorder. There were several cases reported during the London Blitz.
Chloe: Some people who were huddled in shelters would find themselves psychically linked after a b*mb h*t nearby. Okay, I'm sold.
Whitney: According to this, it's in times of stress, anger, or excitement that triggers the visions.
Clark: Who was around Lana after the expl*si*n?
Whitney: Myself and two deputies, Watts and Vertigo.
Clark: (To Chloe) They were with your dad when we told him about Lana's vision.
Chloe: He probably called them himself. They were in a bowling league together.
Clark: Whitney, which one got to her first?
Whitney: It's tough to say. It all happened so fast. You think one of those cops kidnapped Chloe?
Clark: Who would suspect a cop? We have to warn Lana. If one of those guy's is the kidnapper, he knows that Lana's seeing through his eyes.
Whitney: Great. I'll drive.
Chloe: Um, that's okay. We'll take my car.
(They leave)
Act 3 Scene 7
Lana is in the Talon.
Night.
Vertigo enters.
Vertigo: Miss Lang. I know it's late, but I just wanted to ask you a few more questions.
Lana: I'm surprised you found the time.
Vertigo: I know I deserved that.
Lana: Do you want a cup of coffee?
Vertigo: Sure.
Lana: Kay.
Lana goes toward the bar and has a vision of someone entering the Talon. Her view comes up behind Vertigo, and a hand punches him in the face, knocking him out. She sees herself from behind as the man in the mask walks up behind her. She turns around.
Lana: Aaaah!
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Clark, Whitney, and Chloe in the Talon.
Night.
They help Vertigo into a chair.
Whitney: Where's Lana?
Vertigo: I don't know, she was here. The guy must have grabbed her.
Whitney: I'm gonna check the back.
Clark: Deputy, where's your partner tonight?
Vertigo: Gary? Uh, he's working a second job at the carnival grounds. He's a security guard.
Clark: (To Chloe) You said you saw stuffed animals and train tracks.
Chloe: The carnival's closed this time of year. It's a perfect place to hide someone.
Act 4 Scene 2
Lana is tied up in the room with the teddy bears. Night.
Lana: Hello? Hello? Help! Somebody, please help me!
Watts: No one can hear you. How did you see through my eyes?
Lana: I don't know. Deputy Watts, why are you doing this?
Watts: I never wanted to hurt Chloe. I didn't even want money. I wanted to rescue her.
Lana: You kidnapped Chloe so you could take credit for finding her?
Watts: I could have been a good cop! The best cop this town's ever seen! This case would've made my career! But it doesn't matter now. I can still be the hero.
Lana: What are you going to do?
Watts: Solve your m*rder.
Watts takes his g*n out of the holster.
Lana: No. Please, please don't do this.
Watts cocks the g*n.
CUT TO Clark running into the carnival grounds with super speed. He looks around with x-ray vision and sees Watts pointing the g*n at Lana.
Clark: Lana.
Clark super speeds into the room as Watts fires the g*n. We see the b*llet come out in slow motion, and Clark reaches out, stopping it with his hand. It bounces up to a mirror above Lana, shattering it, and he jumps onto her to shield her from the glass. Watts runs away.
Clark: Lana, you all right?
Lana: Clark, it's Watts. Deputy Watts.
Clark takes the tape off of her wrists.
Clark: Stay here. (He runs out)
CUT TO Watts running through the carnival grounds. He ducks behind a crate.
Clark: (Behind Watts) It's over, Watts.
Watts sh**t Clark several times in the chest, having no effect.
Watts: What the hell are you?
Clark picks him up and throws him at the ticket booth as cop cars drive up. Clark super speeds away. Lana, still in the room, sees the cop cars through Watts' eyes. The cops get out and point g*n at him. Clark enters the room.
Clark: Lana.
Cop: (To Watts) Freeze! Drop the g*n!
Watts: Aaaah!
Watts raises the g*n to f*re and the cop fires at him. Lana sees the b*llet coming straight at her view, and when it hits, everything goes black. Clark and Lana come outside and someone watches them through binoculars. We see that it is Roger.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark is working in the loft.
Day.
Chloe enters.
Chloe: Your mom told me you'd be out here.
Clark: Hey. I haven't seen that smile all week. What's up?
Chloe: Well, I've got good news. The Daily Planet called and I got an internship.
Clark: That's great! (He hugs her) You didn't even have to interview.
Chloe: I know. Well, they read my article in the Ledger on the kidnapping cop and I guess my work spoke for itself.
Clark: Congratulations.
Chloe: Thank you.
Clark: So, I guess that means you'll spend the summer in Metropolis.
Chloe: Yeah. Will you come visit me?
Clark: Yeah, of course. I would never pass up an opportunity to see you in your natural habitat. (They both pause)
Chloe: Well, I-I just wanted you to be the first to know, so um, I'll see ya. Bye. (She turns to go)
Clark: Uh, Chloe. Um, uh, do you have plans for the Spring Formal?
Chloe: Not at the moment.
Clark: I was hoping, uh, I was hoping you'd go with me... As my date.
Chloe: I would love to, Clark. Now I'm gonna go before my good karma runs out.
Clark: Chloe. I'm sorry I didn't ask sooner.
Chloe: It's okay. It was worth the wait. (She leaves)
Act 4 Scene 4
Lex is in his study. Day. Dr. Hamilton enters.
Dr Hamilton: Lex. Where's that crop duster of yours? I wanted to talk to him.
Lex: He seems to have disappeared.
Dr. Hamilton: Maybe your visit scared him.
Lex: Something or someone did. What do you have for me?
Dr. Hamilton: (Holding up a plastic bag) The preliminary results of the fragment we recovered.
Lex: So, what is it?
Dr. Hamilton opens the bag and pulls out a small octagonal piece of metal.
Dr. Hamilton: Well, all I can tell you is what it is not.
Lex: I don't like riddles, Doctor.
Dr. Hamilton: Then this object will make you profoundly unhappy. To be honest, Lex, (He puts it on the desk) there is nothing like this alloy on this earth.
Lex looks at the metal thoughtfully.
FADE TO Clark's ship in the storm cellar. There is an indent on the side that is the very same octagonal shape.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x20 - Obscura"} | foreverdreaming |
For Entertainment Purpose Only. No Infringements Intended.
Original Airdate: 21-May-02 l Written by Alfred Gough l Directed by Greg Beeman
© Courtesy of The Smallville Transcripts Center - Transcribed by Shannen a.k.a BuckeyeFan
Open on a sh*t of shiny, expensive shoes. We pan up a man's body slowly, past the expensive pants and billowing black trenchcoat. We pull back to reveal the man is Lex Luthor. Lex is standing outside the LuthorCorp plant, on the helicopter pad. He stares up into the blustery gray sky, his face an unreadable mask. We pan over to see what Lex is looking at--a LuthorCorp Helicopter slowly lowering to the landing pad. Inside, Lionel Luthor flashes his son a wolf like grin as the helicopter lands and he exits, walking briskly toward Lex.
Lionel: (Speaking loudly to be heard over the helicopter) Beautiful day, isn't it?
Lex: (Also speaking loudly) So far, but they're calling for storms later.
Both men turn and head toward a set of stairs that leads to an outdoor platform
Lionel: Well, you know the heartland--some things can change in a minute!
The two men begin climbing the flight of stairs
Lionel: Is everyone assembled?
Lex: 24 hours isn't a lot of notice. Do you plan on giving me the heads up as to the nature of your remarks?
Lionel: Just one of my customary motivational speeches you've heard hundreds of times. (Lionel reaches the landing and greets Gabe Sullivan with a handshake) How are you?
Gabe: (Smiling) How are you doing?
Lionel: Good to see you. (To various other managers assembled on the landing) Good morning. Good to see you. Good morning. f*re up the troops!
Lionel starts up a shorter flight of stairs toward a large platform, with Lex in tow.
Lex: The plant made a profit this quarter for the first time in two years. My people are expecting a pat on the back and they deserve to get it.
Lionel: I'll try not to disappoint them.
Lionel comes out onto the platform to the sound of cheers. He raises his hands, waving in a victory like pose. We pull around to see in front of the platform sit the employees of LuthorCorp Plant Three, cheering and waving to Lionel. Lionel heads toward a podium in the center of the platform as Lex and the other managers fan out behind him.
Lionel: Thank you. Thank you. (Adjusting the mic while the cheers die down) As most of you know, you've all worked extremely hard this past year and you should all be proud of yourselves.
The crowd cheers and applauds. Lionel makes hand motions to quiet the crowd, while Lex looks out on his employees proudly, clapping along with them.
Lionel: Just as a ship can only follow the course set by its captain, any business is only as good as its leadership.
Lex glances at his father in surprise, as he didn't expect his father to comment on Lex's leadership in his remarks.
Lionel: Due to management failures beyond your control, this plant will be closing, effective immediately.
The crowd jeers angrily and boos, while Lex just stares at his father, the earlier surprise on Lex's face giving way to shock.
Lionel: Good luck to all of you.
With that, Lionel swiftly turns and heads toward the steps, Lex quickly following him. The crowd is still quite agitated and upset.
Lex: (Following Lionel down the steps) You just fired 2500 people and blamed it on me.
Lionel: One day you'll thank me, Lex. Smallville isn't in your future. It's just a brief chapter in your biography.
Lex: Don't do this!
Lionel: We live in a meritocracy, Lex. The weak get left behind. The plant wasn't producing. I had no other option.
Lex: (Angrily) Spare me the corporate barbarian spiel! Those people have husbands and wives, children, mortgages!
Lionel: (Heading toward the helicopter) We're in business to make profits, not friends! You can't let your emotions get in the way of making tough decisions.
Lex: (Shouting angrily, and not just to be heard over the helicopter) Don't lecture me about letting emotions get in the way! This plant was showing a profit. You're only shutting it down because I wouldn't go work for you in Metropolis!
Lionel: Lex, you may have felt that you found a home here, but you were mistaken! This was just your training ground. (Lionel starts toward the helicopter) Well, your training is over!
Lex looks on, his face one of anger and disbelief.
Lionel: (Opening the door to the helicopter) You're coming home, son!
With that, Lionel climbs inside and the helicopter takes off, leaving Lex standing there, clenching his jaw in anger, looking again at the gray sky as the helicopter flies away.
(Opening Credits)
sh*t of a hallway inside Smallville High. Pete is standing talking to a friend, as Clark comes into view, carrying pages from a magazine.
Clark: Pete! I need your opinion. (Shows Pete the magazine pages) Classic black or traditional red?
The two boys begin walking down the hallway together.
Pete: For what?
Clark: (Frustrated) My tie-cummberband combo. I gotta get my tux order in today!
Pete: (Grabbing one of the pages from Clark's hands) If I were you, I'd stick with the traditional black. This is no time to get adventurous.
Clark: (Taking the page back) You're right.
Lana comes up from around the corner and walks up behind the boys, hearing the end of their conversation.
Lana: I don't know Clark. Red always looks good on you.
Clark: Then red it is.
Pete: (To Lana) Thanks. Now I got to go make a call and change my order. Don't want people mistaking us for twins.
Clark:Yeah, because that happens all the time.
Pete walks off, and Lana and Clark continue down the hall.
Lana: (Laughing) You seem really excited about the dance.
Clark: I am. But between the tickets, renting the tux, and buying flowers, it gets expensive.
Lana: (Dryly) You should try finding the right dress. I guess the limo's out.
Clark: I'm actually thinking of asking Lex if I can borrow his. Chloe said she doesn't care, but deep down I know she wants one. I'm trying to surprise her thought, so keep it between us.
Lana: My lips are sealed.
In the background, we see Chloe, wearing an upset expression on her face, rushing toward Clark and Lana. Clark turns and sees her, and his expression instantly goes from one of amusement to one of concern when he sees her face.
Clark: (Concerned) Chloe?
Chloe: They're closing the LuthorCorp Plant.
Clark and Lana look around, puzzled.
Cut to a sh*t close up sh*t of the Smallville Ledger. The bold headline informs us this is a special edition, and the lead story announces "LuthorCorp Plant To Close.Management Problems" cited. We pull back and see we are inside the Kent farmhouse. Clark comes in the back door, while his parents sit on the couch in the living room, reading the newspaper. The back page of the newspaper also contains a story on LuthorCorp, this one regarding the history of the plant.
Clark: So you heard.
Martha: (Nodding) The Ledger rushed a special edition. They haven't done that since the meteor shower.
Clark crosses the room, taking off his backpack and sitting across from his parents.
Clark: (Sadly) I talked to Chloe. She's pretty upset.
Jonathan: I spoke to her father. He's in shock.
Martha: I don't blame him.
Clark: (Concerned) How's this gonna affect us?
Martha: Well, that plant was Smallville's biggest employer. Shutting it down is gonna have a domino effect on everyone.
Jonathan: (Resignedly) I can't believe that Lex would run the thing into the ground in less than a year.
Clark: Why are you blaming Lex? His dad closed the plant. Lex just...
Jonathan: (Interrupting) Son, whatever issues Lionel Luthor has with his son have now cost half the town their jobs.
Clark: (Annoyed) You should be happy then. It means Lex is going back to Metropolis and out of our lives.
Jonathan: (Angrily) The plant closing is going to hurt a lot of people, Clark. Now as much as I would like Lex out of our lives, I wouldn't wish that one anybody.
Clark: (Apologetic) I know, Dad. (Getting up from his seat) It's just...Lex cares about the town. He said he had big plans.
Jonathan: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Jonathan gets up and leaves, as Clark watches him go, thinking about what he said.
Cut to a sh*t of an open field. Lana and Whitney are out walking. Whitney is behind Lana, covering her eyes with his hands, guiding her toward a surprise he has for her.
Whitney: Okay. Turn. We're almost there.
Lana laughs
Lana: All right. Okay.
Whitney: Stop. Open your eyes.
Lana stops, and Whitney removes his hands from her eyes. He embraces her from behind as Lana looks around. Her eyes widen as she takes in the romantic picnic Whitney has spread out before her, next to a pond in the field.
Lana: (Impressed) Wow. (She turns to him, puzzled) Why are you being so mysterious?
Whitney: Can't a guy plan a picnic for his girlfriend?
Lana: (Laughing) I'm not complaining. It's just kind of spontaneous.
The two sit down on the blanket.
Whitney: (Jokingly) Are you saying I'm usually boring?
Lana: (Laughing) I'm saying this is very nice. I'm just wondering what the occasion is.
Whitney: (Presenting Lana with a rose) It's to thank you for everything. It's been a difficult year, and you stood by me. I pushed you away--you could have made other choices, and you didn't.
Lana: We've been together a long time. I would never abandon you when you needed me.
Whitney: (Seriously) There's something I wanna tell you.
He turns and pulls something out of his backpack. As he's doing this, Lana continues talking.
Lana: (Nervously) Whitney...you know...ahem...maybe we should...
Whitney retrieves what he's looking for, and turns to hand it to Lana. It's a folded piece of paper.
Lana: (Looking seriously at Whitney) What's this?
Whitney: (Nervously) Read it.
Lana unfolds the letter. At the top of the stationary, we see the letterhead reads "United States Marine Corps"
Lana: The United States Marine Corps?
Whitney: (Excited, but nervous) I enlisted. I think it's the right thing for me to do.
Lana continues to stare at the letter in shock.
Whitney: When I found my dad's medals, I felt he was telling me which path I should take.
Lana: You can't do this for your father...
Whitney: I'm not. I'm doing it for us.
Lana looks at Whitney in shock.
Whitney: Please. Don't be mad.
Lana: (Shaking her head as she goes back to staring at the letter) It's just so fast, you know? I need some time to process it.
Whitney: I don't have a lot of time.
Lana looks up and meets Whitney's eyes, upset.
Whitney: I ship out for basic training Saturday night.
Lana's jaw drops.
Lana: What about graduation?
Whitney: The only thing I'm gonna miss in Smallville is you. (Pauses) Will you wait for me?
Lana just stares at Whitney, unsure of what to say.
Cut to a sh*t of the outside of Luthor Manor. We then cut to a sh*t of the small disc Lex found in the field. It's lying on his desk. A hand reaches out and grabs it. As we pull back, we see Clark is the one picking up the disc. He looks at it, and swallows nervously. He knows it's a piece of his ship. He glances around, unsure of what to do. We see a flash of blue behind him as someone approaches.
Lex: (Entering the study, carrying some folders of work) Clark, I got your messages...but I've been having a bad day.
Lex crosses around and goes behind his desk.
Clark: Nice paperweight.
Lex sees Clark holding the disc.
Lex: Yeah. Very unique. Sure you can afford being seen with the town pariah?
Clark: (Setting the disc down) I'll take my chances.
Clark sits across from Lex's desk.
Clark: (Seriously) What happened Lex?
Lex: The two theories seem to be...I either ran the plant into the ground through incompetence, or did it deliberately so I could go back to Metropolis.
Clark: Your dad already offered you a job in Metropolis. Just tell people the truth.
Lex: Then I get stuck with the incompetence rap. Being reviled is the lesser evil.
Clark: I guess you're going back to Metropolis then.
Lex: That's why my father orchestrated his coup, but this isn't over.
Clark: You have a plan?
Lex: Maybe.
Lex stares off, thinking, as Clark watches him.
Clark: You have a lot of work to do.
Clark gets up to leave Lex to his work.
Lex: Clark, thanks for stopping by. It means a lot.
Clark: What are friends for?
Lex gives Clark a small smile as Clark turns to leave. As Clark walks out, Lex picks up the disc and studies it for a moment, sighing. He then opens a compartment in a small box on his desk and places the disc inside for safekeeping.
Cut to a sh*t of the Smallville Torch's office. Chloe is working on a computer as Clark enters the office.
Clark: (Reaching over to grab a chair) I thought I'd find you here.
Chloe: My dad and I can't really do the whole depressed thing together, so...
Clark: You know, if you're not up for Saturday night, I understand.
Chloe turns quickly to look at Clark.
Chloe: Are you kidding me? It's the only thing I have to look forward to right now. (Gets up to put some papers in a file cabinet) Besides, I want to enjoy all the quaint Smallville High customs while I still can.
Clark: Why? Where are you going?
Chloe" src="http://foreverdreaming.org/images/smilies/frown.gif"> Matter of factly) My dad's talking about moving us back to Metropolis. Permanently.
Clark: (Getting up from his chair, upset) What about the Torch and all your friends?
Chloe: (Trying to brush him off) I can't even think about that right now.
Chloe tries to cross the office quickly, but Clark reaches out and stops her.
Clark: (Upset) Hey!
Chloe: (sighing) Clark, I'm not exactly psyched about having to fight my way though the high school hierarchy all over again.
Clark gives Chloe a sympathetic smile.
Chloe: You're gonna miss me, right?
Clark: (A bit insulted that she'd think that) You even have to ask?
Chloe: Just promise me Saturday night is gonna be great.
Clark: (Smiling) It'll be a night you won't forget.
Chloe returns his smile, before reaching out and picking a piece of lint off his shirt. They continue to smile at each other.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study. We see Gabe Sullivan and several other managers from the plant who were present in the opening scene milling around. Lex greets them as he enters the room.
Lex: I appreciate you coming. My father doesn't know about this meeting, and I'd like to keep it that way. (Walks behind his desk) When I first came here, people assumed I was just another glaring example of nepotism---unskilled and promoted over the heads of the more competent and deserving. But I'd like to think the people in this room feel differently. If we can raise the capital for an employee lead buy-out, we can keep the plant running.
Lex hands a folder containing his proposal to one of the managers.
Manager: Buyout?
Lex: I can raise nearly 90% of the capital.
Manager: (Disbelieving) What about the rest? We're supposed to mortgage our houses?
Lex: It's a risk, I know, but in exchange, the investors will become minority owners.
Gabe: Doesn't your father control the board? What makes you think he's gonna go along with a buyout?
Lex: I know a couple of members I can convince, and I don't need a unanimous decision. I'm offering you the chance to take control of your own destiny. Stand with me, and we will win.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon sign, lit up against the night sky. The marquee declares it the home of "Smallville's Best Cappucino." A couple of kids filter out as Clark enters. He walks in, obviously upset. He leans against the wall, lost in thought. Lana, looking up from clearing tables, sees him.
Lana: Clark? Out wandering the streets of Smallville?
She smiles, but Clark doesn't return the smile as he sighs and walks over to sit on the steps leading to the balcony.
Lana: (Concerned) What is it?
Clark: (Sitting down on the steps) I just...uh...found out that Chloe might be leaving for good. I'm not sure I really believe it's true.
Lana: I know what you mean.
Lana sits on a chair across from Clark.
Clark: You do?
Lana: (Takes a deep breath) Whitney's going off to join the Marines.
Clark: That's intense.
Lana: He told me he was doing it for us...and asked if I'd wait for him.
Clark: (Surprised) Really. What did you say?
Lana: (Laughs disbelievingly) Nothing. I kind of just stood there in stunned silence. One day he's worried about his English paper, and the next he's putting on a uniform and saving the world.
Clark: So you didn't commit?
Lana: I told him I wasn't sure.
Clark: When's he head out?
Lana: (Looking down at her hands) Saturday night.
Clark: (Dryly) I guess you don't have to worry about your dress.
Clark's joke works as Lana laughs.
Lana: I can't believe both Whitney and Chloe are gonna be out of our lives.
Clark: Me neither.
Lana: (Matter of factly) I guess we get left behind Clark.
Clark and Lana just stare at each other sadly.
Cut to a sh*t of a fencepost being pounded into the ground with great force. We pull back and see it's the next day, and Clark is in the field, planting posts for a fence into the ground. He walks back and forth, grabbing fenceposts out of the back of the pickup truck, then driving them into the ground angrily. After a few posts, he stops and sighs, leaning against a post and thinking about whatever has him upset. He then goes over and grabs his jacket off the roof of the truck. He pulls it on before climbing inside and starting the truck.
As Clark starts the truck, we pull back and see the front of the truck explode into a massive fireball. Soon, the entire truck is engulfed in flames and a huge fireball from the expl*si*n billows into the sky, black smoke everywhere. We see the drivers side door of the truck fly off with great force, and Clark calmly steps from the truck. His jacket is on f*re as he slowly walks away from the burning truck, taking off his jacket as he goes. He turns to look at the truck and tosses his jacket on the ground. Clark's face is covered with soot, and his T-shirt is in shreds. He rips the T-shirt off his body and tosses it down with his jacket as he stares at what's left of the truck.)
Cut to a sh*t of Clark looking at the truck, only this time we're seeing it from the viewfinder of a camcorder. We pull back to see Roger Nixon inside a car parked nearby, holding a detonator in one hand and the camcorder in the other as he watches Clark.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark inside the house, coming down the steps from his room, buttoning up a clean flannel shirt. Martha and Jonathan approach him as he reaches the bottom of the stairs.
Clark: (Still descending the stairs) What do you think caused the expl*si*n?
Jonathan: Son, my guess is it was a leaky fuel line. The fumes must have ignited the fertilizer in the back of the truck. I'm sorry. I should have checked it better.
Clark: I'm just glad I was in the cab and not one of you guys.
Martha: (Hugging Clark tightly) Oh, sweetheart!
Clark: The truth is, I barely felt the heat this time. And the debris didn't leave any bruises.
Martha and Jonathan share a concerned look.
Martha: As you get older, your body must be getting stronger.
Clark looks surprised, and looks to Jonathan, who simply nods.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex inside his study. He's sitting in a leather chair, his feet propped up on the matching ottoman in front of him. His laptop is open on his lap, and he rubs his temple as he reads the screen. We see a sh*t of the screen and it appears he's reading an email advising him about the current crisis. Lex smiles for a second and swallows hard, before pushing a button and switching the screen over to some standard spreadsheets...not a moment too soon, as Lionel throws open the doors to the study.
Lionel: (Sarcastically) What? You're not in a hurry to pack?
Lex: (Sighs) That's because I'm not leaving.
Lionel: Accept your fate, Lex. It's time to move on.
Lex: (Matter of factly) I'm forcing a vote of the board of directors to accept an employee lead buy-out of the plant.
Lionel: (Laughing as he pours himself a drink) What are you going to do? Convince the employees to take out a second mortgage? (Mock surprise) Cash in their IRA's.
Lex: Something like that.
Lionel: Even if you sell all your stock and drain your trust fund, you still come up short, Lex. What are you going to do about the rest of the money, hmm?
Lionel crosses the room to stand behind Lex. Lex quickly closes his laptop so Lionel can't see the screen and Lionel half-sits on the back of the chair.
Lex: Take the buyout now and you can keep your dignity. (Lionel laughs) It's more than you left me.
Lionel: That's very gracious of you, son. You might want to look at this first.
Lionel pulls several folded papers from his suit pocket and tosses them onto Lex's lap. Lex unfolds them and reads them as Lionel gets up from the back of the chair and stands in the center of the room, sipping his drink and looking out the window behind Lex's desk.
Lex: (Not at all surprised) You've bought the Smallville Savings and Loan.
Lionel: Go ahead. Lead your buy-out. But remember, I own your employees mortgages. As soon as they begin missing payments, I won't hesitate to foreclose on each and every one of them. (Lex just smiles, annoyed, and rubs his eyebrow as Lionel talks) They'll be homeless, and it'll be your fault. You ready to accept that kind of responsibility?
Lex remains silent, rubbing his eyebrow as if he has a Lionel induced headache and studying the deed to the bank
Lionel: If you're going to take me on, son, you're going to have to bring your game up to a whole different level.
Lex just gives Lionel a small, annoyed smile.
Cut to a sh*t of a stairway in Smallville High, bustling with students. Clark sees Chloe coming down the steps and meets her on the landing and they descend the stairs together.
Clark: Chloe! Where have you been all day?
Chloe: I just went to pick up my dress.
Clark: We have a problem.
Chloe: (Dismayed) You can't go.
Clark: I just can't pick you up. My transportation kind of went up in flames. I was gonna ask Lex if I could borrow his limo, but with all the plant craziness...
Chloe: (Relieved) Clark, I'll drive.
Clark: (Embarrassed) That ruins the whole Prince Charming vibe.
Chloe: (Smiling) Cinderella was never really my role model.
Clark and Chloe laugh. As they walk down the hall, they pass Lana and Whitney, who are surrounded by Whitney's football buddies, listening to Whitney explain why he joined the Marines.
Whitney: I dunno, man. It's just something I gotta do.
Chloe: (Once they're out of earshot of Whitney) So...Whitney's off to fight evil for Uncle Sam.
Clark: I heard.
Chloe: That technically makes Lana a free agent.
Clark and Chloe reach Chloe's locker. Clark leans against the locker next to hers while Chloe fiddles with the combination of her locker.
Clark: He asked her to wait for him.
Chloe: (Laughs slightly as she turns to look at Whitney and Lana) Long distance relationships never work. People change, have different experiences. (Turns back to Clark) It's kind of like us, you know? I'm sure after a couple of weeks, you'll forget all about me.
Clark: (Upset) Chloe!
Chloe: (Sighs and rushes through her speech) OK, I just--I have this horrible nightmare that you are going to rush to the bus station after Whitney leaves and profess your undying love for Lana, and I'm going to be waiting at the gym all alone, and if you do that to me Clark, I will never speak to you again, OK? I said it.
Clark: (Seriously) Chloe.
She looks at him worriedly, but he puts his hands on her shoulders, leans in and gives her a gentle, lingering kiss on the cheek. As he does so, Lana walks by. From her perspective, it looks as if Clark is kissing Chloe on the lips, and Lana expression reveals she's somewhat bothered by that as she passes them and continues down the hall.
Clark pulls back from Chloe and smiles at her.
Clark: I'm going to the dance with you, not by default, but because I want to.
Chloe smiles, a little embarrassed by her outburst.
Chloe: All right, I feel better now.
Clark returns her smile with one of his own.
Cut to a sh*t of the marquee of the Talon. It's afternoon, and the marquee reads "Congrats Grads. Now what". Inside, we see Clark walking through, looking at his styrofoam cup of coffee with a grin on his face. As he walks past, a hand darts out and grabs his arm. We see the hand belongs to Roger Nixon.
Nixon: If I could just have one minute of your time, Clark...
Clark: (Suspicious) How do you know my name?
Nixon: Roger Nixon. I'm a journalist with the Inquisitor...and I would very much like to write a story about you.
Clark: Thanks. But I'm really not interested.
Clark walks past Nixon, who follows him.
Nixon: Why weren't you hurt in that expl*si*n? You *were* in the truck on the farm.
Clark stops d*ad in his tracks.
Clark: (Nervously) Wh..I was nowhere near that truck.
Lex: (Off screen) Am I missing something interesting?
Nixon: Lex?
As Nixon turns around, we see Lex standing in the doorway behind him, watching the two of them. Nixon studies Lex a little fearfully.
Lex: (Walking toward them) You know my name, but I don't know yours.
Nixon: (A bit suspicious) Roger Nixon. I work for the Inquisitor.
Lex: (Amused) When is someone going to put that bad excuse for a tabloid out of it's misery?
Nixon: (A bit insulted) It was nice meeting you, Lex. (Lex nods, and Nixon turns to Clark) I'm sure we'll talk again soon, Clark.
Nixon leaves and Clark stares after him nervously. Lex studies Clark for a moment, before turning to watch Nixon leave.
Lex: What was that all about?
Clark: He wants to do a story on me. Make me out to be some kind of hero.
Lex: The Inquisitor's a rag Clark. If I were you, I wouldn't get mixed up with him.
Clark: I don't intend to.
Lex: (Looking back to where Nixon exited) If he gives you any more trouble, let me know.
Lex walks off, and Clark watches him, thinking about what just happened.
Cut to a sh*t inside the barn. Jonathan is sawing something with the table saw, while Martha watches and drinks coffee. Clark walks in, slowly, as if he has something to tell them but doesn't want to.
Jonathan: Hi son.
Clark doesn't reply.
Jonathan: Something wrong?
Clark: (Quietly) A journalist from the Inquisitor wants to do a story on me. He knows I was in the truck. I don't think it was an accident...I think he set it up. To test me.
Martha: (Concerned) How did he know you'd survive?
Clark: He must have seen me do something before.
Jonathan looks a bit upset at this news, remembering when this happened before.
Clark: (Upset) Look, I swear, ever since Phalen I've been so careful!
Jonathan: (Reassuringly) Clark, it's not your fault.
Clark: What do I do?
Jonathan: Carry on like everything's fine. Go to school, take Chloe to the dance, and if this reporter's really got something, I'm sure he'll come talk to us.
Martha nods in agreement.
Clark nods, then pauses. He starts to leave, then turns back to his parents, then turns to leave again, obviously torn between wanting to tell them something and wanting to keep it to himself. Martha notices this.
Martha: What else?
Clark: (Hesitantly) I think Lex has a piece of the spaceship.
Jonathan: (Shocked and intense) Are you sure?!
Clark: I saw it on his desk. It's the missing piece.
(Cut to a sh*t outside the barn)
Clark: (Off screen, his voice sounding as if it's coming through a radio) He must have found it out in the field. I don't know if he suspects anything, but who knows what he's going to do?
We pan down and see Roger Nixon, sitting in his car staring at the barn. He's wearing earphones, listening to the conversation inside the Kent farm, which he has bugged.
(Cut to a sh*t back inside the barn)
Clark: We all know how persistent Lex can be, and...
Martha: (Shaking her head, upset) He can't trace it to us.
Jonathan: You're mother's right, son. We'll just keep our heads low. So when you do your...
Cut to a sh*t of Nixon watching outside, and Jonathan's voice coming through the headphones.
Jonathan:...chores, don't use your abilities. And whatever you do, stay away from that storm cellar.
Back inside the barn, Clark nods in agreement, a concerned look on his face.
Cut to a sh*t the next day of the outside of Luthor Manor. We go inside and see a hand opening the small compartment on Lex's desk and removing the disk. As we pan up, we see it's Roger Nixon. He studies the disk, and clutches it in his hand, hiding it, as he hears Lex coming down the stairs toward the office.
Lex enters his study, an annoyed look on his face. The annoyance is intensified as he sees Nixon sitting in Lex's chair with his feet propped up on Lex's desk.
Nixon: (Casually) You wanted to see me, Lex? I'm surprised you even remembered my name.
Lex: (Crossing his office) I warned you to stay away from the Kents.
Roger: (Sarcastically as he gets out of the chair) Well, let me guess. This is where you remind me of all the terrible things you can have done to me.
Lex: (Angrily) Roger, as I'm sure you're well aware, I'm a little pre-occupied at the moment. I don't have time to deal with your petty annoyances.
Roger: Well, what I have discovered is beyond you and your problems. And your thr*at.
Roger sits in the leather chair and puts his feet up as Lex glares at him from behind his desk.
Lex: This new found self assurance doesn't suit you, Roger.
Nixon: Be nice Lex. Or I may not let you bid on my discovery. And I know you want to...especially when you consider all your interest in the, uh, crash site, and the Kents.
Lex: What was found out there has nothing to do with the Kents or with you.
Nixon: Are you certain?
Lex: (Angrily) Roger, for all your bravado, you have yet to show me anything.
Roger: I'll show you all the evidence you need. Tonight. And you'll see for yourself, there's a whole lot more to your friend Clark Kent than meets the eye.
This last statement angers Lex further, and he comes out from behind his desk, walking up until he's nose to nose with Nixon.
Lex: (thr*at) I swear, if you harass Clark or his parents--
Roger: Who said anything about harassment? Maybe I'll just tell them the truth--that you turned me on to them. And if you're not interested in what I have...I know of another Luthor who will be.
Lex: You are playing a very dangerous game. You'd better pray you're not wrong.
Cut to a sh*t of a book, it's pages being flipped by the wind. We pull back and see we're inside Clark's Fortress of Solitude. He's standing in front of a mirror, dressed in his tuxedo and fiddling with his bow tie. He hears a noise below and assumes it's his mom.
Clark: Mom, can you gimme a hand with this?
When he gets no answer and hears footsteps too heavy to be Martha's, he stops what he's doing.
Clark: (Suspiciously) Who's there?
As he turns toward the steps, we see Lex ascending the stairs.
Lex: (Chuckling) It's me, Clark. You all right?
Clark: (Relieved) Yeah, I'm fine.
Lex: Really. You seem a little tense.
Clark: (Grinning nervously as he resumes fiddling with his tie) It's just the dance and everything.
Lex: (Amused as he watches Clark fumbling with the tie) Come here. (Lex reaches out and begins to tie the bow tie correctly) I'm sure I've tied more of these than your mother.
Clark: I thought you were holed up in the mansion?
Lex: (Concentrating on the tie) I needed to clear my head. Took a drive, ended up here. (Amused) I didn't mean to bother you on your big day.
Clark: (Sincerely) I've got a little time. Chloe's picking me up.
Lex: (Chuckling as he finishes the tie) That's very progressive. What happened to the truck?
Clark: (Nervously) Farming accident. You know how it is. (Grabs his tuxedo jacket off a nearby hook) So how goes the bailout?
Lex: Not sure, Clark. I think it's going to get ugly before it gets better. My father is d*ad set against me succeeding.
Clark: (Pulling on his jacket) Why would your father be against the plant?
Lex: We have a complicated relationship, Clark. My father wants me to believe it's built on trust, but it's not. It's built on lies and deceit. Any relationship with that foundation is destined to fail. (Lex gives Clark a small smile) Lucky we don't have that problem.
Clark: (Smiling nervously) Lucky us.
Clark goes back to the mirror and adjusts his jacket, as Lex comes to stand next to him.
Lex: (Sincerely) I want you to know whatever happens in the next few days, I'm still your friend and that's never gonna change. I hope you feel the same way.
Clark looks at Lex with a concerned expression.
Clark: I do. What do you think is going to happen?
Lex: I don't know. Just got a bad feeling. Kind of like when you can smell the air change before a storm.
Clark: Storms are a way of life around here, Lex. The trick is not to get caught out in the open.
Lex studies Clark for a moment, then gives him a small smile.
Lex: (Sincerely) Look after yourself.
Lex turns to leave as Clark watches him go.
Cut to a sh*t inside the trophy case at Smallville High. We pan around and see Whitney and Lana looking inside, studying the trophies.
Whitney: (Sadly) It's hard to believe. I thought my whole life was in that trophy case. Now it all seems so trivial.
Whitney and Lana walk away from the case, arms around each other.
Lana: I should get you to the bus station.
Whitney: (Stopping and turning to Lana) Hey. My bus doesn't leave for an hour. How about we go check out the gym.
Lana: Okay.
Whitney kisses Lana on the forehead and leads her to the gym and flips on the lights. There are balloons all over the floor, decorations all over the walls, small twinkling lights hanging from the ceiling, mirror ball above the dance floor.
Lana: It's beautiful.
Whitney: Where is everyone?
Lana: An hour before the dance, the set up committee goes home to get ready.
As Lana crosses the floor to stand in the center of the gym to take in all the decorations, Whitney makes his way over to a small radio left by one of the kids on the set-up committee. He pops open the top and inserts a CD he's brought. He presses play, and "Everything" by Lifehouse begins to play as he walks over to Lana. He smiles, and she smiles back as he reaches out and pulls her bag off of her shoulder and sets it on the floor.
Whitney: You're missing the spring formal because of me. We still have time for one last dance.
Lana smiles and moves into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder as they begin to slow-dance.
Whitney: (Softly) I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I enlisted.
Lana: (Pulling back to look at Whitney) I think you're very brave.
Lana puts her head back on Whitney's shoulder, as they continue to dance. Lana's face is unsure--not sure of how she feels about Whitney leaving.
Whitney: I know this is kind of sudden...that you're not sure how you feel about us...
Lana: (Pulling back to look into Whitney's eyes again) Whitney...let's just dance.
Lana puts her head back on his shoulder and they both continue the dance, their conflicting emotions crossing their faces as the scene fades out.
Cut to a scene of the Kent driveway. We see Chloe's red car pulling in, as Clark heads out of the house, clutching a corsage box in his hands. Chloe climbs out of the car, the wind whipping at her fuscia dress.
Chloe: (Excitedly) Hi! (Stops so Clark can see her dress) Whaddya think? Too pink?
Clark: (Surprised) No, you look... you look beautiful.
Chloe: (happily) Thank you. (Laughs and indicates Clark's tux) You clean up nicely yourself. (Touches Clark's tie) What happened to the red tie?
Clark: Oh. Instinct told me it was the wrong way to go.
Chloe: (Laughs, then points to the corsage box) Is that for me?
Clark: Oh, yeah.
Clark opens the corsage box, and slides a pretty fucisha corsage on Chloe's wrist.
Chloe: (Happily) Oh, wow! It's beautiful! (Smiles at Clark, then remembers) Oh! I have yours!
Chloe pulls out a white rose boutonnière from her bag and holds it up to Clark's lapel, fumbling with the pin.
Chloe: Okay...
Chloe pins the flower on to Clark's lapel, flinching as she pricks her finger.
Chloe: (Concerned) Oh! Did I get you?
Clark: (Shaking his head) Nuh-uh.
Clark and Chloe stare at each other, Clark looking as if he's seeing Chloe for the first time. Chloe breaks the stare first
Chloe: We should go.
Clark: (Grinning widely) Yeah. Well...here we go.
Chloe heads for her car
Clark: I'll get the door.
Chloe: Okay.
Clark opens the drivers side car door and holds it open for Chloe.
Chloe: (Sliding into the car) Thanks. (Looking up at the sky) Looks like a storm is coming.
Clark: Yeah. (Starting to close the car door) In?
Chloe: In.
Clark closes the door and crosses over to get in the passenger side. As he does so, we cut to a sh*t of Roger Nixon, watching the scene from his parked car though a pair of binoculars. He watches as the car pulls out of the drive. He then opens his closed fist and begins turning the piece of the ship he swiped from Lex over in his hands.
Cut to a sh*t of the school parking lot. Limos are pulling into the lot, and couples dressed in formal wear scurry across the parking lot as the rain begins to fall and the wind begins to pick up. Chloe's managed to get a space right next to the school, and Clark hurries to open the car door for her.
Clark: (Hair being blown every which way by the wind) This is crazy!
Chloe: (Climbing out of the car and laughing) I know!
Clark helps Chloe from the car.
Clark: You okay?
Chloe nods, and Clark puts his arm around her, trying to shield her from the wind. She puts her arm around his waist.
Chloe: Let's go!
Clark: Let's get inside.
Chloe laughs, and the two join the mass of students rushing inside the school. As Clark and Chloe enter the school, they're greeted by Whitney and Lana, who are leaving.
Lana: (Impressed) Wow! You guys look great.
Chloe: (laughing as she models her dress) Why thank you, Miss Rivers. It's faux-Wang.
Pete and his date--who looks like a young Mariah Carey--approach.
Chloe: Hi! Hi Erica!
Erica: Hi!
Pete: (Stammering nervously) Hey, Chloe...could you, uh...
Erica: (Taking the camera from Pete's hands) He wants you to take our picture.
Chloe: Oh, yeah, sure! (Turns to Clark) I'll just be a second. (Reaches up, and wipes some stray raindrops from Clark's face) I think he wants proof that this night actually happened.
As Chloe walks off with Erica and Pete, Clark turns to Whitney and Lana.
Whitney: Well...I guess this is it.
Clark: (sincerely) Good luck, Whitney.
Whitney: Lana, could I have a minute alone with Clark?
Lana: Sure. I'll, uh, bring the truck around.
Whitney" src="http://foreverdreaming.org/images/smilies/frown.gif"> Handing Lana the keys) Okay.
Lana: (Smiling) Thanks.
Lana heads out the doors as Whitney and Clark watch, then walk toward the doors.
Whitney: (Sighing) You and I have had a weird year. I started out thinking you just wanted to steal Lana. (Apologetically) I'm not trying to make excuses, but...I did some things I'm not proud of. I'm sorry, Clark.
Clark: (Shaking Whitney's hand) I appreciate that.
Whitney: (Taking a deep breath) Listen, Clark...there's something I want to ask you. A favor.
Clark looks a bit confused and surprised.
Clark: Okay.
Whitney: Lana's not sure how she feels about our relationship right now. But I am. I need you to look after her until I get back.
Clark: (Hesitant and surprised) I really don't know what to say...
Whitney: Say yes.
Clark: Okay.
Whitney: Clark?
Clark: (Thinks for a second) I promise.
The conversation is interrupted by a horn honking. The two look out to see Lana waiting outside in the parked truck. She motions to Whitney to come over.
Whitney: (Claps Clark on the shoulder) Thanks.
Clark: (Calling out after Whitney) Good luck.
Clark moves to stand in the doorway, watching as Whitney gets in the truck. Lana looks out the passenger window and she and Clark stare at each other for a moment, before Lana raises her hand in a sad wave. Clark gives her a sad smile and raises his hand to wave back. The truck pulls away, and Chloe approaches Clark from behind.
Chloe: What was that all about?
Clark: (Dismissively) Oh, just guy stuff. (Looks Chloe up and down) Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?
Clark offers his arm to Chloe, who takes it as they head for the gym.
Chloe: Yeah, but frequent reminders are always appreciated.
Cut to a sh*t of Whitney's truck pulling into the Smallville bus station. In the parking lot, people board a Grayhound bus. Whitney parks the truck next to the bus, and turns to Lana.
Lana: (With false cheerfulness) Do you have everything?
Whitney: You're only allowed one bag.
Lana: (Dryly) I'd never make it as a Marine.
Whitney and Lana laugh at her joke.
Lana: I want you to have this for luck.
Lana takes Whitney's hand, and places her meteor necklace in his palm.
Whitney: (Touched) I won't lose it this time.
Lana smiles sadly, and Whitney pulls her into an embrace. He squeezes his eyes shut, trying not to cry, and Lana does the same.
Whitney: (Softly) Goodbye, Lana.
Whitney releases Lana, and gets out of the truck. He grabs his bag out of the back, looks at Lana, and heads for the bus. Lana watches him go, and a look of realization crosses her face--he's really leaving. Whitney sets his bag on the bus steps and turns to look at Lana one last time. As he does, Lana flings open the door to the truck and runs to Whitney. She throws her arms around him and embraces him tightly, trying not to cry.
Whitney: (In a loud whisper, trying to be heard over the whipping wind) I loved you the first moment that I saw you. I'll still love you when I see you again.
Lana pulls back from the embrace, and she and Whitney kiss tenderly. As they break the kiss, Whitney and Lana give each other a last look, before Whitney boards the bus. Lana sighs and watches as the bus pulls out of the parking lot.
Cut to a scene in the Kent storm cellar. Light spills down the steps as the door opens, and cautious footsteps are heard as someone descends the stairs. It's Nixon, armed with a video camera, on the top of which is mounted a large light. He peers around, and stops in front of a large mass covered by a tarp. He reaches down, and pulls off the tarp, revealing Clark's ship. He looks amazed.
Nixon: (Filming the ship) Oh Roger! Baby! You are going to be *filthy* rich!
As he circles the ship, Roger zooms in on an octagon shaped impression that perfectly matches the piece in his possession.
Cut to a scene inside the high school gym. Prom is in full swing, with Remy Zero on stage performing "Save Me" as students pack the dance floor. Pete is standing by the punchbowl, enjoying the music as Clark approaches.
Clark: Hey!
Pete: (excitedly) Hey, Chloe's having a great time!
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe standing with Erica and a few other girls, talking and laughing.
Clark: (Happily) I promised her a night she'd never forget.
Pete: (Watching Chloe) I'm glad you finally stepped up, Clark.
Clark: (Drinking punch and watching Chloe as well) Me too. (Points to the band on stage) Hey, I like these guys.
Pete: Yeah. (Shouts excitedly toward the stage as he raises his fist) Remy Zero!
Remy Zero wraps up "Save Me" as everyone applauds, then launches into "Perfect Memory." Chloe looks thrilled as she hears the song.
Chloe: (To the other girls) Oh! I love this song!
Pete: Hey, you know this is one of Chloe's favorite songs.
Clark: (Grinning) Why do you think I requested it?
Clark heads toward Chloe as Pete laughs.
Pete: Ha ha ha ha! Now that's what I'm talking about!
Clark approaches Chloe, who stops talking to the girls and smiles as she sees him. All the other girls grin excitedly at Chloe.
Clark: (Offering his arm to Chloe) May I have this dance?
Chloe: (Taking Clark's arm) Of course.
The two smile at each other and laugh as they head out to the dance floor. They find a spot on the floor, and Clark pulls Chloe close for a slow dance, staring into her eyes.
Cut to a sh*t of Whitney's truck, speeding down the road. We can still hear the Remy Zero song, intercut through the scenes of Prom and Lana. The sky is filled with dark clouds, and thunder cracks as Lana drives down the road, tears streaming down her face. She wipes at the tears, and jumps as thunder rumbles nearby. From Lana's POV, we see the air is filled with debris being carried by the wind. From out of nowhere, a row of mailboxes appears, flying through the air. They crash into Lana's windshield, and she screams as she loses control of the truck, plowing it into a ditch. She's pitched forward hard as the truck hits the ditch, but appears unhurt. Scared and crying, she pushes her hair out of her eyes and exits the truck, falling to the ground. She climbs to her feet, struggling against the wind, which is whipping with gale force. She walks toward the road, trying to push her hair out of her eyes so she can see. She finally does, and stops, a look of terror and shock crossing her face. We look across the road to see three skinny tornadoes known as a tornado family heading straight for Lana. Frightened, she looks around for shelter, before climbing back into her truck.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent Farm. Jonathan and Martha struggle against the wind as they head for their storm shelter.
Jonathan: (Shouting) There's nothing more we can do here! We gotta get to the storm cellar!
Martha: (Also shouting) What about Clark?!
Jonathan: School's on the other side of town! He'll be fine!
Jonathan stops as he sees the door of the storm cellar--open and flapping in the wind.
Inside the storm cellar, Nixon runs his fingers over the octagon impression. He pulls the missing piece from his pocket, and holds it up. As he does so, the piece begins to shake violently, before flying out of Nixon's hands. It hovers over the impression, twisting several times to match it's sides with those in the impression, before sliding down inside the impression. Nixon jumps back. As he does so, Jonathan and Martha come down the storm cellar steps.
Nixon: Mr. Kent!
Jonathan: (Rushing toward Nixon) Who the hell are you?!
Nixon: Roger Nixon, Metropolis Inquisitor!
Jonathan grabs Nixon by the collar and throws him against the wall.
Jonathan: (Angrily) You're that reporter, aren't you! You're the one who thr*at Clark!
Martha: (Yelling, trying to pull Jonathan off Nixon) Don't do anything!
Jonathan: (Turning to Martha) Why shouldn't I? He tried to k*ll our son! (Turning to Nixon) Did you blow up that truck?
Nixon:I knew it wouldn't hurt him...
Jonathan throws Nixon against the opposite wall
Martha: (Screaming) No! Jonathan please...stop!
Jonathan: Who sent you? Was it Lex Luthor. (Even more angry) Was it Lex Luthor!
Nixon: I don't need Lex Luthor! I'm gonna tell the entire world about your son!
Jonathan punches Nixon and advances on him as Nixon falls to the ground. He grabs Nixon by the throat.
Martha: (Screaming) No! Jonathan!
Jonathan: Come on! Get up!
Martha turns to look behind her, and gets a shocked look on her face.
Martha: Jonathan!
Jonathan turns to see what she's looking at. The ship has rises off the ground and is floating in the air. It turns toward the exit behind Martha and Jonathan. Nixon takes advantage of the disruption and bolts for the stairs. As he does so, Jonathan turns to go after him, but Martha grabs him.
Martha: (Pleading) Jonathan! The tornado!
Jonathan: Martha, he knows everything! I will not let him destroy this family!
Martha: (Crying) No! Please!
Jonathan: (Pushing Martha away) No!
Martha: (Screaming) Jonathan!
Jonathan heads out into the storm in pursuit of Nixon. Martha notices a yellow glow filling the room, and turns back toward the ship, which is now glowing. She watches fearfully as the ship lights up, and several panels on the ship open along with the sound of the ship powering up.
Cut to a scene from the Prom. Perfect Memory is still playing, and Clark and Chloe are still dancing.
Chloe: Clark Kent. Man of mystery. Just when I think I have you figured out, you surprise me.
Clark: (Puzzled) How's that?
Chloe: The song...the tux...tonight.
Clark: And I'm still here.
Chloe: Yeah, you are.
Chloe rests her head on Clark's shoulder. Clark grins, and closes his eyes happily as he nuzzles against Chloe's hair. Chloe smiles as she presses her cheek against Clark's shoulder. Clark pulls back and looks deeply into Chloe's eyes. His eyes fall shut as he lowers his lips to hers. Just as their lips brush, the music stops and feedback from the microphone causes both of them to jump back.
Teacher: Stop. Stop the music, please. Excuse me for a second. Can I have everyone's attention please? (Everyone stops and turns to the stage) Um, thank you. The National Weather Service has just issued a tornado warning. Apparently three funnels have been spotted heading toward Smallville.
Murmurs run through the crowd. Clark and Chloe exchange a fearful look.
Teacher: Now, uh, please, everyone stay calm. The twisters are going to set down south of here, but for your own safety, no one will be allowed to leave the gym.
A look of realization crosses Clark's face.
Clark: (Concerned) The bus station's south of town. Lana's there.
Chloe: (Reassuringly) Clark, don't worry about it. I'm sure she's home by now. You know, what...I'll go call her on my cell. You wait here.
Chloe starts to walk across the gym floor. She only gets a few steps away, before she stops, feeling something isn't right. She turns back to where she left Clark.
Chloe: (looking around quizzically) Clark? Clark?
Chloe is left standing in the middle of the gym, alone...Clark is nowhere to be seen.
Cut to a sh*t of the small compartment on Lex's desk being opened. It's empty. A hand knocks the compartment off the desk. We pull back and see Lex, angrily going through the papers and books stacked on his desk, hunting for the disk. He tries to open a small wooden box on his desk, then slams it down. He crosses to his the bookshelves that line the wall. He begins angrily pulling books from the shelf, throwing them to the ground in frustration.
Lex: (Yelling) Damn it, Nixon!
Lighting flashes from outside, as the doors to the study are flung open and Lionel strides in.
Lionel: So...you're using your mother's stock to fund the buyout. That's your secret source.
Lex rolls his eyes, extremely annoyed.
Lionel: I must admit, it's a bold move, Lex. But it won't work!
Lex: (Crossing the room to check a small bookcase on the other side of the study) Did you brave the weather to tell me that?
Lionel: (Voice raised) It's su1c1de, Lex! You may get the plant, but you're putting your employee's homes on the line. Forfeighting your own future!
Lex: (Turning toward his father angrily) Or forging a new destiny free from you!
Lionel: (Shocked) You're not my enemy. You're my son.
Lex gives Lionel a small, cold smile.
Lex: I never saw the distinction.
Lex crosses the study again, going back to recheck the bookcases next to his desk. Lionel follows him. As they talk, Lex walks around the office, picking up various things sitting in the shelves and tables, and tossing them down in frustration.
Lionel: (Raising his voice) When Alexander the Great was dying, his generals asked who he would leave his empire to. If he would appoint a successor, it would keep the legacy intact...prevent generations of bloodshed! His answer was simple--I leave it to the strongest.
Lex turns and stands nose to nose with his father.
Lex: (Yelling) I believe the term is 'Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of w*r!'
Lionel reaches out and angrily grabs the sides of Lex's head, yanking him forward.
Lionel: (thr*at) I'll bury you and everyone in Smallville who takes your side!
Lex reaches up and violently throws his father's hands off of him. As he does so, a burst of wind from the tornado rips through the windows behind Lex's desk, shattering the glass, and sending Lionel and Lex spinning to opposite sides of the study. Lionel falls to the ground, and Lex slides across the floor, into a small bookshelf which crashes down on top of him. As Lionel struggles to get up, one of the large columns holding the ceiling up collapses on top of him, pinning him to the ground. Lex throws the bookshelf off himself. A large gash has opened up over his eye, covering one side of his face with blood. The roof support beams begin to collapse, and one crashes down, it's jagged edge hovering right over Lionel. Lionel struggles to push the column off of him, but it is too heavy. Lex struggles to his feet, clutching his head as his father calls out to him.
Lionel: (Pleading weakly) Lex! Help me, Lex! Lex! I can't...move!
Lionel continues to struggle against the column. The wind rips through the room, sending paper and debris everywhere. Lex slowly crosses the room to stand near his father.
Lionel: (Pleading) Help me! Lex! (Reaches a hand out to Lex) Son...
Lex just stands there, coldly staring as his father struggles.
Cut to a sh*t of the road where Lana's truck has crashed. In the field across from Lana, the three twisters merge into one gigantic tornado. Inside the truck, Lana, in a panic, attempts to use her cell-phone, but it's no use.
Lana: (Punching buttons on the phone) Please...please. (Frustrated) Damn it!
The twister moves across the field, engulfing a barn. Lana screams in frustration and throws the phone aside, before looking out the window and watching the barn disappear, her eyes wide with fear. She breathes heavily, her hands pressed against the glass, trying to see anything through the massive cloud of darkness moving closer.
Cut to a sh*t from Clark's POV, speeding along the Smallville roads. We break away from his POV to see him speeding down the road. He slows next to a sign indicating he's on route 90, and runs normal speed as he sees Lana's truck. The tornado has almost reached the truck. Lana looks out the window and sees Clark standing in the road. She begins banging on the windows.
Lana: (Screaming) Clark!
Clark: (Screaming, his eyes fearful) Lana!
Lana: (Screaming) Claaarrrkkkk! AHHHHH!
Lana screams loudly as the twister picks up the truck. The truck flies off the ground and spins around inside the twister, tossed around like a rag doll.
Clark: NOO!
Clark speeds into the center of the tornado as the truck disappears from sight.
End of Show.
To Be Continued
End of episode. End of season | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "01x21 - Tempest"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #201 - "Vortex"
Original airdate: September 24, 2002
Written by: Alfred Gough and Miles Millar with teleplay by Philip Levens.
Directed by: Greg Beeman
Act 1 Teaser
We see Clark's spaceship flying over a cornfield and heading straight for the tornado. Day. It flies inside and gets struck by several flying objects. The octagonal piece of metal comes loose and falls out, causing the ship to lose its power and begin falling to the ground.
Farther down in the tornado, we see Lana's truck circling around. Inside, she rolls off of the front seat and lies face down on the floor. The driver side door rips off and Clark grabs hold of the truck.
Clark: Aaah!
Lana remains on the floor, not seeing him. He grabs onto the steering wheel and pulls himself inside. He throws himself on top of Lana and holds on to her as the truck rips into pieces until nothing is left but the floor they are on.
[CUT TO Lex's study]
Lionel is still trapped under the column and Lex is standing over him.
Lionel: Lex! I'm your father! (He reaches out his hand. Lex stays still) Son!
Lex finally kneels down and pushes the column off of Lionel. He pulls Lionel out of the way just as the hanging piece of the ceiling falls to the floor, missing them both.
Lex: Dad. Dad! NO!
[CUT TO Jonathan chasing Roger through the woods]
Roger still has his camera. He trips. As he gets up, he takes the tape out of his camera.
Jonathan: Nixon!
Jonathan grabs him by the waist and pulls him to the ground. Roger gets back up and punches Jonathan in the face. Jonathan punches Nixon back, sending him to the ground.
Jonathan: Give me the camera!
Roger Nixon: Get the hell away from me!
Nixon throws the camera behind Jonathan and begins to run away.
Jonathan goes for the camera, but looks up to see a motor home falling to the ground right above them. He grabs Roger and throws him into a hole in the ground and jumps in after him. They tumble down a flight of concrete stairs into an underground shelter just as the motor home lands, blocking their way out.
CUT TO Lana lying on the ground unconscious with Clark bent over her.
Clark: Lana? Lana!
The tornado can be seen diminishing behind him as he looks around, trying to figure out what to do.
[Opening Credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
[Smallville Medical Center]
Day. The emergency room is packed with patients on gurneys, doctors, and nurses. Clark comes in carrying Lana, who is still unconscious.
Clark: I need help! I need a doctor here! (He puts her down on an empty gurney, and grabs a hold of adoctor) I need help now!
Doctor: What have we got? (Shines a light into Lana's eyes) Pupils are responsive. Respiration appears normal. Got a good pulse. She's gonna be all right. Can you tell me her name?
We hear a small rush of wind and when the doctor looks up, Clark is gone.
[CUT TO Clark super speeding into the storm cellar]
Clark: Mom! Dad! (He turns around and sees Martha's feet poking out from around the corner) Momma! Momma! (She startles awake) Mom. Mom, are you okay?
Martha: Clark, Clark... we have to find your father. He was outside when the tornado h*t.
Clark: I'm gonna get you to a hospital.
Martha: No, no, Clark! Clark! Listen to me. That reporter was in the cellar.
Clark: Nixon?
Martha: He videotaped the ship. He's going to expose your secret. Your father chased him out into the storm.
Clark: I've got to find him. (Clark notices that the ship is gone) Mom? Where's the ship?
Martha turns around to and sees it's gone.
Act 1 Scene 2
We see Lionel unconscious at the Smallville Medical Center. Day. He is in a neck brace and his head is bandaged. Lex and the doctor are talking.
Doctor: The swelling in his vertebrae resulted in partial loss of nerve control in his legs. His spleen is ruptured and he sustained severe trauma to his optic nerve.
Lex: I want a medivac to Metropolis General immediately. I want a team of specialists--
Doctor: Your father's still in critical condition. Moving him is not an option.
Lex: This isn't just any patient lying there, Doctor.
Doctor: I know who Lionel Luthor is, but I cannot give him any special treatment. We're overwhelmed as it is.
Lex: That's not what I meant. He's my father. Do everything you can for him.
The doctor nods and leaves the room.
Lionel: (Whispering) Lex... Lex...
Lex: Hey, Dad, I'm here. Don't worry. I'll fly in a specialist from Metropolis to personally supervise your case.
Lionel: (Weakly) I saw it... In your eyes, son. What you were thinking. Life would be so easy if I was out of your way...
Lex: Dad, I'm sorry.
Act 1 Scene 3
Clark looks for Jonathan in the fields around the farm. Day.
Clark: Dad! Dad!
Martha runs up.
Martha: We have to go back to the house!
Clark: Did you call the sheriff? And the hospital?
Martha: The phones are down.
Clark: Dad grew up in tornado country. You never get caught out in the open. The first thing you do is get shelter.
Martha: I don't know if he was thinking straight, Clark. I've never seen your father that angry. He said he wasn't going to let Nixon destroy our family.
Clark: Do you think he...
Martha: No, he would never do that.
Act 1 Scene 4
Jonathan stands up in the underground shelter. He looks over at Roger who is pinned underneath a large metal vase. Jonathan picks up a big pipe and walks toward Roger.
Nixion: Aah! Oh no! I won't say anything about your son, I swear to God! Please don't k*ll me!
Jonathan raises the pipe and brings it down with a clank. The tip hits the ground next to Roger and Jonathan uses it to pry the vase off of him.
Nixion: Oh, God! Oh, God, I thought you were gonna k*ll me.
Jonathan: Yeah, you would think that.
Jonathan throws the pipe aside.
Act 1 Scene 5
Chloe is walking through the Smallville Medical Center looking around. Day. She stops at Lana's room where Lana is packing her bag.
Chloe: Hey, Dorothy. Back from Oz?
Lana: Chloe.
Chloe: What are you doing? Shouldn't you be in bed for, like, a month?
Lana: I'm okay. The doctor said it's just a minor concussion. Besides, a lot of people need this bed a lot more than I do.
Chloe: Well, I'm just glad you're okay. What happened?
Lana: Well, um, I was driving back after dropping Whitney off when the wind picked up. This, um, mailbox slammed against my windshield and I went off the road. That's when I saw the twisters. Before I knew it, the truck was being sucked up.
Chloe: God. And you walked away with a small bump on your head. That's amazing even by Smallville standards.
Lana: No, it's impossible.
Chloe: What?
Lana: Nothing. The next thing I knew, I was waking up here.
Chloe: So you clicked your heels, said there's not place like home, and ended up in Smallville Medical Center.
Lana: Apparently, Clark brought me in.
Chloe: Clark.
Lana: Yeah. Um, have you seen him?
Chloe: No. Not since he vanished from the dance. I spent like three hours looking for him.
Lana: I guess the Spring Formal was kind of a bust, huh?
Chloe: Yeah, well, at least now I know where he disappeared to.
Lana: If it's any consolation, you guys look great together.
Chloe: It's not. But thanks.
Act 1 Scene 6
Clark is searching frantically through the loft. Night. He hears the door open.
Clark: Dad?
Lex: Clark. I ran into your mother at the hospital. She told me about your dad.
Clark: I've checked every inch of this place. I'm gonna head for the woods.
Lex: Clark. My father was injured in the twister. He's in pretty bad shape.
Clark: (Picking up a flashlight) Oh, Lex, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?
Lex: No, it's in the doctors' hands now. During the storm, my father was trapped beneath a column. If I hadn't pulled him out, he would have died. Before I did, I hesitated. I was thinking that maybe my life would be better off if I just left him to die.
Clark: You saved him. That's the important part.
Lex: No. My father won't see it that way. Forgiveness is not in his emotional lexicon. If anything, he'll probably see my saving him as a sign of weakness.
Clark: What are you going to do?
Lex: Help my friend find his dad. You got another flashlight?
CUT TO Clark and Lex searching the woods.
Clark: Dad!
Lex: Mr. Kent! Mr. Kent!
Clark: Dad!
Lex stops to look around and a dark liquid drips on his head. He looks up and sees Roger Nixion's car smashed into the trunk of the tree above him. Clark sees it too not knowing its Nixion's.
Clark: Do you know whose car that is?
Lex: No. But I think we can cover more ground if we split up.
Clark: Yeah. I'll meet you back here in a half hour.
Clark walks away.
CUT TO Jonathan standing at the entrance of the knocking on the door. He is holding a candelabra.
Jonathan: Great. (He walks away from the door and sees Roger searching for something) What are you doing?
Nixion: Looking for my cell phone. It's our only hope. The greatest story in human history and I'm not gonna get a chance to write it.
Jonathan: Clark is not a story. He's my son. And I'm not gonna let you sabotage his life while you make yourself famous.
Nixion: Is that why you chased me? What were you planning on doing, Kent? Were you gonna bludgeon me and bury me in a shallow grave?
Jonathan: You were trespassing on my property and you tried to k*ll my son in that truck!
Nixion: You have the most amazing being on earth doing chores on your farm! Why are you hiding him? Tell the world! Let them see for themselves.
Jonathan: I think I should leave that up to him for when he's older.
Nixion: When do you suppose that'll be? Draft age? Drinking age?
Jonathan: When he's ready.
Nixion: Why don't you stop playing the protector and admit the truth? You and your wife kept him because you couldn't have children of your own.
Jonathan: We kept him because he is our son and we love him.
Nixion: (Laughs) He's not your son, you deluded hick. He's not even human.
Jonathan punches him in the face, knocking him the ground.
Nixion: You can k*ll me if you want for saying this, but you know I'm right. You're just a small man whose son's destiny is too big for you to comprehend. (Jonathan lifts him to his feet, holding him by his shoulders) Clark doesn't belong to you. He belongs to the world.
They hear Roger's cell phone ringing on the ground. He runs over to it and picks it up.
Nixion: Hello? Lex!
Lex: (Walking through the woods) Nixon. Where the hell are you?
Jonathan grabs the phone from Roger and throws it across the room, shattering it.
Nixion: You stupid son of a bitch! I thought you wanted to get the hell out of here!
Jonathan: I did want to get out of here until I realized that you were in bed with Lex Luthor and I would rather rot down here than watch the two of you destroy my son's life.
[CUT TO Lex in the woods]
Lex: (Still on the phone) Nixon? You still there? (Clark walks up) Clark. I was just trying to call the f*re department, see if we can get a rescue team out here.
Clark: (Ripping the phone out of Lex's hand) No you weren't. I heard you trying to talk to Roger Nixon. My mom said he was snooping around the farm today. He was with my dad when the tornado h*t.
Lex: Clark, I didn't know Nixon was involved in this.
Clark: Why should I believe you? You already lied about knowing him once. (Lex doesn't answer) That's the second time you hesitated today, Lex. I'm starting to wonder if what my dad said about you is true.
Clark starts to leave.
Lex: Clark, wait! You're tired and upset.
Clark: Don't try to turn this around on me! Are you really here to find my dad or to find Nixon?
Lex: Do you even have to ask?
Clark: I don't have time for this. I got to find my dad.
Lex: Clark!
Clark keeps walking.
Clark: Dad!
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
[We see the outside of the Talon]
Day. The marquee says Tornado Relief Center. Inside, Martha puts a picture of Jonathan on a missing persons bulletin board.
Martha: (To Clark) I'm going to talk to the Red Cross people, see if they have any new information about your father.
Martha walks away.
Lana: Clark. Any luck?
Clark: (Shaking his head) We looked all night. The search and rescue team combed the farm this morning, but they didn't find anything either. I don't know what to do. He's been missing for over 12 hours.
Lana: They'll find him, Clark. I know it.
Clark: Thanks. I thought you'd be home recuperating.
Lana: I wanted to help. You know, a lot of people helped me out after the meteor shower. It meant a lot.
Clark: I'm just glad you're okay.
Lana: Um, so how did you find me?
Clark: I was lucky, I guess. You were in a field next to the road. You must have been thrown free from the truck.
Lana: Is that really what happened?
Clark: Yeah. Why?
Lana: I just keep seeing something that doesn't make any sense. The truck was caught up in the tornado, and you... you just...
Martha: Clark. No new word.
Lana: I better get back to work. You'll find him.
She walks away.
Martha: I'm going to stay and work the phone banks. If anybody's seen or found him, they'll call in. They just discovered an old couple trapped in their garage this morning, so there's still hope.
Clark: Dad's missing because of me. I brought this upon us.
Martha: You can't blame yourself. You can't change who you are. As long as you live, people will try to exploit you. You father and I have tried to shelter you as long as possible, but one day we won't be there for you. And you're gonna have to carry the burden of your gifts on your own.
Clark: Don't say that, Mom.
Martha: And when your day comes, I have no doubt in my heart that you'll make us proud. Now go back out there.
Act 2 Scene 2
Jonathan and Roger in the shelter. Day. Jonathan is digging at the wall.
Jonathan: These old foundations... they mixed lead in with the cement for s*ab.
Nixion: What, you're afraid we're gonna die of lead poisoning?
Jonathan: Clark can't see through lead.
Nixion: He can see through solid objects? Unbelievable. What else can he do? Do you have any idea what I would do with his abilities? The wealth, the power he could amass. It's unimaginable.
Jonathan: You are exactly the reason why I keep his abilities a secret.
Nixion: If it wasn't me, it would've been someone else. It was just a matter of time before this story got out.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Nixion: The people have a right to know!
Jonathan: Without any regard to the consequences to my son.
Nixion: Mr. Kent, since the beginning of time, people have been looking up at the stars and wondering What's out there? Clark is the answer that they have been waiting for.
Jonathan: I think I know a way out of here.
Nixion: You gonna tell me what that is?
Jonathan: You give me the tape of the ship and I will.
Nixion: That's not gonna happen.
Jonathan: It's your life or your story. You've gotta decide which is more important. I have.
Roger pauses. Then he pulls the tape out of his pocket and tosses it to Jonathan. Jonathan opens the top and rips out the film.
Nixion: Are you going to share your plan with me?
Jonathan hands Roger a stick and leads him to the wall.
Jonathan: Feel that. Go on.
Nixion: The mortar's weaker here.
Jonathan: Yep. If we can get through here, I'm sure that we can tunnel up to the surface.
They start to dig.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark walks outside his house. Day. Lex is leaning against his car on his cell phone.
Lex: I gotta go. (He hangs up.) Clark.
Clark: What do you want?
Lex: I should have come out and told you the truth right away. I do know Roger Nixon. I was just trying to protect you.
Clark: Protect me from what?
Lex: Before the tornado, Nixon approached me. He offered to sell me information about your family.
Clark: What kind of information?
Lex: It doesn't matter now, Clark. The man's a liar. He'll do anything for a story. I warned him to stay away from your family. When I saw his car I realized he might have had something to do with your father's disappearance.
Clark: Why didn't you tell me before?
Lex: I didn't want to alarm you unless I knew for sure.
Clark: You know, Lex, I don't know what to believe anymore.
Lex: Believe that I'm your friend. I got something to show you.
He goes back to his car and pulls out a map.
Clark: What's that?
Lex: It's a map. A cellular frequency grid to be exact. I had my people look into it. Only one cell tower survived the storm, meaning Nixon and possibly your father had to be within a one-mile radius of where we were last night. I don't know if it will help, but it's worth a sh*t.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark, Chloe, and Pete look for Jonathan in the woods. Day.
Pete: Mr. Kent!
Clark: Dad!
Chloe: (Looking at a map) Well, this is the edge of the grid.
Pete: And there are no structures marked on the map. Sorry, Clark.
Chloe: Wait. What's that?
They turn to see the motor home.
Pete: The twister must have dropped it here.
Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through it, but doesn't see Jonathan.
Clark: He's not in here.
Chloe: What are you, part bloodhound?
Pete: Yeah, how do you know? Mr. Kent!
Chloe finds Roger's camera on the ground and picks it up.
Clark: Dad!
Pete: Mr. Kent!
[CUT TO Roger and Jonathan digging a tunnel through the ground]
Nixion: Did you hear that?
Jonathan: It's the kids! Chloe! Pete!
Nixion: Help!
Jonathan: We're down here!
Nixion: They can't hear us! They can't! I got to keep on digging!
Jonathan: Roger, take it easy! It's not s*ab down here!
The tunnel starts to cave in.
Jonathan: Roger!
They both fall back into the shelter, half-buried in the dirt and rocks.
Chloe: Did you hear something?
Clark uses his x-ray vision again and still sees nothing.
Clark: Come on. Let's start again.
Chloe: Mr. Kent!
Clark: Dad!
Back in the shelter, we see Roger and Jonathan unconscious in the rubble. Next Rodger are several meteor rocks.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Lana is watching the news in the Talon. Day.
Reporter: Here we see a terrifying example of the tornado's fury. This truck was literally ripped apart. Incredibly the young driver, Lana Lang, survived, reminding us that even in the midst of utter devastation miracles can happen.
Martha: (Walking up behind Lana) It must have been awful for you.
Lana: Yeah, uh, I don't think I've ever been that scared in my entire life.
Martha: I'm glad you're all right.
They hug.
Lana: Thanks for all your help, Mrs. Kent. I know it must be hard for you right now.
Martha: I'm a saint. (They laugh) I just can't believe how familiar all this feels.
Lana: The meteor shower?
Martha: Yeah. God. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Lana: Yeah, me too.
Martha: Oh, I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to dredge up bad memories.
Lana: It's okay. For so long, it seemed to define me, that fairy princess picture on Time magazine.
Martha: Well, if it makes you feel any better, you made one wish come true that day. Jonathan and I were in Nell's buying flowers right before the meteor shower, and you were sitting on the counter with your wings and wand, and you asked me if I wanted to make a wish. So I did. And not long after that, Clark came into our lives. I-I've never even told Clark that story.
Lana: Clark is so lucky to have you and Mr. Kent as parents. I've always been kind of envious. You seem so open.
Martha: I'm glad that you and Clark have become close.
Lana: Yeah. Me too.
Act 3 Scene 2
Pete, Chloe, and Clark continue to look for Jonathan in the woods. Day.
Pete: Mr. Kent!
Chloe: Mr. Kent?
Pete: Mr. Kent!
Pete keeps walking as Clark and Chloe slow down.
Clark: Uh, Chloe? I've been wanting to apologize for leaving you at the Formal--
Chloe: Oh, didn't I tell you that leaving in the middle of a tornado to save a friend totally gets you off the hook? Besides, I mean, I know you'd do the same thing for me.
Clark: Oh, in a heartbeat. So, how can I make it up to you?
Chloe: Actually, you know, I've been thinking. It's funny how a natural disaster puts your life in perspective, but I think that it might be better if we just stayed really good friends. Anything other than that just gets too complicated.
Clark: Uh... yeah. Yeah, I think that's a good idea.
Chloe: You do?
Clark: Yeah. Yeah, uh, our friendship is so important to me. The last thing I want to do is screw it up.
Chloe: Good. Great. Perfect. I'm really glad we got that straightened out.
Clark: I'm going to go check over here.
Chloe: Okay. I'll catch up in a sec. My feet are throbbing.
Clark walks away and Chloe starts to cry. Pete walks back.
Pete: Mr. Kent! (To Chloe) Hey.
Chloe: (Hiding her face.) Hey.
Pete: What's up with the fake smile?
Chloe: Nothing. Clark and I just reaffirmed that we're really good friends. And nothing else.
Pete: Pulled the friends card on you, huh?
Chloe: No, I did. Defense mechanism.
Pete: Listen, Chloe, it's okay to feel bummed out. Last night was supposed to be special and it got ruined.
Chloe: It was just so close to being perfect. Oh... listen to me. I sound so pathetic. A tornado h*t. People are in real trouble and I'm upset because Clark didn't fulfill my wish fulfillment fantasy. You must think I'm an awful person.
Pete: Yeah. You're a real monster. Come on.
Pete puts his arm around her shoulder and they walk away together.
Act 3 Scene 3
Jonathan and Roger wake up in the rubble. Roger is coughing. Day.
Nixion: I can't breathe.
Jonathan: That cave-in must've cut off the air supply.
Nixion: (Sitting up) Dying in a tomb. That's ironic. At least you got a legacy to leave behind... and a son to be proud of.
Jonathan: The first time Clark used his abilities, he'd crawled under a big oak bed that my grandfather had made, and I crawled underneath it to try to get him out. All of a sudden the frame just came up in the air. (He laughs) He... he was a toddler lifting--I don't know--500 pounds over his head.
Nixion: What did you do?
Jonathan: We decided to take him to a doctor scientist, somebody more equipped to understand than we were. But when we got in front of the office, Martha... she said that if we left him there that... they would want to keep him and we'd never see him again. So I took him home. Now, that may have been a mistake, but it was a mistake I'd gladly make again.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lionel is being wheeled into an operating room. Day. Lex follows with two doctors.
Doctor #1: Time is of the essence. The spine may heal, but the damage to the optic nerve will only get worse the longer it goes untreated.
Lex: So surgery's the only option.
Doctor #2: No. I recommend against this. I say we let the patient's condition s*ab before surgery is attempted.
Doctor #1: Yeah, surgery's risky. But the alternative could be worse.
Doctor #2: It's your decision.
Lex: Do it.
Doctor #2: Fine.
Act 3 Scene 5
Martha, Pete, and Clark are looking through books of maps in the Kents' living room. Day.
Clark: Pete, where'd you get these maps?
Pete: My mom borrowed them from the county planner's office. They list every zoning change going back to 1920.
Clark: Look, the plans from 1988 show an old church near Hobson's Pond.
Pete: I've never seen a church near there.
Martha: That's because it was destroyed in the meteor shower.
Clark: Well, according to this, there's a crypt in the basement.
Martha: Your dad could've known about it.
Clark: I was right there. The motor home must have been concealing the entrance.
Pete: Clark. You can't take him out on your own.
Martha: Um, Clark? Pete and I will go into town. We'll get a rescue team and we'll meet you out there.
Clark: Okay.
He runs out.
CUT TO Clark super speeding up to the motor home. He kneels down to grab the edge and tips the whole thing over. He super speeds into the entrance and down the stairs.
Clark: Dad!
Jonathan: Clark!
Clark: Dad!
He rushes to Jonathan's side.
Jonathan: Clark, Clark.
Clark tries to drag him out of the rubble, but is immediately affected by the meteor rocks. He falls collapses to the ground.
Nixion: Kent! What's happening to him?
Jonathan: Roger, you got to get him away from these meteor rocks. They make him sick. (Roger picks up one of the rocks) Come on! Get him out of here!
Roger takes the rock and puts it in Clark jacket pocket.
Jonathan: What are you doing?
Nixion: I don't need the tape. I got all the evidence I need right here.
He starts dragging Clark to the stairs.
Jonathan: What are you doing? Nixon! You don't understand. The rocks! Clark...
CUT TO Roger dragging Clark through the woods. He puts Clark down and pulls his key ring out of his pocket. He pushes a button on it and hears his car beep above him.
Nixion: Oh, son of a...
He turns around just as Jonathan jumps onto him and they both fall to the ground.
Jonathan: You're not... (Punches Roger in the face) taking my... (Punches him again) son!
Roger kicks him and gets up to run away. Jonathan grabs at his leg and stands up behind him, pushing his face into a tree trunk. Roger elbows Jonathan in the stomach and grabs onto a metal rod that is sticking out of the ground. He pulls it out and hits Jonathan across the face with it. Jonathan knocks into another tree and falls to the ground, his face bleeding.
Nixion: Like I said, the people have a right to know. And unlike you, Mr. Kent, I am willing to k*ll for what I believe in.
Roger raises the rod above his head to swing down, and we hear a g*n. Roger looks down at his chest and sees a bleeding hole. He falls on top of Jonathan, revealing Lex standing behind him holding the g*n. Jonathan pushes Roger away.
Jonathan: Clark!
Lex: Mr. Kent, are you okay?
Jonathan: Yeah. (Lex walks over to look at Roger) Son... you gotta help me. (He takes off Clark's jacket and throws it away) Clark, are you okay?
Clark: I'll survive.
Jonathan holds him close.
Lex, still holding the g*n, stands over Roger's body.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Roger is zipped into a body bag outside by the motor home. Day. Martha and Clark are there.
Martha: Your dad's got a cracked rib, but he'll be all right.
Clark: Like you said, he's a survivor. So are you, Mom. I never realized how strong you were until today.
Martha: Well, thanks, Clark, but I was terrified.
Clark: You didn't show it. You were like Super Mom.
They get to the ambulance where Jonathan is putting his shirt back on after being bandaged.
Clark: Dad, how are you feeling?
Jonathan: (To the paramedic) Thank you. (To Clark) I feel kind of like a house fell on me, that's how I feel.
Clark: Look, Dad, I-I'm glad that you didn't, you know...
Jonathan: What? k*ll Nixon? Son, I have to admit to you, it was the hardest thing I ever did. It took every fiber of my being. But I started thinking about you and what your mom and I have tried to teach you. I realized if I'd have done that, Nixon would have won.
Clark: It's a good thing Lex was there.
Jonathan: Clark, Nixon told me that Lex offered to pay him for information on us.
Clark: Lex told me he warned Nixon to stay away.
Jonathan: One of them is lying, son.
Clark: The question you need to ask yourself is which one tried to k*ll you, and which one saved your life.
Cop: (To Lex) If I have anymore questions, I'll give you a call, Mr. Luthor.
The cop walks away as Lex approaches the Kents.
Lex: Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: Lex.
Lex: Look--
Jonathan: Lex, you saved my life and I want to say thank you.
Lex: (Pause) To a fresh start.
He offers his hand. Jonathan shakes it.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Clark and Martha smile.
Act 4 Scene 2
Chloe is sitting at her computer in the Torch. Day. We see a picture of her and Clark from the Spring Formal on the monitor. She wipes her eyes and drags the mouse down to a box that says Are you sure you want to delete this file? She clicks OK. Another picture from the dance pops up in its place. The same box appears at the bottom of the screen and she clicks OK to delete it. Several more pictures pop up and she goes through the same process, obviously hurting.
Finally, another box appears saying The Trash contains 10 items, which use 5.4 MB of disk space. Are you sure you want to remove these items permanently? She raises her hands, exasperated. Then she drags the mouse to the box and clicks Cancel.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark is walking outside his house and passes Jonathan. Day.
Jonathan: Clark. (Clark stops) Your mom told me about what happened to you and Lana in the tornado.
Clark: The only person who was there and I can't even share it with her.
Jonathan: Well, son, I'm here. You can share it with me if you want.
Clark: Dad, I've survived a lot. Being inside that twister... I've never been so scared in my life. I mean, I couldn't see anything, and things were bouncing off me. I didn't have any control. I know it could've been the wind, but all of a sudden I was moving toward the truck and it felt like I was willing myself to do it. (Pause) It felt like I was flying.
Act 4 Scene 4
Lex is sitting in Lionel's hospital room. Day. Lionel wakes up.
Lionel: (Whispering) Lex... Lex...
Lex: Dad? (He goes to the bed) Dad? How are you? The doctors won't tell me what's going on.
Lionel: (Quietly) I know. I wanted to tell you myself. There's every chance I'm going to get back the full use of my legs.
Lex: Well, that's great news... isn't it?
Lionel: I need to say something to you. If I've acted ruthlessly, it was because I knew my opponents wouldn't hesitate to do the same. I know you've always seen us as opponents, Lex. When I needed help... you saved my life. I thank you, son. (Lex takes his hand) Listen, I know you agreed to go right ahead right way to operate.
Lex: I thought it was best to take immediate action.
Lionel: I would have done the same thing, and we both... would have been wrong.
Lex: What are you saying?
Lionel: (He takes a breath) I'm blind. The operation failed, and that's not going to change. It would have been better if you'd not helped me, if you'd let me... die.
Lex rips his hand away from Lionel and starts to back up.
Lionel: (Reaching out) Lex... Lex... Lex.
Act 4 Scene 5
Clark is sitting in the loft. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: What are you doing, Clark?
Clark: Just thinking.
Lana: Looks like you're hiding.
Clark: I just can't wait for things to get back to normal.
Lana: It won't.
Clark: Why do you say that?
Lana: Nell used to tell me that after the meteor shower. But these events change you. It wipes out your illusions. You discover things about yourself.
Clark: What did you discover?
Lana: I've always had this sense that I was going to die young. Maybe because of my parents, I felt guilty I'd survived. When the tornado came, I thought this was it. Fate had finally found me. Then I saw you in the truck and you put your arms around me and you told me that everything was going to be okay. (Clark starts to protest) I know, it sounds crazy, but I started to think of all the other times that you've been there to protect me. And I thought maybe there's more to Clark Kent than meets the eye.
Clark: (He looks at her for a moment, then gets up) You're right. It does sound crazy. I mean, there's nothing more to me than what you see.
Lana: (Rising) Clark. You know you can tell me anything, right?
Clark: I know, Lana. But I wasn't in that truck.
Lana: Then how did I survive? It doesn't make any sense.
Clark: Maybe you just weren't meant to die young.
Lana: Just remember... you can't hide out here forever.
She passes him and goes down the stairs. She hesitates for a moment at the bottom, then heads for the door. We see her leaving as Clark stands at the edge of the upper floor above her.
CUT TO a cornfield as the sun is setting. There are rows of corn as far as we can see. The camera pans down and in a circle of flattened stalks lies Clark's spaceship.
Fade to black. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x01 - Vortex"} | foreverdreaming |
Scene opens on a sh*t of Smallville High. Day. The beginning of the new school year. A large banner in red letters across a yellow background reads, 'Welcome Back!' above the Smallville High sign.
Cut to a close up of Clark Kent. A small red "REC" in the corner, and the shaky camera work indicates Clark is speaking toward a video camera.
Clark: (Nervously) Well, Whitney...you shipped out over there... it's...I'm sure it's pretty warm. (looks down at his shoes, chuckling nervously) Uhh...that really sucked.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana holding the video camera, taping Clark as they stand in the hallway of the school.
Lana: (Reassuringly) It's okay Clark. Just say what you feel.
As Clark shuffles his feet, Pete enters the hall from behind Lana.
Pete: (Curiously) What's with Clark Kent, movie star?
Clark: Well, Lana's making a video letter for Whitney overseas.
Lana: Thought it was the least I could do. (holds up the camera toward Pete) Hey, do you wanna give it a sh*t?
Pete: (to Clark) Watch how the pros do it. (to camera) The town's still rebuilding after the storm, the first week of school is a bear, and you're missing the worst heat wave in 25 years. Bottom line, stay safe and come home soon. PS, the football team's toast without Fordman on offense.
Lana: (laughs) That was perfect, Pete.
Clark: (dryly) Yeah, super.
Pete: (clapping Clark on the shoulder) Try not to choke this time.
Pete exits, and Clark turns back to Lana.
Lana: (hopeful) How 'bout it Clark? Do you wanna try take two?
Clark: How about a raincheck?
Lana: Sure. Umm...why don't you come by the Talon later?
Clark: All right.
Lana: All right. (gives Clark a small wave and a smile) See ya.
Lana exits, and Clark stares after her, watching her weave her way through the hallway.
Chloe: (off screen) It's good to see some things never change.
Clark turns to see Chloe standing beside him.
Clark: (excitedly) Chloe!
Chloe: Hi.
Clark wraps Chloe in a giant bear hug, a huge grin breaking out over his face
Clark: (happily) Hey, you're back!
Chloe returns the hug somewhat uncomfortably. She appears more sad than happy.
Chloe: Yeah. Yeah, fresh from the wilds of Metropolis and the Daily Planet internship program.
(she gives a small, nervous laugh)
Clark: Well, Pete says you were a big h*t. I thought we had lost you for good.
The two turn and begin to walk down the hallway.
Chloe: Yeah, well my dad decided to give LexCorp another sh*t, so here I am, back in the boonies.
Clark and Chloe both chuckle at the idea.
Clark: (putting an arm around Chloe and pulling her close) Well, I'm glad you're staying. I really missed you this summer.
Chloe's expression reveals she's uncomfortable with the closeness to Clark and pulls away a little bit
Chloe: Yeah, I could tell by the voluminous emails you sent.
Clark: (guiltily) Yeah, sorry...with the farm, and I...
Chloe: (flatly) Don't worry about it, Clark. It's not a big deal.
Clark continues, despite the tension between the two of them
Clark: Well...well, I'm really excited to hear all your stories.
Chloe: (with a fake cheerfulness) Yeah, actually, you know what? There aren't any stories. Oh, except that I did meet this really hot young intern from Metropolis High. It was great! Made me forget all about Smallville for three whole months.
Chloe turns and walks away from Clark. Clark watches her go with a look of surprise and confusion on his face. He sighs and looks the other way down the hall, as Chloe turns around. Her face reveals she's saddened as it doesn't appear her news has had any affect on Clark whatsoever.
[Next scene: In the Smallville High Biology Classroom. Pete and Clark entering]
A student wheels an old projector toward the middle of the classroom as the kids enter.
Pete: (sarcastically) Oh great.
Clark: (amused) What?
Pete: (dryly) Every year the incredibly aged Mrs. Kowalski kicks off biology class with an ancient sex ed film.
Pete and Clark sit at a lab table near the front, while Chloe and Lana take a seat at a table a few rows back.
Clark: Who told you that, your brother?
Pete: (chuckling) My dad.
Clark: (hopefully) Well, I'm sure it can't be that bad.
Cut to a door at the front of the classroom swinging open. Enter Miss Desiree Atkins, a beautiful young teacher in her late 20's/early 30's. She's dressed in a light, flimsy, lowcut sundress that stops just short of her upper thigh.
Desiree: Good Morning. I'm Miss Atkins. I'll be your new biology teacher on health and human development.
The boys in the class sit up and take notice. Chloe looks on with an expression of surprise and amusement. Miss Atkins moves about the room, lowering the projection screen, which gives Clark and Pete a good look at her...assets...as she adjusts the screen. Clark is staring so hard he nearly falls off his chair. Lana and Chloe just continue to look amused.
Desiree: I'm really sorry about the air conditioning in here, but it looks like we're going to have to suffer through this together.
Pete: (under his breath) Bring on the pain.
Lana giggles, and Desiree moves around to close the blinds.
Desiree: Let's get ready for a movie. All right. Everybody try to stay awake.
Cut to a sh*t of the projector, clunking away. A monotone male voice drones on about animal reproduction, and sh*ts of the screen indicate the class is watching a nature film about mammals and procreation.
Film Narrator: All members of the animal kingdom, from the simplest one-celled organism to the most complex of mammals, engage in reproduction. This insures that each individual creature can pass on its genetic information to future generations. Animals rely on a variety of courtship methods. This remarkable reproductive process is set into motion by the act of copulation, also know as intercourse or coitus. In many species, the females attract their mates with chemical scents called pheromones. (sh*t of Chloe, who laughs) Phermones are used to elicit specific behaviors from members of the opposite sex and are secreted by glands, or incorporated into other fluids such as perspiration. The desired goal of all courtship behavior in mammals is to... sperm into the female...sperm travels up the...to...
Between the heat and the boring narration, the class is struggling to stay awake. Clark turns and glances at Desiree, who is leaning against the desk at the back of the room. As he watches, she reaches down and caresses her leg. A sheen of sweat breaks out on Clark's face as he watches her absently running her fingers over her collar bone. She notices him watching, and indicates he needs to turn around and pay attention to the film. He does so, and Chloe, who is watching the exchange, laughs sarcastically to herself in disbelief. The film's narrator drones on about pheremones and how animals use them to control each other. Clark glances back at Desiree again, and swallows hard as he watches a bead of sweat run down between her breasts. Suddenly, Clark's face begins to contort in an expression of panic, and he quickly faces the front of the room, blinking rapidly.
As Clark turns to the front, his eyes begin to glow slightly, and as he begins to pant, two wavy heat waves (similar to the heat waves you see rising off pavement) sh**t from his eyes and onto the projector screen in splotches. The screen begins to catch on f*re, as other students get up in a panic. Clark remains seated, panting and wiping his face with his hand, unsure if he caused that to happen or not.
Desiree: Ok everybody walk, do not run! Leave your books. Let's go!
As the students file out of the classroom in a panic, Clark gets up, and looks at the screen in horror.
[Opening Credits]
Cut to a sh*t outside Smallville High. There is a f*re truck pulled up next to the school and students are milling about the parking lot, some of them being questioned by firemen. Clark and Pete stand next to the firetruck, watching the proceedings. Suddenly, a horn is heard honking behind them, and a silver Ferrari sports car pulls up. The door flies open and Lex climbs out in a hurry. Clark starts turns toward the car.
Clark: (pleased) Lex!
Lex rushes toward where Clark and Pete are standing.
Lex: I came as soon as I heard.
Clark begins to smile, but his expression changes to one of confusion as Lex rushes right by Clark, barely acknowledging his presence, and makes a bee-line for Desiree.
Desiree: Hi!
Lex: Hi.
The two embrace and kiss tenderly.
Lex: (concerned) Are you alright?
Pete and Clark exchange looks of confusion.
Desiree: (reassuringly) I'm fine. (points to Clark) Thanks to this young man right here. (to Clark) Clark, come here for a second. (to Lex) He was the only one that kept a cool head during the entire thing...he actually put the f*re out.
Lex: Why am I not surprised? Clark, once again, I'm grateful.
Clark: And I'm confused.
Lex grins broadly
Lex: You're right, and I'm sorry. (turns to Desiree) I'd like you to meet Desiree Atkins. My fiancé.
Desiree smiles at Clark. Clark looks stunned. In the background, a fireman declares the building "All Clear" and students begin to re-enter the building.
Desiree: See you in class, Clark.
Desiree squeezes Lex's hand goodbye, although he seems reluctant to let go, and heads toward the building. Clark and Lex watch her go, Clark with an expression of confusion, and Lex with an expression of love.
Clark: (coming up to stand beside Lex) Fiancé, huh? I didn't even know you were seeing anyone. Are you sure about this?
Lex: (continuing to stare after Desiree) I've never been more sure of anything in my life. Oh...
Lex suddenly begins rifling through his jacket pockets as he remembers something.
Lex: I was going to have this messengered, but, since you're here...
Lex hands Clark a small white envelope. Clark looks at him in surprise, before taking the envelope and opening it. As he pulls out the card inside, we see two engraved wedding rings on the front of the card.
Clark: It's a wedding invitation...(surprised)...for tonight.
Lex: (sincerely) I know it's short notice, but I was hoping you'd be my best man.
Clark just stares at Lex, stunned by both the sudden nature of the wedding and Lex's request.
Clark: Lex...I..I don't know what to say.
Lex: I hope you'll say yes.
Clark: (glancing around in confusion) Well, I'm surprised...
Clark sees on Lex's face how much it means to him to have Clark there, and relents.
Clark:...and honored.
Lex smiles.
Lex: (amused) Good.
Lex claps Clark on the shoulder and starts to head toward his car.
Lex: (pointing at the school) Better get back to class. You never know when the next f*re may erupt.
Lex gets back into his car. Clark studies the invitation, and then watches with concern as Desiree enters the school building.
Cut to a sh*t of the outside of Luthor Mansion, followed by a sh*t of a legal document proclaiming itself to be the prenuptial agreement between one Lex Luthor and one Desiree Atkins.
Desiree: (offscreen, her hand picking up the prenup off Lex's desk) Oh, a wedding present from your father. (laughs nervously) You said you want me to sign this?
Cut to a sh*t of Lex and Desiree in Lex's office, both sweating as they try to fight off the heat wave's effects.
Lex: (dryly) If you don't my father could disinherit me.
Desiree: (chuckles) Fine. (pouting playfully) I'll sign it. But it's gonna cost you a kiss.
Desiree wraps her arms around Lex's neck, and pulls him close for a kiss. Cut a close up sh*t of their lips as they kiss passionately. As Desiree pulls back, we see a fuchsia vapor escapes Desiree's lips, directed at Lex's mouth and nose. She blows the mist toward Lex, who inhales it. Desiree studies Lex's face for a moment before continuing.
Desiree: (pouting) I really wish we didn't have to sign this on our wedding day.
Lex: (sighs) You're right. (whispers) You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. I plan on being with you until death do us part.
Lex takes the prenup from Desiree and rips it in half. Desiree smiles seductively.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. Martha sits at the table, going through some bills, a table fan aimed directly at her. Jonathan enters from working outside, dirt smudges all over his face.
Jonathan: Hi sweetheart.
Martha: (fanning herself with the bills) Hi.
Jonathan: (crossing over to the fridge) Whew!
Martha: (dryly) Tell me again your aversion to air conditioning?
Jonathan: (pulling a pitcher of lemonade out of the fridge) Two words: Electric bill.
Martha just rolls her eyes and continues fanning herself.
Clark comes in fron outside, a concerned look on his face.
Martha: Hi Clark.
Jonathan, glass in hand, turns and glances at Clark.
Martha: How was school?
Clark: (dryly) It was different.
Jonathan: (pouring two glasses of lemonade) Do we like different?
Clark: There was a f*re during biology class.
Martha looks up in concern as Clark continues.
Clark: It's OK, nobody was hurt...I stopped it before it spread.
Martha: (happily) Well, it sounds like we should be proud of you.
Clark: (leaning against the sink) Except I think I started it.
Martha looks at Clark with surprise.
Jonathan: Wait, you wanna explain that? Please?
Clark: (slightly upset) I started to feel hot. And my eyes started to burn. All of a sudden, the spot I was staring at burst into flames.
Martha: (amazed) Just by looking at it?
Clark: (agitated) Hello? Hi, I'm Clark, I'm the kid who can lift up tractors and see through walls.
Clark stomps off to the edge of the kitchen, turning his back on his parents.
Jonathan: (coming to stand behind Clark) Son... hang on just a second. What exactly was going on when this happened?
Clark: We had just met our new biology teacher, and we were watching a film.
Martha: An educational film?
Clark: A sex educational film.
Martha and Jonathan just stare at Clark, a look of realization crossing their faces. Clark,on the other hand, gets a look of supreme embarrassment on his face and goes back to the table, grabbing a glass of lemonade.
Jonathan: (to Martha) This could get very complicated.
Martha: (delicately) Uhh...Clark...i-i-it's possible that whatever's happened has some sort of...hormonal...connection...
Jonathan: (quickly) Yes.
As Martha is talking, Clark drains the glass of lemonade in a single glup, then turns to find his parents staring at him with concern.
Clark: (frustrated) Great! So I'm maturing into a firestarter?
Jonathan: No, son..look...ummm...
Martha looks at Jonathan encouragingly as he continues
Jonathan: ...we've...just gotta get a handle on this thing, like we've gotten a handle on all your other abilities.
Clark: (still frustrated) Except all my other abilities didn't involve things bursting into flames!
Jonathan opens his mouth to say something, then closes it, realizing Clark is right.
Martha: All the more reason for you to give it some time. Just...uh..you'll...
Clark: (upset) Great.
Martha: Just...you'll, uh...have to stay close to home, and, uh...and then we'll figure it out.
Clark just sighs, nodding in agreement, then stops as he remembers something.
Clark: I can't
Jonathan looks at Clark questioningly.
Clark reaches into his back pocket and pulls out Lex's wedding invitation, handing it to Martha.
Martha: Why? What's this?
Clark: (shaking his head) You're not gonna believe it...
Cut to a sh*t of a champagne bottle being popped open. The crowd cheers and laughs, as we pan over to see Lex--in a black suit with a grey striped tie--and Desiree--in a strapless white wedding dress--smiling as they stand behind an elaborate, muti-tiered wedding cake. We pan around outside and see people milling about the Luthor grounds near the open air structure that's been set up for the outdoor reception, with fans set up to try and keep the guests cool.
Back underneath the veranda, Lex holds his index finger, the tip of which is covered in frosting, to Desiree's mouth. She sucks a bit of the frosting off his finger as people clap. Lex smiles and licks the rest of the frosting off his finger, smiling at the guests. Clark--dressed in a suit that matches Lex's, looks on, happy bit still a little shell shocked by the whole thing.
A butler brings Lex and Desiree glasses of chanpagne, and they raise them to the crowd in a toast as everyone cheers. Clark looks on, a slight smile on his face. He glances around at the guests and stops when his eyes fall on Chloe standing off to the side, wearing a pale purple and white dress. He crosses the room and comes to stand beside her as she's sipping her drink.
Clark: Hey, Chloe. I've been looking all over for you.
The two friends start to walk across the room.
Chloe: (chuckling) Hey. Really? I'm not that hard to find, Clark. (indicates the lavish decorations) Only Lex Luthor could put together a fairly tale wedding in less than 48 hours.
Clark chuckles at Chloe's comments before getting serious.
Clark: Look...you seemed a little distant this morning. I wanna make sure everything's OK between us.
Chloe: Yeah, it's hunkey-dorey!
Clark: (stopping and facing Chloe) Wait. Now I know something's wrong. The only person who says "hunkey-dorey" is my father.
Chloe: (breezily) Look, Clark, I..I guess I just let my feelings get the better of me, but, you know...we made a decision and I'm perfectly fine with it.
Clark: (smiling) Me too.
Chloe: (with false cheerfulness) Great!
Chloe turns to look at Lex and Desiree, who are standing face to face, looking deeply into each other's eyes and smiling.
Chloe: But I still don't know how I feel about taking sex-ed from Mrs. Luthor. I can't believe Lex is *married*.
Clark: (disbelieving) He says he really loves her.
Chloe: Yeah, well love is rarely if ever logical. Maybe they just have the right pheremones.
Clark gets a questioning look on his face.
Clark: Hmm?
Chloe: (sarcastically) It's chemistry, Clark. Some people have it...others don't.
Chloe walks off, leaving Clark standing there with a puzzled expression as he watches her cross the room. He turns back toward where Lex and Desiree were standing. Lex is gone, and Desiree is posing for several photographers. Clark watches her for a few moments, lost in thought, until a voice breaks him out of his daze.
Lex: (offscreen) Quit staring, Clark.
We pan over to see Lex approaching, champagne glass in hand.
Lex: (amused) You'll burn your eyes out.
Clark: (guiltily) I was just...
Lex: It's alright. Desiree's attractive. I understand. Oh, and thanks again Clark.
Clark hesitates, unsure if he should say what's on his mind, then decides to just say it.
Clark: Lex, I gotta tell ya...I was a bit shell-shocked. I mean, you go away on a two week business trip, and the next thing I know my mom's putting finishing touches on your wedding cake?
Lex: (chuckling) Believe me, when I left I had no intention of falling in love. I was struggling through another endless business function when suddenly...Desiree was there.
Clark: She must have made quite a first impression.
Lex chuckles, and leans in toward Clark, his voice taking on an amused, conspiritorial tone.
Lex: (amused) Actually, she said she'd come to save me. (laughs when Clark looks at him strangely) I thought it was a joke too...that she was only interested in my name or fortune, but...as the night wore on, I realized, she was different.
Clark: (smiling in disbelief) It just happened that fast?
Lex: (seriously) You can waste your time playing it safe, or you can go for it. But at some point, Clark...you just know when something's right.
Lex walks off to rejoin his bride, and Clark looks around as he thinks about what Lex said. His eyes stop on Lana, who is trying to cool off nearby with a drink in hand.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon sign, lit up against the night sky. We cut to a sh*t seen through a video camera viewfinder, the REC flashing in the corner. In the viewfinder, we see Clark, still wearing his outfit from the wedding, speaking. As he speaks, we pull back away from the viewfinder to see him speaking to the camera.
Clark: And, uh, well...Pete's taping all the Sharks games for you, so you won't miss a thing. Although the way they're playing, you might want to. (chuckles) Uh...(sighs) Anyway, I haven't forgotten what we talked about, so don't worry. Just, uh, come home soon and be safe.
Lana: (pressing the off button and smiling) That was great! Thanks so much for doing this, Clark.
Lana climbs off the stool she was sitting on and crosses over to a table to set the camera down.
Lana: So, what did you and Whitney talk about?
Clark: Uh, just that he wanted me to keep an eye on you.
Lana stops and turns to look at Clark, an expression of disbelief on her face. Clark realizes what he said came out wrong, and rushes to explain.
Clark: Uh, not that he doesn't trust you...uhhh...
Lana nods her head, understanding Clark's uncomfortableness, and decides to quickly change the subject.
Lana: It's hot. (laughs) Do you want an iced coffee? I...I'm gonna go make an iced coffee.
Lana heads for the counter.
Lana: One of the perks of management...twenty four hour access to the cappucino machine.
Lana pulls out two tall glass mugs and begins filling them with ice as Clark approaches the counter.
Clark: So...what did you say to Whitney?
Lana: (scooping ice into the mugs) I started my message five or six times, but I can't seem to finish. There's so much I wanna say...
Clark: It's not easy, being in a long distance relationship.
Lana tuns to Clark and studies him for a b*at.
Lana: (honestly) I miss him.
She and Clark stare at each other for a moment, before Lana turns back to the cappucino machine.
Lana: And I'm worried about him, but it's difficult putting your life on hold. I'm not sure it was the wisest decision for either of us.
Clark looks surprised at her honesty as she turns to face him.
Lana: (sadly) I get his emails. (turns back to the cappucino machine) He's having a really tough time, first with basic traning and now being shipped out. He needs someone he can count on.
Clark looks on in sympathy. Lana finishes the drinks and carries them around the counter, trying to lighten the mood.
Lana: Besides, I *do* have you to look out for me, don't I?
Clark: Well, I know I haven't been around much this summer..(takes the glass from Lana and says "Thanks" as he sits at the counter)...but ever since the storm, the farm has just been a disaster.
Lana: Seems like we're all trying to find our way back from that day.
Clark nods in agreement.
Clark: Except for Lex. I've never seen him so happy before.
Lana: It's kinda weird.
Clark: (relieved) You know, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that.
Lana: (laughs) Still, you have to admit it's romantic.
Clark: Well, Lex makes it seem easy.
Lana: (smiling) Maybe it is. Lex learned to act on his passion...never hold anything back. I wonder if we'll ever be able to do the same?
Clark and Lana lock eyes, and Clark gets an eager smile on his face. Suddenly, his face takes on a look of panic and he begins blinking his eyes and squeezing them shut. He realizes what's about to happen, and climbs off the stool.
Clark: (sounding sick) Uh...uh...
Lana: (concerned) Clark, what's wrong?
Clark begins heading quickly for the exit, squeezing his eyes shut and shaking his head. staggering away from Lana, his eyes still closed
Clark: Uh...I'm just not feeling so well...
Clark stops as the pain gets more intense, and Lana comes up behind him, reaching around and putting a hand on his forehead.
Lana: (alarmed) Oh my god...you're burning up. Let me drive you home.
Lana quickly heads back to the counter to get her keys. Clark spins around, eyes closed, trying to regain his balance. As he opens his eyes, the heat waves sh**t out of his eyes and ignite the cappucino machine, which explodes in a burst of flames. Lana screams. Clark, looking shocked, turns his head and the heat waves, which are still sh**ting from his eyes, ignite the wall. Clark looks around in panic, everywhere his eyes pointing to on the walls bursting into flames. Eventually, the heat waves subside and Clark groans, he shakes his head, closes his eyes and rubs his temples.
Lana comes up behind Clark, clutching his arm and staring in shock at the strips of flames burning along the walls of the Talon, and at the flames coming from the cappuccino machine incredulously. Clark puts an arm around her.
Clark: (concerned) Are you okay?
Lana: (shocked) Yeah, I'm fine. What happened?
Clark: I'm not sure...
Lana rushes away from Clark.
Lana: I'm gonna call 911.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent barn, the next day. We go inside and see Clark sitting on the steps in the dark. The barn door opens and Jonathan enters. Clark blinks and turns his head at the sudden light flooding the barn.
Jonathan: Clark? I thought you'd be in school already.
Clark: (miserably) I'm not going.
Jonathan just looks at him, silently asking for an explanation.
Clark: (sadly) It happened again at the Talon.
Jonathan: What, another f*re?
Clark: (becoming increasingly upset as he talks) It was worse than before. I was afraid it wasn't gonna stop...(gets up from the stairs) ...and the f*re department said the f*re looks suspicious...and what can I say, they're right...
Jonathan comes over to Clark, trying to calm him down.
Jonathan: Come on, you and I both know that you didn't mean to start any of these fires...
Clark: (extremely upset) Dad, Lana was there...if I'd have hurt her...
Jonathan puts his hand on Clark's shoulder to comfort him, but Clark shakes him off and crosses the room.
Jonathan: Look, son...*Clark*!
Clark stops in his tracks at the authortative tone in his dad's voice.
Jonathan crosses the room and puts his hands on Clark's shoulders, turning him to face Jonathan. Clark keeps his eyes trained to the side, refusing to meet Jonathan's eyes
Jonathan: (softening his tone) Hey...come on...Clark...look at...*look* at me.
Clark reluctantly brings his eyes up to meet Jonathan's.
Jonathan: Son, I think I have a pretty good idea what's triggering this thing.
Clark looks at Jonathan hopefully.
Cut to a sh*t of a post being driven into the ground by Clark. We pull back and see Jonathan and Clark standing out in the field, next to a scarecrow which is mounted on the post.
Jonathan: Alright. Rule number one. Always practice away from the barn. Come on.
Jonathan claps Clark on the shoulder, and the two men walk several paces away from the scarecrow.
Clark: Dad, I don't get it. I thought the whole point was to stop this from happening.
Jonathan: (nodding) Well, in order to find the off switch, first we need to find the on switch, right? Alright...
Jonathan turns Clark around so that he's facing the scarecrow.
Jonathan: (Pointing to scarecrow) Now, I want you to remember exactly what you thinking about the first time it happened.
Clark just looks at Jonathan, then looks back at the scarecrow. The two men stare at it for a few seconds.
Jonathan: (clapping Clark on the shoulder encouragingly) Come on.
Clark stares at the scarecrow, trying to concentrate, but can't do it.
Clark: (uncomfortably) Dad...this might be easier if I was...
Jonathan: (interrupting) Alone. Yeah. Sorry.
Jonathan claps Clark on the back again, and starts to walk away.
Clark: (embarrassed) Thanks.
Jonathan heads back toward the barn, leaving Clark to practice alone. Clark stares at the scarecrow, his face squished up in concentration, but nothing happens. Clark stares at it for another second, then...
Clark: Lana
Suddenly, Clark's eyes begin to glow and the heat waves sh**t from his eyes. Over Jonathan's shoulder, we see in the distance the scarecrow exploding into a ball of flames. Clark looks over in his dad's direction, smiling proudly with accomplishment. Jonathan just chuckles and smiles, shaking his head in amusement.
Cut to a sh*t of some Jiffy Pop popcorn being h*t with some heat waves. The foil rises slowly as the heatwaves cause the corn inside to pop. We pull back and see Clark, standing in the Kent kitchen, aiming the heat waves at the popcorn as Martha and Jonathan look on.
Jonathan: Five scarecrows, two water barrels, and our mailbox later...
Clark: Dad, you were right. Once I understood what triggered the heat, I was able to control it without thinking about...sex.
As Clark says, "sex", the Jiffy-Pop container explodes, sending popped corn flying everywhere. Martha and Jonathan study Clark with amusement.
Jonathan: (amused) You sure about that son?
Clark: (walking over to pick up his backpack) Trust me. Next time I have a date, I'll be able to take her out without setting her on f*re.
Jonathan: Well, that's a relief.
Clark: (smiling) I'll be fine.
The Kents nod, although their faces look little less confident than Clark's.
Cut to a sh*t of the loft window in the Kent barn at night. We pan inside and see Clark, sitting down and lighting a row of candles using his heat vision, smiling proudly at his control. Suddenly, we hear the door of the barn open, and footsteps on the stairs to the loft. We see a set of female legs climbing up the stairs.
Desiree: Hey, Clark...you in here?
Desiree laughs as she enters the loft and sees every surface covered with burning candles.
Desiree: It's a little hot in here for candles, Clark.
Clarks up from his seat and crosses the loft.
Clark: (surprised) Mrs. Luthor...
Desiree stands there in a red outfit that doesn't leave much to the imagination, holding her hair up off her neck in an attempt to cool herself down.
Desiree: (smiling) Only at school. The rest of the time, I prefer Desiree. (lets her hair tumble to her shoulders) I went by the house...but nobody was home, and then I saw the light in the loft...
Clark: (quickly) Uh, yeah... my parents went into town...
Desiree: Well, actually, I came by to see you.
Clark looks surprised.
Clark: Really?
Desiree stares at Clark seductively. Clark just looks at her in confusion. Desiree starts to slowly walk toward Clark, like a hunter stalking its prey. Clark tries to back away as she comes closer.
Desiree: You see, most girls like older men, but not me. I like younger guys. What they lack in experience they make up for in passion.
Clark: (nervously) Is that right?
Desiree: Yeah. I saw you...staring at me the other day in class...
As Clark backs up, he trips over a chair and lands on the seat in a heap, knocking his head on a hanging lamp. Desiree takes advantage by moving even closer to him and running her hands over his shoulders.
Clark: (swatting the lamp out of the way) I'm sorry, I, uh...
Desiree: No, it's okay. I was actually flattered. As a matter of fact, I was hoping we could work on our...student teacher relations.
Clark fidgets nervously in his seat, extremely uncomfortable.
Clark: I...uh..mm...you're married to my best friend.
Desiree moves closer, about to kiss Clark, almost nuzzling his face with her own. As she does so, the pink mist comes from her mouth, and Clark inhales it. Desiree smiles slightly, then pulls back and begins running her hands seductively over Clark's thighs. She leans in and attempts to kiss Clark, but he pulls away and jumps up from the chair.
Clark: Uh, wait...
Clark crosses the room, moving away from Desiree
Clark: (nervously) I...I don't know what you expected here tonight, but Lex is my best friend. I'm not gonna do anything to hurt him.
Desiree: (feigns embarrassment) I don't know what came over me. (almost crying) Please don't tell Lex about this, OK? I am so sorry.
Desiree quickly leaves the loft, leaving Clark standing there with a worried expression on his face.
Cut to a sh*t of the school the next day. We then cut to a close-up of a computer screen, viewing a document from the Metropolis Superior Court, displaying Desiree's picture. The document notes a legal name change from Alison Sanders to Desiree Atkins. We pull back and see Clark and Chloe are in the Torch office, tracking down facts on the new Mrs. Luthor.
Chloe: Oh, so the new Mrs. Luthor has an alias. That's interesting.
Clark pulls a copy of the document out of the printer.
Clark: You know...what would you say...if I told you Miss Atkins a.k.a. Alison Sanders, showed up at my loft last night and... tried to seduce me.
Chloe laughs in disbelief.
Chloe: I'd say you were living the voyeristic fantasy of every male student in this school. Clark, she *just* married Lex. Why would she possibly be interested in you?
Clark: (a bit hurt) Thanks.
Chloe simply raises her eyebrows at him, silently asking him to give her a reason to believe him.
Clark: (sighing) Look, she was dissing Lex. Saying he was the only thing standing between her being with me.
Chloe rolls her eyes.
Chloe: OK, you know, this is quickly going from merely nauesating to genuinely disturbing.
Clark: Chloe, I'm not making this up. She's got some strange hold on Lex.
Chloe: (sarcastically) Gee, I wonder what that could be.
Clark gets up from his chair, upset that Chloe doesn't believe him.
Clark: I'm serious. It's more than the fact that she's hot.
Chloe: (still disbelieving) Clark, this is *Lex Luthor* we're talking about. Don't you think he considered all the unfortunate possibilities before saying 'I do'?
Clark: I dunno. (looks down at the document on Desiree that he's holding) But I'm gonna find out. I'm gonna go talk to him. Will you keep digging?
Chloe: Yeah, sure. Where there's smoke there's f*re. Excuse the aphorism.
Clark leaves the Torch office, heading for Lex's.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex playing pool in his study. He is upset about something, as he uses very hard, fast strokes to strike the pool balls. Clark enters the study. Lex calls out to him, his friendly tone in direct contrast to his earlier body language.
Lex: (walking around the pool table to set his next sh*t) Clark. I've been expecting you.
Clark: Really?
Clark stands there uncomfortably.
Lex: You can save the awkward silences. Desiree told me everything.
Clark: Lex, I really don't know what to say.
Lex lines up his next sh*t as he speaks.
Lex: All my life, I've had to second guess the intentions of others.
Lex strikes the cue ball very hard, sending the pool balls clattering across the table.
Lex: (continuing) I'd reached the point where I'd started to think friends were a luxuary I couldn't afford. (walks toward Clark with a smile) Till I met you Clark. From the day you pulled me out of that river, you've been the one person I could trust completely.
Clark smiles, happy to hear that Lex isn't mad at him.
Clark: (happily) I'm glad you feel that way, Lex.
Lex: (voice changing to a serious tone) Maybe that's why I find your infatuation with my wife so
troubling.
Clark: (stunned) My infatuation?
Lex simply stares coldly at Clark.
Clark: Lex, I don't know what she told you, but she came on to me.
Lex: Oh, you expect me to believe that? Come on...I saw the way you looked at her the other day. She told me you've been eyeing her in class...
Clark: (panicked) No, Lex...you have to see this.
Clark reaches in his pocket and pulls out the document Chloe gave him, unfolding it and show it to Lex.
Clark: Your wife's real name is Alison Sanders. She grew up in Smallville. I bet she didn't tell you that, did she?
Lex takes the document from Clark and looks at it.
Lex: (coldly) No.
Lex tosses the document on the pool table and turns his back on Clark, walking back around the pool table.
Clark: (desperately) Well, if she didn't tell you the truth about that, how can you believe anything she...
Lex: (raising his voice in anger) She's my wife and I love her!
Clark stares at Lex.
Lex: (still angry) To be honest, I was hoping for an apology, not more insinuations. I thought our friendship meant more to you, Clark.
Clark: It does...
Lex: (shortly) You can let yourself out.
Clark turns to leave, and Lex takes another pool sh*t, striking the ball very hard, his face a mask of anger. As Clark walks toward the study doors, Desiree comes in, staring accusingly at Clark.
Clark: (determined) I don't know what you're doing to Lex, but I'm not dropping this.
Clark leaves, and Desiree walks slowly toward Lex.
Desiree: (sympathetically) I'm sorry Lex. That must have been difficult.
Lex stares at her angrily.
Lex: (indicating the document Clark brought) Can you explain this?
Desiree picks up the document and looks at it, then at Lex.
Desiree: Clark's right, I changed my name. (walks closer to Lex and stands between him and the pool table) But I changed it again yesterday to Luthor. That's all that really matters, isn't it?
Lex: I just don't understand why you would keep this from me.
Desiree stares at Lex seductively, then moves a little closer to him. She walks behind him, running her hands over his chest and talking softly in his ear as she does so.
Desiree: You know, it seems to me...that I haven't had a kiss from my husband in...oh, I dunno, at least six hours.
Lex: (exhaling in frustration) Desiree, we really need to discuss this.
Desiree stares at Lex for a moment, then opens her mouth and exhales, bl*wing a small stream of pink mist into Lex's face. He inhales it and drops the pool cue as Desiree moves in front of him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and bl*wing more pink mist into his face. Lex's eyes fall shut and Desiree kisses him passionately. She pulls back to make sure she has Lex under her control before speaking.
Desiree: (coldly) Clark is part of your past. Just like everyone else in this town.
Lex stares at Desiree with a blank expression.
Desiree: (continuing) You don't need 'em Lex. We don't need 'em.
Lex: Maybe you're right.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe speaking to the camera. The red REC in the corner indicates she's speaking to a video camera, and the background indicates she's in the Talon.
Chloe: So remember, keep your head down. I'm counting on an exclusive interview from you when you get back.
Lana laughs and shuts off the video camera.
Lana: That was great Chloe.
Chloe: Thank you.
Chloe picks up her digital camera and starts going through the pictures as she gets up from her seat and walks to the counter.
Chloe: Oh, yeah, and thanks for the quid-pro-quo. Now I can move the 'library gets a new paint job' spread to page two.
Lana laughs.
Lana: So that must have been fun...spending the entire summer in Metropolis.
Chloe: (still looking at her camera) Yeah, it was really nice to get away. Sometimes, a little distance can just give you a new perspective on things you've done, you know? Mistakes you've made.
Lana: Going to the spring formal with Clark was not a mistake.
Chloe: (self depreciating chuckle) Yeah, it was. I let myself indulge in my feelings for him and I ended up getting hurt.
Lana gets up to come sit next to Chloe at the counter.
Lana: At least you were brave enough to take the risk.
Chloe: Oh yeah, that's me...Cupid's cannon fodder.
The girls chuckle at the joke.
Chloe: (introspectively) Ugh, three months. I thought I'd be over it by now. But when I saw him in the hall, all those feelings just came back. I even made up some lame story about meeting a guy in Metropolis to try and get a rise out of him.
Lana: (sincerely) Clark still really cares about you, Chloe.
Chloe: (honestly) I know. But he cares about you more.
Lana: I don't want Clark to come between our friendship.
Chloe: Me neither. So what are we gonna do about that?
Lana: Let's define ourselves by what we do, not who we date. Or don't date. (laughs)
Chloe: (smiling) Cool.
We hear the sound of the door opening, and see Lex striding into the Talon, papers in hand.
Lex: (seriously) Lana. We need to talk.
Chloe: (getting up from her chair) Umm...I ...have to get some work done at the Torch.
Lana: Alright. See ya.
As Chloe leaves, Lana turns to Lex.
Lana: I'm really glad to see you. (reaches over and picks up some papers from the counter) I just got the final insurance adjustments. (walking toward Lex and extending a pen) Once you countersign, we can get started on the repairs.
Lex doesn't respond, simply extending the blue folded documents in his hand. As Lana takes them, we see the header on the top sheet reads "Legal Buyout". Lana's face is stunned as she takes the papers.
Lana: Lex, I don't understand.
Lex: (matter of factly) It's not complicated. I've decided to invoke the buyout clause of our partnership agreement.
Lana r*fles through the papers.
Lana: (shocked) This gives me 24 hours to vacate the premises.
Lex: That's right. I've decided to reassess my business relationships. The Talon's no longer a good fit.
Lex turns and starts to leave. Lana follows him.
Lana: (outraged) This isn't fair! The Talon has always carried it's own weight.
Lex: (coldly) Breaking even isn't my idea of a good business model. (turns to face Lana) And frankly, I have to question the judgement of a partner who causes thousands of dollars in damage while entertaining friends after hours.
Lana: (angrily) I was here with *Clark*!
Lex: My faith in Clark evaporated along with my enthusiasm for the coffee shop business.
Lex turns and leaves and Lana stares after him, speechless.
Cut to a sh*t of the school hallway. Clark walks down the hall and sees Lana angrily throwing her books into her locker and slamming the door. He approaches her.
Clark: (concerned) Lana, what's wrong?
Lana: (angrily) I've just been evicted from the Talon.
Clark: (stunned) What?
Lana: Lex is using the f*re to justify taking back the building.
Lana finishes locking her locker and walks away. Clark follows.
Clark: No, he can't do that! It wasn't your fault!
Lana: (laughing sarcastically) He *knows* that. He was just looking for an excuse.
As she talks, Lana becomes more angry and upset.
Lana: People *warned* me about doing business with him. When I saw how hard he fought to keep the plant open, I actually thought he'd *changed*!
Clark steps in front of Lana and stops her from walking.
Clark: (desperately) Lana, you brought the Talon back from nothing. It means everything to you!
Lana: (upset) This proves it was never really mine.
Lana walks off, leaving Clark alone in the hall. As he watches her leave, he notices Desiree nearby, tacking a flyer up on a bulletin board in the hall. She stares back at him, and Clark's face goes from upset to angry. He marches over to Desiree.
Desiree: (smugly, her back still turned to Clark) Hello, Clark. Lana looked upset. Did she tell you what happened?
Clark: (angrily) Yeah. She mentioned that Lex is closing the Talon, and somehow, I think it wasn't completely his decision.
Desiree: Well, you're right. We made the decision as a couple.
Desiree turns to look at Clark before walking slowly down the hall. Clark follows.
Desiree: I wanted to prove a point.
Clark steps in front of Desiree, stopping her progress.
Clark: (angrily) To who? Lana?
Desiree: (coldly) No, Clark. To you. I want you to understand something.
As she speaks, Desiree circles Clark so that he's behind her again.
Desiree: I can control the people in your life. I had Lex close down the Talon in a heartbeat, imagine what would happen if I turned him against this town. Your friends. (turns to face Clark) Or even your parents.
Clark: (thr*at) I won't let you do that.
Desiree: You want this to stop? Then stay out of our lives.
Clark: (defiantly) I'm not gonna back off.
Desiree and Clark stare at each other angrily.
Clark: And I'll find a way to get through to Lex.
Clark walks off, and Desiree stares angrily after him, then smiles as she notices a few people looking at her in the hall.
Cut to a sh*t of a license plate on a red car. The Metropolis plates read "Desiree". As we pan down, we see a clear liquid running down over the license plate and onto the back bumper, then down to the ground, landing in a puddle under the car.
Cut to a sh*t of a match being struck, then dropped onto a wet trail in the parking lot. The trail is obviously gasoline, as it ignites instantly and the flame rushes toward the car. We pull back and see Desiree, watching as the flames engulf her car and it erupts in a massive expl*si*n, flipping the car over. Desiree watches the f*re for a few minutes before walking away.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent farmhouse. We see Clark's hand twirling a glass of lemonade, and in the background, Martha and Jonathan sit across from him with stunned and upset expressions on their faces.
Martha: (angry) Clark, why didn't you tell us about this earlier?
We see Clark sitting across from his parents, also looking upset.
Clark: I..I didn't know what to say. I guess I was embarrassed.
Jonathan: Well, I dunno know what we can do about the Talon. I mean, It's not against the law to sweet-talk your husband into making a bad business decision.
Martha: (upset) No, but trying to seduce a teenage boy is! (near tears) I'm calling the school board, first thing in the morning, and getting this woman suspended!
A knock sounds at the door, and Jonathan gets up to answer it.
Jonathan: Yeah...(pauses as he comes to the door and sees who is knocking) Ethan. Come on in.
The Smallville sheriff steps through the door, and Clark gets up to see what's going on.
Jonathan: What brings you out to these parts?
Sheriff Ethan: A teacher down at the high school, Mrs. Luthor, claims she saw Clark set her car set her car on f*re.
Clark turns and looks at Martha in shock.
Ethan: That's three suspicious fires in as many days, Clark. (pulls his handcuffs off his belt) I'm afraid I'm gonna have to take you into custody until we can sort this out.
Clark: (frantic) Mom, Dad! This is a mistake!
Martha pats his arm comfortingly
Martha: We know.
Jonathan: (sternly) Clark! I want you to do what Ethan says. We'll figure this thing out, I promise.
Ethan: Just turn around, son.
Clark looks at Martha, then turns around and offers his hands to be handcuffed. Martha watches near tears, and Clark looks near tears himself.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon. Lex is coming down the stairs, talking on his cell-phone.
Lex: That's right. I'm selling the building and everything in it. Talk to our people in Metropolis about a price and get back to me.
As Lex finishes his call, he glances toward the entrance and sees Martha entering.
Lex: Mrs. Kent.
Martha: (coldly) I was looking for Nell.
Lex: Uh, she just left. I believe she's arranging for the movers.
Martha: (dismissive) Well, I hope I didn't disturb you.
Martha turns to leave, but Lex calls out and stops her.
Lex: Mrs. Kent? I am truly sorry about Clark.
Martha: (disbelieving) Are you, Lex?
Martha and Lex simply stare, Martha's face a mask of anger and Lex's face showing the slightest hint of fear. Martha walks toward Lex until she's right in front of him.
Martha: (accusingly) My son is in jail. And your wife put him there.
Lex: Maybe these fires were a cry for help.
Martha: Is that you talking, or is Mrs. Luthor talking through you?
Lex: Mrs. Kent, I would never ask you to take sides against your husband...please don't ask me to doubt my wife.
Martha: Any good relationship relies on trust, but there has to be room to disagree. Like the way Jonathan and I disagreed about you. He couldn't see past the Luthor name, but I always thought you were truly trying to be a friend to Clark. Now I'm beginning to think Jonathan was right all along.
Lex: Believe me, Mrs. Kent, I never wanted it to come to this.
Martha: You know Clark. He's not a criminal. He's the *one* person who stood by you no matter what! Ask yourself, is he *really* capable of this?
Lex: I wouldn't have thought so. But I know Desiree.
Martha can't believe what she's hearing..
Martha: Lex! You met and married her in a week! How well could you know her!
Lex's jaw clenches as he stares at Martha. Apparently, she's struck a nerve. Martha simply shakes her head and walks away.
Lex: (softly) Mrs...
Lex's call goes unheeded as Martha leaves the building.
Cut a sh*t of Desiree swimming underwater in the Luthor mansion swimming pool. She swims from one end of the pool to the other with strong strokes, never rising until she approaches the ladder to climb out of the pool. As we pull back, we see Jonathan walking toward the pool purposefully.
Desiree climbs out of the pool, wringing the water out of her hair as Jonathan stares at her.
Desiree: Oh, hello Mr. Kent.
Jonathan looks away uncomfortably, as Desiree simply looks at him.
Desiree: Are you here to talk about Clark?
As the camera switches to a sh*t over Desiree's shoulder, we see the reason Jonathan is staring at the ground. Desiree is topless.
Jonathan: (not looking at Desiree) Yes I am. (reaches over and grabs a robe off a nearby chair and tosses it to Desiree) And I would prefer to do it fully clothed, if you don't mind.
Desiree: (meekly) Sure.
Desiree pulls on the robe, tying it around her waist, and walking slowly toward Jonathan as she talks.
Desiree: I'm sorry about your son, Mr. Kent. But you should take this as a warning sign. Your son is a seriously troubled young man.
Jonathan: (angrily turning to face Desiree) And just how do you figure that?
Desiree: (amused) Isn't it obvious? He starts fires and then he takes credit for putting them out.
Jonathan: He told me that he was nowhere near your car, and I believe him.
Desiree: (bluntly) Hmm. Your son is lying to you. I'm sorry.
Jonathan: You know, I thought I could come out here and reason with you. But clearly, I was mistaken.
Jonathan turns and starts to leave, but Desiree calls out to him.
Desiree: Mr. Kent, wait. Please, I'm sorry. You're right about everything.
Jonathan stops, but doesn't turn to face Desiree. She approaches him from behind.
Desiree: This all has to with Lex.
Jonathan shakes his head in disbelief, and turns to face Desiree.
Jonathan: This has nothing to do with your husband, Lex Luthor.
Desiree moves quickly, stepping closer to Jonathan as if she's about to kiss him. As she does so, she blows a healthy dose of pink mist into Jonathan's face, which he inhales. Jonathan's eyes fall shut as he inhales. He moves to kiss her, but Desiree puts her fingers on his lips and stops him.
Desiree: I need you to do something for me first.
Jonathan nods in agreement, and Desiree pulls him closer for a kiss.
Cut to a sh*t of a barred jail door being slid back. Chloe and Lana enter, walking through the jail and to Clark's cell.
Chloe: Sorry we didn't have time to bake a file into a cake.
Lana: How you holding up?
Clark gets up and walks to the door of his cell to greet them, gripping the bars as he talks.
Clark: Besides being accused of being a serial arsonist and trying to sleep with my best friend's wife, I'm great.
Lana: We've got some good news. Chloe followed up on your Alison Sanders clue.
Lana hands Clark an old folded up newspaper through the bars. He looks at it as Chloe talks.
Chloe: Apparently our vixen formerly known as Alison was popular with the Smallville boys even as a teenager.
Lana: (pulling out a smaller piece of paper and handing it to Clark) She was with her boyfriend when the meteors h*t.
Chloe: The Ledger article doesn't cover it, but I'll let your mind as to what they were doing in the truck by the lake.
Lana: Couple of weeks later, he lost it and m*rder her parents. Desiree inherited everything.
Chloe: Fast forward five years. Desiree is now a teacher. She marries a wealthy shipping executive, only to see him offed by one of her moonstruck high school students.
Lana: Same confession, same denial six hours later.
Chloe: It's the classic black widow scenario. Only after m*rder number two, this black widow had the misfortune of being heavily invested in dot coms. After she lost all the money, she decided to go after Lex.
Clark: So she tried to seduce me to k*ll him. Why'd she think I'd do it?
Chloe: Pheremones!
Clark looks at Chloe disbelievingly.
Clark: Chloe...
Chloe: Clark, she was in the throes of major passion when the meteors h*t! If her pheremone levels were enhanced, she could get a guy to do whatever she wants! Lucky for us, Clark Kent seems to be immune to some members of the opposite sex.
Clark looks up quickly, taken aback by Chloe's snarky comment. The tension rises as they simply stare at each other for a few seconds, while Lana looks on uncomfortably. Ethan unlocks the door to the cell area, breaking the silence.
Ethan: Time's up, girls!
The girls look at Ethan, and then look back at Clark helplessly.
Chloe: (sighing in disappointment) Okay...
The two girls turn to leave, and Clark calls after them.
Clark: (quietly so Ethan can't hear) Hey, my dad went to go see Desiree! I gotta get out of here!
Chloe: (whispering) Just hang on, Okay?
The two girls leave quickly, and Clark watches them go in frustration. Clark glances around, trying to find a way out, and his eyes rest on a small electrical box across from his cell.
Cut to the main room of the sheriff's station. Suddenly, we hear an expl*si*n. The f*re alarm sounds, and Ethan and his deputy spring into action.
Ethan: Call it in!
The deputy moves to call the f*re station, while Ethan heads back to where the cells are. The cell area is fille with smoke, and the electical box is engulfed in flames.
Ethan: (panicked) Oh, jeez!
He quickly unlocks the cell area door, followed by Clark's cell door. The electrical box starts sh**ting sparks everywhere. Clark is staring at the f*re in mock fear.
Ethan: We gotta get you outta here Clark. Stay close to me.
Clark exits the jail cell, and Ethan turns around for a split second to look at the f*re. That's all the time Clark needs, as we hear a wooshing sound. Ethan turns around.
Ethan: Clark?
The door to the sheriff's station is open, and Clark is gone.
Cut to a sh*t of Luthor Manor. We then cut to a signed and notarized legal document. The text on the document proclaims it is the "Last will and testament of Lex Luthor." Lex picks it up off his desk and studies it.
Lex: We need to talk.
We pull back and see Desiree standing at the bar, fixing herself a drink.
Desiree: (innocently) Is something wrong?
Lex: (walking towards Desiree) I'm not sure. I know love is supposed to be blind, but since meeting you, I feel like I've lost all sense of reason regarding my friends, my business, and suddenly I don't know why.
Desiree: (smugly) Well, it's too late for second thoughts, Lex. The papers have been finalized. Everything you have is mine.
Lex: You only inherit in the event of my death.
Desiree simply looks at Lex as she sips her drink, and a look of realization crosses Lex's face. He grins wryly, trying to act as if he's joking, but his words are serious.
Lex: (dryly) Were you planning to k*ll me?
Desiree: (coldly) No.
She turns and walks toward a door at the back of Lex's study, and throws it open.
Desiree: (matter of factly) He is.
Jonathan enters, carrying a g*n, which he cocks and aims at Lex. Lex's eyes widen in fear.
Cut to a sh*t from above the Luthor study. Desiree and Jonathan stand on one side, with Jonathan aiming the sh*t g*n directly at Lex. Lex stands on the other side, holding his hands out in front of him as he tries to reason with Jonathan.
Lex: I know you, Mr. Kent. You're not a m*rder. Please...put the g*n down.
As Lex speaks, he backs away slowly, and reaches down to pick up his phone off his desk. Just as his hand reaches it, it explodes as Jonathan sh**t it with the g*n. Lex jumps back in fear, and sweat--not just from the heat--pours down his face.
Jonathan: (angrily) I'm not lettin' you add Desiree's name to your list of victims!
Lex: (desperately) She's using you, Mr. Kent. Whatever she told you, it's not true.
Jonathan's answer is to simply recock the g*n and take aim at Lex.
Suddenly, the doors to the study burst open, and Clark runs into the room. He sees what's going on and yells to his father.
Clark: Dad! Don't!
It's too late, as Jonathan pulls the trigger and Lex tries to leap behind his desk. The scene goes into slow motion as we see the b*llet leave the muzzle of the g*n. It slowly heads for Lex, who is trying to get out of the way. As the b*llet crosses in front of Clark, he aims his heat vision at it, and as the b*llet passes through the heat waves, it melts and breaks apart.
We go back into real time, as Lex falls to the ground, unhurt. Jonathan simply recocks the g*n and heads for where Lex fell, aiming the g*n again and getting ready to pull the trigger. Lex rolls over and sees Jonathan standing over him, ready to sh**t him at point blank range, and cries out as he attempts to shield himself with his arms.
Clark rushes over and tries to grab the g*n from his father.
Clark: Dad you can't do this!
He grabs the g*n and tries to pull it away from Jonathan.
Jonathan: (struggling to push Clark off) Clark!
As the two men struggle for control of the g*n, Clark manages to spin Jonathan around and push him into the wall. Jonathan knocks his back hard against the edge of Lex's built in bookshelves and slumps to the ground, unconcious.
Clark: (kneeling next to Jonathan) Dad! You OK?
Desiree looks down and sees Lex climbing to his feet behind his desk. He looks at her in anger and rushes toward her. She quickly grabs a decanter of scotch from the bar and raises it to strike him. Lex turns slightly to protect himself, and she smashes the decanter across his back, soaking his shirt with the scotch. She then grabs a lighter (the stick kind you use for fireplaces) off the bar and lights it, holding it toward Lex's shirt. The alcohol quickly ignites, and the back of Lex's shirt is soon ablaze. Clark glances over and sees Lex struggling to his feet, his shirt engulfed in flames.
Lex: (screaming in agony) Arghhh! Clark!
Clark rushes over as Lex struggles to pull the shirt off, continuing to scream in agony. Clark sees Desiree trying to flee, and quickly turns his heat vision on the door, heating the doorknob up to the point that it glows. Just as he does so, Desiree puts her hand on the doorknob, and screams as the heated up doorknob burns her hand.
Clark grabs some draperies off the wall and throws them over Lex, knocking him to the ground as he smothers out the flames. He checks to make sure Lex is OK. Lex looks up and sees Clark, and the two men stare at each other for a second, before Lex closes his eyes in relief.
Cut to a sh*t of the outside of the Kent farmhouse on a sunny day. We go inside the kitchen and see Martha, wearing potholders, pulling two pans of muffins from the oven. As she turns around, she almost knocks over Clark, who grabs one of the hot pans (not wearing potholders of course, but showing no reaction to the heat) and sets it on the table.
Martha: (relieved) Oh! Thanks Clark. It's good to have you back.
Clark: (grabbing a muffin) Well, it's nice to see something other than jail food.
Jonathan enters the kitchen, wiping his brow.
Jonathan: Well, I just got off the phone with Ethan. After Lex's statement, the arson...Ow! (grabs a muffin and nearly drops it because it is so hot) The arson charges have been dropped. And from what Ethan said, I think we've seen the last of Desiree Atkins.
Clark: (concerned) What about my escape?
Jonathan: Well, considering your age, and the fact that you did save Lex Luthor's life, they're willing to let you off with a stern warning. (sipping some lemonade) We're very lucky this time, son.
Clark sighs in relief.
Martha: Did Lex say anything about...what happened?
Jonathan: I think we'd both like to put that way...behind us.
Martha rubs Jonathan's arm in understanding.
Jonathan: Now, Mrs. Kent, if you are finished here, I would like to take you out to dinner. Solo, if you don't mind Clark.
Clark shakes his head and grins at his parents.
Clark: I don't mind.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm at night. We drift upwards into the loft and see Clark stretched out in a hammock, reading "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury. We hear footsteps, and soon see Lex climbing the stairs to the loft.
Lex: Clark. I was hoping I'd find you.
Clark climbs out of the hammock.
Clark: Hey Lex. How you feelin'?
Lex: (sighing) Like I'm waking up from a bad dream.
Clark: (sympathetically) You really loved her, didn't you?
Lex: I thought I did.
Lex walks over to gaze out of the loft window.
Lex: I filed for an annulment, which my lawyers tell me should be final in a couple of days. I'll let the police deal with Desiree.
Clark: (tossing his book down on the hammock and walking toward Lex) And when that's finished?
Lex: Try to be more cautious. I let my passion get the best of me. I won't make that mistake again.
Clark: Lex...I don't think having passion is such a bad thing.
Lex: You're right, Clark. Passion for life and work and friends is great. As long as you keep it in check. I should take a page out of your book.
Clark looks at Lex questioningly.
Clark: How do you mean?
Lex: The way you deal with Lana. I've always told you to go for it, but you don't. Even now that the quarterback's out of the picture.
Clark: (chuckling) Well, I want to, believe me. But Lana needs to work out her feelings for Whitney first. I can wait.
Lex: (dryly) Don't wait too long.
Lex claps Clark on the shoulder, and leaves the loft.
Cut to a sh*t seen through a videocamera viewfinder. It's Lana, recording her message to Whitney.
Lana: Hi, Whitney. Uh, I've been trying to get this done, but it's been a *crazy* week.
We pull back away from the viewfinder to see Lana in the Talon, speaking to the camera.
Lana: Still, in a way I'm glad, because it's given me the chance to think about what I need to say.
A knock on the door interrupts Lana. She turns to see who it is, then reaches over and switches off the camera. She heads to the door and unlocks it, opening it to let Clark step inside.
Lana: Hey, Clark!
Clark: Hi, Lana. I thought I'd give you a hand with the repairs.
Lana: Thanks! Umm...good news is, I think we're almost ready for our grand re-opening.
Clark: What's the bad news?
Lana: I still can't figure out how to use the new expresso machine.
Cut to a sh*t of a new state of the art expresso machine, complete with all the bells and whistles.
Clark: Looks very...Italian.
Lana: It's a gift from Lex. Along with roses, and an offer to rework our partnership agreement so that this could never happen again.(tosses her keys on the counter and takes a seat) Lex told me what happened with Miss Atkins and your dad. It's lucky you were there. (pauses) It's funny how she managed to seduce *everyone* but you.
Clark just shrugs
Clark: Yeah, I guess she just wasn't my type.
Lana: (a bit suspiciously) And the jailhouse? How did you manage your escape?
Clark: Well, there was a f*re. And the sheriff opened the door and I guess I just made a run for it.
Lana: Three fires. You were there all three times.
Clark just smiles nervously.
Clark: Weird coincidence, huh?
Lana: Or just part of the mystery that is Clark Kent.
Clark just looks at Lana, trying to find a way to change the subject. His eyes fall on the video camera, and he indicates to it.
Clark: How's it going with the tape for Whitney.
Lana: (sighs) I decided to tell him how I really feel.
Clark: What happened to putting on a brave face?
Lana: Wasn't fair to either of us. I haven't been honest about my feelings. I know it's gonna hurt and my timing is crummy, but...having a relationship that's built on secrets and lies is doomed to fail. (Lana studies Clark for a moment) Don't you think so, Clark?
Clark just nods.
Clark: Absolutely.
From outside, we hear the sound of rain as a summer storm starts.
Lana: (sighs) Looks like the heat wave is finally broken. (smiles at Clark) I'm glad.
Clark: Yeah. Me too. (indicates the camera) I should let you finish.
Lana and Clark study each other for a moment, before Clark breaks the silence.
Clark: Bye Lana.
Lana: Bye.
Clark turns and leaves the Talon, and Lana watches him and sighs. She turns back to the video camera and turns it on, gathering her courage. She takes a deep breath, then presses the record button, and we see the viewfinder switch on. Lana looks into the camera and smiles sadly, then begins speaking. As she talks, the sh*t drifts down so that we are again watching her through the viewfinder of the camcorder.
Lana: Whitney. I care about you very much. And I always will. But we promised that we'd be honest with each other. And the truth is...
(Fade to black. End of show.)
************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Tomorrow" by Avril Lavigne
"A Little Less Conversation" by JXL vs Elvis
"Truth Or Dare" by N.E.R.D.
"Hot In Herre" by Nelly
"My Friends Over You" by New Found Glory
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen a.k.a BuckeyeFan
Betaed by: June | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x02 - Heat"} | foreverdreaming |
[ Act 1 Teaser ]
(Dr. Hamilton is walking down the hall in Lex's mansion. Night. His left hand is twitching and he is walking slowly, obviously trying to control it. He enters Lex's study where Lex is waiting.)
Dr. Hamilton: Lex, I, uh, I thought we had an arrangement. Why this sudden urge for a face-to-face?
(Lex sees Dr. Hamilton's trembling hand.))
Lex: You don't look well.
Dr. Hamilton: Why did you pull me away from my research? You know I hate progress reports.
Lex: I hear you're having some personnel problems at Catmus Labs. They all quit when you turned violent and started throwing lab equipment.
Dr. Hamilton: They were incompetent. Look, I thought our relationship was clear. You write the checks, I have free reign to do my work.
Lex: I hired you to research the meteor rocks. But instead of results, you provide me with potential lawsuits. Frankly, Doctor, you have become a liability. Look, I'm afraid we've reached the end of our road together. Now that I am running my own company, I don't have the time or the resources to pursue projects that don't bear fruit. I suggest you see a doctor in Metropolis. I'll take care of the expenses.
Dr. Hamilton: I don't need your doctor, Lex, and I certainly don't need your condescension. It's you who needs me. (He points at Lex with his shaking hand) You're just a little to uh, (He pulls his hand back) myopic to see it.
(He leaves the room, slamming the door.)
(CUT TO a man, RAY WALLACE, driving his truck down a dark road. He is listening to loud country music and eating sunflower seeds. He turns to the window and spits, only to realize that the window is rolled up. He rolls down the window and spits again. The driver's side door says Ray's Lock and Key.)
(Dr. Hamilton is driving on the same road, toward the truck. His hand continues to shake, and he reaches for a pill bottle on the dashboard, accidentally knocking it onto the floor of the car, spilling the pills. He sees the truck in the distance and leans over to grab the pills, causing his own car to swerve all over the road.)
(Ray sees him and starts to honk his horn. Dr. Hamilton sits upright, but doesn't have enough time to steer out of the way. The truck swerves violently out of the way, causing it to fly off the road and topple into a cornfield. It comes to a stop completely upside down with the horn blaring continuously.)
(Dr. Hamilton remains in his car panting. Another car drives toward him where he is still blocking the way. The horn honks, and Dr. Hamilton speeds away. The approaching car pulls to the side of the road and we see that it is Pete.)
(He gets out of his car and looks into the cornfield where he sees a small patch of red light where the truck's taillights are reflecting on the corn. He runs out into the field and kneels next to the truck.)
Pete: (Knocking on the window) Hey, man. Hey, are you all right?
(The horn continues on a steady drone and Pete turns to his right. Sitting in the cornfield next to the truck is Clark's spaceship and a look of shock comes over Pete's face.)
[Opening Credits]
[ Act 1 Scene 1 ]
(Clark is playing basketball outside the barn. Day. He dribbles the ball a few times as he walks an extremely long way from the basket. He sh**t the ball at an incredibly high arc, and makes the sh*t. He super speeds over the basket to catch the ball as it falls through. He then super speeds back to where he was standing and is about to make another sh*t when Pete drives up behind him, honking the horn.)
Pete: Clark, Clark, Clark. You're dreaming if you think you're gonna make a basket from there.
Clark: No, no, no. The ball rolled out here. Want to play a game of horse?
Pete: (Laughs and gets out of the car) Forget basketball. We gotta borrow your dad's truck.
Clark: For what?
Pete: I'll explain on the way. Come on, we don't have much time.
Clark: What's going on?
Pete: If I told you, you'd never believe me. You gotta see it with your own eyes.
(CUT TO Clark and Pete walking up to the overturned truck in the cornfield. Pete makes a trumpeting sound his voice as they approach the spaceship.)
Pete: Pretty mind-blowing, huh?
Clark: (Shocked) What do you think it is?
Pete: Oh, Clark, it's a spaceship! What the hell else would it be?
Clark: Well, I mean, I don't know if it was some, like, downed specialty aircraft or a Russian satellite or something.
Pete: No, no, no. This thing's got extraterrestrial written all over it.
Clark: Yeah, I bet there's little green guys running around the cornfield too, Pete.
Pete: I'm serious, Clark. Have you ever seen anything like it?
Clark: If the aliens came to Earth, don't you think they'd find a place a little more exciting than Smallville?
Pete: No, no, no, think about it. Crop circles, cattle mutilation. They'd be like kids in a candy store here! Come on, man, let's load it into the truck!
(Pete grabs the edge.)
Clark: Wait, you're not just gonna take it.
Pete: Clark, when the sheriff questioned me about the accident, I told him in all the confusion I couldn't remember where the truck went off the road. But it's only a matter of time before he shows up. Come on. (He grabs the edge again) Come on!
Clark: All right fine. We'll take it to my house.
Pete: No, no, no, Clark! I know your dad. He'll make us turn it over to the authorities.
Clark: I won't even tell him. He won't know it's there.
Pete: Clark, we're taking it to my house. We'll hide it in the tool shed in my backyard. No one ever goes back there.
Clark: Pete, my house would be perfect. It'll be safe there.
Pete: Clark, last time I checked, I found this thing. You're acting like you got license and registration on it, man. Lighten up. We're taking it to my place.
(Finally giving in, Clark helps Pete pick up his space ship.)
[ Act 1 Scene 2 ]
(Lex is making a drink in his study as Lionel enters with a servant. Day. Lionel is wearing sunglasses and using a walking stick to feel his way around.)
Servant: Right here.
Lionel: Lex? Lex, are you in here?
Lex: Yeah, Dad, I'm right here. I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting you.
(The servant starts to take Lionel's jacket and Lionel bats his hands away.)
Lionel: No! Get out.
(The servant leaves.)
Lex: Is everything all right? (He helps Lionel to a chair) Your doctors tell me your recovery is going well.
Lionel: It is. So well, in fact, that Dr. Roland suggested I take a break from the, uh…rigors of a… physical therapy. He, uh… he thought that some time away from the uh… stress of living and working in Metropolis would be more… beneficial right now.
Lex: Of all the places you could have gone, you, uh, decided to come here?
Lionel: We'll have a chance for some father-son bonding. You've always told me I've been lax in that requirement, Lex.
Lex: How long are you planning to stay?
Lionel: A few days, maybe a week.
Lex: Are you sure you wouldn't be more comfortable at the beach house? I think the sea air would be invigorating.
Lionel: I'm getting the distinct impression, Lex, that you don't want me here.
Lex: No, Father, I just want what's best for you. Stay as long as you like.
(Lex's has a look of reluctance on his face.)
[ Act 1 Scene 3 ]
(Nell and her new boyfriend, DEAN, are sitting in the Talon. Day.)
Dean: (Playfully kissing her shoulder) No.
(Nell laughs as Lana approaches with their check, looking uncomfortable.)
Dean: (Clearing his throat) Hey, Lana, you know I was just thinking. If you move those tables away from the counter, it would open up space for extra stools. More customers, more cash flow.
Nell: That's a wonderful idea.
Dean: (Glances at his watch) I gotta go. (Lana looks away as they kiss) I'll see you tonight. Bye, Lana.
Lana: Bye.
Nell: (Sighs) Isn't he wonderful?
Lana: Yeah, he's great.
(Lana looks back at Dean who is looking at her as Chloe walks in. She gives Dean a strange look and walks to Lana.)
Chloe: Hi.
Lana: Hey.
Nell: Hi, Chloe.
Chloe: Hi.
Nell: Oh, how did the sleepover go? Did you two get a lot of studying done?
Chloe: (Confused) Uh, I have to be completely honest with you, Nell... (Lana gives her a look) We didn't study. We had a Keanu DVD-a-thon. Once you get lost in those brown eyes, just geometry loses its appeal.
Nell: Well, I'm just glad you two had fun. Don't let the grades suffer.
(She gets up to leave.)
Chloe: Okay.
Lana: Bye.
Nell: Bye.
Lana: Thank you so much, Chloe!
Chloe: Yeah, sure, if you'd given me more of a heads up I could have come up with something a lot better than a Keanu DVD-a-thon.
Lana: Sorry, it was a last-minute thing. I had to get out of the house, so I told Nell I was staying at a friend's place. You were the first person that came to mind.
Chloe: Really?
Lana: Really.
Chloe: So, uh, where were you last night? Is there a new guy in Lana Lang's life?
Lana: Yeah. His name's Dean. You passed him on the way in.
Chloe: You're dating an older man?
Lana: Relax. He's Nell's new boyfriend. He's an insurance adjuster she met after the tornado. He's always around and they're in this lovey-dovey daze all the time.
Chloe: Yeah, and you want to tell them to get a room but it's her house.
Lana: Tell me about it. After I caught them slow dancing in the living room, I decided to stay at the Talon.
Chloe: Well, you know, next time you need to clear out of the love shack, you don't have to lie about it. You can stay at my house for real any time.
Lana: Thanks.
[ Act 1 Scene 4 ]
(Clark and Pete drive to Pete's house in Jonathan's truck. Day. The spaceship is in the back partially covered by a tarp.)
(CUT TO the two of them pushing it into the tool shed.)
Pete: Man, this thing weighs a ton.
Clark: I know.
Pete: I'm gonna go call Chloe.
Clark: Wait, wait. Don't
Pete: Why not? To her, this thing's like the Holy Grail.
Clark: She'll write an article about it.
Pete: That's the point. Then we'll be famous! We'll write a book, we'll go on all sorts of talk shows, and then we'll sign a big movie deal.
Clark: Wait, don't you think we should keep this between us until we know more about it?
Pete: Why are you being so g*n shy, Clark? We gotta move on this thing before the driver of the truck tells someone else.
Clark: Suppose we tell Chloe and it turns out to be some sort of high-tech crop duster or something.
Pete: She'll never let us live it down.
Clark: Exactly. We'd be the subject of her next “Eat Crow” column for sure. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to risk it.
Pete: How do you think you open it?
Clark: I'm not sure. (He grabs a crow bar) Um, here. You work on that, I'm gonna go see if anyone's put up missing spaceship flyers around town.
Pete: All right.
Clark: I'll meet you back here tomorrow morning.
Pete: All right, cool.
(He starts trying to pry open the ship.)
[ Act 1 Scene 5 ]
(Clark is in his living room with Jonathan and Martha. Day.)
Jonathan: So where is it now?
Clark: In Pete's tool shed.
Martha: And he hasn't told anyone about it?
Clark: Well, I convinced him to hold off the press conference till tomorrow morning.
Jonathan: Very funny. We're just gonna have to get it back.
Clark: Well, what are we gonna do, Dad, just steal it? (Jonathan looks at Clark seriously) Now, wait a minute. What do I say if he asks me where it went?
Jonathan: You're gonna have to play dumb.
Clark: Dad, I'm sick of lying.
Jonathan: Clark, you don't have much of a choice here.
Clark: Well, I can tell Pete the truth.
Jonathan: Clark...
Clark: Dad, he's not gonna tell anyone.
Martha: Look, people slip sometimes, even the most trustworthy of friends.
Jonathan: This information is way too dangerous for Pete.
Martha: We understand that this secret is a huge burden, but if you share it with Pete, you might be giving him a responsibility he's not ready to take on.
[ Act 1 Scene 6 ]
(DR. GLENN is talking to Dr. Hamilton at Smallville Medical Center. Day.)
Dr. Glenn: I know this isn't the type of bizarre cellular mutation I normally call you with, but uh, I knew you'd be interested.
Dr. Hamilton: (Holding onto his shaking hand) What's the room number?
Dr. Glenn: You know, the, uh, interest in my med school loans is k*lling me. (Dr. Hamilton takes some money out of his pocket and sticks it in the Dr. Glenn's coat pocket. Dr. Glenn notices Hamilton's shaking hand) You really should have that looked at.
Dr. Hamilton: (Pushing Dr. Glenn to the wall) What's the number?!
(CUT TO Hamilton entering Ray's room.)
Ray: Who are you?
Dr. Hamilton: (Opening the patient chart) Dr. Hamilton. How do you feel?
Ray: Like my head got bashed in by a bulldozer.
Dr. Hamilton: Dr. Glenn tells me you saw a spacecraft in a cornfield last night.
Ray: I must've been babbling. They got me pumped full of morphine.
Dr. Hamilton: Who else did you babble to?
Ray: What's it to you anyway?
Dr. Hamilton: Let's just say I have a professional interest. I looked at the field, I saw the impression in the cornstalks. Whatever made it is gone.
Ray: Damn. I knew I should've kept my mouth shut. Someone must've taken it.
Dr. Hamilton: You did see a ship last night, hmm? (He pours some pills into his mouth from the bottle as Ray nods) Who else knows about it?
Ray: No one.
Dr. Hamilton: Mnh-mnh.
Ray: Oh, the kid. The one that pulled me out of my truck. Pete Ross. Have we met before?
Dr. Hamilton: I don't think so.
Ray: You were out on the road last night. You're the crazy son of a bitch who forced me off the road! (He reaches for the call button and Dr. Hamilton takes it away) Nurse!
(Hamilton grabs the syringe that has the morphine that is hooked to Ray through a tube.)
Ray: Nurse!
(Hamilton pushes down the button of the syringe and Ray's eyes cross as we hear the heart monitor flat line from Ray overdosing on morphine.)
[ Act 1 Scene 7 ]
(Jonathan and Clark walk from the truck to Pete's tool shed. Night. When they open the door, the spaceship is gone..)
Clark: I don't believe it. Someone must've gotten here before us.
Jonathan: We're not gonna find out who it was tonight. (He closes the door)
(CUT TO the two of them driving away just as Pete steps outside. He sees them, but they don't see him.)
[ Act 1 Scene 8 ]
(Clark walks out of his house and finds Pete sitting on his car in the driveway. Day.)
Clark: Pete. Hey, I was just gonna come talk to you.
Pete: Really?
Clark: Yeah, about the ship...
Pete: Oh, someone broke in to my shed last night and stole it.
Clark: Really?
Pete: Yeah.
Clark: Well, did you tell anyone it was there?
Pete: No, did you?
Clark: (After a small pause) No, my lips have been sealed.
Pete: You're such a liar.
Clark: What do you mean?
Pete: I saw you and your dad driving away from my shed last night. All night long I kept telling myself there's gotta be some sort of logical explanation. Clark Kent would never do anything like this.
Clark: Pete, I swear we didn't take the ship.
Pete: And all these years I used to think you were my best friend.
(Pete turns to get into his car.)
Clark: Pete, wait. You don't understand.
Pete: What don't I understand? Go ahead, explain it to me, Clark. (Clark is at a loss) That's good, really illuminating. Wait till Chloe hears about this. (He gets in his car) I can already see the headlines. The Real Clark Kent Exposed!
(Pete starts the car and peels out of the driveway. He looks at Clark in his rearview mirror and keeps driving. Clark stays behind. He looks at the ground and again looks at Pete's car driving away.)
(Pete looks in his mirror again and Clark isn't there anymore. We hear a slight whoosh and suddenly Clark's hands are on the hood of the car, stopping it in its tracks. The back wheels continue to spin against the dirt road as Pete looks at Clark.)
Clark: Pete, we need to talk.
(Pete looks, startled. He looks behind him where Clark was standing and looks back to where Clark is.)
(Fade to black.)
[ Act 2 Scene 1 ]
(Pete and Clark are talking in the storm cellar. Day.)
Pete: So you're some sort of... what? You're not a human?
Clark: I don't know what I am. I don't know where that ship brought me from. I just know that I grew up in Smallville, and everything that I care about and everyone that I care about is here.
Pete: If you care about me so much, how come you never told me sooner?
Clark: Pete, believe me, there wasn't a day that went by where I didn't want to tell you, but my parents thought it was too dangerous. Not just for me, but for anyone else who knew the truth.
Pete: You didn't think I could handle it?
Clark: Can you?
(Pete starts to walk around Clark slowly.)
Clark: Pete, another reason why I didn't say anything is because I knew people would look at me the exact same way that you're looking at me right now.
Pete: And how's that?
Clark: Like a freak. Pete, I've tried my whole life just to blend in, to try and be more normal than anyone else. Would you just say something? (Pete doesn't say anything) Call me... call me an alien, call me a monster. I don't care, just say something.
Pete: It's like I don't even know you.
Clark: Yes, you do know me. I'm the same kid that used to camp in your backyard. We used to ride our bikes in the woods, we used to play basketball with your brothers. Nothing has changed.
Pete: Yeah, right.
Clark: (Stepping toward him) Pete--
Pete: (Backing away abruptly) Back off, man!
Clark: Pete, I would never hurt you.
Pete: Too late.
(He passes Clark and leaves the storm cellar.)
[ Act 2 Scene 2 ]
(Dr. Hamilton is noisily working on the spaceship in his barn. Day. He is behind the ship, but we hear a series of clanks and thumbs as his keeps flailing over the edge. He reaches over and feels the octagonal groove.)
Dr. Hamilton: (Sitting up to look at it) Yeah, yeah, there you go! (He pats the ship excitedly) Right there.
[ Act 2 Scene 3 ]
(Dr. Hamilton and Lex talk in Lex's study. Day.)
Lex: Listen, Dr. Hamilton, I thought I made it clear that our business together was over.
Dr. Hamilton: I've come for my severance package. The octagonal disk that I found in the field, Lex.
Lex: Why?
Dr. Hamilton: You don't give a damn about my research. What does it matter to you?
Lex: I don't have it, Doctor, it disappeared during the storm.
Dr. Hamilton: (Pushing books off the desk) Liar! It's a key! I know you have it! This isn't over! (He leaves the room. In the hallway, he passes Lionel who is walking with his stick and feeling his way along the wall. Dr. Hamilton stops and turns around) Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: Yes?
Dr. Hamilton: I'm Dr. Steven Hamilton. I've been doing the confidential research on the meteor rocks for your son at Catmus Labs.
Lionel: All right. You've got my attention.
Dr. Hamilton: Well, unfortunately, Lex has become, uh, shortsighted and impatient. We've severed our relationship. But you. You have a reputation as a... a man of vision.
Lionel: Apparently, Doctor, you haven't noticed that I'm blind.
Dr. Hamilton: A man like you doesn't have to have eyes to see the future or to recognize an opportunity.
Lionel: Don't flatter me, Hamilton, get to the point.
Dr. Hamilton: I've discovered something that can only be described as earth-shattering. I would like to show it to you.
[ Act 2 Scene 4 ]
(Clark walks up to Pete at his locker at school. Day.)
Clark: Hey, Pete. Look, man, I know you're freaked out. Don't you think I freak myself out sometimes? (Pete doesn't answer) All right, look. You have every reason in the world to hate me, but I need to find that ship. (A girl at a locker next to Pete's gives Clark a strange look and walks away) The guy you pulled out of the truck, he must have told someone something. I thought we could--
Pete: The other day, we were moving the ship. You said it was heavy. You were lying, weren't you? And everyday you missed the bus and still ended up at school ahead of me? You always said you got a ride, but you never got rides, did you? Our whole life you were the one person I could tell anything to, and I always did, all my secrets. But you? Everything you ever told me was a lie!
Clark: Maybe I was right not telling you with the way you're reacting.
Pete: Clark, you don't get it do you? I don't care if you're from the moon. You never trusted me. What kind of friendship is that?
(Chloe walks up.)
Chloe: Hey, guys. Why didn't you tell me about the superhero deal? (They both look at Chloe, startled) Pete pulls a guy from a mangled truck and rushes him to the hospital? That's got Torch exclusive written all over it. So how about an interview?
Pete: Maybe later.
Chloe: Your reluctance wouldn't be part of a vast conspiracy designed to cover up the whole spaceship thing, would it?
Clark: Wh-what are you talking about?
Chloe: My source from the medical center gave me a call. He said that the guy that Pete brought in was rambling on about some alien spacecraft that landed in the cornfield.
Clark: You don't really believe that, do you?
Chloe: I don't know. Not unless Pete can corroborate the story.
Pete: Sure, Chloe. I saw a spaceship. I even met an alien.
Chloe: Really? Would you like to describe it?
Pete: Actually he looks a lot like Clark.
Chloe: (Chloe looks at Clark) I thought aliens were little and green.
Pete: I guess things aren't always what you think they are.
(He walks away.)
Chloe: Okay, what's up with him?
Clark: Just guy stuff. Um, you're not really looking into this UFO story are you? I mean, it sounds like Inquisitor stuff.
Chloe: Maybe, but if there is some truth to it, that's front-page news. For the Daily Planet.
(She walks away.)
[ Act 2 Scene 4 ]
(Clark enters the kitchen with a bowlful of eggs. Day.)
Clark: Lex?
Lex: (Sitting by the counter) Hey. Your mom said it'd be okay if I waited for you.
Clark: Yeah, what's up?
Lex: I just needed to get out of the mansion. It's getting crowded.
Clark: Doesn't it have like 75 rooms?
Lex: Yeah, well, my father takes up a lot of space.
Clark: (Nods understandingly) When's he going back to Metropolis?
Lex: Not soon enough.
Clark: Is he really being that difficult?
Lex: Just the opposite. He's the picture of civility. Says he wants to work on our relationship.
Clark: Is that such a bad thing?
Lex: He's lied to me so many times it's hard to believe he doesn't have an ulterior motive.
Clark: Maybe you can give him the benefit of the doubt.
Lex: No, no. If a person's deceived me once, I find it hard to give them a second chance. (Clark lowers his eyes) By the way, do you remember that paperweight I had on my desk? The octagonal one?
Clark: Uh, kinda, why?
Lex: It came up today. Made me wonder what happened to it.
Clark: When did you lose it?
Lex: During the storm.
Clark: It probably got carried away with all the other debris from the mansion, you know?
Lex: Yeah. I'm sure you're right.
(Lex starts for the door.)
Clark: Good luck.
[ Act 2 Scene 5 ]
(Lionel and Dr. Hamilton are in Dr. Hamilton's barn. Day. Lionel is touching the spaceship.)
Lionel: Forgive my skepticism, Doctor, but for all I can tell, this could be a postmodern coffee table.
Dr. Hamilton: (Scoffing.) Oh!
Lionel: Why should I believe you it's a spacecraft?
Dr. Hamilton: The alloy that you're touching is composed of elements not found on the periodic table.
Lionel: Mmm.
Dr. Hamilton: Certain chemicals in that alloy are present in the meteor rocks.
Lionel: Get me the proof.
Dr. Hamilton: (He puts Lionel's hand on the octagonal groove) Here. Feel this?
Lionel: Yeah...
Dr. Hamilton: There's a-- there's a piece missing. Lex and I were investigating a meteor site and I found an octagonal-shaped disk that is the exact size and shape of that impression!
Lionel: And you think it was...
Dr. Hamilton: It was a key that opens the ship and will provide you with the proof that you're asking for. Unfortunately, Lex won't give it back to me.
Lionel: Maybe Lex doesn't have the disk anymore.
Dr. Hamilton: Where else would it be?
Lionel: If you can answer that question, Doctor, you just might get your funding.
(Hamilton smiles.)
[ Act 2 Scene 6 ]
(Clark enters the loft and sees Lana looking through his telescope. Night.)
Clark: Lana? What are you doing?
Lana: Uh, just using your telescope to see if it's safe to go home.
Clark: Hiding from Nell.
Lana: Her new boyfriend, Dean.
Clark: Oh, you're not crazy about him.
Lana: A long story short, not really. But I'm a terrible liar so I've moved on to avoidance.
Clark: You've come to the right place.
Lana: What's wrong?
Clark: Have you ever had anyone resent you for telling them the truth?
Lana: Yeah. Whitney, when I told him how I felt, when we broke up.
Clark: Wow, you really did it. I didn't think you'd follow through on that. So you think you'll ever be friends again?
Lana: Someday. I hope. I just wish I'd been honest with him sooner.
Clark: Yeah, Pete and I, we had a big blowout. I don't know if our friendship is gonna last.
Lana: What did you guys fight about?
Clark: I wish I could tell you.
Lana: Typical.
Clark: What?
Lana: Clark Kent starts a discussion about telling the truth, no less, and when it's his turn to open up, everything is suddenly a deep, dark secret.
Clark: Well, Lana, the stuff about Pete is kind of personal.
Lana: Unlike what I just told you about Whitney.
Clark: Lana, have you ever thought that some people are just more comfortable opening up than others?
Lana: I don't think it's ever comfortable for anyone. But if you care about somebody, you owe it to them.
Clark: Then you should talk to Nell, tell her how you really feel.
Lana: You're right, Clark. Hiding the truth only keeps people apart.
(She leaves.)
[ Act 2 Scene 7 ]
(Dr. Hamilton is searching frantically through Pete's tool shed with a flashlight. Night. Pete enters.)
Pete: Hey, man, what do you think you're doing?
Dr. Hamilton: (Shining his light in Pete's eyes) There's a piece missing from the spacecraft.
Pete: You're the one who stole the spaceship?
Dr. Hamilton: It's octagonal in shape, the size of my palm. Tell me where it is!
Pete: I know you. You're Dr. Hamilton. (Hamilton growls as he pushes Pete against a wall) Man, you don't know who you're messing with! That spaceship belongs to someone a lot tougher than you!
Dr. Hamilton: You know who it belongs to.
Pete: Look, I don't know anything.
Dr. Hamilton: Tell me. Tell me who it is!
(Pete pushes him away, but Hamilton comes back and throws Pete the floor, knocking him unconscious.)
(Fade to black.)
[ Act 3 Scene 1 ]
(Clark and Martha are in the kitchen. Night. Jonathan enters.)
Jonathan: I checked the newspapers, the police wires, even a few UFO websites. There's no mention of the ship anywhere.
Martha: I don't know if that makes me relieved or more worried.
Jonathan: Well, I was thinking about Ray Wallace. If Pete visited him before he died, maybe... maybe he told Pete something that could help us find the ship.
Clark: I assume it's a possibility.
Jonathan: Clark, I want you to talk to Pete one more time.
Clark: I can't.
Jonathan: Why?
Clark: Pete's not speaking to me.
Martha: What happened?
Clark: Look, I don't want you guys to freak out all right? But I told Pete... everything. I really didn't have a choice, he saw us--
Jonathan: What do you mean you didn't have a choice, son, you could've come and spoken to us about it first.
Clark: And what, come up with another lie?
Martha: Clark. At least tell us Pete's not gonna tell anybody else.
Clark: I'm not sure what he's gonna do, Mom. He was pretty upset.
(The phone rings.)
Martha: Hello? No, he's not here. Okay, whatever we can do. Bye-bye. (Hangs up the phone) That was Pete's mother. He's missing.
[ Act 3 Scene 2 ]
(Nell and Lana are drinking coffee in the Talon. Night.)
Nell: This is a wonderful idea, Lana. I realize we haven't had much time alone since I started seeing Dean.
Lana: Actually, that's kind what I wanted to talk to you about. Dean's a really, really great guy. It's just--
Nell: Let me guess. You liked the tables the way they were.
Lana: (Laughing) Am I that transparent?
Nell: Well, I've already had a long talk with Dean, and I told him that you're very independent and before he goes off on any more unsolicited advice, he should um... well, he should get to know you better.
Lana: Thanks, Nell. I really appreciate that.
Nell: Lana, your feelings are very important to me. And they're important to Dean, too. That's why we'd both like to spend more time together. The three of us, as a family.
Lana: (Quietly) Family.
Nell: Lana, Dean didn't want me to say anything until we were all together, but, uh, well you know me. I can never keep a secret. Lana, Dean's asked me to marry him.
Lana: Wow! What did you say?
Nell: I said yes!
(She giggles.)
[ Act 3 Scene 3 ]
(Pete is tied to a beam in Dr. Hamilton's barn. Day.)
Dr. Hamilton: (Shaking even more violently) The spaceship, I need to know! Are you going to tell me who this belongs to?
Pete: Look, man, I-I was just fronting. I was trying to scare you. I have no clue whose ship that is.
Dr. Hamilton: You're lying!
Pete: (Noticing Hamilton's shaking hand) Look, you're sick. Just let me go. I'll bring back help.
Dr. Hamilton: Oh, sure. You think anyone's gonna help me? The doctors don't even have a name for what's k*lling me!
Pete: You're dying?
Dr. Hamilton: Yes. But not before I prove I am not some sideshow freak, a quack doctor who sells meteor rocks on the side of the road. And if you don't tell me what I want to know, then you're dying too!
(He wipes some sweat off his forehead and wipes it on Pete's forehead.)
[ Act 3 Scene 4 ]
(Lionel is in Lex's study reading with a device about the size of a pen. Day. A computerized voice reads the words back to him as he runs it over the page. Lex watches him from the door.)
Voice: Hamilton reports finding large concentrations of meteor fragments spread over a large area south of County Highway 17. These fragment vary in circumference from 24 microns to 562 millimeters.
Lex: Interesting reading, Dad.
Lionel: Lex. I didn't hear you come in.
Lex: I'm surprised. Dr. Roland says he's noticed a marked improvement in your other senses since you lost your sight.
Lionel: You spoke to Roland?
Lex: You can imagine my surprise when he told me how worried he was that you'd gone AWOL. You've missed your last several physical therapy sessions. In fact, he says the worst thing for you right now is to be away from your care providers.
Lionel: (Taking off his sunglasses) Do you have any idea how degrading it is to be constantly poked and prodded by occupational therapists? How demeaning it is to be told by a Braille instructor, “One day, one day, all this will feel natural”? You want the truth, Lex? I was tired of being treated like an object, an invalid. I had to get away from that.
Lex: So you decided a couple days of Oedipal mano a mano would make you feel better?
Lionel: Your analogy is apt but flawed, Lex. Blind Oedipus was the son, not the father. I'll go back to Metropolis.
Lex: So, uh, your sudden interest in Dr. Hamilton was really just a coincidence?
Lionel: I admit I find his work intriguing.
Lex: He's sick, possibly delusional.
Lionel: Never underestimate the value of eccentrics and lunatics, Lex. Every Arthur needs his Merlin. Hamilton said that he found some sort of, um, disk and that you had it.
Lex: He's mistaken.
Lionel: Oh, even so, I think it may have been a bit rash to terminate his contract.
Lex: Why do you say that?
Lionel: Have you taken a look in the good doctor's barn lately?
[ Act 3 Scene 5 ]
(Chloe is walking outside the school looking at a piece of paper. Day. Clark catches up with her.)
Clark: Hey, Chloe, have you seen Pete?
Chloe: No, but the weird-meter just kicked up another notch.
(She hands Clark the paper.)
Clark: (Reading) Hospital visitor log.
Chloe: Yeah, um, I was looking into Ray Wallace's death. It turns out he had a visitor drop by just before he flatlined. A certain Dr. Steven Hamilton.
Clark: The meteor freak?
Chloe: Yeah.
Clark: I thought he left Smallville.
Chloe: So did I. So Pete plays good Samaritan and Dr. Hamilton visits the patient.
Clark: The patient dies and Pete disappears.
Chloe: It's not exactly a smoking g*n, but...
Clark: It's good enough. I'm gonna go check on Hamilton.
(He hands the paper back to Chloe and we hear a whoosh.)
Chloe: Okay, well you know, he used to have a place down on Allentown Road. Maybe he's, uh, back there...
(She realizes Clark is gone.)
Chloe: Clark? Clark? Clark!
[ Act 3 Scene 6 ]
(Dr. Hamilton sets a stool next to Pete in the barn. Day. He grabs a syringe from his table and sits.)
Pete: What are you doing?
Dr. Hamilton: See how my hand spasms? It's from a prolonged exposure to the meteor rocks. (He fills the syringe with a glowing green liquid) I'm going to give you a dosage that's gonna make my tremors look like a mild twitch.
Pete: Hold on, but I told you I didn't know anything.
Dr. Hamilton: (Pointing the syringe at Pete's neck) I think you're lying. I think you're protecting someone and I hope whoever it is is worth dying for!
(He pulls back his arm, preparing to s*ab Pete with the needle.))
Pete: All right, all right! You want me to talk, here's what I have to say.... Take that needle and stick it wherever the hell you want because I'm not telling you a damn thing.
(Dr. Hamilton pushes on the syringe so a few drops of fluid squirt out of the needle. Then he aims it at Pete's neck.)
(Fade to black.)
[ Act 4 Scene 1 ]
(The needle is coming closer and closer to Pete's neck as a small drop of liquid hangs from the tip. Pete closes his eyes tightly. But before the needle gets there, Clark super speeds into the barn, crashing through the wall.)
Clark: Pete! (To Hamilton) Put the needle down!
Dr. Hamilton: No, not till he tells me what he knows.
(Clark uses his heat vision on the syringe and it bursts into pieces. He starts toward Pete and Hamilton gets up to stop him, but Clark pushes him across the room into a pile of steel barrels.)
(Clark gets to Pete and rips the rope off him. The liquid on the rope absorb into Clark's skin causing the veins in Clark's hands to swell and turn green. Clark holds his hands and stands up to get away, but loses strength and falls into a table and onto the floor.)
Pete: Clark, what's wrong?
Clark: (Weakly) I'm allergic to the meteor rocks.
(Dr. Hamilton stands up, grabs a beaker of the green fluid, and stumbles over to Clark.)
Dr. Hamilton: (Holding the beaker over Clark's head) This ship is yours, isn't it? Open it. Open it! Open it!
(Pete unties his feet and grabs a large metal pitcher and hits Hamilton over the back sending him crashing into another table. Another bottle of the green liquid tips on the edge of the table and drips onto Hamilton's forehead. Each drop is absorbed into his skin.)
Pete: (Grabbing Clark's shoulders) Clark, come on!
(Hamilton starts to shake with blurring speed.)
Clark: Pete, Pete, we have to get him to a hospital.
Pete: We gotta get you out of here!
Clark: Pete, I have to help him!
(Pete runs to Hamilton's side, but can't get close enough to do anything. Eventually, Hamilton stops shaking. Pete goes back to Clark and pulls him to the door.)
Pete: It's too late. He's d*ad. Come on! We better get the ship.
[ Act 4 Scene 2 ]
(We see the spaceship back on the floor of the storm cellar. Day. Pete, Clark, Martha and Jonathan walk up to it.)
Pete: So, does it do anything?
Martha: We've always hoped we'd find some answers inside about Clark and where he's from, but we haven't been able to get it open.
Pete: Clark, look... I know I sort of went postal when all this started. But after what happened to Hamilton, I realize why you never told me and I'm sorry.
Clark: Well, I guess you had a good reason to be upset.
Martha: We're just glad you weren't hurt.
Pete: There's still one thing. Hamilton tried to k*ll me and he could've told the whole world about you, but you still tried to save him.
Clark: Well, Pete, I couldn't let you die to protect my secret, and I can't let anyone else die either. No matter who they are.
Pete: Man. It's not easy being you, is it?
Clark: Well, the good thing is I got my best friend to watch my back.
(He puts his arm around Pete.)
Jonathan: Pete... I'm proud of you. But I do hope you realize what a tremendous responsibility knowing this secret is. And believe me, it's not gonna get any easier.
Clark: That's my dad's way of saying welcome to the family.
(Pete smiles and Martha laughs quietly.)
[ Act 4 Scene 3 ]
(Lex stands in Dr. Hamilton's barn looking around. Day. Lionel is behind him.)
Lionel: Does it look anything like Hamilton's description, what he says it was?
Lex: There's nothing here, Dad.
Lionel: Well, he must have moved it. Or someone took it.
Lex: Come on, the helicopter's waiting.
Lionel: No, no, I'm not going back to Metropolis. Not just yet.
Lex: What about your treatment?
Lionel: I'm afraid those charming physical therapists will just have to come to me.
Lex: I hope you're not staying because of a sudden interest in alien spacecrafts.
Lionel: (Chuckles) Of course not. I'm staying because I want to spend more quality time with my only son.
(He touches Lex's face and Lex takes his hand to lead him to the door.)
Lex: Good. Because this could all be a hoax.
Lionel: Hoax or not, I'm not the only one who's suddenly interested in it.
[ Act 4 Scene 4 ]
(Pete and Clark are playing basketball outside Clark's barn. Day. Clark makes a basket and Pete catches the ball.)
Pete: (Throwing the ball back to Clark) So this super speed thing. How fast are we talking, 20, 30 miles per hour?
Clark: Yeah, something like that.
(He sh**t again and misses.)
Pete: (Catching the ball) What about the x-ray deal? Have you ever used it to look through a girls...
(He throws the ball to Clark.)
Clark: It only works when I focus and I do not use it to inv*de people's privacy.
Pete: Ah, come on.
Clark: I'm serious.
(He makes the sh*t and Pete catches the ball.)
Pete: So you're telling me never once have you looked in the girls' locker room?
(Throws the ball back to Clark.)
Clark: (Laughs) Well... maybe once.
Pete: That's my boy. (Clark misses another sh*t and Pete grabs the ball) So does this mean you've been holding back on court?
Clark: A little bit.
Pete: So what are you waiting for? Show me what you really got.
(Tosses Clark the ball.)
Clark: I don't think you want to go there, Pete.
Pete: Bring it on.
Clark: All right.
(He throws Pete the ball.)
Pete: Now we all know if I come out there and guard you, you're not getting anywhere near this hoop. I don't care what kind of powers you got.
(Pete throws Clark the ball and Clark starts to dribble.)
Clark: Let's go.
(Pete comes toward Clark and starts to block him. But instead of running forward, Clark jumps meters over Pete's head and slam dunks the ball, which then bounces off the ground and all the way back to Pete. He catches it with a look of amazement. Clark smiles.)
Pete: (Laughs) This is gonna be fun.
(They toss the ball back and forth a few times and continue to play.)
(Fade to black.) | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x03 - Duplicity"} | foreverdreaming |
Open on a sh*t of a female hand being held up in the air, palm facing it's owner. On the middle finger of the hand, a shiny ring glitters.
Chloe: (offscreen) Nothing says "School Spirit" like a ring that looks like it was jacked from P. Diddy.
We pull back to see Chloe, standing in the school hallway. Over her shoulder, a larger banner reads "Class Ring Day". Chloe flips her hand over and looks at her class ring, unimpressed. Across from her, Pete and Clark look on eagerly.
Clark: I think it looks great, Chloe.
Chloe: (Sarcastically as she studies the ring) Yeah, I think we'll be lucky if the glue holds through graduation. I wonder if the ruby's even real.
Chloe gets a look of curiosity on her face, and walks off, presumably to do a background check on her ring. Clark and Pete head for the table where the class rings are being distributed.
Pete: You sure you're gonna do this?
Clark: I'm here, aren't I?
Pete gives Clark a look that says, "It's your funeral."
Clark: (off Pete's look) What?
Pete: (Shaking his head) I believe your dad's exact words were, "$350 dollars is a lot of money to spend on something you really don't need."
Clark: (Matter of factly) I earned that money. Besides, my dad said that it was my decision to make.
Pete: Which means that you're *really* not supposed to buy it.
Pete continues toward the table and hands his order form to the girl at the table.
Cut to a close-up of a blonde girl's face. It's Jessie, a new girl at Smallville High. From her appearance and dress as she walks down the hall, Jessie is a little wilder than the average Smallville High student--her makeup is dark and heavy, and she's wearing a sheer, sleeveless, black midriff top and very low slung, tight pants. Jessie looks around in disdain as she gets a tour of the school from Lana.
Lana: (offscreen) I know the first day at a new school can be kind of rough, so if you have any questions, just ask.
Jessie: (Sarcastically) So what do you Crows do for fun? Between the tractor pulls and the hoedowns?
Lana is taken a bit aback by Jessie's attitude, but tries to be friendly and helpful.
Lana: Uh...there's the Talon.
Jessie: (Unimpressed) Which is?
Lana: A coffeehouse, and a really cool place to hang out. But, I'm kinda biased because I sort of own it.
Jessie: (Unenthused) Gee, I'll have to check it out.
Jessie's gaze falls on Clark and Pete at the table, picking up their class rings, and she stops d*ad in her tracks.
Jessie: (Impressed) Whoa. Who is the major hottie in primary colors?
Lana: Uh, that's Clark Kent.
Jessie: (Eyes trained on Clark) No offense Lana, but maybe I could get him to show me around.
Jessie and Lana stand and watch Clark as he picks up a class ring box and looks at the ring inside. Jessie is looking at Clark like he's her next meal, while Lana is looking slightly uncomfortable as well as slightly jealous.
Back at the table, Clark picks up his ring. It's a standard men's class ring with a red stone in the center. He slips it onto his ring finger. As he does so, the veins in his hand begin to ripple, just as they do when he is exposed to green meteor rocks...only this time they ripple red. Also, the rippling effect is in motion...it quickly moves up Clark's hand and up his arm, under his shirt sleeve, leaving no visible traces of it's existence behind.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark's face. He has his eyes closed, and inhales deeply. As he opens his eyes, we see them quickly flash red, almost bloodshot, before returning to normal. Clark lets his breath out slowly, almost sighing in pleasure. Pete looks over at Clark, slightly concerned.
Pete: You feeling alright?
Clark: (Surprised) Yeah, I feel great.
The moment is interrupted by a male voice off screen.
Mr. Gibbons: Excuse me.
As Clark looks toward the direction of the voice, we see a middle aged man--possibly the principal, Mr. Gibbons--approaching Lana and Jessie, who are still standing in the hallway.
Mr. Gibbons: It's Jessie, isn't it?
Jessie nods.
Mr. Gibbons: Perhaps Miss Lang didn't tell you, but there's a dress code here at Smallville High.
Jessie: (Defiantly) Lame and lamer?
We cut to a sh*t of Clark and Pete, who are watching the exchange with interest. As Jessie gives her opinion of the dress code, Clark bursts out into loud laughter, which catches not only Jessie and Lana's attention, but that of the principal as well.
Mr. Gibbons: You think that's funny, Mr. Kent?
Clark simply grins, and Jessie turns back to the principal.
Jessie: (Matter of factly) By the way, I'm not changing.
Mr. Gibbons: Well, perhaps you'd like to discuss your attitude in my office.
The principal turns to walk down the hall, and Jessie rolls her eyes and turns to follow him. Clark calls out after them.
Clark: (Walking toward them) Excuse me, Mr. Gibbons...
The two stop and turn back toward Clark.
Clark: I think she looks really hot. And I think that your dress code...sucks.
Mr. Gibbons: (Stunned) Excuse me?
Lana and Pete look on with expressions of shock. Jessie looks on with a grin.
Clark: I mean, come on...it's her first day. Cut her some slack. (Looking Mr. Gibbons up and down) Besides, I don't think you should be the one giving fashion tips.
Mr. Gibbons, Pete, and Lana's eyes widen in shock at the change in Clark's normal demeanor.
In the background, the bell rings.
Mr. Gibbons: (To Jessie) Tomorrow, young lady...proper attire, or you're going straight home.
Mr. Gibbons leaves, and Jessie stands there, looking at Clark with a look of extreme interest. Clark returns her gaze with one of his own. Lana walks over and breaks up the starefest.
Lana: I guess we can finish our tour.
Jessie gives Clark one last look, and walks down the hall, Lana hurrying to catch up. Clark shrugs and watches them go, as Pete walks up from behind him.
Pete: (Amazed) Whoa. Where did that come from.
Clark: (Smiling) I dunno...
We cut to a sh*t from Clark's POV of Lana and Jessie walking down the hall. From the angle of the sh*t, it's not their backs he is admiring.
Clark: (Confidently) But I think I liked it.
Cut to a sh*t of a city skyline at night. The camera pans over the city of Metropolis, before cutting to a closeup of a prom picture. It's Jessie, clad in a blue prom dress. A teenage boy stands behind her, clad in a tux. We then pan up to a sh*t of a middle aged man's face. He's got a serious look on his face, and is showing the picture to someone across from him.
Cut to a sh*t of a teenage boy, lounging in a locker room whirlpool bath. He is the young man in the picture with Jessie.
Kyle: (Shrugging and unconcerned) I'm telling you man. I don't know where she is.
The man lowers the picture.
US Marshal: Look, Kyle. I know that you want to do the right thing, but Jessie and her father are fugitives now. It's my job to bring them in.
Kyle: What kind of US Marshal are you, anyway?
US Marshal: The kind that gets results.
The man reaches into his belt and quickly whips out a g*n. He cocks it and aims it at Kyle.
Kyle: (Fearful) Okay!
US Marshal: Okay. Okay what?
Kyle: I've heard from her once or twice. She called me collect from some place in Kansas.
US Marshal: Where in Kansas? It's a big state.
Kyle: (Scared) All over. They..they were from pay phones. Check my phone bill. That's all I know. You have to believe me.
The man pulls the trigger of the g*n. The hammer clicks and Kyle flinches, but no b*llet comes out. The g*n is empty.
US Marshal: Relax. I believe you.
The man turns slowly and walks over to a nearby portable-shelving unit.
Kyle: (Hopeful) So...you'll let me go now?
The man flips on a small portable stereo sitting on the shelves, and rock music fills the room.
US Marshal: Oh, I would, but Jessie might call...
The man begins wheeling the shelving unit toward the whirlpool.
US Marshal:...and you might decide to warn her.
Kyle's gaze falls on the stereo. The man knocks the stereo into the water, and electricity crackles. Kyle thrashes around as he is electrocuted. As Kyle slips under the water, the man throws the prom picture into the whirlpool. The camera cuts to a closeup of Jessie in the picture as the water washes over the picture.
[Opening Credits]
Cut to a sh*t of the entrance to Smallville High. Students file out, chatting amongst themselves. Clark and Pete are among them. Clark is carrying a yellow paper flyer, which he hands to Pete as they descend the school steps.
Clark: All right, so this is what I was talking about--it's right over the county line, and they don't check IDs.
Pete: (Handing the flyer back) You know, this is like, a bar.
Clark: (Exasperated) I know! Hey, aren't you the one who says if you wanna have fun, you got to take some risks? (Studies the flyer) We can go this weekend.
Pete: The day Clark Kent decides to break the rules, I'll be there.
Clark: Alright.
From behind them, Jessie calls out. The boys stop and turn around, as Jessie jogs to catch up to them
Jessie: Clark, right? Jessie Brooks.
Jessie's eyes fall on the flyer in Clark's hand.
Jessie: (Indicating the flyer) That place rocks...I checked it out on my way into town. Are you planning a road trip?
Clark: (Interested) Well if we do, I'll let you know.
Clark and Jessie lock eyes for a moment and smile slightly. Jessie reaches over into Pete's backpack and pulls out a pen. She then takes Clark's hand and flips it palm side up.
Jessie: (Writing on Clark's palm) You'll need to know how to get in touch with me.
Jessie hands the pen back to Pete, who looks surprised. Clark looks intrigued. As Jessie walks away, Clark glances down at the phone number scrawled across his palm.
Pete: In case you require translation that was her hitting on you.
Clark: (Watching Jessie) She is kinda hot.
Pete: (Joking) But aren't you married to Lana in your imagination?
Clark considers this for a moment, but before he can answer, Lana approaches the boys.
Lana: Clark! You and Jessie seem to be making fast friends.
Clark: I'm just trying to make the new girl feel welcome.
Clark pauses.
Clark: (Flirty) Don't worry Lana. I haven't taken my eye off you all day.
Pete looks surprised at Clark's boldness, while Lana simply studies Clark, trying to figure out why the change from his normal behavior. She decides to let is pass and change the subject.
Lana: So...are we still on for that cram session tonight at the Talon?
Clark" src="http://foreverdreaming.org/images/smilies/frown.gif"> Still flirty) If you're still going to be there, absolutely.
Lana looks surprised at Clark's continued flirting.
Pete: I'll be there.
Pete gives Lana a smile, Lana smiles back and gives a little embarrassed laugh, before turning and heading back to where she came from. Pete just looks at Clark and shakes his head.
Pete: (Chuckling) Oh, man...
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent barn. We go inside and see Jonathan polishing his motorcycle with a cloth, while Martha stands nearby with a cup of coffee.
Martha: So as soon as you get this shined to your liking, I get the first ride.
Jonathan: Yep, and all the others can just take a number.
Martha chuckles and hands Jonathan the cup of coffee as he stands up.
Jonathan: Hey, where's Clark? He's really late.
A sudden whooshing sound is heard, and a blur streaks into the barn. A grinning Clark skids to a stop in front of his parents.
Clark: Looking for me?
Martha and Jonathan smile in amusement.
Jonathan: Yeah. Weren't you supposed to be here with me, working on that garage door?
Clark: (Rolling his eyes) Dad, that'll take like, two seconds.
Jonathan nods, then frowns as his eyes fall on Clark, who is holding his hand out admiring his class ring.
Jonathan: (Sternly) And I thought we agreed that you weren't gonna buy that ring.
Clark: I thought we decided it was my decision to make.
Clark turns his back on his parents, fiddling with something on the workbench.
Jonathan: That's because I assumed you'd make the right one. Clark, that ring costs a lot of money...
Clark: (Upset as he turns back to face them) And I'm tired of worrying about every nickel and dime around here!
Jonathan looks stunned by Clark's sudden outburst. Martha attempts to diffuse the situation.
Martha: (Calmly) Clark, why don't you go get washed up for dinner.
Clark: (Stubbornly) I'm not hungry. (Bitterly) Besides, I have chores to do.
Clark zips off in a burst of super speed, leaving Martha and Jonathan standing there unsure of what just happened.
Jonathan: What was that all about?
Martha: (Shrugs) I think our not so normal son might be going through some classic teenage rebellion.
Jonathan: Well, I think I liked dealing with heat vision a lot better than that.
Martha just smiles, amused.
Jonathan: (Seriously) Martha, that was a bad decision he made.
Martha: But it was his to make. (Knowingly) I seem to recall a certain young man who defied his father and spent $500 on an old motorcycle. Challenging him is only going to make it worse.
Jonathan just sighs and shakes his head, a small smile playing on his lips.
Cut to a sh*t of the interior of Luthor Mansion. As Lex walks down the hall, he gets a puzzled look on his face as he hears noises in the background--hammering, drilling, strange voices. He quickly strides toward his office, stopping as he takes in the scene before him.
Lionel sits behind Lex's desk, conferring with a young woman holding several file folders. Workers scurry around, installing new computer equipment and furnishings in the office. Lex walks toward his desk.
Lex: (Annoyed) When I got up this morning, I was pretty sure this was *my* office.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Lex. I thought you wouldn't mind if I had a few changes made since I'm going to be staying here a while. (To the woman standing beside him) Go on.
The female designer begins to continue to discuss the office plans with Lionel, but is interrupted by Lex.
Lex: (Stonily) What I mind is not being consulted.
The designer pauses, looking uncomfortable. Lionel looks upset, and grabs his cane, climbing to his feet and walking out from behind the desk.
Lionel: (Offended) I didn't realize I'd need my son's permission to try to make my situation a trifle more bearable.
Lionel walks past Lex and heads out of the office, using his cane to guide his way around the workers.
Lionel: (Continuing as he exits) I've lost my sight. Allow me to retain at least a modicum of dignity.
At his father's words, Lex gets a guilty look on his face, and turns to the designer.
Lex: (Resignedly) Give him whatever he wants.
Cut to a sh*t of a payphone, and a list of phone numbers. We see from the list that the number on the payphone--620-555-0145--is on the list. It belongs to a place called the Wild Coyote. As a man's hand circles the number on the list, we see his reflection in the chrome on the payphone. It's the US Marshal who electrocuted the young man in Metropolis.
The Marshal hangs up the phone and makes his way over to the bartender
US Marshal: Barkeep, I'm looking for a girl.
Barkeeper: (Dryly) Aren't we all?
The marshal pulls a copy of Jessie's prom picture out of his coat pocket.
US Marshal: (Sighing in annoyance) The girl in this photo used that phone over there.
Barkeeper: Any crime in that?
Marshal: (Pulling his badge from his pocket and flashing it) No, but she is a teenager and be both know the legal drinking age in Kansas is 21.
The barkeeper just nods in understanding as he looks at the picture, and we cut to a close-up of the picture.
US Marshal: She comes back in, you call me. The number's on the back.
The barkeeper flips the picture over and looks at the number.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon at night. The marquee advertises a "Monster Movie Marathon" coming up. We go inside and see Lana, Pete, and Chloe sitting at a table, studying. A knock sounds on the door, and the three friends look up. Lana gets up to unlock the door and answer it, while Pete and Chloe quietly discuss the plan of att*ck on the homework.
Pete: I think we should start in the middle...
Lana pushes open the door and sees Clark standing outside.
Lana: Hey, Clark...glad you made it. (Indicates Pete and Chloe) Uh, we're just doing American History--the Red Scare.
Lana begins walking back to the table, but Clark remains in the doorway.
Clark: Hey, um, can we do that tomorrow?
Lana: (Walking back to Clark, concerned) Why, is something wrong?
Clark: No, it's really nice out tonight. Let's go for a drive
go dancing.
Lana: (Shocked) Are you asking me on a date?
Clark: (Intense yet flirty) I'm asking you to have some fun with me.
Lana is unsure how to react.
Lana: This is, uh...a little unexpected to say the least. But we really have to study.
Clark: (Amused) Did you know when you get all serious, your nose crinkles up? (Seriously) It's really sexy.
Lana simply looks at Clark, a bit confused.
Lana: Pete and Chloe are waiting for us.
Lana turns and heads back to the table, a look of shock on her face, and Clark follows suit. Chloe and Pete are still discussing the study material in the background. Clark sits next to Pete, grabbing a chair, flipping it backwards, and straddling it.
Chloe: (Looking at Pete's notebook) What did you get for number 5?
Pete: (To Clark) Hey man. (Nudges Clark with his elbow) Where are your books?
Clark: (Suddenly) You guys wanna go to a bar?
Lana looks up with a worried expression.
Chloe: (Scoffing) Clark, you can commit academic Harikari, but the rest of us *really* need to cram for this test.
Clark: (Grinning) You guys, high school is supposed to be fun. This is not fun. Come on, my treat.
Pete: (Jokingly) Clark, when did you and the money truck hook up?
Clark: Since I decided there's no percentage in playing poverty.
Chloe: (Grabbing her mug and standing up) I'm gonna get a refill and I'm gonna get *you* some decaf.
Lana: (Standing up also, looking at Clark with concern) Yeah, I'll give you a hand.
Clark watches the two girls head for the counter. Pete simply nudges him with his elbow again, chuckling, before turning back to his books.
Clark begins staring intensely at Chloe, who is leaning over the counter, her back to the boys, as she talks to Lana. Clark's eyebrows sh**t up in surprise, and a pleased look crosses his face.
Clark: (To Pete) Did you know that Chloe had a birthmark on her cheek.
Pete: (Not looking up from his books) No she doesn't.
Clark: (Dryly as he continues to stare) Not that cheek.
Pete looks up in shock as he realizes what Clark must be doing. He sees Chloe leaning over the counter, her backside right in Clark's eyeline.
Pete: (Shocked) Are you doin' what I think you're doin'?
Clark doesn't answer, simply continuing to stare with a pleased smile on his face.
Pete: (Annoyed) Clark, that's *Chloe* you're scooping, man!
Clark: (Still grinning) Not just Chloe...
We pan over and see Lana is now standing next to Chloe, her back turned to the boys as well. Pete reaches over and uses his hand to cover Clark's eyes, attempting to block his X-Ray vision. Clark just grins and looks away from the girls.
Clark: Come on, let's go have some fun.
Pete: (Chuckling in disbelief) Clark, this test is half our grade. Now, if you want to party this weekend, I'm with you, but right now, *I* need to do this. (Indicates his books)
Clark: All right...well, when you're through with, uh, Boring 101, give me a call.
Clark claps Pete on the shoulder and stands up, leaving the Talon. As he does so, Chloe and Lana look up, and Pete turns to watch Clark. The three friends watch Clark leave all three wearing matching confused expressions.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farmhouse on a sunny morning. Inside, Martha is cooking a breakfast of pancakes and sausage links, while Jonathan is talking on the telephone.
Jonathan: (Disbelieving) You're kidding! Thank you.
Jonathan hangs up the phone, and Martha turns from the stove.
Martha: What's wrong?
Jonathan: That was the credit card company. They were calling to verify some charges that were made on our card? Last night?
Martha and Jonathan both look confused. The confusion grows even more when the strains of loud rock music come drifting through the window over the sink. Both adults move to look out the window. The window directly faces the barn, which is the source of the loud music. Also, a small satellite dish is attached to the barn, near the window of Clark's loft.
Martha: When did we get a satellite dish?
Cut to a sh*t of the interior of the barn. As the loud rock music blares, the camera pans over, we see some expensive toys...a jet-ski draped with expensive clothes, and all sorts of stereo equipment wires hanging down from the loft, as well as boxes for other items strewn everywhere. Martha and Jonathan enter the barn, looking around in shock. Martha grabs a shirt off of the jet ski, while Jonathan looks at the wires.
Martha: (Shouting to be heard over the music) This is silk!
The Kents climb the stairs to Clark's loft. As the camera pans up, we see more expensive toys...a new stereo, strobe lights, more expensive clothes. And in the middle of it sits Clark, playing with a new video game system on a new large projection screen TV.
Jonathan: (Shouting) Clark!
Martha: (Also shouting) Clark! Where did you get all this?
Clark looks at them briefly, before turning back to his game.
Clark: Discount Eddie's in Metropolis. Open all night!
Jonathan: (Angry) You mean to tell...
Jonathan decides he's tired of shouting over the music and video game noises, and grabs for the remote.
Jonathan: (Continuing) You mean you took our credit cards... (Struggles with the remote)...credit cards, and you bought all this...
Clark grabs the remote from his father and switches off the stereo with the flick of a button.
Jonathan: (Continuing, normal voice) You bought all this junk?
Clark: Yeah! I figured it was time I had all the same cool stuff everyone else has.
Jonathan: (Angry) Clark Kent, you stole from us.
Clark: (rolling his eyes) No. I used your credit cards. (Gets up from his seat) What's the big deal? We don't have to pay for it right away.
Martha gasps in disbelief, looking from Jonathan to Clark with a stunned expression. Jonathan reaches down and grabs a leather motorcycle jacket, tossing it to Clark angrily.
Jonathan: Well, I'll tell you the big deal. The big deal is you're gonna take all this garbage back right now! Come on!
Clark: (Scoffing) Yeah, right.
Jonathan: (Mocking angrily) 'Yeah, right!' And then after you've taken all this garbage back, you and I are going to have a nice long conversation about this new attitude you've developed!
Clark shrugs on the leather jacket.
Clark: (Dismissive) Well, Dad, you can talk all you want. I'm out of here.
With that, Clark superspeeds out the window of the loft, landing on the ground below next to Jonathan's motorcycle. He climbs aboard and starts the engine.
Jonathan: (Yelling from the loft window) Clark! Clark, come back here!
Clark just ignores his parents, pulling a pair of expensive looking sunglasses from his jacket pocket. He puts them on, g*n the motorcycle's engine, and tears off down the driveway in a cloud of dust and down the road as his parents watch in shock.
Martha: Oh...
Martha begins to cry and Jonathan hugs her.
Cut to a sh*t of Jessie's back as she walks down the road, dressed in the same type of outfit she was warned about previously. Behind her, a car horn honks. The car pulls up next to her and a male voice belonging to Jessie's father calls out.
Mr. Brooks: You're not going to school dressed like that.
Jessie continues walking, not slowing her pace at all. Behind her, we hear a motorcycle approaching in the distance
Jessie: Okay. Then I just won't go.
Mr. Brooks: (Pleading) Jessie, please. You're a smart girl. You know we can't afford to draw attention to ourselves.
Jessie simply turns around and sticks out her thumb to hitch a ride with the approaching motorcycle. As she does, we see Clark pull up on his father's motorcycle. Jessie's father stops his car, and Clark stops the motorcycle next to Jessie.
Clark: Need a ride?
Jessie: (Surprised) Clark?
Clark pulls off his sunglasses as Jessie walks over to the motorcycle. Her father steps out from his car.
Mr. Brooks: Jessie...
Jessie climbs on the back of the bike and pulls on a small helmet as Clark puts his sunglasses back on.
Jessie: (To Clark) You're my hero.
Mr. Brooks: (Insistently) Jessie, I need you to...
Mr. Brooks is interrupted as Clark revs the engine on the motorcycle. With a defiant look at Mr. Brooks, Clark tears off down the road, leaving Mr. Brooks standing exasperated next to his car.
Cut to a sh*t outside Smallville High. Students, who are standing around talking, quickly scatter with cries of surprise as Clark drives the motorcycle down the sidewalk. The girls' looks of surprise quickly turn to interest as they watch Clark and Jessie ride by. Clark continues down the sidewalk, riding right past a very surprised looking Chloe, Lana, and Pete.
Chloe: Okay, what planet is that guy from, and what did he do with Clark?
Clark smoothly pulls the motorcycle into a parking place, and Jessie climbs off, pulling off her helmet.
Jessie: (Flirty) Well, Clark...Thanks for the ride.
Clark: (Taking the helmet) Anytime.
Jessie gives Clark a coy smile, before walking off. Meanwhile, Chloe, Lana, and Pete approach Clark.
Lana: So much for the shy and retiring Clark Kent.
Clark: I was just giving her a ride to school. (Suggestively) Say the word and I'll save you the return trip.
Lana looks both interested and shocked by the new forward Clark. Pete looks impressed. In the background, the bell rings, and Chloe and Lana turn to leave.
Lana: (To Clark) Catch up with you later.
Chloe walks off quickly, and Lana catches up with her. Pete and Clark watch them go.
Pete: Clark Kent, chick magnet. What's wrong with this picture?
Clark: (Seriously) People change, Pete.
Just then, the Kents' red pickup truck pulls up and Jonathan calls out to Clark through the passenger window.
Jonathan: (Firmly) Clark, I'd like a word with you please.
Clark: (Dismissive) Not right now Dad.
Clark starts to walks past the truck as Jonathan climbs out.
Jonathan: (Authoritative) Get in the truck, son.
Clark just continues to walk away.
Clark: Give me one reason why I should.
Angry, Jonathan reaches out and grabs Clark's arm, spinning him around so he is facing his father.
Jonathan: (Displeased) Because I am your father and I just told you to get in the truck.
Clark: (Scoffing) You're not my father.
Jonathan steps back, stunned by the words.
Clark: (Coldly) You never were.
With that, Clark uses his strength and shoves Jonathan away. Jonathan flies backwards and lands against the open drivers side door of the truck, slamming it shut and denting it from the impact.
As he slides to the ground, Jonathan winces in pain. Pete looks on in shock and fear, while Clark looks on in amusement. He shrugs, and turns around to leave as Pete rushes over to help Jonathan.
Pete: You all right, sir?
Clark simply walks off, as Jonathan and Pete watch him in confusion.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm. We pan over and see Jonathan, standing shirtless, on the front porch. He wheezes and grunts in pain. Martha approaches, bringing a bag of frozen vegetables to use as an ice pack. She places the ice pack on his back.
Martha: Here you go.
Jonathan grunts in pain, and Martha winces before continuing.
Martha: I can't believe Clark would do that.
Jonathan: (Sighing) Ah, it's like he's a whole different person.
Martha: How are we going to get him home?
Jonathan: (Shaking his head) I dunno. Fact is, if he doesn't want to come home, there isn't much either one of us could do about it.
Jonathan pulls his shirt back on and takes the ice pack from Martha.
Jonathan: I'll get that.
He places the ice pack on his side and sighs.
Jonathan: Takes your whole teenage rebellion theory to a new level doesn't it?
Martha leans against the porch railing next to Jonathan.
Martha: This is more than teenage rebellion. A change this drastic doesn't happen overnight.
Jonathan: (Matter of factly) Martha, it's Clark. All of his other abilities cropped up overnight.
Martha: (Concerned) Do you think this is part of his development?
Jonathan: (Looking out into the distance) I don't know. From what he said, uh...(Pauses, a bit upset) ...I guess those feelings have been boiling up inside him for a while.
Martha: (Rubbing his shoulder reasuredly) No, Jonathan. Clark loves you. But there's something seriously wrong with him.
Jonathan: (Sadly) I don't think another father and son talk is gonna help this time.
Martha: (Thinking) Maybe Pete can help.
Jonathan just shakes his head.
Martha: (Hopefully) They're always together. We should talk to him, find out if he has any idea what's causing Clark's behavior.
Jonathan: (Walking into the house slowly) Well, we got to do something.
Martha watches Jonathan go
a look of concern on her face.
Cut to a sh*t of a coffee cup topped with whipped cream being set down. We see Lana, inside the Talon, getting an order together. She looks up as she's finishing the drinks, and sees Clark striding toward her purposefully.
Clark: Lana. We need to talk.
Lana: (Sprinkling cocoa powder on the drinks) Clark, please, I really need to get these orders done.
Clark: (Firmly) Your coffee can wait.
Lana stops what she is doing and crosses her arms, a little annoyed.
Clark: I got the impression that you were jealous when you saw me with Jessie.
Lana: (Shaking her head) Don't be ridiculous. You can spend time with anyone you want.
Lana picks up the tray and starts around the counter to deliver the orders.
Clark: Don't get me wrong, I was happy you were jealous.
Lana stops at the edge of the counter.
Lana: Clark, what is going on with you?
Clark: I've decided to tell you the truth Lana.
Lana pauses, studying his face.
Lana: (Unsure) About...about everything?
Clark: Try me. What do you want to know?
Lana: (Setting the tray down) Well for starters, how about what happened the day the twisters h*t?
Clark: (Smiling wryly) We'll get there. But right now, we should concentrate on more important things, like...(Pauses, then continues sincerely)...I've had feelings for you for a long time. And I know you have feelings for me too.
Lana simply looks shocked, but doesn't deny what he is saying is true. Clark just smiles.
Clark: So I think we should stop pretending.
Lana: (Clearing her throat nervously) So...so what...is this supposed to be some, um, all new Clark Kent?
Lana laughs nervously and picks up the tray. She starts to head out to deliver the orders, but Clark reaches over and pulls the tray out of her hands, setting it back on the counter.
Clark: Well
that depends.
Clark gets up off the stool and comes to stand right in front of Lana, leaning in until their faces are inches apart.
Clark: (Intensely) Do you like him?
Lana doesn't say anything, and Clark leans in, kissing her passionately. Lana is shocked at first, but soon begins returning the kiss. The two break apart and Clark leans his forehead against Lana's, while she stands there, eyes closed, trying to catch her breath. Finally, Lana opens her eyes and looks at Clark.
Lana: (Out of breath) Clark, I, um...what about Jessie?
Clark: (Tucking a strand of hair behind Lana's ear) Jessie who? You're the one I want to be with.
Clark caresses Lana's face as she looks into his eyes.
Clark: (Suddenly) I'll pick you up at eight.
Lana nods slowly, and Clark turns and walks away, leaving Lana standing there looking hopeful, stunned, and a little embarrassed all at the same time.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High. We go inside the Torch office and see Chloe sitting at her desk studying a large rock. Embedded in the rock is a piece of a red, gemstone-like substance. Chloe looks up as Pete enters the office.
Chloe: (Excitedly as she stands up) Pete! You are not going to believe what I found out! Our El Cheapo class rings are in fact, fake.
Pete: (Seriously) Chloe, there's something wrong with Clark.
Chloe comes out from behind her desk.
Chloe: (Amused) More than usual?
Pete: Last night at the Talon, the motorcycle...
As Chloe leans over her desk to retrieve the rock, Pete's gaze falls on her backside.
Pete: (Continuing)...Other stuff...
Chloe: What kind of other stuff?
Pete: (Frustrated as he takes the rock from Chloe) The kind of that has Mr. and Mrs. Kent calling my house. They're really worried. It's like, they think he's on drugs or something.
Chloe: (Chuckling) Clark would have to be on drugs to be on drugs. (Glances down to see Pete casually tossing the rock back and forth between his hands) Uh, just be careful with that. (Takes the rock back)
Pete: (Attempting to pull the rock out of her hands) What is it anyway?
Chloe: (Proudly) My expose. (Walks back behind her desk) See this lovely $350 piece of school spirit? (Holds out the hand with her class ring on it)
Pete nods.
Chloe: It's a rip-off. The Jewelry Company was substituting worthless meteor rocks for rubies to save money.
Pete: Uh, Chloe, the ring's red. Meteor rocks are green.
Chloe: (Smugly) Not the load they found near Hobbes Pond. (Holds the rock out to Pete) Note the red vein.
Pete takes the rock and studies it.
Chloe: You can read all about it on page one of today's Torch.
As Pete studies the rock, a look of realization crosses his face. He glances down at his own class ring, noting the red rock in the center, then looks again at the red vein. He looks up and suddenly rushes from the office, taking Chloe's rock with him.
Chloe: (Surprised) Uh..uh.. Pete!
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farmhouse. Inside the kitchen, Pete is showing the Kents Chloe's meteor rock, and explaining her findings.
Pete: Chloe's going to force a recall because all the rings are made from this stuff.
Jonathan picks up Pete's class ring and studies it.
Jonathan: You think that's what's causing Clark's behavior?
Pete: Well that's when it all started, right after he slipped on the ring.
Jonathan picks up Chloe's rock and looks at it.
Martha: If the green meteor rocks affect Clark physically, maybe the red affects him...emotionally.
Jonathan: (Handing the rock back to Pete) It would sure explain his personality changes.
Martha: The longer he's exposed to the green meteors, the worse he gets
If the same is true with the red rocks, then God help us all.
Jonathan: (Determined) We've got to find him and we've got to get that ring back.
Martha: (Frustrated) Well, how are we going do that? Like you said, if he doesn't want to do something, we're not strong enough to force him!
Jonathan: Sweetheart, I don't know, but we have to figure out a way.
Martha sighs, and both Kents look to Pete, silently asking if he has any ideas. Pete looks on thoughtfully.
Cut to a sh*t inside Lex's study. He's standing with his back to the door, looking between some file folders and his laptop. The door opens and Clark, clad in a long black duster coat much like Lex wears, enters the office.
Clark: (Looking around at the changes) Well, I came to sh**t some pool, but it looks like this establishments been closed.
Lex tosses some files on his desk, his back still to Clark.
Lex: (Dryly) My father's presence has required...certain sacrifices.
Clark: Why don't you throw him out?
Lex: Clark, it's not like the thought hasn't occurred to me, but...
Lex pauses for a second in surprise as he turns around and takes in Clark's new appearance.
Lex: (Continuing)...his blindness changes the situation.
Clark crosses the office to stand next to Lex
Clark: (Unsympathetically) Just because your father has a problem doesn't mean he needs to ruin your life.
Lex: (Wryly) I wasn't aware that a two thousand dollar coat came with a backbone. What's going on?
Clark: I'd like to borrow the Ferrari. I've got a hot date tonight and I want to
Rock her world.
Lex: (Amused) 'Rock her world'?
Clark just nods.
Lex: Ah, so Lana at last.
Clark: (Smoothly) Well, like you said, a man needs to know when to make his move.
Lex: Hey, I'm glad you're finally acting on your feelings, but... Lana's never struck me as the kind of girl to be impressed by a Ferrari.
Clark: (Indicating the surroundings) Fast cars, fancy home, and a ton of money never seemed to hurt you, did it?
Lex smiles, acknowledging the truth in Clark's words.
Clark: Come on Lex. I just want to make tonight special.
Lex: I don't know. It's a very expensive piece of machinery, difficult to handle.
Clark: (Dryly) It's not like I'm going to, uh...drive it off a bridge.
Lex stares at Clark.
Clark: All you have to ask yourself is, who's more responsible than Clark Kent?
Lex simply studies Clark's face seriously, as Clark flashes him a grin.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark zooming down the road at a high rate of speed in Lex's red Ferrari.
Cut to a sh*t of the interior of a seedy bar. It's dark, and the rockish country music blares loudly. As we pan over the bar, we see it's fairly crowded, with people packing the dance floor and surrounding the bar. As we pan past the entrance, we see Clark, clad in a tight sleeveless black muscle shirt, entering the bar, a huge smile on his face. As he rounds the corner of the bar, we see Lana, dressed a bit more conservatively than most of the bar's female patrons, in front of Clark, his hands on her shoulders guiding her forward. She looks around, less enthused than Clark.
Clark: (Happily) This place is great!
Lana: (Unsure) I guess. Not exactly what I was expecting.
As the two walk past the bar, two college age guys turn and eye Lana appreciatively, being very obvious about their actions, commenting to each other about Lana's assets. Clark notices, and with an angry look on his face, steps thr*at toward the men
Clark: (Aggressively) What are you looking at?
Lana: (Stepping between Clark and the men) Clark, I'm fine! I'm fine.
Lana gives the men a look, and pushes Clark away from them. The two men give Clark looks like they want to fight, but Lana turns Clark around before he can see it.
Clark grins widely as he looks out at everyone around them having fun.
Clark: (To Lana) You want a beer?
Lana: (Shocked) What?! No! And since when do you drink?
Clark: Well, if you don't want to drink, then let's dance!
Clark tries to drag Lana out on the dance floor, but she resists.
Lana: (Pleading) Clark, this place isn't us. Let's go somewhere else and talk.
Jessie: (Offscreen) I'll take that dance, Clark.
Clark turns and gets a seductive smile on his face as he sees Jessie standing there in a short red dress with spaghetti straps, her hair piled messily on top of her head.
Clark: (Impressed) Whoa!
Jessie: And I took your advice Lana. I checked out the Talon.
Lana: (Annoyed) Yeah?
Jessie: (Snidely) Yeah...that's why I decided to come here.
Clark just grins, amused and Lana looks at him, upset and offended. Clark continues to smile seductively at Jessie.
Lana: (Pulling on Clark's arm) Clark, come on, let's go.
Clark starts to turn to follow Lana, but as he does, Jessie reaches out and grabs his other hand.
Jessie: One dance.
Clark glances down at their clasped hands, as Jessie looks at him suggestively. Clark turns to Lana.
Clark: Lana, I'll be right back.
As Clark lets Jessie pull him out on the dance floor, Lana watches, looking very upset. Out on the dance floor, Jessie pulls Clark close and puts her arms around his neck.
Behind the bar, the bartender looks up and sees Jessie and Clark. He gets a look of recognition on his face, and pulls out the picture the Marshal gave to him, looking at it, then at Jessie as she dances seductively with Clark.
Jessie: So, do you like living in Smallville?
Clark: (Flatly) It's the only place I've ever lived.
The bartender continues to look from the picture to Jessie.
Jessie: (Coyly) Well, there's a big, bad world out there. The right person ought to show you.
Clark: (Also coyly) Anyone in mind?
Lana watches the exchange, growing more upset. Clark dips his head, moving to kiss Jessie. As he does so, Lana walks over to where Clark is dancing.
Lana: (Angrily) I'm leaving.
Clark: (Annoyed) Lana, we just got here.
Clark pulls a $100 bill from his pocket and holds it out to Lana
Clark: Why don't you, uh, go get us some drinks? We'll all have a good time.
Lana just stares, a look of disbelief mixed with anger on her face.
Lana: (Angry) You are unbelievable! What happened to telling the truth!
Clark: (Defiantly) What happened to 'You can spend time with whoever you want'? (Glances at Jessie)
Lana: (Upset) Is that the way you want it?
Clark looks Lana up and down.
Clark: Sure. There's enough of me to go around.
Lana just shakes her head, near tears. She turns to leave, and Clark grabs her arm.
Clark: Lana...
Lana yanks her arm out of Clark's grasp. As she does so, the two men who were eyeing her earlier move in.
Man 1: Is there a problem here?
Lana just stares at Clark, her eyes blazing with anger.
Lana: (Coldly) Not anymore.
Lana turns and leaves. Clark starts to follow, but is stopped as one of the men puts a hand on his chest.
Man 1: I'd let the lady go if I were you.
Clark looks down at the hand on his chest, and grins in amusement. He reaches out, and grabs each of the two men by the shirt. With a quick flip of his wrist, he sends both of them flying behind him. The men yell in surprise as they crash land into a couple of tables. Clark just laughs. Jessie looks on, both a little scared and a little impressed.
Behind the bar, the bartender reaches down and grabs a baseball bat. He comes out from behind the bar and starts for Clark. Clark sees him and watches with amusement as the bartender walks toward him, brandishing the bat.
Bartender: You're going down, smart guy.
Clark: I don't think so.
Clark focuses his vision on the bat, and waves of heat vision sh**t from his eyes. The bat catches f*re, and people begin to scream.
Bartender: (Scared, dropping the bat) Oh, jeez...
The bartender continues toward Clark, and pulls his fist back, preparing to punch Clark. Clark simply catches the man's fist with his own hand, and grabs the bartender by the throat. Another man comes up behind Clark and smashes a barstool across his back. It has no effect on Clark, as he casually lets go of the bartender, and throws the other man across the room. Clark stands up, glaring defiantly at the other patrons of the bar.
Clark: (Challengingly) Anybody else?
Jessie looks around in fear, then runs over and grabs Clark's hand.
Jessie: I can't be here when the cops get here. We got to go.
Clark: (Suggestively) Yeah...let's go pack our bags, see that big bad world you were talking about.
Clark strides out of the bar, pulling Jessie along behind him.
Cut to a sh*t of a barn door opening up to a bright sunny day. From Clark's POV, we see Martha and Jonathan approaching, walking behind the red Ferrari parked next to the barn. Clark exits the barn, carrying two packed bags.
Martha: (Worriedly) Where were you all night? We looked everywhere, Clark!
Clark: (Walking to the car) Last night was the best night of my life.
Martha: We want to help you.
Clark scoffs as he tosses the bags into the Ferrari's trunk.
Clark: Help me. Help me what? Stay here on the farm, doing chores, wasting my life for a $20 a week allowance?
Jonathan: Clark, I wish you could hear yourself for just a minute. There's something very wrong with you. It's that ring.
Clark glances up.
Clark: You're still upset about me buying this stupid thing? How pathetic.
Jonathan: Clark...
Jonathan makes a grab for the ring, but Clark quickly jerks his hand away.
Clark: (thr*at) You really don't want to touch me.
Martha looks shocked by Clark's tone.
Jonathan: Then why don't you just hand it to me then?
Martha: (Pleadingly) Clark, please. It isn't the ring itself. Chloe found out it's made out of red meteor rock.
Jonathan: You know how the green rock makes you sick? Well, we think that this red rock is affecting your mind.
Clark looks at his ring, then looks up at Jonathan, puzzled.
Jonathan: It's changed your personality Clark.
Clark: (Confused) Everything I've been doing and saying is because of this? (Indicates the ring)
Jonathan: That's right. That's why you've got to take that thing off right away.
Clark: (Scoffing) Take it off? I just wish I would have found it sooner! Hey, if you guys want to waste your life in this mud hole, that's your problem. I'm through being poor.
Clark slams the Ferrari's trunk shut and walks around the car toward the drivers side.
Jonathan: (Angry) Listen, we might not have all the things that other people have, but I didn't think our family was about that!
Clark: With my abilities, I can make millions. Sports, TV--it's all waiting for me. You're the ones who have been forcing me to hide who I really am.
Clark opens the car door, but Jonathan reaches over and slams it shut before Clark can climb inside.
Jonathan: (Angry) No! We are the ones who have been trying to protect you. We don't want anybody coming here and taking you away!
Clark: (Coldly) Protecting me? Using me. I'm just another piece of equipment to keep your little farm going.
Clark climbs inside the Ferrari and starts the engine.
Clark: That's all gonna change.
With that, Clark throws the car in gear and tears out of the driveway, leaving the Kents standing in a cloud of dust.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex inside his study. He's looking at his laptop screen, his brow furrowed as he works. Clark enters, and Lex glances up as Clark strides toward the desk.
Clark: (Briskly) Lex. If it's all right with you, I'm going to keep the Ferrari a little bit longer. I'll send it back when I get myself set up.
Lex: (Confused) Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. Clark, what's going on?
Clark settles down in a leather recliner next to Lex's desk, sighing in relaxation as he puts his feet up.
Clark: I left home.
Lex: (Concerned) What happened? Was it a fight with your folks?
Clark: (Firmly) My parents don't understand me. Truth is, there's nothing left for me here in Smallville.
Lex studies Clark for a second.
Lex: What about Lana?
Clark: (Dismissive) She's old news. I've got a new girl. Jessie.
Lex: Kinda sudden, isn't it?
Clark: (Sharply) Look, you're the one always telling me I need to find my destiny. Well, one thing is for certain, it's not here in Kansas!
Lex: (Dryly) So you just packed your stuff and you're off.
Clark sits up and turns to look at Lex.
Clark: (Intensely) You have no idea what I'm capable of.
Lex studies Clark with curiosity.
Lex: Really. Why don't you fill me in?
Clark just stares at Lex, before getting out of the seat.
Clark: (Studying his ring) Let's just say, that when I'm through showing the world what I can do, I'll have everything I've ever wanted. I may be even richer than you.
Lex just smiles wryly at that idea.
Lex: Maybe you're right to get away from your folks. Maybe I should do the same.
Clark turns to look at Lex, as Lex gets up from behind his desk and walks toward Clark.
Lex: (Continuing) If my father wants the mansion so much, he can have it. I never wanted to live in Smallville anyway.
Clark: You can come with me.
Lex: Nobody's using the penthouse in Metropolis. We can stay there.
Clark: (Nodding) Clark Kent and Lex Luthor. I like the sound of that.
Lex: Let me just tie up some loose ends at the office. Make yourself at home. I'll be right back.
Lex leaves and Clark watches him go.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon. Chloe enters, with a slightly upset look on her face. She walks over to Lana, who is restocking the pastry displays on the counter.
Chloe: Hey.
Lana: (warmly) Hey!
Chloe pauses, then decides to plunge right in.
Chloe: So I heard from a source that you had a big date with *Clark* last night.
Lana: I wouldn't call it a date when the guy you came with leaves with someone else.
Chloe: Wow. You just went from the gossip column to page one.
Lana just gives Chloe a look that says she's still upset about the whole thing.
Chloe: Sorry. Sometimes my glib-o-meter goes into overdrive.
Lana smiles at Chloe, accepting her apology.
Lana: No. I guess, you know, he's so secretive. I guess I was thrown for a loop by the Clark who could say all the things that the old Clark couldn't.
Chloe: (Amused) Well, welcome to the conundrum that is Clark Kent--part knight in shining armor, part 'Where did that come from?'
A man offscreen calls out to Lana.
US Marshal: Miss? Can I get a refill here?
Lana turns to look at the customer.
Lana: Uh, yeah, yeah, just a second.
Lana quickly finishes stocking the pastries.
US Marshal: Thanks.
We cut to a sh*t of the man asking for a refill. It's the US marshal who is chasing Jessie and her father. He is dialing a number on his cell phone as Lana approaches with a pot of coffee.
Lana: Here you go.
The marshal nods in acknowledgement, then continues with his call.
US Marshal: Louise, did you get an owner and an address on that license plate I asked you to run?
Lana walks away after refilling his cup.
US Marshal: Oh. Of course I know who he is. Thanks. You're an angel.
The marshal reaches down and scribbles something on a piece of paper.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent barn. Pete is pacing back and forth, upset and agitated.
Pete: Are you sure this is the right thing to do, Mr. Kent?
Jonathan: (Putting a hand on Pete's shoulder) Pete, Clark would not listen to reason. We don't have much of a choice here.
Pete just sighs and nods in agreement
Pete: (Resignedly) I guess there's only one way to stop the unstoppable.
Jonathan nods reassuringly. Off screen, Lex's voice interrupts them.
Lex: Excuse me. Mr. Kent.
Jonathan and Pete turn to see Lex standing in the doorway of the barn.
Jonathan: (To Pete) Pete, why don't you--why don't you get going.
Pete glances at Lex, then leaves the barn through the opposite door, as Jonathan starts toward Lex.
Jonathan: Uh, Lex, this is really not a very good time.
Lex: (Walking toward Jonathan) I understand you and Clark have been having some problems.
Jonathan: (Attempting to be civil) Yeah, look, I don't want to be rude, but I'd prefer it if you'd stay out of my family's problems.
Lex: (Sincerely) Believe me, Mr. Kent, I'm not trying to pry, but Clark's my friend. I'd hate to see his relationship with you fall apart.
Jonathan: I appreciate your concern, but Clark and I can work this out.
Lex: (Unconvinced) Then why is Clark hiding out at the mansion?
Jonathan just looks at Lex with surprise.
Cut to a sh*t of pool balls. We pull back and see Clark leaning over Lex's pool table, lining up his sh*t. We hear the tapping of a cane approaching. Clark looks over his shoulder and sees Lionel, feeling his way into the office. Clark turns back to the pool table and takes a sh*t. Pool balls scatter as the rack breaks. The sound catches Lionel's attention as he realizes he's not alone.
Lionel: Lex? Is that you?
Clark places the pool cue back onto the table and walks over to Lionel. He reaches over and grabs the sunglasses off Lionel's face, and Lionel steps back in shock and fear.
Lionel: Hey!
Lionel brings his cane up and starts swinging it wildly in front of him in an attempt to strike the intruder. Clark easily dodges the cane.
Clark: (Laughing) Whoa, hey!
Lionel: What do you want?
Clark tries on Lionel's sunglasses.
Clark: (Dismissive) Lionel, go back to your room. Better yet, pack your bags and get the hell out.
Lionel: (Shocked) I beg your pardon?
Clark: (Taking off the sunglasses) Lex may be too afraid to tell you, but I'm not. No one in Smallville wants you here.
Lionel: (Intrigued) You seem to know a lot about me. You got a name?
Clark: Clark Kent.
Lionel: (Disbelieving) Jonathan and Martha Kent's son?
Clark nods, annoyed.
Lionel: (Continuing) As far as I know, they're good people. Salt of the earth. I'm astonished they'd raise such a blatantly aggressive offspring.
Clark: (Sarcastically) Well, if you like them so much, I'm sure they'll put you up. I hear they have a spare bedroom, and I, uh, know they could use the cash.
Lionel: (Chuckling) You've got a lot to learn about tact, young man. But you speak your mind. That's good. It'll take you far.
Clark: (Confidently) Oh, I'm going to the top.
A knock sounds on the study door, and it opens. The US Marshal steps in.
US Marshal: Mr. Luthor?
Lionel: (Turning toward the voice) Yes?
US Marshal: I apologize for the interruption. (Opens his jacket, showing his badge) I'm a federal marshal. Your people at the gate let me in.
Lionel: Ah. What can I do for you?
US Marshal: Well, this young man was seen last night leaving the scene of a disturbance in your son's Ferrari.
Lionel: (Dryly, to Clark) Oh, is that while you were on your way to the top?
US Marshal: Where can I find this girl.
The marshal pulls out the picture of Jessie and shows it to Clark.
Clark: (Flatly) I've never seen her before.
Clark watches as the marshal pulls out his g*n and clicks off the safety. Lionel gets a look of surprise on his face as he hears the click.
Clark: (Amused) Is that supposed to scare me?
In a burst of superspeed, Clark rushes over, grabs the g*n out of the marshal's hands, and aims it at him...all in the blink of an eye. The marshal puts his hands up.
US Marshal: (Shocked) How'd you do that?
Clark: (Backing away with the g*n) You've got no idea who you're dealing with.
Lionel looks around in confusion, trying to follow the sounds of the voices.
Clark smirks, and holds out his hand, palm up. He aims the g*n at his palm and fires three sh*ts into his hand.
Lionel: (Concerned) What's happening? Who's sh**ting?
The marshal looks on in shock as Clark opens his palm. It's blackened from the g*n.
Clark: Don't worry Lionel. He missed.
Clark turns his hand and lets the b*ll*ts, their tips smashed from the high impact, fall from his unblemished palm and onto the floor.
Lionel: I'll call security.
As Lionel shuffles from the room and out a side door, the marshal makes a break for the exit. Clark superspeeds over, moving the pool table and pinning the marshal against the wall with it.
Clark: Why are you looking for Jessie?
US Marshal: (Scared) It's not the girl. It's her father. They were witness protection, and they rabbited.
Clark: (Walking toward the marshal) Why?
US Marshal: (Scared) He's a corporate whistle blower. His former employer offered me a million dollars if I could get the evidence from Jessie's dad.
Clark: (Casually tossing a pool ball) What kind of evidence?
US Marshal: Computer disks, accounting files, memos...endless smoking g*n. Look, we can split it. It's enough money to start a whole new life.
Clark leans in and puts his hand on the marshal's shoulder and speaks in a conspiratorial tone.
Clark: It's a great idea...but who needs you?
Clark uses his palm to knock the marshal on the forehead. The marshal slumps over the pool table, unconscious.
Cut to a sh*t of a door. A knock sounds on the door, and Jessie goes to answer it. She opens it to find Clark standing on her front porch, a serious look on his face.
Jessie: (Jokingly) I thought you'd forgotten about me. Ready to go?
Clark enters the house.
Clark: Almost. I know about your father Jessie, and the disks. We're not going anywhere until I have them.
Jessie looks around fearfully as Clark looks at her with an impatient expression.
Jessie moves away from the door.
Jessie: I don't understand. Why are you doing this?
Clark: (Matter of factly) The money. You said that you wanted to leave this hick town and a million dollars is more than enough money to make a fresh new start.
Jessie: (Pleading) If I give you those disks, then my dad is a d*ad man!
A voice offscreen from behind Clark interrupts them.
US Marshal: He was a d*ad man when he started running.
Clark turns around to see the marshal standing in the door, g*n drawn.
Clark: (Annoyed) Didn't I tell you that I didn't want to split?
US Marshal: You need me kid. I know the players, and I know how to get the money.
Clark considers this.
US Marshal: (Continuing) Now give him the disks, Jessica!
Clark turns back to Jessie with a "You'd better do as he says" expression on his face. The marshal aims the g*n at Jessie. Suddenly, a sh*t rings out, hitting the marshal in the chest. He collapses to the ground, d*ad. Clark and Jessie look over and see Mr. Brooks hiding in the stairway, g*n drawn. Clark looks at the marshal's body in confusion, while Mr. Brooks comes down the stairs. He stands next to Jessie trembling, aims the g*n at Clark. Clark turns around in surprise.
Mr. Brooks: (Scared) I don't want to hurt you, son. But I will. Get out.
Clark: (Annoyed) Just like my dad. Always telling me what to do. (Slowly walks toward Mr. Brooks) I don't listen to him. What makes you think I'm going to listen to you?
Clark reaches out and grabs the g*n from Mr. Brooks's hands. Jessie flinches in fear. Clark walks up to Mr. Brooks and leans in.
Clark: (Conversationally) Where are the disks?
Mr. Brooks just looks at Clark. Clark turns and begins to walk around the room.
Clark: In the floorboards? In the ceiling? (Points to a chest of drawers) In here?
Clark punches through one of the drawers, shattering the wood into splinters. Jessie reaches over and grabs her bag. She takes one last look at her dad, and runs out the door. Clark rips the demolished drawer out, and tosses it on the floor.
Clark: It really doesn't matter. I'll figure it out one way or another.
Clark picks up the TV from the top of the chest and throws it across the room at Mr. Brooks, who dives out of the way. The TV explodes in a shower of sparks. Clark walks over to where Mr. Brooks is laying on the floor, and picks him up by the collar. Clark throws him against the wall and begins lifting him up by the throat, choking him.
Clark: (Coldly) So why don't you save yourself a lot of pain and make it sooner?
Mr. Brooks: (Gasping) You can k*ll me, you can tear this house to the ground you won't find those disks.
Clark stares at him, and a look of realization crosses his face.
Clark: Jessie.
Cut to a sh*t of Jessie running panicked, through a cornfield. She glances back every so often to see if she's being followed. As she glances back, she runs straight into Clark, who has suddenly appeared in front of her. She bounces off him and falls to the ground, groaning as she falls. Clark looks on with an amused expression.
Jessie struggles up into a sitting position, and Clark squats down so he is on her eye level.
Jessie: (Pleading) Please don't do this.
Clark simply picks up her bag and rips it open, pulling out the disks.
Clark: (Holding up the disks) I never realized how easy it would be to get everything I've ever wanted.
From behind Clark come the sounds of footsteps.
Pete: (Off screen) Clark!
Clark: Pete?
Clark stands up and turns to face Pete, looking amused.
Clark: What, did it take the whole study group to find me?
Pete: (Seriously) No. Lionel Luthor heard you mention Jessie. (Over Clark's shoulder to Jessie) Jessie run!
Jessie reaches up and grabs the bags and the disks from Clark's hands before taking off through the field. Clark makes no move to stop her.
Clark: How far is she going to get Pete? (thr*at, as he steps closer to Pete) You know no one can get away from me.
Jonathan: (From behind Clark) Clark!
Clark turns around, annoyed, and sees Jonathan, brandishing a sledgehammer.
Jonathan: I'm not going to let you hurt anybody else.
Clark: (Matter of factly) Still trying to tell me what to do.
Clark cocks his head and peers at Jonathan, walking slowly toward him.
Clark: (Curiously) Are you scared?
Jonathan doesn't answer, but just grips the sledgehammer tighter.
Clark: (Dryly) Then again, you and mom were always afraid of me.
Jonathan: No. We've had nothing but love for you. That makes what I'm about to do all that more difficult.
Clark just stares at his father.
Jonathan: Pete, do it.
Clark turns around toward Pete, and looks down as Pete brings a lead box from behind his back. Pete opens it, and inside are several green meteor rocks. Clark falls to his knees, looking up at Pete with fear.
Clark: (Weakly) Pete...
Pete: (Apologetic) Clark, I'm sorry.
Clark falls to the ground on his hands and knees, wincing from pain.
Jonathan: Clark!
Clark looks up, an expression of pure anger on his face. He forms a fist, and attempts to swing at his father. As he does do, Jonathan swings the sledgehammer down. As Clark's fist rises through the air, the sledgehammer makes contact with his class ring, shattering it to pieces, which flies everywhere. Clark collapses to the ground with a cry and a gasp.
Jonathan instantly drops the sledgehammer and rushes over to Clark, while Pete quickly closes the lead box and does the same. Jonathan gathers Clark into his arms, while Clark looks around in confusion.
Clark: (Fuzzily) Dad?
Jonathan: (Hugging Clark) It's Okay, son. It's alright.
Pete pats Clark's shoulder, making sure he's Okay.
Pete: You okay, man?
Jonathan: (Gratefully) Thanks, Pete.
Pete just nods and looks at Clark.
Cut to a hallway inside Luthor Mansion. Lionel is walking down the large hall, using his cane to guide himself. He hears noises coming from Lex's study, and we see several people walking out, carrying boxes.
Lionel: Who is that? Wh-what's going on?
Lionel enters the office. We see workers scattered about, removing all the changes Lionel had made.
Lionel: Lex? What's going on in here? (Taps his cane over some shelving units that are being removed) Wha--I didn't order any more work to be done!
We see Lex, standing in front of his desk with his back to his father. He turns around, holding two snifters of brandy.
Lex: I'm putting the office back the way it was. (Holds a glass out to Lionel) Have a drink, Dad.
Lionel follows the sound of Lex's voice and steps toward him. He touches Lex's arm with his free hand, and follows the line of Lex's arm down to Lex's hand, and takes the glass. Lionel swirls the contents of the glass, bringing the snifter up to his nose and inhaling deeply
Lionel: That's Armagnac, 1963?
Lionel takes a long swallow from the snifter.
Lionel: Mmm... My favorite.
Lex smiles at his father.
Lex: There was a time when I thought our taste in brandy was the only thing we had in common.
Lionel: And now?
Lex: I've been thinking about the months after the meteor shower. The way people looked at me...a bald headed boy, thinking I was a freak...
Lionel: (Exasperated) Oh, please Lex, not another tale of your tortured youth and how I--how I failed you as a father...
Lex: (Interrupting) Actually, you gave me some excellent advice. You told me to stop feeling sorry for myself. These were the cards fate had dealt me, and it was best that I accept it and move on.
Lex pauses for a moment, then looks directly at Lionel.
Lex: (Firmly) Stop acting like your blindness gives you an excuse for self-pity.
Lionel looks offended, then swallows harshly.
Lionel: So the son becomes the father.
Lex: (Amused) No Dad.
Lex turns his back on his father as he talks, walking back behind his desk and taking a seat.
Lex: I'm through indulging you like a child. My office remains my office. You don't like it, leave.
Lionel: (Raising his glass to Lex) Well, it seems I have done a better job of raising you than I thought. (Pauses thoughtfully) Or perhaps, you've finally learned the value of directness from your friend, Clark Kent.
At the mention of Clark's name, Lex looks quickly at his father, his face an unreadable mask.
Lionel: (Gazing off into the distance) He's a very interesting young man...
As he talks, Lionel reaches into his pocket, pulling out the three smashed b*ll*ts. He runs his fingers over them, lost in thought.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. The door opens, and Clark comes in from outside.
Martha: Hi.
Clark: Hey.
The camera pans over and we see Jonathan setting the table for dinner. Martha approaches carrying a large platter and Jonathan takes it from her.
Jonathan: (Setting the platter on the table) Here...
Martha: Thanks.
Jonathan holds a chair out for Martha before taking a seat, while Clark lingers in the kitchen.
Clark: I went by Jessie's. They've completely cleared out.
Martha: (Unfolding her napkin) Well, maybe they've stopped running and have gone to the authorities.
Clark nods.
Clark: I just hope she's alright.
Martha looks at Jonathan, who is being uncharacteristically silent. Clark notices the silence too, and looks at his father for a moment, before dropping his gaze in embarrassment.
Clark: (Apologetically) You know, Dad, the things that I did and I said... I really didn't mean 'em.
Jonathan: (Sighing matter of factly) Clark, the red meteor rocks might have affected your personality, but... we've got to face it, those feelings all came from somewhere.
Martha just sighs.
Jonathan: (Continuing) Now, I know compared to Lex, we don't have a whole lot around here, but, up until now, I never really thought it bothered you.
Clark: (Honestly) Maybe it does.
Jonathan just nods, refusing to look at Clark.
Clark: (Walking to the table) Sometimes. (Puts his hand on Martha's shoulder, looking down at her lovingly) And then I remember what's really important, and none of that stuff matters.
Martha, reaches up and puts her hand over Clark's, smiling at Jonathan.
Clark: (Sincerely) No matter how crazy I got, you two stood by me, and that's something all the money in the world can't buy.
Jonathan nods in understanding, and gives Martha a small, proud smile. Clark crosses over to take his seat, patting Jonathan's shoulder as he passes him. Jonathan reaches out and holds Martha's hand before turning to Clark.
Jonathan: But still, it was a very close call, son.
Clark: (Worriedly) I know. When I put that ring on, I felt this sudden urge to tell the world my secret--Lex, Lana, Jessie...
Martha: (Reassuringly) But you didn't, Clark.
Clark: I know, but the feelings are still there. It's like I have these two different identities, and I don't know which one's the real me.
Martha: The real you is the one who came back to us, and we never had any doubt that you would.
Clark just looks at his parents, smiling in relief as they look on him proudly. Jonathan reaches over and puts his hand over Clark's, grasping it tightly.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana riding her horse through a field. As she approaches the fence we see Clark walking up toward her, clutching a small bunch of wildflowers in his hands.
Clark: Nell told me you were riding. This is one of your favorite places...it's pretty. (Sheepishly) I-I got a little lost along the way, but here I am.
Lana: (Flatly, indicating the flowers) Those for me?
Clark: Yeah. I wanted to apologize. I was hoping maybe we could be friends. Like we were before?
Lana: (Nodding) Hmm. So you thought that if you brought me flowers, I'd pretend like nothing happened?
Clark: (Sincerely) You have to believe me, alright? The things I said, the way I was acting...that, that wasn't me.
Lana: (A little angry) Even the part where you said you had feelings for me?
Clark just looks at her, unsure how to explain.
Clark: Lana...
Lana: (Interrupting) Clark, you can't have it both ways. Either it was you, or it wasn't.
Clark just looks at Lana, and sighs.
Clark: (Sadly) I wish I could explain but I can't.
Lana: (Hurt) The story of your life.
Clark pauses, then tries again.
Clark: (Chuckling nervously) Lana...I really am sorry.
Lana: (Honestly) I know you are. (Shakes her head) It's not enough anymore.
Clark looks at her, stunned by the finality of her words.
Lana: (A bit dismissive) Think you can find your way home?
Clark: (Sadly) Hope so.
Lana simply nods slightly, then turns her horse away from the fence. She lets her horse loose in a gallop, and speeds away from Clark, who stands at the fence watching her leave, wearing a morose expression on his face.
End of show.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"It's Time To Party" by Andrew W.K.
"Breakable" by Fisher
"Breathe In" by Frou Frou
"Tattoos" by Jackpot
"Stop Crying Your Heart Out" by Oasis
"Unexpected" by Sprung Monkey
"American Made" by Sprung Monkey
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen
Betaed by: Aaron | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x04 - Red"} | foreverdreaming |
[Act 1 Teaser]
Lana rides a horse to her parents' graves. Night. It is dark and very foggy.
At the grave, she puts some flowers in the old yellow vase, and then she finds an envelope under a small rock on the headstone. It says Lana in elegant handwriting. She hears rustling in the trees.
Lana: Hello? Is someone there?
There is no response. She turns the envelope over and it is shut with a wax seal stamped with the letter B. A dog howls in the distance and she looks around. Then she looks back to the envelope.
CUT TO a boy, BYRON MOORE, running through the woods. He ducks through several low branches, and seems to be running away from something. He turns a corner and runs up a hill where he loses his footing and falls down. A man with a barking dog and a g*n walk up, standing over Byron. He points the g*n at Byron's head and sh**t.
CUT TO a dark cellar lit by dim blue lights. Byron is thrown to his bed and the man kneels next to him.
Mr. Moore: Damn it, boy, what were you thinking?
Byron: I'm sorry, Father. I promise it won't happen again.
Mr. Moore: What is the one rule we live by in this house?
Byron: Byron stays in the cellar.
Mr. Moore: And why is that?
Byron: Because father knows what's best for Byron.
Mr. Moore: How the hell did you get out? I swear, you better give me an answer right now, or I'm gonna--
Byron: (Picking up a metal file) I pried open the lock.
Mr. Moore: (He grabs the file away) Get out again, boy, there will be more than a tranquilizer in that g*n.
He goes up the stairs and out of the cellar, leaving Byron alone in the darkness.
[Opening credits]
[Act 1 Scene 1]
Chloe and Lana are walking through the hall at school. Day. Chloe is reading the letter from Byron.
Chloe: Ah, the sentiment's nice. But the fact that you found this in a graveyard seems a little Amityville.
Lana: I think it's kind of romantic. I haven't had a love letter since third grade. (Pete joins them) It seems like a lost art.
Chloe: Not true, not true. This morning in Trig, I intercepted a note from a wrestler to a cheerleader. It wasn't exactly poetic, but, um, he definitely got his point across.
Pete: Who do you think wrote it?
Lana: I have no idea.
Clark: (Joining them as they enter the Torch) Hey, guys. So, what's going on?
Chloe: Lana has a secret admirer.
Lana: It's nothing.
Chloe: What do you mean, nothing? What happened to romantic?
Pete: (Taking the letter and handing it to Clark) Just let the boy read it.
Lana and Clark exchange an uneasy look as Clark unfolds the paper.
Clark: (He reads it) It's a little mushy.
Lana: I almost forgot. Clark Kent, the man of steel. (Everyone shares an awkward silence. Finally, Lana gets up) I'll see you guys later.
Chloe: Bye.
Pete: Bye. (Lana leaves)
Clark: If you ask me, it sounds more like a stalker than a secret admirer.
Chloe smiles knowingly.
[Act 1 Scene 2]
Byron is in the cellar. Day. A loud grinding is heard as his father is drilling a lock into the door from above, outside the door. Byron becomes increasingly agitated until he finally covers his ears.
[Act 1 Scene 3]
Lana gives a girl her order in the Talon. Day.
Girl: Thanks.
Lana: No problem. (She walks to the bar where Lex is holding the letter from Byron. He holds it up to her) It's kind of personal. (She grabs for it and he pulls it away, smiling. She shrugs) Go ahead and read it. You'll probably agree with Clark that it's sappy.
Lex's smile widens as he opens the envelope and pulls out the letter.
Lex: The, uh, imagery is a little naive, but the meter's actually quite sophisticated. Who wrote this?
Lana: Either an admirer or a psychopath, depending on who you ask.
Lex: That had a little edge to it. Is everything all right?
Lana: Everyone's giving me a hard time about the poem. I guess I'm just a little defensive.
Lex: (Reciting) Take me to you, imprison me, for I never shall be free, nor ever chaste, except you ravish me.
Lana: John Donne. He's one of my favorites.
Lex: If I didn't know better, I'd say I found your Achilles' heel.
Lana: I didn't realize you were so into poetry.
Lex: Anyone who doesn't appreciate poetry doesn't understand that it's all about seduction.
Clark enters.
Lana: (To Clark) It's nice some people appreciate artistic expression.
Lex: (He hands the poem back to Lana and looks at Clark) Kind of, uh, raises the bar for any other contenders, doesn't it, Clark?
Lex leaves.
Clark: Lana, I know things aren't so great between us right now...
Lana: I'm fine, Clark.
She walks away and he follows her.
Clark: Lana, I want to apologize for ragging on the poem.
Lana: Guess poetry's not for everybody.
Clark: I guess I was just surprised that you would show Pete and Chloe and not show it to me.
Lana: You can't expect me to share everything with you, Clark, if you're not going to be open with me.
Clark: Don't you think it's weird? This guy's sneaking around watching you.
Lana: Come on, Clark. Tell me you've never watched somebody from afar.
Clark looks away.
[Act 1 Scene 4]
An assistant, TAD, is standing in front of Lex's desk where Lionel is seated. Day.
Tad: (Nervously) So as you can see, sir, or maybe not actually see in your case, it was an honest mistake. And one that I promise won't ever happen again as long as I'm working for you.
Lionel: Thank you, Tad. That was a very heartfelt, if not interminably long-winded apology. And I'm going to help you keep that promise, Tad. Your things will be mailed to you.
Tad: Are you letting me go?
Lionel: Never lose that grasp of the obvious, Tad, it's one of your strongest attributes.
Lex enters and Tad passes him as he walks out.
Lex: That's the fourth one you've devoured this month.
Lionel: (Laughing) Where are you finding these people, Lex?
Lex: Little schools like Harvard and Yale. I spent hours going over résumés looking for the perfect fit.
Lionel: You mustn't be fooled by a résumé, Lex. You have to look into their eyes to see if they're up to the challenge. I need your eyes to look for me, son.
Lex: I see. So somehow, the failure of your assistants is my fault.
Lionel: Forget the self-pity, Lex. I wasn't criticizing, I was critiquing. There's a difference. And if I recall, I didn't ask for help. You offered.
Lex: Well, I'm glad to see your condition hasn't softened your paternal side.
Lionel: (Standing up) My condition has nothing to do with it.
Lex: You're not the master of the universe anymore and it's k*lling you, isn't it?
Lionel: Just get me an assistant who meets my criteria.
Lex: I don't think I would fit your criteria.
Lionel: Probably not, but nobody's perfect. (Lionel leaves the room)
CUT TO Lionel sitting on a bench in the garden. He is reading the paper with his small reading device.
Computerized Voice: At the sound of the opening bell on the stock exchange floor Monday morning, Luthor Corporation's stock adjusted dramatically after weeks of speculation as to
He throws the device away angrily. We see that Martha is in the garden watching him.
Martha: I couldn't listen to another word of that droning either.
Lionel: Who is that?
Martha: It's Martha Kent. I hope I'm not disturbing you.
Lionel: No, no. It's a welcome interruption.
Martha: I came by to pick up the monthly produce check from Lex. He usually leaves it out for me.
Lionel: I'm afraid my presence here has thrown Lex's regimented routine into a mild chaos.
Martha: I'm sure he's happy to have your here, even if he doesn't know how to say it.
Lionel: Your assumptions are very generous.
Martha sits next to him on the bench and takes the newspaper from him.
Martha: (Reading) The plummeting stock sent a ripple through investment houses. CEO Lionel Luthor attributed the drop to this quarter's anticipated deficit. (She puts the paper down) It's all a smokescreen, isn't it? You're trying to make investors nervous so when LuthorCorp posts less than impressive gains, the stock will have already adjusted.
Lionel: (Taking off his sunglasses) I had no idea Martha Kent had such keen business acumen. I wonder if your talents aren't being wasted on organic produce.
Martha: I'm going to take that as a compliment.
Lionel: You should.
[Act 1 Scene 5]
Byron is writing by candlelight in the cellar. Night. He writes Lana's name on an envelope. The door to the cellar opens and Byron pushes the envelope under a book as his mother comes down the stairs.
Mrs. Moore: I bought you this at the used book store.
She puts a book on the desk in front of him.
Byron: Edgar Allen Poe. You really know how to pick them, Mother.
Mrs. Moore: Well, I read a couple of pages. I couldn't make heads or tails.
Byron: (He goes to the bookshelf and puts the book away) I'm surprised. He writes about pain and suffering and people being buried alive.
Mrs. Moore: Byron, I know you're upset, but things are better this way.
Byron: How can you let him do this to me?
Mrs. Moore: You have put your father through enough. Just be glad that things are back to normal.
Byron: Normal kids aren't hunted by their fathers.
Mrs. Moore: I don't want to hear another word. You just stick to your books and keep your mouth shut. Everything will be fine.
She turns away and leaves the cellar.
Byron melts a stick of red wax and seals the envelope. He stamps it with the letter B and gets up from his desk, taking the envelope with him. He pulls his bed away from the wall and lifts up a poster hanging there. Behind the poster is a small area of loose bricks, and he starts to pull them out.
CUT TO Lana at her parents' graves. She is asleep leaning against the headstone and covered by a blanket. She wakes up and checks her watch.
Lana: What am I doing? This is crazy. (We see Byron in the background. She turns around just as he starts to run away) Wait! I got your other poem. It was beautiful.
Byron: (Turning around) You really think so?
Lana: (Picking up the envelope he dropped) What's your name?
Byron: Byron.
Lana: Like the poet?
Byron: Like my great-uncle. But there's nothing poetic about him.
Lana: Why do you leave me these poems?
Byron: Because you inspire me. (She turns on her flashlight and slowly raises it to his face. He knocks it out of her hand) No, don't!
Clark: (Running up to them) Get away from her!
Lana: Clark! (Byron tries to run away and trips, landing hard on a headstone. Lana runs to his side) Oh, my God.
Byron groans.
Lana: Are you okay?
Byron: (Touching the back of his head) Yes. I'm fine.
He holds up his fingers and they have blood on them. He loses consciousness.
Fade to black.
[Act 2 Scene 1]
Byron, Lana, and Clark are in the Talon after hours. Night. Byron is eating and holding a cold pack to the back of his head.
Byron: I can't believe I passed out.
Clark: I'm sorry I scared you.
Byron: It's okay, Clark. You were protecting a beautiful young lady. It was chivalrous. (To Lana) You're lucky to have a boyfriend who cares so much about you.
Lana: Clark- Clark's just a friend. Uh, an overprotective one.
Byron: If I could write the beauty of your eyes, and number all your graces, the age to come would say this poet lies. (Clark rolls his eyes) Such heavenly touches ne'er touched earthly faces.
Lana: That was beautiful.
Clark: (Slightly annoyed) Which poet wrote that?
Byron: Shakespeare.
Lana: (Changing the subject) I can't imagine being home schooled and never seeing anybody.
Byron: You don't miss what you never had.
Byron takes a drink of coffee and Clark notices some thick scars along the side of his arm.
Clark: It seems like you don't get out much. Uh, your parents pretty strict?
Byron: They only want what's best for me.
They hear a car outside.
Lana: Oh, my God, that's our milk delivery.
Byron: (Standing up, panicked) What time is it?
Clark: Quarter to five.
Byron: If my parents wake up...
He runs out of the Talon and Clark and Lana follow him.
CUT TO the three of them driving up to Byron's house in Clark's truck.
Clark: You want us to come in and tell your parents what happened?
Byron: No, I'll be fine.
He gets out of the truck and runs to the house. When he gets to the stairs, his mother runs out onto the porch.
Mrs. Moore: Byron, hurry!
His father runs out after her with his g*n as the dog barks.
Mr. Moore: (Pointing the g*n at Byron) I warned you not to leave, boy.
Clark and Lana get out of the truck and run to the stairs.
Mrs. Moore: (Taking Byron inside) No, no.
Clark: Byron!
Byron: Go away!
Mrs. Moore: Come on!
Mr. Moore: I better not catch you around my son again! Now get out before I sh**t you for trespassing!
Clark and Lana go away as the dog continues to bark.
[Act 2 Scene 2]
Martha and Jonathan are talking in the kitchen. Day.
Jonathan: (Pouring honey into his coffee) Lionel Luthor offered you a job?
Martha: I was just as surprised as you are.
Jonathan: (On his way to the dining room) What did you tell him?
Martha: That I wanted to discuss it with you. (Jonathan stops in the doorway for a moment, then continues to the other room) You know, I-I've been thinking about going back to work for a while.
Jonathan: Why would you do it with him? You know that he's got an ulterior motive for everything he does.
Martha: I know all about Lionel Luthor, but we could use the money. And I could use a bigger challenge in my life.
Jonathan: Oh, I understand. Farm life's gotten just a little bit too boring for you, hasn't it?
Martha: I didn't mean it like that. This is a chance for me to put my education to use.
Jonathan: Even at the risk of losing our privacy here?
Martha: You don't trust me to make that call? I want to do this.
Jonathan: Martha-- (Clark and Lana enter) Clark? Lana? You two been out all night?
Clark: No, it's not what you think. Um, we met this kid and we think that his parents are abusing him.
[Act 2 Scene 3]
Jonathan, Lana, and Clark get out of the truck outside Byron's house. Day. Sheriff Ethan is there too. The dog is barking in the yard. They knock on the door and Byron's mother answers with his father close behind.
Ethan: Mrs. Moore?
Mrs. Moore: Oh...
Ethan: I'm sorry to disturb you, but I'd like to speak to your son.
Mr. Moore: I'm afraid that's not possible, sheriff.
Clark: Where is he?
Jonathan: Clark, let the sheriff handle this please.
Ethan: He's not in any trouble.
Mr. Moore: Look, I don't know what the hell's going on here sheriff, but our son is d*ad.
Mrs. Moore: He drowned out in Crater Lake eight years ago.
Lana: We just met him last night.
Jonathan: My son says that you thr*at him.
Mr. Moore: I've never seen these kids before in my life. Look, it's taken all these years to get past this, and then you show up and pull a prank like this. What kind of parent would raise a child to do a wicked thing like that?
Ethan: We're awfully sorry. Look, Jonathan, I think we should go.
Mr. Moore closes the door and Ethan and Jonathan start down the stairs.
Lana: They're lying.
Clark: We saw him go in that house.
Ethan: This is a very awkward situation, Jonathan.
Jonathan: I know it is, Ethan, but if there's even a chance that young man's in trouble, we wouldn't want that on our conscience.
Ethan: I'll get a warrant.
CUT TO Byron in the basement. He is looking at a lit candle with tears in his eyes. He isn't wearing a shirt and we see that his wrists are shackled, chaining him to the wall.
[Act 2 Scene 4]
Lana, Clark, and Chloe are at the Torch. Day. Chloe prints out a death certificate.
Chloe: It looks like your tortured artist is an unfortunate member of the d*ad poets society. The certificate of death was signed by Dr. Emil Jenkins.
Clark: It's got to be fake.
Chloe: Not that I don't trust your judgment, but could it be possible that goth boy maybe is--
Lana: I don't think a ghost could polish off three pieces of cake and two cappuccinos.
Clark smiles.
Chloe: I was just checking, I mean this is Smallville. Well, I ran Dr. Jenkins' name through the computer and found out something very interesting. Eight years ago, he supervised a medical file over at Metron Pharmaceuticals.
Clark: Let me guess. Byron was a participant?
Chloe: Yeah, they were all kids who had exhibited antisocial behavior.
They all get their things and Lana and Chloe leave the Torch with Clark close behind.
Lana: But it doesn't sound like Byron. He's so gentle.
Chloe: Could it be that our new Shakespeare has a-stirred the heart of our young Juliet?
Lana: It's just nice to meet someone who's so honest with their feelings I don't have to guess what they're thinking. (Clark looks away, obviously affected) We have to start looking for Byron.
Clark: No, we should wait to see what the sheriff finds.
[Act 2 Scene 5]
Lionel is playing somber classical music on a grand piano in Lex's study. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: Chopin? I always thought you found him to be too sentimental.
Lionel: (Still playing perfectly) No, Lex, I find that he sometimes lacks subtlety... sometimes. I take it from your tone you're angry at me. What transgression have I committed now?
Lex: I wasted yesterday interviewing more prospects, only to find that you've hired Mrs. Kent. What's your angle, Dad?
Lionel: Angle? Martha Kent is a very... capable woman. Unshakable honesty like hers is hard to come by.
Lex: She just happens to be one of the few pillars of this community who could ingratiate a despised tycoon to the citizens of Smallville.
Lionel: I hadn't thought of it in those terms. I suppose that is an unexpected benefit.
Lex: I don't know what your sudden interest is in the Kents, but I want you to stay away from them. They mean a lot to me.
Lionel: (He stops playing) And I wonder what they would think of your trying to meddle in their affairs. You think if you're a very good boy, they'll welcome you into their family?
Lex: Well, it would certainly be a step up.
Lionel: (Chuckles) You know, Lex, Zeus had a son, an adopted son, who thought he could find a home among mortals. You know what happened to the well-intentioned Prometheus?
Lex: His dad had him chained to a rock and his liver was eaten by vultures. Why?
Lionel: Prometheus was immortal, Lex. No matter how much he wanted to escape the world he was born into, the world of the gods, he never could. It wasn't possible.
Lex: If I find out that you have any agenda that could hurt the Kents, this amiable father-son détente will come to an abrupt end.
Lionel pauses, then returns to playing the piano. Lex leaves.
[Act 2 Scene 6]
Clark and Pete walk up to Byron's porch. Day.
Pete: What happened to waiting for the sheriff?
Clark: I need to know if Byron's in here.
Clark walks up to one of the boarded up windows, and rips the board away. As he puts it down, the dog jumps up to the window and bites down on Clark's arm. It growls for a few seconds, then runs away whimpering.
Pete: You're a regular Dr. Dolittle. (They climb in the window. The walls are covered with animal heads and g*n) This place is like an NRA petting zoo.
Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through the floor. He sees a trap door under a rug.
Clark: (Lifting the rug) Looks like there's something under this rug. It's made of lead. That's why I couldn't see through it.
Pete: That's good to know. Maybe you ought to think about publishing an instruction manual.
Clark: Watch the door.
He rips open the lock on the door and opens it.
In the cellar, Byron lifts an arm to block the light coming down. Clark comes down the stairs and sees him.
Clark: Byron. What did they do to you?
Byron: It's not what you think.
Clark: I have to get you out of here.
He breaks the shackle on Byron's wrist.
Byron: How did you do that?
Clark: Rusty lock. Come on.
Byron: Don't! Last time I went out during the day I hurt my dad!
Clark: Byron, no one deserves to be locked up like this.
Byron: You don't understand!
Clark: Trust me, Byron, I understand more than you know.
He pulls Byron up the stairs and outside. Byron struggles all the way.
Byron: (As Clark pushes him outside) No! Leave me alone! Aaah!
Byron falls onto his hands and knees, obviously in pain. He grunts as his back starts to bulge and the skin stretches.
Clark: Byron, are you okay?
Byron: (In a deeper voice) You should have listened to me! (Hits Clark in the chest, sending him flying all the way across the yard, where he lands on the shed. Byron turns around and looks at Pete. We see that Byron's forehead is bulging and his eyes are large and black) What are you looking at?
Pete: Byron, it's okay.
Byron: Get away from me!
He pushes Pete off the porch and Pete is thrown through the windshield of the Moore's car. Then Byron, runs away. Clark gets up and super speeds to Pete.
Clark: Pete?
Pete is conscious, but shaken. Clark touches his shoulder.
Fade to black.
[Act 3 Scene 1]
Clark is in Pete's hospital room. Pete's left arm is in a cast. Day. Martha and Jonathan enter.
Martha: Pete? I saw your mom downstairs. Are you all right?
Pete: Yeah. The doctor's say it's a hairline fracture, which is ironic because it hurts everywhere else except my hairline.
Martha: Mm, sweetie.
Pete: Being part of this family should come with its own group health insurance.
Jonathan: I thought we agreed you were gonna wait for Sheriff Ethan.
Clark: Dad, they had Byron locked in the basement, chained to the wall.
Pete: When Clark carried him outside, he kind of went Jekyll and Hyde on us.
Clark: I tried to stop him.
Jonathan: You tried? How big of a change are we talking about here?
[Act 3 Scene 2]
Mrs. Moore comes down the stairs of the cellar followed by Jonathan and Clark. Day.
Mrs. Moore: You really shouldn't be here. My husband is out looking for Byron, but he'll be back soon.
Jonathan: My son feels responsible. We want to help.
Mrs. Moore: You just... you can't imagine how hard it was for both of us. You probably think we're horrible parents.
Clark: When I took Byron out into the light, why did he change?
Mrs. Moore: It was one of the side effects of the drug. He can't be out in the sun. I wish we'd never gotten involved in that mess. They promised that the drug would make him better. It would make him normal.
Jonathan: There's got to be somebody somewhere that-- that can help your son.
Mrs. Moore: We tried everything. Dr. Jenkins watched six other boys die trying to reverse the side effects. They had Byron hooked up to all those machines like he was some sort of alien.
Clark: Is that why you faked his death certificate?
Mrs. Moore: We didn't know what to do. Finally, we-- we locked him in the cellar. He cried for days. He didn't understand why we had to keep him down here. We felt like the monsters.
Clark: If I get Byron out of the sun, will he change back?
Mrs. Moore: Yeah. He's so strong now. I don't know how anybody could do that.
[Act 3 Scene 3]
Lana is working at the Talon. Day. Clark enters.
Lana: (Angry) I just got back from seeing Pete. He told me what happened. Thanks for the call.
Clark: Look, Lana I--
Lana: Why did you lie to me, Clark? Byron's my friend and I wanted to help. You cut me out.
Clark: I didn't want you to get hurt.
Lana: Is that it, or don't you trust me?
Clark: (After a pause) You haven't seen Byron, have you?
Lana: No. But if I had, you'd know already, because I'd have been honest with you.
Chloe enters.
Chloe: Okay, so I think I figured out why our would-be Shakespeare went all pro wrestler on you. (Lana gives Clark and annoyed look) Jeez, is it just me, or did it get cold in here?
Clark: What'd you find?
Chloe: (Handing Clark a file) Um, well, the drug that Byron was given during the medical trials targeted his adrenal system.
Clark: It says here they were looking for a cure. We need to track down the company.
Chloe: It's too late. Metron Pharmaceuticals was shut down before they even finished their research.
Lana: Why would they do that?
Chloe: I don't know, but maybe Clark should ask his Mom's new boss.
Clark: Lionel Luthor owns Metron.
Chloe: Just one of the many LuthorCorp subsidiaries that promise us a brighter future.
Clark: I'll talk to Lex.
Chloe: Um, I'd love to help you, but Pete just sent out an SOS for his Play Station 2, so good luck.
She leaves. Lana puts down her tray and gets her coat.
Clark: Where are you going?
Lana: To look for Byron.
Clark: Wait, Lana. My dad, Mr. Moore, and half the sheriff's department are out searching.
Lana: Are you telling me I should stay here and pour coffee?
Clark: No, I'm saying you should be careful. Byron's not the same guy. If you see him don't get too close. Call someone.
[Act 3 Scene 4]
Byron is kneeling next to his own headstone in the graveyard. Day. It says In Loving Memory, Byron Moore, 1986-1994. Lana walks up behind him.
Lana: Byron. It's me, Lana. I, uh, I want to help you.
He turns around and she is slightly startled by his face.
Byron: I was down there for eight years. I'm not going back.
Lana: You could hurt people like this. The Byron I met wouldn't want that. I know who did this to you. It was LuthorCorp. Clark's talking to Lionel Luthor's son. They can find a cure.
Byron: There is no cure!
He grabs her.
Lana: Byron, no!
Byron: I want you! (He struggles with her and she slaps his face, scratching him) They made me into someone no one can love. Not even you! (He pushes her into a headstone, knocking her out) Aaah!
He runs out of the graveyard.
[Act 3 Scene 5]
Lex and Clark in the study. Day. Lex is looking at a newspaper with the headline LuthorCorp Stocks Plummet As Metron Closure Announced.
Lex: Another mark on the Luthor name. My father's leaving me quite a legacy. You might give you mom a heads-up. If she's going to work for my father, this is what she's getting herself into.
Clark: My mother can take care of herself, Lex. Besides, I haven't seen her this excited in a long time.
Lex: To tell you the truth, Clark, I was a little surprised. Considering all my offers to ease your family's financial situation have been met with a resounding no, it stung a little to see her name on my father's payroll.
Clark: Well, to be honest, it wasn't exactly a unanimous decision at the Kent household.
Lex: My father's the poster boy for family strife. I'm sorry it's spreading.
Clark: Look at it this way, Lex. At least my father's not upset with you this time.
Lex: I'll look into Metron, Clark, see where my father's been hiding the proverbial bodies. Now, I have to head over to the plant. Some Luthors actually have to work for a living.
They hear a helicopter outside and Clark looks out the window. He sees the LuthorCorp helicopter landing on the grass.
Clark: Wow. I didn't realize the traffic in Smallville had gotten so bad.
Lex: It's my father. I hope your mom likes helicopters.
Clark: My family doesn't fly much.
Lex: Trust me. That's about to change. I'll talk to you later, Clark.
Clark sees Martha helping Lionel to the helicopter.
Outside, Martha opens the door and helps Lionel in.
Martha: Watch your head. All right. (She gets in after him and helps him with his seatbelt) Um, it's this way.
Lionel: What?
Martha: (Buckling his belt) This way.
Lionel: First time in a helicopter, Martha?
Martha: I wasn't expecting a trip to Metropolis on my first day.
Lionel: (Laughs. To the pilot) All right, Bob, we're off!
Bob: Yes, sir.
The helicopter lifts off the ground. A few seconds later, it starts to shake violently. Martha gasps.
Lionel: What's happening, Bob?
Bob: I don't know!
Martha: What's happening?
Lionel: Bob?
Martha looks out the window and sees Byron's face. He is standing on the ground holding onto the leg of the helicopter, shaking it back and forth.
Fade to black.
[Act 4 Scene 1]
Byron is holding onto the helicopter. Day.
Martha: Oh, my God!
Lionel: What's happening?
Byron swings the helicopter around. He pushes it into a slant and the propeller cuts away some of the plants. With a grunt, he pushes the helicopter down to the ground. The pilot is knocked unconscious.
Lionel: What is it?
Martha: (Unbuckling his seatbelt) We have to get out of here, come on!
Lionel: What is it? Martha!
Byron rips open the door, pulls Martha out, and throws her to the ground.
Byron: Luthor!
Lionel: Who the hell are you?
He pulls Lionel out of the helicopter and holds him by his jacket.
Byron: You did this to me!
He shoves Lionel to the ground.
Lionel: Did what? What are you talking about?
Clark super speeds to Byron and pushes him away from Lionel. Martha goes to Lionel's side.
Clark: I don't want to have to hurt you, Byron! We got to get you out of the light!
Byron: No! You can't stop me!
He hits Clark and Clark flies across the yard, landing on his back.
Martha: Clark!
Clark sits up and looks around. He sees Martha and Lionel on the grass, and then he sees a brick water well. He super speeds to Byron and pushes him to the well. They both crash through the metal covering and slide down a tunnel to an underground structure. Clark pushes Byron out of the sunlight and up against the wall. Byron struggles and grunts, and eventually his face returns to normal.
Byron: Clark?
Clark: It's okay, Byron. You're gonna be all right.
Act 4 Scene 2
Byron is in the hospital. Day. There are blue fluorescent lights above his bed. Clark enters.
Byron: Clark.
Clark: Yeah, I brought you some light reading. (He holds up a book, 100 of the World's Best Limericks.) They're a lost art form.
Byron: I don't remember our fight, but I cannot believe I didn't hurt you.
Lana enters. Her wrist is wrapped.
Lana: Some people are just lucky.
Clark: Hey, how's the wrist?
Lana: Uh, it'll be better in a couple of days.
Byron: I can't believe I...
Lana: Hey, don't worry about it. I know it wasn't you.
Byron: You were brave to come and find me.
Lana: A friend warned me to be careful. I should have listened to him.
She looks at Clark.
Byron: Let me see your hand.
She puts her hand in his and he smiles at her. Clark lowers his eyes and leaves the room as Lana smiles back at Byron.
[Act 4 Scene 3]
Lex enters the study where Lionel is sitting. Day. His arm is in a sling.
Lex: Dad, I heard what happened. Are you okay?
Lionel: I'm relatively unscathed, thanks to Martha and Clark.
Lex: Clark?
Lionel: He's a rather extraordinary young man, don't you think?
Martha enters.
Martha: Oh, hi, Lex. (To Lionel) I, uh, spoke to the foundation and they can transfer the funds directly into the new account.
Lex: Seven hours on the clock and you're already laundering money for my father?
Martha: I'm convincing him to fund new research into Byron Moore's condition. (She puts a heating pad onto Lionel's shoulder) You okay?
Lionel: Mmm.
Lex: I'm sure my father's informed you that LuthorCorp is not in the charity business.
Lionel: I did, I did.
Martha: Then I explained that he'll spend less helping this boy live a normal life than he would on advertising to restore consumer confidence in LuthorCorp. (To Lionel) The papers will be here tomorrow for you to sign. I'll see you in the morning.
Lionel: All right. (Martha leaves) Lex. I can feel your smirk from here.
Lex: You better watch it, Dad, or your new executive assistant might start rearranging all your priorities. (Lionel chuckles)
[Act 4 Scene 4]
Clark is stacking hay in the back of the truck. Day. Lana walks up.
Lana: You pulled one of your trademark disappearing acts last night.
Clark: Well, I figured, uh, you could use some time alone with Byron.
He gets down from the truck, and Lana pulls a book out of his back pocket.
Lana: Sonnets? Not exactly you're usual reading.
Clark: Byron was really into them. I thought maybe I could learn something.
Lana: What'd you think?
Clark: They really weren't for me.
Lana: An honest answer. I like that.
Clark: Lana, I'm sorry for not being straight with you from the beginning.
Lana: It's okay. When I confronted Byron, I got so scared. The first person I thought of was you.
Clark: Really?
Lana: I thought, if Clark was here he'd know what to do. I thought I could save him. I just ended up making things worse.
Clark: You tried to help a friend. There's no harm in that.
Lana: I hope Byron's gonna be okay.
She sits on the back of the truck and Clark sits next to her.
Clark: It doesn't bother you that he's so...
Lana: Different? If you really like someone, you accept every part of them, but you can't do that until they're willing to share every part with you.
Clark: I think people like Byron keeps a part of himself hidden so he doesn't scare people away.
Lana: If you want to get close to someone, you have to take that risk.
Clark: What if the risk is too big to take?
Lana: Then you might miss out on something that could be pretty amazing.
They share a meaningful look, then look out into the field.
Fade to black.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Crazy Richie" by Cactus Groove
"Underneath It All" by No Doubt
"Don't Ask Me" by OK Go
"Love Song" by Sheila Nicholls
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x05 - Nocturne"} | foreverdreaming |
Act 1 Teaser
We see a sh*t of the Smallville High swimming pool from under the water. Day. Clark, in a pair of swimming trunks, dives in and comes back to the surface as he and Pete swim across the pool side by side. The pool is roped off into lanes. Clark beats Pete to the end of the pool and the coach blows a whistle.
Coach: Okay, take five. Kent, Turner, you're in the final.
Pete: (To Clark, out of breath) Dude, I'd definitely take you in a rematch. My foot slipped on the dive, ruined my rhythm.
Clark: It's funny, I thought you were just slow.
They both smile and get out of the pool.
Lana and one of the cheerleaders, CHRISSY PARKER, are sitting on the bleachers making signs for Spirit Week.
Chrissy: He's a hottie, isn't he? Look at him.
Lana: Who, Clark?
Chrissy: (Laughs) Oh, come on, Lana.
Lana: Chrissy, Clark and I are just friends.
Chrissy: Right.
Lana: (Finishing her sign, which reads Spirit Week 2002, GO CROWS) So, what do you think?
Chrissy: Awesome. I'm gonna ask the new principal if we can hang it in the middle of the cafeteria.
Lana: You have really thrown yourself into Spirit Week, Chrissy. I am impressed.
Chrissy: Well, these are the best times of our lives. Isn't that what they say?
Lana: To be honest, I had forgotten how much fun this can be. I'm really looking forward to it.
Troy, another swimmer, walks up.
Troy: Chrissy! Hey, baby.
He leans toward her and she pushes him back.
Chrissy: Hey, Troy! You're dripping on my sign. Don't you have another race?
Troy: Finals. I need a good-luck kiss.
Chrissy looks at Lana.
Lana: Go. I can finish up here.
Chrissy: Thanks. (To Troy) Follow me.
She gets up and leads him away.
Troy: Not a problem.
Lana underlines the word Crows. Clark steps up onto the diving platform and the coach blows the whistle.
Coach: All right, boys. This one's for bragging rights. The fastest in the school. (Chrissy kisses Troy and he walks to the pool) Come on, Turner, hurry up. (Troy shakes his head, looking a little disoriented, and steps onto the platform next to Clark) Swimmers, take your marks. Three, two, one.
The coach blows the whistle and they dive into the water as everyone starts to cheer. Troy starts to choke and goes under the water. Clark doesn't notice and keeps swimming.
Chrissy: Troy? Hey! Hey! Troy!
Clark hears Chrissy and stops swimming. Troy's head comes above the water and he looks around before going under again. Chrissy stands up.
Chrissy: Somebody help him! Troy!
Clark goes underwater and uses his super speed to swim to the bottom of the pool and get Troy. He takes Troy back to the surface and the coach and another swimmer pull him out of the water. Troy is unconscious on his stomach, and when they turn him over, everyone gasps. He is an old man.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Jonathan is working on his bills in the kitchen as Martha bakes muffins. Day. She walks over to him with a muffin on a plate and a piece of it in her hand.
Martha: Open your mouth.
She puts the piece in his mouth.
Jonathan: Honey, that's perfect. All we have to do is come up with a snappy name like Famous Amos and we'll make a fortune.
Martha: Ooh. (Clark enters)
Clark: Forget Mrs. Field's, you can be Mrs. Kent's.
Martha: I like the sound of that.
She pulls another pan out of the oven.
Clark: This is turning into a big time operation.
Martha: Yeah. (Clark takes the pan from her) Thanks. I've, uh, added two convenience stores and the cafeteria at the retirement center to my client list.
Clark: That's great.
Jonathan puts down a check, frustrated.
Martha: What?
Jonathan: I don't see how we're gonna pay the feed bill this month.
Martha: I could go by Langham's Store and maybe we can get an extension on our credit.
Jonathan: We're already three months behind, sweetheart.
Martha: Well, Andy's a friend. I'm sure he'll understand.
Jonathan: I've already asked him. He's already said no.
Martha: Well, my salary from Lionel isn't enough. So what are we gonna do?
Jonathan: I don't know. We don't have a whole lot of options here.
Martha: There is one call we can make. (Jonathan and Clark both look at Martha) Maybe we should talk to my father.
Jonathan gets up from the counter, annoyed.
Clark: Why is it whenever anyone mentions Granddad, suddenly everyone becomes quiet and uncomfortable? Don't you think it's weird I've never even met the guy?
Jonathan: Look, Clark, I'm-- I'm sorry that you haven't been able to have a relationship with your grandpa. I really am. There's just too much bad blood. I'm sorry, but I-- I got work to do.
Jonathan leaves the room.
Act 1 Scene 2
Students are working on more Spirit Week signs in the Talon. Day. Clark enters with a tray of muffins and finds Lana by the counter. She puts down a box.
Clark: Lana, where would you like these?
Lana: You can just put them on the counter.
Clark: Getting ready for the big Spirit Week bash?
Lana: Trying to. I think Nell's used the projection booth as her personal mini-storage since the late 70s.
Clark pours himself a cup of coffee as Lana pulls an envelope out of the box. In the envelope she finds pictures of a man and a woman on a picnic blanket.
Clark: What are those?
Lana: Clark, these are photos are of my mom and some guy.
Clark: Maybe he's an old boyfriend.
Lana turns a picture around and sees the date 7/85.
Lana: They were taken when my parents were already married.
Clark: Maybe he was just a friend.
She flips to another picture and there are two glasses of champagne next to her mom and the man. They are lying on their stomachs very close to each other. Lex enters.
Lana: I'm sure you're right.
Lex: Right about what?
Clark: The mystery man with Lana's mother.
Lex: Hey, they make an attractive couple. (Lana looks at Lex and then at Clark) And there could be a million explanations. Who do you think it is?
Lana: I don't know. But I'll bet Nell does.
Lex: Then mystery solved. (He looks at Clark) I wish they were all this easy.
Clark: (Changing the subject) Well, it's, uh, it's late. We should-- we should get to school.
Lex: You know, I'm heading that way if you need a lift...
Lana: Oh, I'm okay. I've got the first two periods off.
Lex: Clark?
Clark: No, I was just gonna... run.
Lex: Well, I don't think you can outrun my Porsche, Clark.
Lana laughs and Clark shrugs.
CUT TO Lex's Porsche swerving recklessly up the road the Smallville High as a man, PRINCIPAL REYNOLDS closes the gate to the grounds. Clark gets out of the car.
Clark: Excuse me. What's going on? I need to get in there.
Mr. Reynolds: Then you should have been here four minutes ago Mr.--
Clark: Kent. Clark Kent.
Mr. Reynolds: Ah, of course. I noticed in your records you have a pension for tardiness.
Clark: Who exactly are you?
Mr. Reynolds: I'm Mr. Reynolds, your new principal.
Clark: Oh, um, nice to meet you.
Mr. Reynolds: Yes. Just so you're aware, from now on, this gate locks when the first bell rings and doesn't open again until school is out.
Lex: (Getting out of his car) I'd, uh, I'd appreciate it if you give Clark a pass this time. He was late because of me.
Mr. Reynolds: Lex Luthor. The Porsche, the attitude... somehow I'm not surprised you're involved.
Clark: You two know each other.
Lex: Uh, Mr. Reynolds was headmaster at Excelsior Prep during my infamous stay there.
Mr. Reynolds: You might find this hard to believe, Lex, but I think people should take responsibility for their own actions.
Clark: It won't happen again.
Mr. Reynolds: I'm keeping my eye on you, Mr. Kent. Next time it happens, a*t*matic detention. (He opens the gate)
Lex: Catch you later, Clark. (Clark smiles at him and goes through the gate) Spare the rod, spoil the child. You haven't changed a bit. What's next, school uniforms?
Mr. Reynolds: I'd appreciate it if you'd stay away from my school and my students, Luthor.
Lex: Listen, Mr. Reynolds, I know we had our share of run-ins at Excelsior, but I was 14. Don't you think it's a bit petty to be holding a grudge after all these years?
Mr. Reynolds: Well, that's awfully noble coming from a Luthor.
Lex: I'm a little confused. Exactly what did I do to earn such enmity?
Mr. Reynolds: Goodbye, Lex.
He walks back to the school and Lex goes to his car.
Act 1 Scene 3
Chrissy is looking at herself in the mirror at her locker. Day. She touches the small wrinkles around her eyes as Mr. Reynolds walks up.
Mr. Reynolds: Christine Parker? (She closes her locker) I'm Principal Reynolds.
Chrissy: Hi. Nice to finally meet you. Did you get my memo about the new cheerleading uniforms?
Mr. Reynolds: I did and thank you and I'm looking into it. (They start to walk) I understand you're the visionary behind our Spirit Week activities.
Chrissy: Well, I just want everyone to have the best time ever.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, I admire your enthusiasm. By the way, I was going through the student files trying to get to know everyone better, and I noticed we don't have the transcripts from your last school.
Chrissy: Huh. That's weird. But it figures. My guidance counselor was a total ditz.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, we need to have a copy on file. If you could have your parents forward it, I'd appreciate it.
Chrissy: No problem. I'll tell them tonight.
Act 1 Scene 3
Chloe pins the front page of the Smallville Ledger to the Wall of Weird in the Torch. Day. There is a picture of Troy and the headline Smallville High Swim Champ Dies of Mysterious Causes. Pete is in the room with her.
Pete: I see Troy's death has officially joined the ranks of the unexplained and bizarre.
Chloe: Big time. The official report said he died of an acute onset of the rapid aging disease progeria. (Clark enters) Hi.
Clark: I thought that made you age over the course of ten years, not ten seconds.
Chloe: Exactly. The coroner's running a genetic test to tell whether Troy had progeria, or if it was just...
Pete: Something unexplained and bizarre.
Clark: (Irritated) Well, good luck investigating. You'll probably need a hall pass from our new principal.
Chloe: Clark, a lot of schools have a closed campus policy.
Pete: Yeah. Why are you so worked up?
Clark: I had a run in with him this morning. He busted me for being late, thr*at to keep his eye on me.
Pete: Wow. Clark Kent's on the principal's bad boy list. There's a first time for everything.
Clark: The guy's a real hard case.
Chloe: Right. First with the lockdown, the next thing you know, he'll be burning books in the student parking lot.
Clark: Well, laugh now. Wait till he comes after the Torch.
Chloe: Unh-unh, see I did some digging on our Principal Reynolds to find out what his views were on the fourth estate. (She hands Clark a file)
Clark: Harvard B.A., PhD at Columbia in education, taught at exclusive prep schools all over Europe and the East Coast. That's a pretty impressive résumé.
Chloe: Yeah, it is, and his name was even being mentioned as the new head of the Metropolis Board of Education until one day he was summarily dismissed from his position at Excelsior Prep, and he doesn't work again until he resurfaces here.
Clark: So how does a guy on the fast track suddenly end up in Smallville?
Pete: I don't know. But I don't think he's Wall of Weird material.
Chloe: Yeah, Clark, just because the guy doesn't immediately love you like every other teacher in this school doesn't mean that he's hiding some dark past. (Clark looks thoughtful)
Act 1 Scene 4
Lana is going through more boxes at the Talon. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Hey. I came by to see if you needed a hand.
Lana: Just in time. I thought you were helping your mom this afternoon.
Clark: She said she's got it covered.
He picks up a box and they head for the theater.
Lana: Is something wrong?
Clark: My mom's been kind of secretive the last couple days.
Lana: A Kent secretive. That's shocking.
Clark: I think it has something to do with my grandfather.
Lana: I've never heard you mention him before.
Clark: I've never actually met him before. I've only seen pictures and those are like 20 years old.
Lana: Do you know anything about him? (They enter the theater)
Clark: Just that he was a big corporate lawyer in Metropolis. He and my grandmother retired to Coast City. When I was in sixth grade, I made up my mind to call him. I left a bunch of messages but he never called back. I guess he just wasn't interested.
Lana: All these years, I've had this image of the Kents as the perfect family.
Clark: I guess we're just as dysfunctional as everyone else. (He puts the box down on the stage) I never did pressure my parents for the whole story.
Lana: Maybe you didn't want to know.
Clark: Maybe it's easier to live with the image than the truth.
Lana: Looks like we're both dealing with secrets out of the past.
Clark: I'm not sure what I'm gonna do, but this is your chance to get some answers. (Lana turns around and sees Nell has entered. Lana nods at Clark) I'll catch up with you later? (Clark leaves)
Nell: Lana, the place looks fantastic. You've done a really good job here.
Lana: Thanks. Um, I wanted to talk to you about something.
Nell: Yeah, what is it?
Lana: (Pulls the pictures out of her back pocket) These pictures. Do you know who he is?
Nell: It must've been one of your mom's old boyfriends.
Lana: They were taken after mom and dad were already married, just a year before I was born.
Nell: Lana, what's this about?
Lana: I'm not sure.
Nell: Listen to me. Your mother-- she loved you and your father more than anything else in this world. She never would have done anything to hurt either one of you. You know that, don't you?
Lana looks at the pictures and then at Nell.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Martha comes out of the house as a car drives up. Day. Her father, Clark's grandfather, gets out of the car. He is dressed in a suit and tie and has white hair.
Martha: Hi, Dad. I appreciate you making the trip. (They hug awkwardly)
Grandfather: I was surprised to get your message. It must've taken a lot for Jonathan to ask for my help.
Martha: Jonathan is at the co-op in Grandville. He doesn't know I called.
Grandfather: Oh, I should've known. Well, I imagined this place differently. But it's not the life I wanted for you, Martha.
Martha: (They start back to the house) I'm happy, Dad, it's a good life.
Grandfather: For some people, maybe. But you had so much potential. Top ten in your class, you could have gone to any law school you wanted. I had hoped that one day you'd take over my practice.
Martha: I never wanted to be a lawyer. This is the life I chose.
Grandfather: This is a life Jonathan chose for you. You just went along for the ride.
Martha: This isn't about Jonathan. Your raised an independent daughter and you're angry because that's what you got.
Grandfather: And here you are 20 years later going behind your husband's back asking me for money. (Clark comes home)
Clark: Mom?
Martha: Clark. I thought you were at the Talon.
Clark: I finished early. What's up?
Martha: Clark, this is your grandfather. (Clark shakes his hand)
Clark: Pleased to meet you, sir.
Grandfather: Hello, Clark. I'll, uh, I'll be at the motel. I'll have a cashier's check drawn tomorrow morning.
Clark: Why don't you stay with us? We have plenty of room.
Grandfather: I don't think that would be a very good idea, Clark.
Clark: How about dinner? One meal as a family.
Grandfather: I'm sorry.
He leaves and Martha goes inside. Clark watches his grandfather walk to his car.
Act 2 Scene 2
Martha is talking to Jonathan as he and Clark work on the tractor. Day.
Jonathan: If you want to talk your father, that's fine. I just don't want him having anything to do with our finances.
Martha: Jonathan, what was I supposed to do, wait until the bank foreclosed on the farm?
Jonathan: I just wish you had said something to me about it first.
Clark: Dad, what's the harm in just hearing him out?
Jonathan: Son, you don't have to be the mediator here. Believe me, I wish things could be different.
Clark: Well, why can't they be? You always told me to look for the best in people. Maybe he's put this behind him.
Jonathan: I seriously doubt that, Clark.
Clark: What happened that was so bad? I mean, it can't be any worse than what's in the storm cellar. (Jonathan and Martha don't answer) Or can it?
Jonathan: When your mother and I decided to get married, I went down to his office to ask him for her hand.
Clark: What'd he say?
Jonathan: I remember his exact words. I will not let my daughter throw her life away by marrying some hick farmer that couldn't possibly support her.
Clark: That's harsh.
Martha: He was a corporate lawyer. That's the way he dealt with people.
Jonathan: When he realized that we were serious about getting married, he lost it. He tried to shove me out of his office.
Clark: What happened?
Jonathan: (Pause) I h*t him. I'm not proud of that. I tried to apologize to him, but he wouldn't have anything to do with it. Your grandfather and I haven't said a word to each other since.
Clark: But that was 20 years ago. He was willing to drive all the way out here. Maybe he wants to try again.
Jonathan: Believe me, Clark, he's not here to help. He's here to gloat.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lana is watching the cheerleaders practice in the theater at the Talon. Day.
Cheerleaders: Go Crows!
Lex enters.
Lex: Hey. I got a message you wanted to see me. Everything all right?
Lana: I was wondering if you could do me a favor.
Lex: I take it Nell couldn't identify the mystery man?
Lana: If she could, she wouldn't tell me anything. I just-- I want to know who it is.
Hands Lex the pictures.
Lex: Well, that shouldn't be hard to find, but coming to terms with it could prove to be more complicated.
Lana: What do you mean?
Lex: Come on, you know the story of Pandora. She was given a box by Zeus and warned never to open it. She couldn't resist the temptation.
Lana: I'm not afraid of the truth, Lex.
Lex: Neither was Pandora. But once the box was opened, it could never be closed, and all the misery she released could never be put back.
Lana: I appreciate the warning, and anything you can tell me.
Act 2 Scene 4
Chloe is in the Torch typing. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Hey, Chloe.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. Oh, Clark, you might want to disappear for the next hour or so.
Clark: Why's that?
Chloe: Because I'm about to interview your new best friend Principal Reynolds.
Clark: Ooh, thanks for the heads-up. Hey, what do you got there?
Chloe: Do you remember my buddy Chad that works at the M.E.'s office?
Clark: Yeah, the guy with the black fingernail polish and lipstick.
Chloe: Oh, it's hard being Smallville's only goth. Anyway, he sent me the autopsy report of Troy. It's amazing what lending someone your eyeliner can get you these days.
Clark: (Reading the report) So Troy didn't have progeria.
Chloe: No, but his pituitary gland, which by the way produces the hormone that controls the aging process, was completely drained. It's like someone just sucked the youth right out of him.
Mr. Reynolds enters.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, that's quite an assumption, Miss. Sullivan.
Chloe: Uh, Principal Reynolds, I was just, um, running through various scenarios, you know, wild theories and stuff. I'm shutting up now.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, don't. I like my students thinking outside the box. I've been reading some back issues of the Torch. I see a lot of creativity and insight there.
Chloe: You're kidding.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, unverified insight. But many a Pulitzer has sprung from the seeds of wild theories. Just make sure you can back them up, and that'll be the difference between writing trash for Inquisitor, and reporting for the Daily Planet.
Chloe: Wow. Uh, are you still up for that interview?
Mr. Reynolds: Well, give me half an hour. (Clark starts to leave) Mr. Kent, I was actually looking for you. I'd like to see you in my office.
[CUT TO Clark and Mr. Reynolds entering the office]
Mr. Reynolds: You look like you feel a little out of place, Mr. Kent.
He motions for Clark to sit.
Clark: I've never really been in the principal's office before. I don't know where to start.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, you can start by sitting and I'll cut right to the chase. (Clark sits and Mr. Reynolds closes the door) I think you're a slacker. Quit the football team before you played the first game, chronic tardiness, zero extracurriculars.
Clark: Well, I get very good grades and I write for the Torch... occasionally.
Mr. Reynolds: Retyping the cafeteria menu isn't exactly writing. I see a lot of untapped potential in you, Mr. Kent.
Clark: Mr. Reynolds, I don't understand. We just met. How could you judge me so quickly?
Mr. Reynolds: How do you know Lex Luthor?
Clark: Well, he's a friend of mine. Why?
Mr. Reynolds: A person is judged by the company they keep. In my experience, Lex Luthor doesn't have friends. He sees people as a means towards an end.
Clark: I don't think that's true.
Mr. Reynolds: Time will tell. But frankly, I'm more interested in your world. What are your goals?
Clark: Well, uh, I'd like to help people. Something like that.
Mr. Reynolds: Helping people is a noble aspiration. It's also rather vague. Where are you going to be five years from now?
Clark: To tell you the truth, I'm not really sure.
Mr. Reynolds: Well, I'm going to help you focus. I want you to write a five-page essay on where you're going to be five years from now, and I want it on my desk by the end of the school day on Friday.
Clark: Sir, why are you doing this to me?
Mr. Reynolds: This isn't punishment, Mr. Kent. Consider it a challenge.
He opens the door and Clark leaves.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark is working on his essay in the Talon. Day. Chrissy comes down the stairs.
Chrissy: Clark, hey. Just in time to volunteer for the decorations committee.
Clark: Oh, actually, I got to finish my essay for Mr. Reynolds.
Chrissy: Oh, that's a bummer. What's it about?
Clark: What the future theoretically holds for me.
Chrissy: Who cares about the future?
Clark: Well, I'd like to think that there's life after high school.
Chrissy: Sure. Yeah, as in a job, responsibilities, getting old.
Clark nods, confused, and goes back to working on his essay. Chrissy gasps and holds up her hand. It wrinkles and turns into the hand of an old woman. She hides it behind her back.
Clark: Is everything all right?
Chrissy: Of course.
A guy, RUSSELL walks up.
Russell: Hey, Chrissy, I think we got the lighting the way you want it.
Chrissy: Great. Let's see what you got.
They walk away. Lex enters and looks over Clark's shoulder at the paper.
Lex: Let me guess. Reynolds wants to know where you see yourself five years from now? He made me do the same assignment when I was at Excelsior. He's nothing if not consistent.
Lex sits.
Clark: Yeah, well, I hate to break it to you, Lex, but he doesn't exactly have a high opinion of you.
Lex: Well, I wasn't a model student, but imagine being a bald 14-year-old in an elite prep school.
Clark: Must've been tough.
Lex: I had a major chip on my shoulder. But Reynolds saw through it. He challenged me to own up to my own actions, not just to assume the mantle of the spoiled rich kid. He was tough but fair, and I liked him for that.
Clark: Well, I wish the feeling was mutual. Whatever he has against you, I think he's taking it out on me.
Lex: I'm sorry being friends with me comes with such a high price. (Clark smiles) So exactly, uh, how long were you planning to work on this essay?
Clark: I'm just not ready to go home yet.
Clark takes his coffee cup to the bar for a refill. Lex follows him.
Lex: Something wrong?
Clark: No, just family stuff.
Lex: Come on, Clark. I'm the king of family dysfunction.
Clark: My father and my grandfather hate each other and I feel like I'm caught in the middle.
Lex: And you'd like to play peacemaker. The best way to do that is to put them in a room and let them fight it out.
Clark: So you're saying I should play hardball.
Lex: Well, that's up to you, but it sounds like it will take that sort of determination to bring your father and grandfather together.
Act 2 Scene 6
Chrissy and Russell are on the stage in the theater at the Talon. Day. He puts a gel onto a light.
Russell: What do you think?
Chrissy: Perfect. Thank you for doing this, Russell.
Russell: It's been a weird week. It feels good to be doing something.
Chrissy: I know you and Troy were friends.
Russell: I really miss him.
Chrissy: (She circles Russell slowly) Well, that's why I came to see you, Russell. For Troy. For the others.
Russell: The others... what are you talking about?
Chrissy: (Laughs softly and touches Russell's face) The ones who will live inside me forever.
Russell gives her a confused look and she kisses him. He goes along with the kiss at first, then opens his eyes, suddenly looking shocked as he begins aging rapidly. His skin starts to sag and his hair turns gray.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Jonathan drives up to the barn in his truck. Day. Clark comes out as Jonathan gets out of the truck.
Clark: Hey, Dad. Got a minute?
Jonathan: Yeah, son, you got to talk to me while we're working. We got a lot to do before it gets dark.
Jonathan opens the trunk, and pulls out a bag of feed, throwing it over his shoulder.
Clark: There's someone I want you to see.
Jonathan puts the feed down outside the barn as Martha's father steps out.
Jonathan: (To Clark) Your mother put you up to this?
Clark: No, this was all my idea.
Grandfather: Don't blame the boy. Whatever problems we have, they're between us. Martha says you need help. I'm here to give it.
Jonathan: So I haven't seen you for 20 years, and all of a sudden you want to be part of this family.
Grandfather: I don't want anything from you. I brought a check because I won't stand by and watch my daughter suffer.
Jonathan: You just couldn't resist turning that old Kn*fe, could you?
Clark: Dad, give him a chance. You two can work this out.
Jonathan: I don't think so, son. See, it's just like 20 years ago, same argument, same attitude.
Grandfather: Not quite, Jonathan. It has been 20 years, but everything I've predicted has come true. I knew Martha was making the biggest mistake of her life when she married you.
Clark: That's not true, Granddad.
Grandfather: You're going to have to swallow your pride if you're going to save this farm, Jonathan.
Jonathan: I don't need a lecture from you on how to take care of my family, thank you.
Grandfather: You're just as stubborn and pigheaded as you were the day I met you.
Jonathan: You get off my land.
Grandfather: Gladly.
Clark: Granddad, wait. It wasn't supposed to be like this.
Jonathan: Just let him go, son. I know you had good intentions, but some things just can't change. Let's unload the truck.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark is walking in the hall at school. Day. Pete catches up with him.
Pete: Clark, wait up.
Clark: Hey.
Pete: You all right? It looks like somebody knocked the wind out of you.
Clark: I'm just dealing with some family issues.
Pete: You want to talk about it?
Clark: Actually, the more I talk about it, the worse they get.
Chloe joins them.
Chloe: Hey, did you guys hear about Russell? They found his body behind the Talon.
Clark: I just saw him yesterday. What happened?
Chloe: He aged like 100 years. The police thought it was some old homeless guy until they found Russell's license in his wallet.
Clark: Two progeria deaths in two days. What are the odds of that?
Chloe: I don't know. Lana wanted to cancel the Spirit Week party, but Principal Reynolds asked her not to. He said he wanted to keep things as normal as possible.
Pete: He obviously hasn't had his normal-meter reset for Smallville.
Chloe: Yeah. (Clark sees Chrissy doing her hair at her locker) What is it, Clark?
Clark: I saw Russell with Chrissy at the Talon. And Troy was with her just before he went geriatric.
Chloe: It's not exactly a smoking g*n.
Clark: It's worth a look. Maybe we could check out her old school records, see if there's anything strange in her background.
The bell rings.
Chloe: Okay, I'll get started and I'll tell you what I find.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lex enters Principal Reynolds' office. Day. Mr. Reynolds is sitting at his desk working.
Lex: (Pointing to a book) interesting choice. The Count of Monte Cristo. The classic tale of a man whose past comes back to haunt him.
Mr. Reynolds: (Putting his papers aside) Why are you here, Lex?
Lex: We're upgrading our computer system at the plant. I thought we might donate our old computers to Smallville High.
Mr. Reynolds: You are not an alumnus.
Lex: Call it a thank you. You pushed me, and in hindsight, I appreciate that. In some ways, you're responsible for the man I am today.
Mr. Reynolds: I'm not sure that's a burden I care to take on. Besides the tax deduction, what's the quid pro quo?
Lex: Now, why do you think I want anything in return?
Mr. Reynolds: Because I've learned there's always a price when dealing with the Luthors.
Lex: I want you to stop turning your antagonism towards me against Clark Kent.
Mr. Reynolds: Lionel has taught you well.
Lex: My father?
Mr. Reynolds: Yes. This meeting, it reminds me of the incident that almost got you expelled.
Lex: He had nothing to do with that.
Mr. Reynolds: No. Only later. After receiving notice of your expulsion hearing, he generously offered the school's trustees a new library with two conditions. That you were allowed to stay and I was allowed to go. History has an interesting way of repeating itself, doesn't it?
Act 3 Scene 4
Clark sits over his desk in the loft, with only one line written on his paper. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: Clark. I hope I'm not interrupting.
Clark: No, uh, I could use the inspiration. I thought you'd be swamped with party prep by now.
Lana: I was heading over to the Talon, but this arrived at my house. (She is holding a large enveloped) I asked Lex to look into those photos of my mother.
Clark: Do you think there's more to it than meets the eye?
Lana: I don't know. He sent me this, I haven't opened it yet. As badly as I want the truth, I'm afraid I won't like what I find.
Clark: Why the change of heart?
Lana: I guess the image of my parents the way I thought they were is all I have.
Clark: You don't want to lose that.
Lana: Maybe just by doubting I already have. How are things with your grandfather?
Clark: Disaster is an understatement. I took him to see my father, and it was like watching history repeat itself.
Lana: So what's next?
Clark: I hate to see it end like this. I can't control the way they act around each other.
Lana: Are you gonna try again?
Clark: I can't do anything about the past, but maybe there is something I can do about the future.
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark knocks on his grandfather's motel room. Day. The grandfather answers.
Grandfather: Clark.
Clark: I don't want our relationship to end before it ever had a chance to begin.
Grandfather: Well, you can come in if you want. But you'll have to excuse me. I'm running a little late.
He is packing his suitcase. Clark comes in and closes the door.
Clark: There's something I wanted to show you. (He has a small book) It's our photo album. School plays, camping trips, backyard activities. Stuff that families do together. (Grandfather takes his glasses out of his shirt pocket) I wanted you to see our family the way I do. We're more than old arguments and overdue bills.
Grandfather: (He takes an envelope out of his briefcase) I'd like you to give this to your mother. It's cashier's check. She can use it now or a year from now. Whenever she needs it.
Clark: (Angry) Why don't you give it to her yourself?
Grandfather: I'm sorry, Clark.
Clark: Well, I don't understand how a man who hasn't seen his family in 20 years can just walk away!
Clark leaves.
Act 3 Scene 6
Principal Reynolds catches up with Chrissy in the hall at school. Day.
Mr. Reynolds: Chrissy. I need to talk to you.
Chrissy: Is there a problem, Mr. Reynolds?
Mr. Reynolds: I left three messages for your parents. Still no answer.
Chrissy: They've been really busy. Is this, uh, is this still about my transcripts?
Mr. Reynolds: And you. I've been making an effort to get to know the students and their parents. Maybe I can come by your house this weekend when they're at home.
Chrissy: Well, they'll be joining me at the Talon for the Spirit Week party. You can meet us there before the party.
Mr. Reynolds: That'll be fine. See you there.
He continues to walk and she waves to him. Then she looks at her hand and sees that it has turned old again. She looks around, then goes up the stairs.
Act 3 Scene 7
Chloe is at the computer in the Torch. Day. Clark enters.
Chloe: Clark, where have you been? I just left you like six messages.
Clark: Sorry, it's been a very weird day.
Chloe: Well, it's about to get weirder. Take a look at this. (She has a newspaper article on the computer screen with the headline Three Students Die Mysteriously) Florida, 12 years ago, Piper High School. Three students died of the same mysterious uber-progeria.
Clark: All within a 48-hour period. Let me guess, Chrissy was involved.
Chloe: Try Missy.
Chloe pulls up a yearbook picture of Chrissy.
Clark: (Reading) Class of '90, Missy Parker. Different name, same face.
Chloe: Yeah, it gets better.
Chloe pulls up another picture of Chrissy with the name Robin Stroud.
Clark: Lakewood High, Class of 81. There she is again.
Chloe: You're not gonna believe this, Clark, but I matched Chrissy to triple progeria cases going all the way back to Hammonds School for Girls, Class of 1921.
Clark: It's like she's feeding off their youth to stay eternally young.
Chloe: It takes the Peter Pan complex to a whole new level.
Clark: Troy was k*lled almost two days ago, and Russell was k*lled yesterday. Chrissy's gonna need another victim.
Chloe: I'll call the police. (Chloe reaches for the phone and Clark super speeds out of the room. She looks up and sees that he is gone) Clark?
Act 4 Scene 1
There is dance music playing and flashing lights in the empty theater at the Talon. Day. Chrissy walks onto the stage. Principal Reynolds enters the side of the stage. He blocks his eyes from the light.
Mr. Reynolds: Chrissy? (She walks to the other side of the stage and he follows her) Chrissy?
Chrissy: (She picks up a stage light on the side of the stage, where her face is in shadow) Mr. Reynolds. So, what do you think?
Mr. Reynolds: I think you've taken Spirit Week to a whole new level. Are your parents here yet?
Chrissy: Actually, Mr. Reynolds, they died. Over a century ago.
Mr. Reynolds: What are you talking about?
Chrissy: See, I've seen the future, Mr. Reynolds, again and again, and I've learned one thing. (She walks into the light and we see that her face is starting to sag) These are the best years of anyone's life.
Mr. Reynolds looks at the stage light in her hand, and she hits him in the face with it.
CUT TO Clark super speeding into the theater. Pete enters behind him with a box.
Pete: Clark. I thought you were the band. If they don't show, we're stuck with a half-dozen MP3s and my boom box.
Clark: (He sees that the stage is empty) Have you seen Chrissy?
Pete: Yeah, she was... just here. (Clark looks through the backdrop on the stage with his x-ray vision and sees Chrissy kneeling over Mr. Reynolds unconscious body) What's going on?
Clark: Just go lock the door Don't let anyone in. (Pete goes to lock the door and Clark super speeds backstage) Chrissy, stop! I know what's going on. You need help.
Chrissy: (Turns around revealing an even more wrinkled face and gray hair) I need him.
She stands up.
Clark: I'm not gonna let you hurt anyone else.
Chrissy: I am saving them, Clark, from lives that will never be as happy as they are right now.
Clark: There's more to life than Spirit Week and cheerleading.
Chrissy: You're wrong. You will never be this young, this beautiful, or this perfect again. But I will.
She reaches out her hands to att*ck him, and he grabs her arms, pushing her back, sending her through the backdrop and onto the stage. There is a rotating mirror cube on the stage and she sits up next to it. With every rotation of the cube, we see her face getting older and older, her wrinkles getting deeper until her skin finally starts to turn black and decay. Clark runs onto the stage.
Clark: Chrissy!
She falls down and beams of gold light come out of her as what is left of her body disintegrate into ash and blow away.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark comes down the stairs at his house and sees Jonathan with a handful of envelopes. Day.
Clark: More bills, huh, Dad?
Jonathan: Yeah. It seems like these darn things keep right on coming.
They join Martha in the kitchen.
Martha: Clark. You've had quite a week. Any more fall-outs from school?
Clark: Spirit Week is officially kaput.
Martha: Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
Clark: The principal's gonna be okay. He actually warned me about being late when they were loading him into the ambulance.
Jonathan: Clark, listen, I know that the situation with your grandfather's bugging you, and it should, but--
Clark: I went to go see him. (To Martha) He asked me to give this to you. (He hands her the envelope) He said he tried to get involved in my life after the adoption. Why wouldn't you let him see me?
Jonathan: Well, it's complicated.
Clark: It can't be that complicated, he's my grandfather.
Jonathan: Clark, when you were a little boy, you couldn't control your abilities like you can now. And if he had spent any time with us, I think he might have found out your secret.
Clark: But he's family.
Martha: We had such a history of disagreeing on things. We just didn't know how he'd react. We couldn't be sure we could trust him.
Clark: So he's not a part of our lives because of me?
Jonathan: Son, every young man wants to have a relationship with his grandpa. But in your case, it just may not be possible.
Clark looks at them both sadly.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark is working on his essay in the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: Working on something important?
Clark: I just finished my essay.
Lana: So where are you gonna be in five years?
Clark: In college, probably studying journalism.
Lana: You're kidding.
Clark: Don't tell Chloe, but I think it's growing on me. I like to find the truth behind things. I'm tired of having secrets in my life.
Lana: And personally?
Clark: (He stands up) I've decided I'm gonna find a way to have a relationship with my grandfather. (Lana nods distractedly) How about you? Is everything okay?
Lana: Clark, I read Lex's file. According to court papers, my parents filed for divorce in 1985. Irreconcilable differences.
Clark: But they worked it out, right?
Lana: Eventually. But they were legally separated for over a year.
Clark: So the guy in the picture with your mother...
Lana: Could be more than a friend. I was born right after my parents got back together. (Pause) My father could still be alive.
They both stand there as the sh*t backs up out of the loft window and up to the full moon.
Fade to black.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Mickey" by B*Witched
"Can I See You" by Buva
"All My Life" by Foo Fighters
"Ivanka" by Imperial Teen
"Somewhere Out There" by Our Lady Peace
"I Feel Fine" by Riddlin' Kids
"U Girl" by Sophie Agapois
"Be Aggressive" by The Jockjam Cheerleaders
"You Ugly" by The Jockjam Cheerleaders
"Boom Boom Boom" by The Outhere Bros
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x06 - Redux"} | foreverdreaming |
Open on a sh*t of Martha Kent, dressed in a nice business suit and carrying a leather briefcase, walking through the Kent kitchen. She sets her briefcase down on the counter and calls out to her son.
Martha: (Slightly impatient) Clark! You're going to be late!
Martha turns toward the staircase, but Clark doesn't appear. Instead, we hear his voice from the upstairs level as he hurries to get ready.
Clark: OK, Mom. Going as fast as I can.
Suddenly Clark superspeeds down the steps in a blur, grabbing his jacket off the banister and skidding to a stop in front of Martha.
Martha: How can you be as fast as lightning and as slow as molasses all at the same time?
Clark: (Chuckling) Sometimes, Mom, I'm even a mystery to myself.
Martha just sighs in exasperation.
Clark shrugs off his backpack and crosses the kitchen, going to the counter and taking a piece of bread out of the bag.
Jonathan: (Sipping his coffee) Wait a minute, didn't I just fix your alarm clock recently?
Clark holds up a piece of bread, using his heat vision to toast it to a golden brown. He flips it over and repeats the process on the other side of the bread as he answers his father.
Clark: Yeah, but I crushed it this morning hitting the snooze alarm. Guess I'm not much of a morning person.
Jonathan: Must have got that from your mother.
Jonathan reaches over and grabs the now toasted piece of bread from Clark, wincing a bit as the hot toast burns his own fingers. Martha stands in the doorway, waiting for Jonathan.
Jonathan: Ow! (Continuing) You know, she could be late to her own wedding. (Smiles at Martha, and hands Clark another piece of bread) In fact, she *was* late to her own wedding.
Clark and Jonathan chuckle over the joke.
Martha: (Dryly as she pulls on her coat) Not all of us were trained by roosters.
Clark: (Toasting the new piece of bread) I was up late studying for an exam. Greek tragedy.
Jonathan: (Putting on his coat) Oh, well speaking of Greek tragedy, I've got to get your mother to work. Want a ride?
Clark: (Opening a jar of peanut butter) No. I'll probably just slow you guys down.
Jonathan heads toward the door, grabbing his keys.
Martha: (To Jonathan) Thank you, baby.
Clark grins as his parents leave. He liberally spreads his toast with peanut butter, then takes a huge bite. As he chews, he glances as his watch, and gets a look on panic on his face as he realizes what time it is.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark--clad in his jacket, with his backpack over his shoulder and the rest of his toast in hand, clattering down the porch steps. He jogs down the walkway, taking a bite of his toast as he goes. As he steps out of the camera's frame, we hear a familiar whooshing sound. The camera pulls back to reveal Clark superspeeding through the barnyard, through the barn, and across the field, headed toward Smallville High. As the camera pans down, we see the Kent pickup truck making it's way down the driveway toward the main road.
As the truck rumbles down the drive, a woman steps out from behind some bales of hay, which are stacked up next to another smaller barn on the Kent farm. It's Rachel Dunleavy, a woman in her mid to late forties with red hair. She steps out into the driveway and, overcome with emotion, steeples her hands in front of her face, bringing them to her lips as she looks toward the Kent farmhouse.
Rachel: Hmm.
She glances around the farm for a moment, then turns and heads for the Kent farmhouse. The back door is unlocked, and she steps into the kitchen, looking at the surroundings, pleased with what she sees. She glances up the stairs, then heads down a small hallway that heads to the living room. Along the wall in the hall is a side table, its top adorned with framed pictures of the Kent family. She picks up one of the photos and gasps slightly with pride. We cut to the picture and see it's a recent picture of Clark, standing on the Kent porch, smiling. Rachel runs her fingers gently over Clark's face in the photo. She touches her lips, giving a slight loving smile, then glances out the window in the direction of town.
Cut to a sh*t of a hallway in Smallville High. Students rush haphazardly through the halls. Chloe, in mid-sentence, exits a classroom with Pete in tow. She's explaining a Greek tragedy, and Pete--who, unlike Clark, doesn't seem to have been up all night studying--is hanging on Chloe's every word in an attempt to absorb the knowledge needed for the exam. Clark follows behind them, grinning widely as Chloe becomes more and more dramatic with her explanation.
Chloe: (Explaining) So Hera freaks out because Zeus has been two-timing her, with a mere mortal no less. So she sends a bunch of snakes to k*ll Hercules, who is the illegitimate babe in the cradle.
Pete gives Chloe a look of total confusion.
Chloe: (Emphatically) It's just family dysfunction of Dionysian proportion.
Pete still looks confused. Clark chuckles as he claps Pete on the shoulder and moves around to walk next to Chloe. Pete: Sounds like these people oughta be on Ricki Lake.
Chloe: (Smiling) While I don't condone her behavior, Zeus did break his wedding vows.
Clark: Doesn't give her the right to go "Fatal Attraction" on him.
Clark stops at his locker while Chloe and Pete continue down the hall.
Chloe: (Laughing and turning back towards Clark) Hey, Clark, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
Pete and Chloe head down the hall toward their next class, and Clark grins as he watches them go. He turns back to his locker and tosses his books in his locker and slams the door shut. He jumps in surprise to find Rachel standing on the other side of his locker door.
Rachel: (Smiling) Hello, Clark.
Clark looks at her with a look of confusion on his face, and gives her a faltering smile.
Clark: (Confused but polite) Do we know each other?
Rachel: (Looking down sadly) No. (Looks up at Clark, smiling again) Well, yes.
Clark just looks at her, raising his eyebrows expectantly as he waits for an explanation.
Rachel: (Smiling) Clark, I'm your mother.
Clark just stares at her with a stunned expression.
Opening Credits.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent barnyard at night. Jonathan walks across the yard, pulling off his workgloves, as Martha and Clark follow.
Martha: It's obviously a mistake. She's not your mother.
Clark: That's what I told her. She said I probably just need time to get used to the idea. (Pulling a paper from his pocket) She gave me her cell phone number...told me to call her if I wanted to talk again.
Jonathan: (Taking the paper from Clark and studying it) Ah, Clark, I don't want you to have anything to do with this woman.
Clark: She's going to be hard to avoid. She said she just bought a house...in Smallville.
Jonathan and Martha stop in their tracks, taken aback by this news.
Clark: (Continuing) She also said that the agency that handled the adoption was Metropolis United Charities. Now that's the same place Chloe told me about.
Martha and Jonathan exchange a look.
Clark: I thought the only adoption they handled was mine.
Martha gives Jonathan a worried look.
Jonathan: (Hesitantly) So did I.
Clark: (Pleading slightly) Dad, tell me what happened back then.
Martha: (Shaking her head) That's not important right now.
Jonathan: Your mother's right. What we need to do is to get this woman to back off.
Martha and Jonathan start toward the house, while Clark remains in place.
Jonathan: (Continuing) We don't want her making people curious about where you came from.
Clark watches his parents go into the house, disappointed that they won't share any information with him.
Cut to a sh*t of a woman's clasped hands. Another woman's hands cover them, and we pull back to see Martha, Jonathan, and Rachel all sitting at a table in the Talon. Martha is glancing down in surprise as Rachel's hands cover her own.
Rachel: (Understandingly) Mrs. Kent, I know what you're thinking. This woman gave her baby up. What right does she have to show up after all these years?
Martha: Well, the thought did occur to me.
Jonathan: (hesitating) Look...Mrs. Dunlevy, I'm sure you mean well, and I know you've gone though a tremedous amount of trouble finding Clark, but he's *not* your child.
Rachel: (Confidently) Oh, I've done the research. My Lucas was the only baby turned over to Metropolis United Charities, and Clark was the only child that they ever placed.
Martha gives Jonathan a worried look as Rachel explains.
Jonathan: (Slightly frustrated) We are Clark's legal parents. *We* raised him.
Rachel: (Sincerely) Believe me, I'm not trying to take Clark away from you. I just want a chance to get to know him.
Martha gives Rachel a sympathetic look.
Rachel: (Continuing) Giving up Lucas was the worst thing I've ever done. (Tearfully) I didn't do it because I wanted to, I did it because I *had* to.
Jonathan: (Firmly) I sincerely hope...that you find Lucas...someday.
Rachel gives Jonathan a confused look.
Jonathan: (Continuing as he and Martha stand up) But I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you not to bother my family, or Clark ever again.
Jonathan takes Martha's hand and turns to leave. Martha whispers a slight "I'm sorry" to Rachel as she and Jonathan leave. Rachel watches them go, stunned by the turn of events.
Rachel: (Softly, desperately) No.
Cut to a sh*t of the outside of Smallville High, students filing into the building. Cutting to a sh*t of the hallway, we see Chloe making her way through the students. She turns and enters the Torch office, seeing Clark sitting behind her computer.
Chloe: (Brightly) Sure Clark, you can use my computer. Knock yourself out.
Chloe moves past him to set her books down, as Clark studies his hands, trying to control his emotions.
Clark: (Accusingly) You've been getting emails from Rachel Dunleavy.
This statement stops Chloe in her tracks, and she turns to Clark.
Chloe: (Stunned) You've been reading my emails?
Clark: (Angrily) You promised me you'd stop digging into my adoption.
Chloe: (Slightly confused) Wh...all I did was post a few notices on adoption websites, to see if I could get some hits. This Dunleavy woman responded.
Clark jumps out of the chair and shoves the chair angrily against the desk. He moves menacingly toward Chloe, his anger increasing, his voice quivering throughout the confrontation as if near tears. Chloe steps back a few paces in fear.
Clark: (Upset) Oh, so you said "Why don't you check out my buddy Clark? He may be your son!"
Chloe: (Pleadingly) You have to believe me...I didn't tell her anything about you, Clark.
Clark: (Sarcastically) So it's just a coincidence she shows up in Smallville claiming to be my mom?
Chloe pauses, a bit amazed by the news.
Chloe: (Happily) She's here?
Clark looks taken aback by Chloe's happiness over the situation.
Chloe: (Excitedly) Clark, what makes you so sure that she's not the real thing?
Clark: (Extremely upset) I am not giving you an exclusive on my life!
Chloe: (Insistant) You're not even curious that she might be your biological mom?
Clark: (Very angry) Why are you so obsessed about my mother? Do I ask you questions about yours?
Chloe's face falls at the mention of her mother.
Chloe: (Quickly) No, I guess not.
Clark gets right up in Chloe's face, his anger boiling over.
Clark: (Very angry) Yeah, that's because she hasn't shown her face here in years! If you want to find somebody's mother, find your own!
At Clark's word's, tears well up in Chloe's eyes.
Chloe: (Tearfully) I know where she is Clark! The difference is, she's not interested in me.
Clark looks taken aback by that info, and knows he's gone too far. He's still angry, however, and turns to walk out of the Torch office. Chloe is crying freely now, and calls out to him as he heads toward the door. Clark stops, but keeps his back to Chloe
Chloe: (In tears) Since you'll probably never speak to me again, there's something you might want to know. Metropolis United Charities was founded by Lionel Luthor.
Clark continues out the door. Once outside, he hesitates, with a look of regret on his face. He looks as if he is considering going back in and apologizing to Chloe, but the regret is replaced by angry determination, and he continues down the hall.
Cut to a sh*t of a man's hand, twirling a pen between it's fingers. As the camera pulls back, we see it's Lex, sitting behind his desk, talking to his visitor.
Lex: I admit, I'm even more intrigued now than when I got your note. But I'm still not sure what any of this has to do with me.
We pan over and see Lex's visitor is Rachel.
Rachel: (Hopefully) Well, I understand that you and Clark are good friends. Mr. Kent has forbidden me to speak to him. I thought you might be willing to talk to Clark, ask him to give me a chance.
Lex: (Chuckling) Ms. Dunleavy, Jonathan Kent doesn't exactly see me as the ideal role model for his son. I wouldn't want to get Clark in trouble by encouraging him to defy his father.
Rachel: Even if it meant giving him a chance to know his real mother?
Lex: I'm sorry, but it's just not appropriate for me to get involved.
Rachel: (Hesitantly) I wasn't going to bring this up unless I had to, but I once worked as a nurse for your mother.
Lex: You knew my mother?
Rachel: (Nodding) And your father. He and I became...very close.
Lex gets a look of realization on his face, and sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose as he waits for the details about Lionel's exploits.
Rachel: (Continuing) He got me pregnant, and made me give the child up for adoption.
Lex looks up at Rachel with a look of surprised disbelief. Rachel looks back at him, slowly nodding her head in confirmation of what Lex is thinking.
Lex: (Disbelieving) You're claiming that Clark...that Clark and I...
Rachel: (Happily) He's your brother, Lex.
Lex just looks on in stunned disbelief as Rachel smiles happily.
Cut to a sh*t of a stairway inside Smallville High. Students rush up and down the steps, and Chloe cuts through them all as she hurries down the stairs. Her expression is one of dismay, and her face is blotchy with tears. Behind her, Lana rushes to catch up with Chloe, calling out to her.
Lana: Chloe! Hey, I've been looking for you everywhere...
Chloe turns to look at her, and Lana pauses as she sees Chloe's distraught expression.
Lana: (Concerned) What's wrong?
At Lana's concern, Chloe's face falls, and she struggles to fight back tears as they continue down the hall.
Chloe: (Tearfully) Clark and I just had a *massive* blowout.
Lana: (Concerned) About what?
Chloe: (Tearfully) His secrets..privacy...my pathological inability to curb my curiosity. (With fake brightness) How are you?
Lana stops walking and turns Chloe toward her.
Lana: (Understanding) Hey, we can talk about it later.
Chloe: (Apologetic, wiping away her tears) No, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to dump on you.
Lana: If you can't dump on your friends...
Chloe: Exactly. So, what did you want to talk about?
Lana studies Chloe's face for a second, not wanting to push her problems onto Chloe if Chloe doesn't want to hear it. Deciding that Chloe is concerned, Lana glances around to make sure nobody is eavesdropping, then pulls her off to the side, near a bank of lockers.
Lana: (Opening a book and handing Chloe a picture) His name's Henry Small.
Chloe studies the picture. We see it is one of the pictures Lana found in Redux.
Chloe: As in the Smallville Smalls?
Lana: (Nervous amusement) Very own first family.
Chloe: (Curiously) Well, who's the hottie hanging all over him?
Lana: (Softly) My mom.
Chloe looks up in surprise, and gets a look of embarrassment--mixed with a little fear resulting from the previous Mom blowout--on her face.
Chloe: (Stuttering) Oh, I'm--I'm sorry, Lana...
Lana: (Reassuringly) It's Okay. You didn't know. (Pauses) I think he may be my biological father.
Chloe: (Stunned) Wow. You OK?
Lana: (Smiling) I think so. I want to find out everything there is to know about him...and I thought...maybe you could help.
Chloe looks touched by Lana's request.
Lana: (Hurriedly) But if you don't feel comfortable, it's...
Chloe: (Interrupting and smiling) Actually, I'm flattered. It's nice that someone trusts me enough with their big family secret.
Lana: (Hopefully) Then you'll do it?
Chloe: You know, I could tell you where he went to college, I can tell you how many outstanding parking tickets he has...I can even pull up his dental records and let you know if he flosses regularly. But, if you really want to know who he is, I would suggest using the high tech research device called...the doorbell.
Lana sighs nervously, and Chloe smiles at her encouragingly.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm on a sunny afternoon. Jonathan and Martha climb out of the pickup truck, and Jonathan lowers the gate on the truck. In the back of the truck are various paper and burlap bags. Jonathan hefts a bag of feed over his shoulder while Martha picks up some of the smaller paper bags. Behind them, we hear a whooshing sound as Clark speeds toward them.
Martha: (Surprised) Clark?
Jonathan: Grab a sack, son.
Clark: (Angrily) I just found out that Lionel Luthor was the one who founded Metropolis United Charities. Why was he involved in my adoption?
Jonathan gets a look of resignation on his face, but Clark's request is met with silence.
Clark: (Frustrated) Would somebody tell me what is going on?
Martha: Jonathan. He needs to know.
Jonathan looks at Martha and sighs. He tosses the bag of feed on the ground and turns toward Clark.
Jonathan: Alright. It was the day of the meteor shower...when I realized that nothing was going to be normal around here again.
(Flashback scene)
We see the meteors streaking toward Smallville. As Jonathan and Martha speed down the road in the pickup, a meteor just h*t the "Welcome to Smallville" sign, and the sign explodes into splinters. In the truck, Martha and Jonathan both turn back and look at the meteor strike in fear.
Martha: (Gasps) What's happening, Jonathan?
As Martha and Jonathan are looking back, we see--through the front windshield--Clark's ship crash. It hits the road first, and flames sh**t up on the road, before skidding off into a field, thick black smoke in it's wake. Jonathan turns around just in time to see the expl*si*n, and he slams on the brakes. As the truck disappears into the black smoke, we hear a loud crash.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent truck, it's wheels spinning, turned over in a ditch. Inside, Martha and Jonathan, hanging upside down, slowly come to. Jonathan looks over at Martha, who is clutching her head, her red tulips scattered all over the roof of the truck. Jonathan glances out the window, and something catches his eye.
We see a small pair of bare feet walking across the smoking debris. Jonathan isn't sure if he's seeing things, and calls out to Martha.
Jonathan: Martha?
Martha slowly turns her head, and sees what Jonathan sees. Outside, a naked little dark haired boy, about three years old, crouches down and looks inside the cab of the truck, giving the occupants a huge, friendly grin. Martha and Jonathan look at each other, stunned.
Cut to a sh*t of a fire-truck zooming down the road, siren wailing. The corn fields are smoldering, and the air is thick with smoke. We see Jonathan, running down the road. He comes across a blue flatbed truck, the hay in the back covered by a burlap tarp. He glances inside the window and pulls open the drivers side door. Inside, a man leans against the steering wheel.
Jonathan: (Panicked) Teddy!
Jonathan pulls the man back from the steering wheel, checking to see if he is okay. He looks at the cracked windshield and sees a hole, directly in line with where the head of the truck's driver would have been. Jonathan steps back, taking a deep breath and fighting off tears as he realizes whatever came through the windshield k*lled Teddy.
Cut to a sh*t of the cornfields, with small fires burning themselves out. As we pan down, we see Martha standing next to Teddy's blue truck, a blanket wrapped Clark in her arms. Jonathan struggles to push Clark's ship onto the bed of the truck. With a huge effort, he finally gets it onto the truck, and covers it up with the tarp. Martha watches, hugging Clark close. Jonathan looks at them, and Martha looks at him hopefully. Jonathan just sighs, and continues covering the ship with the tarp.
Cut to a sh*t of the blue truck zooming down the road. Jonathan is driving, with Martha and Clark next to him. Jonathan watches Martha cuddle Clark close, and smile at him. Suddenly, Martha glances up at the road ahead.
Martha: (Fearfully) Jonathan, watch out!
Jonathan looks up and slams on the brakes. As the truck skids to a stop, we see Lionel Luthor emerging from a field, waving his arms frantically.
Lionel: (Frantic) Stop! Please! Help!
The truck stops, and Jonathan quickly climbs out of the cab.
Jonathan: (Concerned) Are you alright?
Lionel: (Panicked) My son...
Jonathan: What about him? Is he hurt?
Lionel: (In shock) He--he--I--I can't...
Jonathan: (Urgently): Mister, Mister calm down! (Speaking slowly) Where is your son?
Lionel turns toward the field behind him.
Lionel: (Pointing) He--he's in there.
While Lionel stands rooted to the spot, Jonathan rushes out into the field. Lionel follows slowly. Jonathan comes across Lex, clad in his private school uniform. Lex is lying curled up in the ground, unconscious. He's bald except for one little tuft of red hair on top of his head. Jonathan kneels down and checks Lex's pulse, while Lionel looks on.
Jonathan: (To Lionel) Give me a hand.
Lionel continues to stand there, staring at Lex in shock. Jonathan takes off his coat.
Lionel: (Shocked) Wh-what happened to him? His...hair is...
Jonathan covers Lex with his coat and gathers the boy up in his arms. Lionel continues to just stand there in shock. Jonathan turns and gives Lionel a look of disbelief, before hurrying back to the truck. Lionel follows.
Cut to a sh*t of the truck speeding toward town. Inside the truck's cab, we see Jonathan is driving, and Martha sits next to him, Clark on her lap. Next to Martha sits Lionel, with Lex gathered in his arms. Lex is floating in and out of consciousness.
Lionel: (Frustrated) Can't we go any faster?
Jonathan: We're doing the best that we can.
Lionel: (Glancing out the back window) What are you carrying back there? It's slowing us down.
Jonathan and Martha ignore the question. Clark glances over at Lex, and smiles at him. Lex opens his eyes slowly, and looks back at Clark. Clark reaches over and touches Lex's head, running his fingers down the side of Lex's face in curiosity. Lex gives Clark a tiny smirk, and then his eyes roll back in his head as he passes out. Clark just smiles wider and settles back into his seat.
Cut to a sh*t inside Smallville's hospital. Lionel slowly approaches a window and looks through it, his face concerned and fearful. Inside, we see Lex, now completely bald, lying in a hospital bed, sleeping peacefully. Lionel turns away from the window and walks down the hall, which is filled with injured Smallville residents. He passes Jonathan, who reaches out and touches Lionel's arm.
Jonathan: (Concerned) Hey...how's your--how's your son?
Lionel: He's in shock, but he'll survive. You saved him, acting so quickly.
Jonathan: I'm glad I could help out.
Lionel: I'm sorry. I don't even know your name.
Jonathan: Jonathan Kent.
Lionel extends his hand, and the two men shake hands.
Lionel: Nice to meet you, Mr. Kent. If there is ever anything I can do for you...
Jonathan just shakes his head, letting Lionel know that's not necessary.
Lionel: (Continuing) Please. Call me.
Lionel hands Jonathan his business card. Jonathan studies it.
Lionel: (Seriously) I mean that, Mr. Kent.
Jonathan continues to look down at the card, a look of thoughtfulness on his face.
We cut to a sh*t of Jonathan looking down, with the same look on his face. As the camera pulls back, we see we are back in the present day. Jonathan gives a small start as the memory ends.
Clark: Dad, you were a hero. I don't know why you thought you had to keep that a secret from me.
Jonathan starts to explain, but is interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up the driveway. He turns and sees a police car pulling up the driveway. The car stops, and the sheriff climbs out. The Kents start toward him.
Jonathan: (Concerned) Ethan, is there, uh, something we can do for ya?
Ethan: Well, I'm sure you know there's a woman in town claiming to be Clark's mother.
The Kents nod.
Ethan: (Sighs) But she's petitioned Judge Ross to order a DNA test.
Martha looks at Jonathan in fear.
Clark: But, that's crazy! She's not my mother!
Ethan: (Reassuringly) If that's true, then this test will prove it, son. Well, I can have somebody come out and take the sample, get it to Metropolis Genetics Lab, and, uh, they can run the test in the morning, and we can get this thing over with quick. I'm sure you folks have nothing to be afraid of.
The Kents look on, their faces concerned as they realize what else the DNA test will prove.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana, walking down a sidewalk. She glances at a small piece of paper in her hand, then glances up at the house in front of her. She turns and nervously heads up the stairs to the porch. The front door is open, and we hear a male voice from inside, in mid conversation, yelling.
Henry Small: (Angrily) ...not to mention, it's an eyesore! (Pause) You're dumping there!
Lana peers nervously though the windows on the door, then takes a deep breath and steps inside, knocking on the door timidly as she does so.
Henry: What do you mean, that's it? I don't care what Lowell Country Water and Power says, they are illegally dumping and I'm not going to sit here...hello? Hello?
Lana peers inside the house. We see books stacked everywhere, and see Henry Small stalking around angrily, yelling as he talks on the phone. As he realizes he has been hung up on, he slams the phone down several times in a burst of anger.
Lana: (Small, nervous voice) Uh, Mr. Small?
Henry: (Angrily) What!
Henry looks up and sees Lana cowering near the door. He takes a deep breath, collecting himself, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes.
Henry: (Embarrassed) Oh..ha-ha. I'm sorry. Um...I'm not taking on any more law students right now...
Lana: (Quickly) No, no...I'm not a law student.
Lana takes a few small steps out from behind the door, and Henry gets a better look at her.
Henry: Wait, I know you.
Lana walks toward him, much of her nervousness gone.
Lana: (Hopefully) You do?
Henry: Yeah, you run the, uh, coffee place in town.
Lana: Uh, yeah, yeah, The Talon. I don't think I've seen you there.
Henry: And you never will. I boycot it.
Lana: Uh, do you have a thing against coffee?
Henry: No, I've got a thing against Luthors.
Lana: (Reassuringly) Lex Luthor's just a silent partner.
Henry: (Dryly) That's what the Vichys said about the n*zi. Look what happened to France. (Pauses) I didn't catch your name.
Lana pauses, then reaches down and pulls the picture from her purse as she walks toward Henry.
Lana: Lana Lang.
Lana extends the picture toward Henry.
Lana: (Continuing) You knew my mother.
Henry takes the picture from Lana. As he looks at it, he stops in his tracks as he recognizes it.
Henry: (Stunned) Where did you get this?
Lana: I found it.
Lana looks hopefully at Henry, while he looks back in shock.
Lana: (A bit tearfully) Did you love her?
Henry: (Sighing) What do you want me to say.
Lana looks a bit surprised at the dismissiveness in Henry's voice.
Henry: (Continuing) It's ancient history. It doesn't matter.
The moment is broken as a woman's voice calls out to Henry from offscreen. Henry and Lana both glance quickly toward the direction of the voice.
Mrs. Small: (Amused) Henry? Can you stop saving the world for one minute and come give me a hand, please?
We pan over and see a middle aged blonde woman--Mrs. Small--standing in the kitchen, setting grocery bags on the counter. She doesn't see Lana.
Henry: Oh, okay honey. I'll be right there.
Henry turns back to Lana.
Henry: Look, Lana...
Lana: (Interrupting hopefully) I think you might be my father.
Mrs. Small: (Offscreen) Honey, are you coming?
Henry: (To Mrs. Small) Yeah, I-I'll be one second. (To Lana) Look, Lana...you've made a mistake
Lana: (Interrupting) But I
Henry backs up, stepping back from Lana.
Henry: (Nervously) I...have a family now. Please, don't bother me again.
Henry heads off quickly for the kitchen.
Cut to a sh*t from outside the house. Lana, very upset, quickly exits the house and runs down the stairs, close to tears.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent farmhouse. Clark sits with his mouth wide open, while a nurse swipes the inside of his mouth with a cotton swab. Martha and Jonathan look on uncomfortably. The nurse finishes getting her sample, and smiles at Clark.
Nurse: There. Now that didn't hurt a bit, did it?
The nurse picks up her equipment and prepares to leave.
Ethan: I'll let you know.
Jonathan nods, and follows Ethan and the nurse toward the door. Clark stands up and starts to follow, but Jonathan puts a hand on his arm as he passes him, letting Clark know to stay put. The nurse and Ethan exit the living room, and Clark speaks up.
Clark: Dad...
Jonathan, still watching their guests leave, holds a hand up to stop Clark from talking until they are sure Ethan and the nurse are out of the house. Once they hear the front door close, Jonathan speaks.
Jonathan: You had to do it Clark. If we'd have refused, they'd have dragged us into court.
Martha: What happens when they start looking at Clark's DNA under a microscope?
Clark: If I even *have* DNA.
Jonathan: That's why we have to make sure that nobody gets a chance to analyze that sample.
Clark simply looks at his father, realizing what he has to do.
Cut to a sh*t of Metropolis at night. We pan over the skyline, then cut to a sh*t inside a medical lab. A guard waits for a set of sliding doors to open, and as they do, he walks down the hall. The guard makes a turn and heads away from the hallway. As he does so, pair of doors on the other side of the hallway slide open, and Pete and Clark slip inside the facility.
The two boys break into a light jog as they hurry down the hallway. Clark comes to a door and opens it. The writing on the door says the door leads to the Genetic Testing lab.
Clark: (To Pete) This is it.
Clark and Pete enter the lab, and Clark scans the room with his X-Ray vision. He stops on a metal cabinet, and sees tubes of DNA tests inside.
Clark: There.
Clark walks over to the cabinet, and bends the thick metal door back.
Pete: (Glancing around) Man, this "Mission Impossible" stuff is great.
Clark reaches inside and pulls out the tube marked "Kent, C". He looks at it, then turns to Pete.
Pete: But other than my scintillating conversational skills, I still don't understand why you brought me along.
Clark smiles slightly and holds the tube out to Pete.
Clark: I need your spit.
Pete just looks at Clark like he's gone crazy, then at the tube.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm, the next morning. We go inside the farmhouse and see Martha and Jonathan sitting in the kitchen with worried expressions on their faces. Clark enters from outside and the Kents turn to him quickly.
Clark: You can relax. We switched the sample. No one saw us.
Jonathan: Clark, I-I'm sorry to put you through all this.
Clark: (Tossing his jacket on a chair) It's not your fault, Dad. I guess it just comes with the territory.
Jonathan: (Uncomfortably) Yeah...uh, I'm gonna go work on the combine.
Jonathan exits, and Clark sits down across from his mother.
Clark: (Confused) Everything's okay. Why does Dad still seem upset?
Martha: This has been tough on him. He always said making a deal with the devil was going to come back to haunt us.
Martha gets up and comes around to stand next to Clark.
Clark: (Curiously) Then why did he do it.
Martha just shakes her head slightly, not really wanting to spill more details.
Clark: Come on Mom. Why'd you need Lionel Luthor's help in the first place?
Martha: You have no idea the kind of pressure we were under...
As she talks, Martha walks to the edge of the kitchen, gazing out toward the living room floor.
Martha: (Continuing) We suddenly had this new little person in our home, and we didn't know what to do with you. We were completely overwhelmed.
As the camera pans around, we see three year old Clark, sitting right where Martha was gazing. He's clad in a little blue T-shirt, with matching shorts and red socks. He sits on the floor surrounded by toys, playing with an old fashioned space ship. He looks up and smiles, and we see Martha, clad in the same outfit she was wearing in the earlier flashback, kneeling next to him. Jonathan is sitting in the kitchen, watching them.
Martha: (Happily) Thank goodness your mother was a pack rat.
Jonathan: (Gently) Sweetheart, he's not ours to keep.
Martha: I just keep feeling there's a reason he's here. He's exactly what I wished for in the flower shop.
Jonathan gets up and comes over to kneel next to Martha and Clark.
Jonathan: Hey. Since when did Martha Kent believe in magic wands.
Martha: (Cupping Clark's cheek) Since the moment I laid eyes on this little boy.
From behind them comes a knock on the door. Both the Kents glance toward the door, and Jonathan gets up quickly.
Jonathan: (Urgently) Get him upstairs. Hurry, go on.
Martha scoops Clark up in her arms and carries him from the room as Jonathan heads toward the door.
Jonathan: (Calling toward door) Uh, just a--just a second.
Jonathan glances over his shoulder to make sure Martha has left the room, then opens the door. Ethan is standing on the porch.
Ethan: Evening, Jonathan.
Jonathan: Ethan.
Ethan: (Concerned) I saw what was left of your truck out on Route 17. I wanted to stop by and make sure you're alright.
Jonathan: Oh, yeah, we're, uh, a little banged up, but we're fine. Look, I-I'm sure there are folks who need your attention a lot more than...
Jonathan is interrupted as Clark runs into the room. Martha chases after him, laughing slightly. She catches him and pulls him close, smiling up at Ethan and Jonathan.
Ethan: (Curiously) Who's the little fella?
Martha: He got away from me. He's a strong little guy.
Ethan steps inside and walks toward Martha and Clark, while Jonathan attempts to explain.
Jonathan: That's um...
Martha: (Quickly) Clark. I thought my family name would make a good first name. Deputy, I would like you to be the first one in Smallville to meet our son.
Martha crosses to stand next to Jonathan and Ethan, and they all look down at Clark. Ethan looks at the Kents curiously, and Martha quickly corrects herself.
Martha: Adopted, of course. Uh, we just brought him back from Metropolis this morning.
Ethan: (Happily grinning at Clark) Well, I didn't know you folks were planning to adopt.
Jonathan: Oh, Ethan, you know us. We like to keep to ourselves, but it's been in the works for quite a while.
Ethan: (Clapping Jonathan's shoulder) Well, congratulations. It's nice to see something good happen in the middle of all this tragedy.
Martha smiles down at Clark and extends her arms toward him. Clark throws himself into her arms, hugging her legs tightly. As we pan up from Clark's POV, we see Martha looking down lovingly. As she looks up, we see it is actually present day Martha looking down lovingly, much as she must have looked that day.
Martha: He was right. (Walks back to where Clark is sitting at the kitchen table) You were the one good thing that happened that day.
Clark: So you just made it up, spur of the moment.
Martha: I couldn't say we found you in a cornfield. Once the words came out, I-I knew we'd have to back them up eventually, so we called Lionel Luthor, cashed in that favor. He arranged everything.
Clark: (Curiously) If everything worked out, why'd you keep it a secret?
Martha starts to tell Clark, but is interrupted by Lex's voice offscreen.
Lex: Hey.
Clark and Martha glance over, and we pan over to see Lex walking through the door.
Lex: I hope I'm not interrupting anything important.
Martha: (A bit nervously) Uh, not at all, Lex.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent barn. Clark and Lex climb the steps to Clark's loft. Lex is shifting a basketball from hand to hand as he talks.
Lex: Ever wish you had a big brother to help you with your jump sh*t?
Clark moves past Lex, taking the ball from him.
Clark: (Chuckling) I think I've managed to become a pretty decent player on my own.
Lex: (Casually) Rachel Dunleavy came to see me.
Clark stops on the landing at the mention of Rachel's name.
Lex: She says you and I have a few chromosomes in common. My father's chromosomes to be exact.
Clark turns back to Lex.
Clark: You mean...
Lex: (Dryly) Personally, I think I got all the looks in the family.
Clark glances down at the ball, pausing before speaking, choosing his words carefully.
Clark: Look, I don't know what happened between her and your father, but she's not my mother.
Lex: Trust me, I'm as skeptical about her as you are. For all I know, this is some elaborate scheme to win a paternity suit against my father.
Clark: Did you ask him about it?
Lex: (Taking the ball back from Clark) I didn't want to make any accusations until I had more facts. It's not hard to imagine. In the annals of extramarital exploits, my father probably has his own chapter.
Lex takes a jump sh*t, tossing the ball into a nearby empty crate at the top of the stairs. He climbs the steps, retrieving the ball from the crate.
Clark: It doesn't bother you? I mean, I know how close you were to your mother.
Lex: To the extent that it caused my mother pain? Sure, it bothers me. But, unfortunately, not every marriage is quite as Rockwellian as Jonathan and Martha Kent's.
Clark and Lex study each other, Clark realizing that Lex's words are true.
Lex: (Taking a seat next to the crate) Anyway, I told Ms. Dunleavy that in the 21st century, people shouldn't be making claims like hers without the DNA evidence to back them up.
Clark's eyes widen slightly as he realizes where Rachel got the idea for the DNA test.
Lex: (Slightly hopeful) So, what do you think Clark? (Tosses the basketball to Clark) Is there a chance we could be brothers?
Clark: (Sadly) As cool as that would be Lex, we're not.
Lex just studies Clark for a moment, then looks down sadly.
Cut to a sh*t of the outside of the Luthor Manor. We go inside and see the doors of Lex's study being opened. A servant steps through the door and walking behind him is Rachel. Lionel is standing inside the study, and the sound of the doors opening alerts him to Rachel's presence.
Lionel: Rachel. When the guard called and told me you were down at the gate, I didn't believe him. I thought we had an agreement.
Rachel: (Walking toward Lionel) I just got the results from the DNA test. (Angrily) I don't know how, but you did something to alter them.
Lionel: (Walking away) Did what? What are you talking about?
Rachel: (Following Lionel) Clark Kent is our son and you know that!
Lionel pauses and turns back toward Rachel.
Lionel: (Dimissive) You haven't changed, Rachel. (Pulls off his sunglasses) You are still completely irrational. (Walks away)
Rachel: (Upset) No. The only irrational thing that I ever did was to let you rip my child from my arms.
Lionel: (Matter of factly) You were well compensated and well taken care of.
Lionel turns back toward Rachel as he speaks.
Rachel: (Disbelieving) What, you think money made up for seven years in a psychiatric ward?
Lionel: You needed help.
Rachel walks over and stands right next to Lionel.
Rachel: No, what I needed was a home and a family. After you were through with me, that was never going to happen. Not with Lucas, not with anybody.
Lionel: (False concern) Oh, why didn't you continue your treatment?
Lionel starts to walk away, but Rachel rushes in front of him and stops him.
Rachel: (Insistant) I didn't need any treatment! You just wanted me out of the way.
Lionel: Classic denial.
Rachel: (Shaking her head) Oh, this isn't over Lionel. I'm going to expose you.
Lionel: (Unconcerned) Expose me--to whom? My wife is d*ad. You know that.
Lionel reaches out and softly strokes his fingers along Rachel's face. She tries halfheartedly to pull away
Lionel: (Seductively) Are you still as beautiful, Rachel?
Lionel leans in closer, and whispers into Rachel's ear.
Lionel: (Softly) Oh, you were lovely.
Lionel gently kisses Rachel's ear, and trails a few light kisses down the side of her face. Rachel closes her eyes and sighs, turning her head, but making no attempt to step away.
Lionel: (Softly) You have to move on. Forget the past. If you need help, I'd be happy to call Dr. Fryberg. I'm sure he'd be more than willing to make room for you at the clinic.
At those words, Rachel opens her eyes and gets a look of intense fear on her face. She looks at Lionel, and pulls away. She cries out in fear, and runs from the room. Lionel looks in the directions of the sounds.
Cut to a large purple garage door, emblazoned with the LexCorp logo. A sign in front states the garage is for "Staff Parking Only". The door opens, and Lex, driving a silver convertible sports car, pulls out of the garage. He starts to speed out of the lot, but slams on the brakes as he sees Rachel standing directly in his path.
Lex: (Confused) Ms. Dunleavy?
Rachel doesn't respond, just walks around toward the drivers side.
Lex: (Concerned) Is everything alright?
Rachel reaches the drivers side of the car and pulls a small syringe from her pocket. She raises it toward Lex, who tries to move away.
Lex: Whoa, whoa, whoa...ahh!
Lex doesn't really have anyway to escape, and he winces as Rachel plunges the syringe into the side of his neck.
Rachel: (Whispering) There.
Within seconds, Lex is unconscious, and he slumps over in the seat as Rachel gently strokes his neck.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark and Lana, sitting on the steps to Clark's loft. Clark is flipping through a photo album, and the two are smiling and laughing at the photos.
Lana: (Impressed) Wow, that is quite a catch.
Clark: Took all my strength to pull that one in. My dad even had to help me land it.
Lana: You're lucky you've got such a great father.
Clark nods slightly and continues flipping pages in the album, smiling at the photos.
Lana: I heard you and Chloe had a big fight.
At the mention of Chloe's name, the smile falls from Clark's face and he stops flipping through the album. He shuts the album quickly, and gets up, moving away from Lana.
Lana: Don't worry. She didn't give me any details.
Lana climbs to her feet and follows Clark up toward the landing.
Lana: I assume that this is shrouded in the usual Kent cloak of secrecy.
Clark stops, and puts his hands on the railing, leaning on it. Lana comes to stand next to him, waiting for an explanation.
Clark: Chloe promised not to look into my adoption, then she did. (Slightly angry) Now I've got a woman in town claiming to be my mother.
Lana: Is there any chance?
Clark: (Shaking his head) No. Not in a million years.
Lana: So she just showed up out of the blue?
Clark: Yeah, she ambushed me at school. "Hi Clark, I'm your mother." (Annoyed) I mean, who does that?
Lana looks away, then sheepishly raises her hand. Clark looks at her questioningly.
Lana: Do you remember that guy in the photo with my mom?
Clark nods.
Lana: I kind of found out who he was. His name's Henry Small. I went to his house.
Clark gives Lana a look of utter surprise.
Clark: How'd it go?
Lana: (Dryly) Well, uh, he hates the Talon, hates the Luthors, compared me to the n*zi, and told me to never come back again.
Clark: (Dryly) That good, huh?
The two gaze down into the barn for a moment, each lost in their own parental issues.
Clark: (Sympathetically) I'm sorry.
Lana: It's okay. I have done pretty well without a father this long. I don't know why I thought I needed one now.
Clark pauses, considering the situation.
Clark: I do.
Lana looks at him questioningly.
Clark: Lana, we're different. We don't get to see our biological parents every day, and see a little piece of who we are, who we may become. If I had a chance to get to know my birth parents, I wouldn't give up just because the first meeting didn't go the way I hoped.
Lana nods slowly in understanding.
Cut to a sh*t of a large gray farmhouse. Inside, we see Lex, unconscious, and strapped to a chair with thick, heavy tape. Rachel puts her hand under Lex's chin and lifts up his face, gently wiping the sweat from his brow with a cloth. At her touch, Lex comes to with a start, struggling to get away.
Rachel: (Soothingly as she continues to wipe Lex's face) No, no, no, no, no.
Lex: (Slightly groggy) Where am I?
Rachel: (Soothingly) You're at my house. I bought it with the money that your father gave me. I knew I'd need it one day, so I never spent it. I'm fixing it up so that Clark would feel at home here.
As she speaks, Rachel walks away from Lex, looking around the house as she imagines Clark living there.
Lex: (Trying to twist around in the chair) I know how hard it must be.
As Rachel talks, Lex continues struggling against his bonds.
Rachel: Oh, no, no. You don't. All those lost years... (Upset) Martha Kent getting to bake the birthday cakes. Martha Kent getting to dry his tears
Lex: So that gives you the right to kidnap me?
Rachel shakes her head.
Rachel: (Desperately) Well, believe me I didn't want to do this, but your father gave me no choice.
Lex: (Attempting reason) Look, if my father's lying and Clark really is my brother, I want to know just as much as you do.
Rachel just shakes her head.
Lex: But how does holding me prisoner help you?
Rachel: Because, Lex, either your father tells the truth, or he's going to know the pain of losing his son.
At the mention of his father actually telling the truth, Lex gets a look of realization on his face--realization that it will never happen. He begins to struggle mightily against his bonds, as Rachel dials a number on her cell phone.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study. Martha is sitting at the desk working, as Lionel slowly sets the phone down on the desk.
Martha: (Concerned) What's wrong?
Lionel: (A hint of fear) Rachel Dunleavy. She's kidnapped Lex.
Martha: (Shocked) Oh my God.
Lionel: If I don't call a press conference announcing that Clark's adoption was a sham and that he's my illegitimate son, she's...she's going to k*ll Lex.
Lionel stands in shock, as Martha looks on in fear.
Cut to a sh*t inside Smallville High. Chloe stands at her locker, putting books inside. We pan over and see Clark walking down the hall. He spies Chloe and hurries toward her.
Clark: (Relieved) Chloe, I'm so glad I found you.
Chloe: Okay, there's a sentence I never thought I'd hear again.
Clark: (Apologetic) We both did and said things that we regret. I know I did.
Chloe: (Insistant) Look, you have to believe that I would burn my press pass if I thought it would come between us.
Clark: (Amused) No you wouldn't. It's too much of who you are
And right now, I need it.
Chloe looks at Clark, willing to do whatever he needs.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Torch office. Chloe is seated at her computer, and Clark is sitting on a table behind her.
Chloe: If Rachel Dunleavy did buy a house in Smallville, she'll be listed with the county clerk. It's just going to take a minute to get a h*t.
Clark comes over and sits next to Chloe.
Clark: (Regretfully) Chloe, what I said about your mother...I was way out of line.
Chloe just shrugs it off like it didn't bother her.
Chloe: It's cool. (Smiling) We all have family secrets I guess. (Pauses) She left when I was five, so... I came downstairs and... There was my dad, trying to make waffles. He never even really explained why she left. It was weird.
Chloe laughs nervously as she's telling the story, as if it is no big deal, but as she finishes she has a few tears in her eyes.
Clark: (Sincerely) I'm sorry.
Chloe shrugs again. Her tone is matter of fact, but it also quivers slightly with tears.
Chloe: It's just hard thinking you weren't good enough for someone to love.
Chloe turns back to the computer. Clark reaches over, covering the hand she's using to operate the mouse with his own hand.
Clark: (Firmly) Don't ever think that.
Clark smiles at Chloe, and she gives him a sad little smile back. The computer beeps, and Chloe turns to it.
Chloe: Oh. Uh, there is no record of Rachel Dunleavy.
Clark gets up, pacing as he thinks.
Clark: Um...try the name Lucas Luthor.
Chloe: (Surprised) Okay. You're going to have to explain that one to me later.
Chloe types in the name, and instantly the computer beeps. We see the screen, which says, "Lucas Luthor 1436 Blueberry Park Lane, Smallville, Kansas, 67254." Clark reads the info over Chloe's shoulder before she even realizes it's on her screen, and we hear the whoosing sound as he speeds out of the office.
Chloe: (Surprised) Oh. Bingo. There's his address.
Chloe turns in her chair and looks around, then sighs as she realizes she's all alone.
Cut to a sh*t inside Rachel's house. Rachel is watching Lionel Luthor on the TV, her back to Lex, who is still taped to the chair. Lex turns his head as far as he can, trying to see the TV as well. Lionel begins speaking. Rachel watches the TV intently.
Lionel: (On TV) Thank you, ladies and gentlemen for coming on such short notice. I, um, I have an important announcement to make that concerns my family. My son, Lex Luthor, has been kidnapped. I want to say to his abductor... I will never give in to your demands.
At his father's words, Lex gets a look of incredulous disbelief on his face, and immediately begins struggling furiously against his bonds.
Rachel: (To TV) No. Wha...no! NO! NO!
She begins pounding on the TV as Lionel continues speaking.
Lionel: (Continuing) If you harm him in any way, I will not rest until you are hunted down and locked away. This time, forever.
Rachel: No! No! No! No!
Lex, meanwhile, continues to struggle. He has managed to loosen the tape binding his feet to the chair, and rubs the tape against the chair leg, trying to loosen it more.
Rachel runs past Lex and into another room, as Lionel continues to speak.
Lionel: It has always been the policy in my company and my family never to negotiate with kidnappers, t*rrorists...
In the other room, Rachel picks up a large axe, and heads back out toward Lex.
Lex: (To Rachel) Where are you going? (Sees the axe) No!
Rachel brings the axe up over her head.
Rachel: Your father just k*lled you, Lex.
Lex begins to freak out, and cries out in fear. Rachel swings the axe around, yelling. As she does so, Lex gives his feet a mighty yank. The tape rips loose, and Lex brings his feet up, kicking Rachel in the mid-section, shoving her across the room. Unfortunately, as he does so, his backward momentum causes the chair to tip backwards. With his hands still bound, Lex has no way to break his fall, and is knocked unconscious as the chair tips over and his head slams against the floor.
Rachel climbs to her feet and grabs the axe, as Lex lies unconscious on the floor.
Cut to a sh*t of the roads outside. We see a red and blue blur as Clark speeds along the road, skidding to a stop in front of the house he thinks belongs to Rachel. Using his X-Ray vision, he sees one figure slumped on the ground while another figure stands over it, raising an axe, about to strike.
Clark speeds up the walk, and the front door shatters as he bursts through it. As Rachel swings the axe down toward Lex, Clark throws himself across the room, directly into the path of the axe. The axe makes contact with his stomach and shatters into several pieces. Clark crashes against the opposite wall, while Rachel looks at the axe handle in shock. Clark climbes to his feet, and Rachel drops the axe handle.
Rachel: (Stunned) Who are you?
Clark: That's what I've been trying to tell you. I'm not your son.
Rachel: (Breaking down crying) No. Oh no...
Rachel collapses to the floor, sobbing. Clark comes over and hugs her, trying to calm her down.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon sign. Inside, Lana is pouring coffee for two customers.
Lana: If you guys need anything else, give me a shout.
Cutomer: Thanks.
As Lana turns to head back to the counter, she runs into Henry, who is entering.
Henry: Cute place. Very colorful.
Lana: (Surprised and nervous) Mr. Small.
Henry: Call me Henry.
Lana: (Pointing to the pot in her hand) Umm, can I
Can I get you a coffee? (Laughs nervously) Of course, you wouldn't want a coffee.
Lana heads back toward the counter, and Henry follows.
Henry: Regular coffee would be great.
Henry reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a sheaf of paper.
Henry: I got your letter. And yes, you did ambush me... But from the way you describe yourself, it might just be a habit you got from me.
Lana looks at Henry in shock.
Lana: So you are my father?
Henry: I don't know.
Lana nods, disappointed.
Henry: But I'm willing to find out.
Lana smiles at Henry as tears begin to well up in her eyes.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark's loft window at night. We go inside and see the Kents discussing the events of the day.
Martha: Rachel's been admitted to a private psychiatric clinic. Even if she tries to explain what you did, nobody will believe her.
Clark: I really feel sorry for her.
Martha nods.
Jonathan: I can't even imagine what it must've been like having to give up that baby.
Martha: (Relieved) I'm just glad our own family is still in one piece.
Jonathan: (Smiling slightly) Not even Lionel Luthor could tear us apart.
Clark looks curiously between his parents. Jonathan notices the look, and the smile falls from his face. He starts to walk away, but Clark calls out.
Clark: But Lionel helped us. Dad, why do you hate him so much?
Jonathan just shakes his head. Martha looks at him, encouraging him to tell Clark the entire story. Clark notices the look, and glances back and forth at each of them. Jonathan bites his lip, and begins to talk.
Jonathan: The morning he came by with the adoption papers, I..thought I'd never lay eyes on him again.
Jonathan turns toward the barn entrance. As he does so, the camera pans down and we see Lionel, briefcase in hand, entering the barn as sun streams in from outside.
Lionel: Mr. Kent.
We see Jonathan up in the loft, lifting bales of hay. He starts down the steps as Lionel starts up them.
Jonathan: Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Well, you can call me Lionel. Please.
The two men meet on the lower landing. Lionel extends his hand, and Jonathan shakes it.
Jonathan: Lionel.
Lionel chuckles, and sets his briefcase down against the top of the railing, and opens it.
Lionel: I think you'll find everything in order.
Lionel pulls out a several documents, and hands them to Jonathan.
Jonathan: (Gratefully) Oh, thank you. And thank you for bringing it out here yourself. You really didn't have to do that.
Lionel: (Smiling) We're taking Lex back to Metropolis today.
Jonathan: (Happily) Hey, that's fantastic. I'm glad your son is going to be all right.
Lionel: Thank you, thank you.
Jonathan unfolds the documents and studies them, as Lionel reads over his shoulder.
Lionel: There is one thing I'd like you to do for me.
Jonathan: Yeah?
Lionel: I'm sure you've heard that the, uh, Ross brothers are having second thoughts about selling me their factory. They don't want to sell to an outsider. They're friends of yours, aren't they?
Jonathan: (Uneasily) Yeah, yeah, they are.
Lionel: (Shrugs) Talk to them, convince them that, uh I only have Smallville's best interests at heart. I think it would make a difference.
Jonathan: (Uneasily) Um, I-I really don't think that's... Really any of my business, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: (Chuckling) I understand.
Lionel claps Jonathan on the shoulder, then turns back to his briefcase, closing it up as Jonathan heads back up into the loft.
Lionel: (Offhandedly) I'd be careful with that certificate if I were you. I wouldn't want the Department of Family Welfare to find out young Clark's adoption is a sham.
Jonathan stops climbing the steps, shocked. Lionel smiles to himself and starts down the steps onto the barn floor.
Jonathan: (Stunned) W-wait, are you thr*at me?
Lionel: Of course not. I'm just asking for a small favor.
Lionel chuckles and walks away, while Jonathan slowly climbs the steps, studying the adoption papers. He pauses on the upper landing, and watches in dismay as Lionel steps out of the barn.
We pull back and see Jonathan, present day, standing in the exact same spot on the landing, facing the barn door. His eyes are closed, and his face is pained.
Clark: (Softly) So you did it. You convinced the Rosses to sell.
Jonathan: (Regretfully) I helped the Luthors get a foothold in this community. The smokestacks, the toxic dumping, all the people who were cheated, including Pete's family. None of that would've happened if it weren't for me.
Clark: (Sympathetically) Dad, you couldn't have known.
Jonathan: (Slightly angry) Nah, I should have known, Clark. I knew exactly what kind of man Lionel Luthor was
Clark: Why didn't you tell me?
Jonathan: Because I knew that you would do exactly what you're doing right now, which is blame yourself.
Clark: (Sadly) You were trying to protect me. It is my fault.
Jonathan: (Firmly) No. You never believe that. This was my decision. This is my fault. (Pauses and looks from Clark to Martha) Mine alone.
Jonathan turns and heads down the stairs. Martha and Clark move to the landing and watch sadly as Jonathan exits the barn, his shoulders slumped with guilt.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study. Lionel is sitting in a chair, listening to Madam Butterfly. He reaches over and fumbles slightly in an attempt to local his glass of scotch on the end table. He finds it and brings it toward his chest. Behind him, the study doors open and Lex enters the room.
Lionel: Lex? That you?
Lex: (Dryly) Still alive and kickin, Dad. No thanks to you.
Lionel: (Chuckling) You're a survivor, son. I knew she wasn't going to k*ll you.
Lex: Not for lack of trying.
Lex crosses the room, stopping in front of the fireplace and facing his father.
Lionel: (Matter of factly) I couldn't give in to her. You must know that.
Lex: (Sarcastically) Like you did all those years ago?
Lionel: (Contemplative) I, uh, loved your mother very deeply, Lex, but I was not a perfect husband. I strayed. If you've never been tempted Lex, I'm sure one day you will be.
Lex: We're not talking about me, Dad. We're talking about Rachel Dunleavy. Did she bear your illegitimate son or not?
Lionel: I never knew she was pregnant. Then she reappeared one day with a child she claimed was mine, demanding that I leave your mother and marry her.
Lex sits down in the chair next to Lionel.
Lex: (Unsurprised) So you bribed her to give the child up for adoption.
Lionel: (Firmly) She was imbalanced. She thr*at me. Your mother was too sick to burden her with a scandal.
Lex: (Sarcastically) Your altruism is inspiring, Dad.
Lionel: (Insistant) I did what I thought best for everyone. I had the child placed with a suitable family.
Lex: Not the Kents?
Lionel: (Chuckling) The Kents? Don't be ridicules.
Lex: (Demanding) Then where is he?
Lionel takes a long pause, swirling his glass of scotch.
Lionel: (Hesitating) He, um, died before his first birthday.
At this news, Lex gets a look of great sadness on his face, and his eyes get slightly glassy. He swallows hard, and looks down, almost blinking back a few tears.
Lionel: (Rubbing his eyes) Forgive me, Lex, I'm very tired. It's been a long day.
Lex takes a deep breath and looks up at his father in understanding.
Lex: (Softly) Sure, Dad.
Lex gets up and walks toward the door. He pauses for a moment, studying his father, before leaving, pulling the door shut behind him.
As the music swells, Lionel opens his hand, which he's kept closed the whole time. Inside is a gold locket. He opens it, running his hands over something stored inside, with a slight smile on his face.
Cut to a sh*t of the inside of the locket. As Lionel moves aside a lock of blonde baby hair, we see that also inside the locket is a picture of a happily smiling Lionel along side a young boy with reddish hair, who looks around the age of 6 or so...presumably Lucas Luthor.
End of show.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Yesterday" by Hef
"Otherwise" by Morcheeba
"Put It Off" by Pulse Ultra
""Un Bel Di Vedremo" (Madame Butterfly)" by Renata Tebaldi, Puccini "Madame Butterfly" Scenes & Arias
"17 Years Down" by Wonderful Johnson
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x07 - Lineage"} | foreverdreaming |
Act 1 Teaser
Fade in on RYAN JAMES from season one's episode Stray. Day. He is sitting shirtless in a chair in an observation room. The room is coldly lit and sterile. There are computers all around him and he has wires hooked to the top of his head. There is an IV bag full of yellow-green fluid hooked to his arm. We hear the voice of DR. GARNER.
Dr. Garner: All right, Ryan, what am I looking at? (Ryan doesn't answer) Ryan.
Ryan: A dog.
Dr. Garner: What kind of dog?
The sh*t widens and we see an orderly sitting to Ryan's left and Dr. Garner sitting across from Ryan at a desk, looking at a computer screen.
Ryan: A lab.
Dr. Garner: What color is it? (Ryan looks away, annoyed. More sternly) What color?
Ryan: Brown. (Dr. Garner pushes a button on the keyboard) A tree. (Pause) A pine tree.
Dr. Garner pushes the button again and writes something down. Ryan starts to pant and grimaces as he touches his head.
Dr. Garner: (Urging) Ryan.
Ryan: Father, mother, and son.
Dr. Garner Pushes the button and the image changes to a picture of the moon. He looks at Ryan who is still holding his head.
Dr. Garner: Another pressure headache? (Ryan nods) Let's try and push on.
Ryan: I don't want to answer any more questions.
Dr. Garner: There's just a few more left.
Ryan: Full moon. (Click) A butterfly. (Click) Train. (Dr. Garner writes some more and Ryan gasps, grabbing his head again. Blood starts to drip from his nose. Dr. Garner watches Ryan. Ryan notices him staring and realizes he just got a bloody nose
He wipes the blood away) You're afraid you're not gonna get all your research done.
Dr. Garner: (To the orderly) Get some coagulant.
Orderly: Yes, Doctor.
The orderly gets up and leaves. Ryan gets a strange look on his face.
Dr. Garner: What is it, Ryan?
Ryan: What's... Oxy-Contin?
Dr. Garner: It's a very powerful narcotic. Why?
Ryan: He's stealing it.
Dr. Garner: I knew it. I'll be right back. (He gets up and leaves)
CUT TO the orderly opening a medicine cabinet. He takes out a bottle and Dr. Garner walks up.
Dr. Garner: What do you got there?
Orderly: The coagulant. It's what you asked for, right?
Dr. Garner: (Looks at the bottle and gives it back to the orderly. He starts running back to the observation room) Son of a bitch! Son of a bitch! (They come back to the room and the chair is empty) Ryan? Ryan! (He looks around and sees that a vent has been pulled off the wall)
CUT TO Ryan crawling through the air conditioning ducts. He turns a corner and continues to crawl quickly. He stops at a vent and looks through. He sees an office with a phone on the desk. He pushes the vent out and crawls out of the duct. He picks up the phone and dials as Dr. Garner starts pounding outside the locked door.
Dr. Garner: Ryan! Open the door! Open the door now! Come on!
CUT TO Martha typing at a laptop in the Kents' kitchen. The phone is ringing.
Martha: Clark, can you get that?
Clark: Yeah. (Picks up the phone) Hello?
Ryan: Clark! You got to help me!
Clark: Ryan? Is that you?
Ryan: You've got to get me out of here.
Clark: Whoa, calm down. Where are you?
Ryan: A hospital called Summerholt. Look, please, you gotta get me out of here. Please.
The orderly and Dr. Garner break into the room.
Dr. Garner: (To the orderly) Get in there! Give me the phone, Ryan!
Ryan: (As they take the phone from him) Clark, they're experimenting on me! Clark! Clark!
Clark: What?
Martha gets up looking at Clark questioningly. Clark hears Ryan and the doctor screaming over the phone.
Ryan: Let go! Let go!
Dr. Garner: (Knocking the phone off the desk) Lay him down!
The orderly puts Ryan down on the desk.
Clark: Ryan!
Dr. Garner has a large syringe of the green-yellow fluid.
Ryan: I'll stop! I'll stop! Don't put that in me! Stop! No, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!
The orderly holds Ryan's arms down and Dr. Garner turns his head to the side. He continues to struggle as Dr. Garner injects him in the temple. Ryan stops struggling and loses consciousness. Dr. Garner pulls the needle out.
[Opening Credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark, Martha, and Jonathan are in the kitchen. Day. Martha hangs up the phone.
Martha: Ryan's aunt's phone has been disconnected and the operator in Edge City said there's no new listing. It's like she just
disappeared.
Jonathan: That doesn't make any sense. What about this Summerholt place?
Clark: I checked. There's no hospital by that name in Edge City.
Jonathan: When's the last time you heard from Ryan, Clark?
Clark: He sent me an email a few weeks ago. He was getting ready for school. He seemed real psyched.
Jonathan: I'm calling the Edge City police.
Clark: I've never heard him so scared, Mom.
Jonathan: Maybe somebody's filed a missing persons report.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark and Pete are walking through the hall at school. Day.
Clark: I just keep thinking I missed something. Some clue in his email, some sign that things weren't okay. I guess I just wasn't listening.
Pete: (As they enter the Torch where Chloe is bent over her desk looking at a paper) I know Ryan means a lot to you Clark, but you gotta cut yourself some slack. Second-guessing isn't gonna help.
Chloe: Hey, um, remember that really cute guy Heinrich who works at the phone company?
Pete: Yeah, you mean the Hungarian one with the toy scooter?
Chloe: He's Austrian and it's a classic vespa, but anyway, he was able to trace Ryan's call back to its point of origin.
Clark: You found something.
Chloe: Summerholt Neurological Institute. But it's not in Edge City, it's in Metropolis.
Clark: Well, that explains why we couldn't find it.
Chloe: Yeah, but the weird thing is that Summerholt is strictly a research facility. They don't even take patients. And if they did, why would Ryan be in lockdown in a place that specializes in super-esoteric brain research?
Clark doesn't answer.
Act 1 Scene 3
Lex enters his study where MAYOR TATE is waiting. Day.
Lex: Mr. Mayor. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.
They shake hands.
Tate: Always a pleasure, Lex. How can I help you?
Lex: As you know, LexCorp is in the midst of a major plant expansion. But unfortunately, we're still awaiting final approval from the zoning commission.
Tate: Well, you know how it is these days, Lex, with all these environmental and safety regulations. Well, there's no such thing as a rubber stamp anymore.
Lex: If this project collapses, it's going to cause Smallville a lot of jobs.
Tate: I've been friends with your father ever since LuthorCorp bought the old cream corn plant. He was always a very generous supporter.
Lex: I didn't realize my father had an interest in local politics.
Tate: I don't think he does. But I do know he's never had a permit held up at the zoning commission.
Lex: (Smirks) You want a bribe?
Tate: I never said that, but now that you're running your father's plant, you should learn how business gets done in this town.
Lex: Let's be clear. I don't work for my father anymore and it's not his plant. LexCorp owns it. And I have my own way of doing business.
Tate: I'm up for reelection soon. It's my fourth term. Just think of this as the beginning of a long-term relationship which can have beneficial consequences for both of us. (He takes a card from his pocket and hands it to Lex) Call this man. He'll explain how things work. (He starts to leave) Oh, and uh, imagine how much you'll lose if construction shuts down. (He leaves)
Act 1 Scene 4
Lana is riding her horse. Day. She stops at the fence where Nell is walking up.
Nell: Hi. How was your ride?
Lana: Oh, it was great. We took the long way around Crater Lake.
She gets off the horse.
Nell: Do you remember when you went riding at the Metropolis Equestrian Center and you said you wished you belonged to a club like that?
Lana: Yeah. They've got fantastic facilities.
Nell: Well, what would you say if I told you you could ride there every weekend and anytime you wanted after school?
Lana: I'd say it'd be a long drive.
Nell: I know this is sudden, but, uh, well Dean's taken a job in Metropolis and he wants us to move with him.
Lana: (Shocked) And you said yes?
Nell: I know it's a lot to ask, Lana, but it's important to Dean, and I think it'll be a great opportunity for you. It'll be great for all of us.
Lana: I can't believe you agreed to do this without even asking me.
Nell: I know it's difficult to imagine right now, but--
Lana: What about school and my friends? Not to mention the Talon.
Nell: Lana, you can visit Smallville any time you want.
They share a silence as Lana looks at her unhappily.
Act 1 Scene 5
Martha walks out onto the porch holding the cordless phone. Day. Jonathan and Clark are already there.
Martha: This Summerholt Institute has more bureaucracy than the IRS. I was on hold for an hour before they told me to call back tomorrow.
Clark: I want to go to Metropolis to check it out.
Jonathan: Clark, the police have already been there and there was no sign of Ryan. Now come on, son, this might not even be the right place.
Clark: Dad, Ryan's like a little brother to me. If something happened to him, I'd never be able to forgive myself.
Jonathan: Hey, we understand how you feel. But you can't just go into Metropolis and start ripping the doors off this place.
Clark looks away.
Act 1 Scene 6
Ryan is lying in a hospital bed at Summerholt. Day. There are wires connected to his forehead and a brain wave monitor next to the bed.
CUT TO Clark talking to the receptionist, MARY, at the front desk.
Clark: His name is Ryan James.
Mary: I told you. We have no one here by that name.
Clark: Check again. I know he's here.
Mary: Sir, if you don't leave, I'm going to call security.
Clark: I'm not leaving. I want to talk to someone in charge.
Dr. Garner walks up.
Dr. Garner: Mary? Is there a problem?
Mary: Dr. Garner. This young man believes you have a friend of his here under lock and key.
Dr. Garner: It's okay, I'll handle it. (Holds out his hand) Dr. Garner.
Clark: (Shaking his hand) Clark Kent.
Dr. Garner: Kent... Did your parents call earlier?
Clark: Yeah. We're looking for our friend Ryan James. He called our home from here and said he was being held against his will.
Dr. Garner: Well, there's been some sort of a mistake. We're strictly a research facility.
Clark: I know he's here.
Dr. Garner: Don't take my word for it, Clark. Talk to the police. They came by and checked
Twice. I wish I could help you, but your friend isn't here. I hope you find him.
He pats Clark on the shoulder and walks away. Mary puts down her clipboard behind the desk and goes to answer the phone ringing on the other end of the desk. Clark looks at the clipboard. It has a list of research departments and one of the departments is parapsychology. The paper says it is on the third floor and that it is restricted. Clark super speeds to Ryan's room and opens the door.
Clark: Ryan.
Ryan: Clark?
Clark releases the straps holding Ryan's arms to the bed and disconnects the wires from his chest. An orderly enters.
Orderly: Hey! You're not supposed to be in here!
Clark slams him in the chest sending him out into the hall where he hits the wall and gets knocked unconscious.
Clark: It's okay. I'll get you out of here. (He disconnects the wires from Ryan's head) There you go.
Ryan: I knew you'd come for me, Clark.
Clark lifts him up and takes him out of the room.
Act 1 Scene 7
Lex brings a cup of hot chocolate to Ryan. Night. Ryan and Clark are sitting by the f*re in Lex's mansion and Lex sits with them.
Lex: Here you go, Ryan. How you doing?
Ryan: Okay. Thanks to Clark.
Clark: Ryan, do you have any idea how we can get a hold of your aunt?
Ryan: I think she moved to
Arizona.
Clark: How could she just leave you?
Ryan: A couple months ago, I started getting nosebleeds and headaches. She took me to all kinds of doctors, but no one seemed to know what the problem was. The bills were becoming too much for her to handle. Then Dr. Garner showed up and offered to pay for my care.
Lex: Ryan, what were they treating you for?
Ryan: They... they were treating me--
Clark: They were holding him for observation.
Lex: Clark, can I talk to you for a moment?
Lex leaves the room. Clark starts to go.
Ryan: Clark?
Clark: Yeah?
Ryan: (Pause) Never mind.
Clark: Get some rest, okay?
Ryan nods and watches Clark sadly as Clark joins Lex outside the room.
Clark: (To Lex) I appreciate you taking Ryan in. If I took him home, my parents would've freaked.
Lex: Yeah, kidnapping has that effect on people. Clark, why did you break him out if they were only keeping him for observation?
Clark: Look, I didn't have a choice. They were treating him like a lab rat. It was terrible.
Lex: Clark, you abducted a minor. They'll trace him to you and then to me. We're both in a serious amount of trouble here.
Clark: I shouldn't have involved you. I'll find some place else to hide him.
Clark starts to walk away, but Lex grabs his arm, pulling him back.
Lex: Ryan's staying here, at least for tonight. Tomorrow I'll talk to my lawyers in Metropolis and see what our options are.
Clark: I'm sorry. I didn't think this through. I saw him hooked up to those wires, I had to do something.
Lex: So you staged a one-man prison break? How did you manage to get him out without anybody stopping you?
Clark: Just lucky, I guess.
Lex: You're the luckiest guy I've ever met. Lets hope it doesn't run out before tomorrow.
Act 1 Scene 8
Clark enters his house. Night.
Clark: Mom? Hey, Dad! (He enters the living room and sees his parents with Sheriff Ethan and Dr. Garner) What's going on?
Dr. Garner: Where's Ryan?
Clark: He's safe from you.
Martha: Clark, what did you do?
Dr. Garner: Sheriff, search every inch of this farm.
Clark: Wait, you can't do that.
Jonathan: They have a search warrant, son.
Dr. Garner: Place this boy under arrest for kidnapping.
Martha: What?
Clark: Look. Give me till tomorrow morning.
Dr. Garner: I don't know how you got him out of Summerholt, but if he's not here by 9 AM, federal marshals will be crawling all over the place, and your life is going under the microscope.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Martha is stirring a bowl as Jonathan drinks coffee in the kitchen. Day. The door opens.
Martha: (Smiling) Ryan. Hi. (Ryan comes in with Clark and Martha hugs Ryan) Oh.
Jonathan: Hi, Ryan.
They shake hands and Jonathan pulls him into a hug.
Ryan: (After the hug, he looks into Jonathan's eyes) Mr. Kent, please don't be mad at Clark. He was trying to help me.
Jonathan: I know that, Ryan.
Ryan: You should have seen him, the way he threw that orderly. He must've weighed like 300 pounds.
Clark: No, he's exaggerating. A little.
Jonathan: Look, Ryan, we're glad that you're okay, but Clark did go about this the wrong way. Now, I'm afraid that we don't have much of a choice but to give you back.
Martha: How did you end up in Summerholt?
Ryan: Dr. Garner told my aunt that there was something wrong with my brain. That's why I can read people's minds. When she found out about my ability, it just freaked her out.
Martha: Ryan, I'm so sorry.
Ryan: She's not a bad person. She just couldn't accept the fact that I was different. (Ryan suddenly gets a look of fear on his face) They're here.
They all go outside as Sheriff Ethan and Dr. Garner drive up.
Dr. Garner: (Getting out of the car) Hello, Ryan.
Ryan: Please don't let him take me, Clark.
Ethan: Jonathan, Martha, Dr. Garner's agreed to drop the kidnapping charges if you turn over the boy.
Dr. Garner: Come on, Ryan. We need to get back to Metropolis. (Clark and Jonathan block his way) Sheriff, I'm Ryan's legal guardian and I have the paperwork denoting such. Please do your job.
Jonathan: Come on, Doctor. Having custody of a child is not the same thing as having a pink slip to a car. Can't you see he doesn't want to go with you?
Martha: Ethan, please.
Dr. Garner: The choice is yours Mr. and Mrs. Kent. You can lose one boy here today or both of them. I believe kidnapping comes with some juvenile time.
Ethan: I'm sorry, folks, but--
Lex drives up, honking his horn. He gets out of the car.
Lex: Sheriff, before you do anything take a look at this. (He gives Ethan a piece of paper) It's a temporary restraining order giving the Kents custody of Ryan until the situation can by reviewed.
Dr. Garner: You want to try judicial roadblock, you go ahead. I'll have Clark arrested.
Lex: You could, but I have a countersuit ready to be filed. Metropolis D.A. is very interested in looking into Summerholt's research practice, especially involving minors held under duress. Your move, Doctor.
Dr. Garner: This isn't over. Your rich friend saved you today, Clark. (He walks back to the car) Sheriff.
Act 2 Scene 2
Ryan and Clark enter the Talon. Day. The lights turn on and a large group yells Surprise! There's a big banner that says Welcome Back Ryan and balloons are everywhere. Chloe comes up to Ryan.
Chloe: It's your jailbreak party! We even have the obligatory pistachio log ice cream cake and we managed to rustle up a band.
Ryan: (They walk over to Lana and Pete) This is so cool. Thanks, guys.
Pete: Good to see you man.
Lana: I'm so glad you're back. (She kisses him on the cheek)
Ryan: Wow. Yeah, me too.
Lana laughs and she walks away with Chloe and Pete.
Clark: You knew about this the whole time, didn't you.
Ryan: Half a block away.
Clark: Yeah. Thanks for not ruining the surprise.
Ryan: I was tempted to. I hate pistachio. But it was definitely worth the kiss. (Clark smiles)
CUT TO the band playing as Chloe and Pete watch.
Singer: A picture taken yesterday slowly starts to fade away. There's got to be an answer. There's no use feeling afraid to see what my life was meant to be...
Pete: (Walks to Clark and Ryan's table) Hey, guys.
Ryan: Hey, Pete. Tell your mom thanks. (Pete nods)
Clark: Thanks for what?
Pete: She cosigned the restraining order with the judge from Metropolis. Imagine getting a phone call from Lex Luthor at five in the morning.
Chloe: Hey, Pete! Come here a second!
Pete walks away.
Ryan: (Worried) Pete knows your secret.
Clark: Yeah, I know. I told him. It's all right.
Ryan: Did you know he's all stressed out about it?
Clark: No. Why?
Ryan: He's worried that one day you'll slip up and tell someone. Then they'll lock you up in a place like Summerholt.
Lana walks up with two pieces of cake.
Lana: I brought you guys a couple of pieces before everyone eats it all. (Ryan wrinkles his brow and touches his head) Hey, what's wrong?
Ryan: Just a headache.
Lana: I'll go get you a glass of water.
Clark: You sure you're okay?
Ryan: (Nods) Clark. Lana's moving to Metropolis.
Clark looks at Lana standing next to Chloe at the bar.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark is reading a book called Understanding the Brain in the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Hey, Clark. Got your message. Is everything okay?
Clark: Yeah. I just want to thank you for the party. It was really great. Sorry we had to leave early, but Ryan wasn't feeling so good.
Lana: Yeah, how's he doing? He didn't look so hot.
Clark: To be honest, I'm not really sure. He's got a doctor's appointment tomorrow to try to figure out exactly what they did to him at that place. You should have seen him, Lana.
Lana: But he's safe now. Thanks to you.
Clark: Yeah, he's just such a good kid. It seems like life's always kicking him in the teeth. It makes you realize how lucky we are. (Lana nods, looking away) You okay? You seem a little preoccupied.
Lana: Oh, no, no, I'm fine. (She forces a laugh)
Clark: Lana, I know things aren't as solid between us as they used to be, but I'm still here for you. Do you want to talk about anything?
Lana: Nell and Dean are moving to Metropolis and I'm supposed to go with them.
Clark: How do you feel about that?
Lana: How would you feel, Clark, if you were uprooted and sent somewhere far way where you didn't know anyone?
Clark: I think it'd be really tough.
Lana: I feel like a piece of luggage Nell and Dean want to throw in the trunk as they drive off to their new life.
Clark: Have you talked to Henry Small about this?
Lana: No. I'm not ready to dump this in his lap. Just because we might share the same DNA does not mean we're family.
Clark: Well, you can come stay with us. It's just, um, kind of crowded right now.
Lana: Ryan's lucky. At least he got to choose his family. I'll see you later. (She starts to leave)
Clark: (After a pause) Don't go. I mean don't go to Metropolis.
Lana: Or what, you're going to kidnap me too?
Clark: Nell shouldn't be able to dictate your life without your input. If moving doesn't feel right, don't go.
She takes a deep breath and leaves.
Act 2 Scene 4
Martha and Ryan are walking down the hall at Lex's mansion. Day.
Martha: Mr. Luthor's in Metropolis so I won't be long, and then we'll get you to the doctor.
Ryan: You pretend around Mr. Kent you don't like your job, but you do.
Martha: Well, now that you've come into our lives, I may give it up so I can spend more time with you.
Ryan: I don't want to be a problem.
Martha: (She cups his face) Ryan, you are a gift. Like Clark.
Ryan: (He smiles) I know your secret. Why don't you tell Mr. Kent and Clark? They'd want to know.
Martha: I will when the time is right, but, um, in the meantime...
Ryan: I promise. My lips are sealed. (Lex walks up)
Lex: Ryan.
Martha: Hi, Lex.
Lex: Hey. How are you feeling?
Ryan: Much better. Thanks again for...
Lex: Harboring you? My pleasure.
Martha: I'd better get to work.
Lex: See ya.
Martha: Mmm-hmm. (She walks away)
Ryan: So, think I could check out that Warrior Angel collection?
Lex: That depends. Are your hands clean?
Ryan looks at him, startled. Lex laughs and Ryan smiles, catching on.
CUT TO Lex showing Ryan a framed copy of Warrior Angel on his desk.
Lex: Warrior Angel, number 1, mint condition. I have two copies of every issue, one for the collection...
Ryan: And one for reading. Why do you like Warrior Angel so much?
Lex: It helped me through some tough times when I was younger.
Ryan: After your mom died?
Lex: How did you know that?
Ryan: Clark told me.
Lex: (He goes to the pool table where more comics are laid out) The world between these glossy covers was reassuring. You knew who the heroes and villains were. When you grow up, you learn that not everything is black and white.
Ryan: So now all you see are shades of gray?
Lex: Ryan, real life is not a comic book. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty, make compromises.
Ryan: That's what your father told you. That doesn't mean it's right.
Lex: You are either remarkably intuitive or... (Ryan's head jerks and he touches his temple) Ryan? Ryan, what's wrong?
Ryan's nose starts to bleed and a drop of blood lands on the comic he's holding.
Ryan: It's so loud.
He hits the side of his head. Then he jerks around and falls on the floor, unconscious. Next to him on the floor is the comic with the blood on it. The cover is a drawing of Warrior Angel's face, which fades into Clark's face as he watches Ryan wake up in a hospital room.
Clark: Hey, buddy. How's your head?
Ryan: It still hurts a little. (Clark gives him a Warrior Angel comic) The newest issue.
Clark: Yeah, they had it at the gift shop. So what's up with the, uh, floating balloon?
Ryan: It's Warrior Angel's aerodrome. A floating fortress where he can get away from his troubles on earth.
Clark: Sounds like something everybody should have. I'm not sure about the floating part, though.
Ryan: Why not?
Clark: I have this little fear of flying.
Ryan: I didn't think you were scared of anything.
Clark: There's a lot of things I'm scared of. I guess I just put on a brave face.
Ryan: Yeah. Me too.
Clark: My parents said the doctor's gonna run some more tests.
Ryan: They don't need to. I know what's wrong with me. I read Dr. Garner's mind.
Clark: What is it?
Ryan: There's a tumor in my head, Clark. It's getting bigger.
Clark: I'll tell the doctors. (He starts to get up)
Ryan: They know. (Clark stops and looks at Ryan. Ryan's eyes fill up with tears, and one falls down his cheek) I'm dying Clark. And no one can save me.
Ryan continues to cry as Clark looks at him sadly.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark is standing by a fence looking at a Warrior Angel comic outside the farm. Day. Jonathan walks up.
Jonathan: Clark. Your mother and I are going back to the hospital. Do you want to come along?
Clark: Is there any news?
Jonathan: (Puts his hand on top of Clark's) Son, the tumor... it's growing at an accelerated rate. The doctors think that it's probably due to the experiments that were done on Ryan at Summerholt.
Clark: (Holding up the comic) This is Ryan's. He thinks I'm the hero.
Jonathan: Hey, come on. You've helped a whole lot of people.
Clark: I can't help Ryan. What kind of hero is that?
Jonathan: Listen. This thing is beyond even your abilities, son. The doctors are doing everything that they can. We have to pray for the best.
Clark: What am I supposed to do, just sit here and watch Ryan die?
Jonathan: No, nobody's asking you to do that, Clark.
Clark: Good. Cause I'm not gonna give up. (He walks back to the house)
Act 3 Scene 2
Lana is using the computer in the Torch. Day. Chloe enters.
Chloe: (Reading over her shoulder) Facts on child emancipation. I have a feeling this isn't for a research paper.
Lana: I decided to tell Nell that I wasn't moving with her to Metropolis.
Chloe: Wow. That's very Erin Brokovich of you. How did Nell take it?
Lana: One, she's my legal guardian, two, I'm a teenager, and three... I don't have any say in the matter.
Chloe: That pretty much covers all your bases. So are you going to pursue this emancipation thing?
Lana: From everything I've read, it could take up to a year and a half to complete the process.
Chloe: Sounds like your already talking yourself out of it.
Lana: It was my last sh*t.
Chloe: You know, you might have one other option. (Chloe smiles)
Act 3 Scene 3
Lex and Clark are in Lex's study. Day. Lex hands a medical journal to Clark with a picture of a doctor on the front.
Lex: This is the man you want to talk to. He's developed a radical new serum that shrinks primary brain tumors. It's still in the experimental stages.
Clark: How do I get in touch with him?
Lex: That's the problem. His office in Hub City said he's flying to Helsinki this afternoon. He won't be back for six weeks.
Clark: By that time, it'll be too late.
Lex: Clark, when I was looking into Ryan's condition, I found that some scientists think the type of tumor he has can give a person ESP-like abilities.
Clark: What are you saying?
Lex: Ryan is unnervingly insightful. I think he may be able to read people's minds.
Clark: (Angry) Are you even interested in helping Ryan or just exploiting him too?
Lex: I just spent three hours on the phone tracking this doctor down. What do you think?
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lex: Clark, I understand what you're going through, but sometimes, no matter how much you want to save someone, there's nothing you can do.
Clark picks up the journal.
Clark: I'm not gonna let Ryan down.
Lex: When my mother got sick, I spent all my time researching the best doctors and treatments. The most important thing I could've done was spend time with her. By the time I realized that, it was too late. I wasn't at her side when she passed, Clark. Don't make the same mistake I did.
Clark: (As he leaves) I'm not gonna let him die, Lex.
Act 3 Scene 4
We see a quiet street corner in Smallville. Day. Clark super speeds to the stop sign and stops. There is a sign that says Hub City 425 and an arrow to the right.
He super speeds in that direction. We see the land going by rapidly from his view, then we see him running from the side. Two cars cross an intersection toward each other, and Clark super speeds between them just before the gap closes. We see him running from the front with a look of fierce determination on his face, and then from behind as he continues to dodge cars left and right.
CUT TO Ryan reading his comic in the hospital room. Lex enters.
Lex: Hey. I brought you some comics.
Ryan: Clark b*at you to it.
Lex: Yeah? Well, I bet he didn't bring you number 66.
Ryan: That's the rarest issue there is.
Lex: That's because it's the one where Devilicus turned against Warrior Angel.
Ryan: Weren't they best friends?
Lex: Once upon a time.
Ryan: Well, what happened to them?
Lex: (He takes a chair from the side of the room and puts it down next to the bed. He sits) Well, they, uh, ruled the Guardian Realm together until Devilicus told Warrior Angel that they should join forces and conquer humanity. Together, no one would be able to stop them.
Ryan: What did Warrior Angel say?
Lex: He refused. He believed it was a hero's sacred duty to protect those weaker than himself. Devilicus thought he was naive and vowed to destroy him and everything he stood for.
Ryan: (He looks at Lex for a moment) Why do you think Devilicus went bad?
Lex: I'm not sure. Probably wasn't aware of it. You see, Ryan, in life, the road to darkness is a journey, not a light switch.
Ryan: You should remember that, Lex.
CUT TO Clark super speeding down another road. The autumn leaves around him seem to fall in slow motion as he speeds by. He runs down a highway and we see a lower highway and then a river go by in the distance. He stops outside the fence of an airport runway.
He runs to a flight technician on the runway.
Clark: Excuse me! Have you seen Dr. Burton?
Man: Who?
Clark: (Holding up the journal) This guy right here.
Man: You just missed him, kid. He's right there.
The man points to a small private jet moving along the runway, about to take off. When he turns back, Clark isn't there.
Clark super speeds in front of the jet.
Clark: (Holding up his arms) Wait! Wait! (The jet stops and Dr. Burton comes out of the side) Dr. Burton!
Dr. Burton: What do you think you're doing? Who are you?
Clark: My name is Clark Kent. Look, my friend is really sick. Would you take a look at these scans? (He holds out Ryan's brain scans for Dr. Burton to take. Airport security drives up) Doctor, please. By the time you get back from Helsinki, it'll be too late!
Guard: (Getting out of the car and holding up his g*n) Get your hands in the air now!
Clark: Doctor, please.
Guard: I said hands in the air now!
Dr. Burton: (To the guard) Wait a second! (He takes the scans from Clark and looks at them) Where's your friend now?
Clark smiles.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Clark walks up to his parents in the hall at the hospital. Day.
Clark: Mom, Dad, when's Ryan gonna be out of surgery?
Martha: In a couple of hours. Clark, I don't think I've ever been as proud of you as I am right now.
Jonathan: Your mother's right, son. It was an amazing thing that you did. But I hope you understand that even though you did get Dr. Burton here, that Ryan isn't necessarily out of the woods yet.
Clark: I know it's no guarantee. But I think it's gonna work. I have a great feeling about it. (He smiles)
Act 4 Scene 2
Mayor Tate and Lex are in Lex's study. Night. They are watching a political campaign commercial on the television. There is a picture of Mayor Tate on the screen and a caption that reads Bribes in City Hall. A man's voice is speaking.
Voice: Over the past 12 years, 32 city contracts have been awarded to firms with ties to Mayor Tate. His sweetheart deals have endangered our environment and harmed businesses trying to compete on an uneven playing field. Can Smallville really afford another four years of Mayor Tate?
Lex turns off the television.
Tate: Why are you doing this?
Lex: Smallville needs an honest mayor.
Tate: Are you planning on running?
Lex: No. But I'm putting my support and money behind your opponent. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by announcing your retirement now.
Tate: You can kiss that plant expansion goodbye. I will personally see that it never gets approval.
Lex: I'm prepared to sacrifice it if that's what it takes to defeat you.
Tate: You know, you've got money, but you're not from here. People don't like you. (Lex chuckles) Don't laugh at me! All it'll take is some fiery campaign speeches about outside interests controlling this community and you'll start to feel the heat.
Lex: When Winston Churchill heard about the att*ck on Pearl Harbor, he broke out a bottle of champagne and said, We've won the w*r. His generals looked at him like he'd lost his mind. (Lex goes to pour a drink) America's pacific fleet was wiped out, France was overrun, and the Luftwaffe was b*mb London. (Lex puts his drink down to walk toward Tate) Churchill said America is like a giant boiler. Light a f*re under it, and there's no limit to the amount of heat it can generate. If you start a f*re, Mayor Tate, you better be prepared to deal with the flames.
They are face to face and Tate is obviously nervous.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark walks past the elevator at the hospital drinking a cup of coffee. Day. Lana gets off the elevator.
Lana: Clark.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: Is there any news?
Clark: Ryan's still in recovery. But Dr. Burton's optimistic.
Lana: Everything's gonna work out.
Clark: Yeah, I think it is.
Lana: Oh, by the way, I took your advice. And to make a long story short, Chloe and her dad have offered to let me stay with them until I finish high school.
Clark: And Nell's cool with that?
Lana: Um, not really, but she's agreed to it.
Clark: Well, I knew you were a fighter.
Lana: It's scary, but then I think of Ryan and everything that he's gone through. It kind of puts things in perspective.
Clark: Wow, you and Chloe as roommates.
Lana: Did you ever see that coming?
Clark: Not in a million years. (He looks at her thoughtfully)
Lana: What is it?
Clark: Nothing. Um... It's just you won't be the girl next door anymore.
Lana: I'm not going anywhere, Clark. Maybe now you can give your telescope to Ryan. (Lana smiles and Clark laughs)
Clark: Um... (Martha and Jonathan walk up) Mom?
Martha: (With tears in her eyes) Clark... (She covers her mouth)
CUT TO Clark standing outside Ryan's room. Ryan has a bandage on the side of his head. Clark enters as Ryan is looking at a comic.
Clark: Whatcha reading, buddy? (Ryan shows him and Clark sits on the side of the bed) The infamous aerodrome, huh?
Ryan: Every year for my birthday, I'd wish for my own aerodrome so I could fly high above the earth. Up there, all my problems would seem so small and far away.
Clark: It's a good idea except for the flying part.
Ryan: This is one of Lex's favorites. Would you give it back to him?
Clark: No, you give it to him. When you get out of here.
Ryan: I know I said you should be careful of Lex. But I never told you how much he admires you. Promise me you'll keep an eye on him after I'm gone.
Clark: Ryan, don't talk like that, all right? You're not going anywhere.
Ryan: Clark--
Clark: Look, you just don't give up hope, Ryan. There's more doctors we can see.
Ryan: (His eyes start to water) Clark, you're not listening to me. The doctor said he bought me a few extra days. I want to spend that time with my friend.
Ryan moves his head restlessly.
Clark: Ryan, what's wrong? Ryan. Ryan, what's wrong?
Ryan: It's so loud in here.
Clark: All right, look. I'll take you somewhere quiet, all right?
Ryan nods.
Act 4 Scene 4
A sh*t of Smallville from high in the sky. Day. A hot air balloon floats in to the sh*t. In the balloon are Clark, Ryan, and the balloon pilot behind them.
Clark: What do you think?
Ryan: It's peaceful. I thought you were afraid of flying.
Clark: Not when I have you here to protect me.
Ryan: (Quietly) Thanks, Clark.
Clark: (Brightly, trying to sound happy) For what?
Ryan: This moment. It's perfect. I don't want you to be angry or sad. You changed my life. You're gonna change a lot of people's lives, Clark. Promise me you'll never give up?
Clark: (Nods and puts his arm around Ryan) I promise.
Ryan puts his arms around Clark, clinging to him and closing his eyes. Clark holds him and Ryan starts to cry as Clark rests his chin on top of Ryan's head. Clark looks out at the sky, obviously holding back tears. We see another sh*t of the hot air balloon.
CUT TO Clark picking up the comic books from Ryan's empty hospital bed. He walks out into the hall looks back in at the bed for a long time. Then he turns his head forward and continues to stand in the hall as nurses and doctors walk by him in slow motion. His head slowly lowers and he looks at the comics.
Fade to black.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Angels And Devils" by Dishwalla
"Inside Out" by VonRay Featured on the Smallville Soundtrack
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x08 - Ryan"} | foreverdreaming |
Open on a sh*t of Smallville High's metal shop class. As the camera pans over, we see various students hard at work on their class projects. Near the front of the classroom are Pete, Clark, and the shop teacher. The shop teacher is holding a large metal "S" (similar to the Superman "S") in his hand while Clark and Pete look on.
Mr. Frankel: An S. How exactly did you come up with this, Clark?
Clark: It's for Smallville High. I thought the school logo could use an update.
Mr. Frankel:(Handing the S back to Clark) Your form could use a little function.
The teacher walks off, leaving Clark holding the S with a disappointed look on his face. Clark moves to take his seat next to Pete.
Pete: I told you. Stick with the basics. (Holding up his own project) You can't mess with the candlestick holder.
Cut to a sh*t of Mr. Frankel examining another student's project. He taps it against a piece of equipment, testing it out.
Mr. Frankel: (Unimpressed) You call this a letter opener? Poorly cast, shoddy workmanship---I expected better from you, Ian.
Ian: (Disbelieving) Well, you're not going to grade me down for this, are you?
Mr. Frankel: I'm going to give you the grade you deserve.
Ian: (Disbelieving) But I did the work. I came to every class.
Mr. Frankel:(Unsympathetic) Attendance isn't everything. There's also attitude and effort.
He turns and walks away, leaving Ian with a look of angry disbelief on his face.
As Mr. Frankel heads back to the front of the class, the bell rings.
Mr Frankel: That's it. Good work, most of you. Grades will be posted Thursday.
Mr. Frankle begins gathering his papers as students begin to file from the room.
Pete: (Nodding toward the teacher's desk) Clark, how about a sneak preview?
Clark just chuckles and continues putting his books in his backpack.
Pete: (Pleadingly) Come on, man. I'm not going to tell your dad.
Clark glances between Pete and the desk in resignation. He turns toward the desk and focuses his X-Ray vision on the gradebook lying on the edge of the teacher's desk. He glances down the list and sees Pete has received a B+ on his project and Clark got a C+. Ian, whose name is directly above Pete's, has receieved a C.
Pete: So, come on man. Don't keep me in suspense. How'd I do?
Clark: (Grinning) You were smart to stick to the basics.
Pete chuckles happily as the two boys leave the classroom.
Cut to a sh*t of a hallway in Smallville High. Pete and Clark walk down the hall, making their way to their next class. Ian rushes down the hall and runs between the two of them, nearly knocking Pete and Clark down in the process.
Pete: What's bugging him?
Clark: Let's just say that Ian's legendary 4.0 took a h*t. I saw his grade. His name's right above yours in Frankle's book.
Pete: It's too bad. The kid's an academic dynamo. But keep loading up on night classes and extra curriculars, and something's gotta give.
Clark: Yeah.
Cut to a sh*t of Mr. Frankel in the shop class. He's using some sort of sander on a piece of metal, and sparks are flying everywhere. As he finishes, he hears some metal clanking behind him and turns around in surprise. We pan over and see Ian standing there, a stony expression on his face.
Ian: (Coldly) I need an A in this class.
Mr. Frankel takes off his gloves and lifts the protective shield he was wearing over his face, but says nothing.
Ian: (Continuing) Mr. Frankel, we need to talk about my grade.
Mr. Frankel: (Taking off his hat) I told you, it'll be posted on Thursday.
Mr. Frankel starts to walks past Ian, but Ian grabs his arm and spins him around so they are again facing each other.
Ian: (Angrily) No, I need to know now.
Mr. Frankel: It's a C. And frankly, that was generous.
Mr. Frankel walks away from Ian, but once again Ian grabs him and stops him.
Ian: (Angry) Wait, that's not fair! I work twice as hard as anyone at this school, and I need a perfect 4.0 to lock down the Luthor Foundation scholarship.
Mr. Frankel: (Angrily removing Ian's hand from his arm) That grade is final, Ian. And this conversation is over.
Mr. Frankel turns and walks away from Ian. As he does so, someone flips off the lights in the room. Mr. Frankel glances around in surprise. Ian simply looks on with a cold, knowing smile.
As Mr. Frankel glances around the room, the doors swing shut and lock. Someone switches on a small stereo in the room, and rock music begins blaring.
Mr. Frankel: (Covering his ears) Ian, what the hell is this?!
Ian simply looks at him coldly, and holds up a blowtorch, the propane flame sh**ting from the end.
Mr. Frankel: I'm calling the police!
Mr. Frankel turns away from Ian and heads toward the door...only to stop in shock as he sees another Ian standing behind him. This Ian holds up the letter opener, and plunges it into Mr. Frankel's chest, directly into his heart. Mr. Frankel's face contorts with pain and he clutches his chest, collapsing to the ground.
Ian #2: (Dryly) I just can't accept a C.
[Opening credits]
Cut to a sh*t outside the Talon. The marquee on the Talon reads "Two For One Latte Specials". Panning down, we see Lex striding out of the Talon, with a coffee in hand and speaking quickly on his cellphone.
Lex: (Irritated) Yes, I'm aware I'm late. Look, make my apologies to the EPA rep and start the plant tour without me. (Pauses) Yes, I still plan on being in Metropolis for the charity auction.
As Lex approaches his car, he sees a male meter maid writing out a ticket. Lex takes the phone away from his ear and walks briskly toward the man
Lex: Oh, excuse me. Excuse me. I've been here less than five minutes.
Meter Maid: It's too late. I've already started writing the ticket.
Lex: (Slightly annoyed) Look, I'm in a hurry and I have a headache, and I don't have time for this.
The meter maid walks to the front of Lex's car, glancing at the golf clubs in the back seat of the convertible.
Meter Maid: (Sarcastically) Yeah, I wouldn't want you to miss your tee time.
Lex: (Indicating toward the clubs) These are for a, uh, charity auction.
Meter Maid: (Disbelieving) So you'll give away a $4,000 set of golf clubs, but you'll gripe over a $25 parking ticket?
Lex is taken aback by the man's attitude. He smiles tightly and takes a moment, trying to get his anger under control, but is still annoyed.
Lex: (Annoyed) I'm sorry. Have I done something to offend you?
Meter Maid: (Chuckling sarcastically) It's always the rich ones that put up a stink.
Lex's jaw clenches in anger as the meter maid rips off the ticket and sticks it on Lex's windshield.
Meter Maid: (Walking away) Some of us actually work for a living.
Lex just looks on in disbelief at the man's attitude.
Meter Maid: (Turning back to Lex) Watch where you park your car in the future, uh...
The meter maid glances down at Lex's license plate, which reads "LEX XIV"
Meter Maid: (Continuing)...*Lex*.
The meter maid turns and heads back for his own car. Lex's clenches his jaw with anger and bites down on his lip. He turns and angrily yanks one of the golf clubs out of his back seat and starts quickly toward the meter maid's car.
Lex approaches the front of the car, raising the golf club and swinging it down, smashing it into the windshield of the meter maid's car. The windshield cracks loudly.
Meter Maid: (Ducking on the other side of the car) Hey! Are you crazy?!
A crowd of onlookers gathers on the sidewalk as Lex brandishes the golf club toward the meter maid.
Lex: (Angrily) I employ 2500 people in this town...
As Lex speaks, he swings the club again, smashing a headlight on the car.
Lex: (Continuing) I pay taxes, which provide...
As he speaks, he again swings the golf club, shattering the other headlight.
Lex: (Continuing) ...your salary.
Lex pauses, and tosses the golf club to the meter maid.
Lex: (Dismissive) Get a real job.
Lex walks back to his car leaving the meter maid standing in shock.
Cut to a sh*t of a housing development sign, which reads "Pleasant Meadows: A LuthorCorp Development". As the camera pans around, we see the Kent's pickup truck parked in front of one of the houses. Clark is unloading boxes from the back of the truck.
Clark: (Handing a box to Chloe) There you go.
Chloe: Thank you very much.
Chloe heads inside with the box, while Clark grabs another. He hands the box over to Gabe Sullivan, who staggers a bit under the weight of the box.
Lana: (Appreciatively) Thanks again for letting me live with you guys, Mr. Sullivan. It really, really means a lot.
Gabe: (Chuckling) You're welcome. And in honor of the day, I'm gonna make dinner.
Lana: Oh, hey, don't put yourself out.
Gabe: (Jokingly) Mi casa, su casserole.
Lana laughs at Gabe's joke as he carries the box in the house. She turns back to Clark, who is pushing a box toward her. Clark stops, taking advantage of the alone time.
Clark: So, how are you feeling?
Lana: (Smiling as she picks up the box) Uh, excited and terrified at the same time, if that makes any sense.
Clark: Well, it is a big change.
Lana: (Setting the box on the sidewalk) Huge. And not just for me. Even though she agreed to it, Nell was kind of upset that I decided to stay in Smallville.
Clark: (Sympathetic) It's not easy when someone you love moves away.
Lana and Clark stare at each other for a moment, as Chloe comes bounding down the stairs. Chloe sees the look Clark and Lana are exchanging and pauses for a moment, her face falling just a fraction. Clark notices Chloe and goes back to the boxes as she approaches the truck.
Chloe: So, that looks like it's, uh, everything, if you need to get your truck back.
Clark: You know, I lucked out. My mom called and said she was gonna take off early. Help finish up the chores. So you want to celebrate?
Lana: (Shaking her head) I wish I could, but I've got to get changed and take a shift at the Talon.
Chloe: Yeah, and I only have like a second to grab a bite before I need to run over to the Torch. (Gives Clark a smile) Sorry.
Clark: (Grabbing one last bag from the truck) Oh. When you two are scheduled to take a breath, give me a call.
Chloe: (Taking the bag and smiling brightly) Will do.
Lana: (Smiling) Thanks Clark.
Clark: Yeah.
Chloe: (Picking up some of Lana's baskets) Bye.
The two girls head inside the house, laughing. Clark watches them as they climb up the stairs.
Chloe: (Excitedly, to Lana) This is going to be so great!
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent barnyard. Jonathan paces back and forth in the barn doorway. He finally enters, checking his watch as he does so. He kneels down next to the tractor, which is parked in the barn.
Jonathan: Well, it looks like it's just you and me, old girl.
Jonathan sits down on the ground, his legs going under the tractor, the front end of which is held up off the ground by a jack. Jonathan reaches into his toolbox, pulling out two wrenches and setting to work on loosening a pair of bolts. Jonathan pulls hard at the bolts, but they won't loosen.
Jonathan: (Grunting) Ah, come on. Come on, you.
He gives one more hard pull. As he does so, the tractor shifts on the jack, which causes the jack to bend and collapse. The corner of the tractor falls directly onto Jonathan's leg.
Jonathan: (In pain) Arghhh!
Jonathan drops the wrenches and groans in pain as he struggles to push the tractor off of him, but it's too heavy
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. The door opens, and Clark enters the room.
Clark: Mom?
Clark walks through the kitchen, looking around as he sets his backpack on the counter.
Clark: Dad? Anyone home?
From outside, Clark hears a faint voice calling his name.
Jonathan: (In pain) Clark! Clark!
Clark: (Concerned) Dad.
Clark superspeeds out of the kitchen and into the barn, skidding to a stop as he sees his father trapped under the tractor.
Clark: (Scared) Dad!
Clark rushes to the tractor and lifts it up off of Jonathan. Jonathan, still groaning with pain, manages to roll out from under the tractor. Clark sets the tractor down and kneels next to his father.
Jonathan: (Wincing with extreme pain) I can't move my leg.
Clark uses his X-Ray vision and examines his father's leg. He sees a rather nasty break in the bone.
Clark: It's broken. Hold on.
Clark moves behind his father and puts his arms under Jonathan's shoulders. As Jonathan groans in pain, Clark begins to drag his father out of the barn.
Cut to a sh*t of the Torch office. Chloe enters through the door, carrying a large stack of books and attempting to open an issue of the Torch at the same time. As we pan over, we see Chloe has a visitor.
Ian: Oh, sorry, the, uh, door was open. (Extending his hand to Chloe) I'm Ian...
Chloe: (Surprised as she shakes his hand) Uh, Randall. Yeah, I know. You practically own the library table near the math and science shelves.
Chloe crosses the office to set the books down on a nearby table. Ian follows her.
Ian: (Smiling) Yeah, and you've, uh, staked out carrel 17--current events. Guess we're both candidates for the overachievers anonymous club.
Chloe: (Laughing) Yeah. So, um, what brings you to my stressed out part of the world?
Ian: Well, uh, actually I had heard that most of the library's reference books had migrated over to this side of the building.
Chloe: (Embarrased) Uh, right. I've been meaning to return these...
Ian: (Smiling) But just couldn't find the time.
Chloe: (Smiling) Exactly. Days like this, I could really use two of me. (Notices the book Ian has picked up) Um, are you getting started early as well?
We pan down and see Ian holding a copy of "Student's Guide to Colleges and Universities."
Ian: Uh, no, actually, I'm planning on graduating at the end of this school year.
Chloe: (Curious) But you're only a h*m*.
Ian: Well, yeah, but I've been piling on night classes, extra credit work. If I can land the Luthor Scholarship, I'll be going Ivy League next year.
Chloe: (Impressed) Color me journalistically intrigued.
Ian just looks at Chloe, smiling slightly.
Chloe: (Hopefully) Um, how about an interview?
Ian considers Chloe's request for a moment.
Ian: Okay. All right.
Chloe smiles widely and Ian smiles back.
Ian: (Chuckling) But take it easy on me. Your reputation precedes you.
Chloe: (Reassuringly) I have a feeling I'll be able to leave my hard hitting reporter hat at home this time, so don't worry.
Chloe smiles widely at Ian and he smiles back, causing Chloe to giggle nervously.
Cut to sh*t of a medical tray. As we pan up, we see Jonathan lying on a hospital bed, a large blue cast on his leg. Clark and Jonathan watch as the doctor, Helen Bryce--a woman in her late 20's--makes some adjustments to the cast.
Clark: (Worried) Is he going to be all right, doctor?
Helen: (Reassuredly) I don't see him square dancing in the near term, but if he stays off the leg, it should heal fine.
The door opens and Martha quickly enters the room.
Martha: (Frantic) Oh, my God, Jonathan...
Martha walks to Jonathan's bedside and tries to hug and/or kiss him, but he flinches away.
Jonathan: Martha, I-I'm going to be fine.
Helen: (Amused) His doctor agrees. As soon as I can find you a pair of crutches, you're good to go.
Jonathan: Thank you.
Helen exits the room.
Clark: (Upset) Mom, where have you been? I left you a message an hour ago.
Martha: (Apologetic) I was in a closed door teleconference between Lionel and the LuthorCorp board. (To Jonathan) I wish you had waited for me.
Jonathan: (Annoyed) I did wait for you. I waited over an hour for you.
Martha: (Upset) Well, I'm sorry... I tried to call, but the machine was on.
Jonathan: Well, what's done is done. I would just really like to get out of here, now. Please.
Martha nods in agreement.
Clark: I'll pack up your stuff.
Clark moves to gather Jonathan's things, and Martha reaches out and takes Jonathan's hand.
Martha: (Softly) I'm really sorry.
Jonathan: I know.
Cut to a sh*t in the hospital hallway. Helen is filling out a chart. In the background we see Lex rounding the corner and walking down the hall quickly, approaching Helen.
Lex: I'm looking for a doctor Bryce.
Helen: (Not looking up from her chart) You found her.
Lex: Yes. I'm a friend of Jonathan Kent's.
Lex reaches into the inside pocket on his coat and pulls out a business card handing it to Helen.
Lex: (Continuing) I've placed a call to my father's personal orthopedist in Metropolis. If there are any complications he can be flown out here within the hour.
Helen: (Chuckling) A broken leg is nothing to sneeze at, but I don't see any reason to summon the calvary.
Lex: (Insistant) I just want to make sure he gets the best care.
Helen: So do I.
Lex smiles a bit embarrassed as he realizes what he has implied.
Lex: (Apologetic) I, uh...I've offended you.
Helen: I'm second-guessed for a living, Mr. Luthor. It comes with the territory.
Helen and Lex stare at each other for a moment. Lex looks intrigued by Helen's straightforward manner. Clark approaches the two of them.
Clark: Lex, what's going on?
Helen: Mr. Luthor and I were just discussing the state of small town medicine.
Helen gives Lex a slightly annoyed smile, before walking past the two men and down the hall. Lex turns and watches her go a slight bemused smile on his face. After a moment, he turns back to Clark. Clark glances from Lex to Helen's retreating form and back at Lex again, a knowing look on his face.
Lex: (Casually) How's your dad?
Clark: He's okay. It's my mom I'm worried about. She blames herself for the accident.
Lex: (Matter of factly) Well, your mom's taking on a lot, and she's trying to find a balance. Believe me, it's not always that easy.
Clark sighs and nods.
Clark: (With mock innocence) I guess I'm just lucky she didn't take a 9 iron to a meter maid's car.
Clark looks at Lex knowingly.
Lex: (Smiling) You heard about that.
Clark: (Chuckling) The town *is* called Smallville.
Lex: (Flippantly) I was having a bad day.
Clark just laughs and nods.
Clark: Yeah.
Clark turns and heads back for his father's room. Lex sighs and turns toward the window of Jonathan's room. Through the blinds we see Jonathan struggling to get out of bed as an orderly brings crutches.
Jonathan: I can do it, I can do it.
Martha: (To the orderly) Thank you.
Jonathan manages to get out of bed, and Martha hands him the crutches.
Martha: Just take it easy.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon. Ian sits at a table, and checks his watch as we see Chloe, carrying two coffee mugs, approaching from the counter.
Chloe: (Coming to sit at the table) So perfect attendance, straight A's, and a class load that would make Einstein crack. You know what--forget the interview. Let's just call Ripley's.
Ian: (Adding milk to his coffee) It's kind of intense, huh?
Chloe: (Smiling) That's like saying the sun is "kind of hot".
Ian: Yeah, I think it's an only child thing, you know? Part of me always wants to do twice as much, make up for the children my parents never had.
Chloe: As an only myself, I understand. Though, I'll never get this mad rush to graduate.
Ian: Well, I just know there's more to life than Smallville. And I can't wait to take it on.
Chloe: (Smiling) You and me both.
Ian glances at his watch, and taps the face.
Ian: You are on a deadline, right?
Chloe: (Suddenly realizing) Oh, yeah. One of the drawbacks of actually enjoying your self--time flies.
Ian: (Nodding) Well, you know, if you want, maybe I could tag along. We could do something when you're through.
Chloe: (Smiling) Great. Yeah, I would love that.
Clark enters the Talon and pauses as he sees Chloe and Ian. He heads toward their table.
Clark: Hey Chloe.
Chloe stands up quickly.
Chloe: (Speaking quickly, almost guiltily) Hi Clark! Um, uh...you remember Ian--the amazing Ian. We were just finishing up.
Ian: Uh, yeah. I'll grab the check.
Chloe: (Picking up her coat) Okay, I'll grab the car. Meet ya outside in five.
Ian heads for the counter while Chloe heads out the door. Clark follows Ian to the counter.
Clark: Ian...Frankel gave you a pretty hard time today, huh?
Ian: Yeah, well, his bark's worse than his bite. I caught him in the hall after class. He said I definitely nailed the A.
Clark: (Disbelieving) Really? That's good for you.
Ian nods, and Lana approaches.
Lana: (Relieved) Hey, Clark, thank God. I thought you'd forgotten about our math session.
Clark: Actually, that's why I'm here. With my dad out of commission, I have to make the feed store run.
Lana: Okay, yeah. I understand.
Ian: So, simultaneous equations giving you grief?
Lana: (Nodding) Higher math and I don't seem to get along very well.
Ian: Yeah, I suffered through algebra last term. You know, if you want, I can give you a few tips.
Clark glances back and forth between Ian and Lana, a slight look of jealousy on his face.
Lana: (Gratefully) Are you serious? Cause I am totally lost.
Ian: Yeah, yeah, definitely. When's a good time?
Lana: I'm off in ten minutes.
Ian: Great.
Clark glances at Ian in surprise, remembering that Ian and Chloe had plans.
Ian: I'll be right back.
Lana: (Smiling) Okay, thanks.
Ian heads out of the Talon. Clark watches Ian go. A look of confusion on his face.
Lana: You okay, Clark?
Clark: (Hesitating for a moment) Yep.
Lana looks at him with concern.
Clark: Um, I'd better go.
Lana: All right.
Clark leaves the Talon, as Lana watches him curiously.
Cut to a sh*t of an unused back room at the Talon. Ian enters, checking the door to make sure no one has followed him. He locks the door and crosses the room, taking off his backpack. He pulls his sweater over his head, and kicks off his shoes, before taking off his pants.
Ian gets a look of extreme concentration on his face, and he begins inhaling and exhaling deeply. Suddenly, his face contorts in pain.
Ian: Argghh!
We see Ian's shadow cast against the wall, as we hear something that sounds like bones cracking. As we cut to a sh*t of Ian's back, we see what looks like a human head begin to emerge from his back. Cutting back to a sh*t of the Ian's shadow, we see a separate body seem to grow from Ian's back.
We cut to a sh*t of Ian's feet and legs. An identical pair of feet and legs appear behind him, facing the opposite direction. We pan up and see an identical clone of Ian growing out of Ian's back. There is a sucking sound as the skin attaching the two breaks, freeing the clones from each other. The two Ians turn and stare at each other.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe's car pulling up in front of the Talon. The horn honks, and as the camera pans up, we see Ian standing on the curb.
Chloe: (Inside car) Hey Ian! Hop in! Come on.
Ian: (Impressed) Oh, great car.
Ian climbs into the car.
Ian: Thanks for the ride.
Chloe: No problem
Chloe pulls away. As she does so, we see Ian #2 (dressed in the exact same outfit as Ian #1) and Lana exiting the Talon.
Lana: Thanks Ian. You're a lifesaver.
Ian: Trust me, there's no place I'd rather be.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent Farm. In the kitchen, the timer on the toaster oven dings, and Clark removes the tray. As he does so, Jonathan, struggling with his crutches, enters the kitchen.
Clark: (Admonishingly) Dad. Aren't you supposed to be taking it easy?
Jonathan: I am taking it easy. I slept in till 6:00, didn't I? Besides, I've got to go out and feed and water the cattle.
Clark pours some honey into Jonathan's coffee, and hands him the mug.
Clark: Done.
Jonathan: Really?
Clark smiles in affirmation.
Jonathan: Well, did you clean out the...
Clark: (Interrupting) Chicken coop? Dad, I took care of it. Don't worry.
Jonathan smiles in thanks at Clark. Behind them, Martha comes down the stairs, dressed in casual clothes.
Martha: Good morning.
Clark: (Surprised) Mom, you're not dressed for work.
Martha: I thought maybe I would stay home today. (Off Jonathan's look) Just until things settle down.
Jonathan: (Sighing) Sweetheart, I don't want my accident to disrupt this whole family.
Jonathan sets down his paper and coffee and gets ready to go about his daily routine. Clark stops him with a look.
Clark: (Indicating the living room) Dad. The couch is over there.
Jonathan: (Frustrated) Clark, believe me, I can take it just as easy greasing the bearings on the tractor out in the barn as I can sitting on that couch.
Clark and Martha share a concerned look as Jonathan shuffles out the door, headed for the barn.
Clark comes over to stand next to Martha.
Clark: (Sympathetically) Mom, you can't blame yourself for Dad's accident.
Martha: (Guiltily) This farm is supposed to be a partnership. But ever since I've been working with Lionel, I-I haven't been able to do my share.
Clark: (Matter of factly) You took that job to help the farm. No one expects you to be in two places at once.
Martha: (Slightly upset) No, but I should try to be where I'm needed.
Martha heads out to the barn to help Jonathan. Clark watches her go with a look of concern.
Cut to a sh*t of a classroom door. A sign on the door says "Metal Shop Cancelled. All students report to study hall"
Clark and Pete walk down the hall after seeing the sign.
Clark: How's that for weird? Frankel's never even missed a class before.
Pete: Looks like the metal shop impaired caught a break today. I'm glad you scoped out my grade. (Indicates something in front of them) Hey, check out Lana's new study buddy.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana and Ian outside Lana's locker, talking.
Clark: (Uncomfortable) Yeah.
Pete: (Amused) Do I detect a hint of the "J" word?
Clark: No, Lana and I are just friends.
Pete: (Laughing) Right.
Pete heads on down the hall, while Clark continues to watch Lana and Ian.
Ian: (To Lana) Thanks. I really appreciate this, Lana. Your peer recommendation's going to carry a lot of weight with Lex Luthor.
Lana: (Amused) Anyone who can help me understand double angle functions deserves a scholarship.
Ian hesitates for a moment, then leans in and gives Lana a small kiss on the lips.
Clark looks stunned upon seeing Ian kiss Lana. Lana looks a little flustered at the kiss.
Ian: (Backing away from Lana) Well, I'll talk to you later? Page me.
Lana waves shyly at Ian as he walks down the hall. She watches him leave with a smile on her face. Clark approaches her once Ian is out of earshot.
Clark: Looks like the study date went well.
Lana: (Pulling books from her locker) Yeah, um, Ian showed me this great shortcut, and after that, the study part was over.
Clark just raises his eyebrows in surprise.
Lana: Ian's really intense, you know, in a good way. We're getting together again tonight.
Lana closes her locker, and she and Clark start up the school's staircase.
Clark: More studying?
Lana: Uh, actually we're going to see a movie.
Clark: What does Chloe think?
Lana: What do you mean?
Clark: You saw her and Ian at the Talon last night.
Lana: Yeah, they were doing an interview.
Clark: No, they were going to go on a date.
Clark stops walking and turns to Lana.
Clark: He bailed on her to help you with your algebra homework.
Lana: (Surprised) Chloe and I were unpacking for an hour last night and she didn't say a word.
Clark: (Shrugging) Lana, I swear, they were...
Lana: (Interrupting firmly) Listen, Clark, this move has been tough enough, and Chloe and her dad have been great. So, please, if you don't have any facts, stay out of it.
Lana walks away, leaving Clark with a concerned look on his face.
Cut to a sh*t of a chalkboard. Written in yellow chalk, in block letters, are the words "Anger Management". The bottom of the chalkboard is scattered with posters that read things such as "When signs of stress are taking a toll" and "Anger and Management". We pan over and see the door of the room opening, and Lex steps inside. He glances around at the other people in the room. Rolling his eyes slightly, he peels the backing off of his nametag sticker and slaps it on the lapel of his coat.
As Lex continues to look around the room, his eyes fall on Helen, who is on the other side of the room. Lex approaches her, a look of surprise on his face.
Lex: (Disbelieving) Dr. Bryce?
Helen looks up and smiles tightly.
Helen: Mr. Luthor.
Lex glances down at Helen's nametag. He smiles.
Lex: (Chuckling) I like your nametag.
The camera pans down, and we see Helen's nametag reads "Bored Silly"
Helen: (Dryly) It's my secret identity. (Whispers) Don't tell anyone.
Lex: I've got to admit, you are the *last* person I expected to see here today.
Helen just chuckles.
Lex: What are you here for?
Helen: (Slightly embarrassed) I drop kicked an orderly.
Lex gets a look of surprise on his face.
Helen: (Chuckling) I have a violent reaction to incompetence.
Lex: (Nodding) The drop kick must have caught him off guard.
Helen: (Smiling) So, uh, what did you do? Verbally demean your butler?
Lex: (Dryly) Cute. I took a 9 iron to a meter maid's car.
Helen: (Impressed) Wow, now I'm really jealous. I've always wanted to do that. How'd it feel?
Lex: (Flippantly) Great.
Helen: (Jokingly) Word of advice--keep that to yourself in here.
Lex smiles, looking around before turning back to Helen.
Lex: Want to get together after class, grab something to eat?
Helen: (Quickly) No.
She starts to walk away from Lex, but he follows.
Lex: You got a thing about dating classmates?
Helen: No, I've got a thing about dating *you*.
Lex: Why?
Helen turns and studies Lex for a moment.
Helen: (Unsurprised) You don't remember me, do you?
Lex studies Helen's face, trying to jog his memory. In the background, we hear the door open as the teacher enters.
Teacher: If everyone could please take their seats...
Helen walks over to her seat, leaving Lex with a look of confusion on his face.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Torch office. Chloe is leaning over her desk, examining some pages with a magnifying glass.
Clark: (Knocking on the door) Chloe?
Chloe: (Looking up) Yeah?
Clark: Hey, you got a second?
Chloe: (Going back to looking at the pages) Sure.
Clark walks over to the desk. As he does so, he glances at Chloe's computer screen and sees the story she's working on, titled "What's Ian Randall's Secret?"
Clark: (Reading from the computer screen) "Primed to graduate two years early, Ian Randall is a true academic superstar." Well, so much for journalistic detachment.
Chloe: (Walking past Clark to grab a file on another desk) Believe it or not, not every story has to be Wall of Weird material. (Pauses) Why am I defending myself?
Clark: (Curiously) Do you like him?
Chloe: I don't *not* like him. What is this about, Clark?
Clark: Nothing. I just want you to be careful.
Chloe: Why?
Clark: (Concerned) Look, I probably shouldn't say anything, but I saw him and Lana in the hallway and they seem pretty... close.
Chloe: (With a look of realization) Oh, I get it. You just want to make sure that poor little Chloe doesn't get b*rned... Again.
Clark: No. Chloe...
Chloe: (Interrupting) You know what Clark? Not that it really matters, but Ian already told me that Lana was kind of into him, but he'd rather be with me. He-he asked me to keep it a secret because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings.
Clark: And you believe that?
Chloe: (Hurt) You *really* can't imagine that someone would choose me over Lana, can you Clark?
With that, Chloe turns and walks quickly past Clark and toward the door.
Clark: Chloe, wait...
Chloe doesn't stop, but just continues out of the office, leaving Clark with an upset look on his face.
Cut to a sh*t outside the school. Kids ride by on their bikes and walk down the sidewalk, heading home. Clark sees Ian leaving the building and hurries to catch up with him.
Clark: (Firmly) Ian. We need to talk.
Ian: (Dismissive) Later Clark. I'm busy.
Clark steps in front of Ian, blocking his path.
Clark: (Determined) Now. It's about Chloe and Lana. I know you're playing 'em off each other.
Ian: (Shrugging) I must've learned from the master.
Ian sidesteps Clark.
Clark: What does that mean?
Ian: (Turning back to Clark) Well, Chloe told me how you dumped her a day after spring formal.
Clark looks a bit stunned.
Ian: (Continuing) And Lana said you send off so many mixed signals you could scramble a radar.
Clark just looks angrily at Ian.
Ian: Maybe they'd rather be with a guy who's going someplace. You know, after I get my scholarship, I am out of this hick town.
With that, Ian turns and starts to walk away.
Clark: (Calling after him) So you don't care about them at all, do you? You're using them to get your scholarship. Chloe writes the big article and Lana gives you the fast-track to Lex.
Ian: (Turning back to Clark) I never said that. Why don't you just admit it, the two girls who used to like you now like me, and you're jealous.
Ian again starts to walk away, and again Clark calls after him.
Clark: It's going to be hard to keep your 4.0 when Frankel gave you a C.
Clark's words stop Ian in his tracks. He turns again to Clark.
Ian: (Just a hint of nervousness) I never saw any grades posted.
Clark: (Slightly accusing) It's pretty weird. Frankel takes a day off... Lucky break for you.
Ian: You tryin' to say something?
Clark just looks at Ian.
Ian: (Shrugging) The guy took a sick day. (thr*at) Stay out of my life, Kent.
Clark just watches as Ian walks away. Clark has a determined look on his face, as he knows Ian is hiding something.
Cut to a sh*t of the darkened metal shop class.
Pete: (Offscreen) Clark, for the record, this is messed up.
As the camera pans past some equipment, we see Clark and Pete entering the room. Clark strides in determinedly, while Pete brings up the rear, a bit more hesitantly.
Pete: (Continuing) Mr. Frankel's sick.
Clark: (Determined) Actually, I checked with Principal Reynold's office. He didn't call in sick. In fact, he didn't call at all. Now, this is the last place anyone saw Frankel. I just want to have a look around.
Pete: (Frustrated) Fine. You want to have a look around, we'll have a look around. But I don't know what you think we're going to find.
Pete walks over and opens up a large cabinet.
Pete: (Irritated) I'm going to have a little look around. There.
Clark: Just take a look.
Pete: (Sticking his head inside the cabinet) I'm looking around. (Turning back to Clark) You happy? We looked around. There's nothing here.
As Pete speaks, Mr. Frankel's body slowly falls forward out of the cabinet and bumps into Pete. The body falls all the way out of the cabinet, falling onto Pete, knocking them both to the ground.
Pete groans as they h*t the ground, and Clark rushes over, pulling Mr. Frankel off of Pete. Pete scrambles to his feet, moving as quickly as he can away from the body.
Cut to a sh*t of lit match being dropped into a trail of liquid on the ground. The liquid quickly ignites and spreads across the metal shop floor, heading toward where Pete and Clark are standing. Clark grabs Pete and throws him to the ground, shielding Pete's body with his own as a few nearby barrels explode as the flames ignite their contents. Clark looks toward the flames, and as he does so, he sees Ian on the other side of the f*re, hurrying from the room. Clark squints against the smoke, and when he looks again, Ian is gone. Pete and Clark exchange fearful looks.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark entering Chloe's house. The house is dark, and Clark looks around to see if anyone is home. He walks down a hallway toward the living room. We see two dark figures, close to each other on the couch. Light floods the room as Clark flips on a light, and we see Chloe and Ian on the couch, engaged in a heavy makeout session. As the lights come on, the two jump apart.
Clark: (To Ian) What are you doing here?
Ian: (Indicating Chloe) What's it look like?
Clark: (Moving slowly into the room) Chloe. He just tried to k*ll me and Pete. And I think he m*rder Frankel.
Chloe and Ian look confused and stunned, and get up off the couch.
Ian: (Annoyed) What is this a joke?
Chloe: (Angrily) Yeah, Clark, when did this deadly encounter occur?
Clark: (Taken aback by Chloe's anger) 20 minutes ago. I came right over.
Chloe: (Shaking her head) Okay, stop, that--that's impossible.
Clark: Why?
Ian: (Matter of factly) Because I've been here for the last three hours, Clark.
Chloe looks at Clark, her expression demanding an explanation. Clark just looks from Ian to Chloe, confused.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon. Inside, Lana is sitting at a table, using a calculator to work on some figures. Clark walks in and approaches her table.
Clark: Lana, have you seen Chloe?
Lana: (Hostile as she gets up from the table) She's at the sheriff's station, giving her statement.
Clark: (Taken aback by Lana's tone) Well, I don't remember ordering a side of hostility.
Lana: (Angrily) I can't believe you accused Ian of m*rder Mr. Frankel.
Clark: (Insistant) Lana you *have* to believe me. I don't know how he did it, but he's lying to everyone.
Lana: (Dryly) A boy with secrets. I'm surprised you guys aren't fast friends.
Clark: Don't try and turn this around on me.
Lana pauses, letting Clark explain himself.
Clark: (Continuing) He's seeing you and Chloe at the same time. He was at her house. She's his alibi.
Lana: (Exasperated) Clark, they were finishing up an interview!
Clark: Does Chloe always finish up her interviews by making out with her subjects?
Lana: (Shaking her head) Ian told me that Chloe had a little crush on him, but it wasn't serious.
Clark: (Knowingly) And he told you not to say anything to Chloe about it, didn't he?
Lana refuses to meet Clark's eyes, silently answering Clark's question.
Clark: Lana, he said the same thing to Chloe about you.
Lana pauses, then shakes her head in disbelief.
Lana: If this is all because I enjoy spending time with Ian, then you are way overreacting. If I didn't know you better, I'd say you were jealous.
Clark: (Reassuringly) No, Lana, I'm trying to be your friend. Look, you've got to ask yourself, what kind of person asks the two people he cares about to lie for him?
Lana considers Clark's words as he walks out of the Talon.
Cut to a sh*t of Helen, clad in her lab coat, standing at the nurse's station going over some charts. She picks them up and turns to walk away, gasping in surprise to see Lex standing right next to her, blocking her path. Lex just looks at her knowingly.
Lex: Metropolis General. I was drunk, puking my guts out in the ER. You were the first year med student assigned to sober me up.
Helen: It's a night I'll never forget, either.
Lex: (Slightly amused) Guess I owe you a belated thank you.
Helen: Actually, I should be thanking you. It's cases like yours that convinced me to leave Metropolis.
With that, Helen steps past Lex and starts walking down the hall. Lex follows her.
Lex: I'm flattered I turned you from a life of nose jobs and liposuctions to small town medicine.
Helen gives Lex a sideways glance.
Lex: (Continuing) Your father is Stanley Bryce, right--plastic surgeon to the Metropolis rich and famous?
Helen: (Impressed) Somebody's been doing his homework.
Lex: (Matter of factly) You intrigue me, Helen.
Helen: (Amused) What, suddenly we're on a first name basis...Lex?
Lex: Don't worry, I won't give up your secret identity.
Helen: (Stepping in front of Lex) For the record, I refused to join my father's practice and we stopped speaking.
Lex: (Knowingly) They hate when you do that.
Helen: (Smiling slightly) Sounds like you speak from experience.
Lex: You witnessed my, uh, self-destructive phase. Then I almost let my father die...now I'm just trying to b*at him at his own game.
Helen: (Amused) How's that going?
Lex: (Dryly) I terrorize meter maids.
Helen: (Smiling) Yeah. I drop kick orderlies. It's funny, I was never an angry child.
Lex and Helen lock eyes for a moment, and Lex gives Helen a small smile.
Lex: I'll see you in class.
Lex turns and walks down the hallway. Helen watches him for a moment, then calls out to him.
Helen: I'm off in ten minutes...
Lex turns around and looks at Helen.
Helen: (Feigning disinterest) If you wanted to go do something.
Lex just gives Helen a slight smile, definitely interested.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark sitting in the Kent kitchen. The table is covered with papers. Clark studies a paper, then picks up another one and compares it to the first one. As he is doing this, Pete enters the kitchen.
Pete: Clark, I got your 911. I assume we're back on the Ian trail?
Clark: (Handing some papers to Pete) I got Ian's scholarship information from Lex. It turns out he was taking classes at Smallville Community College at the exact same time that he was taking classes at Smallville High.
Pete: (Studying the papers) Any idea how an only child can make like the Olsen twins?
Clark: How isn't important. I just want to make sure we're right before we start throwing around charges.
Pete: Yeah, well, I wouldn't look for much help in the Lana and Chloe department.
Clark: (With a look of realization) Maybe I can. Doesn't Ian carry a pager?
Cut to a sh*t of Ian climbing the steps at the Sullivan home. He knocks on the door, and Mr. Sullivan answers.
Mr. Sullivan: (Smiling) Hey, Ian.
Ian: (Smiling) Mr. Sullivan, hi. Is, uh, Chloe here?
Mr. Sullivan: No, I'm afraid she's not home.
Ian: (Confused) Well, I don't understand. She paged me to meet her here at 5:30.
Mr. Sullivan: Well, there must be some kind of mix-up. Last I heard, she was working late at the Torch.
Ian: (Nodding) Okay. Thanks.
Mr. Sullivan: All right.
Mr. Sullivan closes the door, and Ian heads back down the steps, checking his watch. As he climbs into his SUV, we pan over and see Clark, inside the Kent truck, parked nearby, watching Ian.
Cut to a sh*t outside the Talon. Ian comes out of the Talon, a confused look on his face. He sees Pete standing on the sidewalk holding a cup of coffee, and approaches him.
Ian: Hey Pete, have you seen Lana?
Pete: Um, not for a while. Why?
Ian: (Pulling his pager from his pocket) Well, she paged me, said she wanted to get together at 5:30
Pete: (Shrugging) What can I say? Something must have come up.
Pete starts walking away from Ian. Ian looks at his pager again, and begins walking away in the opposite direction. Pete glances over his shoulder to make sure Ian is out of earshot, then pulls a cellphone from his pocket and dials a number.
Pete: Clark, Mr. Punctual made his appearance at exactly 5:30...
Cut to a sh*t of Clark on his cell phone.
Pete: (Over Clark's phone) ...Which means we're definitely seeing double.
Clark nods.
Clark: Thanks, Pete. I'll call Chloe.
Clark hangs up with Pete and dials Chloe's number.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe's computer screen at the Torch. She's working on the layout for the next issue. Her cell phone, lying on the desk next to her, begins to ring. Chloe picks it up and checks the caller ID, but doesn't answer the phone.
Chloe: (Exasperated) God, Clark, give it a rest.
Chloe turns off her cellphone and returns to her work. Behind her, we hear the door to the office open.
Chloe: (Not looking away from the computer) Hey, Ian, um, I will be with you in just one second.
We hear the sound of someone clearing their throat. As Chloe looks up, her visitor comes into focus...Lana.
Chloe: (Surprised) Lana, hi. Um, where'd you--I thought that you were, uh, going home after your shift was over.
Lana: (Seriously) We need to talk.
Chloe: (Pulling on her coat) Okay, sure. About what?
Lana: About Ian.
Chloe: (Glancing at the door) He's um, actually he's stopping by to look over his article.
Lana: (Smiling slightly) Is that why you're wearing a new blouse?
Chloe: (Uncomfortable) Okay, this just got incredibly ackward.
Lana: Clark came by the Talon. I know about you and Ian.
Chloe: (Dryly) For a guy so concerned with privacy, he can't seem to keep his mouth shut.
Lana: (Shaking her head) This isn't about Clark. It's about us.
Chloe: (Sincerely) I hated keeping it from you, but I *really* like Ian, and I didn't want to hurt your feelings.
Lana: I don't want to hurt your feelings either. But I was out with Ian last night too.
Chloe looks hurt at this information, and quickly blinks back a couple of tears.
Chloe: (Flippantly) Making me 0 for 2 in the "They always go for Lana" sweepstakes.
Lana: Chloe, he's playing us both.
Chloe and Lana look at each other sympathetically.
Lana: (Continuing) And I should've been honest with you up-front.
Chloe: Me too.
Ian walks into the office, and stops as he sees both girls together. Chloe and Lana look over at him.
Ian: Hey.
Lana: Ian. What are you doing here?
Ian: Well, I was looking for you. Both of you, actually.
Chloe: (Sarcastically) The two for one special? Ian, we know.
Ian: Well, can you blame me? I mean, I enjoyed being with the two smartest, prettiest girls in school. Together, you're almost my equal.
Lana: (Offended) I don't believe this. Clark tried to warn us about you.
Ian: (Annoyed) Kent. Is that why you paged me at the same time?
Chloe: (Confused) What are you talking about? I never paged you.
Chloe glances at Lana, who shakes her head as well.
Ian gets an angry look on his face and heads for the door.
Chloe: Ian, what are you doing?
Ian closes the office door and locks it.
Ian: (Coldly) Securing my future.
The girls just have confused looks on their faces, as Ian walks slowly toward them.
Ian: Your futures, on the other hand, don't look so bright.
Ian moves to grab the girls, but they move quickly and start running for the other door that leads out of the Torch office. Ian chases them around the desks. The girls stop in their tracks as they reach the other door and see Ian #2 blocking the doorway.
Ian #2: Hey girls. How about a double date?
The girls glance over their shoulders at Ian, who is still behind them, then back again at Ian #2. Both girls have a look of total shock and fear on their faces.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark and Pete running down the hall toward the Torch offices.
Clark: Chloe! Lana!
The two boys enter the office, which is now empty. They split up to search the office.
Pete: Chloe!
Pete stops, and calls over to Clark.
Pete: Clark, check this out!
Pete is at Chloe's desk, looking at her computer.
Pete: (Reading from the screen) "We've both been deceiving ourselves over Ian. Now the pain's too much. We've gone to the dam to end our suffering." Sounds like a su1c1de note.
Clark: (Coming over to stand next to Pete) Ian wanted me to see that. He's going to k*ll them to get to me.
Cut to a sh*t of a deep gorge, the site of Smallville Dam. Ian's SUV pulls up on the bridge going over the dam and the two Ians climb out. Ian #1 pulls Chloe from the SUV, while Ian #2 takes Lana. Both girls struggle to get free, but are unable to.
Lana: (Pleading) Ian, don't, please!
Ian #2: (Pushing Lana backwards toward the edge of the bridge) I'm not going to let you ruin my life.
Both girls are doing everything in their power to keep Ian from dragging them to the bridge. Ian #1 gets Chloe closer to the edge of the bridge.
Chloe: Ian, you need help!
Ian #1: That's what I'm doing--helping myself.
Ian #1 starts to push Chloe against the side of the bridge, but she swings her elbow and catches him in the chest. Ian #1 stumbles backward, releasing his grip on Chloe She dashes away, but Ian #1 tackles her. Chloe falls to the ground, her head slamming against the road, knocking her unconscious.
Lana: (Terrified) No! Chloe!
Ian #1 picks up the unconscious Chloe.
Lana struggles mightily, and manages to fling Ian #2 off of her. She runs back to the SUV, as Ian #2 chases her. He catches her, but Lana grabs on to the SUV's doorframe, and refuses to let go. Ian #2 tries to pull her away, but he can't.
Ian #2: (To Ian #1) Give me a hand here!
Ian #1: (Carrying Chloe) Be there in a sec!
Ian #1 carries Chloe to the edge of the bridge and prepares to throw her over. Lana lets go of the SUV doorframe and runs around toward the driver's door, as Ian #2 chases her.
Ian #1 lifts Chloe over the edge of the bridge and drops her. As he does so, Clark superspeeds up the road and leaps over the edge of the bridge after her. As Ian #1 looks over the bridge, Clark and Chloe both fall. Clark manages to reach the ground first, and catches Chloe right before she hits the ground. Clark looks up at Ian #1, a look of extreme anger on his face. Ian #1 throws his hands up in disbelief.
Ian # 2, meanwhile, has gotten a hold of Lana.
Ian # 2: (Grunting) Come on.
Lana claws desperately at the SUV as Ian #2 attempts to drag her away from it and over to the bridge.
Clark superspeeds back up to the road with Chloe in his arms. He starts to lay her down, and Ian #1 looks over and sees him. He picks up a discarded piece of pipe next to the road, and starts toward Clark.
Ian #2 has managed to get Lana away from the SUV. He drags her over to the edge of the bridge and tries to throw her over. Lana screams, and grabs at the railing on the bridge. Ian #2 has to lean over to shove her off the bridge, and his forward momentum carries them both over. Lana screams again and clutches the ledge on the bridge, while Ian #2 hangs on to her legs.
Ian #1 reaches Clark, who is taking care to gently lay Chloe's head on the ground and doesn't notice Ian #1. Ian #1 swings the pipe over his head and smashes it against Clark's back. The pipe bends but has no effect on Clark. Clark stands up and grabs Ian #1.
Lana, meanwhile, manages to get one hand on the edge of the bars below the bridge's handrail. She pants in fear as she struggles to hang on. Ian #2's weight is making it difficult.
Clark throws Ian #1 cross the street. Ian #1 crashes into a cement section of the bridge and slumps to the ground, unconscious.
Clark looks over at the bridge and sees Lana's hand, clutching at the railing. Her grip begins to slip, and she screams for Clark.
Lana: Clark!
Clark rushes over just as Lana's grip slips completely off the railing. He reaches over and grabs her wrist, preventing her from falling. Ian #2, however, loses his grip on Lana's legs, and falls down into the gorge below.
Ian #2: (Screaming as he falls) AHHHHHHHH!
Clark pulls Lana back over the edge of the bridge, and she falls to her knees on the side of the road.
Clark: (Kneeling next to her) You okay?
Lana nods, trying to catch her breath.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm at night. Clark sits at the table, watching his mother go over some of the bills. Jonathan, still on his crutches, enters the kitchen.
Jonathan: Clark, any word on Lana and Chloe?
Clark: (Getting up from his seat) They're uh, shaken up, but okay.
Martha: (Worriedly) Are you sure they didn't see you use your abilities?
Clark helps Jonathan, taking his crutches as Jonathan moves to sit in the seat Clark just vacated.
Clark: (Reassuringly) I think they were a little preoccupied with the idea of two Ians.
Jonathan chuckles, then looks down at what Martha is working on as he takes a seat.
Jonathan: I thought we were done with the bills for this month?
Clark leaves the room, putting Jonathan's crutches away.
Martha: (Nodding) We were, but I thought I'd take another look, and see if we could get along without my extra paycheck.
Jonathan reaches over and places his hand on Martha's arm.
Martha: (Guiltily) I've been thinking that-that I've been trying to do too many things and I-I should really stay on the farm.
Clark takes a seat nearby, quietly listening to the conversation.
Jonathan: (Reassuringly) Look, I was not angry because you weren't here. I'm not going to lie to you. Ever since you took this job, things have been different between you and me. Now, I don't want you to quit, but you got to know that it seems to me like sometimes the Luthors take top priority and... I guess I've just got to work through that.
Martha: (Sighs) I really like what I'm doing, Jonathan, but you and Clark will always come first. You know that.
Jonathan: (Nods) Yeah.
Clark smiles slightly, happy that his parents are working things out.
Cut to a sh*t of Lana unpacking and sorting through some of her clothes. Chloe enters the room.
Chloe: Hey Lana.
Lana: (Smiling) Oh, hey.
Chloe: How you feeling?
Lana: Still a little freaked... (Laughs) kind of stupid.
Lana moves to put some clothes away and Chloe follow her.
Chloe: (Laughing) Ditto. What really gets me is I should have known better. Only Chloe Sullivan could fall for a guy who splits himself in two.
Chloe sits on the edge of Lana's bed.
Chloe: I dunno. What is it about me? Do I have a sign around my neck that says "Mutant Magnet"?
Lana: (Reassuringly) He fooled me too, Chloe.
Chloe: So much for our taste in guys.
Lana laughs.
Lana: It only went as far as it did because we weren't being honest with each other. So no more secrets
Okay?
Chloe: Okay.
Lana: (Happily) I'm going to finish the laundry, 'cause I'm cooking dinner tonight.
Chloe: Lana, you don't have to do that.
Lana: (Smiling) Oh, I don't mind.
Chloe: (Standing up) You're not a glorified houseguest. This is your house too, and we're not going to kick you out if there's evidence that you actually live here.
Lana: (Sighing) I guess after my parents and Nell, I have a few abandonment issues.
Chloe: (Understandingly) Ah, I went through the same thing when my mom walked out. I was so afraid my dad was gonna leave too. But he finally sat me down and said that I didn't have to earn the right to be a part of this family. Neither do you.
Lana: (Smiling and nodding) Thanks, Chloe.
Chloe: Sure. Now, let's go over the house rules.
Lana: And they are?
Chloe: (Jokingly) One, do not make your bed until after 5:00PM. Two, do not touch the dishes in the sink until it's overflowing, and three, contrary to my dad's protestations, your bedroom floor is definitely a closet.
Lana: (Laughing) Okay.
Chloe: Okay?
Lana smiles happily at Chloe.
Cut to a sh*t of the inside of the Talon. Clark walks through the door and heads for the counter where Chloe and Lana are sitting.
Clark: I got your message. Is everything all right?
Chloe: We've been up all night talking...
Lana: You were the number one topic of discussion.
Clark: This can't be good.
Chloe: Actually, we wanted to apologize to you for the way we've been treating you. Even though you did technically use us as bait.
Clark: I didn't count on it getting out of control.
Lana: The point is, you warned us about Ian, and we didn't listen.
Clark: (A little upset) Yeah, you thought I was jealous.
Chloe: There's a lot of water under the bridge between us, Clark.
Clark: I know that you each have your issues with me, but you have to understand that I would never let anyone hurt you.
Lana: We know that, Clark.
Clark: (Shrugging) I just find it interesting that you guys would give Ian all the latitude in the world, and I would just be immediately dismissed.
Chloe: After all the times you've been less than honest with us, can you really blame us for having some doubts?
Clark: You want honesty. The truth is that, I expected more from both of you.
Chloe looks a bit hurt at Clark's words, while Lana looks a bit offended.
Lana: And we expected more from you.
Clark just looks at Lana in confusion.
Lana: We made a mistake. But it was ours to make.
Clark and Lana just look at each other, Clark a bit taken aback by Lana's words.
Chloe: So, what do we do now?
Clark: (Firmly) Well, first we can stop treating me like the jealous boyfriend, since none of us have actually dated. You wanna be friends, lets be friends.
Lana: (Nodding) Is that what you really want?
Clark: (Confidently) Yeah. It is.
Lana and Chloe both nod slowly in agreement, but both of their faces have hints of sadness.
Clark: Good night.
With that, Clark turns and leaves the Talon. Chloe and Lana just watch him go, a bit stunned at his directness. Once outside, Clark stops and smiles slightly to himself, before continuing on down the sidewalk.
End of show.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"I Wish I Cared" by A-Ha
"Settle Hills" by Dem Hills
"Uneven Odds" by Premonition
"In A Young Man's Mind" by The Mooney Suzuki
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x09 - Dichotic"} | foreverdreaming |
Act 1 Teaser
A LuthorCorp construction team is wrapping up work for the day in an open field in Smallville. Day. There is a large sign in the field showing a picture of several large buildings and it says Corporate Plaza, The Leader in High Tech Office Space. The foreman, DAN HAMMOND, says goodnight to the workers as they exit through the gate of a chain link fence.
Dan: Goodnight, boys.
Man #1: Hey, goodnight.
Dan: Good job.
Man #2: Thanks. See you tomorrow.
Dan: See you tomorrow.
The last of the men leave and Dan closes the gate, locking it with a chain and padlock. He puts some equipment away on a shelf, and when he turns around, he comes face to face with a middle-aged Native American man, JOSEPH WILLOWBROOK.
Dan: Damn it, old man, I told you before. You're trespassing!
Joseph: How can I be trespassing on land my people owned for thousands of years?
Dan: Out of my way, chief. I've got a job to get done.
Dan starts to move, but Joseph stops him.
Joseph: You don't understand the consequences of what you're doing.
Dan: Are you thr*at me?
Joseph: How can I be thr*at you? I'm just an old man.
Dan: You got a problem, take it up with the big guy. (He unlocks the gate and opens it for Joseph to leave) Get the hell out of here.
Joseph walks outside the fence and watches Dan as he locks it again and walks away. Then Joseph walks away.
We see a sh*t from high above the construction site and the light fades as day turns to night. Dan is next to a large t*nk that says Flammable Gas and he takes a nozzle to fill his own truck's gas t*nk before leaving. He starts to fill the t*nk when he hears a rustling in the trees behind him. He turns around but sees nothing, and he continues to fill his t*nk. He sets the nozzle to pump on its own, and walks a few feet away from the truck to look around. There is a soft rumble of thunder as rain starts to fall. He sees the branches on the trees move with more rustling and runs back to his truck. Opening the door, he grabs a tackle box and pulls out a flare g*n. As he loads it, we see a slightly blurry sh*t from the point of view of something coming toward him from behind. He turns around to f*re the g*n and a white wolf jumps onto him, knocking him to the ground. He screams and blocks his face with his arm as the wolf barks at him furiously and scratches his cheek, drawing blood.
At the same time, the nozzle is still pumping into the t*nk and the gas is starting to overflow onto the ground. Dan points the flare g*n into the air and fires. Both he and the wolf are illuminated by the red glow and the wolf looks at the overflowing gas t*nk and then at the flare g*n. As if knowing the danger, it runs away, leaving Dan on the ground next to the truck. Dan looks into the air and sees the flare arcing downward, headed right for him. It hits the ground and the truck explodes, setting off a chain of huge expl*si*n around it.
The wolf sits at the edge of the field, watching this from a safe distance. The noise dies down, and the wolf runs away.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark and Pete are riding through sandy hills on dirt bikes. Day. Their engines roar as they race next to each other on a clear path. Pete takes the lead and goes over a small dirt hill serving as a ramp, and sends him into the air. Clark follows and they both land perfectly. They continue through the field and Pete makes another jump before they both stop outside the fence of the construction site. They see the damage of the night before and several police officers questioning the workers.
Pete: What are the police doing here?
Clark: Some sort of an accident last night. An expl*si*n.
Pete: Well, maybe this will convince LuthorCorp to finally get the hell out of Smallville.
Clark: It's an office park, Pete, not a toxic waste dump. What's the harm in that? Come on, I'll race you back to Miller's Bend.
They rev their engines loudly and speed away down the trail, speeding past a cop.
Cop: Hey, kid, watch yourself!
Clark and Pete continue on the trail side by side. They come to a point where the trail forks in two directions. Clark goes to the left and Pete goes to the right. When he gets to another straight path, Clark goes over another dirt hill and lands the jump. But at the bottom, there is a fallen tree lying across the path and he runs into it, sending him flying off his bike in a front flip and landing on his back. As soon as he lands, the earth gives underneath him and he falls through, plummeting a very long distance past underground cave walls until finally landing at the bottom with a thump. He takes off his helmet and tosses it aside as someone walks up from behind with a flashlight. It is an attractive Native American girl KYLA. Clark sees her.
Clark: (Confused) Lana?
Kyla: Don't move. (She kneels down next to him)
Clark: I'm fine.
Kyla: You're in shock. You fell over 100 feet. (She rips open his shirt) You don't have a scratch on you.
Clark: (Sitting up) Just lucky, I guess.
Kyla: That's some incredible luck you have.
Clark: Where'd you come from?
Kyla: I was just over there doing research for my grandfather. The landslide must've opened up that wall.
Clark: I didn't even know there were caves down here.
Kyla: If LuthorCorp has its way, then there won't be anymore. I'm Kyla, by the way.
Clark: (He pauses, looking at her) Uh... (He gets up and helps her up) Clark. Clark Kent.
Kyla: The invincible Clark Kent apparently.
Pete: (At the top of the hole) Clark! Clark! You down there?
Clark: Yeah, Pete, I'm all right.
Pete: Hey, man, you gonna need some help or can you jump your way out?
Kyla looks at Clark strangely.
Clark: I've got some company down here. (To Kyla) Funny guy, huh?
Pete: All right, man. As long as you're all right.
Kyla: (Looking past Clark) Oh, my God.
She walks past him and shines her flashlight on the wall.
Clark: What is it?
Kyla: It's the legend of Numan. My ancestors have passed down this story for generations. (There are primitive drawings on the wall) They said it had been written in the earth long ago, but nobody ever knew where it was until now. Thank you.
Clark: Sure, no problem.
Kyla: You don't understand. My grandfather's been searching for this wall his whole life. It was prophesied that Numan would fall from the skies in a rain of f*re. (She shines her light on a crude drawing of a man falling from the sky) They say that Numan will have the strength of ten men and will be able to start fires with his eyes. (There is another drawing of a man sh**ting f*re from his eyes) It probably sounds silly.
Clark: Not to me.
Kyla: I've got to tell my grandfather about this. Come on, I'll show you the way out. Try and keep up.
She hands him his helmet and he takes another look at the pictures with a look of excitement on his face. He starts to follow her out and stops at another wall. Engraved in the stone is an octagonal groove, just like the one on his spaceship. The sh*t fades into a sh*t of the octagon on his ship as we go to:
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark and Jonathan are standing next to the ship in the storm cellar. Day.
Jonathan: It's an octagon. It's a very common shape, Clark.
Clark: Okay, but what about the story? How many people fall to earth in a meteor shower and can sh**t f*re from their eyes?
Jonathan: Clark, I understand how important it is for you to figure out where you came from, but those drawings could have a hundred different interpretations.
Clark: (Unwrapping a piece of metal with symbols on it) You pulled this from the spaceship just before it closed.
Jonathan: I don't see what that has--
Clark: Dad, these are the same symbols that are in the caves. Kyla's grandfather's been studying the story of Numan. Maybe he can read this.
Jonathan: I want you to be careful what you tell those people, Clark.
Clark: Dad, if they can tell me who or what I am, it's worth the risk.
Jonathan: Son, we don't know anything about Kyla or her grandfather for that matter.
Clark: I know. That's why I invited them over for dinner.
Act 1 Scene 3
Joseph, Clark, Jonathan, and Kyla sit at the dinner table as Martha takes their dishes. Night.
Joseph: According to the legend, a man came from the stars and fell in love with the mother of our people. Out of that forbidden affair, the Cowachi people were born.
Clark: Do you know which star he came from?
Joseph: The legend only tells that he left one day and flew back into the sky, promising he would send another.
Jonathan: And that would be this Numan person you've been talking about, right?
Joseph: Yes. Of course, that was 500 years ago. He's a little late.
Kyla looks at Clark, smiling softly. Clark smiles back.
Joseph: You're not from around here, are you, Clark?
Martha: Um, actually Clark is adopted.
Clark: These, uh, these symbols seem to make up some sort of alphabet.
Kyla: That's the really weird part. (Clark smiles at her again)
Joseph: Our people don't have a written language. I've seen a symbol here or there on artifacts, but never in a pattern before.
Clark: So you don't know what they mean.
Kyla: Grandpa's studied a lot of ancient languages. I'm sure with some time he can decipher what the symbols are.
Joseph: If Luthor doesn't get at the them before we do.
Clark: Mom, maybe you can talk to Mr. Luthor.
Joseph: You know Lionel Luthor?
Clark: Know him? Mom is his executive assistant.
Martha: Clark, I'll do what I can, but it isn't that easy. The situation isn't that black and white. That complex will create a thousand desperately needed jobs.
Clark: And you think that's more important than these caves?
Martha doesn't have an answer.
Jonathan: So, um, does anyone want coffee with their pie?
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark is looking through his telescope in the loft. Night. Kyla watches him.
Clark: You want to have a look?
Kyla: I kind of like seeing it with my own eyes.
She walks past him to the window and he smiles.
Clark: So these legends, you don't think that they're like Venus and Apollo and all the other myths? (He walks up behind her)
Kyla: Just cause something's a myth doesn't make it not true. Here. (She takes his hand and points his finger to the sky) Do you see the bright one right there? If you follow the stars around it, it makes the shape of a wolf's head. (She puts his hand down on the window ledge and rests her hands on top of it) See how one of the eyes is missing? Our ancestors say that there used to be a star there. That's where Numan came from.
Clark: And what happened to it?
Kyla: (She turns to face him) You tell me. You're the one who fell from the sky.
They stand facing each other for a moment, not realizing that Lana is there watching. Clark finally notices.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: Your message sounded urgent, so I just came over. I didn't realize you had company.
Clark: Thanks. Lana, this is Kyla.
Lana: Hi. I don't think I've seen you at school before.
Kyla: Oh, I go to Grandville. I'm just here doing research for my grandfather and rescuing any guys that happen to fall into my life.
Lana: How'd you two meet?
Clark: In these caves, under the new LuthorCorp site. That's actually why I called you. If this new LuthorCorp complex goes ahead, the caves will be destroyed, along with ancient paintings that Kyla's ancestors drew.
Kyla: They're our only link to the past.
Clark: Defending a good cause sounds like something Henry Small might be into.
Lana: We're not exactly at the father-daughter favor stage yet. But I'll ask him anyway.
Kyla: Thank you, Lana.
Lana: No problem.
Act 1 Scene 5
Lionel is walking on a treadmill in the study. Day. He is talking with Sheriff Ethan.
Lionel: So, it's not the first time he's been involved. Thank you, Sheriff. I'm glad you told me. That's very enlightening.
Ethan: We'll keep you posted, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: Thank you.
He leaves as Martha enters.
Martha: Hi, Ethan. Lionel, what's going on? I thought the police were done with their investigation.
Lionel: Oh, the sheriff's not ready to call it an accident. Apparently, Joseph Willowbrook, the Native American who's spearheading the protests, has a history of civil disobedience.
Martha: They think it was sabotage?
Lionel: Uh, let's just say they're not ruling it out. (He stops the treadmill) Maybe I should have done this project in Grandville.
Martha: (Helping him down) Smallville needs those jobs. (He sits down and she kneels next to him) Um, I sent flowers to the foreman's family and I arranged for you to, uh, do a condolence call tomorrow afternoon.
Lionel: Good thinking. I don't want to be perceived as uncaring.
Martha: I didn't do it for that reason. I did it because it's the right thing to do.
Lionel: You know, there are times when I'm with you, that I'd swear I was talking to my wife. She was a lot like you, Martha. The same unflinching honesty. I miss that.
Lex: Hope I'm not interrupting.
Martha: (Standing up quickly) Hi, Lex.
Lionel: Lex. Always good to hear your voice, son.
Martha: Well, I-I need to get home early today, so I'll see you tomorrow.
Lionel: All right.
Martha smiles at Lex as she leaves.
Lionel: (Stands and walks to Lex) Believe me, Lex, I know how hard you've been working. You engineered an employee buyout of the Smallville plant. Now look at you. (He puts his hand on Lex's shoulder) You're building an empire of your own without my help. But your success shouldn't prevent us from joining forces when a lucrative venture comes along.
Lex: Come on, Dad. You don't need me as an investor in some random office park.
Lionel: No, not as an investor, Lex. I want you as my partner. Blame it on a brief bout of sentimentality.
Lex: Sentimentality is synonymous with vulnerability. You taught me that. You're on your own.
Act 1 Scene 6
Construction on the site continues. Day. Underground, Kyla climbs one of the cave walls as Clark shines the flashlight.
Kyla: The pictographs are a lot more detailed up here.
Clark: What do they say?
Kyla: It promises that one day Numan will protect the entire world. (The earth shakes slightly) Luthor's bulldozers. It's been happening all week.
Clark: I don't know if it's very safe for us to be here right now.
Kyla: Oh, Clark, get up here. You have to see this.
Clark puts the flashlight on the ground, aiming it at the wall, and climbs up to join her.
Clark: What is it?
Kyla: It's Ziget. He's like a brother to Numan. (There is a drawing of a creature with two heads) Legend has it, one day he'll turn against Numan, and together they'll be the balance between good and evil.
She takes a picture of it.
Clark: (Seeing a picture of a woman with a turquoise square beneath her) Who's that?
Kyla: It's the woman he's destined to be with. (Kyla touches the wall and we see the same turquoise square on her bracelet. Clark notices) That was handed down through the women in my family. I don't even know how old it is.
There is more rumbling and Kyla loses her balance, falling off the wall.
Clark: Kyla!
By the time she gets to the ground, Clark is already there and catches her. A large rock falls toward them. Clark lays Kyla on the ground and blocks her from the rock, which shatters on his back. They look into each others eyes and smile. Then he helps her up.
Kyla: How'd you do that?
Clark: Just adrenaline, I guess.
Kyla: No, yesterday you didn't have a scratch on you and... What, you sh**t f*re out your eyes too? Clark turns away from her) Oh, my God. I was just joking. You-- you really are Numan.
Clark: I don't know what I am. (She looks at him) You don't seem very freaked out.
Kyla: (Taking a step toward him) Because I know what it's like to be different. (She puts a hand on his chest) Clark, it's okay. Maybe this could explain everything I've been feeling the last few days.
Clark: There are a lot of things about me that I can't explain.
Kyla: Clark, you don't have to. I grew up around a lot of things that seemed unexplainable.
Clark: Yeah, but I'm--
Kyla: (She puts her hand on his mouth) You try and use logic and reason to try to make sense of it, but you just have to give in.
They kiss passionately.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Lana puts some brochures down on a table at the Talon that say Save the Cave. Day. Henry Small is with her.
Lana: Thanks for your help, Mr. Small. It's really great of you to do this.
Henry: Yeah. To be honest, I'm glad you called. (He motions to the table and they both sit down) There's something I want to talk to you about. Lana, I got the test results back. (Pause) It looks like we share the same DNA.
Lana: (Takes a breath) So you really are... You're my father.
Henry: I don't think I've earned that place in your life yet. But I want to if it's not too late.
Lana smiles.
Act 2 Scene 2
Joseph and a group of protestors picket outside the construction site. Day. Martha and the new foreman walk to them from inside the fence.
Joseph: Mrs. Kent, if you're looking for Clark, he and Kyla are down documenting the caves.
Martha: (She and Joseph walk away from the protestors) Actually, I'm here in a more official capacity. Mr. Luthor would like to sit down with you and discuss your concerns.
Joseph: I'm usually better at spotting a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Martha: Mr. Willowbrook, I understand the importance of these caves better than anyone, but there must be a way for you and LuthorCorp to coexist peacefully.
Joseph: You have to forgive my skepticism, but every time the Naive Americans are asked to peacefully coexist, we've been k*lled or forced onto reservations.
Martha: Please, Mr. Willowbrook-- (Henry walks up)
Henry: You may get your day in court yet, Joseph. Based on discoveries in the cave, this cease and desist order is effective immediately. (He hands Martha a legal document) The hearing is set for a week from today.
Joseph: (To Martha) Tell your boss if he wants to talk, I'll see him in court. (Sheriff Ethan walks up) Sheriff, if you're hear to harass me about my permit to protest--
Ethan: Joseph Willowbrook, I'm placing you under arrest for the m*rder of Dan Hammond, the foreman at this construction site.
Henry: Wait, m*rder? There has to be a mistake.
Ethan: I found a towel in Mr. Willowbrook's trash with blood on it that matched the victim's.
Joseph: (To Martha) Is this LuthorCorp's idea of peaceful coexistence? Framing an innocent man.
Ethan: Come with me, sir.
Ethan leads Joseph away and Henry follows.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lex is on his cell phone at his desk in the study. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Lex?
Lex: I'm gonna have to call you back. (He hangs up the phone) Clark, is everything all right?
Clark: I need to raise bail money for Joseph Willowbrook. He's being set up, I think by LuthorCorp.
Lex: That's a pretty serious accusation, Clark. Don't get me wrong, I'm impressed by your conviction, but going head to head with my father? You're a little like David trying to slay Goliath.
Clark: Where do you stand?
Lex: Any culture that's left a legacy that would endure for centuries has earned my respect. I'm afraid it's a losing battle.
He stands and picks up some books from the desk to put them away.
Clark: Didn't David b*at Goliath?
Lex: Your newfound advocacy wouldn't have anything to do with a beautiful doe-eyed crusader, would it? (Clark doesn't answer. Lex goes up the stairs to the bookshelf) Your mother told me about Kyla.
Clark: Lex, have you ever wondered if you were destined to be with someone?
Lex: You're asking someone who's been fighting his destiny his entire life. I'm a little surprised to see you've moved on so quickly. What happened to Lana?
Clark: It's a completely different feeling when the person likes you back. Lex, please, can you help me with the bail money?
Lex: (Coming down the stairs) I'm sorry, Clark. But I don't make it a practice to bail out alleged m*rder.
Clark: Maybe I can get you to change your mind.
Act 2 Scene 4
A large banner that says Save the Cave is hanging in the Talon. Day. Lana is taking names on a clipboard.
Lana: (To a young man in a Crows letterman jacket) Thank you. (He walks away as Chloe enters)
Chloe: Hey, so it looks like Clark pulled you into his activist phase.
Lana: Between him and Henry, I didn't really have a choice. But they are fighting for something really important.
She gives Chloe a button.
Chloe: Thank you.
Lana: You're welcome.
Chloe: I've never seen Clark this passionate about a cause before.
They start to walk and Lana passes out buttons.
Lana: I don't think the cause is the only thing he's passionate about.
Chloe: Yeah, so what is it about Kyla that breaks through Clark's shining armor?
Lana: I don't know. I always thought Clark had trouble letting people in. I guess he was just waiting for the right one.
Chloe: You know, Clark's sudden interest in Kyla wouldn't have anything-- (To another student who takes a button from Lana) Hello. Wouldn't have anything to do with the letter that you wrote Whitney, would it? Sorry, I saw it on the counter this morning. It's one of the pitfalls of having a roommate.
Lana: Whitney and I have been writing to each other every week since he left. Actually, I've been writing him. He hasn't really responded much lately.
Chloe: Am I being really evil if I suggest that maybe he's trying to move on?
Lana: I don't know. Whitney's shared more with me since we broke up than when we were together. What is it with guys and their emotions? The closer you get to them, the more they keep everything in.
Chloe: Must be some sort of protective instincts. You know, maybe we should just stop falling for guys who are trying to save the world.
Lana laughs.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark and Lex walk through the cave with flashlights. Day.
Lex: Not that I don't find the dank stench of a cave invigorating, but what does this have to do with Joseph Willowbrook?
Clark: I wanted you to see them for themselves. This is what he wants to protect.
Lex: Incredible. These may be more impressive than the caves at La Scalle.
Clark: Joseph and Kyla are trying to get a team down to authenticate them.
Lex: So you're doing all of this for some cave paintings?
Clark: I'm doing this because I think it's important for people to understand the past. Don't you?
Lex: Looks like a fascinating story.
Clark: Makes you wonder if the people who drew these paintings thought that we'd be here a hundred years later looking at them.
Lex: (He notices the octagonal groove on the wall and touches it. Clark doesn't see this) Somehow, I think they did.
Clark: Lex, these caves are part of our history. Saving these paintings might be the most important thing you'll ever do. What do you think, Lex?
Lex: Maybe more important than anything we can imagine.
Act 2 Scene 6
Kyla and Joseph hug in the Talon as Clark stands by. Day.
Kyla: I can't believe you got Grandpa out so quickly. (She hugs Clark)
Joseph: Thank you, Clark. Although I don't know how I feel about the fact that it was Luthor money that bailed me out.
Clark: Not all Luthors are the same.
Joseph: Why are you doing all this?
Clark: It's for a good cause. (Martha enters) Mom? I thought you'd be at work.
Martha: I was, uh, running an errand and I wanted to come by. Mr. Willowbrook, I'm sorry you got tangled up in the m*rder investigation.
Joseph: People don't get tangled up in things like this, Mrs. Kent. They get set up.
Martha: I don't think more false accusations are going to help anyone's situation.
Clark: But Mom, someone from LuthorCorp put the bloody towel in Joseph's trash.
Joseph: (To Martha) You may have come here with good intentions, but it's clear where your allegiances lie. Kyla, I think we need to go.
Joseph and Kyla walk away. Kyla turns back to look at Clark, then leaves.
Act 2 Scene 7
Clark enters the Torch where Chloe is on the phone. Day.
Chloe: Thank you.
She hangs up the phone.
Clark: Anything new in Joseph's case?
Chloe: You know, Clark, a simple Hello, Chloe goes a long way.
Clark: I know, I'm sorry. I'm just a little...
Chloe: Obsessed? I've noticed. I just got off the phone with the coroner's office. They finished the autopsy and there's a new development. I guess they found teeth marks in the foreman's bones.
Clark: What kind of teeth marks?
Chloe: Canis lupus. (Clark looks at her blankly) Wolf.
Clark: Takes Joseph off the hook.
Chloe: It's still a few notches this side of normal. I mean, wolves have been extinct in Smallville for 90 years.
Clark: The look on your face tells me you have a Wall of Weird explanation.
Chloe: Don't k*ll the messenger, but I found out that Kyla's tribe name translates into skinwalkers.
She shows Clark a picture of a wolf standing on its hind legs with a human posture and wearing a man's clothes.
Clark: What is this, some sort of tribal ritual?
Chloe: (Chloe gathers her things and they leave the Torch) It's a Native American myth where the humans transform into animals.
Clark: It's just a legend.
Chloe: Clark, sometimes legends are true. You know, this isn't the first time that Joseph's been arrested for his radical tactics.
Clark: Chloe, Joseph's not a m*rder.
Act 2 Scene 8
Martha comes out of a LuthorCorp office building and heads for her car. Night. We see a sh*t of her from a distance, in the blurry point of view of the wolf. She slows down, sensing that she is being watched. She looks around, then speeds up until she gets to her car.
After she unlocks the door, she gets in and goes to put the key in the ignition, but her hands are shaking and she drops the keys on the floor of the car. Suddenly, the white wolf jumps onto the hood of the car and barks at her angrily, its breath coming out in clouds of steam. Martha slowly reaches down for the keys, finally gets the right one into the ignition, and starts the car. She looks through the windshield, and just as suddenly as it appeared, the wolf is gone.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark comes home and into the kitchen where Jonathan is seated at the counter. Night.
Jonathan: Well, what do you know? You do still live here. Oh, uh, Kyla called for you. Twice. (He hands Clark the message) You two certainly seem to be getting pretty serious.
Clark: Yeah, I can be myself with her. For the first time in my life, I feel like everything fits. Like we're destined to be together.
Jonathan: But still there's something wrong. (Clark lowers his eyes) Why don't you have a seat, son? (Clark sits) What's up?
Clark: I have these feelings for Kyla, and I don't want to doubt her, but I'm not sure she's being honest with me.
Jonathan: Well, Clark, not everybody's exactly what they seem. I mean, we should know that better than anybody.
Clark: Dad, I think she knows more about the foreman's death than she's telling me. (Martha enters, shaken) Mom? Mom, what's wrong?
Martha: A wolf tried to att*ck me.
Act 3 Scene 2
Lex is looking at his laptop in the study. Day. Lionel enters.
Lionel: Lex. (As Lex closes the laptop, we see an octagon on the screen) Have I done something in the recent past to offend you?
Lex: There are so many ways I could answer that question, Dad.
Lionel: I am referring to the fact that you have posted bail for a man who allegedly m*rder my foreman.
Lex: Don't tell me you're afraid of an old man.
Lionel: I'm sure you know that this project has become a public relations disaster, but now you have added an entirely new angle for those damn treehuggers to exploit.
He sits on the other side of the desk, across from Lex.
Lex: You're right about the PR nightmare, but perhaps we can give it a positive spin.
Lionel: Is that your cryptic way of saying you've reconsidered my proposition, Lex?
Lex: No.
Lionel: No.
Lex: (Lex gets up and walks around the desk, leaning down next to Lionel) I'm offering to take this project off your hands. I'll match dollar for dollar what you've sunk into the complex.
Lionel: Buy me out? What advantage would you get out of such an impulsive act?
Lex: The satisfaction of seeing a local treasure preserved forever.
Lionel: No. No, I know you too well to believe you've become an activist, Lex. There is something about that land that is extremely valuable. And you know what it is.
Lex leaves and Lionel stares into space, his expression intense.
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark is cleaning a saddle in the barn. Day. Kyla enters.
Kyla: Hi. (She kisses him) I thought I was supposed to meet you later at the Talon.
Clark: I needed to talk to you.
Kyla: Oh. Is everything okay?
Clark: Kyla, I've been more open with you than almost anyone ever.
Kyla: It's okay, Clark. I'm not gonna tell anyone your secret.
Clark: I know, I trust you. That's what makes it so much more weird. What do you know about skinwalkers?
Kyla: (She smiles) Have you been studying up on me?
Clark: The stories say that people can turn into animals. Are they true?
Kyla: The visitor from the stars supposedly brought special green stones, and they had really strange effects on the people. That's when they said the first skinwalkers appeared.
Clark: So they're real.
Kyla: It's like you said, Clark, they're just stories.
Clark: Like the legend of Numan is just a story? I know how important your grandfather is to you, but I need to know. Is it possible that he's a skinwalker?
Kyla: (Angry) I can't believe you're doing this!
Clark: Kyla, my mother was att*cked by a wolf after she had an argument with your grandfather, and they found out that the foreman was mauled by a wolf.
Kyla: You can't actually think he's a m*rder.
Clark: Joseph would do anything to save those caves.
Kyla: I thought you were on our side.
Clark: Those paintings are very important, but not enough to k*ll innocent people over.
Kyla: If this is how you think of us, then maybe we weren't meant to be together after all. My grandfather's right. Lionel Luthor controls you all!
She storms out.
Act 3 Scene 4
Lionel walks down the hall at the mansion. Night. He stops at the door of the study and tilts his head, listening to something. Then he enters the room and sits down by the f*re. There is an end table next to the chair with a bottle of brandy and he pours a glass. He sits back and takes a swallow. Something grinds outside the door and Lionel turns his head in that direction.
There is thumping and scratching on the outside of the door.
Lionel: Lex? Who's there?
The scratching at the door stops and we hear the wolf howling as it scurries away. Lionel turns around, listening as more wolves join in the howling, seeming to come from every direction. He holds still, sensing something behind him. We see him turn around from the wolf's point of view. The wolf is above him on the second floor with the bookshelves. It barks at him and drools.
Lionel walks quickly in the other direction and comes face to face with another wolf sitting on the pool table, growling and barking.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
The wolf on the pool table continues to bark at Lionel. Night. It reaches out and scratches Lionel's face.
Lionel: Aah!
He backs up, dropping his walking stick and falling into the chair by the f*re. The wolf leans off the edge of the table and barks menacingly. Clark super speeds into the room.
Clark: Joseph!
The wolf stops barking and looks at Clark. They make eye contact, sharing an intense gaze. Two police officers come in behind Clark pointing g*n at the wolf.
Officer: Don't move!
Clark: No, no! Don't sh**t. (The wolf jumps off the pool table and runs to the stained glass window) Joseph!
The wolf jumps through the glass, shattering it. Clark runs to the window and looks out, but the wolf is gone. He sees a large pointy shard of glass still standing in the window frame and the tip is covered with blood.
CUT TO Clark running through the woods.
Clark: Joseph! Joseph.
He comes to the wolf lying on the ground, breathing slowly, bleeding from its stomach. The wolf's form starts to shift, and it morphs into a human. Kyla.
Clark: Kyla? No. No! (He runs to her and covers her with his coat, pulling her into his arms) Kyla. Come here. Come here. You're okay. Come here. You all right?
Kyla: (Weakly) I didn't want to hurt the foreman or your mother, Clark.
Clark: (Comforting her) Okay, okay. Why didn't you tell me it was you?
Kyla: I didn't want to lie, but I saw the look in your eye when you thought it was my grandfather.
Clark: I'm sorry, Kyla.
Kyla: You're the first person I thought I could trust. I knew that you knew what it felt like to carry such a big secret.
Clark: I have to get you to the hospital.
Kyla: Clark, stay with me. (She touches his face) I'm sorry. I'm sorry I can't be the one for you... Numan.
She dies.
Clark: No...
He holds her close and rocks her.
Act 4 Scene 2
Martha and Lionel are driven to the construction site where all the workers are gathered at the gate. Day. They get out of the car and one of the workers approaches.
Man: Mr. Luthor, we're all shut down here, sir.
Lionel: What's the problem here?
Man: Some kid thinks he's a hero.
Martha: Clark?
She sees Clark standing in the middle of the field.
Lionel: Martha, I'm indebted to your son for his courage yesterday, but I thought you had a talk with him about this business.
Martha: I did. And I agree with him.
She pulls another one of Lionel's assistants over and gives him Lionel's hand.
Lionel: Are you willing to lose your job over this?
Martha: That's up to you.
Lionel: Martha. (She goes to Clark) Martha? (Whispered) Martha.
Clark: (When Martha gets to him) Hi. (They hug)
More cars approach, honking. Joseph and his people get out and Clark goes to him.
Joseph: Thank you, Clark. Kyla was right to believe in you.
Clark: I didn't save her.
Joseph: You did what you could. Know this. Kyla had faith in you, and so do I. Whatever your destiny, (He unwraps Kyla's bracelet and presents it to Clark) for the true one in your life.
Clark takes it and looks at Joseph with tears in his eyes. Joseph nods.
Lex drives up and gets out of his car. He goes to Lionel.
Lex: Dad, you always told me to choose my battles wisely.
Lionel: I hope I didn't use such an obvious cliché.
Lex: You should have taken my offer on this land.
He puts a legal document in Lionel's hand.
Lionel: What is this?
Lex: In light of the petition drive, the state has decided to exercise the Historic Artifacts Amendment, and buy you out at 30 cents on the dollar. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that LexCorp has secured the contract for the preservation for this entire area.
Lionel: Altruism is not in your blood, Lex. Believe me. I don't know what you're up to, but you found something valuable in those caves, and whatever it is, I'll find it.
He walks away.
CUT TO Lex in the cave with his flashlight. He goes to the octagonal groove on the wall, blows the dust out of it, and wipes it with a handkerchief. Then he shines his light around the cave, looking at the pictures. The sh*t stops at the picture of the two-headed creature.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark is looking out the window of the loft. Night. Lana enters behind him and he turns around.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Kyla.
Clark: I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to know her better. You had a lot in common.
Lana: That means a lot, knowing how important she was to you.
They stand side by side, looking out the window.
Clark: Kyla told me there used to be a star right out there by the bright one. But it disappeared.
Lana: (On the verge of crying) It's amazing how quickly a light can go out.
Clark: (Turning to her) Lana, you're shaking. Are you okay?
Lana: No. No, I don't think so. I guess it hasn't sunk in yet.
Clark: Lana...
He turns her to face him.
Lana: Whitney's mom just called. He's missing in action.
She starts to cry and Clark pulls her into an embrace. She sobs against his chest as he holds her.
Fade to black.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Psycho Ballerina" by Jackpot
"Don't Know Why" by Norah Jones
"The Game Of Love" by Santana feat. Michelle Branch
"Outtathaway" by The Vines
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x10 - Skinwalker"} | foreverdreaming |
Act 1 Teaser
Clark and Lana are kneeling next to a pipe leaking into a bucket in the kitchen of the Talon. Night.
Lana: 24-hour plumbing is a myth. I called every plumber in Smallville and the soonest anyone can show up is tomorrow morning.
Clark: By that time you'll need a snorkel. Let me see what I can do.
He grabs the pipe and starts twisting it. The leak gets worse.
Lana: Oh, wrong way.
Clark twists the other way, and the pressure of the leak increases, sh**ting water at them both.
Lana: Aah!
Clark: (Blocking his face) Ah, the threads are history! I need a wrench!
Lana runs out of the room as Clark continues to get soaked. He focuses his vision at the pipe and his eyes flash red as he uses his heat vision to seal it, stopping the leak. Lana reenters with a wrench and a towel.
Lana: (Looking at the pipe) How did you do that?
Clark: I just kept twisting and turning and it stopped.
Lana notices Clark, whose white T-shirt is completely soaked and transparent. She is clearly affected.
Lana: (Looking away) Maybe one day I'll figure out how Clark Kent does the things he does.
Clark looks at the towel and Lana hands it to him, laughing nervously.
Clark: You know the people who moved into your house? They have this orange cat that comes by the loft sometimes. I try to talk to him, but he's not half the conversationalist you are.
Lana: (Laughs) I have to admit, I do miss those sunsets.
Clark: Yeah. The sky's not really the same when you see it alone.
Lana: It's getting late.
Clark: Yeah.
Lana: (Holding up the wrench) I, uh, I should go put this back.
She leaves the room and Clark smiles, following her. She puts the wrench in a drawer next to a picture of Whitney in his military uniform. Clark sees it.
Clark: Any news from the military?
Lana: I'm really worried. Whitney's been missing for over a month. The military even sent back his personal effects to his mom. She gave me my necklace back.
Lana pulls the lead box out of the drawer and opens it, revealing the meteor necklace.
Clark: (Gasping quietly and backing away) You gonna start wearing that again?
Lana: (Closing the box) It doesn't feel right. I have to know he's safe first.
Clark: Well, if anyone can get through it, Whitney can.
Lana smiles and Clark looks at the picture of Whitney.
CUT TO Whitney trekking through a swampy area in uniform, carrying a r*fle. Day.
Screen Text: Aceh Province, Indonesia
He has three other soldiers with him. They are all dirty, obviously tired, and making their way through tall grass next to a stagnant lake.
Soldier: This is pointless, Fordman. They think we're d*ad.
Whitney: We're gonna make it back home, you hear me? I'm gonna get back and see...
Soldier: Lana. I know. If I have to hear about Lana or Smallville or horseback riding in the freaking meadow one more time--
He is interrupted by a deafening expl*si*n behind them.
Whitney: Move it! Move it!
They start to run along the edge of the lake as the expl*si*n continue. There is a blast right under one of the soldiers and he is launched into the air and lands in the lake. Whitney and the first soldier start to cross the lake. The water is about waist deep and they have to shout over the blasts and the sound of machine g*n f*re in the background.
Whitney: Keep moving!
Soldier: We're not gonna make it!
Whitney: I got one flare left. We just gotta make it to that ridge. The scouts will see us from there.
There is a blast in the water right behind Whitney and he and the soldier are separated by a cloud of smoke. Whitney goes back for him.
Whitney: You all right?!
Soldier: Oh my goodness!
Whitney: You're okay. You're okay. (Helping the soldier out of the water) Come on, get up. Put your arm around me. Come on, keep moving. You're okay, buddy.
Soldier: (Limping with his arm around Whitney's shoulder. He is holding his stomach and blood is dripping from his mouth) No, I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!
Whitney: No one's gonna die! I promise!
They make it to land and two expl*si*n of dirt and weeds block our view of them.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark, Chloe, and Pete walk through the hall at school. Day.
Clark: Don't you guys think you're overreacting just a little bit?
Chloe: Not really. I mean, you spend your whole life thinking you know the truth about someone only to find out that it may be a total lie.
Pete: They named the phone company after this guy. Now Ms. Bisery's telling us that Alexander Graham Bell snaked somebody else's invention?
Chloe: I haven't been this disillusioned since I found out that Betsy Ross didn't design the American flag. I mean, she was my role model.
Lana: (Joining them) Betsy Ross was your role model?
Chloe: Yeah. In first grade. I mean, one day, she was a pioneer for women and then the next, she's a glorified seamstress. One by one, our heroes are being defrocked.
Chloe and Pete walk off together. Lana laughs and she and Clark walk in the other direction.
Clark: You know, Lana, there's a, um, winter festival in Grandville this weekend. My mom's going to have a booth there for her produce. I was thinking maybe we could go and hang out.
Lana: I'm not sure. I have to take a couple of extra shifts at the Talon.
Clark: Look, I know you're worried about Whitney, but working yourself to the bone isn't gonna bring him back any faster. It's okay to have a little fun.
Lana: You're right.
Clark: So you'll go?
Lana: Yeah. Yeah, I can't wait.
Clark smiles. We see the legs of someone coming around the corner. The pants are of a uniform with shiny black shoes. Clark and Lana both look in that direction, and the students start to part, letting him through. Lana's smile fades as the sh*t goes into slow motion and we see Whitney walking purposefully toward them. Clark sees who it is and turns to Lana. She drops her books in shock and starts toward Whitney with tears in her eyes. She picks up speed as Whitney takes off his hat and they finally meet, embracing.
Lana: Oh, Whitney.
Whitney: I missed you so much.
Lana: I can't believe you're here. I can't believe you're back.
All the students in the hall start to walk away and Clark is left at the end of the hall next to Lana's books. He bows his head and walks away too.
Act 1 Scene 2
Jonathan, Martha, and Clark are in the dining room. Day.
Jonathan: (Sitting next to Martha at the table) Well, it certainly is nice to hear some good news for a change.
Martha: Mrs. Fordman must be so relieved. That's wonderful.
Clark: (Flatly) Yeah.
Jonathan: Now, why do I get the impression that you're not going to be the grand marshal at Whitney's homecoming parade?
Clark: I'm happy he's okay. I really am. It's just... I know this sounds selfish, but things were just starting to get better between me and Lana and now he's back.
Martha: I thought Lana and Whitney had broken up.
Clark: So did I. Now she's throwing him a party tonight at the Talon.
Jonathan: And you're going, right?
Clark: I don't know if I can stomach seeing them together again.
Jonathan: (Standing up) Clark. You need to put your personal feelings aside, son. Whitney risked his life for this country and he deserves a hero's welcome.
Clark looks away.
Act 1 Scene 3
Mrs. Fordman brings a plate of cookies to Whitney and Lana in the Fordman dining room. Day.
Mrs. Fordman: It's so nice to have things back to normal. My son and the prettiest girl in school together. (She leaves the room)
Whitney: I bet you never thought you'd see me again.
Lana: I never gave up hope.
Whitney: (He takes her hand) When I was out there lost, the thought of seeing you again was the only thing that kept me going. (He leans in to kiss her and she gets up from the table) What is it? What's wrong?
Lana: Whitney, you know that video letter I sent you.
Whitney: Video letter? What'd it say? (Lana gives him a confused look) Lana, there's something you need to know about me. When my platoon was ambushed, I was caught in an expl*si*n and when I woke up, some of my memory was wiped out. The doctors don't know if I'll ever get it back.
Lana: Whitney, it's okay.
Whitney: One thing that I'll never forget is how much I care for you. I just want things to be like they used to be.
They hug, the pained expression never leaving Lana's face.
Act 1 Scene 4
Lex sits at his desk in the study. Day. Helen enters wearing an elegant evening gown.
Helen: Sorry I'm late. I had a patient go into cardiac arrest and saying Sorry, I have a date might have come off as slightly insensitive. (Lex merely looks at her) The patient's fine now. Thanks for asking.
Lex: You told me you never met my father.
Lex slides a stack of pictures across the desk. Helen picks them up and they are pictures of her and Lionel talking on a bench.
Helen: Who took these photographs?
Lex: A private investigator.
Helen: You had me followed?
Lex: No. I had my father followed. Now, unless you both share a passion for feeding pigeons, there must be a reason for your meeting. How long have you been working for him?
Helen: It took me five dates to figure it out. You're delusional.
Lex: $100,000 wired into your bank account from LuthorCorp. Was that a delusion?
Helen: You checked my bank account?
Lex: After I discovered you were having tête-à-tête with my father, I ran a complete background check. I imagine those two weeks a year you spend in Rwanda treating orphan children does wonders for your conscience.
Helen: Who are you?
Lex: Someone who's been b*rned by the opposite sex more times than he cares to admit. So tell me. Why does a Harvard-educated physician, a woman of supposed integrity, accept a six-figure sum to spy on a man she claims to have feelings for?
Helen: First of all, I don't recall claiming anything of the sort. And second of all, if you think I'm going to put up with your pathetic paranoid attempts at invading my privacy, you're even more arrogant than everyone said you were.
She storms out.
Act 1 Scene 5
Lana, wearing a robe, is looking through her closet and finds Whitney's letterman jacket. Day. She smiles. Chloe enters.
Chloe: Unless the robe passes for haute couture these days, I'm guessing someone's not ready for the party. (She sits on the bed.)
Lana: I don't know how this day slipped by so fast. I was over at Whitney's looking at some old photos, trying to refresh his memory.
Chloe: How's he doing?
Lana: You know, surprisingly well considering everything he's been through.
Lana sits on the edge of the bed as Chloe lies down on her side.)
Chloe: Did he mention your award-winning Dear John video?
Lana: He doesn't remember ever seeing it. He thinks we're still a couple.
Chloe: Well, that's gotta be awkward.
Lana: I can't turn my back on him now. He needs me more than ever.
Chloe: Could Lana Lang be falling for the man in uniform?
Lana: Why would you say that?
Chloe: I don't know. I just sense that this may not be just a Florence Nightingale nursing a wounded soldier.
Lana: I mean, I don't know how to feel, you know? It's happening so fast. But seeing him again, a lot of those feelings came back, feelings I thought were long gone.
Chloe: Hence the 45-minute wardrobe crisis.
Lana: (Standing up) The thing with Whitney is that what you see is what you get. You know, no mysteries, no deep dark secrets.
Lana turns back to the closet.
Chloe: Unlike someone we know.
Lana turns to Chloe and Chloe smiles.
Act 1 Scene 6
Whitney's homecoming party at the Talon. Night. There is an American flag hanging next to a big banner that says Welcome Home! Clark enters and sees Pete and Chloe talking to Lana and Whitney.
Pete: So did you catch any tape-delayed Shark games over there? They're burying the entire league.
Whitney: (Laughing) I'm not that interested in football these days.
Chloe: You know, Whitney, if you're up for it, I'd love to set up an exclusive interview with you for the Torch.
Whitney: I actually don't remember that much and what I do remember I'd rather not talk about. Now that I'm back home, I'd rather focus on the more important things in life. (He smiles at Lana.)
Chloe: Great.
Pete and Chloe walk away as Clark approaches.
Whitney: Hey, Clark.
Clark: (Shaking his hand) Whitney, good to have you back.
A guy in a letterman jacket runs up.
Guy: Hey, Fordman! (He pulls Whitney away)
Lana: Listen, Clark, about Saturday...
Clark: No, it's okay. I understand.
Whitney: (Comes back and slaps Clark on the shoulder) What's going on this Saturday?
Lana: (Brightly) Nothing.
Whitney looks at Clark as if to confirm this. Clark nods.
Whitney: I take it you two saw a lot of each other while I was gone?
Clark: No, not especially.
Lana: Clark and I are just friends, Whitney.
Whitney: (Pause) I'm gonna get some punch.
Whitney gives Clark a challenging look and walks away.
CUT TO Whitney splashing water on his face in the bathroom.
Whitney: (Into the mirror) How could I have been so stupid?!
In a rage, he goes to a stall and rips the door off its hinges. He throws it across the room just as Clark is entering.
Clark: Whitney, what's going on?
Whitney: What's going on with you and Lana?
Clark: Nothing. Whitney, I kept my promise to you. I looked out for her, that's it.
Whitney: Oh yeah, you're a real class act, Kent. I go off and fight for my country and you s*ab me in the back by trying to steal my girl.
Clark: That's not what happened. How'd you do that to the door?
Whitney: I'm a trained U.S. marine, Clark. There's a lot of things I can do. (Furiously) Stay away from Lana.
He leaves the room.
Act 1 Scene 7
Clark walks up to Lana at her locker. Day.
Clark: Lana? We need to talk.
Lana: About what happened last night in the Talon? You could have apologized over the phone.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Lana: Whitney told me he walked in on you tearing apart the bathroom. He said you were in some kind of jealous rage.
Clark: No, Whitney was the one tearing up the bathroom.
Lana: He said you told him to stay away from me, Clark.
Clark: What? I didn't say that. He's lying.
Lana: After everything he's been through, now you're calling him a liar? I can't believe you. (She walks away)
Act 1 Scene 8
A black car drives up the road and into the Fordman driveway. Day. A man in a marine's uniform, LIEUTENANT MCNULT, steps out and walks to the door. Whitney watches from the window. The doorbell rings and Mrs. Fordman answers it.
McNult: Ma'am, I'm Lieutenant McNult, United States Marine Corps. May I come in?
Mrs. Fordman: Yes, of course.
McNult: Thank you.
He enters and she closes the door behind him. She leads him to the kitchen.
Mrs. Fordman: Are you here to see Whitney?
McNult: I beg your pardon?
Whitney enters carrying a baseball bat.
Whitney: (Smiling) Hey, what's up, Lieutenant?
McNult: (Shaken) There must be some mistake.
Mrs. Fordman: Mistake? What do you mean?
McNult: Ma'am, according to my superiors, your son is actually-
With a growl, Whitney starts bashing McNult with the bat.
Mrs. Fordman: Aaaah! Aaaah!
Blood splashes onto Whitney's face as he continues to swing. McNult's hat falls to the ground and Whitney drops the bloody bat next to it. Mrs. Fordman is still screaming hysterically. Whitney clamps his hand over her mouth.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Lana and Whitney enter Whitney's s*ab. Day.
Lana: (Walking up to a horse) I haven't seen Heisman in so long. (She feeds the horse some carrots)
Whitney: You know what I missed the most? Times like this when it's just the two of us. (He notices that Lana is wearing the meteor necklace) Hey, you're wearing your necklace. Whenever I pictured you in my mind, you always had it on.
Lana: I haven't worn it since they sent it back. I wanted to know that you were safe first.
Whitney: Sent back?
Lana: Oh, I-I gave it to you when you left for basic training. They sent it back to your mom when you were listed as missing.
Whitney: (Walking past her) Why can't I remember?
Lana: I know how hard this must be for you. Isn't the important thing that you're alive? You know, that you're back with people that care about you?
Whitney: Lana, I've been thinking. Now that Nell's gone, maybe-- maybe we should move in together.
Lana: Whitney, we-- we can't move in together.
Whitney: (Angry) This is about Clark, isn't it?
Lana: I told you, Clark and I are just friends.
Whitney: He's got secrets, Lana.
Lana: What kind of secrets?
Whitney: You should be careful of him cause he's not what he seems.
Lana: How do you know?
Whitney: Can we just not talk about Clark? (He turns away and takes a breath) Lana, I'm sorry, I didn't-- I didn't mean to freak you out with that whole moving in thing. I just... I just want to be with you all the time.
Lana: It's okay.
Act 2 Scene 2
Lex and Clark are playing pool at the mansion. Day.
Lex: Who knows what kind of inside information she's given him about my company?
Lex makes a sh*t and sends the cue ball into the corner pocket.
Clark: (Taking the ball out) Lex, you've been dating Helen for a while. But nothing you ever told me about her would lead me to believe she's the espionage type.
Lex: I'm afraid one day you'll learn the frustrating truth, Clark. People are seldom whom they appear to be.
Clark: Did she give you any kind of explanation?
Lex: Didn't get that far. When she learned that I had her investigated, she turned hostile and stormed out.
Clark: If I knew someone was investigating me, I'd be a little ticked off too.
Lex: (Putting down his cue to pour a drink) You want to know the most pathetic part about it? For the first time, I actually pictured a future with a woman beyond two months.
Clark: Did you ask her to explain her side of the story? It may not be what it looks like.
Lex: I wish I shared your eternal optimism, Clark.
Clark: I'm not sure how much of an optimist I've been lately.
Lex: Now that the quarterback's returned, you're back at your own one-yard line with Lana? (Clark nods) Be patient. Most quarterbacks' careers don't last that long.
Clark: It's not just that. I mean, I'm worried about him. Since he's been back, he's been acting bizarre, like he's someone else.
Lex: He might be suffering from posttraumatic stress. Some of my employees went through it after the tornado. I sent them to a specialist in Metropolis. They're all doing much better.
Clark: Maybe the specialist could help Whitney.
Lex: It's worth a try. If you want, I can get him an appointment this week.
Clark: Yeah, thanks.
Act 2 Scene 3
Whitney slams a yearbook down onto the table. Day. Mrs. Fordman is tied to a chair.
Mrs. Fordman: What happened to you?
Whitney: Answer the question! (He walks up to her and holds her head back by her hair) What is my favorite radio station?!
Mrs. Fordman: (Crying) I don't know.
Whitney: (Jerking her head) When I get in the car with Lana, that radio has to be on the right station. What is it?!
Mrs. Fordman: It's-- it's the one that plays loud rock. I-I think that that there's a sti-- a sticker on one of your old school books. (Sobbing) Please, please...
The doorbell rings. Whitney rips off a piece of electrical tape and puts it over her mouth. He answers the door and it's Clark. He steps onto the porch and closes the door behind him.
Whitney: What do you want now, Kent?
Clark: Look, Whitney, I know we've had our differences in the past. But before you left Smallville, I thought we'd come to an understanding. I'm worried about you.
Whitney: Worried about what?
Clark: You've been through a lot, and Lex Luthor told me about this doctor who deals with people with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Whitney: Clark, if this is your way of trying to break me and Lana up, it's not gonna work. I know you've got a thing for her. You always have. It's one of Clark Kent's many secrets.
Clark: Whitney, this has nothing to do with Lana. You need help.
Whitney: What I need is for you to stay out of my life.
He pushes Clark with one hand and sends him off the porch and onto the grass. Whitney goes back inside. Clark uses his X-ray vision to look through the door. He sees Whitney's skeleton locking the door and walking away. The skeleton is oddly shaped and glowing green.
CUT TO Whitney coming back into the kitchen where Mrs. Fordman is whimpering. Whitney morphs into Tina Grier from the episode X-Ray.
Tina: (Looking at Mrs. Fordman) Shut up!
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark enters the Talon where Pete and Chloe are working. Day.
Clark: Hey.
Pete: Clark, what's going on?
Clark: I know this may sound crazy, but Whitney may not be Whitney.
Chloe: Are you getting existential on us, or is this Wall of Weird material?
Clark: I think he's Tina Grier.
Chloe: The mighty morphing power girl?
Pete: What?
Clark: The girl who was Lex and then Lana and then locked up.
Pete: I know who she is, but it's impossible.
Clark: Why? She was obsessed with Lana, remember? Maybe she escaped from the hospital to see her again. Who better to impersonate than Whitney?
Chloe: Clark, there's no way that she could have pulled a Martin Guerre.
Clark: Why not?
Chloe: Cause she's d*ad.
Clark: What?
Chloe: She committed su1c1de last week. I'm running a story on it on page 2.
Clark: What happened?
Chloe: The authorities said that she went into the art therapy room in the psychiatric hospital, doused herself in paint thinner, and lit a match.
Pete: Okay, now that's nasty.
Chloe: I know. Tina wrote a note saying that she just didn't know who she was anymore. She couldn't take it.
Clark: (After a pause) Did they ID her dental records?
CUT TO Clark and Pete walking through the hall after class.
Clark: There's something else about Tina. I think she may know about my abilities.
Pete: You think?
Clark: Well, I had to use them to stop her. Once she was declared insane, I figured I didn't have to worry.
Pete: Well, you gotta worry now. What about the meteor rocks? Does she know?
Clark: Yeah, she used Lana's necklace against me.
Pete: You better be careful, man.
Clark: I'm gonna go find Tina. You warn Lana.
Lana walks out of a classroom.
Lana: Warn me about what?
Clark: Lana, this may be hard for you to understand, but... we may think that Whitney's actually Tina Grier.
Lana: Why would you say that?
Clark: You just have to believe me.
Lana: This is just insane.
Clark: I know it's a lot to process, but it's true. I'm going to the Fordmans'. You stay here with Pete till I get back. (Clark leaves)
Lana: (To Pete as she walks away) I need some time alone.
Pete: I understand, Lana, but that freak is dangerous.
Lana: (Stopping in her tracks) I know.
She turns around kicks Pete in the face, then in the stomach sending him flying down the hall. She goes to him and lifts him up against the lockers, holding him by his shirt.
Pete: You're Tina.
She throws him across the hall against the other row of lockers where he hits his head and gets knocked unconscious.
Lana: Who you calling a freak?
She walks away.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark rings the doorbell at the Fordmans'. Day.
Clark: Mrs. Fordman? (He knocks on the door. When he doesn't get an answer, he pokes the lock out with his finger and enters) Mrs. Fordman? (He finds her tied to the chair. He takes the tape off her mouth) Are you okay? Where's Whitney?
Mrs. Fordman: (Crying) I don't know. Whoever it is, it is not my son. That girl, she's some kind of monster.
Clark: Okay. (He helps her up)
Act 2 Scene 6
Whitney enters the Talon where Lana is working. Day.
Whitney: Lana. We have to talk. (He takes her to a table)
Lana: Uh, could you give me a second, it's kind of--
Whitney: It can't wait. Sit down. (They sit. Whitney pulls out a small box and opens it to reveal a ring) Will you marry me? I-I understood why you didn't want to move in together. Now it'll be legal, and we can elope. We can get out of Smallville.
Lana: Whitney, this-- this is crazy. You know, I'm still in high school.
Whitney: My mom was only 16 when she married my dad. This is her ring.
Lana: (Pause) I'm sorry. I can't accept it.
Lana stands up and Whitney follows her.
Whitney: Why not?
Lana: Whitney, that-- that video letter I sent you... There are some things that I said that-- that I can't keep from you anymore.
Whitney: Like what?
Lana: I said that I-- I told you I thought we should go our separate ways. I didn't want to say anything when you said you couldn't remember. You just-- you had been through so much and I didn't want to hurt you like that. I will always care about you, Whitney.
Whitney: But you care more about Clark.
Lana: This has nothing to do with Clark.
Whitney: Don't lie to me! Look me in the eye and tell me you don't have feelings for him.
Lana: I have to get back to work. (She walks back to the bar)
Whitney: It's okay. It's okay. One thing combat taught me is how to, uh, deal with loss and move on.
Lana: I'm sorry.
Whitney: If I could just ask you for one thing...
Lana: Of course.
Whitney: Your necklace. Do you think I could have it? I-- just as something to remember you by. I know it means a lot to you.
Lana: It does. (She reaches behind her neck to unclasp the necklace) That's why I want you to have it.
She gives it to him and he smiles as he closes his hand over it.
Act 2 Scene 7
Clark enters the loft where Jonathan is working on the tractor. Night.
Clark: Hey, Dad.
Jonathan: Oh, hi, Clark. Say, how's Mrs. Fordman doing?
Clark: They need to keep her overnight. She's pretty freaked out by this whole thing.
Jonathan: Who could blame her, right? Oh, uh, any idea where Tina is now?
Clark: No. She could be anyone.
Jonathan: Yeah. (Out of Clark's sight, Jonathan holds up the glowing meteor necklace) You're right about that.
He turns toward Clark.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
The door to the storm cellar opens and Clark is kicked down the stairs. Night. Tina comes down the stairs after him wearing Jonathan's clothes.
Tina: I always wondered how you b*at me, Clark. Should be d*ad, but you're not. The meteor shower must have done something to you too.
We see the meteor necklace around Clark's neck as he groans.
Tina: Looks painful. (She grabs a rope)
Clark: Tina, don't do this.
Tina: (She kneels down to tie his arms behind his back) If I want to be with Lana, I don't have a choice.
Clark: Last year, you tried to k*ll her.
Tina: Yeah. It was the worst mistake of my life. She rejected me and I acted without thinking. But I love her, and I'll do anything to be with her. I finally figured out who Lana wants to be with.
Tina walks behind a shelf and when she comes out the other side, she has taken on Clark's form.
Clark #2: It's gonna be easy to become you, Clark.
Clark: (Strained) No! Stay away from her!
Clark #2: You have the perfect life. Great parents, good friends, and most importantly, the girl of our dreams waiting for you to finally make a move.
Clark #2 leaves, slamming the door behind him.
Clark: No!
Act 3 Scene 2
Lex enters the Talon where Helen is seated at the bar. Night.
Lex: I'm not used to people ignoring my calls.
Helen: I have to get to work.
Lex: Look, you can at least offer me some kind of explanation.
Helen: Your father did approach me, Lex. He did offer me money, but not to spy on you.
Lex: Then what did he want?
Helen: He wanted me to dump you. Even after I told him to go to hell, he wired the money anyway. So I guess he succeeded in exactly what he set out to do. Break us up.
Lex: You're telling me my father offered you $100,000 against your will? Why would he do that?
Helen: I can't even begin to fathom the depths of the Luthor family pathology.
Lex: You could have been honest. You could have told me.
Helen: I was about to. But before I could say a word, I realized I was in the middle of an interrogation. (She starts to walk away.)
Lex: Helen... if I had known--
Helen: No, no, no, no. I'm glad that this happened. It showed me who I was really dealing with. You know, I-I've done some pretty stupid things in my life, but this could possibly win the Nobel Prize for stupidity. I fell for someone who never really existed. (She leaves)
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark continues to struggle on the floor of the storm cellar, his face bathed in green light. Night.
He is panting as the veins in his neck bulge. Behind him we see the ship, covered by a blue tarp. It starts to glow slightly. Clark doesn't notice and the glow stops, but lights up again. He turns onto his other side and sees it as the glow pulses a third time, even more brightly. It lights up once more and we hear a frequency coming from the ship getting higher and higher as the glow becomes so bright that Clark has to squint against it. There is a blast and the ship sends out white waves of energy causing the ground to shake and wind to blow. The meteor rock against Clark's neck begins to lose its green color until it is completely clear. The ship goes dark. Clark remains on the floor, but his pain is obviously gone.
Act 3 Scene 4
Tina is in Lana's bedroom. Night. She opens a drawer and pulls out a nightgown, holding it to her nose and taking a deep breath. She hears a door close in the hallway and looks up. Lana enters in a towel, drying her hair. She sees Chloe standing next to the dresser.
Lana: Hey.
Chloe: (Holding a pair of socks) Sorry, I-I hope you don't mind. I, um, I need-- I'm sock-deprived. All my clothes are stuck on spin.
Lana: Well, go ahead. I got to go to the Talon and close out. (She goes to her closet)
Chloe: I bumped into Whitney. He told me what happened.
Lana: (Honestly concerned) Is he okay?
Chloe: Well, he said you're not an easy girl to get over, but he knows you'll be happy with Clark.
Lana: I told him this has nothing to do with Clark.
Chloe: Come on, Lana. It's obvious you two belong together.
Lana: Okay. Now you're starting act strange.
Chloe: Why?
Lana: Well, given your past history with Clark, I'm surprised you're so eager to play matchmaker.
Chloe doesn't answer, but looks Lana up and down. Lana turns back to the closet.
Chloe: Don't think it's easy for me, Lana. I just don't want to stand in the way of what's meant to be. (She walks up right behind Lana, smelling her hair. She puts her hand on Lana's shoulder. Lana turns around, startled) Sorry.
Chloe smiles and Lana turns back to the closet, confused.
Act 3 Scene 5
Jonathan bursts into the storm cellar with a flashlight. Night.
Jonathan: Clark? (To Martha) He's down here! Clark! (He helps Clark to his feet) Are you all right? What happened?
Clark: The ship saved me.
Jonathan: How'd it do that?
Clark: I don't know, but look what it did to the necklace. (Jonathan holds up the flashlight and shines it on the clear rock) Oh, my God. I have to save Lana.
Jonathan: What-- Clark...
Clark runs up the stairs and we hear a whoosh as he super speeds away. Jonathan shines his light at the ship where the tarp is still smoking.
Act 3 Scene 6
Lana is cleaning the tables after hours at the Talon. Night. She puts some dishes on the bar and when she turns around, Clark #2 is there, smiling.
Lana: (Startled) Hey.
Clark #2: Sorry, did I scare you?
Lana: No, I just-- I wasn't expecting to see anyone this late. (She goes to pick up some more dishes)
Clark #2: Hey, Lana, there's something I should tell you. When I saw you with Whitney I realized that if I didn't act on my true feelings, I could lose you forever.
Lana: Did someone put something in the Smallville water supply, cause everyone's acting really strange today.
Clark #2: I'm acting the way I should've acted the first time I met you. Lana, I love you. (He leans and kisses her passionately)
Lana: Clark...
She responds to the kiss at first, then tries to push him away, but he keeps trying to kiss her. The real Clark enters in the background. Lana looks back and forth at both of them, shocked.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lana and both Clarks in the Talon. Night.
Clark: Get away from her!
Lana: (To Clark #2) What's going on?
Clark #2: Nothing. I'll explain everything when I get you away from Tina.
Lana: Tina?
Clark: (Pointing to Clark #2) No, Lana, that's Tina! Lana, it's me, Clark.
Clark #2: Don't listen to him. He's lying.
Clark: (Coming closer) The guy who fixed the leaky drainpipe?
Lana looks at Clark and tries to get away from Clark #2. He holds her where she is.
Clark #2: No. We're supposed to be together.
Lana: Stay away from me, you freak!
Clark #2: No!
Clark #2 punches her in the face and she is thrown against the wall.
Clark super speeds to Clark #2 and slams him against the wall.
Clark #2: You ruin everything!
Clark #2 slams him against a set of double doors and they both fall out of the building, landing in the alley outside, Clark #2 on top of Clark. Clark head butts him, sending him back against some trash cans. Clark gets to his feet and so does Clark #2. They face off, slowly circling each other.
Clark #2: I'm gonna kick your ass, Kent!
Clark: (Calmly) Bring it on.
Clark #2 bends over, ready to charge, and Clark steels himself. Clark #2 runs at him, head first into his stomach, ramming him into the wall at the other side of the alley. He bashes Clark against the wall a few times, then Clark turns around, bashing Clark #2 into the wall. Clark #2 grabs a pipe sticking out of the ground and pushes Clark away. He hits Clark with the pipe and Clark goes flying backwards into a nearby greenhouse, shattering the glass.
He is trying to get up when Clark #2 comes in after him and raises the pipe over his head. Before he can strike, Clark kicks him in the chest and he is thrown out of the greenhouse and onto the street. Clark comes out, holding the pipe.
Clark: Tina! Listen to me! (He drops the pipe) You don't have to do this. You can stop. I can help you.
Clark #2 is standing next to a parked truck with a large generator in the back. He grabs the generator and holds it over his head.
Clark #2: Why don't you just die?!
He runs at Clark, but Clark super speeds out of the way. Clark #2 keeps running toward the point of a jagged broken window frame sticking out of the greenhouse, too quickly to realize what is going on. He stops short when he is impaled and drops the generator. The frame has gone all the way through his chest and is coming out of his back, dripping with blood.
Clark: Tina...
Clark #2 morphs back into Tina.
Tina: (Weakly) Take care of... Lana.
She gasps a few times and then dies.
Act 4 Scene 2
Martha is watering some flowers in the kitchen as Jonathan and Clark enter. Day.
Martha: How is Mrs. Fordman?
Jonathan: (Slowly) Uh... The military officer that Tina m*rder was coming to tell Mrs. Fordman that they had found Whitney's body. Whitney died in combat, sweetie.
Martha: Oh, my God. (Jonathan hugs her) Oh, that's horrible.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Martha: Clark? Have you seen Lana?
Clark: Chloe said she's not ready to see anyone yet.
Martha: Sweetheart, are-- are you all right?
Clark: I just can't help thinking that... Whitney's skin wasn't bulletproof. His bones weren't unbreakable, but he still put himself in harm's way so the world could be safer. I wonder if I didn't have my abilities if I'd have that same kind of courage.
Jonathan: (He puts his hand on Clark's shoulder) Son, there is no doubt in our minds that you would.
Clark puts his hand on top of Jonathan's.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lex is standing in the hallway of the hospital. Day. Helen is talking to another doctor. When the doctor walks away, Lex goes to Helen.
Helen: Lex.
Lex: What I did was inexcusable. I violated your privacy. I should have trusted you.
Helen: It's a little late for apologies.
Helen starts to walk away and Lex follows.
Lex: From the time I was born, I was raised in an environment of suspicion and distrust. My father taught me to regard everyone as an adversary no matter who they are.
Helen: (She stops) I'm really sorry you had to grow up like that, Lex, I am. (She turns away again)
Lex: When my mother died, I began to build a wall around my heart. Every year that wall grew taller and more fortified until eventually it became impenetrable. I want to tear the wall down, Helen, I do. I just-- I don't have the slightest clue how to do it.
Helen: (Turning around as she takes a deep breath) Lex...
Lex: I never once asked anyone for help, but I'm asking you now. Help me, Helen. I don't want to become my father.
Helen walks to him and takes his hand. They walk away together slowly.
Act 4 Scene 4
Clark is in the underground caves. Night. He is holding up the clear meteor necklace and looking at the wall paintings with his flashlight. He turns around and puts the necklace in his pocket as Lana comes around the corner.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: Um, I called your house. Your mom said you were down here.
Clark: I am so sorry.
Lana: (Crying) I never should have sent that video.
Clark: Don't do that to yourself.
Lana: He was missing in action, fighting for his life thinking that I wasn't there, that I didn't care.
Clark: It's not your fault.
Lana: (She walks past him) It seems like every person that I've ever gotten close to just leaves.
Clark: That's not true.
Lana: Yeah, it is. My parents, Nell, now Whitney. I know I haven't been a good friend. (She turns to face him)
Clark: You've been a great friend.
Lana: No, I have doubted you, accused you of things, and still you're here protecting me. I don't care if you have secrets, Clark. You are the one good, constant thing in my life and I don't want to lose you too.
Clark: (Taking her into his arms) I'm not going anywhere.
She cries against his chest and they stay there, holding each other.
Fade to black.
*************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Days Go By (acoustic)" by Dirty Vegas
"The Anthem" by Good Charlotte
"Mad World" by Michael Andrews feat. Gary Jules, Donnie Darko Soundtrack
"Love" by Rosey
********************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x11 - Visage"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #212 - "Insurgence"
Original airdate: January 21, 2003
Written by: Kenneth Biller & Jeph Loeb
Directed by: James Marshall
Open on a sh*t of a man's stapled hands. As the camera pulls back, we see it's Lex, sitting behind his desk with a none-too-pleased expression on his face.
Lex: (Controlled anger) I was under the impression that the deal had closed.
Lawyer: (Remorseful) Mr. Luthor, I'm sorry.
Lex: I don't want "I'm sorry." I want to know how the hell my father b*at me out of a 150-million dollar contract that you assured me was a done deal!
Lawyer: The only way they would have known the exact dollar amount was if they had inside information.
Lex: (Anger rising) And since you and I were the only ones who knew about it, and I certainly didn't tell my father, that leaves you in a very uncomfortable position.
Lawyer: If I no longer have your confidence, I'll tender my resignation in the morning.
Lex gets up from behind the desk and walks angrily toward his lawyer.
Lex: (thr*at) My father would want more than your resignation. He'd hobble you at the knees and do everything in his power to insure you'd never work in the corporate world again.
The lawyer swallows fearfully, and slowly turns to leave. As he does, Lex calls after him, his voice still angry, but not thr*at. As Lex speaks, the lawyer turns to face him.
Lex: But I'm not my father. All I want to know is how he found out. And how I can stop it from ever happening again.
The lawyer nods in understanding, a grateful look on his face as he realizes Lex is not going to destroy him. The lawyer turns and walks quickly from the room.
Lex watches his lawyer leave, then turns and leans on his desk, his face a mask of controlled fury. He glances down and his gaze falls on a magazine featuring a picture of himself and Lionel, with the headline, "Will The Son Surpass The Father?". With a growl of anger, Lex sweeps his arm across his desk, knocking everything--magazine, papers, computer monitor, flower vase--to the floor in frustration.
Lex collects himself, then walks over to the mess. He kneels down and begins gathering up the pieces. He picks up a flower bud which was inside the vase of flowers on his desk. As he looks at it, he notices a tiny, thin needle sticking out from the top of the bud. He pulls the needle out to reveal a tiny listening device hidden inside the flower. A look of realization crosses Lex's face as he glances around his office, now knowing how Lionel got his inside information.
Cut to a sh*t of the Lex's study, sometime later. The office is in a state of disarray--tables overturned or covered with objects from other parts of the room. Rock music blares from the stereo as we see Lex tearing apart his bookcases, flinging the books to the floor. Glancing at a painting on the wall, Lex reaches down and picks up a metal bar (it looks like a leg from a small desktop globe or even a small end table of some sort) from his desk. He walks over to the painting and uses the edge of bar to rip the canvas to shreds.
Cut to a sh*t of the side door into Lex's office. Clark opens the door, pushing a chair out of the way, and glances around in confusion at the trashed office as Lex continues to rip apart the painting.
Clark: (Confused) Lex, what's going on?
Lex glances up, but doesn't answer. He drops the painting and puts a finger to his lips, shushing Clark. Walking over to the stereo, Lex turns the music up several notches, then walks toward Clark.
Lex: Big Brother is listening, or should I say "Big Daddy"? (Indicates his desk) These are just what I found so far.
We see several listening devices and tiny cameras scattered across Lex's desk. Lex picks up one and shows it to Clark, who takes it and examines it.
Lex: State of the art in high-tech surveillance. I'm going to have to bring in a team of experts to sweep the rest of mansion.
Clark: (disbelieving) What are you saying, your dad's spying on you?
Lex: I had the inside track on a multi-million dollar contract. At the last minute, LuthorCorp manages to underbid me. You do the math.
Clark: Lex, you got to calm down...
Lex: (Angrily) Don't tell me to calm down, Clark! How would you feel if someone were listening to every private word you uttered, learning all your secrets?
Clark considers this for a moment, as Lex goes back to trashing the office looking for bugs. Clark glances around, and focuses his X-Ray vision on Lex's bookshelves. His eyes widen at what he sees.
Clark: (A bit worried) Lex. These devices could be anywhere. They could be in the sofa cushions or the heating vents.
Lex: I already checked.
Clark: What about your stereo?
Lex walks over to his bookshelf, and peers through the glass doors protecting the small CD/stereo system. From behind the glass, we see his expression turn to fury as he spies the small camera hidden inside the stereo. He raises the metal bar in his hand and swings it toward the stereo. As he smashes the stereo, the screen suddenly goes to snow as the camera is destroyed.
[Opening credits]
Cut to a sh*t of a framed photograph of the Kent family, looking happy. As the camera pans down the hallway and into the kitchen, we see Jonathan standing next to the stove, putting something on a plate as Clark wipes down the counters with a dishtowel. Finishing at the stove, Jonathan takes his plate toward the table as Clark turns around.
Clark: (Taking Jonathan's plate) Hey, Dad, you want me to make this extra crispy for you?
Jonathan: (Taking the plate of fried chicken back) No thanks, but if I do say so myself, I've cooked this bird to a golden brown perfection, just the way your mother likes it.
We see a large picnic basket, and various dishes, scattered across the kitchen table. Jonathan starts to pack the basket.
Clark: (Handing one of the bowls of food to Jonathan) So how come you guys aren't going to Metropolis this year for your anniversary?
Jonathan: (Dryly) Well it seems to me last year while we were out of town a certain somebody had a party at our house?
Clark looks sheepishly at his father before continuing.
Clark: Yeah, you know what, I think a picnic sounds perfect.
Martha descends the stairs, dressed in a business suit with a overnight bag in her hand.
Martha: (Disappointed) So do I. But I can't go.
Jonathan: (Disbelieving) Wait--wait a minute. What do you mean you can't go?
Martha: Lionel just called. LuthorCorp's finalizing a major acquisition tomorrow, and he needs me to go with him to his Metropolis office to prepare.
Clark: Didn't you tell him it's your anniversary, Mom?
Martha: (To Jonathan) I'll be back tomorrow night. (hopeful) We can celebrate then. Any restaurant you want.
Jonathan: (Angry) What are you going to do, put it on your LuthorCorp expense account?
Martha: (Sighing) Oh, Jonathan. You can't make me feel any worse about it than I already do. I know how hard you worked planning today, but I don't have a choice. He's my boss.
Jonathan: (Indignant) I'm your husband.
Martha: Believe me, I'd much rather spend the day with you, but this job is important to me.
Jonathan: I never thought I'd see the day when this job was more important to you than this family.
Clark: You know what? Dad's right. You shouldn't be working for Lionel Luthor anyway.
Jonathan: (Frustrated sigh) Clark...
Clark: No. The only way that he got this major acquisition was by spying on Lex.
Jonathan: (Angrily) Clark! This is between your mother and I.
Martha: (Pleading for understanding) Jonathan, how many times have you put this farm above our personal lives?
Jonathan: That is different, Martha.
Martha: Why? I'm working toward the same goal--our family's financial security. I wish this job didn't bother you so much.
Jonathan clenches his jaw in anger, as Clark looks on uncomfortably. Martha glances from Jonathan to Clark as the tension fills the room.
Martha: (Resignedly) I have to go.
Martha turns and leaves, slamming the door behind her, as Jonathan and Clark watch her go.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study doors. Lionel flings the doors open and strides into the study.
Lionel: (Impatiently) All right, Lex. What's so urgent.
The camera pans up and we see Lex up on the landing above the office.
Lex: (Casually) Remember the new American embassy in Moscow?
Lionel: Uh-huh.
Lex: (Descending the stairs) It was so riddled with surveillance hardware, the State Department had to abandon it.
Lionel: I've got a meeting, Lex. I don't have time to chat about foreign affairs.
Lex: (Pointedly) Actually the topic is domestic. (indicates their surroundings) I've discovered a bug problem right here in my very own home.
Lionel: Ha-ha-ha-ha. Corporate espionage? It's a fact of modern business, Lex. I'm surprised your security was so lax.
Lionel turns and begins walking away, toward the exit.
Lex: (Matter of factly) Still, it's hard to imagine how the perpetrator could have gained access to the mansion.
At Lex's words, Lionel stops in his tracks.
Lionel: (Sniffing the air a few times) Do I detect a faint whiff of innuendo?
Lex: (Walking toward Lionel) Of course not, Dad. I just wanted to congratulate you on winning that contract.
Lionel: (Amused) Oh, is that what this is about? Making an excuse for your defeat? Hmm?
Lex just stares coldly at Lionel.
Lionel: (Continuing) Because I don't have time for excuses.
With that, Lionel turns and heads for the door.
Lionel: (Pausing in the doorway) As for your bug problem, I suggest you call an exterminator.
Lex just smirks as Lionel exits the office. As Lex watches Lionel leave, Lex's cell phone begins to ring. Lex walks over and picks it up, attaching a small voice modulator to the mouthpiece before answering it.
Lex: (Answering phone) This is Mr. Green.
Cut to a sh*t of an Asian man, Kern, in a blue workers jumpsuit, standing next to a van outside.
Kern: I finished the appraisal that you requested, and we're ready to close escrow.
Lex: (Computer distorted voice over Kern's cell phone) How soon can you complete the transaction?
Kern: (Opening the van door and climbing inside) Today. We're on site and ready to roll. We can get you full access to the property--audio and video. Do we have a go?
Cut to a sh*t of Lex in his office. He pauses, reaching down and picking up one of the listening devices off his desk. He studies it for a moment, thinking.
Kern: (Over Lex's cell phone) Mr. Green, are you there? Mr. Green?
Lex: (Firmly) Do it.
Cut to a sh*t inside the van.
Kern: (Closing cell phone) We're on.
As the van pulls away, we see it where it was parked--outside the LuthorCorp headquarters.
Cut to a sh*t inside Clark's loft. He's reading a book, "Families in Crisis: Healing the Rift" by Dr. Justin Bishop. Clark glances up as he hears footsteps approaching the loft, and we see Lana, clad in a pink wispy dress climbing the stairs.
Clark: (Taking in Lana's appearance) Wow.
Lana: (Unsure) You don't think it's too much?
Clark: That depends who you're wearing it for?
Lana: What do you call your newly discovered biological father's wife?
Clark: (Considering) Well, personally I'd call her Mrs. Small, but that's just me. So you're really going to see her?
Lana: (Nodding) Yeah. I kind of feel like I'm auditioning. What if she votes me off the island?
Clark: (Reassuringly) Lana, anyone who gets to know you realizes how special you are.
Lana smiles at Clark gratefully, touched by his words.
Lana: Thanks, Clark. That's--that's really sweet of you to say.
Clark: You're always the one telling me I need to be more honest.
Lana: (Chuckling) Yeah. (Pauses) Well, you know, maybe you see me that way because we're friends, but to Jennifer Small, I'm just her husband's illegitimate daughter trying to worm her way into his life.
Clark: Lana, if she accepts you, then great. But if not, that's her loss. Besides, isn't your priority Henry? That's been going pretty well.
Lana: Yeah. Uh, but, maybe it's the whole adopted kid fantasy thing, but I can't help thinking that if I don't screw it up, I might have an actual family.
Clark: Look, Lana, I want you to have everything you wish for, I really do... Just because you have a family doesn't mean every day's a picnic.
Lana: (Joking) Unless of course, you're a Kent.
Clark: (Sadly) Well, to be honest, my parents aren't really getting along right now.
Lana: (Understandingly) I'm sorry Clark. Do you want to talk about it?
Clark: (Shaking his head) Later. You've got someplace to be.
Lana: (Small smile) Okay.
Lana laughs nervously and heads for the exit, then stops and turns back to Clark.
Lana: Clark, whatever it is, your parents will work it out.
Clark smiles back in gratitude.
Lana: After all, some people are just meant to be together.
Lana turns and exits, as Clark thinks about what she said.
Cut to a sh*t of the Luthor Mansion. Inside, Lex is dialing a number on his cell-phone. Clark enters, and Lex disconnects the call.
Clark: Lex, what's the most romantic restaurant in Metropolis?
Lex: (Chuckling a bit) Well, I'm sure there are a lot of opinions on that Clark, but, uh, personally I'd have to go with Le Petite Fleur.
The two men walk down the hall and enter Lex's study.
Clark: Think you could score me a reservation for tonight?
Lex: Who's the lucky girl?
Clark: My mom. It's my parents' anniversary, and my dad had a picnic, but now she's in Metropolis with your dad.
Lex turns around at Clark's words.
Lex: (Concerned) They're in Metropolis? At LuthorCorp? On a Sunday?
Clark: Yeah. Can you believe that he makes her work on her anniversary.
Lex: (Dryly) To my father, there's no such thing as a personal life. (Hurriedly) Listen, Clark, since it is their anniversary, I think I could do you one better than the reservations.
Clark: (Curiously) What do you have in mind?
Lex: Well, if you'll excuse me a minute to make a few few calls, I'll explain.
Lex exits the office.
Cut to a sh*t of the LuthorCorp building. Inside, Kern and the team (Two men named Nicky and Pine, and a woman named Bishio) that Lex has hired, disguised as a cleaning crew, enter the offices and begin to work planting bugs, tapping phone lines, and hacking into LuthorCorp's computer system. Kern's cell phone begins to ring, and he answers it.
Kern: (Answering phone) Kern.
Lex: (Computer distorted voice over Kern's phone) This is Green.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex, on his cell phone at the mansion.
Lex: (Firmly) I want you to terminate now.
Cut to a sh*t of Kern back in the offices.
Kern: You realize you'll be forfeiting your deposit.
Lex: (Computer distorted voice on Kern's phone) There are people in the building. I want you all out.
Kern: I understand.
Kern hangs up his cell phone and turns to his crew. Pine, who has been studying a blueprint of the office, picks up a remote control device off of the desk.
Kern: Our client has cancelled the project. He believes there are people in the building.
Pine takes the remote and aims it at a wall, pressing a button. The walls slide back to reveal a large steel vault hidden behind the walls. He walks over to examine the vault.
Kern: What are you doing?
Pine: You think the rest of us broke into the office of one of the richest men in the world just to plant a few bugs?
Kern looks on in shock.
Pine: We ain't leaving this place until we empty that vault.
Kern glances around at the other team members, who quickly avert their eyes.
Kern: (Addressing members of the team) Bishop. Nicky, how long have we worked together? We're not thieves, We were hired to do a specific job.
Pine strikes Kern hard in the back of the head with the remote. Bishop flinches as Kern falls to the ground unconscious.
Pine: The job description's just been changed. (to Nicky) Go out and check the other offices. (to Bishop) Bishop, get the torch.
Cut to a sh*t of one of the other offices. Martha and Lionel sit on a couch in front of a low coffee table, which is covered with papers.
Martha: (Guiding Lionel's hand to one of the papers) Sign here.
Lionel signs, and Martha gathers the papers.
Martha: Okay.
Martha gets up from the couch and places the papers on the desk.
Lionel: (curiously) Martha?
Martha: (Flatly) Yes?
Lionel: Is something wrong?
Martha: No. (Pauses) It's just when you said there was work that couldn't wait until Monday, I didn't think I'd be the only one here.
Lionel: I thought you'd like to work in your new office.
Martha: New office? I-I don't understand.
Lionel: (Sitting on the edge of the desk) Look inside the top left-hand drawer of the desk.
Martha slides open the drawer. Inside is an ornate red box. She glances at Lionel curiously before removing the box and setting it on the desk.
Lionel: Go ahead. Open it.
Martha opens the box to reveal an expensive looking gold watch with a diamond encrusted face. Martha gasps as she removes the watch from the box.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Turn it over.
Martha turns the watch over. On the back of the watch is an engraving.
Martha: (reading the engraving aloud) "To Martha, with deep affection, L.L."
Lionel: I'm promoting you, Martha, which means I'll be needing you more in Metropolis, which means you'll need someplace to work.
Martha: (Shaking her head slowly) Lionel...I'm flattered, really, but...I can't accept this. (Pauses) And, as far as working in Metropolis, this job is putting enough strain on my family as it is.
Lionel leans in closer and runs his hand down Martha's arm slowly, before taking her hand in his own.
Lionel: Martha, I know how much you've given up to be, uh, a farmers wife, but with your brains and your talent, don't you deserve to make your own ambitions a priority for a change?
Martha just shakes her head, unsure of how to answer.
Lionel: We'll discuss it over dinner.
Martha just opens and closes her mouth, speechless and a little upset.
Suddenly, the office door flies open. Nicky enters, pointing a g*n at Martha and Lionel.
Nicky: Hey lovebirds, wrong place, wrong time.
Lionel: Who is it? Martha?
Martha just looks between Lionel and Nicky, fear written all over her face.
Nicky: (Approaching Lionel) Get your hands up. Let's go! Get 'em in the air! Now!
Slowly, Martha and Lionel raise their hands.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. Jonathan enters and strides quickly through the room.
Jonathan: Clark. (Louder, calling upstairs toward Clark's room) Clark! I don't suppose you have any idea why there's a helicopter parked in our front yard, do you?
Clark and Lex enter from the living room. Clark holds up a suit in a plastic dry cleaner's bag.
Clark: (Happily) Lex is going to take you to Metropolis so you can take Mom to dinner.
Jonathan: (Angrily to Lex) Oh, so this was your idea, was it?
Lex: (Calmly) Actually, it was Clark's. I just offered to provide the transportation.
Jonathan: (Angrily slamming a tool down onto the table) Look, I don't know how things work in your house, but around here, we think it's important to respect other people's privacy.
Clark: (Hurriedly) Dad...
Lex: (Interrupting) It's all right, Clark. (walks toward Jonathan until he is standing face to face with him) Mr. Kent, ever since the day I moved to Smallville, I've done nothing but try to be a friend to you. And in return, you do nothing but lecture me with sanctimonious platitudes. I'm done listening to them.
Lex and Jonathan stare at each other for a moment, before Lex turns, glances at Clark, and leaves the room.
Clark: (Angrily) Dad, that was *not* fair.
Jonathan: Everything was just fine in this family until we let the Luthors into our lives.
Jonathan angrily turns and heads for the back door.
Clark: That wasn't Lex's fault.
Jonathan: (Raising his voice in anger) I appreciate your concern, but it is not your job to fix everything!
Jonathan pauses, collecting himself and speaking in a lower tone.
Jonathan: So just stay out of it.
With that, Jonathan heads back out to the barn, slamming the kitchen door behind him.
Cut to a sh*t of a Bishop using a blowtorch to cut through the door of the vault in the LuthorCorp offices. Nearby, Kern is on the floor, tied up. Pine stands back, watching Bishop attempt to break into the vault. Nicky enters the office, pushing Martha and Lionel into the room.
Nicky: Hey, Pine, I got a little present for you. Lionel Luthor.
Pine: Good. He just saved us a whole lot of time. Get him to open the vault.
Kern: It's too late, genius. You already b*rned the plate.
Pine and Kern glare at each other. Pine glances over at Bishop, who silently confirms that Kern is right.
Suddenly, a security alarm goes off, beeping loudly. Pine walks over to the room's security monitors and checks them.
Pine: How the hell did the cops get tipped off?
Lionel shifts his hand, concealing a blinking light in his palm, and attempts to move whatever he has in his hand back up into his sleeve. Pine notices the movement and stalks quickly over to Lionel.
Pine: (thr*at) What do you got in your hand?
Pine grabs Lionel's hand and tries to force it open, but Lionel resists and the two men struggle.
Pine: Open it up!
Martha: (Upset) Stop it! You're hurting him! Lionel, please.
Lionel stops resisting and Pine pries Lionel's hand open. In Lionel's palm rests a small silver cylinder, with a flashing red light. Pine holds it up, examining it.
Kern: Panic button. State of the art.
Lionel gives a small, smug smile.
Pine: (To Nicky) Check him out.
Nicky: (To Lionel) Let's go.
Nicky moves to frisk Lionel.
Lionel: A man in my position can never take too many precautions.
Martha: (Pleading) Why don't you just let us go? You can avoid adding kidnapping to the breaking and entering charges!
Lionel: You should listen to this woman. I find her advice invariably sound.
Nicky: I think he's all right.
Kern: (Angry) We should've gotten out when I said! If you'd kept to the plan, none of this would have happened!
Pine sighs, an annoyed look on his face. He pulls his g*n from his waistband and turns around, calmly sh**ting Kern in the chest. Martha screams and jumps into Lionel's arms. Nicky and Bishop both pull their g*n out and aim them at Pine. Pine pulls out another g*n and aims one at Nickey, and one at Bishop.
Nicky: (Yelling) What the hell is the matter with you!
Bishop: (Yelling>) Are you crazy?
Pine: (Yelling) Shut up!
Bishop: (Yelling) You shut up!
Nicky: (Yelling) What are you doing?!
Pine: (Yelling)Shut up!
Bishop: (Yelling) Are you crazy?!
Pine: (Yelling) Shuuuuttt Uuup! Shut Up!
Nicky:( Yelling) Drop it now!
Pine: (Calming down a bit) All right. All right all right all right...let's just settle down, Okay?
Nicky: Drop it, Pine.
Pine: Just relax, all right? Relax. Let's take it easy. I'm putting my g*n down, all right?
Pine slowly lowers his g*n.
Pine: We're just going to get the money, and we're going to get the hell out of here, all right?
Bishop takes a deep breath, then slowly lowers her g*n. Martha clings to Lionel in fear. Pine turns back to Nicky, who still has his g*n aimed at him. Pine and Nicky stare each other down for a moment, then Nicky slowly lowers his g*n. Pine sighs in relief.
Pine: (To Bishop) Back to work on that vault.
Bishop moves back to continue trying to open the vault.
Lionel: (Still holding Martha) You're wasting your time, you know. There's nothing in there of value to any of you.
Pine: (To Nicky) You keep your eyes on them. We'll need them later for leverage.
Nicky glances down at Kern's body, then back up at Pine. Martha continues to cling to Lionel, trembling with fear.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon's marquee, which reads "Half Price Lattes All Week". Inside, we see Lana, Henry Small, and Jennifer Small seated at one of the tables.
Lana: (Starting to get up from her seat) Uh, more coffee?
Jennifer: Henry, why don't you get it? Give Lana and I a chance to get a word in.
Henry: (Gathering the coffee mugs) Sure. I'll be right back.
Henry heads off to the counter, leaving Lana and Jennifer alone. Lana smiles at Jennifer nervously and shifts uncomfortably in her seat. Jennifer returns the nervous smile, then glances around the room.
Jennifer: This really is a cute place, Lana. You've got great taste.
Lana: (Sincerely) Thank you. And thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I know it can't be easy for you.
Jennifer: (Hesitantly) Lana, you seem like a very together young woman, which is why I feel like I can be completely candid with you.
Jennifer leans across the table toward Lana.
Jennifer: I don't want you getting too close to Henry.
Lana stares at her, stunned. She swallows hard a couple of times, then speaks.
Lana: Mrs. Small, I-I don't know what you think, but I am not trying to interfere with your family.
Jennifer: (Shaking her head) That's not what I'm worried about.
Lana looks at her questioningly.
Jennifer: Lana, when I married Henry, he was the editor of the law review. He was going to run for Congress. Now he runs a law practice for lost causes out of our living room.
Lana: (Impassioned) He believes in what he's doing.
Jennifer: Yeah, until it gets too difficult, or he loses interest...which he always does.
Jennifer stares at Lana, trying to make sure Lana understands the meaning behind her words. Lana looks a little stunned and sick.
Lana: (Sadly) You think he'll lose interest in me.
Jennifer: (Matter of factly) Henry has two children in boarding school. He never calls them. And even when they're home, he doesn't have time for them. Or anyone else.
Lana: (Upset) Why are you telling me this?
Jennifer: I'm trying to do you a favor. I do not want to see you get hurt the next time Henry's priorities suddenly change.
Lana blinks back a few tears as Henry approaches the table with their coffee.
Henry: So...what have you two ladies been talking about?
Lana gives Henry and uncomfortable smile and looks at Jennifer, neither of them answering Henry's question.
Cut to a sh*t outside LuthorCorp. A reporter stands on the corner, filing a news report. Behind her, police cars and swat teams race to the building.
Reporter: We are live at the LuthorCorp tower, where sometime earlier this afternoon, armed g*n apparently entered the building and are now holding LuthorCorp chairman and CEO Lionel Luthor hostage.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark and Jonathan in the Kent farmhouse. Clark is watching TV and Jonathan is reading a book. As the report comes on, Clark watches worriedly, and Jonathan lowers his book. Clark turns the TV up and Jonathan comes to sit next to Clark, neither of them taking their eyes off the TV.
Reporter: (Continuing) Along with at least one unidentified female employee.
Clark and Jonathan both stand up when they hear this news. Jonathan instantly heads to grab his jacket and leave.
Clark: (Fearfully) Mom.
Clark starts to follow his father.
Jonathan: (Determined) If anybody tries to hurt your mother...
Clark: (Equally determined) I'm not going to let that happen.
Clark starts to storm out the door, but Jonathan steps in front of him and stops him.
Jonathan:Clark. Clark! (Pauses) I'm not going to try and stop you, but I want you to be careful. Now, I'm going to follow you in the truck. I'll get there just as soon as I can.
Clark: Dad, there's a faster way for you to get to Metropolis. (Pauses) You just have to talk to Lex.
Jonathan looks at Clark, knowing what he is suggesting.
Cut to a sh*t of the LuthorCorp office. Pine watches Bishop trying to cut through the vault. Nearby, Kern's cell-phone begins to ring. Pine reaches down and opens Kern's pocket and removes the phone.
Pine: (To Nicky, indicating Kern's body) Get him out of here.
Pine walks off to the side and answers the phone.
Pine: (Answering the phone) What.
Lex: (Computer distorted voice on the phone) I hired you to bug an office...
Cut to a sh*t of Lex, on his cell-phone in his office. He slams his laptop shut in anger.
Lex: (Continuing) ...not create a media circus!
Pine: (Over Lex's phone) Yeah, well, we ran into a little snag.
Lex: Who is this?
Cut to a sh*t of Pine on the phone.
Pine: Tell you what, Mr. Green... you show me your caller ID and I'll show you mine.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex in his office. He's quite angry .
Lex: (Demanding) I want to talk to Kern, now.
Cut to a sh*t of Pine. In the background, we see Nicky dragging Kern's body from the office.
Pine: Yeah, well Kern's definitely not in charge anymore.
With that, Pine hangs up on Lex.
Lex stares at the phone in anger, but is interrupted by a knock on his study door. Jonathan slowly enters the study.
Lex: Mr. Kent. I take it you've seen the news?
Jonathan slowly closes the door behind him.
Jonathan: (Regretfully) If I hadn't been so bullheaded and...taken you up on your offer, Martha and I would probably be on our way to dinner. Instead...
Jonathan pauses, unable to continue.
Lex: (Understandingly) Believe me, there's plenty of blame to go around.
Jonathan nods, then takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
Jonathan: Lex, I was wondering...
Jonathan hestiates, just looking at Lex as he tries to ask for Lex's help without actually asking. Lex just stares back at him, and the two men study each other for a moment. Jonathan swallows hard and attempts to ask again.
Jonathan: I was wondering if I---
Lex: (Interrupting) Sure, Mr. Kent. I'll give you a helicopter ride to Metropolis.
Jonathan just nods slightly.
Cut to a sh*t outside LuthorCorp Tower. Police put up barriers to keep the crowd back. Clark comes up from the back of the crowd, and slips past the barrier. He gazes up at the building, trying to figure out some way inside without being seen. After a moment, a police officer comes up and pulls him away.
Officer: Young man, you too. Stay behind the barricades.
Clark wanders around to the side, watching as swat teams position themselves outside the building. Glancing down, Clark notices he's standing on a grate which leads to an underground tunnel--perhaps access to the building. After looking around and making sure no one is watching, Clark knees down and grabs the grate, preparing to pull it up from the sidewalk. He's stopped, however, by the appearance of a g*n and a female police officer.
Sawyer: Stand up and put your hands over your head.
Clark glances up at the g*n, which is aimed right at his face.
Sawyer: Stand up!
Clark slowly stands up and puts his hands over his head.
Sawyer: Turn around.
Clark does as he is asked as Sawyer starts to frisk him.
Clark: I can explain...
Sawyer: (Continuing to frisk him) Hold still...keep your fingers laced.
Satisfied that Clark isn't armed, Sawyer stands up and pulls him around to face her, still aiming her g*n directly at him.
Sawyer: I'm listening.
Clark: My name is Clark Kent. My mom is one of the hostages being held up there.
Sawyer: (Harshly) And you thought you'd play hero? Well, assuming you are who you say you are, you almost just got your mother k*lled. Every opening in this building is wired with alarms. The kidnappers have control of the security system, and they thr*at to start sh**ting hostages if anyone so much as sets a big toe inside. Come on hero. You're coming with me.
Clark hesitates, clearly not wanting to go.
Sawyer: Move it!
Clark, realizing he has no choice, follows Sawyer.
Inside the LuthorCorp offices, Bishop has completed cutting a hole in the vault door. She pulls out a piece of metal, revealing the lock on the vault. Meanwhile, Nicky and Pine keep an eye on the hostages.
Nicky: (Concerned) So, what are we going to do? They saw you k*ll Kern. They can ID us, Pine. And I for one am not going down for m*rder, you understand me?
Pine: (Unconcerned) We'll deal with them when the time comes.
As Pine and Nicky make their way over to Bishop and the vault, Lionel slowly leans in to whisper in Martha's ear.
Lionel: (Whispered) I know what you're thinking. If I hadn't asked you to work today, you'd be at home right now with your family.
Martha just shakes her head.
Martha: (Whispered) I don't blame you, Lionel. (tearfully) It's--it's just that Jonathan and I left on such bad terms.
Lionel: (Whispered) It's ironic. I had quite a row this morning too, with Lex. If they k*ll us, those will be the last words we ever spoke to each other.
Martha just looks at Lionel, fearfully hoping he's not right.
Bishop begins drilling into the lock on the vault. Once she's finished, she steps back.
Bishop: Pine. You're up.
Pine heads over to the vault, picking up a crowbar and a canister of chemicals off a nearby chair. He hands the crowbar to Bishop, attaches some sort of thermostat to the vault, then begins spraying the chemical--which appears to be liquid nitrogen or some other chemical that is extremely cold--onto the metal where Bishop has just drilled. Martha looks on, trying to see what is happening. Once the thermostat gets up to near -300 degrees, Pine stops spraying the chemical and takes the crowbar from Bishop. He then hits the metal with the crowbar, and the chilled metal breaks apart easily.
Pine twists the handle on the vault and opens the door. He and Bishop step up to the vault door, their faces becoming confused as they view the contents.
Bishop: What the hell is this?
We pan into the vault to see it's contents--a flat cart stacked with bars of green meteor rocks. Pine shakes his head in answer to Bishop's question. Martha looks shocked as she sees what's inside and glances and Lionel, who simply strokes his beard and smirks.
Outside the building, Jonathan and Lex attempt to make their way through the crowd.
Jonathan: Excuse me. Excuse me.
The two men make their way to the makeshift police command center set up outside. Police officers shout out commands about mointoring the building. An officer tries to stop Jonathan, but Lex waves him off.
Lex: It's OK. It's OK.
Jonathan spies Clark standing nearby with Sawyer and makes his way toward him.
Jonathan: Clark?
Sawyer: (Stepping between Jonathan and Clark) You know this kid?
Jonathan: Yes Ma'am, he's my son.
Sawyer: Well, you keep him away from the building, or I'll arrest him.
Jonathan nods in understanding and Lex steps forward, following Sawyer as she heads back to the command center.
Lex: Lieutenant Sawyer, my name is Lex Luthor...
Sawyer: (Interrupting, annoyed) I know who you are.
Lex steps in front of Sawyer, stopping her in her path.
Lex: I'd appreciate an update on the negotiations.
Sawyer: (Sighing) This way.
Sawyer leads Lex to the command center.
Jonathan and Clark step away from the crowd so they can speak about what happened.
Jonathan: What happened?
Clark: I've been listening to the police. I think I found a way into the building.
Jonathan: Really? How?
Clark: (Glancing up at a nearby building) Nobody's watching the Daily Planet.
Clark and Jonathan both stare up at the Daily Planet building--the large gold globe atop it spinning slowly--which is right next to the LuthorCorp Tower.
Jonathan: (Disbelief) You're not thinking about jumping.
Clark: It's the only way.
Jonathan: (Concerned) Clark, that's got to be over 200 feet.
Clark: (False confidence) I can make it.
Jonathan: You don't know that. Besides, don't you have a fear of heights?
Clark: If we're not here to get Mom out then why *are* we here?
Jonathan: (Seriously) Listen to me. I am just as concerned about your mother as you are, but we can't afford to make a mistake that could get her k*lled.
Clark simply thinks about what his father has said as he continues to stare up at the Daily Planet building.
Cut to a sh*t from a helicopter above LuthorCorp tower. It's now night, and the helicopter sweeps the building with its spotlight.
Inside the office, Bishop and Pine have removed the cart of meteor rocks, and are going through the other contents of the vault. Pine comes out with a stack of blue file folders, and walks over to where Lionel and Martha are seated on the couch.
Pine: (Angry) Where's the damn money!
Lionel: (Calmly) I told you, there was nothing in there of interest to you.
In anger and frustration, Pine tosses the file folders to the ground, where they scatter across the floor. Meanwhile, Bishop comes out of the vault.
Bishop: Check this out.
As Pine turns to see what Bishop has found, Martha looks down at the file folders scattered at her feet. Her eyes widen with shock and fear as her eyes fall on a folder marked "Clark Kent: Confidential". She glances at Lionel as if to find an explaintion, but he just sits calmly, stroking his beard and staring straight ahead.
Meanwhile, Bishop opens the glass cylinder she has found and removes it's contents. It's the metal octagon disk from Clark's ship. She hands it over to Pine.
Bishop: It could be worth something.
Pine takes the disk and examines it curiously, then walks over to Lionel. He roughly grabs Lionel by the hair and yanks his head back.
Lionel: (In pain) Ahh!
Pine: (Holding the disk up in front of Lionel's face) What the hell is this?
Lionel: (Grimacing in pain) Martha, perhaps the, uh, gentleman hasn't noticed that (Removes glasses) I'm blind. Would you mind telling me what he's referring to?
Martha: (Hesitantly) It's, uh, some sort of metallic disk shaped like an octagon.
Lionel: (Shaking his head) It's nothing... keepsake.
Pine releases Lionel and gets up, pocketing the disk. Martha stares at Lionel, her face a mix of anger and suspicion.
Outside, the helicopter continues to circle the building as Clark and Jonathan stand with Sawyer inside the police command center. Sawyer's cell phone begins to ring.
Sawyer: (Answering her phone) Sawyer.
Pine: (Inside the office) Where is my transportation?
Sawyer: I told you, I need a show of good faith first. You give me one of those hostages.
Pine: Okay. Fine.
Pine pulls his g*n out of his waistband and roughly grabs Martha off the couch.
Pine:Get up!
Pine drags Martha over to the window, where she can be seen by the helicopters. He points the g*n at her head and speaks into his cell phone.
Pine: You've got 10 minutes, then you can take this one out in a body bag.
Sawyer: We're working on it. Stay cool up there. Stay cool.
On the ground, Jonathan and Clark watch with fear and anger as they see Martha on the feed from the helicopter's camera.
Cut to a sh*t of the Daily Planet globe. We pan down and see the roof access door open, and Clark step through. He checks to make sure no one is around, then slowly walks across the roof to the edge of the building. He peers over the edge at the dizzying drop below, and looks sick and about to hyperventilate as his fear of heights kicks in. He steps back from the edge.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex on his cell phone down on the ground below.
Lex: Whatever you do, don't hurt any of the hostages. Just stay calm.
Pine: (on his cell phone) Yeah, well how am I supposed to stay calm, huh? I open up that damn vault expecting to find my retirement fund, and instead I find a bunch of files, green rocks all cut up into bars!
Lex: (Curiously) What else was in there?
Pine: What's it to you?
Lex: (Computer distorted voice) Answer me, and maybe I can help you.
Pine: (Sighing in frustration) I--just what I told you. Oh, and some metal octagon lookin' thing.
Down on the ground, a look of realization crosses Lex's face as he realizes what Lionel has.
Lex: (Seriously) Listen to me. Pack up everything--the files, the bars, the octagon.
Pine: Yeah, then what?
Lex: I know a way out of the building, but first you let the hostages go.
Pine simply hangs up the phone. He turns the octagon between his fingers a few times, before slipping it into his pocket. Martha watches intently, never taking her eyes off the disk.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark on the Daily Planet building. He backs up as far as he can, staring at the LuthorCorp Building. He breathes deeply several times, trying to work up the courage to make the jump.
Down on the ground, Jonathan stares up at the gap between the two buildings.
Clark shakes his hands back and forth and bounces lightly on the balls of his feet, as if trying to gather his energy up into one expl*sive burst. Fear and determination mix on his face. Suddenly in a burst of super speed, he takes off toward the edge of the roof and flings himself into the chasm.
The sh*t goes into slow motion as Clark sails toward the LuthorCorp building, his arms and legs flailing as if he were running. He gets a look of being out of control as he realizes he's going to crash into the LuthorCorp building.
Clark crashes through one of the windows, and lands against the office's opposite wall, cracking the plaster in the process. He looks at the broken window, grinning widely with amazement at what he's done. He stands up quickly, knocking a painting off the wall as he stands, and heads out to find Martha.
In Lionel's office, the security system begins to beep, and Nicky rushes over to check it.
Nicky: Pine. Better take a look at this. We got company.
Pine: (Examining the security system) Check it out.
Down on the ground, the police have also been alerted that the building's security has been breeched, and the swat team rushes into action.
Sawyer: A window just blew out on the 30th floor. Get the team together. We're going in. Let's go. Move it!
Lex, standing nearby, overhears the news and stares up at the LuthorCorp building, a confused expression on his face.
Inside the building, Nicky heads out of Lionel's office to investigate the security breech.
Down on the ground, Lex strides away from the action, talking into his cell phone.
Lex: (Demanding) What the hell's going on up there?
Pine: (On his cell phone) It sounds like the junk in that safe is worth something to you. Tell you what. I want a million dollars and I want a way out of here.
Lex: You're in no position to negotiate.
Pine: This is not a negotiation, all right? We get out of here or nobody does.
Lex: All right, listen to me. Luthor has a private elevator. It's take you to a tunnel that leads to a garage (Computer distorted voice over Pine's phone) three blocks away.
Pine looks over at Lionel.
Pine: Hey Lionel, you been holding out on me? Is there some kind of secret way out of here?
Lionel strokes his beard as Martha looks over at him.
Lionel: (Slightly amused) Oh, yes.
Pine holds the cell phone out as Lionel continues to talk. A look of frustration crosses Lex's face as he hears Lionel's words over the cell-phone.
Lionel: And whatever that anonymous coward, your Mr. Green, is offering... I'll double it. In exchange for our lives, and the contents of the safe.
Pine: Hmm. Hear that Mr. Green? Looks like we got us a bidding w*r.
Lex: (Frustrated) Look, no matter what Lionel Luthor is promising you, you can't trust him!
Pine: (Chuckling) Oh, but I should trust you--somebody who hides his own identity? I think I'd rather deal with Lionel.
Lex: (Desperate) I'll match what he's offering. Just don't hurt them.
Pine's reaction is to simply hang up the cell-phone.
Down on the ground, Lex clicks off his cell-phone and looks around, his frustration and desperation beginning to mount as he feels the situation spinning out of control. He starts to walk back toward the command center when a voice behind him stops him in his tracks.
Jonathan: (Off screen) Don't hurt *who*, Lex?
Lex turns around and sees Jonathan standing there, having heard the end of the conversation. Jonathan walks angrily toward him.
Jonathan: (Accusatory) Were you just talking to those men up there?
Lex: (Reassuringly) Mr. Kent, whatever I'm doing is in the best interests of your wife and my father, believe me.
Lex starts to walk away, but Jonathan reaches out and grabs his arm, roughly swinging him back around so that he and Lex are face to face.
Jonathan: (thr*at) If I find out you had *anything* to do with what's going on out there, you will pray to God that you never set foot in Smallville, you believe *me*.
Lex pulls his arm away from Jonathan, looks at him for a moment, and quickly walks back to the command center as Jonathan stares after him.
Inside the building, Nicky slowly makes his way through the hallways, g*n drawn, looking for the intruder. Suddenly we hear a woosh, and the papers attached to a bulletin board near Nicky's head begin rustling wildly. Nicky turns around to find Clark has suddenly appeared behind him. Clark grabs Nicky around the neck and shoves him against the wall, choking him.
Clark: (Desperate) Where's my mom? Where is she?!
Back inside the office, Lionel is negotiating the terms of their release with Pine, calmly, as if he were conducting a business meeting.
Lionel: (Matter of factly) So, as soon as the banks open, I'll have the money wired to, uh, any account you choose, anywhere in the world.
Pine nods in agreement.
Pine: All right. We got a deal.
Lionel: Good.
Pine: But I'm hanging on to everything until I get that money.
Lionel: All right.
Pine walks over and grabs the cleaning cart the team had used to disguise all the equipment they were bringing in.
Pine: Bishop, pack up the stuff in the vault.
Lionel: (Amused) So, now are you going to tell me who's on the other line?
Pine: You'd probably know better than me. Why don't you think who your enemies are?
Lionel nods and chuckles.
Pine: (Aiming his g*n at Martha) Come on lady, you can help out! Pick up the files! Come on!
Pine turns back to see how Bishop is doing. Martha gets on her knees and begins gathering the files. She grabs the file marked Clark Kent, and after glancing over her shoulder to make sure Pine isn't watching, she begins to open it. Before she can see its contents, however, she hears Pine's g*n click as he aims it at her back.
Pine: (Angrily) Today. Come on! Pick 'em up, put 'em in the barrel with the rest of the stuff!
Martha: (Fearful and meek) O-Okay. I'm picking them up...
Martha gathers the files and tosses them in the barrel on the cart.
Pine: (Pushing Martha along) All right, that's good. Get over there and help your boss up.
Martha reaches out her arms to help Lionel to his feet.
Martha: (Whispering) Lionel...
Still seated, Lionel drops his glasses and Martha kneels to pick them up. As she does do, Lionel leans down, pretending to attempt to pick up the glasses, and whispers to her.
Lionel: (Whispering) Martha. The octagonal disk--where is it?
Martha: I don't know. Why is it so important?
Pine comes over and begins pushing the pair toward the door.
Pine: Come on, time's up. Let's go, move.
Cut to a sh*t of the building's circuit box. Clark opens it up and pulls the electrical circut wires out, causing the building to fall into darkness.
Pine: (As the power goes out) What the hell happened?
Bishop: (Fearful) The cops cut the power! We have got to go!
Bishop runs toward the door.
Pine: Bishop, don't!
As Bishop reaches the doors, Clark throws the doors open and punches Bishop in the face, sending her flying. She falls backwards into Pine, sending them both tumbling to the ground. Pine drops his g*n as he hits the ground, and the g*n skates across the floor, landing near Lionel. Lionel cocks his head as he hears the g*n landing nearby.
Martha: (Screaming with fear) Clark, get out of here now!
The flatbed cart of meteor rocks begins to glow, and Clark staggers into the room, then falls to the ground, grimacing in pain as the effects of the meteor rocks h*t him. Lionel reaches for the g*n, also looking in the direction of Clark as he falls to the ground.
Martha: (Screaming desperately) Clark!
Clark lies on the ground, writhing and groaning. He stares at the cart of glowing rocks and tries to muster up the strength to get up, but he can't.
Martha: (Screaming) Clark!
Outside, we hear the helicopter whirring, it's spotlight sweeping through the room. Pine comes to and gets up, heading over to where Clark lies moaning weakly on the floor. Pine reaches down and grabs Clark by the shoulders.
Pine: (Demanding) Are you alone?
Martha glances over at the meteor rocks and sees her opportunity, while Pine continues to shake Clark roughly.
Pine: Answer me! Are you alone?
Martha rushes over and begins shoving the cart of meteor rocks back into the vault. Pine looks up and sees what Martha is doing. He rushes over to stop her as Martha begins swinging the vault door shut. Pine reaches out to catch the vault door, but his arm gets caught behind it. Martha shoves the vault door hard, and we hear crunching as the weight of the door breaks Pine's arm.
Pine: (Screaming with pain) Arghhhh!
Martha reaches out and shoves the injured Pine against a wall, then pushes the vault completely closed. She then rushes over to where Clark is lying helplessly on the ground.
Martha: Clark! Clark!
Clark begins to regain his strength to as Martha kneels next to him, checking to see if he's OK.
Martha: Clark, are you alright?
Pine: (Off screen) Lady, you and the kid get up!
Martha and Clark glance up to see Pine on the other side of the room. He's holding Lionel hostage, and has a running drill aimed directly at Lionel's temple.
Pine: Put your hands over your head or I k*ll the old man.
Martha looks on in fear. Clark uses his superspeed and rushes over, knocking the drill out of Pine's hands. Clark grabs Pine's shirt as Pine grabs him, preparing to punch him. Suddenly, a g*n rings out. Pine's eyes go wide, and he groans as he slowly sinks to the ground. Clark looks on with shock, then looks up to see Lionel standing behind Pine, holding Pine's g*n. Clark stares at Lionel, who continues to aim the g*n toward where Pine had just been standing. Martha rushes over and checks on Pine.
Martha: He's d*ad.
Clark kneels down next to Martha as Lionel turns and sets the g*n down on the edge of the desk.
Martha looks over at the cleaning cart, where the barrel of files still remain. She leans in and whispers to Clark.
Martha: (Urgently) Clark! Those files over there--burn them. There's one about you. We can't let it get out.
Clark gets up and takes a couple of steps toward the cart. He aims his heat vision and soon the files burst into flames, including his file, which is right on top.
While Clark's back is turned, Martha leans over Pine. She pulls the octagonal disk from Pine's pocket, and quickly slides it into her own pocket before anyone can see what she's doing.
The police quickly burst through the door, g*n drawn.
Sawyer: Metropolis PD! Nobody move!
Martha and Clark put their hands up as the police rush in to secure the room. Sawyer spies Clark. He looks at her sheepishly as she simply sighs and shakes her head.
Cut to a sh*t of the lobby of LuthorCorp. Martha rushes ahead of the police and Clark and Lionel, throwing open the door and rushing out into the street. She spies Jonathan and runs over, throwing herself into his arms. Jonathan lifts her off the ground as they embrace tightly, then begin to kiss tenderly. Jonathan cups her face, silently asking if she is OK. She nods, and fights back tears. Jonathan lets out a huge sigh and fights back tears as well. They both laugh in relief, as Clark looks on, smiling.
Lex: (Approaching Clark) Clark, how did you get inside?
Before Clark can answer, Lionel walks up, reaching out for Clark. He finds him and puts his hand on Clark's shoulder.
Lionel: The boy's resourceful, Lex. What difference does it make how he did it? He saved us. That's what's important.
Clark smiles nervously at Lionel's words.
Lex reaches over and removes Lionel's hand from Clark's shoulder, and turns him away from Clark. Lionel shrugs Lex's hand off his arm.
Lex: Dad. I want you to know I was doing everything I could to secure your release.
Lionel: (Disbelieving) Oh, I'm sure you did a great deal.
Lionel pauses, the tension thick. Lex's expression reveals he knows Lionel feels Lex has disappointed him once again.
Lionel: I'll send someone to the mansion for my things.
Lionel turns away from Lex.
Lex: I'll help them pack.
A man comes up to help Lionel, and Lionel takes his arm.
Lionel: Thank you, thank you.
Lionel allows the man to lead him away. Lex turns and watches Clark and his family embracing before they turn and walk away, leaving Lex standing on the sidewalk all alone. Lex puts his hands in his coat pockets and slowly lowers his head, looking away from the Kents and their happy reunion.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. Martha comes down the stairs, a paper in her hand. She walks over to where Clark is pouring Jonathan a cup of coffee, and extends the paper toward Jonathan.
Jonathan: (Curiously taking the paper) What's that?
Martha: It's my resignation. There's no way I can keep working for Lionel. He had refined meteor rocks in his vault, a file on Clark...I can't believe I trusted him.
Clark: Without that file, at least the police can't find out anything about me.
Martha: To think I made this job such a big priority, and Lionel may have only hired me to learn more about Clark.
Clark: (Guiltily) I'm sorry, Mom. I know how important your work has been to you.
Martha: (Shaking her head) It's not more important than you.
Jonathan: (Studying Martha's resignation) Wait. Are you sure that this is the best thing to do? Quit, I mean.
Martha: (Incredulously) What do you mean? I thought *you'd* be happy about it.
Jonathan: If you hadn't been working for Lionel, then we'd have no way of knowing that he was keeping tabs on Clark.
A look of realization crosses Martha's face as she realizes what Jonathan's thinking.
Martha: So, instead of staying away from him...
Jonathan: Maybe we should take a page out of the Luthor playbook.
Martha, Jonathan, and Clark all share a look as they realize this is the best way to protect Clark's secrets.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent Farm at night. We see a sh*t of the spaceship, and focus in on the missing piece, which fades to a sh*t of the octagonal disk sitting on the kitchen table.
Martha reaches out and picks up the disk. She studies it. From behind her, Jonathan pokes his head into the kitchen and calls out to her.
Jonathan: Sweetheart, are you coming up.
Martha quickly hides the disk behind her back.
Martha: (Smiling) In a minute.
Jonathan smiles, and heads out of the kitchen. Martha pulls the disk from behind her back and studies it once again. She then grabs a large canister of flour from the counter and opens it. She buries the octagonal disk deep within the flour, covering it up so the flour looks undisturbed, and closes the canister
Martha then kneels down and opens the cabinets underneath. She takes the canister of flour and hides it among the other canisters in the cabinet and closes the cabinet doors.
[End]
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This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Bittersweetheart" by Ed Harcourt
"Tomorrow" by SR-71
"Invisible Man" by Theory Of A Deadman
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Transcribed by: Shannen | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x12 - Insurgence"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #213 - "Suspect"
Original airdate: January 28, 2003
Written by: Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders
Directed by: Greg Beeman
Act 1 Teaser
Lionel is on the upper level of Lex's study next to the bookshelves. Night. There is opera music playing in the background and thunder can be heard outside as lightning flashes. Lionel is reading a book with his reading device.
Computerized Voice: That which is done out of love always takes place beyond good and evil.
A cell phone rings and Lionel closes the book, revealing that it is Beyond Good & Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche. He puts the book on the shelf and answers his cell phone.
Lionel: Yeah. Have my helicopter ready first thing in the morning. I'm going back to Metropolis. No, no, I'll be alone. I suspect, uh, Martha Kent is no longer in my employ.
Lightning flashes as he hangs up the phone. On the ground floor, we see the doorknob turn and the door open slowly. A shadow is cast onto the floor as someone enters.
Lionel: Who's there? (No answer) If this is someone's idea of a joke, I'm not amused.
We see the shadow come up the wall as the person climbs the stairs.
Lionel: Is that you? (Pause) Didn't I make it clear? The conversation is over.
Suddenly Lionel is sh*t twice, once in the chest and once in the front of his left shoulder. He loses his balance and tumbles over the railing, landing on his back on a glass coffee table that shatters beneath him. He remains there unmoving with his eyes partly open.
CUT TO Jonathan asleep in the passenger side of his truck. The rain is pouring down and someone shines a flashlight into the window causing Jonathan to stir. He groggily raises his right hand to his eyes and he is holding a g*n. There is a liquor bottle in his other hand and a cop comes to the passenger window, pointing a g*n at him. Sheriff Ethan's voice is heard over a megaphone.
Ethan: Jonathan Kent, put the g*n down and step out of the truck.
Jonathan puts the g*n down and starts to get out of the driver's side door where two more officers are pointing g*n at him.
Cop: Keep your hands where I can see them! Drop it!
He drops the liquor bottle as he opens the door. He comes out of the truck looking disoriented and holding up his hands. A helicopter can be heard and there is a spotlight waving around from above. The truck is surrounded by police cars. Sheriff Ethan approaches and hands the megaphone to another officer.
Ethan: Hold this. (To Jonathan) Everything's gonna be fine. Just keep your hands where we can see them.
Jonathan: Ethan. What's going on?
Ethan: Jonathan, as a friend, don't say another word until you get yourself a lawyer. (He cuffs Jonathan's hands behind his back and they walk to the car) You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning.
His voice fades as they get to the car.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Jonathan, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, is sitting on a cot in his jail cell. Day. He gets up as Clark and Martha enter. They talk through the bars.
Clark: Dad. How you doing?
Jonathan: I'm fine other than a splitting headache. Is there any word on how Lionel Luthor is doing?
Martha: He was rushed into surgery, Jonathan. He may not make it.
Jonathan: How about the g*n they found in my truck?
Clark: Well, the police are testing it now. It's the same caliber Lionel was sh*t with.
Jonathan: Clark, that was not my g*n. I have no idea how it wound up in my hands.
Clark: Dad, what happened last night?
Jonathan: Well, I was out running some errands. Um, I stopped by the Wild Coyote for a beer.
There is a flash of Jonathan drinking a beer in a bar and then a flash of him paying the bartender.
Jonathan: When I got in my truck, everything started to go woozy on me.
Another flash of Jonathan stopping his truck and sticking his head out the window to let the rain fall on his face.
Martha: How many did you have?
Jonathan: Martha, I had half a beer. I promise. The next thing I know, I'm out on the side of Highway 91, I've got the police spotlight shining in my face, it's raining...
Martha: We need to get you a lawyer. I'm going to call my father and ask him to take your case.
Jonathan: Martha, that man has never believed in me before. I don't see any reason why an attempted m*rder charge is gonna change that.
Clark: Lana told me that Henry Small used to be a criminal attorney.
Jonathan: Well, he certainly wouldn't be intimidated by the Luthors.
Ethan enters.
Ethan: I'm sorry, Martha, but, uh, you and Clark are gonna have to leave now.
Jonathan comes to Martha and Clark and puts his hand on the bar with tears in his eyes. Clark puts his hand on top of Jonathan's.
Clark: Dad, no matter what it takes, I'm gonna find out who did this.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Martha kisses Jonathan between the bars and she and Clark leave.
Act 1 Scene 2
Lex enters the Smallville Medical Center. Day.
Lex: (To Dominic who is waiting in the hall) I just got in from Metropolis. Where is he?
Dominic: In surgery. He's still in critical condition. If the downstairs maid hadn't been awakened by the sh*t, he'd be d*ad.
Lex: I want round-the-clock security. Whoever sh*t my father must still be out there.
Dominic: You can save the concerned son routine, Lex. I have everything under control.
Lex: The, uh, loyal lapdog sitting watch at his master's door, secretly hoping he doesn't make it?
Dominic: As I recall, you almost let him die once. Who's to say you didn't try to finish the job? God knows after yesterday, you'd have enough reason to want him d*ad.
Lex grabs Dominic by the jacket and slams him against the wall.
Lex: You know what I find so amusing about you, Dominic, is that you actually believe my father is grooming you. (He lets go of Dominic)
Dominic: It's unfortunate that they already have a suspect in custody. I can't think of a person with a better motive for k*lling your father than you. (He walks away)
Act 1 Scene 3
Henry Small, Lana, and Clark sit at a table in the Talon. Day.
Henry: I'm sorry about your father, Clark, but I'm afraid I can't represent him.
Lana: I don't understand. Why?
Henry: Because I'm not the right man for this kind of case.
Clark: Mr. Small, from everything I know about you, you're perfect for this case.
Henry: I'd be happy to make some referrals.
Lana: They don't need a list of names, they need someone they can trust.
Henry: I'm sorry, Lana. My decision's final. (He leaves)
Lana: Just when I thought I was getting to know him.
Clark: Looks like we need to find another lawyer. (Clark gets up)
Lana: Clark, um... there's something I need to tell you. I went by the mansion yesterday to drop off the Talon's quarterly tax bills, and your dad was there.
Clark: What was he doing?
Lana: Yelling at Lionel Luthor.
There is a flash and we see Lana walking through the hall to Lex's study. She stops when she hears yelling. She peeks around the corner and sees Jonathan and Lionel.
Jonathan: I want you out of our lives once and for all.
Lionel: You're jumping to conclusions, Mr. Kent. It was simply a token of appreciation.
Jonathan: Oh, I think it was quite a bit more than that, don't you?
Lionel: It's all relative, isn't it? I mean, a Roget DuBois watch from me is equivalent to a Whitman sampler from you.
Jonathan: You arrogant son of a... You know the worst thing that ever happened to my family was getting involved with yours.
Lionel: Oh, now, I seem to recall that the benefits to our families were mutual. Are you forgetting the circumstances of Clark's adoption?
Jonathan: You poison everything you touch. This town would be a whole lot better off if you weren't in it.
Lionel: But you're as much to blame for that as I am, aren't you? No. Martha was worried about that. She thought you wouldn't be, uh, big enough to let her live her own life.
Jonathan: You stay away from Martha, or I promise you you will regret it!
There is a flash and we're back in the Talon.
Lana: He thr*at him, Clark.
Clark: My dad told me he was running errands. Why would he lie to me?
Lana: Look, the sheriff came by earlier. I told him what I just told you. I didn't want to, but I couldn't lie.
Clark: It's okay. I mean, you know my dad would never try to k*ll anybody. Right?
Lana: He was angry, Clark, but I know him and there's no way.
Clark: Thanks.
Act 1 Scene 4
There are police officers searching the Kent home as Clark enters. Day.
Clark: Mom? What's going on?
Martha: (Coming out of the kitchen with a piece of paper) They have a search warrant.
Ethan comes down the stairs.
Ethan: Martha, can I have a word with you?
Martha: Yeah.
Ethan: (Holding up a plastic bag) I found this watch on your bedroom floor. Is it yours?
Martha: It was a gift.
Ethan: From who?
Martha looks at Clark nervously.
Clark: Lionel Luthor.
Ethan: (Reading the inscription) To Martha, with deepest affection, L.L.
Martha: I was gonna give it back. I knew if Jonathan saw it, he would be furious so... I hid it in the dresser.
Ethan: Well, looks like he found it.
Martha: Ethan, you've known Jonathan since high school.
Ethan: I can't let my friendship interfere with my job, and you gotta admit this looks like motive.
Martha: He found a watch and smashed it. That doesn't mean he's a k*ller.
Ethan: He also had an argument with Lionel yesterday.
Martha: What?
Clark: Yeah. Lana was there. She saw it.
Ethan: It was so heated, one of Lionel's assistants called the station about getting a restraining order. The way I figure, he was still hot under the collar when he got to the Wild Coyote. The bartender told me he got pretty drunk.
There is a flash of Jonathan draining a glass of beer and putting it down onto the bar.
Jonathan: (To the bartender) Hey, Mike. Why don't you give me a double sh*t of that tequila.
Mike pours the sh*t. Jonathan downs it and drops the sh*t glass inside the empty beer mug. Flash back to the present.
Clark: Wait a minute, Dad said he only had one beer.
Ethan: Well, I administered his blood-alcohol test myself, son. He was a 2.0. That's quite a bit more than one beer. From the sound of things he was really spoiling for a fight.
Flash back to the bar.
Jonathan: Lionel Luthor's a lying, miserable son of a bitch!
Mike: You won't get any arguments here.
Jonathan takes two more sh*ts and holds up his glass.
Jonathan: Again.
Mike: I don't think that's a good idea.
Jonathan: All right, then why don't you just sell me the whole bottle? (He holds up a 20-dollar bill)
Mike: I'm not supposed to do that, Jonathan.
Jonathan: Come on, Mike. (He puts the money in Mike's shirt pocket) We've been friends a long time. Nobody's gonna know. (He takes the bottle, hides it in his jacket, and leaves the bar)
CUT TO Jonathan parking his truck and reaching into the glove box. He pulls out a g*n and takes a swig of tequila. He gets out of the truck and loads the g*n.
CUT TO Lionel on the upper level of the study.
Lionel: Is that you?
We see Jonathan's hand pointing the g*n.
Lionel: Didn't I make it clear? The conversation is over.
Jonathan fires the g*n twice and Lionel falls over the edge of the railing onto the coffee table below. Jonathan looks down at him-- -Flash back to the present.
Ethan: We have eyewitnesses who saw Jonathan's truck leaving the mansion after they heard g*n. Forensics found powder residue on Jonathan's hand. I wish there were another explanation. For now he's our only suspect.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Pete and Clark drive to the area near the train tracks where Jonathan was found the night of the sh**ting. Day. They get out of Pete's car.
Pete: What exactly are we looking for? The police already checked this whole area.
Clark: But we have an advantage they don't.
Clark looks around with his x-ray vision.
Pete: You doing the eye thing? Hey, I need you to check my backyard some time. I buried a jar of quarters when I was 10. I never could find it.
Clark: (Walking over to a shed) They found my dad's truck right about here...
He looks through the shed and sees a b*llet in the wall.
Pete: Did you find something?
Clark: Yeah, it's a b*llet. We need to get the sheriff out here to dig it out.
CUT TO Pete and Clark driving away.
Pete: I don't mean to rain on your CSI parade, but the only thing that b*llet proves is that somebody sh*t a shed.
Clark: Look, the sheriff said he found powder residue on my dad's hand. My dad said he'd never seen that g*n before, much less fired it.
Pete: So? What does that mean?
Clark: It means that whoever sh*t Lionel probably drugged my dad and then followed him until he pulled over.
There is a flash of a gloved hand holding Jonathan's hand out the window of the truck and f*ring the g*n with it.
Clark: If that b*llet came from the same g*n that sh*t Lionel, maybe we can convince the police that my dad is being framed.
Act 2 Scene 1
A doctor, Sheriff Ethan, and Lex are talking in the hall at the hospital. Day.
Doctor: Even though we removed the b*llet, the kidney damage significantly slowed his metabolism. He's in a coma.
Lex: What are his chances?
Doctor: His higher brain functions are shutting down. If he doesn't regain consciousness in the next 24 hours, he won't make it. I'm sorry. (He walks away)
Clark comes around the corner.
Clark: Sheriff Ethan. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Lex: Excuse me, Sheriff.
Lex walks away, brushing past Clark coldly. Clark watches him go.
Ethan: What is it, Clark?
Clark: I found a b*llet in a shack near where you arrested my father.
Ethan: My men went over that area with a microscope.
Clark: Well, they must have missed it. Someone put that g*n in my dad's hand and fired. That's why you found g*n on his skin.
Ethan: Or it could be your dad squeezed off a round while he was parked there drinking tequila, or it could be from a totally different w*apon.
Clark: Whoever's trying to set up my dad doesn't want you to find that b*llet.
Ethan: I don't know what it'll prove, but I'll get out there and have it tested.
Dominic walks up.
Dominic: Sheriff. I was wondering if we could talk. My name's Dominic Santori. I work for Lionel Luthor.
Ethan: Clark, would you excuse us?
Dominic: It's okay. He can stay. I don't think his father sh*t Mr. Luthor. But I'm pretty sure I know who did.
There is a flashback to Lionel and Dominic entering Lex's study where Lex is seated at the desk. Lightning flashes outside.
Lionel: All right, Lex. What's so urgent you insisted I fly in for a face-to-face? I'm missing Domingo's La Bohème.
Lex: Well, consider this a curtain call on our own private opera, Dad. Would you ask your seeing-eye dog to wait outside?
Lionel: Anything you have to say you can say in front of Dominic.
Lex: A representative from an offshore shell company bears an uncanny resemblance to Mr. Santori here. He's been quietly approaching the LexCorp employees and buying up their voting shares.
Lionel: Hmm. Is that so?
Lex: I was under the impression they had no intention of selling. What'd you get on them?
Lionel: Now, now, Lex. Don't be a sore loser. I'm just realigning your priorities. Your attempt to build LexCorp was at the expense of our mutual goals.
Lex: The only thing we share is mutual enmity. This entire father-son reconciliation act was just a smokescreen to s*ab me in the back and buy out my company.
Lionel: If you were really ready to run LexCorp, there's no way I could have taken it from you. Look at this as an opportunity for us to work together again, father and son.
Lex: When I broke away from you, I swore I'd never be under your thumb again.
Lionel: It's my hope that you'll stay and rise to the challenge.
Lex: Your ego wouldn't allow it. I'll fight you on this and I'll win.
Lionel: You better have something stronger than words to back up those thr*at, son, because as of this moment you are just another employee.
Flash to the present.
Dominic: All Lex had to do was wait until Lionel was alone.
Flash to Lionel on the upper level of the study.
Lionel: Didn't I make it clear? The conversation is over.
Lex sh**t Lionel. Flash to the present.
Dominic: After he sh*t him, Lex could've framed Mr. Kent. Then he drove his girlfriend to Metropolis. A convenient alibi.
Ethan: Thank you, Mr. Santori. I'll certainly look into that. Excuse me. (He walks away)
Clark: I know Lex and his dad have their problems, but it's hard to believe he'd do that.
Dominic: Face it, Clark. In your heart you've always known what Lex is capable of.
Dominic walks away leaving Clark with a thoughtful look on his face.
Act 2 Scene 2
Chloe is working in the Torch. Day. She is putting a front page together with a picture of Jonathan and a headline that says Jonathan Kent Arrested in Luthor sh**ting. Lana enters.
Lana: Hey. (Chloe looks up but doesn't answer) Are you okay?
Chloe: Sometimes being an objective journalist really sucks.
Lana: I can imagine. I still can't believe Henry didn't take Mr. Kent's case.
Chloe: Okay, usually when I do this, people seem to get really mad at me, but... I found it really odd that your dad passed up an opportunity to take on a Luthor so I ran a search on his legal history. (Pause) And since you don't seem to be freaking out, I guess I should continue?
Lana: If it helps explain why he won't defend Mr. Kent, then I want to know.
Chloe: Okay. It turns out that Mr. Small was a top white-collar criminal defense lawyer. He and his firm did a lot of business with-- surprise, surprise-- LuthorCorp.
Lana: Maybe he considered the Kent case a conflict of interest.
Chloe: As opposed to all the other times he's taken on Lionel and his buddies? (Opening a file) This is interesting, though. LuthorCorp files a complaint against Henry Small that got him fired from his firm.
Lana: Okay. So, uh, that explains why he might hate the Luthors, but it doesn't explain why he won't take the case.
Chloe: You know, Lana, my computer only spits out cold hard facts. If you want explanations, you're gonna have to go to the source.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lex is talking on the phone in his study. Night.
Lex: I understand. Very well, doctor, keep me posted.
Lex hangs up the phone and Clark bursts in.
Clark: (Angry) Dominic told me you got in a fight with your father just before he got sh*t. Why didn't you tell the police?
Lex: So now you're implying I pulled the trigger?
Clark: It's not like I haven't seen you sh**t someone before.
Lex: Get out of here before you say something you really regret.
Clark: I'm not going anywhere. Not until I get some answers. Are you trying to frame my dad?
Lex: After all this time, I thought you knew me better than the average tabloid reader.
Clark: If you don't start trusting me with the truth, what else am I supposed to think?
Lex: Stay out of it, Clark.
Clark: My dad's life is at stake here!
Lex: So is my father's! Goodbye, Clark.
Startled, Clark leaves. Lex looks up at the railing where his father fell.
Act 2 Scene 4
Jonathan is sitting in his cell. Night. Martha enters.
Martha: Sweetheart. How are you holding up?
Jonathan: You know, it's funny how being locked up gives you time to reflect on all the mistakes you've made.
Martha: Why didn't you tell me you had a fight with Lionel?
Jonathan: Cause I was angry.
Martha: At me?
Jonathan: No, at myself. I was jealous. When I found that watch it reminded me of all the things I couldn't give you. For the first time, it felt like I was losing you. Martha, I am so sorry.
Martha: For what?
Jonathan: I'm sorry for not having faith in us. I'm sorry for giving in to my own petty fears. And all it takes is one reckless moment to ruin everything
Martha: Jonathan, you didn't sh**t Lionel.
Jonathan: No, I didn't sh**t Lionel. But I... I let my anger get the best of me, I... I haven't exactly kept it a secret how Jonathan Kent feels about the Luthors. What jury could possibly believe me now?
Act 2 Scene 5
Pete and Clark drive up to the Wild Coyote. Day.
Pete: I know this place. My older brother used to come here all the time in high school. Word was they never checked IDs.
Clark: How'd they keep it up?
Pete: Good luck. Connections.
Clark: Well, if someone did drug my dad, this would've been the only place to do it.
They get out of the car and go inside where Mike is cleaning up.
Mike: I don't know what you kids heard, but we don't serve minors in here.
Clark: I just want to ask you a few questions. My name is Clark Kent, Jonathan Kent's son.
Mike: Jonathan? Listen, I'm, uh, sorry about what happened.
Clark: Do you remember if he was talking to anyone the other night?
Mike: He was talking to everybody, bl*wing off steam. It sounded like he had a major run-in with Lionel Luthor.
Clark: The sheriff said he bought a bottle of tequila from you.
Mike: Yeah. I wish I hadn't done it now. The cops want me to testify. I could lose my liquor license.
Clark: I've never seen my dad drink more than one or two beers. Are you sure someone didn't put something in his drink?
Mike: Nobody had to put anything in his drink the way he was knocking them back. Listen, I know you don't want to hear this, but Jonathan said he was gonna take care of Lionel once and for all.
Clark: My dad would never say that.
Mike: I've known Jonathan since high school. He's always had a temper. There's no doubt in my mind he did it.
Clark grabs him by the shirt and lifts him up thr*at.
Mike: You're just as bad as your old man!
Pete: Clark, let him go, man! (Clark holds on) Clark, let him go! Be cool!
Clark puts Mike down and he and Pete leave.
CUT TO Clark and Pete driving away.
Clark: The guy's lying. He's involved. I think he's the one who spiked my dad's drink.
Pete: Clark, look, I'm on your side, but putting a bartender through spin cycle isn't the most intelligent thing to do right now.
Clark: I know. I'm sorry.
There is a semi truck coming toward them and it swerves into their lane.
Clark: Pete, look out!
Pete swerves out of the way and his car goes flying off the side of the road. They land in a dirt field nearby and bounce along the ground before finally coming to a stop. The semi truck stops as Clark and Pete are unfastening their safety belts. The truck driver, wearing a ski mask, opens the door and points a r*fle at Pete's car. The g*n is fired and we follow the b*llet to Pete's car, through the back fender, and into the gas t*nk where it causes an expl*si*n.
Clark kicks his door off and using his super speed, grabs Pete and runs from the car. He pushes Pete to the ground and lies down on top of him to block him from the expl*si*n. When the smoke clears, only the frame of the car is left.
Clark: Are you all right?
Pete: Yeah, I think so. (Clark looks around, but the truck is gone) But you must've definitely ticked someone off.
They both look at the burning car.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
A doctor listens to Pete's heart at the hospital. Day. Pete looks out the window where Clark is waiting. Lex approaches Clark.
Lex: Clark, I heard you had a narrow escape.
Clark: What do you care?
Lex: Because I think this h*t-and-run may be connected to my father's sh**ting. I warned you to stay out of this, Clark.
Clark: Why? So you could control the situation?
Lex: I'm not controlling anything.
Clark: I don't know who to believe anymore.
Lex: Dominic must've made quite an impression.
Clark: This isn't about Dominic.
Lex: He's asked the hospital staff to keep me away from my father. Why do you think that is?
Clark: Probably to protect him.
Lex: Or himself. If my father regains consciousness, he may be able to identify who sh*t him.
Clark: Do you think Dominic's involved? Why would he suddenly turn against Lionel?
Lex: Because the decision to buy out LexCorp affects him as much as it does me.
Flash back to Lionel arguing with Lex as Dominic watches.
Lionel: You better have something stronger than words to back up those thr*at, son, because as of this moment, you are just another employee.
Lex: I'm going to Metropolis. When I get back I want you gone.
Lex leaves the room, walks to the end of the hall, and stops. He turns around and comes back to the study, listening to Dominic and Lionel.
Dominic: You never told me you wanted Lex back.
Lionel: I thought it was assumed.
Dominic: You know how much I care about this company. I can't believe you're giving Lex another chance.
Lionel: I gave Lex a taste of independence to demonstrate the futility of working against me. But I always intended to bring him back into the fold.
Dominic: You made promises to me. Promises that I expect you to keep.
Lionel: You've been loyal, Dominic. But, uh, Lex... is blood.
Dominic: I've worked too long to let you take everything away from me now.
Dominic turns to leave and sees Lex at the door.
Lex: (Smugly) I forgot my keys.
Back to the present.
Clark: You think he was angry enough to sh**t your father?
A flash of Dominic sh**ting Lionel.
Lex: Seizing the reigns of a billion-dollar corporation is a powerful incentive. All he needed was someone to take the blame.
A flash of Mike drugging Jonathan's beer. Jonathan leaves the bar and Dominic enters. Mike hands him the bottle of tequila. Back to the present.
Clark: Why didn't you tell anyone about this?
Lex: My father was sh*t the same day he bought my company out from under me.
Clark: While you were playing it close the vest, my father was sitting in jail. How long were you planning on letting him stay there?
Lex: Until I knew for sure he didn't do it. Now I do. Look, this sh**ting is related to the buyout. I needed the guilty party to make a mistake.
Clark: Like trying to k*ll me and Pete?
Lex takes a deep breath and doesn't respond.
Clark: (Also taking a deep breath) So what now?
Act 3 Scene 2
Henry enters the Talon and goes to Lana. Day.
Henry: Lana. I got your message. What's the urgency?
Lana: I know about the complaint Lionel Luthor filed against you.
Henry: Have you been snooping into my past?
Lana: I was curious to find out why you wouldn't help one of my closest friends.
Henry: And that gives you the right to pry into my personal life?
Lana: I'm your daughter, and if we're every going to have more than the same DNA in common, we have to be honest with each other.
Henry: Look, I didn't ask you to come barging into my life.
Lana: (Hurt) Don't worry. You know, I won't be imposing on you again.
She walks away. Henry closes his eyes, realizing he was harsh and follows her.
Henry: Lionel Luthor has nothing to do with this.
Lana: I saw the complaint.
Henry: Payback after I refused to go along with one of his ethically dubious schemes. Business as usual for LuthorCorp. You should've kept on digging.
Lana: And what would I have found?
Henry: Kansas vs. Sutton. A m*rder trial back in the early 90s.
Lana: I don't understand.
Henry: I was defense counsel, court-appointed, which meant I didn't give a damn. Five years after his conviction, his family has the evidence re-tested, proving he was innocent.
Lana: So you were still able to get him out, right?
Henry: (Shakes his head) By then it was too late. He had been ex*cuted three months before. After that, I hung it all up. Now I try to save the world from my living room. But at least I know nobody's gonna die because of me.
Lana: I know you can't undo the past. But you can't hide from it either.
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark enters the police station. Day. Lana and Henry are there.
Clark: Lana? What are you doing here?
Lana: Just offering some moral support. Brought some reinforcements.
Henry: I'd like to handle your father's case if you'll still have me.
Clark: (Shaking Henry's hand) Of course. We need all the help we can get. Thank you. (Henry walks away) How'd you get him to change his mind?
Lana: Well, we set some ground rules for our relationship and we promised to be honest with each other no matter what.
CUT TO Henry speaking with Martha and Jonathan at Jonathan's cell. Clark joins them.
Henry: I've got another bail hearing set for this afternoon. Now, I'm sure with Jonathan's standing in the community we can have him out by supper.
Clark: I just got some good news from Lex. His dad's doing better. He's expecting to regain consciousness.
Martha: Oh, thank God.
Clark: Dad, and if he does, maybe he can ID the real sh**t.
Henry: Well, that's a big if given his blindness. Look, we're not out of the woods yet. Lex Luthor's alibi checks out, but Dominic Santori's is flimsy.
Jonathan: Well, that should be good news for me, shouldn't it?
Henry: Except for the bartender who could corroborate his involvement has disappeared. Now, without him, it's going to be hard to keep your case from going to trial.
Act 3 Scene 4
Clark and Pete break into the Wild Coyote. Night.
Pete: Is breaking and entering really necessary? I thought the police already checked this place out.
Clark: Yeah, they checked out the area where my dad was arrested too. I'm gonna look over here.
Clark goes into the back room. There are several kegs of beer, but nothing out of the ordinary. He sees a small meat freezer and concentrates his vision.
Clark: Pete!
Clark breaks the padlock off the freezer door and opens it as Pete enters. Clark moves some bags out of the way and they find Mike's body.
Pete: Oh, man. Talk about sleeping with the fishes.
Clark looks above the freezer and sees a bulletin board with several notices tacked to it. He sees a photograph and takes it to have a closer look.
Clark: I think I know who sh*t Lionel Luthor.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lionel Luthor's hospital room. Night. The door opens and a shadow is cast on the floor of a person holding a g*n. The figure moves over to the bed and closes the blinds. The g*n, with a sil*ncer, is pointed at Lionel's bed and fired three times. Clark enters.
Clark: Lex had his father moved to another floor. (He lifts the blankets off the bed and there is nothing but pillows underneath) We put the word out that Lionel was getting better guessing it would draw you out. (He turns off the video camera that has been sitting at the side of the room) I kept hoping I was wrong.
The g*n is pointed at Clark, but he grabs the man's arm and lifts it above his head. We see that it is Sheriff Ethan. He drops the g*n and Clark throws him into the wall.
Ethan: What the hell?
Clark: You went to high school with my dad. (Holds up the picture he found in the bar, which is a picture of Ethan and Mike) So did Mike the bartender. Except you and Mike were more than just friends. You had a business arrangement.
Ethan: Clark, I can explain.
Clark: Explain how a bar with repeated violations stays open? Or how all the evidence conveniently pointed toward my dad? You found out about my dad's fight with Lionel and it all came together.
Flashback to Mike drugging Jonathan's drink, then Jonathan leaving the bar and Mike giving the bottle of tequila to Ethan. Jonathan pulls his truck over and loses consciousness. Ethan parks next to him and pulls him into the passenger side of the truck. He pours tequila onto Jonathan's lips and puts the bottle down next to him. Then he takes Jonathan's hand out the window and fires the g*n with it.
CUT TO Lionel on the upper level of the study.
Lionel: Is that you?
Ethan is pointing the g*n at Lionel.
Lionel: Didn't I make it clear? The conversation is over.
Ethan sh**t him and he tumbles over the railing. Back to the present.
Clark: You faked my dad's blood-alcohol test. And when I started to check out your version of the story, you came after me. My dad trusted you. How could you do that to him?
Ethan: Don't you see, Clark? It's not just about me. It's the Luthors. They're-- they're like a cancer destroying everything they touch.
Clark: The Luthors didn't k*ll anyone. (Ethan starts to cry) The Luthors didn't frame my dad.
Ethan: What have I done?
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark is looking at a Smallville High School yearbook from 1976 in the loft. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: I just wanted to make sure your dad was doing all right.
Clark: He says he is.
Lex: You don't sound too convinced.
Clark: (Looking at the yearbook) I found this in the house. It's my dad's old high school yearbook. Him and Ethan were in the same class.
He hands the book to Lex who opens it.
Lex: (Reading) To Jonathan, a great quarterback, a better friend. Ethan.
Clark: You grow up with someone, you think you know them, but... I mean, darkness like that just doesn't come out of nowhere. (Lex doesn't respond) I'm sorry about your company. What's gonna happen next?
Lex: My father thinks I'll go back to work for him.
Clark: Will you?
Lex: It's hard to imagine working for a man who can enrage four people to the point where any one of them had motive to k*ll him.
Clark: Even you.
Lex: You know that darkness you were talking about? I'm not sure we're born with it. I think people like my father find a way to bring it out. So, are we okay?
Clark: (He smiles) I wish I could help you with your father.
Lex: I can take him.
They share a long look.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lex enters Lionel's hospital room. Day. Lionel is awake.
Lex: Dad.
Lionel: Son. I understand you've had a busy few days.
Lex: In case you hadn't heard, Sheriff Ethan has been charged in the m*rder of the bartender and for the attempt on you.
Lionel: Oh... It truly is a sad day in Smallville.
Lex: I'm sure some version of the truth will come out sooner or later, but I was hoping to hear it from you first.
Lionel: Hmm. The sheriff and I simply... (He coughs) ...had a misunderstanding.
Flashback to Ethan opening the door of Lionel's limo.
Lionel: Ah, Sheriff.
Ethan gets in and closes the door.
Lionel: You have something for me? (Ethan hands him a piece of paper)
Ethan: These are all good people who just happened to have made a few mistakes.
Lionel: Yeah, well, we're all of us only human, Sheriff. These particular people sit on the board of my son's company, so they need a little incentive to sell their voting shares to me.
Ethan: Goodbye, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: I hope this will be the beginning of a large and profitable relationship.
Ethan: Our arrangement was for this one time only.
Lionel: Now, did that proviso come before or after you insisted on cash in advance?
Ethan: I was strapped. But don't think you own me. I've documented your backroom deals. You push me and I just have to make one call.
Lionel: Would that be to your attorney? He, um, passed along your documented evidence... (Lionel holds up an envelope) ...along with his best wishes. You know, um, my reputation in Smallville is of no importance to me, but, uh, yours... It's your lifeblood, Sheriff. Sheriff-- Now, that's an elected position, isn't it?
Ethan: Don't thr*at me, you son of a bitch.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Good evening. Sheriff.
Ethan gets out of the limo and it drives away. Back to the present.
Lex: So you took an honest man and destroyed him. And by proxy, almost ruined Jonathan Kent. How does it feel, Dad, knowing you brought this on yourself?
Lionel: But I didn't, Lex. You did... engineering your ill-advised employee coup.
Lex: And you actually believe that?
Lionel: It's all right, son. I forgive you. Now it's time to look to the future. Together.
Lex leaves the room. Lionel drums his fingers on his chest, satisfied.
Fade to black.
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This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
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Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x13 - Suspect"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #214 - "Rush"
Original airdate: February 04, 2003
Written by: Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Directed by: Rick Rosenthal
Act 1 Teaser
Pete and Chloe drive out to the field above the underground caves. Night. There are dozens of flashing colored lights, loud music, and people getting out of their cars. Chloe and Pete get out of Pete's car.
Pete: I don't believe this.
Chloe: I know, isn't it awesome? A rave in a cave.
Pete: Why didn't you tell me it was gonna be here?
Chloe: I didn't know. I just downloaded the directions on the internet.
Pete: Clark's gonna go crazy.
Chloe: Yeah. What is his obsession with these caves?
Pete: I don't know. I think Kyla really got to him. I better give him a call, give him a heads-up.
Chloe: Pete, Pete, Pete. These caves have survived hundreds of years. I don't think a little Moby is gonna hurt them. Okay? Let's go. (She walks to the entrance of the caves) Come on!
CUT TO the inside of the caves. There are more flashing lights shining on the walls. The music is louder inside and the cave is filled with dancing teens. Pete and Chloe enter and Pete sees a guy and girl making out next to the wall.
Pete: (To the couple) Excuse me! Hey, excuse me! Um, could you please step off the walls? The paintings.
The couple gives him a dirty look and goes back to kissing.
Chloe: Pete, I really don't think they care about the cave paintings.
Pete: Yeah, but Chloe, these pictographs are sacred.
Chloe: (To the couple) Um, excu-- I'm sorry, did you guys know that the clay doesn't wash out of your clothes?
The girl looks down at her clothes and pulls the guy away.
Chloe: You just got to h*t them where it hurts.
Pete and Chloe join in the rest of the people dancing. A nerdy high school student, TRAVIS, walks up to Chloe and kisses her on the lips.
Chloe: Travis?! What are you doing?
Travis: Taking my sh*t. I always thought you were hot!
Chloe: I think you're kind of wasted.
Travis: No, I'm just high on life! Whoooo!
He runs over to one of the scaffolds holding the lights and starts to climb it.
Pete: Chloe, did I just see you making out with your chem lab partner?
Travis: (From the scaffold) Whoo!
Several people cheer back at him as he continues to climb.
Chloe: Travis!
Pete: Hey, get down from there!
Travis waves at the crowd to get them excited and they cheer louder.
Pete: Hey, get down from there! (To Chloe) This is hopeless.
Pete walks over to one of the wall paintings and sits down in front of it. There is a small crack in the wall right behind his neck that he doesn't notice.
Travis: I am invincible!
Travis jumps off the scaffold and plummets to the ground just as something sh**t out of the crack behind Pete and into the back of his neck. He gasps and grabs at it. We see Travis unmoving on the floor. Pete squeezes his eyes shut. When he opens them, he takes a few breaths and starts to smile, becoming more comfortable. He starts to bounce his head to the music and walks into the crowd. The sh*t ends with a close up of the crack in the wall.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark is reading the Smallville Ledger as he walks down the street. Day. The headline says Local Teen Dies in Cave Rave and there is a picture of Travis. He hears an engine behind him and turns around to see Pete riding up the sidewalk on his dirt bike. People gasp and dart out of his way as he rides up the side of a sign in front of a shop, using it as a ramp.
Clark: Pete!
Pete skids to a stop in front of Clark.
Clark: What are you doing? Are you nuts?
Pete: I was just out taking a little spin.
Clark: Yeah, without your helmet. You're driving like a wild man. You could've hurt someone, most likely yourself.
Pete: Yeah, that's a rush.
Clark: Hey, Chloe told me what happened. Sorry I wasn't there to back you up.
Pete: Hey, you're never more alive than the moment before you die. At least Travis had that.
Clark: Hey, you feeling okay?
Pete: I feel great.
Clark: If you want to talk about what happened, I'm here for you.
Pete: (Laughing) Clark. All you ever want to do is talk. For a guy who can't get hurt you never take any risks.
Clark: That's not true.
Pete: (Pointing across the street where Lana is unlocking the Talon) What about Lana? Now that Fordman's toast, when are you gonna take a sh*t with her?
Lana smiles at Clark and goes inside.
Clark: Come on, Pete, Whitney was your friend. Besides, it's not that easy.
Pete: Why? Because you can't share your secret? You shared it with me and, uh, we're still cool.
Clark: That's different.
Pete: Clark, you're just afraid she'll shut you down. You only go around once. Forget about the past. (Pete starts his engine) Focus on the future!
Pete speeds away with a screech of tires. Clark remains on the sidewalk looking thoughtful. After a few seconds, he jogs across the street and into the Talon. Inside, Lana is writing the day's specials on the chalkboard.
Clark: (To Lana) Hey.
Lana: Hey. (She drops her chalk) Uh, did you hear about Travis?
Clark: Yeah. Pretty sad, huh?
Lana: Yeah. Uh, the police said that he might have been on something, which is the only explanation. I mean, we always assume that we have all the time in the world, but we never know. (She starts walking back to the bar) The school counselor told me I need to look forward, embrace living, carpe diem. At first I thought it sounded corny, but the more I think about it, she's right, you know? I just-- I don't want to be a spectator in my own life.
Clark: Yeah, me neither. (With sudden determination) We should go on a date. Together. In the near future.
Lana: (Shocked) Are you serious?
Clark: I was. But if you don't want to go...
Lana: When?
Clark: You mean you'll go?
Lana: Yeah. I assume that was the answer you were looking for.
Clark: (Smiling) Yeah, I just didn't think it would be that easy.
Lana: Well, all you had to do was ask.
Clark: Well, how about tomorrow?
Lana: Sounds like fun.
Clark: All right, it's-- it's a date.
Lana: Okay.
Clark looks at her for a moment, then turns to leave. Lana smiles excitedly.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark enters the cave with a roll of trash bags and starts cleaning up. Day. A flashlight shines in his face as somebody enters. It's Lex.
Lex: Don't bother, I've got a maintenance crew coming.
Clark: Lex, I didn't see you there.
Lex: Just checking for damage. It looks like it was quite a bash.
Clark: Pete tried to break it up.
Lex: Oh, I'm sure it was a noble effort, but not many teenagers are interested in 500-year old cave paintings. What's your interest, Clark?
Clark: What do you mean? (Putting on his backpack)
Lex: When I fired the security guard this morning, I asked him who else he'd let in these caves. He told me you were down here almost every day. Now, you wouldn't be keeping secrets from me, would you, Clark?
Clark: Kyla gave her life for these caves. I'm doing a term paper on the drawings.
Clark turns his back to Lex and Lex grabs a book out of his backpack.
Lex: Deciphering the Mysteries of Hieroglyphics by Dr. Frederick Walden. Sounds like a real page-turner.
Clark: Hey, Lex, why did you start the preservation project? It's not like there's big business in caves.
Lex: I like a good mystery. This one promises to be fascinating. Wouldn't you agree?
Clark: I better get going. (He starts to leave)
Lex: I told the new security man nobody comes down here without my permission. (Clark stops and looks at Lex) Nobody except for Clark Kent, of course.
Clark smiles and leaves, as Lex shines his flashlight around.
Act 1 Scene 3
Lana arranges a vase of flowers in the Talon. Day. Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey. I didn't hear you leave this morning.
Lana: Well, I had to be here first thing.
Chloe: You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were avoiding me.
Lana: Don't take it personally. It's just how I cope.
Chloe: Look, I don't want to be one of those annoying people that says I'm here if you need to talk, but... I am.
Lana: I appreciate it.
Chloe: Listen, if you don't feel like talking, um, I thought maybe we could go to Metropolis tomorrow and do some serious shopping. My dad even said that he would join in on the conspiracy and get us out of school early.
Lana: Ah, thanks. And I'd love to, but, you know, I already have plans with Clark.
Chloe: Oh. Uh, what kind of plans?
Lana: Well, um, he asked me out on a date.
Chloe: Wow. I thought you guys were giving up on the mating dance.
Lana: Yeah, yeah, me too.
Chloe: But you still said yes.
Lana: Look, Chloe, if this is gonna be too weird for you--
Chloe: No! My feelings for Clark are so ancient, they're-- they're fossilized. (She laughs) Uh, seriously, you should-- you should go for it.
Lana: Are you sure?
Chloe: Lana, does it really matter how I feel? I mean, if I was in your position, I'd do the exact same thing. Don't let me be your excuse.
Lana: Okay. Um, I'm glad we cleared the air.
Chloe: Me too. I'll see you tonight.
Lana: Okay.
Chloe leaves. Lana watches her go, looking unhappy.
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark comes down the stairs with his backpack. Day. Jonathan and Martha are talking in the kitchen.
Jonathan: These loans are very expensive.
Martha: You know, he might get a scholarship.
Jonathan: A scholarship would be great, especially with--
Clark: What's all this?
Jonathan: Well, now that we've got our finances under control, we're trying to get a head start on how we're gonna pay for your college.
Martha: If you ever graduate from high school.
Clark: What do you mean?
Jonathan: Clark, Principal Reynolds called this morning. It seems you've been chronically late. In fact, he actually asked me if we had some emergency here at the farm we needed your help with.
Clark: I've just been spending a little more time at the caves.
Jonathan: Listen, son, we know how much they mean to you. But until you get back on track, I don't want you going down there anymore.
Clark: No, Dad--
Jonathan: Don't argue with me. Now, once you get things straightened out, then we can talk about it, but until then, I want your butt in this house every day after school.
Clark: Just give me until tomorrow.
Jonathan: No.
Clark: It's really important
Martha: What is it?
Clark: I've got a date. With Lana.
Jonathan: A study date?
Clark: An actual date.
Martha: (Very quietly to Jonathan) Jonathan, you have to let him go.
Jonathan: (Exasperated) Will you promise me that you'll get your homework done and your chores done before you set one foot outside of that door?
Clark: Absolutely.
Jonathan: Okay.
Clark: Thanks, Mom.
Martha laughs as Clark leaves.
Jonathan: When you see Pete, make sure you tell him to stop cutting doughnuts out in the field. He's scaring the cattle.
Act 1 Scene 5
Frederick Walden, the author of Clark's book, is standing in Lex's study. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: I appreciate you coming on such short notice, Professor Walden.
Frederick: (Shaking Lex's hand) Well, normally I wouldn't. It's not often that I'm offered my weekly rate for a 10-minute consultation. As I told your associate, I'm not able to take on any new endeavors at this time.
Lex: Then when can you start?
Frederick: Next year.
Lex: I was thinking more like tomorrow.
Frederick: I leave for Chile on Tuesday.
Lex: I'm sure you can postpone your trip.
Frederick: It's out of the question. If you want the foremost authority in a field, Mr. Luthor, you learn to wait.
Lex: In my experience, when you want the best, you simply pay them what they're worth. (He hands a check to Frederick)
Frederick: Rich men with delusions of grandeur rarely sway me with a checkbook. (He rips up the check and drops it on the floor)
Lex: (Holds up a manila envelope) Does this sway you?
Frederick opens the envelope and pulls out a set of pictures of the caves.
Frederick: (Flipping through them) That is... quite unique, I can tell you that. It doesn't appear to be native North American, or even Mayan for that matter. (Pause.) These are amazing.
Act 1 Scene 6
Chloe is working in the Torch. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Hey, Chloe. Have you seen Pete today? I think he skipped school.
Chloe: Well, I asked him to help me with the memorial issue, but he totally blew me off. Why?
Clark: He's just acting strange. I think Travis's death really got to him.
Chloe: Pete did try and save him, but he just couldn't get there in time. Maybe, you know, he feels guilty.
Clark: He definitely isn't acting that way.
Chloe: Different people deal with grief in different ways. Um, any big plans for the weekend?
Clark merely shrugs. Chloe turns away to go through some more files.
Clark: Do you know if they found any drugs in Travis's system?
Chloe: The autopsy report was inconclusive, but they did find a small puncture wound in the back of his neck and his adrenal gland was unusually enlarged.
Clark: Adrenaline does give you a rush. Maybe that's why he jumped.
Chloe: Yeah, but he wasn't the only one. Two other kids at the rave, one from Grandville, the other one from Smallville Community College, they both turned up d*ad. One took a swan dive into an empty pool and the other one wrapped his Corolla around a tree. Same puncture wounds, same enlarged adrenal gland, and same extreme behavior.
Clark: It's like they all had a death wish. What do the police think?
Chloe: Somebody may have been sticking them with a new designer drug. (Clark looks at Chloe, suddenly worried) You think they got Pete?
Clark: I don't know. But I know I need to get him to a doctor. I'll see you later.
He leaves.
Act 1 Scene 7
Clark is walking down the sidewalk to the Talon. Night.
Pete: (Across the street) Yo, Clark!
He is standing on top of a jeep, laughing.
Pete: What's up?
Clark: Pete, get down from there! Pete, I have to get you to the hospital! I think something happened to you at the rave!
Pete: (Laughs) Sure, man! I'll be right there.
Pete jumps into the road, right in the path of an oncoming bus. He jumps up and down, waving at the bus.
Clark: No!
Clark super speeds into the road and pushes Pete out of the way.
Clark: Are you all right? Are you okay?
Pete: Oh, yeah! That was amazing! Let's do it again!
The bus stops down the road and several passengers get out to see what happened.
Clark: I'm getting you to a doctor.
Pete: No, no, no, no, no. I feel great!
Clark: (Grabbing Pete's arm) You're coming with me!
Pete: No, I'm not! And if you take one more step, I'm gonna tell all these people your secret. I dare you. (Clark starts to pull Pete away) He's an alien! He's an alien! I'm not lying! He's an alien! I'm telling the truth! Whoo-hoo-hoo! (Pete runs through the crowd) Look out! Hide! My best friend's an alien!
Clark looks around, nervous.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark and Chloe enter the caves. Day.
Clark: Whatever happened to Pete started in this cave.
Chloe: Well, have you gotten him to a doctor yet, or is he as needle-phobic as you are?
Clark: I haven't been able to find him. My dad called the Rosses. They haven't been seen him all day.
Chloe: So what exactly are we looking for?
Clark: I don't know. A certain reporter friend of mine always said to explore all options.
Chloe: (Smiling) In that case, I'll look over here.
Clark: Okay. I'll check out the other chamber.
Chloe goes to the wall with the crack in it and takes a picture of it. She notices the crack and reaches inside to feel around. She touches some slime and yanks her hand out. She leans forward to look inside.
Frederick: (From behind her) Hey! (Chloe turns around) This cave is off-limits. Why don't you find somewhere else to make out?
Something sh**t out of the cave and into the back of Chloe's neck and she gasps.
Frederick: You all right?
Chloe: Yeah, I'm fine. (She takes off her jacket) As for your snide remark, people haven't made out in this cave since the 20th century. Now back off.
Clark comes back.
Clark: Hey, you're Frederick Walden, the linguist. You wrote that book.
Frederick: I've written many books.
Clark: Did Lex Luthor hire you?
Lex: (Enters) Thanks to you, Clark. I'm counting on Professor Walden to translate these pictographs for us. It'll help the preservation effort.
Frederick: Hey, rule one-- no guided tours.
Lex: They're friends of mine, Professor, and I didn't realize you'd accepted my offer.
Frederick: I have, but we do things on my terms, and I don't allow anybody except for my staff on a work site.
Clark: With all due respect, Professor, I was the one who found the caves.
Frederick: I don't care if you discovered the Shroud of Turin, kid. (To Lex) If you're unhappy with my method, I can take the first flight to Chile.
Lex: (After a pause) I'm sorry, Clark.
Clark: Lex, you can't do this.
Lex: The man's one of the most renowned linguists in the world. If that's the way he works, we have to respect that.
Frederick: (To Chloe who is up on one of the ledges) Hey! You get down from there!
Clark: Come on, Chloe, let's go.
Chloe comes down, smiling mischievously.
Frederick: What are you smiling at? (Grabbing her camera) I want those photographs.
Chloe: (Not letting him have it) Take your own.
Frederick: I'm serious, young lady.
Chloe: You're the cunning linguist. Why don't you translate this? Kiss... my... ass.
Chloe walks away. Clark gives Frederick and Lex one last look before following her out.
Act 2 Scene 2
Clark enters the loft and throws his coat and backpack onto the ground. Day. As he sits down, Pete comes in.
Pete: Why did your dad call my parents?
Clark: Pete, calm down.
Pete: (Mocking) Pete, calm down. I thought you were my friend.
Clark: Pete, I think you're sick.
Pete: For a guy who likes his privacy, you sure like sticking your nose in other people's business.
Clark uses his x-ray vision to look into Pete's stomach and sees a small slug-like parasite swimming around.
Pete: You x-raying me?
Clark: Pete, look, there's something inside of you. You need to come to the medical center with me right now.
Pete: Try and touch me, you freak.
Clark: Pete, you're coming with me whether you want to or not!
Pete: You think because you have all those powers, you always get your way! News flash! I know your weakness.
Pete pulls out a lead box and opens it, revealing green meteor rocks. Clark starts to breath heavily and backs away.
Pete: Feels good, doesn't it?
Clark: (Collapsing on the floor) Ah... Pete... How could you do this to me?
Pete: Back off if you know what's good for you.
Pete closes the box and starts to run away.
Clark: Pete, come back!
Pete runs back to Clark.
Pete: I'm serious! (He opens the box again) Come near me again, and I'll start selling tickets to your storm cellar!
Clark is gasping with his face against the floor until Pete closes the box and runs out of the loft. Clark pushes himself up weakly.
Act 2 Scene 3
Frederick and his team are in the caves. Day. There are computers set up and people are everywhere taking pictures and making notes.
Frederick: Run the new pigment sample with the baseline chromatography.
Worker: Yes, Doctor.
Lex enters.
Lex: I came as soon as I got your message.
Frederick: You need to see it with your own eyes. We think it some kind of parasite.
He hands Lex a jar with a parasite floating motionless in clear fluid.
Frederick: We found a nest of them behind one of the glyphs. (Lex grimaces at the jar) It gets better.
He shows Lex the wall with the crack in it. It has a pictograph of the parasite and some writing.
Lex: You know what it says?
Frederick: Not yet. My people are working on it right now, but I think it's meant as some kind of warning against intruders.
Lex: Are they poisonous?
Frederick: I wasn't gonna take any chances. We destroyed the nest with liquid nitrogen.
Lex: I wonder if the Cowachi tribe put them here to protect the drawings.
Frederick: Somebody did.
Lex: Do you have any live specimens left? (Frederick nods.) I want them sent to Catmus Labs in Metropolis.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark enters the Torch. Day.
Clark: Hey, Chloe, I need the--
He stops as he sees Chloe making out with a guy.
Chloe: Don't worry, Clark. We're done.
Guy: Can I get your number?
Chloe: Why? The thrill is gone.
He leaves.
Clark: Who was that?
Chloe: I don't know. I met him in the hall, thought he was cute, asked him if he wanted to do some investigative reporting.
Clark: Chloe, what's going on? Are you okay?
Chloe: Oh, Clark, don't tell me you're jealous. I thought you only had eyes for Lana. Oh, I heard about your date. But of course it's not like you have the guts to tell me.
Clark: Is that what this is about?
Chloe: Don't flatter yourself, Clark. I just want to explore my options, take a risk. So what can I do for you? (She puts a sucker in her mouth)
Clark: (Uncomfortable) Remember you said there was this weird hole in the back of Travis's neck? I was wondering if it could be from some kind of parasite?
Chloe: What orifice did you pull that one from?
Clark: That's kind of harsh, isn't it?
Chloe: Come on, Clark. It's not like you h*t the mute button on your skepticism when I take a logic leap.
Clark: It's just a hunch. Travis's adrenal gland was abnormal. Maybe the parasite was feeding off his adrenaline, making him want more and more.
Chloe: Hey, Sherlock, don't you think they would've found the parasite during the autopsy?
Clark: Not if it burrowed out of that hole after he died.
Chloe: All right, so what do you need me for?
Clark: I can't get within 50 feet of Pete. I figured you could talk to him. (Chloe just looks at him) Chloe, I'm sorry that you're angry with me about this date. I thought we knew where we stood with each other. But right now the only thing I can think about is Pete.
Chloe: Sure, Clark. I'll do it for you.
Clark: Just get him to your house. I'll see you there. (He gets up to leave)
Chloe: Its a date.
Clark looks back at Chloe, and she just sucks on her sucker. He leaves.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark enters the Talon. Day. Lana is at the bar.
Lana: Hey, you're early. I wasn't expecting you for another hour. Not that I mind. I'm really excited about our date.
Clark: So was I.
Lana: Why are you speaking in the past tense?
Clark: Lana, I can't go out with you tonight. Believe me. If it wasn't a life and death situation, I wouldn't break this date for anything.
Lana: What's going on?
Clark: It's Pete. Something happened to him at the rave and if I don't get him to the hospital, he could die.
Lana: (Coming to the front of the bar) Is there anything I can do to help?
Clark: Chloe and I have it covered.
Lana: Okay.
Clark: It's just I've done this to you in the past, and I just wanted you to have a reason this time.
Lana: It's not a problem. We've waited this long. What's another day?
They share a sad look. Chloe and Pete enter.
Chloe: Hey, lovebirds. Look who I found.
Clark: Chloe, we were supposed to meet at your house.
Lana: Pete, how are you feeling?
Pete: Awesome, never felt better in my life.
Lana: (Looking at Clark) Huh. Clark made it sound like you were on your death bed.
Pete: And you believed him? Haven't you learned by now? That's just Clark being Clark.
Pete and Chloe both start to laugh.
Lana: (Quietly) I guess not.
Pete: Ouch.
Lana walks behind the bar and into the back room.
Clark: Pete, I need to get you help.
Pete: Whoa, whoa, whoa, Clark, I know your worried about me. You're my boy. You always have been. But I figured it out. In your world, green means stop. And red-- (He puts a small red meteor rock into Clark's shirt pocket) Red means go.
Clark looks at Chloe and Pete as his eyes start to glow red. A small, dangerous smile forms on his lips.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Pete, Chloe, and Clark enter the loft laughing. Day.
Pete: We're gonna have some fun now! Where are your parents?
Clark: Out looking for you.
They go up the stairs to the upper level of the loft.
Chloe: So what's the plan?
Pete: I don't know, I was thinking maybe we'd go down to Saunders Gorge and jump the quarry. If we miss, Clark can catch us.
Clark: Let's do it!
Chloe: Yeah, right.
Clark: I'm serious.
Chloe gives Clark a confused look.
Pete: Can we tell her?
Clark: I'm surprised she hasn't figured it out already.
Chloe: Figured out what?
Clark: (Smiling, he picks up a bat) Hey, Pete. Do the honors?
Pete: With pleasure.
Pete takes the bat and whacks it into the back of Clark's head. It shatters.
Chloe: Whoa!
Pete: Gets better. Clark, uh, it's a little dark in here.
Clark uses his heat vision to light a lantern.
Chloe: How did you--
Clark: (Super speeds behind Chloe) Do that?
Chloe: (Whips around) What are you?
Clark: Let's just say I'm not from around here.
Chloe: (To Pete) You knew about this?
Pete: He's my brother... from another planet.
Clark: You should see the look on your face right now.
Chloe: Oh, my God. This is so cool. (Pause) Can you fly?
Pete laughs out loud.
Clark: Whoa, wait a minute. I may be an alien, but I'm not a cartoon.
Chloe: So if I fall... (She climbs up onto the railing) ...would you catch me?
Clark: Go for it.
Chloe walks to the edge and drops backwards off the railing. Pete stands up to watch and just as she nearing the ground, Clark super speeds to the ground floor and catches her.
Chloe: My own personal superhero. I always knew there was something special about you, Clark Kent.
Lex enters.
Lex: I hope I'm not interrupting anything.
Clark: You are. (He puts Chloe down)
Chloe: Does he know?
Clark: No. I only tell people who don't go around s*ab me in the back and lying to me.
Lex: Clark, can I have a word with you? Alone?
Clark: I'm busy.
Pete: Don't even worry about it, Clark. It's cool. (He comes down the stairs) We'll meet you in the car.
Chloe: (To Lex as she's leaving) You know, I always wondered. For a boy who has all the money in the world, you'd think he could afford a good toupee.
Clark laughs as she leaves.
Lex: What's going on, Clark? If I didn't know better, I'd say you guys were on something.
Clark: (Putting his arm around Lex) We're just having a good time. Not that it's any of your business. You ever hear of a phone? I'm sick of you just barging in like you own the place. It's really--
Lex: I came here to tell you, Clark. I talked to Walden. He won't budge.
Clark: He won't budge or you don't want me in the cave? Come on, don't lie to me. You're Lex Luthor. You pay a guy to do a job, he does what you tell him. Isn't that the way it always works?
Lex: Clark...
Clark: I'm gonna go into those caves whenever I damn well please. I dare you to stop me.
Lex: Is this really about a term paper?
Clark: You'd love to know, wouldn't you? I'm gonna go. So are you.
Clark pushes Lex out of the way.
Lex: I like to see you standing up for yourself, Clark, I really do. Be careful not to cross the line.
Clark: Is that a thr*at?
Lex: I'm just giving you a friendly piece of advice.
Clark: Let me give you some back. If you know what's good for you, stay the hell away from me.
Clark leaves.
Act 3 Scene 2
Pete, Chloe, and Clark speed down a dirt road in Pete's car. Day.
Clark: Come on, Pete, go faster!
Pete: I'm drivin', I'm drivin'.
Chloe: (Looking at Clark in the rearview mirror) Hey, Clark. What other superpowers you got?
Clark: Why don't you come back here and find out?
Chloe starts to climb into the back seat.
Pete: Hey, hey, hey, this isn't a pimp mobile. (Looking at Chloe's butt as she goes) Dang, Chloe! I never knew you had all that!
Clark: Just keep your eyes on the road, Pete.
Clark and Chloe kiss hungrily.
Pete: Guys, get a room.
Clark: Where's the fun in that, Pete?
Chloe: Oh, Pete, I want you to make a quick pit stop before we go to the gorge.
Pete: Where?
Chloe: The Talon.
Pete: (Laughing) Oh, man!
Act 3 Scene 3
Clark and Chloe are making out on a sofa in the Talon. Day. A waitress walks up to them.
Waitress: Um, excuse me? Hello? I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.
Clark: We're not going anywhere.
Chloe: Yeah, why don't you go get your manager?
The waitress leaves and Chloe straddles Clark's lap.
Clark: So what do you want to do next?
Chloe: How about we play a game of strip poker?
Clark: We don't have any cards.
Chloe: Sure we do.
Chloe starts to play some imaginary cards. Clark holds up his hand.
Clark: Full house.
Chloe: Royal flush.
She starts to unbuttons the first two buttons of his shirt, and then rips it completely open. They kiss as Clark takes it off and throws it on the floor, the red meteor rock sliding out next to it. Chloe pushes Clark back onto the sofa as the rock's glow goes out.
Clark: Chloe, I can't do this! (He gets up.)
Chloe: Wh-what happened? Why the sudden Jekyll and Hyde? (Clark puts on his jacket) What-- don't tell me you're thinking about Lana.
Clark: This has nothing to do with Lana.
Chloe: You don't have any real feelings for me, do you, Clark? Every time we hang out, it's just to get answers. Chloe, why don't you research this? or Chloe, why don't you look up that? I'm nothing more to you than your own personal search engine and I'm sick of it. I want you, Clark.
Clark looks through her with his x-ray vision.
Clark: Chloe, you have the parasite.
Chloe: Well, I love the way I feel. So maybe this is exactly what I need. To spend more time actually living life and less time reporting it.
She kisses him, and when he pulls away, we see Lana standing in the background.
Clark: L-Lana, this is not what it looks like.
Lana walks past them to the door to the back room.
Chloe: Yeah, it is, Lana. It's exactly what it looks like. Oh, and guess what? Clark told me everything. And I mean everything.
Lana turns around with tears on her face as Chloe leaves.
Clark: Lana, I can explain.
Lana doesn't answer and goes into the back room.
Clark follows Chloe outside where Pete is waiting at the car.
Clark: Chloe, you don't understand. You're not yourself. You need a doctor.
Pete: What's all this doctor talk again? What happened to my little red rock?
Clark: (Realizing) Pete, how could you do that to me?
Pete: Relax, you needed it. Now let's go find the rock and jump the gorge. You guys can suck face later.
Clark: (Grabbing Pete's shoulders) No, Pete, I'm taking you to the emergency room! I don't care what you tell people about--
Pete punches Clark in the face, knocking him unconscious.
Chloe: Whoa! How'd you do that?
Pete: Clark's Achilles' heal. (Opens his fist, revealing a green meteor rock) He may be a boy scout, but I'm always prepared. Let's go.
They get in the car and drive away. Lana comes outside and dumps a bucket of water on Clark's face, waking him up.
Clark: Lana. Where's Chloe and Pete?
Lana: I don't know. And to be honest, I really don't care.
Lana starts to walk away and when she turns around, Clark is already gone.
CUT TO Pete and Chloe driving to Saunders Gorge. They stop at the edge of the cliff.
Pete: Look at that drop.
Chloe: It'll be like flying.
Pete: Who needs Clark?
Chloe: Yeah, screw Clark.
Pete puts the car in reverse and backs up several feet.
Pete: We've got ignition!
Chloe: What are we waiting for? Blastoff! Whoo-hoo!
The car speeds toward the edge of the cliff.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Pete and Chloe drive over the edge of the cliff. Day.
Pete & Chloe: Aaaaaaahhhh!
They laugh and scream as the car nosedives straight at the ground. When they are about to h*t, Clark super speeds to the car and catches it and stands there holding it upright.
Pete: Awesome! That was awesome!
Chloe: That was awesome! One more time, Clark! Oh, my God!
Clark: Joyride's over.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark visits Chloe at the hospital. Night.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: How are you feeling?
Chloe: I finally made the Wall of Weird.
Clark: Congratulations.
Chloe: I heard about that thing they extracted from me. Did they get a picture I can see?
Clark: You don't need to see it.
Chloe: It's gross?
Clark: Pretty bad.
Chloe: How's Pete?
Clark: Pete's okay. He'll be fine.
Chloe: Good.
Clark: So what do you remember about what happened?
Chloe: Well, let's see, we were, um, we were in the cave talking to that obnoxious professor, and then I was coming out of surgery. Everything else is just blank. (Clark nods, relieved) Why, did I miss anything exciting?
Clark: No. Nothing exciting. I'm glad you're okay.
Chloe: Me too.
Lana enters with some flowers.
Lana: Um, I'll just come back later.
Clark: Uh, it's okay, Lana, I was just leaving. (To Chloe) I'll catch up with you later, okay?
Chloe: Promise?
Clark: Yeah. (Clark gets up to leave and stops next to Lana) Lana, I'm sorry.
Lana: I didn't come here to see you, Clark, I came here to see my roommate. She's been ill.
Lana walks to Chloe's bed as Clark leaves.
Chloe: Hi.
Lana: Hey. (Puts the flowers on the table)
Chloe: Thanks.
Lana: You're welcome.
Chloe: Not that I really remember everything that happened, but, um, I have a feeling I should be apologizing to you.
Lana: Uh, let's just say you weren't yourself.
Chloe: So I guess your date with Clark was kind of a bust. Did I screw it up?
Lana: Trust me, Clark screwed it up all by himself.
Chloe: What'd he do this time?
Lana: Well... I caught him making out with another girl.
Chloe: Really?
Lana: Yeah.
Chloe: Who was the girl?
Lana: (Pause) I didn't recognize her.
Act 4 Scene 3
Jonathan, Clark, and Martha talk in the dining room. Night.
Jonathan: Clark, are you sure that Chloe doesn't remember anything?
Martha: I can't believe Pete slipped you a red meteor rock.
Clark: Well, it wasn't entirely his fault.
Jonathan: Son, that's exactly the point. He knew exactly what to do to control you and that's what scares us.
Pete enters.
Pete: It scares me to, Mr. Kent.
Martha: Pete, hi. You're out.
Pete: Yeah, back to normal. Whatever that is. Listen, I'm really sorry about what happened. I don't even remember what I did. Clark filled me in. And I just want to say that if you guys never want to speak to me again, I'll understand.
Martha: Pete, we knew the risks when Clark told you his secret. Our concern was always that it was an unfair burden on you, and as much as we'd like to take it off your shoulders, we can't.
Jonathan: Besides, everybody stumbles. The important thing is that you're safe, you're alive, and you're still a member of this family.
Clark: Whether you like it or not.
Pete: Thank you.
Act 4 Scene 4
Frederick enters Lex's study. Night.
Lex: Professor. I just got off the phone with Catmus Labs.
Frederick: The dissection is done, I take it.
Lex: The creature's physiology is completely unique. Its DNA is unlike anything on this earth.
Frederick: Are you suggesting that these parasites are somehow alien in origin?
Lex: I'm hoping the symbols on the cave walls might answer that question.
Frederick: Then I better get to work.
Lex: Before I allow you to continue, I'm afraid you're going to have to make a few concessions, Professor.
Frederick: We've already negotiated my fee.
Lex: This isn't about money. You're going to give Clark Kent unfettered access to the cave.
Frederick: Just what exactly is your fascination with this boy?
Lex: My instincts tell me Clark knows a lot more about that cave than he's letting on.
Act 4 Scene 5
Lana is cleaning up the Talon after hours. Night. Clark enters with a pizza and a rose.
Lana: What's this?
Clark: My pathetic attempt at an apology? I plead temporary insanity.
Lana: Clark, it doesn't take a genius to figure out that you and Chloe still have feelings for each other.
Clark: Lana, Chloe and I are just friends.
Lana: Obviously closer friends than we are. (She walks to the bar)
Clark: (Puts down the pizza and follows her) Lana, that's not true.
Lana: Clark, you can't lie to me about something I saw with my own eyes. For once, just be honest with yourself. I know why Chloe was kissing you. But why were you kissing her back? (Clark doesn't answer) I have to lock up.
Clark puts the rose on the bar and slowly walks out. Lana picks up the rose and smells it. Then she drops it into the trashcan.
Fade to black.
**********************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"I Just Wanna Be Loved" by AM Radio
"Never Gonna Come Back Down" by BT
"Bread And Water" by Sheila Nicholls
"Don't Dream It's Over" by Sixpence None The Richer
***********************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x14 - Rush"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #215 - "Prodigal"
Original airdate: February 11, 2003
Written by: Brian Peterson & Kelly Souders
Directed by: Greg Beeman
Open on a sh*t of a young Asian waitress. She smiles as she descends a flight of stairs, carrying a tray. She greets another Asian man holding a machine g*n on the steps as she passes him.
The camera pans over to show the scene is set in an underground casino, complete with various card games and roulette wheels. We focus in on one table, where a woman deals cards for the players of a poker game. It's apparently a high stakes poker game, judging by the pile of money in the center of the table.
The camera focuses in on one young man, Lucas Luthor, who appears in his late teens/early twenties. He has an air of cocky arrogance about him as he surveys the other players at the table, including one serious looking Asian man whom appears to be the leader of the other men at the table.
As the camera focuses in on a large, ornate statue of a golden lion directly behind the table, we see a hint of movement behind one of the lion's eyes. A security camera has been placed inside, and it records the action at the table. We cut to a young Asian man in another room, sitting behind a monitor that has been split into 4 screens. The security camera zooms in, giving the man a perfect sh*t of the players' cards.
Back at the poker table, the leader of the other men at the table tosses down a bet.
Man: (In Chinese) I see you and raise you two thousand.
Lucas just smirks as the man tosses a large wad of bills toward the center of the table.
In the other room, the man watching the security cameras focuses in on the leader's cards. He grabs a cell phone and presses several buttons.
Out at the poker table, Lucas reaches down to remove his money from his pocket. As he does so, he glances at the pager which is clipped to his belt...which contains the message from the man at the cameras, letting Lucas know what his opponents cards are. Lucas peels several bills off from his stack of cash, tossing them toward the center of the table
Lucas: (In Chinese) I see your two thousand...and raise you...fifteen hundred.
The leader just looks at the money suspiciously. The man on the steps with the machine g*n hears a beeping noise, and looks around suspiciously. He draws his g*n and begins to climb the steps.
The door to the room where the cameras are is flung open, and the man from the steps walks into the room. The young man operating the security camera jumps up in fear.
Meanwhile, at the poker table, several other men throw large bets into the pot as Lucas looks on.
Back in the room with the security camera, the man operating the cameras puts his hands up and begins speaking rapidly and fearfully in Chinese as the other man grabs him by the throat.
Down at the poker table, the leader lays down his cards. He has a pair of aces. Lucas lays his cards down. He has three of a kind and wins the hand.
Back in the upstairs room, the young man struggles with the man with the g*n.
Down at the poker table, the leader picks up a shrimp with a pair of chopsticks, bringing it to his lips as he stares Lucas down.
Man: (In English) Very lucky tonight.
Lucas simply stares back, then reaches over and collects his winnings.
The man with the g*n comes down the steps, pushing the young man in front of him. He shouts to the leader in Chinese, and shoves the young man toward the table. Lucas pockets his money as everyone looks toward the disturbance. The man with the g*n grabs the young man by the hair.
Man: (In Chinese) Who are you working with?
The young man looks around fearfully, and then stares at Lucas as everyone turn to look over at Lucas. Lucas simply sits there, not losing his cool. The young woman who was dealing the cards reaches down and pulls a g*n from a secret compartment under the table, and aims it at Lucas.
Lucas: (To the young man) Sorry, Dirk.
Lucas stands suddenly and turns the table over, taking advantage of the distraction to flee the gaming floor. One of the bouncers tries to stop him, but Lucas punches him. The dealer fires her g*n toward where Lucas is running and the man with the machine g*n fires after him as well, but Lucas escapes in the chaos. He darts down into a hallway, and the man with the machine g*n chases him. Lucas grabs a passerby and uses him as a shield as the machine g*n opens f*re, k*lling the passerby.
Lucas escapes out into the f*re escape outside, where a downpour of rain is falling. As two of the henchmen chase him, he climbs over the f*re escape and jumps to the ground. He runs over to a motorcycle parked in the alley and takes off, causing several pedestrians to leap out of the way to avoid being run over.
The two henchmen take their way down the f*re escape and chase on foot after Lucas. They f*re their g*n at Lucas, and he loses control of the motorcycle, crashing into a pile of trash.
As Lucas struggles to get back on his feet, we hear the squealing of tires as a nearby car comes to a stop. We see someone from the car rushing toward Lucas in the pouring rain. As the camera pans up, we see it is Lex.
Lex: (Shouting as he helps Lucas up) Come on!
Lex helps Lucas up, and the two men rush back toward Lex's limo.
Lucas: Who the hell are you?
Lex yanks open the door to the limo, and turns back to Lucas.
Lex: Lucas...I'm your brother.
Lucas looks on in shock. Behind them, we hear the shouts as the henchmen approach. Lex climbs into the limo.
Lex: Come on!
With a quick glance back at his pursuers, Lucas climbs into the limo and it takes off just as the henchmen arrive.
[Opening Credits]
Cut to a sh*t outside the Talon, the next morning. Inside, Lana is removing the chairs from the tables and getting set up for the day. From behind her, Clark enters the Talon.
Clark: (Looking around) Wow, sure is peaceful in here this early in the morning.
Lana: (Surprised) I've never took you to be a coffee junkie, but I have the first pot brewing if you want to wait a sec.
Lana heads toward the counter to get Clark some coffee.
Lana: Anything else I can get you?
Clark pulls the Talon's Help Wanted sign from behind his back.
Clark: Just a job.
Lana: (Stunned) I...here?
Clark: (Hopefully) Well, if I'm gonna work, why not do it where all of my friends are hanging out?
Lana: (Hesitantly) Don't... Take this the wrong way, but you don't have the best track record when it comes to keeping appointments.
Clark's face falls as he looks at her.
Lana: (Helpfully) But talk to Hank...I hear they're hiring over at the hardware store.
Clark: (Dryly) Ouch.
Lana: (Guiltily) Oh, guess that was kind of harsh.
Clark glances around, and sees the rose he gave Lana in the previous episode in the trashcan, and looks crestfallen. Lana sees what he is looking at and gives him a look of sympathy.
Lana: (False brightness) I can put you in the running with the other applicants.
Clark just nods, and Lana hands him an application.
Cut to a sh*t of Lionel Luthor's office. Lionel is talking on his cellular phone's headset.
Lionel: (angrily) No.. No... No... It's a very important vote tomorrow. I'm not moving the date to accommodate Dopkins's fetish for antique clocks. I want him back from Prague now, Steven. Do you understand me?
Lionel abruptly disconnects the call as the doors to his office are flung open. Lex strides inside, with Lucas following behind him.
Lex: Hello, Dad.
Lionel: Lex. To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected visit?
Lex: (Dryly) I thought you might be interested in meeting your youngest heir. Lucas, this is your father.
Lucas steps out from behind Lex and walks toward Lionel.
Lucas: Mr. Luthor.
Lionel reaches out and runs his hands over Lucas's shoulders.
Lionel: (Whispering) Lucas...
Lionel pulls Lucas into a tight embrace.
Lionel: (Emotionally) Lucas...son...
Lex looks on, unimpressed by Lionel's show of emotion.
Lucas: (Jokingly) At least, uh, biologically speaking, right?
Lionel smiles tightly, and Lucas crosses over to a display of w*apon in Lionel's office.
Lucas: I see we, uh, both share a passion for Asian w*apon.
Lucas removes a sword from the display and examines it.
Lucas: Huh. By the placement of the dragon, it was to be worn on the right hip. A rare left-handed sword.
Lucas unsheathes the sword.
Lucas: But it's a fake.
Lucas puts the sword back onto the display.
Lionel: (Chuckling) That's a very keen observation.
Lex: (Dryly) Especially from someone you told me was d*ad. Imagine my surprise to learn that Lucas was alive and well, living in Edge City. Come on, Dad. You knew he was alive.
Lionel begins to pour himself a glass of water from a pitcher. As he does so, Lucas looks on curiously, noting the way Lionel is holding the glass.
Lionel: Lucas. Tell my secretary to take you down to the executive dining room. We'll join you shortly. My, uh, chef will fix you anything your heart desires.
Lucas nods and starts to walk out of the office.
Lucas: (Dryly) Don't, uh...don't talk about me behind my back.
Lucas heads out of the office. Once he is gone, Lex, sitting on the couch opposite Lionel's desk, speaks.
Lex: (Matter of factly) So the prodigal son returns.
Lionel: But, uh, unlike his envious brother in the gospel, it looks like you have welcomed Lucas with open arms. What do you expect to get out of it, Lex?
Lex: Just a new brother.
Lionel: (Sitting at his desk) One who's just turned 18, if I remember it correctly, and is now entitled to claim his inheritance.
Lex: (Sarcastically) It was generous of you to set up your living trust so any heirs would automatically get 10% of your LuthorCorp shares.
Lionel: (Amused) It's the vital 10% you need to vote me out of power. (Laughing, very amused) Ha ha ha ha! Is that why half my board has suddenly found a myriad of excuses for not taking my calls? Oh my word, you're staging a coup.
Lex says nothing, just smiles slightly to himself.
Lionel: (Seriously) Careful, Lex. There are parables of many kinds to be found in the good book.
With that, Lionel turns from Lex, effectively dismissing him, and summons his secretary.
Lionel: Selma, get me my next call please.
Lex simply stares at Lionel coldly.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark, sh**ting a basketball in the Kent barnyard. The ball swishes through the net, and Pete catches it underneath.
Pete: (Tossing the ball back to Clark) Working at the Talon--could you be any more obvious?
Clark: (Dribbling the ball) What happened to the Pete Ross rule of proximity? If you wanna get in the game, you've gotta get on the court.
Clark sh**t the ball again, making another basket.
Pete: (Retrieving the ball) Clark, Lana would be your boss. She's going to take out all of her pent up frustrations of all the times you've ever let her down. You're not going to be in the game. You're going to be in the locker room cleaning the toilets.
Pete chuckles and sh**t the ball, making a basket of his own.
Clark: (Catching the ball) I'm probably not going to get the job anyway.
As Clark speaks, we hear the sound of a high performance car engine coming up the drive. Seconds later, Lex's silver convertible pulls up, and Lex and Lucas climb out of the car.
Lex: (Getting out of the car) Guys, I want you to meet somebody. This is Lucas, my brother.
Clark looks at Lucas with an expression of mistrust on his face.
Lucas: (Approaching the two boys) What's up guys?
Lex looks at Clark, carefully studying his reaction.
Pete: (Friendly) Hey Lucas, you want to sh**t some hoops?
Lucas: Yeah, sure.
Pete grabs the ball from Clark. He and Lucas head toward the basket, tossing the ball back and forth.
Pete: Ah-haa... Here ya go!
Pete and Lucas begin playing basketball, leaving Clark and Lex alone. Lex starts walking back to his car.
Lex: (Amused) I didn't mean to drop a b*mb on you.
Clark: (Confused) I thought he was supposed to be, well...uh, d*ad.
Lex: (Leaning against his car) Ah, just buried by my father. I've been looking for him for several months.
Clark: (Glancing over at Lucas) Why didn't you say something?
Lex: Well, because I wasn't sure what I was going to find.
Lex's cell phone begins to ring, and he pulls it from his pocket, glancing at the caller ID.
Lex: I've got to straighten something out with the bank. (Calls over to Lucas) Lucas, we have to get going.
Clark: (To Lucas) He, uh, you can hang out here if you want.
Lex looks at Clark in surprise.
Clark: (To Lex) Give me a chance to get to know him a little bit.
Lucas: Uh, yeah, sure. Absolutely.
Lex: (Shrugs) I'll be back in an hour.
Lex gets back into his car and drives off. Clark joins Pete and Lucas in their basketball game.
Clark: Here ya go, Pete.
Clark jogs toward the basket, as Pete tosses the ball up and Clark tips it in the basket. Pete catches the ball as it drops through the net and tosses it to Lucas.
Lucas: (sh**ting the ball) So, uh, you and Lex seem close.
Pete: What, are you kidding? They're like brothers.
Clark looks uncomfortable as Lucas smiles. Pete glances between the two boys, and clears his throat as he realizes he's said too much, and concentrates on sh**ting the ball as Clark changes the subject.
Clark: So, Lucas... Where did you grow up?
Lucas: (Catching the ball and tossing it to Pete) All over.
Pete: (Dribbling the ball) Must be kind of weird not knowing your mom or your dad.
Lucas: No, not really. Parents always try to make you little versions of them selves. When you grow up without those constraints, you're allowed to become your own person.
Clark: (Shrugging) It's an interesting theory. I don't think I buy it, though.
Lucas: (Catching the ball as Pete tosses it to him) All right. Let's, uh, let's take you and Lex, for example. (sh**t the basketball) If he were raised by your parents and you were raised by Lionel, you wouldn't grow up to be different people?
Clark: Well, I...
Lucas: (Amused) Trust me, you'd be rich and miserable, and he'd be wearing flannel. But if you were left totally alone, abandoned by your parents, how do you think you'd turn out?
Clark: (Annoyed) I'm not sure.
Lucas: (Matter of factly) It's when you find out what you're really made of. (Walking towards Clark) Are we going to stand around and chit-chat all day, or are we going to play some ball? (Challengingly) Clark, let's see what you got.
Clark takes the ball and walks toward what would be the top of the key on a basketball court.
Clark: (Determined) Check it up.
Clark tosses the ball to Lucas, who tosses it back to Clark. Lucas moves in position to guard Clark as he moves toward the basket. Clark sh**t from where he is standing, and the ball clangs off the rim. Lucas catches the rebound and stares cockily at Clark as he moves to go on the offensive, purposely bumping into Clark as he and Clark switch positions on the court. Clark just rolls his eyes, and Pete looks on worriedly from the sidelines as the competitive tension fills the air.
Pete: (Quietly to Clark) Be cool, man.
Clark nods and gets in position to guard Lucas. With a quick spin move, Lucas moves easily around Clark and lays the ball into the basket. Lucas tosses the ball to Clark as he passes him, and Clark just looks toward Pete with a "Who does this guy think he is?" grin on his face. Pete looks impressed at Lucas's moves.
Lucas prepares again to go on the offensive. He gets past Clark and sh**t the ball, but Clark makes an almost impossibly high leap, blocking the sh*t against the backboard and grabbing the ball. He dribbles the ball away, giving Lucas a cocky look of his own as he passes him. Lucas just stares at him with an expression of disbelief.
Clark goes on the offensive, and glares at Lucas. He quickly moves past Lucas and heads for the basket, leaping high into the air as he jumps several feet to the basket, dunking the ball with a windsailing slam-dunk. Clark grins at Pete and gives Lucas a look of triumph.
Pete looks concerned as he realizes Clark's competitive nature is causing him to become careless with his powers, and steps in between the two boys.
Pete: (Attempting to joke) Hey, rocket man, we don't want anybody to get hurt.
Clark: (Nodding) All right.
Clark begins dribbling the ball, as Lucas gets in position to guard him. Clark makes a move toward the basket, and Lucas goes to block him. As he does, he swings his arm in a possible attempt to steal the ball, and ends up bumping roughly into Clark.
Lucas: Aah!
Lucas grimaces and doubles over in pain from the contact, clutching his shoulder. Clark stops, and Pete looks concerned. Lucas stands and swings his arm back and forth, making sure it's okay as he stares at Clark.
Lucas: Sorry, man. No hard feelings right? It's just a game.
Clark: (Uneasily) Right.
Lucas: (Chuckling) Felt like you had a steel plate in there or something.
Clark just gives a small uneasy smile.
Lucas: Any chance I could get a ride back to the mansion?
Pete: Yeah, I'll give you a lift.
Lucas just gives a disbelieving chuckle towards Clark, who watches as the two boys walk off.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe entering the Talon.
Chloe: (Friendly) Hello, Lana.
We see Lana sitting on the stairway in the Talon, stacks of papers in her hands.
Lana: (Friendly) Hey, uh, almond mocha with extra whip?
Chloe: (Taking off her coat) Yeah, and can you add an extra jolt of caffeine please? I'm in my post-lunch, pre-deadline coma.
Lana: (Laughing) Uh-huh
Chloe: (Chuckling) Thank you.
Lana heads toward a waitress while Chloe sits on the steps and looks at the papers Lana has left behind.
Lana: (To waitress) Katrina, could you get me an almond latte please, with extra whip? Thank you.
Lana comes back to the steps and sits next to Chloe.
Chloe: (Examining the papers) Clark Kent applied for part time?
Lana: Yeah.
Chloe: (Flipping over Clark's application) And he didn't put me as a reference? What's up with that?
Lana: It doesn't matter. I'm not going to hire him anyway.
Chloe: (Surprised) Why not?
Lana: Well, you work with him at the Torch. Isn't it strange, supervising your friend?
Chloe: (Grinning widely) Are you kidding? Bossing around Clark is the highlight of my day!
Lana laughs.
Chloe: Besides, he always comes through, even if it is in his own special Clark time.
Lana: Yeah, that's kind of what I'm worried about.
Chloe considers Lana's words for a moment.
Chloe: (Seriously) Lana, you and I both know that Clark can do this job. What's the real reason you don't want him here?
Lana: I...
Lana opens and closes her mouth several times, then trails off, at a loss for words.
Chloe: (Knowingly) Yeah, that's what I thought.
Lana just shrugs and gives Chloe a small, embarrassed smile, knowing she's busted.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex throwing open the doors to his study. He strides into the room, heading for his desk.
Lex: (Angrily) I just spent the last two hours at the bank.
As Lex heads toward his desk, we see Lionel is sitting behind it, using his cell phone's headset to make calls.
Lex: (Annoyed) Any idea why my accounts would be frozen?
Lionel: (Dryly) You know Lex, I'm tired of your constant attempts at mutiny.
Lex: Yeah, well, you didn't leave me too many options. It was either that or the plank.
Lionel" src="http://foreverdreaming.org/images/smilies/frown.gif"> Amused) It wasn't wise of you, son, to wager all your assets as collateral against LexCorp when you took out your loan. You see, now that your company is a LuthorCorp property, everything you own belongs to me. I want you out of the mansion.
Lex swallows hard and stares at Lionel in disbelief.
Lex: (Leaning in over the desk and lowering his voice) Come on, Dad. Isn't this a little futile? Lucas and I will be back home after we vote you out.
Lex turns to leave, and sees Lucas in the doorway.
Lucas: Don't be so sure about that, Lex.
Lex stares at Lucas, stunned.
Lionel: Lucas and I had a very interesting father and son chat. Long overdue.
Lucas enters the study, walking over to Lionel. Lex just stares at them, in disbelief.
Lionel: It may be hard for you to imagine, Lex, but some sons don't ever question their allegiance to family.
Lex gives a dry laugh as he looks at Lucas, standing proudly behind Lionel.
Lex: You are being incredibly naive if you think you can trust him.
Lucas: (Flatly) Something you pick up at the tables, Lex. You size up your options. You never know when you might have to change your strategy mid-hand.
Lex just shakes his head.
Lionel: (Amused) Well, Lex, looks like you loose.
Lex just stares coldly at his father and brother.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark coming down the steps inside the Kent house. He's heading toward the living room when he hears a knock at the door. He calls out to Martha and Jonathan, who are sitting in the living room, Martha reading the paper and Jonathan reading a book.
Clark: I'll get it.
Clark heads to the door and opens it. Lex is standing on the porch.
Clark: (Surprised) Hey, Lex.
Lex: (Seriously) Clark, I'm sorry to bother you.
In the living room, Jonathan and Martha look up as they hear Lex's voice.
Clark: (Concerned) No problem. Is everything all right?
Lex: (Matter of factly) No, it's not.
Martha and Jonathan come out of the living room and approach the door.
Martha: (Concerned) Lex, what is it?
Lex: (Taking a deep breath) According to my father, I'm uh, no longer a Luthor. He's left me with nothing, not even a place to live. So, I, uh, was wondering...
Lex glances at Jonathan as he speaks.
Lex: (Hesitant, but hopeful) If, uh...I could stay with you for a while?
Jonathan and Martha look surprised by Lex's request, and Clark looks at them pleadingly. Jonathan stares at Lex, the slightest bit of sympathy on his face, and Lex gives him a small, embarrassed smile.
Cut to a sh*t of Jonathan, looking out the kitchen window the next morning. He stares out across the barnyard, watching as Lex pushes a wheelbarrow across the barnyard and into the barn. Jonathan gives a small smile at the sight.
Martha: (Entering the kitchen) You're up early... Even for you.
Jonathan: (Turning from the window) Ah, I couldn't sleep.
Martha: (Getting a cup of coffee) Would that have anything to do with our new houseguest?
Jonathan: (Drinking coffee) Hmm. Can you blame me?
Martha: (Sympathetically) We can't turn our backs on Lex now.
Jonathan: (Distrustfully) Oh, believe me, I have no intention of turning my back on Lex.
Clark: (Coming down the stairs) Morning.
Martha: Good morning.
Clark: Anyone seen Lex?
Jonathan: Yeah, he's out in the barn.
Clark just looks at Jonathan, an expression of surprise and disbelief on his face.
Jonathan: Well, he got up at the crack of dawn, and insisted on doing some chores to earn his keep while he's here.
Clark: (Knowingly) Oh, you've got him mucking out the stalls already, huh?
Jonathan: (Laughing) Ha ha. Yes.
Clark: You're enjoying this, aren't you?
Jonathan: Yeah. Hey, son... All kidding aside, I don't want you to forget that he did investigate you for a year. And remember what's in the storm cellar.
Clark: Dad, I trust Lex.
Jonathan: (Insistant) Clark, I don't want him left alone on this farm.
Clark looks at Jonathan, a bit upset, then heads out toward the barn.
Cut to a sh*t inside the barn. Lex grunts a little, a sheen of sweat on his forehead as he uses a pitchfork to toss dirty straw into the wheelbarrow. Clark enters the barn.
Clark: (Amused) Well, I was going to give you some tips, but it looks like you have everything under control.
Lex grunts again as he pitches another pile of straw into the wheelbarrow.
Lex: (Continuing to work) My family had a ranch in Montana. I used to go there in the summers with my mom.
Clark: (Sitting on a nearby bale of straw) Sounds like fun.
Lex pauses, wiping his hand across his face as he turns toward Clark.
Lex: We would work right alongside the ranch hands. Everyone did their fair share. It was the only time I felt, uh, normal.
Lex goes back to work, pitching more straw into the wheelbarrow.
Clark: (Interested) Did you ever go back?
Lex tosses the last forkful of straw into the wheelbarrow and hangs up the pitchfork as he speaks.
Lex: After my mother died, my father sold the property. I guess you could say he was never a, uh, man of the people.
Lex heads over to the other side of the barn and picks up a bale of straw.
Clark: (Getting up) Let me give you a hand with that.
Lex: (Carrying the straw to the stall) Thanks Clark, but I'd like to prove to your father once and for all that some Luthors pull their own weight.
Lex tosses the bale down inside the stall, and gives Clark a happy and proud smile. Clark smiles in return.
Cut to a sh*t of a violent video game being played. As the camera pulls back, we see Lucas sprawled across a new couch in Lex's study, playing the game on a brand new big flat screen TV. Lionel enters the office.
Lionel: Lucas? We've got to talk.
Lionel bumps into the TV as he crosses the office. Lucas just continues to play his game.
Lucas: (Annoyed) Sure Dad, what's up?
Lionel: (Waving a sheaf of papers) What's "up" is that you have yet to sign over your shares to me as we'd agreed. Please, turn that off.
Lucas ignores his father and continues to play the game.
Lionel: (More demanding) Lucas, please turn that off. Now!
Annoyed, Lucas shuts off the game.
Lucas: Let's see...what's wrong with this picture? Hmm. I trick Lex, I play along with your little game, and you offer me, what, 10 million dollars to walk away?
Lionel: (Chuckling) I'd say it's a little more lucrative than your card scams.
Lucas: (Getting up and walking toward Lex's desk) Hmm. Well, Dad, the deal sounded really good at the time but that is until I realized what a Luthor goes for these days.
Lucas picks up a file folder from a pile of them on the desk.
Lucas: (Continuing) You see, I went through the LuthorCorp financials, and it turns out I'm worth five times what you're offering me, and that only takes into account what you report to Uncle Sam.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Don't be getting delusions of grandeur, my boy.
Lucas: Tell me something, Dad.
Lionel: What?
Lucas: Why didn't you try and find me before I was 12?
Lionel: (Pauses) Because you're mother lied to me. She told me you died as a baby.
Lucas: But I'm still not worth your time.
Lionel: I took care of you the best way I knew how, Lucas.
Lucas walks over to the pool table, selecting a stick from the wall.
Lucas: Huh. At arm's length, with a checkbook.
Lucas lines up a sh*t and begins to play pool.
Lionel: (Walking to the table) There were scenarios...
Lucas just sighs in annoyance and lays the pool stick on the table.
Lionel: (Continuing) Lucas, now it's your turn to live up to our agreement.
Lionel lays the papers on the pool table, and holds out a pen to Lucas.
Lionel: Please. Just sign. Please, son.
Lucas looks at Lionel for a moment, then nods his head.
Lucas: (Quietly) Okay. Okay, Dad.
Lucas reaches down and begins to sign the papers. As he pulls his hand back, we see he has written, "Bite Me" in capital letters under the space for the signature of the seller. The pleased look falls from Lionel's face, replaced with a look of intense anger.
Lucas: You might want to, uh, have your lawyers look over that.
Lionel: (Attempting to regain his composure) No, I trust that everything is in order.
With that, Lionel turns and begins to walk from the room. Lucas reaches down and picks up the 8 ball from the pool table.
Lucas: Dad.
Lionel: (Turning around) Lucas?
Lucas hurls the pool ball directly at Lionel's head.
Lionel: (Ducking out of the way) AAHHH!
The ball crashes through the window behind Lex's desk.
Lionel: (Standing upright) What the hell are you doing! You could have k*lled me!
Lucas comes around from behind the pool table and stands directly in front of Lionel.
Lucas: We both know you saw that ball coming.
Lionel: (Angrily) You're way out of line, son.
Lucas: (Matter of factly) When a blind man pours a drink, he holds his finger on the inside of the rim so he can feel when the glass is full. You didn't do that.
Lucas reaches out and removes Lionel's sunglasses.
Lucas: (Continuing) And just now, you couldn't hide your reaction to my lack of signature.
Lionel moves his eyes and stares directly at Lucas.
Lionel: What do you want, Lucas?
Lucas: (Confidently) Lex is the past. I am the future.
Lionel gives Lucas a small, impressed smile.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark entering the Talon. He walks toward the counter, where Lana is putting several coffee drinks on a tray.
Clark: Lana. I got your message. What's up?
Lana: Oh, I just wanted to let you know that I filled that position.
Lana begins to head for a table, and Clark follows.
Clark: (Disappointed) Great. You didn't have to consult me about it.
Lana: (Smiling as she sets down a drink on a table) Uh, yeah I did. Congratulations, Clark. You got the job.
Clark: (Surprised) Really? What made you change your mind?
Lana: (Heading to another table with Clark in tow) A glowing recommendation from the editor of the Torch. So the job's yours if you still want it.
Clark: Of course. Are you sure about this?
Lana: (Honestly) No. But I remember Lex believed in me when I wanted to start this place. We all need someone to take a chance on us. So, when can you start?
Lucas: (Approaching) Don't you think you should check with the boss first?
Lana just looks from Lucas to Clark, confused.
Clark: (Uncomfortably) Lana, this is Lucas. Lex's brother.
Lana: (Surprised) Uh, Lex never mentioned he had a brother.
Lucas: Well, I wasn't exactly on his Christmas card list. (Looking around at the décor) Uh, I like the whole Egyptian/Assyrian vibe. It's clear you've put a lot of time and effort into this place.
Lana: (Uncomfortably) Uh, yeah, yeah, so did Lex.
Lucas: (Cockily) Well, Lex is, uh, he's not exactly in the picture anymore.
Clark: (Hint of anger) Lionel threw Lex out of the mansion.
Lucas: (False concern) How's he doing down on the farm, Clark?
Clark: (Confidently) He's doing great. He's a survivor.
Lucas: Well, I hope that he can survive on nothing, because anything that was his is now mine, including this place.
Lana: You should know that Lex wasn't my boss. He was my partner.
Lucas: Oh, even better.
Lucas heads behind the counter to look around. Clark watches him angrily, as Lana looks at Clark in confusion and disbelief.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High. Students mingle outside as the bell rings. Cut to a sh*t of Chloe in the Torch office, opening a file cabinet. Clark enters.
Clark: Ahem.
Clark smiles and holds up a large to-go cup of coffee and a paper bag as Chloe turns around.
Chloe: (Smiling happily) Hey. I didn't know the Talon delivered.
Clark: (Holding the coffee and bag out to Chloe) I decided to make an exception.
Chloe takes the items, sipping at the coffee as she heads across the office.
Chloe: I assume you got the job, then.
Clark: Apparently, the editor of the Torch put me over the top.
Chloe: (Setting her coffee down and tearing off a piece of whatever was in the bag) So how does it feel to be a minimum wage earner?
Clark: Great. (Concerned) But there seems to be some personnel changes over at the Talon.
Chloe: (Picking up her coffee and heading toward her desk) Are you talking about Lucas Luthor?
Clark: Yeah, how'd you know?
Chloe: (Chuckling) Are you kidding? The prodigal Luthor son returns, and to top it all off, the new heir has taken over the castle. I mean, that's the story that could land you a byline on the front page of the Daily Planet.
Clark: I just--I don't trust Lucas. I think he's hiding something.
Chloe sits at her desk, putting her feet up.
Chloe: Come on Clark, cut the guy a break. He's had a really tough life. He bounced from foster home to foster home. I mean, he never got adopted.
Clark: Well, when you were looking at his past, you didn't find anything weird at all.
Chloe hits a couple of keys on her computer.
Chloe: Um, just the source.
Chloe leans back and pulls a piece of paper out of the printer behind Clark, handing the paper to Clark. Clark studies the paper.
Cut to a sh*t of the paper--an adoption query from Metropolis United Charities.
Lex: Metropolis United Charities.
We pull back and see Lex, in Clark's loft, holding the paper.
Clark: (Sitting nearby) Chloe said Lucas's file didn't even exist two weeks ago. Suddenly, there it is.
Lex: Like somebody wanted him to be found. Of course, the detectives I hired failed to mention where they got their information
Clark: Do you think your father knew about Lucas all along?
Lex: Do you even have to ask? Lucas was in on this from the beginning.
Lex starts to walk angrily from the loft.
Clark: If your father was hiding Lucas why would he suddenly let you find him?
Lex pauses on the steps and turns around.
Lex: Because ever since he took LexCorp, he knows I've been looking for an opportunity to get back at him. He co-opted Lucas before I could. (Turning and continuing down the steps) While I've been playing checkers, my father's been playing chess.
Clark watches as Lex strides determinedly from the barn.
Cut to a sh*t inside Lex's study. Loud music plays as Lucas, shirtless, does pull-ups on a new piece of exercise equipment he's purchased. The doors to the study open and Lex strides in.
Lex looks around at the expensive new additions--the TV, two large speakers, and a myriad of exercise equipment such as weights and a treadmill.
Lex: Wow. Hey, I love what you've done with the place. Is this newest scam, huh--corporate titan in training?
Lucas stops exercising as Lex tosses him a towel.
Lucas: Unlike you, Lex, I don't live in my father's shadow. My training's over. What can I do for you.
Lex stares at Lucas, then shrugs.
Lex: (Amused) Feeling pretty good about yourself right now, aren't you?
Lex crosses the room and sits behind his desk.
Lex: (Continuing) I got to admit, you and my father played me brilliantly. Just out of idle curiosity, when did he contact you?
Lucas: Three weeks ago. He told me who he was, said you were looking for me. Wanted to use me for some corporate raid.
Lex just nods. Lucas leans in over the desk.
Lucas: Let's face it Lex. I'm the son he wants.
Lex just looks at Lucas knowingly.
Lex: Careful Lucas. You're showing your hand. Come on. What is it you're really after, huh? His affection?
Lucas smiles in amusement and Lex smiles in kind.
Lex: (Continuing coldly) You really believe if you stick around, he's going to love you? Trust me. You don't know him at all.
Lucas: (Unconcerned) Get out, Lex. You lost.
Lex just studies Lucas for a moment, then quirks his eyebrow and shrugs. He gets up from behind the desk and begins heading toward the door.
Lex: I found you because he wanted me to. High school kids can track you down.
Lucas: You mean your friend Clark Kent?
Lex: (Turning around, amused) I bet a lot of people are out looking for you. Like your friends from Edge City.
Lucas: (Sarcastically) Oh, wow, Lex, is that a thr*at?
Lex: (Matter of factly) You know, Lucas, the Luthor gene pool is a shark t*nk, and our father's just chummed the waters.
Lucas just looks at Lex, confidently
Lex: (Dryly) Good luck.
With that, Lex turns and leaves. Once he is gone, Lucas's expression goes from confidant to angry.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon. Lana takes a tray from another waitress.
Waitress: There you go.
Lana: Thank you.
Lana heads out from behind the counter toward a table. Lucas comes in from the back entrance.
Lucas: (Demanding) Where's Clark?
Lana: (Flustered) Good question.
Clark rushes in.
Clark: (Apologetic) Lana, sorry I'm late.
Lana: (Handing Clark the tray) Yeah, don't worry about it. You can make it up by taking these lattes to table three.
Lana turns to head back to the counter, as Lucas glares at Clark.
Lucas: (To Lana as she passes) Huh. I want you to f*re him.
Clark looks up from table three in surprise.
Clark: (Walking over to Lucas) f*re me? For what?
Lucas: (Angrily) You were half an hour late to work. What were you doing, helping Lex dig up more dirt about me?
Lana walks over and stands next to Clark
Lana: Lucas, I am not going to f*re Clark.
Lucas: Okay. Then I'll f*re you too.
Lana: Check our partnership agreement. You can't do that. Lex made sure of it.
Lucas just looks back and forth between Lana and Clark.
Lucas: (Angrily) Lex is history, and so is this place. You can count on it.
With that, Lucas turns and heads out the back door. Clark looks at Lana with concern, and hands her the tray, following Lucas out into the back alley.
Clark: Lucas wait, you can't do this!
Lucas: (Angry) Get it through your head, Clark! I'm a Luthor, I can do anything I want!
Lucas strides down the alley, and Clark calls after him.
Clark: (Desperately) If you want me to quit, I will! Just leave Lana alone!
Lucas: (Turning back to Clark) Too late.
Lucas continues down the alley. He hears the sound of a motorcycle revving its engine. He turns around, and sees a man on a motorcycle emerging from the shadows. Clark looks on in confusion, and a look of realization comes over Lucas's face as he realizes who it is.
A man on a motorcycle pulls up a small a*t*matic g*n and aims it at Lucas. The camera pulls back and we see it's Dirk, from Lucas's card scam at the club. Dirk lowers the faceguard on his motorcycle helmet, and Lucas begins to run away. Dirk takes off after him, and fires the g*n.
As they pass Clark, the scene goes into slow motion b*llet time. Clark sees the b*ll*ts are heading directly for Lucas. Using his superspeed, he rushes over and knocks Dirk off the bike and to the ground. He then speeds after the b*ll*ts. Clark passes on, using his hand to knock it to the ground, then does the same with the next one he passes. One b*llet is almost at Lucas's shoulder. Clark leaps toward Lucas, putting his hand on Lucas's shoulder and blocking the b*llet. The other b*ll*ts bounce harmlessly off Clark's back as he knocks Lucas to the ground. As they h*t the ground, the scene goes back into real time. Sparks fly as the b*ll*ts Clark knocked away h*t some metal, and Dirk crashes into the opposite wall.
Clark: (To Lucas) Are you Okay?
Lucas just nods, and Clark gets up, glancing over his shoulder at two smoking b*llet holes on the back of his jacket. Dirk climbs back on his motorcycle, and zooms away as Clark and Lucas watch.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study. The study doors open and Lucas walks in. Lionel is sitting next to the f*re.
Lucas: Dad.
Lionel: Lucas. I heard about last night. (Amused) Well, you wouldn't be a Luthor if somebody wasn't trying to k*ll you. Hahaha.
Lucas just smiles dryly.
Lionel: It didn't hurt that Clark Kent was there.
Lucas: I don't how he reacted so quickly.
Lionel: (Cleaning his glasses) Well, Clark is a very special young man. (Getting up) Did you recognize the sh**t?
Lucas: His name is Dirk. I did some business with him back in Edge City.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Interesting euphemism.
Lucas: You don't, uh, sound too surprised Dad.
Lionel: (Laughing as he puts an arm around Lucas) Well, where do you think you are--Walton Mountain? Come on Lucas, think a minute. You walk in here, you take everything that belongs to Lex. You think he's just going to give up without a fight?
Lucas: You know, it's funny, because Lex said you wanted me out of the picture.
Lionel: Of course he did. (Putting a hand on Lucas's face) But you're my son.
Lucas chuckles dryly and steps away.
Lucas: (Sitting down) Why should I believe you, Dad? Hmm?
Lionel sits next to Lucas.
Lionel: Lucas, look--
Lucas: (Interrupting) You wanted me out of your life. You even tried to buy me off. Why the sudden change of heart?
Lionel: It was a test. You just stood up to me. You turned the tables, showed me your strength. That's what it takes to win. Lex doesn't have that. Why do you think he's afraid of you?
Lucas just stares at Lionel.
Lionel: (Continuing) You've thrown down the gauntlet, Lucas. Are you willing to go the distance? Lex obviously is.
Lucas just nods slightly in understanding.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark, clad in a green Talon apron, waiting on tables. Chloe enters and approaches him.
Chloe: Hey, Clark.
Clark: Chloe. What did you find out?
Chloe: So they caught Lucas's sh**t outside Metropolis. His name is Dirk Lee. They tracked him down with the license plate number that you gave them.
Clark: (Setting down drinks at a table) Did he tell the police who tipped him off?
Clark moves to another table, and Chloe follows him.
Chloe: Not exactly. Somewhere between the booking and the holding cell, Dirk mysteriously keeled over and died.
Clark: (Serving customers) Someone didn't want him to talk.
Chloe: Yeah, someone who had enough power to k*ll him in the middle of a police station. Know of anyone that comes to mind?
Clark hands his tray to Chloe and starts removing his apron.
Clark: You've got to cover for me, okay?
Clark starts to leave, and Chloe chases after him, tray in hand.
Chloe: (Flustered) No. No, Clark. I drink coffee. I do not serve it! Clark!
Off to the side, Lana watches Clark leave with a mixture of anger and disappointment on her face.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent barn. Jonathan is working on a machine, carving what looks like a wooden table leg. From behind him, Lex approaches.
Lex: Mr. Kent.
Jonathan shuts off the machine and turns around.
Lex: (Setting down his bags) I just wanted to say thank you for everything you and your family have done for me.
Jonathan: (Indicating Lex's bags) You going somewhere, Lex?
Lex: Well, I need to talk to my brother, and you know what they say about fish and houseguests after three days.
Jonathan chuckles, then walks over to Lex. He pauses for a moment, then speaks.
Jonathan: (Sincerely) You're welcome back anytime.
Jonathan steps past Lex, and Lex moves around so that he and Jonathan are facing one another.
Lex: That's nice of you to say.
Jonathan: (Insistant) Look, I gave you every single crappy farm job I could think of. But you did 'em all. You didn't complain. Not once.
Lex just nods slightly.
Jonathan: (With admiration) You would have made one hell of a farmer.
Lex smiles, touched by Jonathan's words.
Lex:Thanks, Mr. Kent.
Lex holds out his hand and Jonathan shakes it.
Jonathan: Sure.
As the men shake hands, we hear a loud thud. Jonathan grunts in pain and falls to the ground. As he falls, we see Lucas standing behind him, aiming a g*n at Lex.
Lex: (Slightly fearful and stunned) Lucas. What are you doing?
Lucas: (Matter of factly) Finishing what you started.
Lex looks at the g*n fearfully as Lucas aims it at him.
Cut to a sh*t of Lionel relaxing on a couch in Lex's study. The doors open, and he sits up quickly, putting his hands in front of him as he pretends to be blind.
Lionel: Who is that?
Clark: It's Clark Kent.
Lionel:( Turning toward the sound of Clark's voice) Clark. Oh, Clark. I'm sorry. I meant to call and thank you for saving Lucas. Your, uh, rescues are becoming a bit of a Luthor family tradition.
Clark: I understand they caught the sh**t in Metropolis.
Lionel: (Sipping some brandy) Yes, I heard that.
Clark: (Coming to stand in front of Lionel) So I can assume you've also heard that he died while in police custody?
Lionel: Oh. That's unfortunate. But, um, it happens.
Clark looks at Lionel, not believing him.
Clark: Just awfully convenient, isn't it? Kind of like how Lex was able to track down Lucas.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Ha.Ha. I think you've inherited your father's paranoia.
Clark: (Angry) We're not talking about my family, Mr. Luthor. We're talking about yours.
Lionel's cell phone begins to ring, and he reaches in his pocket for it.
Lionel: Good night, Clark.
Clark just stares at Lionel, who makes no move to answer the phone. He then heads toward the door. Lionel calls after him.
Lionel: Send my regards to your mother?
Clark walks from the room, pulling the door shut behind him.
Lionel: (Answering his phone) Yeah. What? Lucas, where are you? All right, all right. (Glances at his watch) I'll take the, uh, chopper. I'll be there in half an hour.
Cut to a sh*t of the hallway outside Lex's study. Clark stands in the hall, listening as Lionel's conversation drifts out into the hall.
Lionel: (Offscreen) My office. Don't do anything rash. You understand me?
Clark gets a look of realization on his face, and walks away.
Cut to a sh*t of Metropolis at night, being approached by Lionel's helicopter. Cut to a sh*t of Lionel throwing open the doors to his office and striding in.
Lionel: Lucas?
Lucas is sitting behind Lionel's desk, and spins his chair around to face him.
Lucas: Glad you could make it.
As Lionel approaches, we see Lex sitting in a chair across from the desk.
Lionel: What the hell are you doing?
Lex: Come on, Dad, this is exactly what you wanted.
As the camera pans down, we see Lex is in fact tied to the chair his arms and legs bound with black tape.
Lex: (Continuing) Pitted us against each other, and we played into your Cain and Abel fantasy just like you knew we would.
Lucas stands up behind his desk and aims a g*n at Lex.
Lionel: (Concerned) Put the g*n down, Lucas. Put it down.
Lucas walks over and puts the g*n to the side of Lex's neck. A look of realization crosses Lex's face.
Lex: How do you know he's got a g*n?
Lucas just looks at Lionel and shrugs. Lex looks up at Lionel expectantly. Lionel simply removes his glasses and looks at Lex.
Lex: (Extremely angry, struggling against his bonds) You twisted son of a bitch!
Lex begins fighting to get out of the chair, as Lucas continues to aim the g*n at Lex.
Lionel: (Holding his hands out) Boys, calm down. Calm--
Lucas: (Interrupting) You're the one who told me I needed to finish what I started. Well, as long as Lex is around, I'll always have to fight for my place in this family.
Lionel: Lucas, you are not going to sh**t your brother.
Lucas: You're right.
Lucas pulls a second g*n from his waistband, walking over and putting it into Lionel's hand as he holds the other g*n to Lionel's head.
Lucas: You are.
Lionel just looks straight ahead, stunned.
Lex just looks ahead as Lionel holds the g*n.
Lionel: What do you expect to achieve, Lucas? Tell me.
Lex: Isn't it obvious, Dad? Once we're both out of the picture, young Lucas here inherits everything.
Lucas grabs Lionel's wrist, forcing him to aim the g*n directly at Lex's head.
Lucas: (thr*at) Pull the trigger.
Lionel hesitates, looking from Lucas to Lex.
Cut to a sh*t of the building's hallway. Clark comes around the corner, looking around. He uses his X-Ray vision and sees Lucas, Lionel, and Lex in the next room. His eyes widen with fear as he realizes what is happening. He glances around, trying to come up with a plan, and he begins to hear Lionel's and Lex's voice wafting through the hall.
Lionel: (Muffled) Think, Lucas, just think...
Lex: (Muffled) Lucas. Think this through. I'm not your enemy, Lucas.
Clark looks up and sees a large air vent which passes directly over the room.
Cut to a sh*t back in the office.
Lex: (Continuing) I'm not the one who deliberately kept you in the foster care system.
Lionel: (Annoyed) You're not helping things, Lex.
Lex: Did you ever wonder why you were never adopted... If you were in trouble how you always got bailed out at the last minute? Don't tell me you thought you were just lucky?
Lucas looks up at Lionel with a look of realization crossing his face as he realizes Lex is right.
Lex: (Continuing) We're a social experiment. One son gets everything, the other gets nothing.
Lionel: (Insistant) That's ludicrous. I would never do that.
Lex: Yeah you would. Just like you tipped off the sh**t? (To Lucas) Your friend Dirk was on our father's payroll. Edge City was a setup.
Lucas: (Angrily, to Lex) Shut up. You wanted to use me too.
Lex: Yes, I did, and for that I am truly sorry. But trust me, trying to gain his love and respect is not worth it.
Lucas: (To Lionel) Is it true? Is that what you did to me?
Lionel reaches the hand not holding a g*n out to Lucas.
Lionel: We've got a lot to talk about, son.
Lucas slaps Lionel's hand away, reaching out and grabbing Lionel's other arm, wrenching his arm around and forcing him to once again aim the g*n at Lex.
Lucas: (Angrily) After you k*ll Lex. For once, I want the blood to be on your hands.
Cut to a sh*t of the air vent. Clark crawls through it as he listens to the sounds in the room below.
Lionel is forced to bring the g*n inches from Lex's head. Lucas steps back, aiming his g*n directly at Lionel.
Lucas: Time's up, Dad.
Lionel seems torn as he glances several times between Lucas and Lex, trying to buy some time.
Lionel: No... I can't do it.
Lucas: (Angrily) That's just too bad.
Lionel: Lucas, please, don't. I will not k*ll my son.
From above, we see Clark watching the action from behind the air vent. He glances around, trying to find a way to help. He focuses his heat vision and heats up Lucas's g*n.
Lucas winces and gasps, dropping the g*n as it burns his hand. Lionel sees his opening.
Lionel: (Furious) You psychotic little bastard!
Lionel brings his g*n around and p*stol whips Lucas, knocking him to the ground. Without hesitation, Lionel fires the g*n twice directly at Lucas, and Lex flinches as the g*n goes off. Lionel looks shocked as Lucas just looks up at him, panting, and a small trail of blood dripping from the corner of his mouth but otherwise unhurt.
Lucas: (Dryly) It must be in the genes.
Lex begins chuckling.
Lionel looks down at his g*n.
Lionel: It's blanks.
Lucas sits up and pulls the clip from his g*n.
Lucas: This one too.
Lex looks up at Lionel, laughing at the expression on his face. Lionel looks at Lex in confusion.
Lex: (Dryly amused) Checkmate.
Lucas gets up and begins to free Lex from the chair, ripping the tape off. Lionel just looks on, stunned. Lucas extends a hand to Lex, helping Lex from the chair.
Lex: (Walking from the room) Come on, Lucas.
Lucas and Lex walk out of the room, leaving Lionel standing there.
Lionel watches them go, but the sound of something dripping catches his attention. He glances at the ground and sees drops of melted metal hitting the floor. He glances up at the air vent. Clark is gone, but there is a small hole where Clark's heat vision melted the metal grate. Lionel looks around, considering this.
Cut to a sh*t of the Talon marquee at night. Lana stands at the door, holding the door for the last customers of the night.
Customers: (Leaving) Goodnight. Thank you.
Lana locks the door behind them and heads to lock the other set of doors. Before she can get there, Clark enters.
Clark: (Apologetic) Lana, I realize you're locking up, but I just need to explain--
Lana: (Interrupting) It's not necessary. I understand.
Clark: (Surprised) You're not mad.
Lana: (Matter of factly) Somehow, when you let people down, you make it really hard for them to be mad at you.
Lana moves to lock the doors.
Clark: Lana, I just--
Lana: (At the same time as Clark) Clark, it just isn't--
The two smile and chuckle uncomfortably.
Lana: So I guess that's it.
Clark: Yeah. Shortest career in the history of the coffee house business.
Lana: (Amused) Second shortest. Don't forget my one-day at the Beanery.
Lana moves past Clark and begins putting the chairs up on the tables.
Clark: (Hopefully) Hope this doesn't change things between us.
Lana: (Matter of factly) I don't see how things are ever going to change between us, Clark.
Clark smiles slightly, then his falls as he realizes the real meaning behind Lana's words. He stands silently for a moment, then turns and leaves as Lana goes back to putting chairs on the tables.
Cut to a sh*t of Luthor Mansion. Lex sits behind his desk, reading the paper. He glances up, and indicates something across the room.
Lex: That can stay.
Men: Uh, yes sir.
The camera pans over and we see two moving men removing Lucas's additions to the room. They move away from the big screen TV and instead pick up the leather couch Lucas had purchased. Lionel enters the office.
Lionel: Lex?
Lex simply stares curiously at Lionel. Lionel glances at the moving men.
Lionel: Glad to see that you're making yourself at home again, son.
Lex: (Indicating the newspaper) I read your fascination piece of fiction in the Daily Planet.
As Lex sets the newspaper on his desk, we see the headline on the front page: "Luthor Regains Sight".
Lionel: People love to read about triumph over adversity.
Lex: (Dryly) And your stock jumped five points.
Lionel: (Chuckling) Ha ha ha ha!
Lex: How long have you been able to see?
Lionel: (Shrugging) A few weeks.
Lex: (Nodding slightly) Playing the handicapped card is low, even for you.
Lionel glances around the room to make sure the movers aren't listening, and leans in toward Lex.
Lionel: (Conspiratorially) But, uh, I was able to see more clearly than ever. It's amazing what people try and get away with right in front of your eyes when they think you can't see.
Lex: (Dryly) I can only imagine.
Lionel just nods, then walks over to the fireplace.
Lionel: All right, Lex. How are we going to repair this...rift between us? Hmm?
Lionel sits in a chair next to the f*re, and Lex studies him for a moment.
Lex: (Getting up from his desk and walking toward Lionel) You mean, how are you going to keep the whole Lucas affair quiet?
Lex sits down in a chair opposite his father, and the two men study each other for a moment.
Lionel: I was, uh, thinking of giving you LexCorp back. Majority stake, no strings attached.
Lex: Except for my silence.
Lionel: Well, I've always believed that family business should be kept within the family.
Lex: (Leaning forward in his chair) And Lucas is under my protection now.
The two men study each other for another moment. Finally, Lionel nods slightly in agreement, and Lex gets up from his chair. He starts to leave the room, but stops as Lionel calls after him.
Lionel: You remember the fable of the frog and the scorpion, Lex?
Lex: (Turning toward Lionel) Yeah, Dad. The, uh, frog helped the scorpion cross the river. The scorpion repaid his kindness by stinging the frog.
Lionel: "Why did you do it?" asked the dying frog asked him. And the scorpion replied, "Because it is my nature." Believe me Lex, your brother will never change. I've watched him over the years. The boy's a sociopath.
Lex: (Matter of factly) And I wonder which side of the family tree he got that from.
Lionel doesn't answer, looking into the f*re.
Lex: (Leaving the room) Goodnight, Dad. I'll be sure to give Lucas your love.
Lionel just watches Lex leave the room.
Cut to a sh*t at night of Clark unloading bags of feed from the pickup truck. The whine of Lex's car engine signals his approach, and seconds later his car pulls up in front of the truck. Clark smiles and walks toward the front of the pickup truck.
Clark: My mom told me you were going to come back and get the rest of your stuff.
Lex: (Climbing out of the car and walking toward Clark) Surprisingly, my dad's had a change of heart.
Clark: I'm sorry that Lucas didn't turn out to be the brother you wanted.
Lex: Considering his father, I'm surprised he's still alive at all.
Clark: Where is Lucas now?
Lex: (Leaning against the pickup truck) Safe. But I'm going to have some work to do to regain his trust.
Clark: (Confidently) You will. You're not your father.
Lex: (Matter of factly) Sometimes, Clark, we're all held hostage by the will of our fathers. The only difference is, your dad is a good man. All my father does is push people away. (Pauses) Your dad opened his home to me, no questions asked.
Clark thinks about Lex's words, moving to lean against the truck next to Lex.
Clark: As long as I live, I don't think I'm ever going to understand your family.
Lex: Neither will I. Just remember, my father may try and rule the world, but yours will inherit the earth.
Lex and Clark give each other small smiles, then look out toward the Kent farmhouse.
End of show.
***********************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Burn Baby Burn" by Ash
"Home Sweet Alabama" by Lizzie
"Like A Dream" by Morphic Field
"China" by Mystica
"Gentle Healing" by Sounds From the Ground
"Don't Tempt Me" by The Contes
"Fight Test" by The Flaming Lips Smallville Soundtrack
**********************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x15 - Prodigal"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #216 - "Fever"
Original airdate: February 18, 2003
Written by: Matthew Okumura
Directed by: Bill Gereghty
Act 1 Teaser
Martha comes down the stairs of the storm cellar. Day. She is holding the flour can that she hid the octagonal disk from Clark's ship in. She looks over at the ship nervously and then she opens the flour can and takes out the disk.
Clark: (From outside) Hey, Mom, you down here?
Martha quickly puts the disk back in the can and turns around.
Martha: Clark. I thought you went to the hardware store with your father.
Clark: (Comes down the stairs) Yeah, we were on our way. Then Dad remembered he had the part he needed in the barn so... What are you doing down here, anyway?
Martha: I-I came down to get some, uh, peaches for dessert. I'll be right up.
Clark: Okay. (He leaves)
Martha takes another look at the ship, then looks to the side of the storm cellar where some old paint cans sit on the ground. She takes a gardening shovel off a shelf and moves the paint cans aside. She starts to dig a hole in the dirt and as she does this, a light green dust rises from the ground. Martha doesn't notice. She inhales the dust through her mouth and we follow it down her throat where the grains plant themselves onto the inside of her windpipe.
When the hole is deep enough, she puts the flour can into it and covers it up with dirt. She coughs as she puts the paint cans back in place.
CUT TO Jonathan fixing the pipes under the kitchen sink.
Jonathan: Well, that ought to do it.
He stands up and turns on the water as Martha enters with a jar of peaches.
Martha: That was fast.
Clark: I offered Dad a bit of spot welding, but he said it'd only slow him down.
Jonathan: Son, as hard as it is for you to believe, even your abilities are no substitute for a three-quarter inch copper washer.
Martha: (Taking a pitcher from the fridge) Well, it sounds like the two of you deserve a nice cold glass of lemonade.
Martha starts to cough violently.
Clark: Mom, you all right?
She continues to cough and drops the pitcher on the floor, shattering it. She starts to faint and is about to land on an upturned shard of glass when Clark super speeds across the room and catches her.
Jonathan: Martha!
Clark: Dad, she's not breathing. Mom? Mom!
Jonathan: Martha?
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Martha is asleep in a hospital bed. Day. She is hooked up to an IV, a heart monitor, and an oxygen mask is strapped to her face. Dr. Helen Bryce leaves the room to talk to Jonathan and Clark who are waiting outside.
Helen: The good news is we've managed to s*ab her and she's breathing on her own.
Jonathan: I just don't understand. She was working outside all morning. She seemed fine. How could something come over her so quickly?
Helen: My first guess is we're dealing with some sort of toxin. I'll have a better idea after we finish her blood work.
Jonathan: All right. I'm gonna stay right here.
Helen: I'll have an orderly bring you some coffee.
Jonathan: Thank you.
Helen leaves.
Clark: She's going to be okay.
Jonathan: I know that son. I also know that she wouldn't want us both out here standing guard.
Clark: I'm not leaving.
Jonathan: Clark, your mother had a whole list of things she needed to get done for the fundraiser. You know how important the food bank is to her.
Clark: All right. But as soon as I'm finished, I'm coming back to camp out with you.
Jonathan nods and Clark leaves.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark enters the Talon with a box. Day. Lana, Chloe, and Pete are talking at the bar.
Lana: Clark, hey, I thought your mom was bringing over the prizes for the raffle.
Clark: She was, but she came down with something this morning. My dad's at the hospital with her.
Lana: Hospital? It sounds serious.
Pete: Do they have any idea what's wrong?
Clark: We're still waiting on some test results.
Chloe: Well, they have to know something. I mean, what were her symptoms?
Clark: (Abruptly) What is this, an interview?
Chloe looks away, startled.
Clark: She stopped breathing, okay?
Lana: You know, this whole event was your mom's idea. Maybe you should just postpone until she's back on her feet.
Clark: No, I appreciate the thought, Lana, but she's going to be okay and she'd be really disappointed if we cancelled.
Chloe: (Quietly) Clark, I didn't mean to just--
Clark: It's okay, Chloe. I'm gonna get back to the hospital.
He leaves.
Act 1 Scene 3 Jonathan sits in a waiting room at the hospital. Day. Helen approaches.
Helen: Mr. Kent?
Jonathan stands up and they walk down the hall together.
Helen: I know we've already gone over this, but I'm going to ask you one more time. Has Martha been exposed to any unusual substances over the last few days?
Jonathan: No, no. Nothing she hasn't been around before. What is this about?
They stop outside Martha's room.
Helen: I've been going over Martha's blood cultures and her symptoms indicate an acute toxic reaction, but I can't identify the source.
Jonathan: (Looking at Martha through the window) But you can-- you can do something for her, right?
Helen: I've sent her blood samples to Metropolis for further testing. But I have to be honest with you, I'm concerned. For both Martha and the health of her baby.
Jonathan jerks around to face Helen.
Jonathan: Baby?
Helen: You didn't know?
Jonathan: (Shocked) There must be some... kind of a mistake. The doctor said that she could never have a baby.
Helen: I asked your GP to fax over Martha's medical records. There's no mistake.
Helen walks away and Jonathan turns back to the window.
Act 1 Scene 4
Helen and Lex sit in Helen's office. Day.
Lex: I saw Mr. Kent in the hall. He looked worried. Is everything all right?
Helen: We're doing everything we can.
Lex notices a paper on Helen's desk that says Johns Hopkins.
Lex: Johns Hopkins. Good school.
Helen: Go ahead. Read it.
Lex looks at the letter.
Lex: They're offering you a 3-year research fellowship. I'm impressed.
Helen: It's an opportunity to do pure research at one of the best hospitals in the country.
Lex: As opposed to the rural pleasures of Smallville Medical?
Helen: Lex, I like my work here, but research has always been my first love. So... What do you think?
Lex: Trust me. There's nothing worse than a missed opportunity.
A man with a DCA jacket on, DR. NEIL MOORE, enters the office.
Neil: Dr. Bryce? I'm Dr. Neil Moore. We're here about Martha Kent.
Lex: (To Helen) I'll let you get back to work.
Lex leaves the office.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark and Jonathan are standing outside Martha's hospital room. Day.
Clark: A baby?
Jonathan: Yeah, yeah she didn't tell me anything about it.
Clark: Why would she keep it a secret?
Jonathan: I don't know.
Helen walks up with Neil and his two colleagues.
Helen: Mr. Kent. This is Dr. Moore with the Disease Control Agency.
Neil: (Shaking Jonathan's hand) Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: Dis-- I-I'm sorry, but what does that have to do with my wife?
Helen: The disease control agency gets called in whenever it's a matter of public safety. The Metropolis labs sent them Martha's blood work.
Neil: I don't mean to alarm you, Mr. Kent, but your wife's condition is caused by some unknown toxin. We're here to find it and identify it.
Clark: Could someone else come down with this?
Neil: Frankly, son, we can't know that until we find the source. We need to backtrack Mrs. Kent's movements over the last couple of days.
Jonathan: Yeah, um, she hasn't left the farm since the weekend. She's been on the phone doing her fundraising.
Neil: Then that's where we need to start.
Neil and Helen start to leave.
Jonathan: Start what?
Neil: Searching your property for the source of the poison. We have to search the house, the outbuildings, anything Mrs. Kent might have come in contact with.
Jonathan: (Whispering) Clark... the ship.
Clark leaves.
CUT TO Clark super speeding into the storm cellar. He runs down the stairs and over to the spaceship, kicking up some more of the green dust. As he covers the ship with a tarp, the dust gets into his face and he coughs but doesn't seem to notice.
CUT TO Clark and Pete in Jonathan's truck with the ship in the back.
Clark: Pete, are you sure the ship will be safe in your shed?
Pete: Yeah, we'll put it between the old Betamax and my dad's Pong game. Indiana Jones couldn't find it down there.
Clark: Yeah.
Clark smiles and then his eyelids start to droop. He seems to be getting drowsy and the truck swerves onto the wrong side of the road.
Pete: Clark! Clark, what are you doing?!
The truck slides onto the shoulder of the left side of the road and slides on the dirt, causing it to turn sideways so that the back end lands in a ditch with the front end still on the road.
Clark: Pete! Pete, are you okay?
Pete: Yeah, I'm fine. What happened to you?
Clark: I'm not sure.
Pete: Come on, let's get out of here.
They get out of the truck and walk to the back.
Pete: Come on, let's get this thing back on the road.
Clark tries to push the truck out of the ditch, but it doesn't move.
Pete: Clark, come on, stop fooling around. I've seen you bench press a tractor-trailer. Let's go.
Clark: (Pushing as hard as he can) I'm trying. I can't do this, Pete.
We hear sirens approaching.
Pete: Clark, X-Files alert.
Clark: (Seeing the cars) That's the DCA team.
Pete: We've got to get this thing back on the road.
Pete helps Clark push and the truck finally starts to come up out of the ditch. They push the back end around so the truck is facing forward again. They stand next to the truck as the DCA vehicles speed by. Clark watches them go, worried.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Workers from the DCA are all over the Kent property. Day. They are wearing protective suits and masks and taking samples of just about everything. Jonathan watches from behind a fence as Clark drives up and gets out of the truck.
Clark: Find anything yet?
Jonathan: No, not yet. Please tell me you got the ship out of there.
Clark: Yeah, it's at Pete's. It's safe. Dad, when I was driving, my vision suddenly blurred. I lost control of the truck.
Jonathan: You and Pete are all right, aren't you?
Clark: Yeah. But for a moment, I lost all my strength.
Neil, who is standing nearby, is talking on his walkie-talkie.
Man: (On the walkie-talkie) Dr. Moore.
Neil: Go ahead.
CUT TO the storm cellar where the man is waving a meter over the ground.
Man: I'm getting a h*t in the storm cellar. I'm registering a positive for organic particulate matter. Looks like someone was digging around and kicked up some sort of irradiated spore.
Neil: Get a surface sample, 10 centimeters and 50 centimeters.
The man's assistant starts to dig into the dirt. Soon he hits the flour can.
CUT TO Neil showing Jonathan and Clark the octagonal disk in a plastic bag.
Neil: Mr. Kent, we found this in a tin buried inside your storm cellar. Have you ever seen it before?
Jonathan: No.
Neil: Has Mrs. Kent been down in that cellar recently?
Jonathan: Not that I know of. We usually keep it locked.
Clark: Actually, Dad, she was down there this morning.
Neil: (Into his walkie-talkie as he walks away) This is Moore. I want a cleanup team to sterilize every inch of that storm cellar.
Clark: Dad, I don't get it. We've been searching for that key for months. How'd it end up in the storm cellar?
Jonathan: When I went to fix the leak under the sink I noticed the flour jar was there. Your mother must have moved it when we went to the hardware store.
Clark: Why didn't she tell us she had it?
Jonathan: She must have her reasons, Clark. Right now I'm more concerned about her health.
Clark: Me too. What do you think those spores are?
Jonathan: I don't know, but whatever they are, you were exposed to them too. Maybe that's why you lost your strength.
Clark: No, Dad, I just had a glitch. I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. We need to think about Mom.
Act 2 Scene 2
Jonathan enters Martha's hospital room where she is still sleeping. Day.
Jonathan: Sweetheart? (Martha opens her eyes) How are you feeling?
Martha: I should have told you about the baby. I'm so sorry.
Jonathan: Why didn't you tell me?
Martha: I was worried if I said it out loud it would go away.
She coughs. Jonathan pulls up a chair and sits next to her.
Jonathan: Martha, how is it even possible?
Martha: The day of the tornado, when Nixon opened Clark's ship, something strange happened. There was a blinding light, and I felt a surge of energy go through my body.
Jonathan: Are you saying you think the ship has the power to heal?
Martha: The ship made it possible for me to get pregnant.
Jonathan: However it happened, Martha, it's a miracle. (Pause) Uh... they found the key in the storm cellar. Why did you hide it from us?
Martha: I knew it was wrong, but... I was afraid if Clark opened the ship and found out the truth about his origins, he... he would want to leave us. (She starts to cry)
Jonathan: Martha, Martha, that's not going to happen.
She starts to cough again and Jonathan kisses her hand.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lana comes to Clark's house where he is standing on the porch. Night.
Lana: Clark.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: I just wanted to make sure you were okay.
Clark: It's weird how random memories can just pop into your head, huh? When I was in second grade, I was afraid to go to school because I thought my mom would disappear while I was gone and never come back. I wouldn't even get on the bus in the morning until she promised she'd be there when I got home. Sure enough, every day, there she was when I walked in the door.
Lana: Don't worry, Clark. In a few days, you'll walk through that door and your mom will be there again.
Clark nods and then starts to hunch over.
Lana: Clark? Are you okay? Clark.
Clark falls backwards down the stairs.
Lana: Clark! (She runs down the stairs and turns him onto his back) Clark.
CUT TO Helen entering the Kents' living room where Clark is lying on the couch unconscious and Jonathan and Lana are standing over him.
Helen: What happened?
Jonathan: Uh, Lana, would you-- would you excuse us, please?
Lana: Yeah.
Lana goes to the door and stops to look back at Clark one more time before leaving. Helen listens to Clark's heartbeat.
Jonathan: Clark was exposed to the same toxin his mother was.
Helen: You should've called an ambulance. We need to inform the DCA immediately.
Jonathan: I'm sorry, I can't let you do that.
Helen: Why the hell not?
Jonathan: Look, I need you to promise me that you won't tell anybody about this, and I mean anybody.
Helen: (Tying a tourniquet onto Clark's arm) Mr. Kent, I take my doctor/patient confidentiality very seriously. But Clark needs proper care
Jonathan: Doctor, Clark isn't exactly what you'd call a normal boy.
Helen: (Taking out a needle) I need to get a blood sample.
Jonathan: Listen, Dr. Bryce, you can't do that.
Helen: Is this some sort of religious thing?
Jonathan: No, I mean literally, you can't do that.
Helen pokes the needle into Clark's arm and it goes in without any resistance. The vial starts to fill with blood. Jonathan leans over to get a closer look as Helen finishes.
Jonathan: You can't take that sample to a lab.
Helen: Mr. Kent, I am trying to help your son, but I can't do that unless you tell me what's going on.
She starts to get up and Jonathan stops her.
Jonathan: You need to promise me that you will do the lab work on this blood yourself. If you do the blood work yourself, I think you'll understand why you can't tell anyone about Clark.
Helen looks at Clark and then back at Jonathan.
Act 2 Scene 4
Helen puts a smear of blood under the microscope in her office and studies it. Night.
Helen: Oh, my God.
There is a knock at the door and Lex enters.
Helen: Lex.
Lex: I came by to see how Mrs. Kent was doing. (Lex turns to close the door and Helen turns the file on her table so it's facing down) I saw the DCA. It must be serious.
Helen: You know I'm not allowed to discuss my patients.
Lex: The Kents are like family to me, more than my own.
Helen: I know, and I would tell you everything if I could.
Lex: I understand. I just wish there was something I could do to help.
Helen: Unfortunately, modern medicine doesn't always have the answers.
Lex: I guess that's the attraction of a research fellowship. A chance to help unlock the mysteries of science.
He puts his hand on the table next to the file. Helen takes it away.
Helen: I better get back to work.
Lex goes to the door and stops.
Lex: Helen... Johns Hopkins will be lucky to have you.
He leaves and Helen looks back to the smear of blood under the microscope.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Chloe drives up to the Kent house. Day. She gets out of the car and walks up to the door. She knocks and Jonathan answers.
Chloe: Hi, Mr. Kent, um, Lana told me what happened. Is Clark okay?
Jonathan: Uh, yeah, he's um, he's just resting on the-- on the couch. I'll be sure and tell him you stopped by to say hello.
Chloe: Actually, I'm sorry. I must be more annoying than a door-to-door salesman, but I was wondering if I could just sit with him for a while.
Jonathan: Uh, yeah, yes. Chloe, I'm sorry, yeah, uh, sure. Go on in. I'll-- I'll wait upstairs.
Chloe: Okay, thanks.
Chloe comes inside and Jonathan goes up the stairs. Chloe sits in the rocking chair next to the couch where Clark is still lying unconscious.
Chloe: Hi, Clark. (She squeezes his shoulder) Well, this is gonna make quite a story. "Clark Kent ends record-breaking perfect attendance streak." (Silently grins at her own by-line joke) Sorry. I'm doing it again. I just-- I've never seen you sick before, and it just got me thinking, you know? What if something did happen to you? And I-I never got to... (Pause) So in yet another classic maneuver to avoid emotional intimacy, I wrote my feelings down so that I could read them to you, thereby eliminating embarrassing eye contact.
She pulls a pink piece of paper out of her purse and starts to read.
Chloe: I want to let you in on a secret. I'm not who you think I am. In fact, my disguise is so thin, I'm surprised you haven't seen right through me. I'm the girl of your dreams masquerading as your best friend. Sometimes I want to rip off this facade like I did at the Spring Formal, but I can't because you'll get scared and you'll run away again. So I decided that it's better to live with a lie than expose my true feelings.
(She starts to get choked up and stops reading for a second)
Chloe: This is so much easier when you're unconscious.
(She runs her fingers through his hair brushing Clark's bangs to one side of his head and starts to read again)
Chloe: My dad told me there are two types of girls. The ones you grow out of and the ones you grow into. I really hope I'm the latter. I may not be the one you love today, but I'll let you go for now, hoping one day you'll fly back to me because I think you're worth the wait. (She puts the paper down on her lap and runs her fingers through his hair again. He stirs) Clark?
Clark: (Quietly Still out of it and eyes closed, groans) Lana?
A tear slides down Chloe's cheek. She quickly puts the paper back in her hand bag and quickly gets up and starts leaving. When she gets to the door she looks back at where Clark is laying still asleep. She walks out and closes the door before starting to cry.
Act 3 Scene 2
Jonathan leaves the house. Night. Clark comes out after him with a blanket over his shoulders. His face is pale.
Clark: Dad.
Jonathan: Clark, you shouldn't be up.
Clark: Where are you going?
Jonathan: I'm going to Pete's to get the ship.
Clark: Now? How's Mom? (Jonathan doesn't answer) Dad?
Jonathan: Clark, Helen says that your mother probably won't make it through the night. And now you, too.
Clark: You-- you can't think about me. We gotta help Mom.
Jonathan: I'm not gonna lose my family, not without a fight. Now, if it takes another miracle, I just have to go out and find one.
Clark: The ship. Do you think it can cure me and Mom?
Jonathan: I don't know, Clark. I'm just grasping at straws here. The doctors can't help you, and your mother thinks the ship helped her get pregnant. I don't know, maybe it's crazy.
Clark: The only way to get it to work is with that key.
Jonathan: I know that, son. I also know exactly where the DCA took everything. I'm going there to get it right now.
Clark: I'll go with you.
Jonathan: No. I want you to stay right here. You're too sick. Go to bed, son.
Jonathan drives away in the truck and Clark pulls the blanket tighter around himself.
Act 3 Scene 3
We see an armed guard patrolling the government grounds of the DCA. Night. He walks past a chain link fence and doesn't notice Jonathan crouched there. Using wire cutters, Jonathan cuts a hole in the fence wide enough to squeeze through.
On the inside, he runs to a parked truck and hides behind it as another truck drives by. Jonathan runs to a second parked truck to get closer to the building, but as he peeks around the corner, he sees another guard coming toward him and runs away. The guard comes around the side of the truck and passes it. Jonathan is nowhere in sight until the guard is gone. Then Jonathan comes out of the cab of the truck and heads for the building again.
A garage door opens, letting out another truck. As it starts to close, Jonathan goes toward it at a d*ad run, just barely rolling in underneath it before it is completely closed. Inside is a warehouse with rows of stacked boxes dimly lit with yellow lighting. In the corner, there is an enclosed room with more shelves and he sees people walking around inside through the windows.
He walks to the room slowly, remaining out of sight of the two men inside. They come out and Jonathan ducks behind a box as they leave. Once they're gone, he comes out from behind the box and goes into the room. All over the shelves are items in plastic bags and Jonathan rummages through the items, knocking most of them onto the ground.
He searches more shelves on the side of the room and finds the flour can. He continues to move things out of the way and finally finds the key to the spaceship. Then he puts it in his pocket and starts to leave.
Outside the room, a guard points a g*n at him.
Guard: Hold it right there! On the ground now! Hands at your sides!
Jonathan holds his hands up and Clark comes up behind the guard, knocking him out with a f*re extinguisher.
Jonathan: Clark!
Clark: (Out of breath) Thought you could use a hand.
Jonathan: Come on.
Jonathan takes Clark's arm and helps him out of the warehouse. As they exit, they set off an alarm.
Jonathan: We gotta run, son! Come on!
Several guards shout and run toward them as two more trucks speed out of the garage. We see Jonathan's truck speed away with the blue tarp covering the ship in the back. The army trucks follow.
CUT TO Martha sleeping in her hospital room. She has the oxygen mask strapped to her face again. She suddenly opens her eyes and takes a violent gasp as the heart monitor flat lines.
CUT TO Jonathan's truck, now being pursued by a helicopter as well as the two trucks.
CUT TO Helen rushing into Martha's hospital room and listening to her heart. Then she goes to the intercom by the door.
Helen: Code blue, Room 117. Code blue.
She goes back to Martha who is still lying motionless as the heart monitor holds its steady pitch.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
The two trucks and helicopter continue to chase Jonathan's truck. Night. Ahead on the road is a barricade of police cars and officers pointing their g*n. The truck finally skids to a stop.
Officer: Get out of the truck and put your hands up!
The men close in and Pete steps out of the truck.
Pete: Is something wrong, officer?
Officer: This guy doesn't fit the description!
CUT TO Martha's hospital room. The defibrillator cart is wheeled into the room and Helen takes the paddles. We hear the electricity building up.
Helen: Clear.
She puts the paddles on Martha's chest and Martha convulses with the shock but doesn't regain consciousness.
CUT TO Jonathan and Clark driving up outside the hospital in another truck with the spaceship in the back. Jonathan gets out, pulls the tarp off of the ship, and helps Clark out.
Jonathan: Come on.
Clark comes weakly to the side of the truck and holds the key above the ship. It slips out of his hand hovers above the octagonal groove before dropping in.
The ship starts to open and rises into the air.
CUT TO Helen shocking Martha again. Nothing happens. Helen listens to Martha's heart one more time and then puts Martha's hospital gown back in place.
Helen: (Looking at her watch) Time of death, 2:17 AM.
Outside, the ship's white light grows in intensity until it blasts out a wave of white energy. The wave comes down the hall of the hospital and through Martha's room where Helen and the nurses block their eyes from the light.
When the light fades, Martha starts to cough and the heart monitor resumes beeping. A nurse goes to put the oxygen mask back on Martha's face, but Martha waves it away. Helen listens to her heart and smiles excitedly at her.
Outside, the ship closes up and lands in the back of the truck.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark, Jonathan, Martha, and Helen are all in Martha's hospital room. Day. They are looking at an image of Martha's baby on the ultrasound monitor.
Clark: So is it a boy or a girl?
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. Doctor, please don't answer that.
Martha: We'd like to find out the old-fashioned way.
Helen: Well, the important thing is that the baby's healthy. And so are you. In medical terms it's nothing short of a miracle. Your family seems to have a stockpile of them.
Jonathan and Martha smile.
Helen: I saw Clark's blood test and I saw Mrs. Kent make an impossible recovery. If you know how that happened, you should tell me.
Jonathan: Just like you said, Doc. It's a miracle.
Helen looks at Clark and back to Jonathan, and then leaves.
Act 4 Scene 3
A man, DR. TRENTON, is sitting in his car, apparently waiting for something. Day. Lex drives up next to him, facing the opposite direction so that their driver side windows are next to each other.
Lex: Dr. Trenton, I appreciate you keeping me apprised of the situation.
Dr. Trenton: I shouldn't be doing this. If anyone finds out I'm giving you a file on a patient, I could lose my job.
He hands a manila envelope to Lex. Lex opens it and peeks inside.
Dr. Trenton: Mrs. Kent was a very sick woman. What's your interest in her?
Lex: She's a good friend of mine. That's all you need to know.
Lex drives away.
Act 4 Scene 4
Lex waits for Helen in her office at the hospital. Day. There is a small gift box on her desk. Helen enters.
Lex: Hey.
Helen: Hey.
Lex: I ran into Clark in the hall. He said Martha's gonna be fine. Congratulations, Doc.
Helen: I don't know how much I had to do with it.
Lex: Then how do you explain it? (She gives him a look) Right, I almost forgot. You, uh, can't discuss your patients. (She starts to leave and he stops her) I got you something.
He gives her the box.
Helen: A going-away present?
Lex: On the contrary. Open it.
She opens the box and inside is a key.
Lex: It's a key to the mansion. I want you to move in.
Helen: Lex...
Lex: I would never want to stand in the way of your ambitions, Helen. But I'd be the one missing an opportunity if I didn't tell you how much I want you to stay.
They kiss. When they pull away, Helen looks at the key.
Act 4 Scene 5
Chloe is working at the Torch. Day. She is putting together an article with the headline att*ck of the k*ller Mold Spores. Lana enters.
Lana: att*ck of the k*ller mold spores?
Chloe: Yeah. I'll never look at blue cheese the same way again.
Lana: I couldn't bring myself to go back and visit Clark when he was sick. Does that make me a horrible person?
Chloe: No.
Lana: I guess it just really scared me to see him like that.
Chloe: Me too.
Lana: Kind of makes you realize who's important in your life.
Chloe: Yeah. And who's important to Clark.
Lana: What do you mean?
Chloe: Nothing. I'm gonna head home and finish changing for the benefit.
Chloe starts to leave.
Lana: Oh, are the programs ready?
Chloe: Yeah, they are. They're right behind the desk. I'll see you there.
Lana: Thanks.
Chloe leaves and Lana walks behind the desk where there is a cardboard box on the floor. She starts to pick it up when she notices several crumpled up pieces of paper that have fallen out of the overflowing wastebasket. She throws them away and finds a pink piece of paper with typing on it. She opens it.
Lana: (Reading to herself) I want to let you in on a secret, Clark. I'm not who you think I am. In fact, my disguise is so thin I'm surprised you haven't seen right through me. I'm the girl of your dreams masquerading as your best friend.
She lowers the letter, realizing.
Act 4 Scene 6
The benefit at the Talon. Night. The band is playing a slow song and the room is full of people dancing. Pete is at the switchboard wearing headphones. Clark comes up to him.
Clark: Pete, this is awesome.
Pete: Oh, Clark, hey. Good to see you among the living, man. Check it out. (He hands Clark a CD) It's the latest Talon mix.
Clark: Thanks, Pete. Hey, and, uh, thanks for your help with the police.
Pete: No problem. Although if I had a choice, I'd rather play D.J. than decoy any day. So, um... the investigation over?
Clark: Yeah. I hope so.
Pete looks over Clark's shoulder and sees Chloe entering. Clark sees her and turns back to Pete.
Clark: I'll catch up with you later.
Pete: Good seeing you, man.
Clark goes to Chloe.
Clark: Hey, Chloe. My dad said you came to visit when I was sick. That was really sweet of you. Thanks.
Chloe: Sure. What are friends for? Um, I'm just gonna go buy a raffle ticket before the drawing. I mean, what could be more poetically just? Me winning a computer.
She laughs nervously and walks away. Lana walks up to Clark.
Lana: Clark.
Clark: Hey, Lana. This is a great party.
Lana: Your mom deserves a lot of the credit.
Clark: Is Chloe okay?
Lana: What happened to you really affected her. Me too. It was really hard seeing you sick. Guess I somehow always thought of you as invincible.
Clark: Now you think I'm just human.
Lana: I guess that's my way of saying that you mean a lot to me, Clark. And I know it's not very eloquent... (She looks at Chloe who looks back at her) ...but I guess some people are just better with words than others.
Lana looks at Chloe again. Chloe has tears in her eyes.
Fade to black.
************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Not That Simple" by Jamestowne
"Wave Goodbye" by Steadman, Smallville Soundtrack
************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x16 - Fever"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #217 - "Rosetta"
Original airdate: February 25, 2003
Written by: Al Gough & Miles Millar
Directed by: James Marshall
Act 1 Teaser
The opening sh*t is rushing through white clouds. Day. Soon the clouds part and we see rows of corn speeding past below. Then we get to a group of rocks with a hole that leads underground. The sh*t goes through the hole, takes a few turns through a rocky maze, and stops at the site of the ancient wall paintings, focusing on the circular painting full of symbols with the octagonal groove in the center.
In front of the painting we see Clark, floating on his stomach in mid air. He looks at the groove and floats closer so he can touch the symbols around it. He looks at one symbol in particular, a circle with a line through it and a diamond shape to each side. In his other hand, he is holding the octagonal disk and we see the same symbol engraved along the edge of it. He comes to an upright position and lowers to the ground. He looks at the disk again and puts it into the groove in the wall. Nothing happens. He slowly reaches out his finger and touches the disk, which causes a blast of energy and everything, goes white.
The white fades to a sh*t of Clark, sprawled on his back, barefoot in the middle of a deserted road. Night. He opens his eyes and sits up just as a car comes speeding up behind him. He turns around and holds up his hand as the car stops just inches from his face. Lex steps out of the car.
Lex: Clark?
Clark looks around, obviously confused.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark enters his house, still barefoot. Day. He closes the door quietly and hurries to the stairs. He stops when he sees Jonathan and Martha waiting for him.
Jonathan: Where have you been, Clark?
Martha: We've been looking all over for you.
Clark: I've been out. (He starts up the stairs)
Jonathan: Hey, hey. Son, what is going on with you? You've been acting strange all week. It's like your mind's somewhere else. What's up?
Clark: (Sitting on the stairs) When I woke up this morning, I was in the middle of Route 8.
Martha: How did you get there?
Clark: I don't know. Lex almost h*t me with his car. He gave me a ride home.
Jonathan: Lex.
Clark: I told him I was sleepwalking. But I'm not sure how much walking was involved.
Jonathan and Martha look at Clark questioningly.
Clark: I've been having this dream all week. Flying over Smallville. I always end up at the cave. It's like it's calling out to me, like it's trying to give me answers.
Jonathan: Answers to what, Clark?
Clark: I'm not sure. In my dream, I take the key and I put it in the slot in the cave wall. And there's this bright light...
Martha: And?
Clark: I don't know. That's when I wake up.
Jonathan: Clark, dreaming about putting that key in a rock wall is one thing, but we have absolutely no idea what would happen if you actually did that.
Clark: These dreams are getting more intense every night. Who knows where I'll wake up tomorrow?
Jonathan: It's too dangerous.
Clark: Dad, that cave could have all the answers I'm looking for. Why are you so afraid to let me find out?
Jonathan doesn't answer. Clark heads for the stairs again.
Clark: I gotta get dressed for school.
Martha and Jonathan look at each other.
Act 1 Scene 2
Frederick Walden enters Lex's study where Lex is sitting at the desk. Day.
Lex: Dr. Walden. I got a call this morning from the State Preservation Society. They heard a rumor that you plan on removing a section of the wall? Now, I of course told them that you wouldn't consider such a radical move without consulting me.
Frederick: It's a common archaeological practice.
Lex: Among 19th century imperialists. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to cut me out of the process.
Frederick: You're paranoid.
Lex: Really. (He stands and walks up to Frederick) Give me one good reason why I shouldn't f*re you right now.
Frederick: Because I'm on the verge of a major breakthrough.
Lex: Will this, uh, breakthrough finally allow you to translate these symbols?
Frederick: It's hard to say... now that I won't be able to get a sample back to my lab. Who tipped off the State?
Lex: The State is thr*at to revoke LexCorp's custodial management of the cave. Another foundation is chomping at the bit to take over. If my instincts are correct, I believe my father is behind it. I don't need excuses. I need answers. You've got three days.
Act 1 Scene 3
Chloe, Lana, Pete, and Clark walk through the hall at school toward the Torch. Day.
Chloe: What a lame assignment. Family trees are so 20th century.
Pete: Just look at it as a mystery, Chloe. You never know what you're gonna uncover.
Clark: (To Pete) Why are you so excited about this?
Pete: Because it's gonna be a piece of cake.
Chloe: Yeah, because your family's been in Smallville since the Jurassic era.
Pete: What are you so worked up about?
Chloe: (As they enter the Torch) There's just so many variables to take into account, like what if your mother abandoned you? Is that branch of your family tree technically cut off?
Lana: Yeah, and what if your biological father comes back into the picture? Which family do you claim?
Clark: What if you're adopted?
Pete: Hey, okay, I get the point. But is it my fault that I'm part of a nuclear family? Is it? Later. (He leaves)
Chloe: Unfortunately for the rest of us, the nuclear family was nuked years ago.
Lana: We should probably get together at the Talon tomorrow and figure out a game plan.
There is a sudden high-pitched, screeching frequency. Clark gasps and holds his head at the noise. Chloe and Lana don't hear it.
Chloe: Clark doesn't like that idea.
Lana laughs. The noise stops.
Clark: Did you guys hear that?
Lana: Hear what?
The noise starts again and Clark continues to hold the sides of his head. The noise stops.
Clark: That.
Chloe: Apparently, you're part canine because we don't hear anything.
The noise starts again and Clark groans.
Lana: Clark, what is it?
Clark: (Strained) I gotta go.
He runs out of the Torch.
CUT TO Clark entering the loft where the noise starts again. He follows it to the side of the loft where there is a cupboard, which he opens. He pulls out a tackle box and sets it on top of the cupboard. There is a lock that he breaks off easily and opens the box. A golden light shines out of it. He moves a few things out of the way and finds the octagonal disk at the bottom, giving off the glow. As soon as he picks it up, the glow and the noise stop. He closes his fist over the disk.
CUT TO Clark in the underground cave. He is standing before the circular wall painting and holding the disk in front of him, comparing the symbols on it to the symbols on the wall. He rotates the disk so that the symbols on the edges are lined up with the same symbols on the wall. The disk flies from his hand and directly into the octagonal groove in the wall.
He looks around to make sure nobody is watching and when he looks back at the disk, the symbols on it are starting to glow. The symbols on the top glow red, the ones on the bottom left corner are green, and the ones on the bottom right corner are blue. Then the symbols on the wall light up and start to rotate each circle of symbols in alternating directions.
The disk suddenly opens up through the middle. Clark leans closer to look inside and a stream of energy sh**t out, striking Clark in the chest and coming out through his back. The stream continues as Clark rises in the air, trembling with his eyes and mouth wide open and that his arms spread out to each side. Everything fades to white.
The white fades to Clark lying unconscious on the floor of the cave. Lex shakes his shoulder and he wakes up.
Lex: Clark. Are you okay?
Clark: Lex. What happened?
Lex: I was hoping you could tell me. What were you doing down here?
Clark looks at the wall and sees that the disk is gone.
Clark: (Standing up) I was just finishing up some work for Dr. Walden. I figured I'd do it while it was quiet. The next thing I know, you're shaking me awake.
Lex: The guard said there was an expl*si*n. You didn't touch any equipment, did you?
Frederick enters.
Frederick: I find it interesting that you managed to get around the guard in the first place. What's you secret, Mr. Kent?
Lex: Back off, Doctor. Can't you see he's been hurt?
Clark: I'm okay. I just need to get some air.
Clark starts to leave and Lex goes after him.
Lex: Clark, first I find you lying in the middle of the road and now here. I really think you should get to the hospital.
Clark: Lex, I'm fine. I just got to get home before my parents start to worry.
Lex: Okay. But until we figure out what happened, I don't want you down here by yourself.
Clark: I'm sorry I couldn't be more help.
Clark leaves.
Frederick: Why'd you just let him walk out of here? He knows more than he's telling us.
Lex: Probably. But you've got enough on your plate, Doctor. Let me worry about Clark Kent.
Act 1 Scene 4
Chloe is working at her computer in the Torch. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: Hey, my hard drive just crashed for the 50th time. I was wondering if I could borrow your computer. I need to get a head start on this genealogy assignment.
Chloe: Yeah, sure. I was just turning everything off. (Standing up) So what are you, a Lang or a Small?
Lana: Right now I'm committing to my mother's side of the family. (She sits at the computer)
Chloe: Well, knock yourself out. I'll see you at home?
Lana: Yeah. Chloe, you're a lifesaver.
Chloe: Of course.
Chloe leaves and Lana clicks on Download File. It opens up a list of files and she moves her mouse to the file called Genealogy Assignment. Higher on the list, she sees a file called C.K. She hesitates for a moment and then clicks on the file. The screen fills up with pictures of Chloe and Clark from the Spring Formal.
Chloe: (Reentering) Did you give up on genealogy or is my personal life more interesting?
Lana: I-I was just looking.
Chloe: So you decided to snoop around.
Lana: (Standing up) Chloe, I'm sorry.
Chloe: Don't look at me like that.
Lana: Like-- What way?
Chloe: Like I'm some lovesick loser who's trying to hang onto something that she's never even had.
Lana: Well, if you have feelings for Clark, maybe you should just tell him.
Chloe: This isn't about me and Clark, Lana. This is about you violating my privacy. This office and everything in it is now off limits.
Lana gets her things and starts to go.
Chloe: Oh, and by the way, I did tell Clark how I felt. I poured my heart out to him when he was sick. And in his delirium, the one name he called out was Lana.
Chloe closes the door in Lana's face.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark loads bales of hay into the back of the truck outside the barn. Day. Jonathan comes outside.
Jonathan: Wow, you're up early.
Clark: Don't worry, Dad, I woke up in my own bed this morning.
Jonathan: No dreams?
Clark: No, I think whatever it is passed.
Jonathan: (Starts to load hay) That's good. I'm taking your mother into town for a checkup. You want a ride to school?
Clark: No, Chloe's gonna pick me up.
Jonathan: Great.
Clark: How's Mom feeling?
Jonathan: Pregnant. I still can't believe it.
Clark: How soon can we start telling everyone?
Jonathan: As soon as your mother says she's ready. Don't worry, Clark, this is one secret we can all be very happy to share.
Clark: Yeah. The baby's lucky.
Jonathan: (After a pause) Hey, son, I didn't mean for it to sound that way. Look, having this child is gonna be a big adjustment for all of us, but it doesn't change the way we feel about you.
Clark: I know that.
Jonathan: I'm just glad things are back to normal.
Martha comes outside.
Martha: Jonathan, we're late! We gotta go!
Martha comes down the stairs and Jonathan goes to join her. Clark picks up another bale of hay and suddenly the high-pitched frequency starts again. He drops the hay and grabs the sides of his head. His eyes light up with f*re and he starts involuntarily blasting the barn with his heat vision. The heat whips his eyes in every direction and the barn wall quickly starts to burn.
Martha: Jonathan!
Jonathan turns around to see what is happening. Clark's heat vision stops and he looks around. He sees the hose across the yard and runs for it. He grabs it as Jonathan turns on the water.
Jonathan: I'll get it! I'll get it! Go on!
Clark runs back to the barn and sprays the f*re with the hose.
Jonathan: Clark, what happened?
Clark: I don't know!
Martha sees Chloe drive up. Chloe quickly gets out of her car and runs to Martha.
Chloe: What happened?
Martha: We came out, and it was... on f*re.
Clark has put out the f*re and Martha steps closer to the barn, shocked at what she sees. Jonathan and Clark step away, also shocked. Chloe takes out her camera and snaps a picture.
b*rned onto the wall of the barn is the symbol of the circle with the line through it, the same symbol that is on the wall of the cave and the disk.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Jonathan finishes nailing boards over the symbol b*rned into the barn. Day. Clark and Martha are still there, but Chloe is gone.
Jonathan: Well, that ought to keep the looky-loos away, at least till I have a chance to patch it up better.
Clark: A couple of boards aren't gonna be able to cover up anything anymore, especially after Chloe publishes her pictures.
Martha: Well, I-I think I convinced her it was a prank. You can't b*at yourself up about this. You're abilities are still developing. You can't always control them.
Clark: There's nothing uncontrolled about that drawing. It's a symbol from wherever I'm from. It means hope.
Martha: How do you know that? Since when can you read the symbols?
Clark: Since I put the key in the cave wall.
Jonathan: Wait a minute. Since you did what?
Clark: Dad, it was calling out to me. It led me to where you hid it.
Jonathan: Clark, I told you not to do that.
Clark: I know, Dad, but it was like I didn't have a choice.
Martha: Where is the key now?
Clark: I don't know. When I put the key in the wall there was-- there was a blinding light and I blacked out.
Martha: Are you all right?
Clark: Yeah, it didn't hurt me. But everything's jumbled up. It's like it downloaded me with the language from the cave wall.
Jonathan: Did anybody see you?
Clark: I don't think so, but Lex and Dr. Walden found me. I don't think they have the key. I think it disintegrated.
Jonathan: You're not 100% sure? Clark, we understand you wanting to know more about your origins, but you're putting your own life in danger here.
Clark: Some things are worth the risk.
Jonathan: Like what?
Clark: Like the truth.
Act 2 Scene 2
Clark is writing on a piece of paper in the Talon. Day. Lana walks up to his table.
Lana: Clark. (He doesn't answer) Earth to Clark...
Clark looks up, startled.
Lana: Are you okay? (He nods and Lana sits) I heard about the f*re.
Clark: It was no big deal. We got it under control. I think Chloe's over at the Torch right now writing an exclusive.
Lana: I wouldn't know. Her and I aren't exactly talking right now.
Clark: Sounds serious.
Lana: Well, invasion of privacy usually is.
Clark: Let me guess, you caught her snooping around in your stuff.
Lana: Actually I was the one doing the snooping. I didn't mean to. It kinda just happened.
Clark: Well, you'd think all the times that she's overstepped her boundaries, she'd cut you some slack.
Lana: It just reminded me that as great as Chloe and her dad have been, I'm still not family.
Clark: Yeah, I know what you mean. Can I tell you a secret?
Lana: That would be a first.
Clark: I've been looking into my roots and it's freaking my parents out, but I think I'm getting close to finding out where I'm from.
Lana: (Seriously) Then you shouldn't stop.
Lana smiles and then looks down at the paper Clark has been writing on. It is a chart for a family tree.
Lana: Is that your family tree? (Clark looks at the paper and doesn't answer) Clark, what's wrong?
Clark: Nothing, um, I gotta go.
He crumples up the paper and throws it at the trashcan. It misses. Not noticing, Clark gets up to leave and runs into Lex.
Lex: Clark, I've been looking all over for you.
Clark: Sorry, Lex, I can't talk right now.
Clark leaves.
Lex: (To Lana) Looks like we've been abandoned.
Lana: Story of my life.
Lana goes to the bar and Lex notices the crumpled piece of paper on the floor.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lex is in his study looking at the piece of paper. Day. It has the alien symbols scribbled all over it. Frederick enters.
Frederick: (Annoyed) Lex, I may decipher ancient languages, but cryptic phone messages don't amuse me. You're aware that I'm on a very tight deadline.
Lex: I thought you might find this enlightening.
Lex hands the paper to him.
Frederick: What is it?
Lex: I'd say somebody has gained some knowledge of the language that's carved into the walls of the cave.
Fredrick: These characters are similar. But there's no way to verify their accuracy. (He points to the symbols that are written above the words Mother and Father on the chart) See, these symbols could be father or mother or they could just be chicken scratch. Where'd you get it?
Lex: Clark Kent.
Frederick: What is it with you and this kid, Lex? I'm the top expert in my field and I'm telling you, these walls will take years to translate. Some Kansas farm boy's scribblings don't changes that.
Lex: Then how do you explain this?
Lex tosses the latest issues of the Torch to Frederick. It has a picture of the symbol on Clark's barn on the front page with the headline Burning Question: Aliens or Arsonists.
Lex: I'd say that was more than scribbling. That's one of the symbols that's on the octagonal disk.
Frederick: Maybe the whole thing's a hoax.
Lex: No. It's no hoax. Something happened to Clark in that cave.
Frederick: Well, what do you suggest I do?
Lex: Put your extravagant ego aside and work with the boy. He may be a fraud, Doctor, or he just might be the Rosetta Stone we've been looking for.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark enters the Torch where Chloe is working. Day.
Clark: I'd like to thank you for turning our farm into Area 51. We needed a couple of sheriff deputies to keep all the wackos away.
Chloe: Sorry, Clark. You have to admit, it is really intriguing.
Clark: It's probably just a K.U. frat prank.
Chloe: Or could it be that aliens think crop circles are passé so they've moved onto barn scorching? Come on, Clark, this is Smallville. I mean, you have to consider the possibility.
Clark: (After a long pause) I'll let it go if you forgive Lana for what she did.
Chloe: Why didn't I see this coming? Did she tell you what she was doing on my computer?
Clark: No, but she did tell me she was very sorry for what she did. I can't believe--
Chloe: You know what, Clark? This is one time you don't need to come to Lana's rescue. (Chloe looks at her computer screen and sees a long list of emails) Hello... what's this?
Clark: Someone spammed your email account.
Chloe: Yeah, but they're all for you. From someone called Swann?
Clark: Never heard of him.
Chloe opens one of the messages and the screen shows a picture of the symbol b*rned onto Clark's barn. Below it, the word Hope appears. Below that it says I have something for you.
Act 2 Scene 5
Pete enters the loft where Clark is waiting. Day.
Clark: Did my parents see you?
Pete: No.
Pete takes a laptop computer out of his jacket and sets it up on a bale of hay. Clark hooks it up to a phone cord.
Pete: What's with all this cloak-and-dagger stuff? How come we didn't just go to the Torch and use Chloe's computer?
Clark: I can't have her looking over my shoulder if this Swann has information for me. Come on.
Pete: Okay, you're on.
Clark takes a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and opens it to reveal Swann's email address. He types the address in and then types:
I got your message. What do you have for me?
Clark holds his finger over the button to send it. He hesitates for a long time.
Pete: What's wrong?
Clark: What if my parents are right?
Pete: Then we can just pull the plug on this whole thing.
Pete reaches for the keyboard and Clark stops him.
Clark: I need to know.
Clark sends the letter. Another box pops up on the screen that says The user vswann has sent you an instant message. Do you wish to accept it? Clark opens the message:
If you can read this I have the answers you're looking for.
Three symbols are beneath the message.
Pete: What's that?
Clark: It says I'm a friend.
Act 2 Scene 6
Frederick shines his flashlight on the octagonal groove in the wall of the cave. Day. He continues to look around at all the other wall paintings. On the other side of the cave, he sees the disk sticking out of the wall sideways. He pulls away some of the rock with his pick and pulls the disk out, noticing the symbols on it.
He immediately turns around and looks at the groove in the wall again. He crosses to it and sticks the disk inside. Clark approaches. The symbols on the disk light up as before and Frederick smiles as it starts to open up through the center. Suddenly the opening shifts into the shape of a triangle and blasts Frederick with a beam of light, sending him flying across the cave and knocking him unconscious. Clark shields his eyes against the blast and then runs to Frederick's side.
Clark: Dr. Walden! Dr. Walden. Dr. Walden?
Clark sees the disk on the ground and picks it up.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
We see Frederick's face as he lies in a hospital bed with his eyes open. Day. He is not moving and his eyes are completely white. Lex steps out into the hallway where Clark is waiting.
Clark: How's he doing?
Lex: The doctors have never seen anything like it. He's completely catatonic.
Clark: Is he gonna be okay?
Lex: It's impossible to determine without knowing the cause. Three mysterious events in three days and you were there on each occasion. That's a mystery unto itself, don't you think?
Clark: Not really.
Clark starts to walk away and Lex follows.
Lex: What about that language? Are you sure you can't read it?
Clark: What would give you that idea?
Lex: The symbol on your barn and this.
Lex shows Clark the paper he found in the Talon.
Clark: Look, I was just doodling. It doesn't mean anything.
Lex: Well, it looks pretty specific to me.
Clark: Lex, why do you care so much about an old Native American language?
Lex: Because I don't think it's Native American. I don't even think it's from this planet.
Clark: You think aliens wrote it? (Lex looks away) I'd keep that to yourself, Lex.
A delivery man approaches.
Man: (To a doctor) I'm, uh, looking for a Clark Kent.
Clark: That's me.
Man: (Hands Clark an envelope) Sign here.
Clark: (He signs) How'd you know I'd be here?
Man: My instructions were to deliver that to you personally. Lucky for me, small town.
The man walks away.
Lex: Aren't you gonna open it?
Clark: It's probably just junk mail. I'll open it later.
Clark walks away and Lex watches him go. Then Clark gets onto an empty elevator and when the door closes, he starts to open the envelope. Inside is a card with the initials V.S., a New York address, and the symbol for Hope.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark and Chloe are in the Torch. Day. Clark is holding an issue of the magazine Time and on the cover is a black and white picture of a man with the caption Man of the Year.
Chloe: Dr. Virgil Swann. You're being stalked by a legend, Clark.
Clark: I've never heard of him.
Chloe: He was a high-tech Howard Hughes 30 years ago. He graduated from M.I.T. when he was 19. He had his doctorate in math and applied physics. Then he started his own company, Swann Communications, which quickly rose to international acclaim in the 1970s as the world's largest producer of satellites. I mean, this guy has so much hardware in space that Scientific American dubbed him the Man of Tomorrow.
Clark: (Reading) Only through communication will people live in peace. Sounds like a remarkable guy.
Chloe: He was until he pulled a J.D. Salinger. He sold his company and put his millions toward charitable foundations. Rumor has it he devoted himself to searching for signs of intelligent life in the universe.
Clark: And what about the address on the card? How does that fit in?
Chloe: It's the New York Planetarium. What better place to look for little green men? Why is this guy so interested in you, Clark?
Clark: He's not interested in me. He's just, uh, interested in my barn.
Chloe: Virgil Swann hasn't made a phone call in 13 years and now all of a sudden he wants to be your best friend? He must think that symbol is pretty important.
Clark: It was just a hoax.
Chloe: Yeah, well, one of the most brilliant men in the world disagrees. If I were you, I'd find out why.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lex is in Frederick's hospital room with another doctor. Day.
Lex: Has there been a change in Dr. Walden's condition?
Doctor: Whatever he was exposed to over-stimulated his cerebral cortex causing a massive seizure.
Lex: You're saying he suffered from information overload?
Doctor: In layman's terms, yes. It's doubtful he'll ever regain consciousness. I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor.
The doctor leaves the room.
Lex: (To Frederick) Don't worry, Doctor. One day you'll share your secrets with me.
Act 3 Scene 4
Chloe enters Lana's bedroom where Lana is packing. Day.
Chloe: You know, if you're planning on running away from home, you might want to pack a little lighter.
Lana: This isn't my home, Chloe. As great as you and your dad have been, I don't think this was such a great idea.
Chloe: You know, Lana, if this is about the whole computer incident, I'm sorry. I overreacted, I know. But when it comes to Clark and my feelings, I, uh, I don't know, I'm never really rational.
Lana: I can't help the way Clark feels about me.
Chloe: I know.
Lana sits on the bed and Chloe sits next to her.
Chloe: Before you go, I just wanted to show you something. (She hands Lana a piece of paper) It's my family tree.
In the space above the word sister is Lana Lang.
Lana: (Touched) You put me under sister. Why?
Chloe: Because I decided that my family wasn't about the people that didn't love me. It's about the people who do love me. No matter what. My friends.
Lana smiles at her and they share a long look.
Act 3 Scene 5
Jonathan, Clark, and Martha sit at the dining room table. Day.
Jonathan: Clark, this whole thing is very suspicious.
Clark: He could give me some answers. He knows how to read the language.
Jonathan: According to you, he does. I mean, how do we know that you're even reading it right? We have no idea what that cave did to you, son.
Clark: Mom, help me out here.
Martha: Clark, we don't know anything about this Dr. Swann.
Jonathan: For all we know, the whole thing could be an elaborate plan just to get to you.
Clark: (Standing up) Now you're just being paranoid. Did you ever think for a second that maybe he just wanted to help?
Jonathan: (Standing) No, Clark, I haven't. When it comes to protecting you and your secret, all I've ever seen are people who want to exploit you for their own personal gain.
Clark: You can't protect me forever!
Jonathan: I'm not ready to give that up yet!
Pause.
Martha: Clark, we're not trying to keep you from learning about your past. We just don't want to see you get hurt, either.
Clark: I have got all these questions, and I can't leave them in the storm cellar anymore. Why did my parents put me in that ship? What was so bad they had to send me away? I have to do this.
Jonathan and Martha look at each other with tears in their eyes.
Jonathan: Then let's go together. We'll go as a family.
Clark: Dad, I have to go alone. It's the only way.
Martha stands and takes Clark's hand.
Clark: No matter what I find out, it is not gonna change the way I feel about you. You're still gonna be my mom and dad.
Martha hugs Clark and Jonathan hugs them both.
Act 3 Scene 6
We see a sh*t of New York, New York from the sky. Day. Clark enters a room that is filled with globes, statues, and dozens of other scientific objects.
Clark: Hello? (He looks around) Hello, Dr. Swann? (Quietly) What am I doing here?
Clark starts to go and the voice of Dr. Swann stops him.
Swann: Looking for answers, I assume.
Clark comes back and walks slowly toward the end of the room. It is cluttered with bookshelves and he can't see Dr. Swann. He finally gets to the end, where Swann is seated at a desk in a wheelchair with a tube running out of his neck.
Swann: Hello, Clark. I've been expecting you. You're probably wondering why a billionaire scientist works in the backroom of the planetarium.
Clark: The thought had crossed my mind.
Swann: Well, I find it peaceful. Besides, I own the building. (Toward a microphone on his desk) Activate screen.
A screen in front of the wall beside the desk lights up with rows of the alien symbols, each row traveling in opposite directions.
Swann: Does any of that look familiar?
Clark: What is it?
Swann: It's a message from the stars, Clark. All my life, I've been staring out into space wondering. Wondering is anybody else out there? And then 13 years ago, I got an answer.
Clark: The day of the meteor shower.
Swann: One of my receiving stations picked up a faint signal. It took me years to decrypt it. And finally, I discovered a mathematical key that was built into the transmission.
Clark: Can you read it?
Swann: Yes. It says This is Kal-El of Krypton. Our infant son, our last hope. Please protect him and deliver him from evil.
Clark: (Touching the screen) Kal-El. Krypton.
Swann: I've always wondered what happened to that child, if he survived the journey, if he lived among us. And then three days ago, I saw the symbol for Hope b*rned onto the side of a barn in Smallville, and I found that the farmer and his wife had an adopted son.
Clark: So you think I'm Kal-El? I'm just Clark Kent.
Swann: No, no, no, no, no, I'm not trying to expose you, Clark. I'm just... I'm just seeking the truth.
Clark: I'm sorry, Doctor. The truth is, I'm not who you think I am.
Clark starts to leave.
Swann: If you can live with that decision, so can I. But if you walk out that door, it'll never be open to you again. And you'll never know the second part of the message.
Clark stops and looks at Swann. We hear the theme to Superman start playing in the background.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Clark and Swann in the backroom of the planetarium. Day.
Clark: Tell me something, Doctor. Why are you doing this to me?
Swann: We all have our windmills, Clark. I need to know I'm right. Once I do, it'll never leave this room.
Clark looks at him for a long moment.
Clark: Show me.
Swann: Second screen.
The symbols on the screen disappear and it fills up with another set, also moving in alternating directions.
Clark: (Reading) We will be with you, Kal-El, for all the days of your life. What does this mean?
Swann: I'm not sure, but one thing I've learned about science is the value of patience.
Clark notices a picture of outer space on the wall with an area circled.
Clark: Is that where Krypton is?
Swann: No, that's where Krypton was. I followed the signal's path billions of miles out into space. I was hoping to discover its origin but instead, I found nothing.
Clark: Planets just don't disappear. What do you think happened to it?
Swann: Oh, it could be any one of a million different scenarios. w*r, famine, disease. I mean, look at the world around us. Is it really that hard to believe?
Clark: Well, I can't be the only one. There must be others like me.
Swann: There was only one message.
Clark: Why me? There must be a reason why I was sent to this planet.
Swann: You won't find the answers by looking to the stars. It's a journey you'll have to take by looking inside yourself. You must write your own destiny... Kal-El.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark stands in the storm cellar looking down at the ship. Day. The door to the cellar opens and Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Your mother told me you were back. Clark, I know that whatever Dr. Swann told you must be... overwhelming, but... if you need to talk about it, your mother and I are always here.
Clark doesn't answer and Jonathan starts to leave.
Clark: Ever since you told me about this ship, I wondered if there were others out there like me. Now I know there's not. I'm totally alone.
Jonathan: Clark. You are never alone, son. This is your home, and we love you very much. Come on, let's go back up.
Clark: In a minute.
Jonathan starts to leave again and Clark turns around.
Clark: I figured out what this is.
Clark is holding the rectangular piece of metal that was found along with his ship the day of the meteor shower.
Clark: It's the ship's heart.
Jonathan: Really? Have you used it yet?
Clark: I didn't want to do it alone.
Jonathan: Let's do it together.
Clark puts the octagonal disk into the slot and the ship rises into the air. The pod opens completely. Clark and Jonathan look inside and see the indentation of a small child in the bottom.
Jonathan: It's hard to believe you were ever that small.
Clark puts the rectangular piece of metal into a slot at the front of the ship and the inside of the ship lights up with circles of rotating symbols.
Jonathan: What is it, son?
Clark: It's a message from my biological father. I'm sure I'm reading it wrong.
Jonathan: Why? What does it say?
Clark: On this third planet from this star Sol, you will be a god among men. They are a flawed race. Rule them with strength, my son. That is where your greatness lies.
Clark walks away from the ship.
Clark: I think I was sent here to conquer. What kind of planet am I from?
Jonathan: Maybe you did misread it, Clark. But even if you didn't, it's you who decides what kind of a life you're gonna lead. Not me, not your mother, not your... biological parents.
Clark: What if it's part of who I am? Is that the kind of person I will become?
Jonathan: Clark Kent, you're here to be a force for good, not a force of evil.
Clark: How can you be so sure?
Jonathan: (He puts his hands on Clark's shoulders) Because I am your father. I raised you, and I know you better than anyone.
Jonathan puts a hand on Clark's face and nods at him. Then he pulls Clark into a hug. Clark looks over Jonathan's shoulder at the floating ship, worry creasing his brow. Jonathan's expression is also worried.
Clark fixes his gaze on the ship.
Fade to black.
[Public Service Announcement]
Tom Welling and Christopher Reeve sit side by side.
Tom: Please help us conquer paralysis.
Christopher: Call the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation at 1-800-225-0292.
Tom: Or visit the CRPF web site at christopherreeve.org.
Christopher: Thank you.
Tom: (To Christopher) Thank you.
Christopher: No, no, thank you. Very much.
Tom: Oh. Thank you.
Christopher: (Quietly to the camera) Please? Please call.
We hear a group of people start laughing and Tom laughs too.
************************************************************************
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"The Scientist" by Coldplay
"Satellite" by Kid Lightening
"Leaving Town Alive" by Pancho's Lament
"Nuclear" by Ryan Adams, Smallville Soundtrack
************************************************************************Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x17 - Rosetta"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #218 - "Visitor"
Original airdate: April 15, 2003
Written by: Philip Levens
Directed by: Rick Rosenthal
Act 1 Teaser
Smallville High School. Day. A science lab where class is being held. Students are seated at various tables in the room, working on science projects. Chloe walks up to the table where Pete and Clark are seated, working on a project with wires hooked up to oranges.
Chloe: Hello, gentlemen.
Pete: Hey, Chloe.
Chloe: What are you doing to those poor citrus?
Clark: Well, apparently there's enough acid in them to act as a battery.
Chloe: How very Survivor of you. What are you going to call it? A Clockwork Orange?
Pete: Don't you wish you were the first one to say that?
Another student, CYRUS KRUP, comes to the table and plugs a cord into one of the empty outlets. He is wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and has an intense look in his eyes.
Clark: Sure, you can use our outlet.
Cyrus: Thanks.
He walks back to his own table.
Pete: What's up with that guy?
Chloe: His name is Cyrus Krup. He transferred in a couple of weeks ago. They asked me to give him the new student propaganda tour, but he said he wouldn't be here long enough to need it.
Clark: (Dryly) Maybe that's why he's trying so hard to win friends and influence people.
Chloe smiles and walks away.
Pete: Bye.
Chloe: Bye.
Clark looks over at Cyrus who is working on his own project and wearing headphones. His project is a gold-colored sphere with wires and flashing lights connected to it, resting on a circular base. He gets up from his desk and takes an extension cord from another student's table.
Student: What are you doing, man?
He takes it to the next table where KYLE and two of his friends are working on their experiment. Cyrus unplugs it and plugs in his own cord.
Guy: Hey. What are you doing?
Kyle: Hey, freak, why don't you jack in somewhere else? (Stands up and takes Cyrus's headphones) Gimme those! (Puts them on and hears static) Ooh, check it out, man. The loser's listening to a dial tone.
Cyrus: (Taking the headphones back) You don't have the mental capacity to comprehend that sound.
Kyle: Are you calling me stupid?
Cyrus: Let's just say you're not one of mankind's brightest lights.
Kyle knocks the headphones out of Cyrus's hands onto the ground. The other guys take his experiment away from him and start tossing it back and forth.
Cyrus: Hey, don't damage my transmitter! Don't damage that!
They keep throwing it to each other, making fun of him. Clark walks up.
Clark: Hey, guys. Why don't you just leave him alone?
Kyle: (Walks up to Clark's face thr*at) Stay out of it, Kent.
Cyrus: I don't want to hurt you, Kyle. Just give me my transmitter back.
Guy: Get out of here, freak.
Cyrus: I'm warning you.
Kyle grabs Cyrus by the shirt and throws him against the table. The other guys laugh.
Guy: Yeah!
Clark helps Cyrus up.
Guy: (Still laughing) Oh no, he's crying.
Clark and Cyrus start to walk away.
Guy: That's right. Go home to momma.
Guy #2: Bye.
Kyle: Poor baby!
Guy: (Mocking) Don't hurt the transmitter.
Cyrus turns around and looks at them intensely. The tool rack against the wall behind them bursts into flames.
Guy: Whoa!
Cyrus: Now leave me alone!
Cyrus leaves and Clark stays where he is, staring wide-eyed at the f*re.
(Opening credits)
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark is standing in the back of the truck outside the fence of the farm. Day. He is lifting up bales of hay and throwing them over the fence. Lana rides up on a horse.
Clark: Hey. (He gets out of the truck and walks up to Lana)
Lana: Hey.
Clark: (To the horse) Tyson, I haven't seen you in a long time.
Lana: I finally got some time off from the Talon. I thought I'd take him out for a good run. He hasn't been out much since, um, Whitney...
Clark lowers his eyes.
Lana: (Changing the subject) Chloe told me what happened at the electronics lab. Pretty wild.
Clark: It was definitely weird. It's like Cyrus is in his own world. He takes teenage alienation to a whole new level.
Lana: Well, we all have our ways of escaping from our lives. I ride, Chloe writes, and you... (Looks at the truck) ...you do incredibly strenuous farm chores by yourself.
Clark: Well, I guess you know my deepest and darkest secret now. (Reaches out to touch Tyson's face. The horse turns away with a grunt) Whoa, boy.
Lana: He's been doing that a lot lately. I thought some air would do him good.
Clark: Did you call the vet?
Lana: Yeah. Um, he doesn't know what wrong with him. Chalked it up to old age. Whitney's mom wants to sell him. She can't afford to s*ab him anymore.
Clark: Why don't you board him here?
Lana: Would your parents be okay with it?
Clark: I don't see why not. It is a farm, after all.
Lana: Thanks.
Clark smiles at her.
Act 1 Scene 2
Lex is playing pool in the study. Day. Helen enters and drops a tabloid magazine on the pool table. There is a picture of her with the headline Gold-Digging Doc.
Helen: This is yesterday's paper. Why didn't you tell me about it?
Lex: Because I thought I bought up every copy in Smallville. Helen, I've been living with this kind of thing my whole life. I'm sorry they've come after you too. I know it's not fair. I was trying to protect you.
Helen: You can't, Lex. It's not just the paper. I mean, people have been treating me differently ever since I started dating you. I've sacrificed so much to get where I am.
Lex: And now your reputation is being trashed by rumor and innuendo? Is that why you haven't moved in yet?
Helen: I already told you. My lease isn't up yet and I haven't had time to pack.
Lex: Okay. (Starts dialing on his cell phone) I'll pay to break your lease, and, uh, I'll have movers at your place in an hour. What's stopping you now?
Helen: I need to do this on my own schedule.
Lex: (Hangs up the phone) I want you to know that I completely believe in us. But if you want to back out, I'll understand.
Lex touches her arm and walks past her, heading for the door.
Helen: (Without turning around) Can you make it two hours?
They both turn to face each other and Lex smiles slightly.
Act 1 Scene 3
Chloe drives up to the farm where Clark is working outside. Day. She gets out of the car.
Chloe: (Smiling slyly) Hey, Kent. I know your secret. Lana told me you're letting her board Whitney's horse here.
Clark: Oh, yeah, that. Right.
Chloe: You made her year, you know.
Clark: Well, Tyson's really important to her. She didn't want another part of her past just taken away.
Chloe: Mm-hmm. And she'll be here every day. Just like old times.
Clark: Chloe, there's nothing romantic about mucking out horse stalls.
Chloe: (Laughing) Ew, Clark.
Clark: Hey, I see the electronics lab is still closed.
Chloe: Yeah, the f*re marshals are investigating Cyrus's pyrotechnics. Did you know that Principal Reynolds suspended him and he confiscated his science project?
Clark: Do you have any idea how he did it?
Chloe: It could've been a trick. Or it could be meteor rock inspired. Or he could be an alien.
Clark: Alien? Why would you say that?
Chloe: Rumors from his old school. He went to junior high in Grandville, and he told some kids there that he was extraterrestrial. Needless to say, they sent him to a distant corner in the social galaxy.
Clark: He didn't do anything... super, did he?
Chloe: Like start f*re with his eyes? Mnh-mnh. But he did make it a habit of running away. The last time, the cops found him in the middle of a field butt naked. Cyrus was pointing to the sky saying They're coming to take me home. That incident landed him in a mental institution.
Clark: You don't think he's really an alien, do you?
Chloe: No. But wouldn't it be awesome if he was, though?
Clark: Yeah, it'd be the story of the century, wouldn't it.
Chloe: This isn't about Pulitzers, Clark. I mean, can you imagine being from another planet? The experiences you could share?
Clark: It wouldn't freak you out?
Chloe: Compared to most people, I think aliens would be a step up.
Clark raises his eyebrows hopefully.
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark walks to Cyrus's house. Day. He follows a path of wires up the grass. They go into the window of an old barn. He looks in the window and doesn't see anything. He turns around and Cyrus is standing there, wearing his headphones.
Clark: Cyrus.
Cyrus: (Takes the headphones off) What are you doing here, Clark?
Clark: I heard about your suspension today. I wanted to make sure you were okay.
Cyrus: High school is irrelevant. It just gives me more time to concentrate on my work.
Clark: Uh, where's your parents?
Cyrus: Foster parents. They work late. They don't bother me as long as they get their monthly check. Is this interrogation over?
He unlocks the barn and starts to go in.
Clark: (Stopping him) I heard about the rumor from your old school.
Cyrus: That I'm an alien. You've come to see if it's true.
Clark: I have an open mind.
Cyrus: If I showed you any of my other special powers, would that appease you? Go away, Clark. (He starts to close the door and Clark holds it open) You're just like all the others. I won't be ridiculed by your kind anymore.
Clark: I'm not here to make fun of you or to get you in trouble.
Cyrus: Then what do you want?
Clark: The truth. I promise I won't tell anyone.
CUT TO Clark and Cyrus in the barn. The inside is set up like a lab. Cyrus is showing Clark a picture of outer space.
Cyrus: I input these coordinates into my transmitter, send a signal to my planet.
Clark: How do you know the coordinates are correct?
Cyrus: I used to have these weird dreams. That's when they were given to me. Afterwards I'd wake up in these strange places, frighten my old foster parents. And they had me locked away eventually. I can't imagine any other race being as barbaric as humans.
Clark: Why? What'd they do to you?
Cyrus: They tried to make me believe I was crazy, that I was really one of you.
Clark: Cyrus, I want to believe you. What kind of proof do you have?
Cyrus: Whatever proof I had was destroyed the day of the meteor shower. That's when I arrived on earth. An elderly couple found me on the outskirts of town and raised me. After they died, I bounced around between foster parents but... I kept trying to get back here.
Clark: Why?
Cyrus: Smallville's ground zero for the signal. I have to be here so my real parents can take me home.
Act 1 Scene 5
Jonathan enters the storm cellar. Day.
Jonathan: Martha? (He comes down the stairs) Martha, are you down he--
He stops when he sees Martha standing in front of Clark's ship. He walks to her side.
Jonathan: Sweetheart, is anything wrong?
Martha: (Shakes her head) I'm just thinking of Clark traveling millions of miles through space, how the ship protected him. And what it did for me.
Jonathan puts his arms around Martha and kisses her cheek.
Jonathan: The ship has given us two miracles.
Martha: I hope you're right.
Jonathan: Martha, what is it?
Martha: I'm not sure. I'm... I'm scared. I'm having these terrible headaches and mood swings and my sleeping patterns are all upside down.
Jonathan: Martha, Dr. Baker said that you're perfectly healthy and that your pregnancy is absolutely normal.
Martha: Except for the way I was able to conceive. I want Helen Bryce to examine me, just to make sure.
Jonathan: No.
Martha: I trust her. She's seen Clark's blood. She knows that something brought me back, and she hasn't sent anyone knocking at our door, pressing us for answers.
Jonathan: Dr. Helen Bryce is intimately involved with Lex Luthor. If you need a second opinion, you can get it from any other doctor but Helen Bryce.
Martha: (Angry) Why not?
Jonathan: Because I don't want our family's secrets becoming pillow talk.
Martha looks away.
Act 1 Scene 6
Clark is sitting in the Talon. Day. He is reading a book called Identity Crisis & Mental Illness. Lex walks up.
Lex: I never figured you for having an identity crisis, Clark.
Clark: (Looks up, confused. Then he realizes and closes the book) It's for a friend.
Lex: Haven't heard that one before. What's your friend's problem? Napoleon or Messiah complex?
Clark: Actually he thinks he's an alien.
Lex: So that proves he isn't.
Clark looks at him questioningly.
Lex: Come on, Clark, if you were really an alien would you go around telling people about it?
Clark: Probably not.
Lex: Let me guess. Your friend, he's a little odd. Spends a lot of time alone, thinks no one understands him. I just described myself in high school. It's a classic outsider profile. I'd say he's just trying to get attention. (Clark lowers his eyes) You believe there are aliens among us, Clark?
Clark: (Pause) I just want to help him.
Lex: Give me his name. I can talk to some people.
Clark: I promised to keep it private. He's trying to avoid any more doctors.
Clark gets up to go.
Lex: By the way, I have to congratulate you. Offering to board Whitney's horse. That was a masterful stroke.
Clark: I didn't do anything. She needed a place for her horse, and I offered it.
Lex: Mm, so did I. But she turned me down. I told her she can keep him in the mansion s*ab free of charge. I guess she was holding out for the right offer.
They smile at each other.
Act 1 Scene 7
Clark drives up to the farm. Night. He gets out of the truck and Jonathan is already outside.
Jonathan: Clark.
Clark: Dad, what's going on?
Jonathan: I don't know, son. We got Tyson out of the trailer just fine, and then Lana was walking him in the paddock and he collapsed. She's pretty upset. Why don't you stay with her? I'll call the vet.
Jonathan runs to the house and Clark enters through the gate of the paddock where Tyson is lying on his side with Lana sitting over him. Clark kneels down next to her.
Clark: Not feeling too good?
Lana: I've seen him sick before, but never this bad.
Clark: There's help on the way.
Tyson whinnies softly.
Lana: (Quietly) I can't lose Tyson too.
Clark: He's gonna be fine, Lana. He's a fighter. Just like his owner.
Lana looks into Clark's eyes and then back down at the horse. Cyrus approaches.
Cyrus: (To Clark) How could you betray me? You told that Chloe girl my secret. She wants to interview me.
Clark: Cyrus, what are you talking about?
Cyrus: They'll send me to another shrink. They could lock me away again.
Clark: This is not the time nor place to talk about this.
Cyrus: I never should've trusted you.
Lana: (As Tyson starts to whinny again) Clark.
Cyrus: (Noticing Tyson) What's wrong with him?
Clark: We don't know. The vet's on the way.
Cyrus goes to Lana's side and kneels down next to Tyson's head. He takes off his hat and puts his head on Tyson side. Then he sits back up.
Cyrus: (To Tyson) It's okay. You don't need all these people poking and prodding you, boy. I'll make it better.
He puts his hands on Tyson's side and a light shines out from beneath them. Lana's eyes widen and she looks at Clark. Then she looks at Cyrus who is closing his eyes in concentration. When he opens them, the light fades away and Tyson whinnies loudly and gets to his feet.
Lana: (Affectionately to Tyson) Hey. Hey.
Clark looks at Cyrus and then at Lana and Tyson.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark sits down with Jonathan and Martha with in the kitchen. Day.
Clark: Dad, I don't know why you're so skeptical about this.
Jonathan: Because, Clark, it's hard for me to believe that that kid could heal a horse simply by touching it. I mean, it sounds like one of those old revival meeting stories.
Clark: The vet couldn't believe it either, but he gave Tyson a clean bill of health.
Martha: Cyrus wouldn't be the first person in Smallville to have unusual abilities.
Clark: Except I don't think he's from Smallville. (Martha and Jonathan look at him) Look, this is going to sound crazy, and I didn't believe it myself at first, but now I'm starting to. I think there's a very strong possibility that Cyrus is from Krypton.
Jonathan: Why would think that?
Clark: He said he was.
Jonathan: He said he was from Krypton?
Clark: Well, he didn't use the name exactly. But I didn't know what it was called until Dr. Swann told me. But he said he came to earth during the meteor shower. And there's more. Yesterday I saw him start a f*re with heat from his eyes.
Martha: What about strength or speed?
Clark: No, but--
Jonathan: Clark... Son, we know you want to believe this but, you don't even have the ability to heal.
Clark: That doesn't prove anything. I didn't get heat vision till last year. Maybe Cyrus and I won't develop the same abilities, or maybe people on Krypton don't have the same abilities at all. We don't know for sure. We've never met anyone else from there.
Martha: Sweetheart, Dr. Swann said you were the last survivor of your planet.
Clark: What if Dr. Swann is wrong? Look, don't you see? If I'm right, this means I'm not alone anymore.
Act 2 Scene 2
Helen is exploring a hallway in Lex's mansion. Day. She opens a door and looks inside. Then she closes it and moves on. She comes to another door and tries to turn the knob, but it's locked. She pulls a key out of her pocket and tries to unlock the door. It won't open for her. When she turns around, one of Lex's servants is standing there, startling her.
Servant: Can I help you, ma'am?
Helen: I was looking for the solarium.
Servant: Ah, well that's in the south wing. I'll escort you.
They start to walk away.
Helen: You know, Lex gave me this master key. It's supposed to open every door in the mansion, but I can't open that one.
Servant: That room is strictly off limits. The only person with a key is Mr. Luthor. Shall we?
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark is walking through the hall at school. Day. Kyle walks up to him.
Kyle: Hey, Kent, where's your little buddy? You tell him payback's gonna suck.
Kyle keeps walking and Clark doesn't answer as he enters the Talon. Chloe is already there.
Chloe: Magic.
Clark: What?
Chloe: That was how Cyrus started the f*re. The f*re marshals found strips of magnesium powder hidden behind the blackboard. All Cyrus had to do was wait for the right moment, h*t the detonator, and before you can say Presto...
Chloe holds out her arm, indicating a black board set up on her desk. It bursts into flame.
Chloe: Instant inferno.
Clark: I didn't see him use a detonator.
Chloe: (Holding out her other hand, showing a detonator) Ah, but illusion is the art of misdirection, Clark. Trust me. This kid is more David Blaine than he is Wall of Weird.
Chloe puts out the f*re with a squirt bottle.
Clark: All right, well, that still doesn't explain how he cured Tyson.
Chloe: Yeah, I haven't figured that one out yet. But I'd be willing to bet that he faked that one too somehow.
Clark: No, I was there. It was real.
Chloe: Okay, well, I'm not discounting the possibility that he may have some magic healing power. But if he does, it's probably byproduct of meteorite poisoning. He is no more extraterrestrial than you are.
Act 2 Scene 4
Helen and Martha walk together through the hall of the Smallville Medical Center. Day.
Helen: When I saw your name on the chart, I thought there must be some mistake. I haven't had a new patient since the Inquisitor h*t the stands.
Martha: People can be small-minded. I hope things work out for you.
Helen: Thank you, Mrs. Kent.
They go into an examining room and Helen closes the door.
Helen: So. According to the charts your O.B. sent over, your pregnancy's been smooth sailing so far.
Martha: I don't know about that. Whatever we talk about is confidential, right?
Helen: Of course.
Martha: You won't tell anyone, not even... significant others?
Helen: You're worried I'll tell Lex?
Martha: Jonathan. He doesn't know I'm here.
Helen: I can assure you, everything in this office stays between you and me. Mrs. Kent, does your being here have anything to do with Clark's unusual blood work or your miraculous recovery? Because I'll be honest with you, I still don't understand what I saw that day. (Martha doesn't answer) Martha, if you really want me to help, you've got to be completely honest with me. For your safety. And the baby's.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark enters Cyrus's barn. Day. Lex is already inside.
Clark: Lex? What are you doing here?
Lex: I've always wanted to meet an alien. When I heard what happened with Lana's horse, I realized this Cyrus must be the friend you mentioned.
Clark: I thought you said he was just fantasizing.
Lex: After everything we found in the cave, I try and keep an open mind. Take a look at this.
He hands Clark a notebook with a drawing of the meteor shower. The drawing includes Clark's ship falling to the ground.
Lex: See, I've always had a theory that the meteor shower would've been a perfect cover for a spacecraft to land on earth. Anyway, looks like we both wasted a trip. You want a ride?
Clark: No, I think I'll stay and wait.
Lex: Tell your friend I'd like to buy him a latte sometime. See you later, Clark.
Lex leaves. Clark starts flipping through the notebook and sees more drawings. Cyrus enters.
Cyrus: I don't trust your friend.
Clark: I know you faked the f*re, Cyrus.
Cyrus: I don't deny it. Kyle and his intelligence-challenged comrades have been harassing me since I got here.
Clark: Why didn't you use your powers?
Cyrus: I only have the power to heal. Not to harm.
Clark: Do you still claim that you cured that horse?
Cyrus: Believe whatever you want.
Clark: Did you draw these?
Cyrus: That's how I got to earth.
Clark: Where's the spaceship?
Cyrus: I don't know.
Clark: But you remember coming here.
Cyrus: Remember those dreams I told you about? I dream about my parents too. And what it'll be like the day I go home.
Clark: I believe you, Cyrus.
Cyrus: (Shocked) You do? (Clark nods) That makes you the first person who doesn't think I'm crazy.
CUT TO Cyrus and Clark walking up to a large tower in the woods. It is made of wires, satellite dishes, and many other objects. There are stairs leading up to the top where there is circular platform.
Clark: Wow. You built this? What is it?
Cyrus: My transmission tower.
Clark: How does it work?
Cyrus: At the appointed time, I'll send a signal and my parents will come. They'll transport me up to their ship and then they'll take me home.
Clark: You know, I can see how all this would be a little difficult to explain to a group of psychiatrists.
Cyrus: I wish that were my only problem. I'm supposed to send a signal at midnight tomorrow, but I don't have my transmitter. After the incident in the electronics lab, Reynolds confiscated it.
Clark: Can't you build another one?
Cyrus: There isn't time. The conditions necessary for my departure only occur once every 200 years. If I don't get that transmitter back, I'll never get home. Please help me.
Clark looks up at the tower.
Act 2 Scene 6
Clark and Cyrus open a closet in the school. Night. The transmitter is there and Cyrus takes it.
Clark: Come on.
Clark closes the door and they leave. As they are walking into the parking lot, Kyle and his friends drive up on either side of Cyrus and Clark in big trucks. They get out and approach.
Kyle: What are you losers doing?
Cyrus: If I were you, I'd get back in my truck and go home. Now!
Clark: Take it easy, Cyrus.
Cyrus: If you guys don't leave us alone you're gonna regret it!
Kyle: Save it, reject. We know how you faked that f*re to make us look like morons.
Guy: They're all laughing at us so we're gonna kick your ass.
Guy #2: Yeah, that's right.
Kyle: And this time you didn't have a chance to set up one of your little tricks, did ya?
Cyrus: I'm warning you, Kyle. Leave me alone.
Clark sh**t his heat vision at Kyle's truck, setting it on f*re.
Kyle: My truck!
Guy: What's going on?
Guy #2: Come on, let's get out of here!
Cyrus: I warned you, now leave!
They all pile into the other truck and speed away.
Clark: Way to go, Cyrus, you did it.
Cyrus: No, I didn't, Clark. You did.
Clark: That's crazy.
Cyrus: Now I know why you've been helping me, why you believe me.
Clark: Cyrus, I don't know what you're talking about.
Cyrus: You're an alien too.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark and Pete are sitting in the loft. Day. Clark is looking at a picture of outer space.
Pete: I can't believe Cyrus knows your secret.
Clark: What was I supposed to do, Pete, b*at up all those guys? Grab Cyrus and run away at a thousand miles an hour? I didn't have much of a choice.
Pete: Well, have you told your parents yet?
Clark: No. They'd just freak out.
Pete: They'd have a right to. I mean, how long until Cyrus tells somebody. It's not like he's exactly s*ab.
Clark: No, he's not gonna tell anyone.
Pete: Clark, how do you know that?
Clark: Look at this. (He looks at the picture) The coordinates that Cyrus gave me are for the same solar system as Krypton.
Pete: Clark, dozens of astronomers have written about the meteor showers. He could've just used their research.
Clark: Yeah, but first the drawings of the ships and now this? It's too much of a coincidence. Maybe my parents weren't the only ones who saved their child.
Pete: Well, if you really want to know, I could go up to him with a piece of meteor rock.
Clark: No, it's called Kryptonite.
Pete: Kryptonite. Is that with a C or a K?
Lana enters.
Lana: Clark, you up there?
Clark: K.
Clark and Pete meet her at the stairs.
Lana: Cyrus was at the Talon when Child Protective Services took him away.
Clark: What?
Lana: His foster parents said they couldn't handle him anymore, so they're sending him to the Smallville Medical Center for assessment.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark enters Cyrus's hospital room. Day. Cyrus is strapped to the bed and wearing a hospital gown.
Cyrus: Clark, I don't want to be locked up again. You don't know what it's like. The doctors, the tests...
Clark: What can I do?
Cyrus: If I'm not on that tower at midnight, I'm gonna be stranded on this world forever.
Clark releases the straps holding Cyrus down.
Clark: We gotta get out of here.
He helps Cyrus to his feet and Cyrus gets his clothes.
Cyrus: Clark, come with me.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Cyrus: You're not meant for this earth any more than I am. I'll take you back to your real home.
Clark: (Pause) This is my real home. Everything I care about is on earth. Good luck, Cyrus.
Cyrus: You give me hope for this world, Clark. I wish there were more people like you here. (Smiling) I'll send you a postcard.
Act 3 Scene 3
Helen enters Lex's study. Day.
Helen: Lex, we need to have a talk.
Lex: Is this a closet space issue? Because I could use the walk-in across the hall.
Helen: When you asked me to move in you gave me a key that opened every door in the house. All except one.
Lex: You've been exploring.
Helen: At first I thought I could deal with it, but then the more I think about it, the more is starts to bother me.
Lex: Helen, there's nothing of consequence in that room.
Helen: Then why is it locked?
Lex: Look, everyone needs a place where they can be alone, hear their own thoughts. That's all that room is for me. You are welcome to make your own space anywhere else in the mansion.
Helen: Lex, I wasn't looking for a roommate. I was looking for someone to share my life with.
Lex: Helen--
Helen: You know, you need to figure out what kind of a relationship you want. Because if this is gonna work, there can't be any locked doors between us.
She leaves the study.
Act 3 Scene 4
Clark enters the loft and finds Chloe and Pete there waiting for him. Night.
Chloe: Hey, Clark, Cyrus escaped from the medical center. The Child Protective Services and the sheriff are searching for him everywhere. Take a look at this.
She hands him a paper that has a picture of a man, woman, and child and says Missing since Oct. 16, 1989.
Clark: Who are these people?
Chloe: John and Maggie Burnet and their son William. They disappeared the day of the meteor shower. Rescue workers suspected that they were vaporized when their farmhouse was h*t, but no remains were ever found.
Pete: If their son survived, he'd be too young to remember what happened.
Chloe: The older couple that adopted Cyrus lived half a mile away from the Burnet house.
Clark: What are you saying?
Chloe: Clark, what we're saying is Cyrus is not an alien. He's an orphan.
Clark looks back to the picture of Cyrus as a little boy.
Act 3 Scene 5
We see the tower in the woods. Night. It is lit up in certain places that are pulsing softly. Cyrus is standing inside near the bottom adjusting some controls. A truck drives up, shining its headlights on the tower. Cyrus turns around to see who it is and Kyle and his friends get out. Cyrus starts to run up the stairs to the top of the tower.
Kyle: Where you going, firestarter? You'd better get off there cause this thing is coming down! (The other guys laugh and yell) What are you gonna do, fly away? (He runs to the back of the truck) Let's teach this freak a lesson he won't forget. (He pulls a long chain out of the truck and runs back to the front) Come on, space boy!
Guy: Yeah, take him down!
Cyrus reaches the circular platform at the top of the tower. Kyle loops the chain around one of the metal support rods at the bottom as Cyrus plants his transmitter into a socket above him on the platform. It's starts to glow blue and it sends waves of electricity down the tower and then sh**ting up into the sky. The tower comes to life with flashing lights and humming. Kyle connects the other end of the chain to the front end of the truck.
Cyrus: No! Stop! You can't do this!
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Cyrus on the tower as Kyle looks up at him. Night.
Cyrus: No! Not now! You'll ruin everything!
Kyle: Do it!
Kyle's friend in the truck hits the gas and it starts to move in reverse, pulling on the tower. There is a shower of sparks as the tower starts to tilt.
Kyle: (Laughing hysterically) Whoa! Faster! Come on!
Cyrus: Stop! No!
Clark super speeds up to the tower and holds it up against the pull of the truck. He pushes it back into place, causing one of the links on the chain to start loosening.
Kyle: Go! Go! Go!
The link breaks, sending Kyle toppling backwards onto the ground. The jerk causes Cyrus to lose his balance and fall off the tower.
Cyrus: Aaah!
Clark super speeds to where Cyrus is falling and catches him.
Cyrus: I-I gotta get back up there, Clark! My parents are coming!
Clark: Your parents died. In the meteor shower.
Cyrus: That's ridiculous, Clark. My parents aren't human.
Guy: (Kneeling over Kyle) Hey! I think his neck's broken!
Clark: Cyrus, you can save him.
A bright light shines down from the sky.
Cyrus: They're here! I can't, I'll be stranded on this world forever!
Clark: You have the power to heal.
Cyrus: Why do you care so much about these people?
Clark: Cyrus, don't let him die! We both know you're better than that. Come on!
Cyrus looks up at the light in the sky and then at Clark. Then walks over to Kyle and kneels down, placing his hands Kyle's chest just below his twisted neck. The light starts to glow from underneath his hands and we hear Kyle's neck snap back into place and he inhales sharply. He sits up.
Cyrus: (Dazed) I missed it. I missed it...
Cyrus faints.
Clark: Cyrus! Cyrus!
Clark looks into the sky and sees that the light is coming from a helicopter. He hears a man's voice over a megaphone.
Voice: This is the Kansas State Police! If you require assistance, please stay where you are. Emergency vehicles have been dispatched and will arrive shortly.
Kyle's friend helps him back to the truck and Clark remains with Cyrus as the tower's lights continue to flash.
Act 4 Scene 2
Martha and Jonathan come out the front door of their house. Day.
Martha: Clark? Clark!
They walk out to find Clark standing by the barn. Jonathan puts his hands on Clark's shoulders.
Clark: The doctors say that Cyrus had a complete mental breakdown. His body's there, but his mind is gone. They don't know if he'll recover. They transferred him to a special hospital in Metropolis.
Jonathan: Son, how do you think Cyrus was able to draw your ship?
Clark: His house was near where you guys found me. My guess, he was outside and saw the ship land. The memory stayed with him and over time he thought that past was his own.
Martha: We know how much you wanted to believe that there could be somebody else out there like you.
Clark lowers his eyes and shakes his head.
Jonathan: What is it, Clark?
Clark: Why would Cyrus pass up what he believed was his only opportunity to go home to save Kyle, the school bully?
Jonathan: Because he was a lot more like you than we ever thought.
Clark looks at both of his parents thoughtfully.
Act 4 Scene 3
A dark room in Lex's mansion. Day. Lex and Helen enter and Lex turns on the lights, revealing several large computer screens and a few artifacts on display.
Helen: What is all this?
Lex: Montaigne said obsession was the wellspring of genius and madness. This is my obsession. I'm sure you can understand my reluctance to show you this room. I thought you might decide I was a little... eccentric.
Helen looks at one of the computer screens, and it has a rotating image of Clark's octagonal disk. On another screen we see some of the wall paintings from the underground caves. Helen sees another screen that is repeatedly playing an animated scenario of Lex's car hitting Clark on the bridge. Lex and Helen make eye contact and then she walks past him to another wall. There is a large picture of Clark's face. Next to it is an enlarged copy of Clark's family tree that he filled in with Kryptonian symbols.
Helen: There's a lot here about the Kents.
Lex: Yeah. They're an interesting family. Don't you think?
Helen doesn't answer.
Act 4 Scene 4
Clark looks out the window of the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Hey. Whatever Cyrus did to Tyson wasn't temporary. It's like he's a colt again.
Clark: I'm glad some good came out of all this.
Lana: Yeah, Cyrus seemed really lonely.
Clark: Lana, what if Cyrus really could've proven he was an alien?
Lana: What do you mean?
Clark: I mean, how would you feel about him if he actually was from another planet?
Lana: Well, um... I guess I'd try and keep an open mind.
Clark: You'd never feel completely comfortable with him, would you?
Lana: I have to admit, I'd be a little freaked out. (Clark nods and looks away) Does that make me a bad person?
Clark: No. Just honest.
Lana: (Looking out the window) Clark, look. (A sh**ting star flies across the sky) Think it's a spaceship? (She smiles)
Clark: It's just a sh**ting star.
Lana keeps smiling and looks out the window. Clark looks at her for a long moment and then turns back to the sky.
The sh*t leaves them and moves slowly across the sky, passing the full moon and the stars. It stops at cluster of stars and closes in on them.
Fade to black.
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"The Other Side" by David Gray
"Kiss The Moon" by Hathaway
"Phantasmagoria In Two" by Neil Halstead
"Wartime" by Stephanie Simon
"Diamonds and g*n" by Transplants
************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x18 - Visitor"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #219 - "Precipice"
Original airdate: April 22, 2003
Written by: Philip Levens
Directed by: Rick Rosenthal
Act 1 Teaser
ANDY CONNORS is drinking coffee with two other guys in the Talon. Night. They are pouring alcohol into their cups out of a flask and laughing loudly.
Guy: Okay, okay, here we go. Oh yeah.
They all continue to laugh. Lana walks up.
Lana: Sorry, guys, but the coffee here is strictly non-Irish.
Guy: Oh, come on, loosen up.
Guy #2: (Holding out the flask) Yeah, have a drink!
They laugh.
Lana: If that's what I think it is, you're gonna have to take it outside. Besides we're closing.
She walks away and the guys laugh quietly. Lana picks up some dishes from another table and comes to a table where Helen is sitting alone.
Lana: Can I get you anything else?
Helen: Just a boyfriend who can keep a date.
Lana: You're definitely talking to the wrong person.
They both laugh and Helen looks at the table next to her where a man, PAUL HAYDEN, is reading a newspaper. They briefly make eye contact, and then he raises his paper, blocking his eyes. Helen and Lana hear Andy and his friends laughing loudly again and look in their direction. When Helen looks back at the table next to her, Paul is gone.
Lana: Dr. Bryce, are you sure you're okay?
Helen: Yeah, I just thought I saw someone I knew. But it's late. I better be going. Thanks, Lana. (She stands)
Lana: No problem. Bye.
Helen leaves and Lana takes her dishes back to the bar. Andy and his friends get up and approach her.
Guy: Go get her.
Andy: Hey. We heard this place had the friendliest service in town.
Lana: Just leave.
Andy: Ah. That's no way to talk to a customer.
Lana looks around, realizing that the Talon is empty. She pushes a red button behind the bar. Andy notices.
Andy: Hey!
He grabs her by the arms and throws her into a dish rack, knocking the rack over and sending Lana to the floor.
Lana: Aaah!
Andy kneels down next to her and holds her chin.
Andy: Why don't we take this into the back and have a private party?
Clark enters.
Clark: Stop! Get away from her!
Andy: Isn't it past your bedtime?
Clark: Look, the police are on their way. Right now.
Andy: (To his friends) Come on. Let's go.
They leave and Clark kneels next to Lana, touching her shoulder.
Clark: Lana, are you okay?
Lana: (Shaken) Yeah.
CUT TO Andy and his friends coming down the stairs into the alley behind the Talon, laughing.
Andy: Did you see the stupid look on her face?
Guys: Yeah!
Clark is suddenly in front of them.
Andy: Check out Speedy Gonzalez.
Clark: I don't want to see any of you in the Talon again. Got it?
Andy: Listen, John Boy. We'll do whatever the hell we want. As a matter of fact, we were thinking about stopping by tomorrow.
Clark: (Walking away) I won't tell you again.
Andy: Oh, I get it. You got the hots for that bitch manager. (Clark turns around) It's too bad she's a real dirty slut.
Clark pushes him to the ground. The other two guys come at him and he throws them both across the alley at a chain link fence. Andy gets to his feet.
Andy: All right. You want to try it on, farm boy? Let's see what you're made of.
He tries to punch Clark in the face, but Clark grabs his fist tightly, causing it to crackle and snap. Clark grabs him by the shirt with the other hand.
Clark: Get your coffee somewhere else.
Clark turns around and throws Andy down the alley just as a cop car is driving up. Andy lands on the car, cracking the windshield. The officer, SHERIFF ADAMS, gets out to see if Andy is okay. Adams is a small woman with short blond hair and a stern look in her eyes. Clark turns around to run away, but Lana is standing behind him, shocked. Sheriff Adams points her g*n at Clark.
Adams: On your knees. Hands behind your head. Now. (Clark doesn't react) Now!
Clark puts his hands behind his head and kneels down.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark, Lana, and Sheriff Adams are in the Talon. Night. Adams is writing in her notebook.
Clark: (After an awkward pause) So you're the new sheriff in town.
Adams: You writing a book, Mr. Kent?
Clark: (Startled) No, ma'am.
Adams: Then keep the chitter chatter to yourself. (She closes her notebook) Flying boys. Flying boys aren't something you see every day. That young man told me you att*cked him and his friends, then you threw him 30 feet onto my car.
Clark: That's crazy.
Adams: Then how come the paramedics were all over them and there's not a scratch on you, huh? (To Lana) What about you, Miss Lang? What'd you see? (Takes a drink of her coffee)
Lana: Nothing.
Adams: You're lying, you know.
Lana: Excuse me?
Adams: You said you made a good cappuccino. (Lana's eyes widen slightly) This is a great cappuccino.
Lana smiles.
Clark: Looks like we're done here.
Adams: No, Mr. Kent. Mnh-mnh. We are just getting started.
Act 1 Scene 2
Clark is sitting on the couch in his living room. Night. Martha and Jonathan are there talking to Adams.
Jonathan: Sheriff, we know our son and Clark would never deliberately hurt anybody. I'm sure whatever he did, he did it cause he thought he had to.
Adams: By throwing another young man across my police car? I ran a complete check on your son, Mr. Kent. He's been at more crime scenes than Eliot Ness.
Martha: If Clark's been involved with police business, it's only because he was trying to help people.
Adams: Or maybe he's got some kind of hero complex? I mean, even heroes got to play by the rules. And that is why I'm charging him with misdemeanor battery.
Jonathan: What exactly does that mean?
Adams: Could be a $1500-dollar fine. Depends on the judge.
Clark: (Standing) I'm sorry, but we can't afford that.
Jonathan: Clark, sit down.
Clark sits.
Adams: (To Clark) I'll make you a deal, Mr. Kent. I won't charge you if you are willing to do the community service, and then you can keep the world save from roadside litter.
Jonathan: (Annoyed) Wait just a minute, how--
Martha touches his arm, stopping him.
Adams: Your former sheriff? He may have looked way the other way on these matters, but I'm here to tell you. Those good ol' boy days are over.
She turns to go.
Adams: (On her way out the door) Nighty-night.
Act 1 Scene 3
Helen enters her office at the hospital. Day. She sees a vase of flowers on her desk and smiles, leaning over to smell them. Paul Hayden from the Talon comes up behind her, startling her.
Paul: Metropolis Flower Show, 1999. You couldn't take your eyes off of them.
Helen: Paul?
Paul: Dr. Bryce.
Helen: I thought I saw you last night.
Paul: You did. And I was gonna say hi, but it was really late and you didn't look like you wanted any company.
Helen: What are you doing in Smallville?
Paul: I'm here on business, and I read that you were getting married.
Paul picks up the picture of Lex from Helen's desk.
Helen: You shouldn't believe everything you read. Right now, Lex and I are married to our careers.
Lex: (Entering) At least that's what we tell each other.
Helen: Lex. I'd like you to meet an old friend of mine, Paul Hayden.
Lex: (To Paul) Hey. (They shake hands) I take it you two knew each other from Metropolis.
Paul: Well, we actually dated for a while in med school until we realized we weren't gonna live happily ever after. At least not with each other.
There is an awkward silence.
Helen: Well, Paul it was nice seeing you. Lex and I are just on our way out to lunch.
Lex: Actually, I stopped by to tell you I can't make it. I'm sorry.
Paul: Well, maybe I can fill in? You know, if it's okay with Lex.
Lex: I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do.
Helen's pager sounds.
Helen: Patient emergency. I'll have to take a rain check on that lunch. Why don't you give Lex the number where you're staying and we'll make a plan to get together?
Paul: Yeah, sounds great.
Helen kisses Lex and leaves.
Paul: Same old Helen. One minute she's here, the next she's gone. Hang on to her Lex... if you can.
Lex stares blankly at Paul.
Act 1 Scene 4
Chloe drives Clark and Pete up to the Talon. Day. They get out of the car.
Pete: Clark Kent, convict.
Chloe: Yeah, I know, when do you get fit for that orange jump suit? Or is it one size fits all?
Clark: Forty hours of community service is not funny. It's an orange vest.
Chloe: Oh, no! It's gonna clash with the plaid!
Pete: Welcome to Smallville, where you stop the crime, you do the time.
Adams: (Coming out of the Talon, friendly) Very pithy. Maybe I should use that as my campaign slogan, huh? (To Clark) Oh. We're gonna see you bright and early, Mr. Kent.
Clark: I'm looking forward to it.
Adams: Yeah. Tootle-oo.
Adams walks away and Chloe and Pete go inside.
Chloe: (Laughing) Good luck on the chain g*ng.
She passes Lana who is on her way out to put some flowers outside the window.
Chloe: Hey.
Lana: (Unhappy) Hey.
Clark: Hey, Lana. What's wrong?
Lana: According to the sheriff I don't have a case that'll hold up in court. It's all hearsay. At least you were there, Clark.
Clark: Yeah. Look where it got me.
Lana: Sorry. (Pause) So, how'd you do it, Clark? I mean, I know you can take care of yourself, but there were three of them.
Clark: They were drunk. And I was highly motivated. I mean, the thought of someone hurting you...
Lana: You can't keep your eye on my every second.
Clark: I can try.
Lana: You're always there to save me. I just wish for once I could've saved myself.
Lana goes inside.
Act 1 Scene 5
Lana is putting dishes away behind the bar in the Talon. Night. Someone walks up behind her and touches her shoulder, scaring her so bad she drops a plate that shatters on the floor. She turns around and sees Lex.
Lex: (Kneeling down to help her clean up) Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Lana: No, it's okay. I guess I'm still a little jumpy.
Lex: It's understandable. You had quite an ordeal.
Lana: I just feel so stupid. It's not like I was even hurt.
Lex: No, no, this place has always been a safe haven for you. Now that's been violated.
Lana: So now what? Become a shut-in?
Lex: Lana, I know what it's like to feel vulnerable.
Lana: (Smiling) You?
Lex: (Returning the smile) Trust me. Eccentric bald kids sit pretty low on the prep school totem pole. I was bullied for years, till one day I decided I had enough.
Lana: What'd you do?
Lex: One of my father's chauffeurs was an ex-Navy SEAL. I convinced him to teach me to fight. Let's just say the next time I was cornered the guy ended up needing serious dental work.
Lana: I could never hurt anybody.
Lex: It's not about hurting people. It's about reclaiming your sense of control over your life. Isn't that what you want?
Act 1 Scene 6
Clark is looking at a lawsuit from Andy Connors with Martha and Jonathan in the kitchen. Night. The paper says One Million Dollars.
Clark: One million dollars. The sheriff said he had a few cuts and bruises.
Jonathan: Now he's claiming to have severe neck injury.
Clark: (Reading) "Punitive damages, pain and suffering, loss of future earnings"?
Martha: They're saying Andy's mobility may be permanently limited and they've hired the best personal injury attorney in the state.
Jonathan: You did throw him into that car, Clark.
Clark: Maybe this is where it all starts. Remember what it said in the spaceship? "They're a flawed race. Rule them with strength."
Jonathan: Son, I got into a lot of fights when I was your age too, believe me. But, Clark, these are not alien feelings. What you have to remember under these circumstances is that there are consequences.
Martha: Your father's right. You don't make decisions in a split second you have to live with for the rest of your life.
Jonathan: Clark, it's true. We are a flawed race, sure. But we're a flawed race that raised you. You're a lot more human than you think.
Act 1 Scene 7
Helen is trying to start her car in the hospital parking lot. Night. The car won't start. She dials a number on her cell phone.
Helen: (On the phone) Lex, it still won't start. How far way are you? (Pause) Okay. I'll see you in a sec.
She hangs up the phone and leans back against the seat, closing her eyes.
Paul: (Suddenly at her window) You always had the worst luck with cars.
Helen: Paul. (She gets out of the car) What are you doing here?
Paul: It must be kismet. I dropped my cell phone, came back to get it, and here you were. How about I give you a ride home?
Helen: Lex is on his way.
Paul: Come on, Helen, why wait? (Helen doesn't answer) Same old Helen. Never wanted my help. Must be different with Lex, huh?
Helen: (Coldly) Yes, it is.
Lex drives up and gets out of his car.
Paul: Here comes Prince Charming now.
Lex: Helen, is everything all right?
Helen: Yeah, I'm fine.
Lex: Yeah? Hey. (He kisses her) Hello, Paul. I didn't expect to see you here.
Paul: I happened to be in the neighborhood.
Lex: Twice in one day. Three times if you count last night. (Only half joking) Careful. I might start to think you're stalking my girlfriend.
Helen: Come on, let's go.
Paul: Why would I want to do that?
Lex: You're not over her.
Paul: I was just trying to be a good Samaritan.
Lex: So when my mechanic looks over this car, he's not gonna find missing spark plugs or sugar in the gas t*nk?
Helen: (Trying to keep it light) Lex, enough.
Paul: (Whistles) You really are paranoid.
Lex: No. (Steps closer to Paul) No, I'm just a frighteningly good judge of character. I strongly suggest you stay away from Helen.
Lex and Helen start toward the car.
Paul: Whoa. Is that a thr*at?
Lex: You seem like a simple guy, Paul. I'd hate for your life to get complicated.
Act 1 Scene 8
Paul drives up to a run down motel and parks outside the door. Night. He gets out of the car and goes inside the motel, not noticing the man, MEACHAM, in another car watching him. Meacham dials a number on his cell phone.
Meacham: He's back at the motel, Mr. Luthor. (Hangs up the phone)
CUT TO the inside of Paul's room. He is standing with his back to a mirror on the wall.
Paul: You know I love you, Helen.
He turns to the mirror and says the following lines to his own reflection.
Paul: And you know that I would do anything to be with you. I do mean anything.
He suddenly bashes his head into the mirror, shattering it. He turns around and we see blood running down his face. He smiles.
CUT TO Helen walking quickly through the hospital hallway. She turns a corner and opens some curtains, revealing Paul in the hospital bed, his forehead cut and bruised.
Helen: (Shocked) Paul.
Paul: Helen...
Helen: What happened to you?
Paul: Lex. Lex did this to me.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Lex is looking in the window of Paul's hospital room as Sheriff Adams questions Paul. Night. Helen walks up to Lex.
Helen: Lex, we need to talk.
Lex follows Helen into her office. She closes the door.
Lex: What's going on?
Helen: Paul claims you had him beaten up.
Lex: And from the tone of your voice, it sounds like you believe him.
Helen: For two weeks now you've been ignoring me. Suddenly Paul shows up and your jealous.
Lex: I'm not jealous. I'm concerned. Especially about someone who's unhinged enough to do that to himself. Helen, he's clearly stalking you.
Helen: You know, I don't understand it. I mean, we were never that serious. It was a relationship of convenience. There was no heavy emotional involvement.
Lex: Could've fooled him. Who broke it off?
Helen: I did. One of his ex-girlfriends warned me to stay away from him. She claimed that he b*at her up.
Lex: Did she ever report him to the police?
Helen: No. But I wasn't gonna wait around to see if history repeated itself. So I broke it off and we never spoke after that. Three months later he dropped out of school.
Sheriff Adams knocks on the door and enters.
Adams: Mr. Luthor. You're just the man I was looking for.
CUT TO Lex and Adams walking through the hall together.
Lex: I didn't have Paul Hayden beaten up.
Adams: You know, I usually like to ask the questions before I get the answers. Kind of the natural flow of things. Where were you earlier this evening?
Lex: At home. A fact my staff can confirm.
Adams: Uh-huh, so you did not thr*at Paul Hayden in the medical center parking lot?
Lex: He's stalking my girlfriend.
Adams: Well, according to him, he offered her some flowers, a ride home. That's not exactly criminal behavior.
Lex: Listen, Sheriff, if you want to play Letter of the Law, you go right ahead. I just hope your professional instincts lead you back in the right direction.
Adams: Oh, don't worry. They always do, Mr. Luthor. I'll stay in touch.
She walks away. A nurse walks by, pushing Paul in a wheelchair. He and Lex make eye contact and Paul smiles slightly. Lex watches him pass and then walks away.
Act 2 Scene 2
Clark is picking up litter outside the Talon in his orange vest. Day. Lex comes out of the Talon with two cups of coffee.
Lex: Good morning, Clark.
Clark: Look, don't even start. I've had half of Smallville High out here already giving me a hard time.
Lex: Would it be, uh, violating your parole to take a coffee break? (Hands Clark a cup)
Clark: It'd be the least of my problems. That kid who harassed Lana is suing us. He could literally take the farm. It's hard to believe someone could come into your life and just screw it up. Lana's a wreck, I'm picking up trash, and this guy's walking around free.
Lex: I wouldn't worry too much about Lana.
Clark: Why's that?
Lex: Let's just say the crouching tigress is about to find her hidden dragon.
Clark raises his eyebrows.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lana is hitting a punching bag in Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is watching her.
Lana: I can't even get the bag to move. I don't see how I'm supposed to take on a guy who's twice my size.
Lex: Lana, getting the upper hand isn't about size. It's about decisiveness and speed. You have to commit.
He gets behind her and puts her arms back into a fighting stance.
Lex: Look, right now you're only putting part of yourself into it. If you want to effective, you have to put your whole body into it. Okay?
Lana: Okay.
Lana hits the bag.
Lex: There you go. That's it. Now channel all your anger.
Lana: Some of us aren't as angry as you are, Lex.
Lex: Of course not. I mean, what's to be angry about? Hmm? It's not like a bunch of frat boys came into your own place and harassed you.
Lana hits the bag again.
Lex: It's not like you felt helpless when that guy shoved you.
She hits the bag twice, angrier.
Lex: And I know it doesn't make you mad that you needed Clark Kent to save you again.
Furious, Lana hits the bag three times and kicks it.
Lex: Better.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark is still picking up litter, obviously unhappy about it. Day. He sees Andy come out of a restaurant across the street, wearing a neck brace and walking with a cane. Clark crosses the street to talk to him.
Clark: Andy.
Andy: Whoa, whoa. Restraining order says you can't come within 500 feet of me, Kent.
Clark: I just want to talk.
Andy: Anything you got to say, you can say to my lawyer.
Clark: Well, let me apologize.
Andy: It's too late! (Clark stands in front of him so he can't pass) What?
Clark: Look, we both made mistakes the other night. And I understand that you're mad at me, but this lawsuit could ruin my family. Just leave them out of it.
Andy's ride drives up across the street and honks the horn.
Andy: I'll see you in court, and if you break this restraining order again, I'll have the sheriff all over your ass!
Andy crosses the street and gets into the back seat of the car where one of his friends is waiting.
Guy: (Joking) Man, don't hurt yourself.
He and Andy laugh. Andy closes the door and Clark uses his x-ray vision to look through the tinted window. He sees Andy take off his neck brace.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark is researching neck injuries in the loft. Day. Chloe enters.
Chloe: What's up?
Clark: Andy Connors is faking his injuries.
Chloe: Well, that's an intriguing claim, but as the defendant, I doubt your case holds much water.
Clark: Well, I... I followed him home. I saw him take his neck brace off. I was trying to gather some evidence on him so I could nail him.
Chloe: Well, you know I'm always up for a good conspiracy.
Clark: Thanks, Chloe.
Chloe: Or if all else fails, we could send Lana out to b*at the confession out of him. (Clark looks away) It was a joke, Clark. Why do I get the feeling that you're not impressed with Lana turning all Charlie's Angels on us?
Clark: I know Lex's intentions are good. But what if she gets overconfident and finds herself in a situation she can't handle?
Chloe: Clark, as a 6-foot-whatever guy, you have no idea what it feels like to have to cross the street at night when you hear footsteps behind you. If getting a little girl power makes Lana feel like less of a victim, then you should be all for it.
Clark: I guess.
Chloe: Or is it that you're secretly worried that if Lana learns to defend herself, she won't need a knight in shining armor to rescue her anymore?
Clark looks at Chloe in mock annoyance. She doesn't back down.
Act 2 Scene 6
Helen is walking through a dark hallway at the hospital. Night. She stops at the pathology lab and goes inside. She flips the light switch, but the lights don't come on. She walks slowly into the lab and looks around.
Helen: Doctor?
She turns around and Paul is standing there.
Helen: (Startled) Paul. What are you doing here?
Paul: I had to see you alone.
Helen: All right, well, why don't we go upstairs and we can talk about it over coffee?
Paul: (Irate) No, we can't go and have coffee, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! (He starts to back her into the wall) When you broke up with me, I thought that it was because you knew I was never gonna be a great doctor. You were right. That's why I quit. If you can't be great, why bother at all? That's what you always used to say, right?
Helen: Paul...
Paul: (Yelling) I was working on becoming successful so that I could have you back! Then I found out that you were with Luthor and I knew that I had to save you from that fraud.
Helen: I don't want you to save me. Look, I broke up with you because you b*at your ex-girlfriend.
Paul: Oh, oh, oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. She was so beneath me. That's not the case with you and I. You and I were meant for each other.
He touches her face and her lips.
Helen: I love Lex.
Paul: No. You don't. You love me. You just don't know it yet.
He leans in to kiss her and she runs past him to the door.
Helen: Get away from me, Paul!
He runs to the door and gets there before Helen does, blocking her way. Helen's cell phone rings. She answers it.
Helen: Hello?
Lex: (In his car) Helen, it's me. Look, you're right, I've been distant the last few weeks, but that's gonna change. I'm on my way over so we can talk. (Paul glares at Helen) Helen?
Helen: I'm busy with a patient... in the pathology lab.
Paul punches Helen in the face and she drops the phone.
Lex: Helen?
Paul: That was him, wasn't it? It was him. Wasn't it?! (Helen reaches slowly for a glass beaker on the table) He doesn't love you! Can't you see that?
Helen breaks the beaker over Paul's head.
Lex: Helen, what's going on?
Helen goes for the door. Paul grabs her and throws her at the counter. She slides across it and falls onto the ground.
Paul: Get up here. Get up here, come on!
Lex: Helen?!
Paul drags her across the room and grabs a scalpel.
Helen: Paul, no! No! Aah!
Lex speeds up.
Paul slams Helen onto the counter and then onto the ground.
CUT TO Lex running into the hallway at the hospital with another doctor and a nurse.
Lex: Helen! Helen! Helen!
They stop outside the pathology lab and see bloody footprints on the floor. Lex runs inside.
Lex: Helen!
He finds Helen unconscious on the floor, blood on her face. He touches her chest and looks at the blood on his hand.
Doctor: (To the nurse) Get her to ER! I need to 2 cc EPI and an IV push. Stat! (The nurse doesn't react) Stat!
The nurse runs out.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark walks into the Talon wearing his orange vest. Night. Lana is working.
Clark: Smallville is officially litter free.
Lana: (Laughs) You must be exhausted.
Clark: Well, frustrated and humiliated, yes. Exhausted, no. Hey, I can stick around for a little while if you want.
Lana: I'm fine, Clark.
Clark: I know. I just thought you might want some company. (Picking up a pamphlet from the bar) Karate class? I take it the meeting with Lex went well.
Lana: Lex has a way of bringing out a side of me that's both scary and liberating at the same time.
Clark: Well, you know the first rule of self defense is to avoid conflict.
Lana: Relax, Clark, I'm not about to go prowling the night fighting crime. I'll leave that to the expert.
Clark: Well, you can trust me, there's no future in fighting crime unless you enjoy being sued. You know what the worst part is? I know that he's faking. I just don't have proof. I was gonna follow him with a camera, but I'd be violating the restraining order.
Lana: Well, what about me?
Clark: What about you?
Lana: I want to see him go down as badly as you do. Let me help.
Clark: No, that'd be too dangerous.
Lana: Clark, the law's not on our side. What's are we supposed to do?
Clark doesn't answer.
Act 3 Scene 2
Lex is talking on his cell phone in the hospital. Night.
Lex: Meacham, where the hell are you? I need to know where Hayden is now!
Sheriff Adams comes up behind him and he hangs up his phone.
Adams: Mr. Luthor? I am sorry about Dr. Bryce, but I hope you are not planning to take the law into your own hands.
Lex: The woman I love is fighting for her life, Sheriff, so you'll have to forgive my lack of faith in Smallville's finest.
Adams: I have roadblocks up across every major highway. I have deputies canvassing the area, and I am waiting for a warrant on his motel room.
Lex: How long will that take?
Adams: It will take a little while, but I have rung every judge's bell in Lowell County.
Lex: Well, I'm certainly glad you're doing everything humanly possible. (Lex starts to walk away)
Adams: Mr. Luthor, where are you going? If I find you have tampered with this investigation--
Lex: You'll what?! You'll arrest me and make me pick up trash?
Adams: You are not above the law, Mr. Luthor.
Lex: Thank you for that bracing insight. Am I free to go now?
Lex walks away, dialing his phone.
Lex: Meacham!
CUT TO Lex's car speeding away from the hospital, passing Clark.
Clark: Lex?
Sheriff Adams comes outside.
Clark: Sheriff, I heard about Dr. Bryce. Is she okay?
Adams: It's still touch and go.
Clark: Was it Paul Hayden?
Adams: Mr. Kent, do I have to remind you about involving yourself in police business? (Another officer walks up) Where do we stand on that warrant for Hayden's room at the Heartland?
Officer: Twenty minutes. We have cars standing by.
Adams and the officer walk away.
CUT TO Clark super speeding up to the hotel. He uses his x-ray vision to look into a room and sees someone sneaking in through the window.
Inside the room, Lex is looking around with a flashlight. He turns around and Clark is there.
Lex: Clark, how did you get--
Clark: The same way you did. What are you doing here, Lex?
Lex: Look, stay out of this.
Clark: I know you want to nail this guy.
Lex: But what? I should leave it to the pros? Hayden's car is still here, okay? (Lex dials his phone) I had a guy on him. Now he's no--
They hear a cell phone ringing in the next room. Lex shines his flashlight across the room and they see the bloody, shattered mirror. They open the door to the bathroom where the ringing is coming from. Lex pulls back the shower curtain and they find Meacham's body in the tub, his throat cut.
Lex: Son of a bitch, he's got Meacham's car.
They hear a car pull up outside.
Clark: Lex, we got company.
Clark leaves the bathroom and Lex grabs Meacham's g*n. Sheriff Adams and two other officers burst into the motel room and look around. It's empty.
CUT TO Lex and Clark walking outside the train station.
Lex: Lojack system said the car was here.
Clark: I thought only the police had access to Lojack.
Lex: Let's split up.
Clark: No, I think we should wait for Sheriff Adams.
Lex: You wait. I'm gonna go look around.
Lex walks away. Clark starts to argue, but decides not to. Lex walks along side a stopped train, looking in the windows and at all the people around him. He sees a man walking ahead of him slowly. The man turns around and it's Paul. Paul runs away and Lex follows.
Paul gets to goes between two train cars and comes out the other side. He starts to run, but Lex comes out in front of him, pointing the g*n.
Paul: (Holding up his hands) If you pull that trigger, you're going to be the one going to prison.
Lex pulls out a handkerchief and uses it to take Meacham's g*n out of his waistband. He tosses the g*n to Paul, who catches it.
Lex: Not if it's self defense.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lex and Paul are standing between two trains. Night. Lex is pointing the g*n at Paul and Paul is still holding the other g*n. Suddenly, Paul points the g*n at Lex and pulls the trigger. Nothing happens.
Lex: I guess I forgot to load it.
Paul: You're just full of surprises today, aren't you?
Paul kicks Lex in the chest, sending him to the ground. Paul runs away and goes into an empty train car.
CUT TO Clark still waiting where Lex left him. He looks around for a moment, and then finally runs to the trains.
CUT TO Lex running to the train Paul got into. He stops outside the door, and climbs in slowly.
We see Clark, still looking for him.
On the train, Lex looks around with his g*n raised.
Again, we see Clark searching outside.
Lex creeps up to the window of the dining car. He opens the door and it appears to be empty. He walks in and crouches down to look under the tables.
Outside, Clark runs out onto the tracks to look at the empty trains.
Lex turns a corner into the train's kitchen, which also appears to be empty. He makes his way through the narrow room very slowly. Paul suddenly stands up behind him and hits him in the back of the head with a frying pan. From the ground, Lex kicks Paul in the stomach, causing him to drop the pan. Lex stands up and punches him in the face. Paul grabs Lex, slams him into a cupboard, and tries to h*t him again. But Lex elbows him in the stomach and attempts to punch him in the face. Paul blocks the punch and Lex knocks his own head into Paul's. Paul punches him in the face and kicks him in the stomach, sending him to the floor again.
Outside Clark stops, thinking he hears something. He begins to turn away, but when Paul kicks Lex in the stomach again, Clark whips around. Inside the train Paul sees a f*re ax hanging on the wall. He grabs it and Clark looks into the train with his x-ray vision, seeing Paul raising the ax over Lex. He pulls it back to swing, Clark super speeds to the side of the train, and rams his shoulder into it, knocking Paul off balance.
Paul tries to get back up, but Lex gets up first, pointing his g*n at Paul's face.
Lex: Goodbye, Paul.
His fingers tightens on the trigger. Lex grimaces as Paul looks up at him in fear. Finally, Lex punches Paul across the face, knocking him unconscious. Clark runs onto the train.
Clark: Lex!
Sheriff Adams and her officers enter and point their g*n.
Adams: Hands up! (Clark raises his hands. To Lex) Get rid of that g*n, and put that g*n on the table right now. (Lex doesn't move) Put it on the table now!
Lex puts the g*n on the table and Adams grabs it.
Lex: Last time I checked, citizen's arrests are still legal in Kansas.
Adams laughs sardonically.
Adams: Oh, man. I'm telling you, if I catch you meddling in a police investigation again, I swear... heaven help you.
Lex looks at Clark who looks down at Paul and then back at Lex.
Act 4 Scene 2
Andy enters the Talon where Lana is working. Day. He is still using the neck brace and cane.
Lana: Thanks for coming.
Andy: Well, this better be good to get me out of bed so early.
Lana: Listen, Andy, um, I'm really sorry about what happened the other night, but I think this has gotten a little out of hand. The lawsuit?
Andy: Don't worry about it. It's Kent's problem.
Lana: I know you're faking your injuries. I think you should drop the suit before you get caught.
Andy: (Looks around, then tosses his cane away) You didn't call me here to talk about no lawsuit, did you.
He reaches for her and she slaps his hand away.
Lana: Touch me again, and you'll have some real soft-tissue injury.
Andy: (Laughs) You can play hard to get, but we both know you want me. So why don't we take this into the back.
He reaches for her with both arms. Lana knocks him in the chest and twists his arm backwards. He gasps and she kicks him in the stomach, bending him over. She spins around and kicks him again, sending him flying into a table and onto the ground, where a trickle of blood escapes his lips. Lana looks at him, a small smile forming on her lips.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark is looking out the window of the loft with his telescope. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Hi, Clark.
Clark: I just got a phone call saying that Andy dropped the lawsuit. Any idea what could've made him do that?
Lana: Maybe he just realized that you were trying to help a friend.
Clark: The sheriff told me you have quite a spin kick. I'm sorry I missed it.
Lana: So you heard about that.
Clark: Lana...
Lana: Clark, I know what you're gonna say. I shouldn't have gotten involved, but--
Clark: I just wanted to say thank you.
Lana: Oh. Well, you've been there for me so many times. I wanted to repay you. Besides, it's not every day that Lana Lang gets a chance to save Clark Kent.
Clark smiles and Lana laughs.
Clark: Yeah.
They hold eye contact for a few moments.
Act 4 Scene 4
Helen is sitting in front of the f*re at Lex's mansion. Night. Lex enters.
Helen: I thought you had a board meeting.
Lex: I canceled it for personal reasons.
Helen: That's a first.
Lex walks to the chair across from Helen and sits down.
Lex: My lawyer told me that Paul is pleading temporary insanity.
Helen: Lex, I don't want--
Lex: I told him not to fight the plea. Paul needs help. (Lex takes her hand) I wanted to k*ll him, Helen. I wanted to k*ll him for what he did to you. I probably could've gotten away with it in everyone's eyes, but one person would've known the truth.
Helen: Clark?
Lex: You. Clark didn't save me in that moment, Helen. You did. And that's when I knew.
Lex reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box. He gives it to Helen and she opens it, revealing a ring.
Lex: So what do you say, Dr. Bryce? Will you marry me?
Helen smiles and touches his face. Then she leans in and they share a long and slow kiss.
Fade to black.
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Becoming" by Adam Tenenbaum
"Don't Fear The Reaper" by Gus
"Princess" by Matt Nathanson
"Don't Forget Me" by Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Let Me Be The One" by Sammi Morelli
"Shakedown!" by TheSTART
***********************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x19 - Precipice"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #220 - "Witness"
Original airdate: April 29, 2003
Written by: Mark Verheiden
Directed by: Rick Wallace
Open on a scene of Clark and Lana, walking side by side through the Talon. Lana is carrying an equestrian helmet in her hands, and she shuffles it back and forth as they talk.
Clark: (Impressed) Wow, you're really putting in a lot of time on this equestrian show. I didn't realize how important it was to you.
Lana: (Hopefully) Well, I'm inviting the Smalls to come watch me ride in this weekend's competition.
Lana heads behind the counter as Clark speaks.
Clark: Oh, well I take it everything's good on the father-daughter front.
Lana: (A bit surprised) Actually, they're great.
Clark: (Happily) Well, this can actually work out then.
Lana: (Handing Clark a soda) Let's just say I am cautiously optimistic.
Lana comes from behind the counter to stand next to Clark.
Lana: (Continuing) I keep living my life waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Clark: (Sincerely) You deserve to be happy.
Lana reaches out and lays her hand on top of Clark's.
Lana: (Softly) Thanks, Clark.
In the background, we see Chloe approaching. Her body language indicates she's angry, and she stops when she sees Clark and Lana gazing at each other. With a slight shake of her head, Chloe walks up behind Clark.
Chloe: (Restrained anger) Clark, what happened to you?
Chloe sets her bag down forcefully on the counter with a loud thud. Clark turns and looks at her, confused.
Chloe: (Getting more angry) Story deadline... (Off Clark's continued confused look)...stop me when I'm getting warm.
A sudden look of realization crosses Clark's face.
Clark: My article about the debate team. (Apologetic) Oh, Chloe, I'm really sorry. (Turns to Lana) I got caught up helping Lana. I'll give it to you first thing tomorrow morning.
Chloe: (Annoyed) Well, unfortunately Clark, I needed it tonight. To fill in the hole, I had to blow up the lunch menu to a 60-point type. I'm sure the student body is going to find that *fascinating.
Lana: (Guiltily) Chloe, it's my fault. I asked Clark to help me.
Chloe: No, Lana, I don't blame you.
As she speaks, Chloe pins Clark with a look, and Clark is taken aback. Sensing the tension, Lana makes an excuse to leave.
Lana: (Uncomfortably) Well, um, I'm going to go lock up in the back. (To Clark) Thanks again for your help.
Clark: (Smiling at Lana) Yeah.
Clark turns back to Chloe, who is staring at him, extremely upset. Clark shifts uncomfortably.
Clark: Chloe, I'll make it up to you. I promise.
Chloe: (Shaking her head) I can't say that makes me feel any better. Given your previous track record on promises...
Clark: (Matter of factly) It's one story. What's the big deal?
Chloe: (matter of factly) That you couldn't give up *one* riding practice to do.
Clark: (Slightly upset) Don't make this about Lana.
Chloe: I'm not. This is about *you*, and your perennial inability to be there when I need you.
Clark: (Taken aback) Whoa, don't you think you're being a little harsh?
Chloe: (Bluntly) No. I don't. I'm never a priority in your life. I'm always just your back-up plan, and I'm tired of it.
Clark: (In disbelief) That's ridiculous.
Chloe: Is it?
Clark: (Upset) Chloe, if that's the way you feel, then maybe I should quit.
Chloe: (Not backing down) Maybe you should.
Chloe and Clark stare intensely at each other for several beats.
Clark: (Angrily) Fine. I quit.
Clark turns and walks briskly from the Talon. As he leaves, Chloe looks a bit stunned. She turns and leans against the counter, putting her face in her hands and sighing sadly.
Cut to a sh*t of a headlight. The camera pans up and we see a middle aged man driving an unmarked van. As he speeds through the back roads of Smallville, we cut to a sh*t of two pairs of legs walking down the middle of the street. The legs seem to belong to teenage boys, as they are clad in jeans and sneakers. As the two boys stop in the middle of the road and turn, we see they are carrying crossbows of some sort. We cut from a sh*t of the van speeding down the road back to the crossbow being cocked. As the camera pans up, we see the boy holding the crossbow is wearing a rubber green alien mask with large black eyes. The two boys (both wearing the masks) take their position on either side of the road as the van approaches.
As the van speeds past, the boys aim the crossbows at the back of the van and f*re. We see the crossbows were armed with darts of some sort attached to cables. The darts pierce the metal of the van, and the driver looks around in confusion. As the van drives away from the boys, the slack in the cables is taken up. The boys brace themselves, and use the forward momentum of the van to flip it over once the cables are pulled tight. The van comes to a stop upside down in the middle of the road. The boys drop their crossbows and run toward the van as we hear squealing tires and another truck approaches.
Boy 1: Come on, help me get the stuff out of the back!
Boy 2: Right!
The two boys begin to pull open the back doors of the truck. They suddenly look up as they see headlights approaching them. They glance back and see Clark pulling up in the Kents truck. Clark looks on curiously from behind the wheel before stopping the truck and climbing out.
Clark: (Yelling) Hey!
Clark begins jogging toward the overturned van.
Clark: (Yelling) Hey! What do you think you're doing?
Boy 1: (Pointing at Clark) Get out of here!
Clark: Hey!
The boys turn back toward the van, but Clark grabs the boy's arm, pulling him away. As the boy twists around, Clark sees the boy is wearing a Smallville High class ring. As he looks at the ring, the boy punches him hard in the chest. Clark releases his grip as he stumbles back, but is otherwise unhurt. With a slight shake of his head, Clark starts toward the boys again.
However, the boy has now ripped the back door off the van. He easily turns and cracks Clark across the jaw with the door, sending Clark sailing through the air and into the ditch. The boy then tosses the door down as if it were feather light. Meanwhile, several other boys work to grab the contents of the truck.
Boy: Hurry up, dude, hurry up.
Clark, still lying in the ditch, focuses his X-Ray vision on the boy who h*t him with the door. He notices a large metal plate above the boy's right eye.
The boys manage to pull a large covered pallet from the van, and load it into the back of a waiting truck.
Boy: I got it, I got it.
The boys quickly jump into the other truck and speed away as Clark stares after them.
[Opening Credits]
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm at night. The camera pans up to the loft window, and we see Jonathan and Clark inside, talking.
Jonathan: (Incrediously) How could they do that?
Clark: (Sarcastically) What, b*at the crap out of me?
Jonathan: (Annoyed) Clark...
Clark: (Apologetic) I'm sorry, Dad. It's just--it hurt. It actually hurt.
Jonathan: What did you tell the police?
Clark: I left before they got there.
Jonathan: (Insistant) Son, you witnessed a crime. You have an obligation to report it.
Clark: (Shaking his head) And put myself back on Sheriff Adams's radar? I don't think so. Besides, what was I going to tell her--I used my X-Ray vision to see the plate in his head?
Jonathan: (Noddingm) All right, I understand. Just...calm down. What else did you see?
Clark: (Thinking) He was wearing a class ring. I think he goes to Smallville High.
Jonathan and Clark look at each other, considering this information.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High. Students file into the building to begin a new school day.
Cut to a sh*t inside the school hallway. Clark stands next to Pete's locker, focusing his X-Ray vision on each student as they pass, while Pete scribbles something on a memo board inside his locker.
Pete: (Unconvinced) Clark, just because he has a class ring doesn't necessarily mean he goes here. I mean, he could be a graduate.
Clark ignores Pete and looks around, focusing his X-Ray vision on a few more students. A look of disappointment crosses his face as he doesn't see what he's looking for. He turns back toward Pete and the disappointed look turns to one of giddiness as he sees Lana rounding the corner away from them. She smiles widely at Clark and mouths "Hi" as she turns the corner.
Pete: (Turning to see Lana walking by) Meanwhile, in Lana Land, it looks like your ship has finally come in.
The two boys start to walk down the hall.
Clark: (Embarrassed) Oh, I mean, we're...
Pete: (Mocking in good nature) Just friends. You better invest in a new set of cue cards, Clark, because I've never seen her so happy.
Clark: Well, I wish it was just me, but Lana's been walking on air ever since her dad stepped up.
Clark glances down the hall and sees a blond, athletic looking boy in a letterman's jacket tossing books into his locker. Something about the boy causes Clark to stop walking, and he focuses his X-ray vision on him. As he does so, he sees a metal plate screwed into the boy's skull.
Clark: (Urgently) Pete, who's that guy?
Pete: You mean Eric Marsh? (Dryly) You really need to pick up a sports page.
Pete and Clark watch as Eric closes his locker and heads down the hallway.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High's baseball field. As the camera pans down, we see Eric, in a baseball uniform and batting helmet, standing near home plate, a look of intense concentration on his face.
Coach: All right Eric, show us what you got!
Before getting himself into batting position, Eric pulls a small asthma type inhaler from his pocket. The canister is clear, and it's filled with a florescent green liquid. Eric inhales the contents of the canister, coughing a little as he does so.
Coach: Let's go Eric, step up!
Eric slips the inhaler back into his pocket and takes his batting stance next to the plate.
Eric: (Commandingly) All right, give me some heat!
On the pitchers mound, a coach drops a baseball into the pitching machine. The ball sails toward Eric, and he easily hits it, sending it flying over the fence. The ball sails over the fence and lands with a loud thud, its velocity causing it to leave a divit in the ground when it lands near Pete and Clark, who are watching from the other side of the fence.
Pete: Whoo-hoo!
Clark: (Impressed) Nice swing.
Pete: Yeah. Eric's got the highest batting average in Smallville High history. He can really put the team on the map. Rumor has it they're getting corporate sponsorship for new equipment and uniforms because of him. Not to mention the scouts that have suddenly added a detour to Smallville. (Studies Eric as he stands at the plate) Funny thing though. He used to suck. (Chuckles)
Clark: (Looking at Eric taking another swing) What do you mean?
Pete: Well, we played on the same Little League team for five years. He was always a bench warmer.
Clark: When did he go from zero to hero?
Pete: I'm not sure. Guess sometimes you work hard enough, you get your dream.
Clark: (Unconvinced) Or he's under some pharmaceutical enhancement.
Pete: You're thinking steroids?
Clark: Right now, I don't know what to think.
Behind the plate, Eric stares back at Clark and Pete, who are watching him closely. The coach drops another ball into the pitching machine, and Eric swings at it. The ball sails toward the scoreboard, crashing into it right above Clark's head. Smoke and sparks rain down from the scoreboard as the ball hits the scoreboard. Clark studies Eric, who is smiling at what he's done.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's study. Lex throws the doors open and strides in, but is soon stopped by a familiar voice.
Lionel: Lex...
Lex stops, annoyed, and looks up toward the landing, where Lionel is standing, casually flipping through a book.
Lionel: (Not taking his eyes off the book) It's been too long.
Lex: (Continuing toward his desk) And I thought we agreed to keep face to face contact to a minimum.
Lionel: (Closing the book) For business perhaps. This is a social call. (Decending the staircase) I've come to offer my congratulations on your engagement... though I admit, I, um, well it hurt that I had to learn of your pending nuptials via the gossip pages of the Inquisitor.
Lex: (Chuckling dryly) Come on, Dad. Since when has my personal happiness ever been of the slightest interest to you?
Lionel heads over to the small bar and begins fixing himself a drink.
Lionel: And where is, uh...um...
Lex: Helen?
Lionel: (Raising his glass to Lex) Helen. Hmm?
Lex: (Amused) Helen's out of town at a medical seminar. Otherwise, I suspect your visit would be putting her anger management techniques to the test.
Lionel just chuckles at Lex's words.
Lex: (Continuing) But then, we both know you're not here to discuss my wedding plans.
Lex picks up a piece of paper from his desk and slides it toward Lionel. We see it's a printout of an article from the Smallville Torch.
Lionel: (Under his breath) What is this?
Lionel picks up the printout and studies it. As he does, we see it's an article written by Chloe, titled "Hijacked Truck Linked to Luthorcorp".
Lionel: (Mock disappointment) Oh, Lex, I'm surprised that you would, uh, put stock in the reportage of a high school newspaper.
Lex: (Amused) I usually don't, but...I did some checking of my own, and lo and behold it's true.
Lionel just chuckles again at Lex's words.
Lex: (Continuing) What are you moving around in the middle of the night in unmarked trucks?
Lionel: (Unconcerned) Nothing out of the ordinary.
Lex studies Lionel for a moment, and Lionel looks up from the printout.
Lionel: (Seriously) I'd hate to think that you'd stoop to use common thuggery to get back at me, son.
Lex: (Smiling with amused realization) Wait a minute. (Getting up and coming to stand next to Lionel) Are you insinuating that I had something to do with robbing your truck?
Lionel just sips his drink and chuckles.
Lex: (Mockingly indignant) Dad, that would be illegal.
Lionel: (Matter of factly) Legalities are inconsequential. I would want my property returned.
Lex nods and then leans in closer.
Lex: For what it's worth, I didn't have anything to do with it. But the fact that you came this far to ask intrigues me. What's in there that's so important to you?
Lionel doesn't answer, but rather swallows another sip from his drink and studies Chloe's name on the printout.
Lionel: Give my regards to, um...uh...
Lionel pauses, pretending to be searching for the name.
Lionel: (Dismissively)...your fiancée.
Lionel strides from the room as Lex stares after him, shaking his head slightly in disbelief.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon. Lana sets a plate of dessert and a coffee cup down on a table.
Lana: (Smiling at the customer) Enjoy.
As Lana turns to head back for the counter, she sees Henry Small walking toward the counter.
Lana: (pleasantly) Henry. This is a surprise.
Henry: (Smiling) Well, as they say, I was in the neighborhood.
Lana: (Heading behind the counter) Regular coffee, no additives. And when you come by three times a week, you don't need the excuse.
Henry and Lana exchange smiles.
Henry: (Sitting at the counter) I guess some small part of me is still getting used to all this.
Lana: (Getting Henry's coffee) What, dropping by for a casual visit with your daughter?
As Lana carries the coffee to Henry, she picks up a pamphlet from behind the counter.
Henry: (Jokingly) No, entering a business co-owned by a Luthor without an injunction in my hand.
Lana laughs and takes a seat next to Henry. Henry takes the coffee mug from her.
Henry: Thanks. But it's been worth it.
Lana: (Sincerely) I feel the same way.
Lana studies Henry as he sips his coffee, then extends the pamphlet out to him. Henry takes it and examines it.
Henry: (Curiously) What's this?
Lana: (Hopefully) The seating chart for this weekend's show. They set aside a section of the field for riders' families. I took a leap and reserved a couple of seats for you and Jennifer.
Henry: (Touched) Lana, that was thoughtful. Yes, I'll definitely be there.
Lana: (Slightly disappointed) But Jennifer won't.
Henry doesn't reply, but gives Lana a look of sympathy.
Lana: (Sadly) She's never really accepted me, has she?
Henry: (Reassuringly) She just doesn't know you like I do. Give her some time. She'll come around.
Lana gives Henry a small smile and nods slightly in agreement.
Cut to a sh*t of a computer monitor in the Torch's office, with the sound of a computer printer whirring in the background. The screen is displaying the homepage of the Smallville Ledger. Eric's picture is featured alongside a story titled "Chemistry Lab expl*si*n."
Clark: (Offscreen) Pete, check this out.
Clark pulls a printout of the story from the printer and holds it up.
Clark: Before Eric's sudden sports career, he was an honors chemistry student with a straight A average.
Pete gets up from his desk and takes the printout from Clark, studying it.
Pete: Hmm. I guess you don't get the babes and the free Nikes for that.
Clark: (Chuckling) Well, it says here that he was in a chemistry lab expl*si*n at Kansas State University last summer during chemistry camp. That's probably why he's got the plate in his head.
Clark walks behind Pete and picks up some file folders from a nearby desk.
Pete: Yeah, but what's he doing knocking over a LuthorCorp truck?
At the sound of footsteps, Clark and Pete glance toward the door and see Chloe entering the office.
Chloe: (To Clark) I thought you quit the Torch?
Clark: (Flatly) Just cleaning out my desk.
Pete: (Surprised) Wait a minute. You quit?
Clark glances sideways at Chloe before answering.
Clark: (Slightly hurt) Apparently I can't be counted on.
Chloe rolls her eyes slightly and walks over to her desk.
Pete: (Jokingly looking at Chloe as she passes him) I didn't even know quitting was an option.
Chloe: (Unamused) Funny.
Clark just takes a deep breath and shifts uncomfortably as Pete glances over his shoulder at Chloe.
Pete: Tough crowd. (To Clark) Hey, I'll catch up with you later. Keep me posted on Eric.
Clark: Yeah.
Pete walks out, smiling as he passes Chloe, who is taking her coat off at her desk.
Chloe puts her coat over the back of her chair, then walks over and examines the story Pete and Clark were discussing.
Chloe: (Curiously) Marsh? Why are you guys interested in him?
Clark: (Flatly) Doesn't matter.
Clark goes back to gathering his things and putting them in a box on his desk, refusing to meet Chloe's eyes. Chloe walks over to stand in front of him.
Chloe: Clark, I didn't ask you to quit the Torch.
Clark: (Coldly) Yeah, but all I do is, uh, disappoint you.
Clark walks past Chloe to the other side of the office, removing some things from another table.
Chloe: (Frustrated) I didn't say that. I just said it seems like you drop everything for Lana with no regard for anyone else.
Clark walks back to his desk and puts the items he's carrying inside the box.
Clark: (Accusingly) I thought this wasn't about Lana.
Chloe: (Guiltily) It's not. (More firmly, off Clark's look) It's not.
Clark: Then why is it, every time you see us together, you look at me like I'm cheating on you?
Chloe is a bit taken aback by Clark's words.
Chloe: (Defensively) Well, I'm sorry Clark, but you're wrong, and if that's the way you feel, maybe we shouldn't hang out anymore.
Clark just stares at Chloe, his expression a mix of anger, hurt, and disbelief. He doesn't say anything, but instead just picks up the box of his belongings and walks out of the Torch office. Chloe watches him go, also angry and hurt, and walks quickly back to her desk as Clark leaves.
Cut to a sh*t outside the Smallville High baseball field. Eric drives by in a red Mustang convertible. Clark walks around the corner of the bleachers and sees Eric driving off. After glancing around to make sure no one is watching, Clark follows Eric in a burst of superspeed.
Cut to a sh*t outside an abandoned looking warehouse. The doors identify the building as the Smallville Foundry. Eric's car pulls up outside and he climbs out, heading into the warehouse.
Inside the building, the furnace in the foundry is burning brightly. A group of guys stand next to it, using large tongs to pull a container of bright green liquid out of the furnace.
Eric: (Rubbing his hands together in anticipation) Tell me it's workin', boys.
The two boys lift their welding masks as Eric approaches. The table in front of them is set up with a tray of glass tubes, and the container of green meteor liquid.
Guy 1: The stuff's incredible. With a score like last night, we'll have enough to take it out on the street.
Eric: (Rounding the table and pulling on thick work gloves and a pair of goggles) Yep. As long as there's enough for me. I got a major league scout coming to watch me h*t next week.
Guy 1: (Handing the metal tongs to Eric) Well, then, you can make the next batch, champ.
Eric nods and takes the tongs. He turns to the furnace and uses the tongs to pick up a ceramic container that's resting on the ledge of the furnace. With a deep breath, he sticks the container inside the f*re. As he moves the container from side to side, a shadow from the inside looks as if it contains a bar of refined meteor rocks.
Cut to a sh*t of Eric's friends exiting the warehouse. As they walk away, Clark looks out from behind the corner of the warehouse. Seeing that the boys are paying no attention, Clark comes out from behind the corner and enters the warehouse.
Clark slips into the warehouse and hides behind a piece of equipment. He watches as Eric pours the bright green liquid from the container into the glass tubes. Suddenly, Eric's friends grab Clark from behind.
Guy #2: What do we have here?
Guy #1: Hold him.
Clark struggles to get free, but for some reason finds his strength is not able to overpower the boys. Eric looks up as he hears the sounds of the struggle.
Guy #2: You're not going anywhere.
Eric sets down the tongs and pulls off his gloves, approaching Clark and the boys.
Eric: (Angrily) What, you following me, Kent?
Clark: (Insistant) I know you robbed that truck.
Eric: (Chuckling) Ha ha. You're pretty smart.
Eric pulls out his inhaler and brings it up to his lips, inhaling the bright green liquid as Clark continues to struggle to get free. As Eric exhales, a bright green mist escapes his lips. Clark struggles harder to get free as Eric approaches, but to no avail.
Eric: But, you see, I'm smart too.
With that, Eric pulls back and punches Clark's jaw. Clark groans and his head snaps back from the force of the blow. As he slumps forward, we see his mouth has been bloodied by Eric's punch.
Eric: (Intensely) Now, you see, I finally found a way to have everything I wanted... (Punches Clark mightily again) and nobody is going to mess that up.
Clark, weakened by the blows from Eric, slumps weakly forward, only remaining upright because Eric's friend is holding him by the arms. Clark coughs, choking a bit on the blood, and glances up at the cart of refined meteor rocks nearby, which are glowing bright green. Eric follows Clark's gaze, noticing the rocks are glowing realizing that Clark knows something about the rocks.
Clark: (Weakly) You don't know what you're doing.
Eric: (Condescendingly) Well, it looks like you know about the meteor rock.
Clark: (Pleadingly) It's dangerous. I've seen what it can do to people.
Eric's friends pull Clark upright by pulling hard on his arms, and Clark gasps in pain.
Eric: (Angrily) What, like get me a multi-million dollar contract in the majors.
Eric hauls off and hits Clark once again, this time sending Clark sailing through the air. Clark crashes into the wall and falls to the ground, lying there weakly.
Eric: (To his friends) He knows too much.
Eric and his friends walk over to Clark and haul him to his feet.
Eric: All right, get up.
Eric begins walking toward the furnace and his friends follow, dragging Clark by the arms.
Eric: If he goes, our problem goes with him.
Clark glances up weakly as Eric walks to the furnace door, unlocking it and throwing it open. Before Clark can do anything, Eric's friends throw Clark inside the blazing furnace, and Eric shuts and locks the door behind him.
Eric: (Locking the furnace door) All right, listen, we don't know who else he told. So let's pack up, let's get out of here.
Eric's friends nod, and the boys quickly load up the meteor bars and the tubes of green liquid, packing them into their truck.
Eric: (Handing the tray of tubes to his friend) Let's go man...put this in the back.
The boys finish loading the truck, climbing inside and quickly speed away.
Cut to a sh*t of the window on the door of the furnace. The flames are burning higher as Clark's hand clutches at the glass, slowly slipping down it.
Suddenly, flames burst from the door as it's kicked off it's hinges. Clark slowly steps from the furnace. Aside from some blistering on the side of his face and the fact that his clothes have all b*rned off, he appears unhurt. He stares angrily out the door of the warehouse, as the blisters heal and disappear. A sh*t from behind Clark shows him standing there, naked, as the flames burn brightly behind him.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent kitchen. Jonathan is pouring some milk and Martha is preparing some food. Clark walks in slowly, dressed in a foundry worker's uniform, his face smudged with soot.
Martha: (Concerned) Clark! Oh my God, what happened?
Martha rushes over to make sure Clark's OK, putting her hand on his shoulder as he continues into the kitchen.
Clark: (Seriously) I saw one of the hijackers. He goes to our school, but I followed him to the old foundry. Before I could do anything, they jumped me.
Jonathan takes Clark by the arm and leads him to the table, where Clark sits down.
Jonathan: (Disbelieving) Clark, you still couldn't stop 'em?
Clark: (Sitting at the table) No, I think it has something to do with refined kryptonite. They had a huge amount of kryptonite bars--the same ones that were in Lionel's safe. That's what they stole from the truck.
Martha and Jonathan stare at Clark in disbelief at what they are hearing.
Jonathan: (Confused) Clark, what would they be doing with kryptonite?
Clark: They're melting it down and inhaling it. That's what's giving them incredible strength.
Martha: (Worried) Jonathan, we have to bring in the police.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Jonathan moves to go to the phone, and Clark jumps up from his chair.
Clark: (Insistant) Don't you understand? The police can't do anything.
Jonathan: Clark...
Clark: (Upset) Dad, they threw me into a blast furnace! They overpowered me! If there was kryptonite in there, I wouldn't be here now.
Martha: (Upset) But we can't let our concern about your secret intimidate us into silence.
Clark just looks at Martha, worried.
Jonathan: Maybe there is another way.
Clark looks at Jonathan hopefully.
Cut to a sh*t of the Smallville baseball field. Eric is taking batting practice when Sheriff Adams approaches.
Adams: (Authoritatively) Marsh, drop the bat.
Eric: (Confused) What is this?
Adams: (Sternly) I don't want to tell you again. Drop the bat, turn around.
Eric drops the bat, and the deputy brings Eric's hands behind his back to cuff him.
Eric: What?
Adams: You're under arrest for as*ault and armed robbery.
The deputy begins to lead Eric from the field.
Eric: (Confused) What are you talking about?
Adams: We got an anonymous tip, we looked through your locker.
Eric: (Insistant) No, you can't look through my locker without a warrant.
Adams: Guess again, slick. We don't need a warrant to look through a student's locker.
Adams holds up a plastic evidence bag containing a green alien mask.
Adams: (Continuing) The driver--he came to long enough to tell us about the "aliens" that trashed his truck. (Pulling open the squad car door) Don't worry now. You can use your one call to phone home.
Eric glances over the top of the squad car and sees Clark nearby, watching the proceedings. He and Clark stare at each other before the deputy forces Eric into the squad car. Clark watches with a slight smile on his face.
Cut to a sh*t of Main Street in Smallville. Chloe's red Volkswagen Bug comes to a stop at a traffic light.
Lana: (Concerned) OK, the only time you're ever this quiet is when you're sleeping. What's up?
Chloe: Clark and I decided to...put our friendship on an indefinite hiatus.
Lana: (Lightly) Over one newspaper story?
Chloe: (Shrugging) Let's just say that certain insurmountable forces finally made us raise the white flag.
Lana: (Sincerely) I'm sorry. If there's anything I can do to help...
Chloe nods, then turns her attention back to the traffic light. Lana glances out the passenger side of the car and sees Jennifer Small exiting a building. As Lana watches, Jennifer turns to the man she is with, giving him a small kiss and embracing him. Chloe glances over and sees what Lana is staring at.
Chloe: (Curiously) Who is that?
Lana: (Stunned) Jennifer Small.
Lana watches as Jennifer begins to cross the street in front of Chloe's car. Jennifer glances over and sees Lana staring at her, and her step falters a bit as she realizes Lana has seen the entire exchange with the man. Jennifer doesn't say anything, however, but continues to cross the street as Lana watches with concern.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon. Lana picks up empty plates and coffee cups from a table, putting them on her tray.
Lana: (Smiling at a departing customer) Thanks.
Lana turns around and stops as she sees Jennifer Small standing behind her.
Lana: (Surprised and uncomfortable) Mrs. Small.
Jennifer: It's not what you think, Lana.
Lana: (Shaking her head and feigning innocence) I don't know what you mean.
Jennifer looks around to make sure nobody is nearby, then steps closer to Lana and lowers her voice.
Jennifer: (Insistant) I am not cheating on my husband.
Lana, upset, quickly turns away and begins walking to the counter.
Jennifer: (Following Lana) I know that's what you thought. But the man you saw me with was just...an old friend of mine from college.
Lana: (Uncomfortable) Why are you telling me this? I wasn't going to say anything to Henry.
Jennifer: He also happens to be my divorce attorney.
Lana: (Stunned) Divorce? Henry never mentioned anything.
Jennifer: That's because he doesn't know. At least, not yet.
Lana: (Shocked) Why are you divorcing him?
Jennifer: (Slightly frustrated) Lana, I have learned to handle a lot in this marriage. That's because through it all, I knew I was Henry's priority. (Becoming upset) Since he met you, I am not sure that's true anymore.
Lana: (Tears welling in her eyes) I never meant to come between you.
Jennifer: But you did. (Slightly angry) Lana, you are *all* he talks about. You're a window to a happier time. (Calming down a bit) I guess I am telling you this because... I'm admitting defeat. You win.
Lana stares at Jennifer, looking completely stunned and upset.
Lana: Mrs. Small...I don't want to win...
Jennifer: (Flatly) Goodbye, Lana.
With that, Jennifer turns and leaves. Lana stares after her, very upset.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Inside, Chloe pauses in front of a door. The room belongs to a patient named Dustin Farrell. Chloe peers inside the window, sees it is not the room she is looking for, and continues down the hall. She stops at a room across the hall and looks through the window at the patient lying in the bed, his head heavily bandaged. The name on the door says the room belongs to John O'Conner. She realizes this is the room she's looking for, and pushes open the door, slipping inside the room.
Chloe stops at the foot of the bed and raises her digital camera, taking a photo of the unconscious man.
Chloe: (Disappointed) So much for an interview.
Lionel: (Off screen) I admire your dedication.
The camera pans over, and we see Lionel sitting on a couch inside the darkened room. Chloe turns around, surprised to find she's not alone.
Lionel: (Continuing) Though I suspect the hospital might not be quite so, uh... Understanding.
Lionel pulls a pen from his pocket and stands up.
Chloe: (Nervous) Mr. Luthor, what are you doing here?
Lionel: Paying a bedside visit to a loyal employee. It's Miss Sullivan, isn't it?
Chloe: (Surprised) You know who I am?
Lionel: I've been following your work at the Torch for quite some time. Given today's front-page scoop, I assume you came, uh, hoping Mr. O'Conner would confirm his, uh... connection with LuthorCorp.
Lionel smiles wolfishly at Chloe, but she doesn't back down.
Chloe: (Matter of factly) Well, I think you just did that for him.
Lionel glances at Chloe, then moves to the bedside table, placing a small card handwritten card on it.
Lionel: (Matter of factly) It was never a secret.
With that, Lionel smiles slightly and Chloe, and leaves the room. Sensing an opportunity for a story, Chloe gives chase.
Chloe: (Calling out to Lionel as she follows him from the room) Unlike the now missing contents of your truck?
Lionel stops and turns back toward Chloe, slightly amused.
Lionel: On or off the record?
Chloe: (Shifting under Lionel's gaze) The police report says robbery, but no one's been able to find anything that's been taken.
Lionel: (Unconcerned) We were moving some industrial material. It was nothing important.
Lionel begins walking down the hall, and Chloe follows.
Chloe: Somebody sure went to a lot of trouble to get to it.
Lionel: Oh, it's a competitive world. You know that as well as I do. Corporate sabotage is just one of them, uh, costs of doing business.
Lionel stops and turns to Chloe.
Chloe: (Insistent) Mr. Luthor...
Lionel: (Interrupting) Miss Sullivan, I admire your zeal. And your work at the Torch is exemplary, but, um, trust me. You're looking for a mystery where there's none to be found.
Lionel turns and heads for the elevators. Chloe watches him, unconvinced he's telling the whole story.
Cut to a sh*t of the sports page of the Smallville Ledger. A picture of Eric playing baseball is shown alongside an article headlined, "Local Teen Breaks Batting Record." As the camera pulls back, we see Clark walking through the Talon, studying the article in the paper. Lana is waiting on a nearby table and turns around as Clark, engrossed in the story, walks by without saying anything.
Lana: (Surprise) Clark.
Clark turns around quickly, slightly jumpy.
Lana: (Concerned) Are you okay?
Clark: (Hesitantly) I got blindsided yesterday by a couple of guys. I guess I'm still a little shaken up.
Lana: (Concerned) What happened? Did you get hurt?
Clark: (Reassuringly) I'll survive. It was more of a, um, "wrong place, wrong time" kind of thing.
Lana: (Understandingly) Um, I know the feeling. At least metaphorically speaking.
Lana and Clark take a seat at a nearby table.
Lana: (Continuing) I, uh, ran into Jennifer Small today. Found out that she's filing for divorce from Henry. And I'm the reason.
Clark looks at Lana, a bit surprised.
Clark: (Sympathetically) That's intense. Have you talked to Henry about it?
Lana: What can I do without making the situation worse?
Clark: Well, he should know what's going on. There might be a chance he can salvage his marriage.
Lana: It sounds like you should be taking your own advice. (Off Clark's confused look) I hear you and Chloe are calling it quits.
Clark: (Uncomfortably) That's different.
Lana: Why?
Clark: (firmly) Because I can't just sit here and watch Chloe get hurt over and over when I can't do anything about it.
Lana: (Surprised) What's so bad that's come between you two like this?
Clark doesn't answer, but looks down, refusing to meet Lana's eyes.
Lana: Well? (Sympatheticall) I wish I could make it go away.
Clark gives Lana a small, sad smile.
Clark: (Sadly) You can't.
Lana: (Insistant) Clark, you and Chloe have been friends forever. You can't just let that go without a fight.
Clark sighs, but doesn't reply.
Lana: (Continuing) At least the Clark Kent I know wouldn't.
Lana gives Clark a small smile, then gets up and goes back to work, leaving Clark sitting there, thinking about what she has said.
Cut to a sh*t inside Smallville's jail. We see someone walking toward a cell, and as the camera pans up, we see Eric, clad in a prison issued orange jumpsuit, lying on the cot inside the cell. As he glances at his visitor, we see the visitor's shadow cast on the opposite wall and realize it is Lex.
Eric: (Coldly) If your father sent you, you can tell him I had nothing to do with the robbery.
Lex: (Friendly) No, no... My father doesn't know I'm here. I'm sure his representatives will be around though. I came to talk about your future.
Eric: (Angrily) What do you care?
Lex: I did some checking into your baseball career. I understand there's interest from some big league scouts.
Eric: (Sitting up) Yeah, there's more than just interest, all right? There's college reps, there's agents. This is just a bump in the road.
Lex: (Matter of factly) Two felony charges with bail set at a quarter-million dollars. I'd say that's more like a brick wall, wouldn't you?
Eric: (Angrily) Why, do I look scared?
Lex: You look guilty. And if a jury agrees, you can kiss all that talent and promise goodbye.
Eric: Like I told the cops, I didn't do it.
Lex: (Giving Eric a small smile) Well, I guess you have nothing to worry about. But if the charges stick, you might need a friend.
Eric looks up at Lex, who stares back at him for a moment. Lex turns and starts to walk away.
Eric: (Calling after Lex) All right, what is it that you want?
Lex: (Stopping) I want to know what you stole out of my father's truck.
Eric: (Walking over to the cell bars) Well, assuming that I even have a clue what you're talking about... (Lowering his voice) what's in it for me?
Lex just looks at Eric, giving him a small smile.
Cut to a sh*t of Smallville High, with students entering the building for another school day. Clark enters the Torch office. He stops in his tracks, his face becoming extremely concerned as he looks around and takes in the sight before him.
As the camera pulls back, we see the Torch office has been ransacked. The floor is covered with papers, the light fixtures are dangling from the ceiling, desks and cabinets are overturned and their contents dumped on the floor. One of the support beams has been nearly broken in half, the Wall of Weird has been ripped up with just a few articles remaining pinned to the wall. The middle of it stands Chloe, just looking at the chaos surrounding them. Her back is to Clark, but her body language conveys that she is devastated.
Clark: (Very concerned) Chloe, what happened?
Chloe: (Flatly) Go away, Clark.
Clark: (Growing more concerned) Are you okay?
Clark walks inside and stands right behind Chloe, but she doesn't turn to face him.
Chloe: (Voice quivering with tears) Physically, yeah, I'm fine. Emotionally... (Her face crumbles) What do you care?
Clark: (Determined) I want to help. No matter what it takes, we'll get the Torch back on its feet.
At Clark's words, Chloe whirls around, her voice raised and breaking with emotion
Chloe: (Crying) There is no *we* anymore Clark! There's only me! And this paper was my whole life! It was the one place I could come to when everyone and everything let me down, and now, I don't even have that anymore.
Crying openly, Chloe begins to walk swiftly toward the door.
Clark: (Concerned) Where are you going?
Chloe: (Upset) To find a friend.
Chloe walks out in the hallway, wiping at her tears. Clark runs out of the Torch after her.
Clark: Chloe...
As Clark rounds the corner, he runs into Eric, who grabs Clark and stops him.
Eric: Hey Kent. I heard the paper's not going to press.
Clark: (Angrily shoving Eric against his locker) Did you do this?
Eric grabs Clark's wrists and easily removes Clark's hands from his jacket.
Eric: (Angrily) I don't know how the hell you got out of that f*re!
Eric shoves Clark hard, and Clark falls back against the opposite wall with a thud.
Eric: (Continuing) But you better back off.
Eric gets right up in Clark's face as he speaks, but Clark doesn't back down.
Clark: What are you doing out of jail?
Eric: (Amused) Seems I've got friends in higher places that I didn't even know about. And suddenly, you're not so anonymous.
Clark: (Determinedly) I'll testify, if that's what it takes to put you away.
Eric: (thr*at) Oh no, I'd think about that Kent. I mean, I know you're unbreakable, but people that you care about...aren't. I'd sure hate to think something happened to those wholesome parents of yours.
Clark gets a look of fear on his face and takes off down the hall as Eric walks the other way.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm. Clark, in a blur of superspeed, races up the drive and into the barn.
Jonathan: (Off screen) Clark!
Clark looks around at the ransacked barn, looking for his father. He glances up toward the sound of Jonathan's voice and sees Jonathan and Martha tied against the railing of the loft. Martha is unconscious.
Jonathan: (Struggling against his bonds) Clark... Your mother.
Clark looks up at his parents in fear.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Kent barn. Clark, trying to straighten up the barn, is lifting up the wheel on one of the tractors, and he sets it down as Jonathan enters. Jonathan looks around at the debris littering the floor then walks toward Clark.
Clark: (Worried) How's Mom doing?
Jonathan: (Picking up some debris) She's got some minor cuts and bruises, but I still want to get her checked out. This pregnancy doesn't need any more complications.
Clark: (Guilty) I should have been there, Dad.
Jonathan: (Frustrated) Clark, you couldn't have done anything anyway.
Clark: (Tossing down some debris) Still...
Jonathan: (Insistant) I'm not going to let you b*at yourself up about this.
Clark: (Worried) What happens if they come back?
Jonathan pauses, considering this.
Clark: (Continuing) I think you and Mom should go away for a little while, just till this settles down.
Jonathan: (Determined) Clark, I have never run away from a single thing in my life, and I'm not about to start now.
Clark: (Insistant) Dad, look around. Look at what they did to this place. You said yourself I can't protect you. You have to think of Mom. You have to think about the baby.
Jonathan: (Angry) I am thinking about Mom. I am thinking about the baby. I'm also thinking about you.
Clark: (Firmly) Dad, please! (Pleading) Please.
Jonathan stops at the pleading tone in Clark's voice and takes a deep breath, turning back to Clark. He pauses, considering the options.
Jonathan: (Calmly) All right, I'll take your mother to a doctor in Metropolis, and maybe stay with your grandfather for a couple days.
Clark nods in agreement.
Jonathan: (Worried) Son, I'd feel a whole hell of a lot better if you'd agree to come with us.
Clark: (Shaking his head slightly) I can't.
Jonathan studies Clark for a moment before speaking.
Jonathan: Clark, I'm not going to stand here and ask you to do nothing because you and I both know that I would not do nothing. (Putting his hands on Clark's shoulders) But I want you to remember something son. They have your strength, but they don't have any of your other abilities. You make sure you give yourself a fighting chance.
Clark nods slightly, and watches as his father heads back to the house.
Cut to a sh*t of the Luthor mansion. Inside, Lex walks down a hallway, talking on his cell phone. Clark enters the hallway behind him and calls out to Lex.
Clark: Lex.
Lex glances over his shoulder, and continues to walk down the hall as Clark follows.
Lex: (Into his phone) I gotta let you go.
Lex hangs up his phone.
Clark: (Slightly upset) I just found out you visited Eric Marsh in jail. Were you the one that bailed him out?
Lex: (Amused) I wasn't aware my visit was public knowledge.
The two men enter Lex's study.
Lex: (Continuing) What's Marsh have to do with you, Clark?
Clark: I was the one who phoned in the anonymous tip.
Lex turns to look at Clark, surprised.
Clark: (Continuing) Him and his buddies found out about it. They nearly k*lled my parents yesterday.
Lex: (Extremely concerned) Whoa, whoa, are they all right?
Clark: (Upset) They're in Metropolis. It's not even safe at home anymore. (Angry) I heard your father's come back to town. If this is some sick game between...
Lex: (Interrupting) It's no game. Clark, that truck was carrying a load of highly refined meteor rocks. If I'm not mistaken, I think my father has resumed his Level Three experiments.
Clark: What does that have to do with Eric Marsh?
Lex:( Slightly apologetic) Look, I bailed him out, hoping he'd provide answers. Maybe even lead me to the meteor rock.
Clark: Where is he?
Lex: (Shrugging) I don't know. He b*at up a security guard I had on him.
Clark: Well, there's got to be a way to draw him out.
Lex: (Frustrated) Clark, I don't have anything Marsh wants.
Clark: Except for the meteor rocks. Marsh has got to have a connection inside LuthorCorp that tells him when the shipments go out. If he thinks your father is bringing another load out of the Smallville plant...
Lex: I still have contacts at my father's firm. They can let the word out. Only this time, the truck will be empty. When Marsh hits it, my personal security team will be all over them.
Lex starts walking away to make the calls, but Clark calls out after him.
Clark: (Concerned) No, Lex, I've seen what Eric can do. You have to get the police in on this.
Lex: (Firmly) Just go home, Clark. I don't want you or your parents involved any more than they already are.
Clark just looks at Lex, not willing to take his advice.
Cut to a sh*t of a LuthorCorp plant at night. Several LuthorCorp semi trucks are parked outside, backed up to loading bays. The camera pans over to Lex, who is on the other side of the fence surrounding the lot, talking on his cell phone.
Lex: (Into his phone) Once Marsh and his friends have the truck, give them a lot of room. Nobody does anything until they lead us to the meteor rock.
Cut to a sh*t of a LuthorCorp van. A member of Lex's security team on a cell phone sits behind the wheel.
Security Guard: (Into phone) We're set, Mr. Luthor.
The guard hangs up the phone. Lex hangs up as well, before dialing another number on his speed dial.
Lex: The truck's getting ready to move. Wait for my signal before you start following. Nobody moves without my direct order---
Suddenly, there's a loud thud as Lex is struck from behind. He groans and falls to the ground, unconscious. As he falls, we see Clark behind him, having administered the blow that knocked Lex out. Clark glances at the lot, where the van is pulling up to the gate. The driver honks the horn, and the gate is opened.
Before the driver can pull out, however, the door is yanked open, and Eric attempts to pull the driver out of the van.
Eric: Change of plans!
The driver groans in pain as Eric tosses him to the ground. Eric pulls a cell phone out of his pocket and dials a number.
Eric: Okay, I've got the van. Get ready to make the switch.
Eric hangs up the phone and climbs into the van, squealing the tires as he pulls out of the parking lot.
Cut to a sh*t inside the foundry. The LuthorCorp van pulls up, and Eric drives the van into the warehouse. Eric's friend comes out of one of the offices, glancing at the warehouse door.
Guy 1: Anyone follow you?
Eric: (Exiting the van, inhaling some meteor liquid from his inhaler) I didn't see anyone, but we'd better hurry up with the switch. Luthor's bound to have it bugged.
Eric's friend reaches for the back doors of the van, when suddenly the doors fly open, knocking Eric's friend across the warehouse floor. Clark hops down from the back of the van and looks around.
Eric reaches down and grabs a metal pipe from the floor. He swings it at Clark and hits him, sending Clark flying. Clark crashes into the set of large windows of one of the foundry offices. Clark climbs to his feet, a bit shaken but unhurt. Eric's second friend grabs Clark and tosses him back out, sending him flying into the side of the LuthorCorp van, leaving a large dent in it's side. Eric watches, as Friend #1 picks up a large pipe and heads for Clark.
Clark struggles to get up after hitting the van, and finds that he can't. He slumps back to the ground. He glances up at Eric and his friends, all of whom are holding various pipes, and who have him cornered against the van with no escape. Clark stares back at them, planning his next move.
Eric grins and shifts his pipe from hand to hand, as he and his friends slowly move in.
Eric: How's it feel, Clark?
Clark glances at Guy #1, and looks up, noticing that he is standing right under a bundle of large metal pipes, held together by some metal twine. Guy #1 glances up to see what Clark is looking at, and Clark focuses his heat vision on the metal twine holding the pipes together. He melts the twine, sending the bundle of pipes crashing down on Guy #1's head, knocking him unconscious.
Eric looks on in disbelief. Guy #2 raises his pipe to bash Clark's head in, but Clark superspeeds through the gap left by Guy #1, and reappears behind Guy #2. He reaches around Guy #2 and grabs the ends of the pipe from him, bending it around Guy #2's body, pinning his arms to his side. He then turns the boy around and hits him in the chest, sending him flying across the room where he lands in a heap next to Guy #1.
Eric glances around and finds a large piece of concrete (It looks like something one would use on a bridge or overpass) nearby. He drops the pipe and heads for the concrete.
Clark: Eric. Eric, don't do this.
Eric reaches down and lifts the concrete piece over his head, walking toward Clark.
Eric: You don't understand Kent! It's done.
With that, Eric rushes toward Clark and slams the concrete over Clark's head. Clark raises a hand to protect himself, and the concrete shatters as it makes contact with Clark's head. Eric stares in disbelief at Clark, who is unhurt.
Clark grabs Eric's jacket and throws him into a rack of large metal pipes along the opposite wall. The pipes all bend in from the force with which Eric hits them. Eric slumps to the ground, unconscious.
Cut to a sh*t of the refined Kryptonite bars, lying in a hole in the ground. Dirt is being shoveled over them. As the camera pans up, we see Pete in the woods, burying the bars, while Clark stands a safe distance away, keeping watch. Pete shovels the last bit of dirt over the rocks, then walks over to Clark.
Pete: That's all of it.
Clark: At least for now.
The two boys walk quickly from the woods.
Cut to a sh*t of Luthor Mansion. Clark enters Lex's study, as Lex stands at the bar, pouring two glasses of orange juice.
Clark:( Friendly) Hey, Lex.
Lex: Clark, how are your parents doing?
Clark: (Happily) Just fine. They got home from Metropolis last night.
Lex: (Handing a glass of juice to Clark) That must be a relief.
Clark: (Relieved) Yeah, and now that Eric's arrested, it looks like your plan came off without a hitch.
Clark raises his glass in a toast to Lex.
Lex: (Walking over to sit on the couch) So it seems. The intriguing thing is, my people had nothing to do with it.
Clark: (Following Lex) Then who did?
Lex: (Shrugging) No one knows. Marsh and his friends aren't talking, but they were found unconscious, (Sitting across from Clark) and the stolen meteor rocks are still unaccounted for.
Clark: (Curiously) Who do you think has them.
Lex: (Shrugs slightly and giving Clark a small smile) I have my suspicions.
Cut to a sh*t inside the Talon after closing. Lana sits at a table, sipping a mug of coffee as Henry walks into the room.
Henry: Lana? (Off Lana's look) Hey.
Lana: Hey, Henry, um, thanks for coming.
Henry: (Concerned) Your message said something regarding the horse show. (Sitting across from Lana) I hope you're still planning to ride.
Lana: To be honest, um, I'm not sure.
Henry: (Confused) I don't understand. I thought you were really looking forward to this weekend.
Lana: I was, believe me. (Pauses, looking down, then back at Henry) But I think it's more important that you spend this time with Jennifer.
Henry: Lana, she told me you two talked. If this is because of something she said...
Lana: (Shaking her head) No, I...came into your life out of nowhere and dropped a b*mb on your family. I didn't know how our relationship was going to work out, but after a rocky start, I finally know that you love me.
Lana smiles bravely, as tears well up in her eyes.
Lana: I don't want to lose that.
Henry: (Confused) I don't know what Jennifer told you, but things between us aren't that bad.
Lana: (Sadly) Henry, she's hiring an attorney.
Henry: (Stunned) What?
Lana: (Insistant) You need to talk to her, tell her how you feel.
Henry just looks at Lana still shell shocked from the news.
Lana: (Tearfully) Whatever happens after that is up to you.
Henry: (Still shocked) You...you're my daughter. I just can't...walk away from...from that.
Lana: (Smiling through her tears) You're not. You know I'll always be here. (Pausing to compose herself) But right now, I think Jennifer needs you more.
Henry and Lana stare at each other for several moments, before Henry gets up and walks out. As he disappears, Lana's face crumbles, and she starts to cry for a moment, before taking a deep breath and pulling herself together.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent farm, cows grazing in the pasture. Clark walks into the barn, carrying a bale of hay in one hand like it weighs nothing. He sets it down next to several other bales, and turns around as a knock sounds on the door.
Clark: Hey Dad. How's Mom.
Jonathan: Well, the doctor called. You'll be happy to know that both mother and child have gotten a clean bill of health.
Clark: (Smiling) Great.
Jonathan: (Putting his hands on Clark's shoulders) Look, son, I wanted to tell you...
A sound catches Clark's attention, and he and Jonathan glance over to see Lana standing in the doorway of the barn.
Clark: Hi Lana.
Jonathan: Um
(To Clark) I'm proud of you.
Clark: (Smiling widely) Thanks.
Jonathan leaves the barn, nodding to Lana on his way out.
Jonathan: (Amused) Miss Lang.
Lana: (Amused) Mr. Kent.
Clark: You must be here for Donatello. I'll help you saddle him up.
Clark turns to retrieve Lana's horse, but Lana stops him.
Lana: No, I'm not practicing, Clark.
Clark gives Lana a look of surprise.
Lana: (Continuing) In fact, I think I might drop out of the show.
Clark: (Sympathetically) I take it things with Henry didn't go so well.
Lana: I told him I'd always be his daughter, but we should put our relationship on hold until he gets his marriage back on track.
Clark: Wow.
Lana: Yeah. (Pauses) How are things with Chloe?
Clark: I went to go talk to her, but I think this whole Torch thing put her over the edge. (Sitting on a bale of hay) She told me to go away.
Lana: (Reassuringly) You two will work through this, Clark.
Clark: (Sadly) I hope so. I miss her already.
Lana: (Encouragingly) I know what you mean, but I think we should remain cautiously optimistic that each of us will get a second chance.
Clark: (Smiling slightly) You know who's really the loser in all of this? Donatello.
Lana raises her eyebrows in amused surprise.
Clark: (Continuing) The poor horse worked so hard, and now he can't even strut his stuff.
Lana: (Smiling) I guess I can't disappoint him.
Clark smiles and shakes his head.
Lana: (Continuing) Besides, I wanted to share this with someone special, and I still am.
Clark nods.
Lana: You're still going, aren't you, Clark?
Clark looks at Lana, surprised. He nods, and smiles.
Clark: You can count on me.
Lana returns Clark's smile.
Cut to a sh*t of the Torch office. Broken furniture is piled in the middle of the room. Chloe walks around the office, picking things up. She kneels down and begins gathering papers from the floor.
Lionel: Miss Sullivan.
Chloe quickly stands up and turns around, seeing Lionel standing in the center of the office.
Chloe: (Surprised) Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: Your principal told me you might be here. I hope I'm not interrupting you.
Chloe: (Quickly) No. No, I mean I'm--I've never entertained a billionaire before.
Lionel chuckles and looks around at the damage.
Chloe: (Apologetically) Um, you'll have to excuse the destruction. I was recently vandalized.
Lionel: (Sympathetically as he walks around, surveying the damage) Ahh, so I heard. By the same men who hijacked my truck, I think.
Chloe: Actually, there's still a question.
Lionel turns back to Chloe, interested.
Chloe: (Continuing) Eric Marsh owned up to the robbery of the truck and the as*ault, but he said he didn't have anything to do with the Torch.
Lionel: (Nodding as he looks around) Hmm.
Chloe: I mean, why confess to the heavy crimes and deny that?
Lionel: (Walking around the office) Well, it's not easy to understand the criminal mind.
Lionel notices the remnants of the Wall of Weird and walks over to it.
Lionel: (Interested) What's this?
Lionel reaches out and touches an article titled "Local Teen Discovers Indian Caves", with a picture of Clark alongside it.
Lionel: Hmm...this is an interesting display.
Chloe: (Slightly embarrassed) Yeah, I call it The Wall of Weird.
Lionel chuckles.
Lionel: (Directly) I'll come to the point, Miss Sullivan. I'd like to help you rebuild. I've instructed the LuthorCorp Foundation to make a donation to your school--the funds are specifically earmarked toward rebuilding and updating the journalism department.
Chloe looks at Lionel, her expression a mix of joy and confusion.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor, I'm confused.
Lionel looks at her curiously.
Chloe: I mean, the struggling editor in me wants to just leave it at "Thank You" but...the journalist in me has to ask "Why?"
Lionel: (Smiling) I'm impressed with your, um, willingness to explore alternative ideas, options. You interned at the Daily Planet this summer, didn't you?
Chloe: Yeah.
Lionel: (Nodding) Hmm. Well, I have a little influence there. They certainly could use some new blood. Maybe, um, a column...
Chloe's eyes widen and she looks at Lionel, interested.
Lionel: (Continuing) To introduce your unique point of view.
A mix of joy, uncertainty, and confusion mix on Chloe's face.
Chloe: (Laughing nervously) I...I don't want to look a gift horse in the mouth, but...I don't understand why the most powerful man in the city is interested in helping *me*.
Lionel: (Intensely) We're after the same thing, Miss Sullivan--the truth. You know, um, journalists are the midwives of history. Perhaps, with my help, we could, uh... (Hands Chloe his business card)...make history together.
Chloe takes the card and studies it curiously.
Lionel turns to go, and Chloe watches him as he starts to leave. As he reaches the door, Lionel looks back, and Chloe nods slightly. Chuckling, Lionel exits the Torch office. Chloe looks at the card again, then at the door, wondering what she's gotten herself into.
End show.
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Room To Bleed" by Ben Lee
"Anybody Listening" by Marty Irwin/Peter Northcote
"The World Outside" by Paloalto
"Gone Away" by Stretch Nickel
"Swing, Swing" by The All-American Rejects
"Safe Enough To Wake Up" by The Ben Taylor Band
"No Blue Sky" by The Thorns
***********************************************************************
Transcribed by: Shannen | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x20 - Witness"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #221 - "Accelerate"
Original airdate: May 6, 2003
Written by: Todd Slavkin & Darren Swimmer
Directed by: James Marshall
Act 1 Teaser
An old black and white horror movie is playing in the theater at the Talon. Night. Pete, Clark, Lana, and Chloe are seated in the audience.
Man: (In the movie, to a woman) Now I'm going to knock on the other wall. When you hear me, you knock on this wall.
Pete: What is she, crazy? (Yells at the screen) Hey, get that candle and get your butt out of there!
Clark: I don't think she can hear you, Pete.
Chloe: Guys, h*t the mute button okay?
The woman in the movie turns around and there is a scary statue standing behind her. She screams. Lana jumps slightly and grabs onto Clark's hand. Clark turns to her and she keeps looking at the screen. Chloe notices Lana's hand on Clark's. Lana slowly removes it.
CUT TO Lana sweeping the floor of the empty theater after the movie is over. The lights suddenly go out.
Lana: Hello? Who's there?
The film projector suddenly turns on and we can hear a recording of two little girls' voices singing Ring Around the Roses.
Girls: ...pocket full of posies. Ashes, ashes. We all fall down.
Lana looks at the screen and sees the two little girls playing. They laugh and wave at the camera. The doors to the theater close loudly behind Lana. She turns around to look and the seats in the theater start to flutter. One of the girls on the screen, EMILY DINSMORE, talks to the camera.
Emily: (On the screen) Would you like an apple? Lana?
Lana looks down and Emily is standing right in front of her, holding a stuffed rabbit.
Emily: You're so big.
Lana backs away and starts running to the door. When she gets there Emily is already in the way.
Lana: Aaah!
Emily: Why are you scared?
Lana runs the other way and Emily is already sitting on the stage.
Emily: Do you want to play with me?
Lana runs to the door one more time and runs into Clark.
Clark: Lana, what's going on?
Lana turns around and looks at the theater. Emily is gone and the movie isn't playing anymore.
Lana: I... I thought I... The lights went out and I guess the movie creeped me out and I just, I thought I saw--
Clark: Thought you saw what?
Lana: (Still out of breath) Nothing.
Clark: Let's get out of the dark.
Clark leads her out of the theater as she continues to look back. She still doesn't see anything.
Clark: (As they go) Are you sure you're okay?
Inside the theater, Emily is standing in the aisle watching them.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Lana is sitting on her bed looking at a book of photos. Day.
She is looking at a picture of the two girls from the movie the night before. Emily is suddenly beside her.
Emily: That's my favorite dress.
Lana: (Standing up and backing away) You're... you're not real.
Emily: I am too real.
Lana: No, you died.
There is a knock at the door.
Clark: (From outside) Lana? Chloe's dad said you were up here.
Lana goes to answer the door.
Clark: (Seeing the look on her face) Lana, what is it?
Lana looks at the bed and Emily is gone.
Lana: Clark, I... It sounds so ridiculous.
Clark: You can tell me anything, Lana. You know that.
Lana: Clark, do you believe in ghosts?
CUT TO Clark and Lana walking onto a bridge high above a river.
Lana: We used to come out here all the time. We'd make little boats out of flowers and float them downstream. They always sunk before they got around the bend.
Clark: Is this where she drowned?
Lana: (With tears in her eyes) It was raining, and the bridge was slippery. The next thing I knew...
Clark puts his hand on her shoulder.
Clark: It's okay.
Lana takes his hand and then turns around to face him.
Lana: The funny thing is, Emily always believed in ghosts. Whenever a candle flickered or a curtain rustled, she'd insist it was my mom trying to talk to me. As much as I wanted to believe her, I always knew it was make believe. Maybe this is her way of showing me that the d*ad really can communicate with us.
Clark: If she's a ghost, why do you think she waited so long to contact you?
Lana: I don't know.
Clark: There's got to be a rational explanation for this girl. Have you kept in contact with her parents?
Lana: No, they split up after the accident. I don't know where her mom is, but her dad moved to Grandville.
Clark: Maybe you're not the only one who's seen her.
Act 1 Scene 2
A man, MR. DINSMORE, is closing the trunk of his car in front of his house. Day. Lana and Clark drive up and get out of the truck.
Mr. Dinsmore: Didn't you see the No Trespassing signs?
Lana: Mr. Dinsmore, it's--it's me. Lana Lang.
Mr. Dinsmore: (Recognizing her) Well, look at you. All grown up.
Lana: Mr. Dinsmore, this is-- this is gonna sound strange, but I think I saw Emily.
Mr. Dinsmore: What is this, some kind of sick joke?
Lana: I don't mean to upset you. It's just, I've seen her twice.
Clark: We figured if anybody else had seen her, it'd be you.
Mr. Dinsmore: Sure, I've seen her. (Clark and Lana look hopeful) Whenever I hear her favorite song or see a young girl jumping rope in the park. Losing a child is something a parent never gets over. Now if you'll excuse me.
He gets in his car and drives away.
Act 1 Scene 3
There are tables covered with wedding cakes in the Luthor mansion. Day. Lex is looking at them. A woman who is obviously a catering director stands near him with her planner and her cell phone in her hands.
Woman: Mr. Luthor, I would think quick decision making would be your forte.
Lex: That's why I made the quick decision to put Helen in charge of the wedding.
Woman: Well, I don't see her here, and we're three weeks away and counting.
Her cell phone rings. She walks away to answer it.
Woman: Hello?
Lionel enters.
Lionel: (Looking at the cakes) Ah, I knew you had your vices, son, but I didn't realize gluttony was one of them.
Lex: Well, I suppose if there's anyone who's an authority on the seven deadly sins, it's you, Dad.
Lionel picks up a piece of cake and takes a bite.
Lionel: (With his mouth full) Mmm. Amaretto truffle. Could I have some water, please? The liqueur seems to be overpowering the butter. (A caterer gives him a glass of water) Thank you. (He takes a drink)
Lex: As much as I value your epicurean input, Dad, I'm curious. Why are you in Smallville?
Lionel takes an envelope out of his coat pocket.
Lionel: I wanted to give you my gift in person, since it's obvious by now that I won't be receiving a wedding invitation.
Lex: You offered the woman I love a hundred thousand dollars to leave me.
Lionel: I did you a favor, Lex. That was the ultimate test of loyalty and she passed with flying colors. You should be thanking me.
Lex: Thanking you?
Lionel: Mm.
Lex: Well, my thank you note must be lost in the mail along with your invitation.
Lionel: (Laughs and holds up the envelope) Go on. Open it.
Lex takes the envelope and opens it.
Lex: A Caribbean honeymoon.
Lionel: Your own private island. I'll throw in the LuthorCorp jet as well.
Lex: Why?
Lionel: I just want you to be happy, Lex.
Lex looks at him doubtfully.
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark is researching on the computer at the Torch. Day. Chloe enters.
Chloe: Uh, sorry, Clark. When you turned in your press pass you relinquished all of your computer privileges. I don't mean to be hall monitor, but it is school policy.
Clark: I'm trying to help Lana.
Chloe: (Hanging her coat) Of course you are. What are you saving her from today?
Clark: She's being haunted by a girl who died six years ago.
Chloe: Okay, I'm piqued. Go on.
Clark: She thinks it's a ghost, but I'm not so sure. It's not like people haven't come back to life around here.
Chloe: Even though it goes against my natural slant towards all things Wall of Weird, I think there's another explanation for this. Look, Lana's been through a lot in her life. Maybe this haunting is a way she's dealing with it through her subconscious.
Clark: You think she's seeing things that aren't there?
Chloe: No, I think to her they're very real.
Clark: She's not crazy.
Chloe: I wasn't saying she's crazy. All I'm saying is there's a lot of things about Lana you don't know. I mean you don't hear her crying in her room at three o'clock in the morning. What you see is just a mask.
Clark: Why are you telling me this?
Chloe: Because she talks to you. Now regardless of what's going on between us, she's still my friend.
Chloe starts to leave.
Clark: Chloe. (Chloe stops) Thanks.
Chloe: Lock up when you're done?
She leaves. Clark looks at the computer screen where we see an article from the Smallville Ledger with a picture of Emily. The headline says Local Girl Drowns.
Act 1 Scene 5
Emily is swinging on an old tree swing in a deserted yard. Day.
Emily: (Singing) Ring around the rosies, pockets full of posies. Ashes, ashes. We all fall down.
Mr. Dinsmore walks up to her and kneels down next to her.
Mr. Dinsmore: Sweetheart, I've been looking all over for you.
Emily: Everything's different.
Mr. Dinsmore: What do you mean?
Emily: Where are all the bunnies?
We see a stack of empty rabbit cages.
Mr. Dinsmore: Honey, we can talk about that when we get home, okay?
Emily: This is our home, Daddy.
Mr. Dinsmore: Not anymore, sweetheart. Our home's in Grandville.
Emily: I don't understand. Lana said I died.
Mr. Dinsmore: Lana doesn't know what she's talking about.
Emily: Yes, she does. She's my best friend.
Mr. Dinsmore: (More urgent) Emily. Get in the car.
He puts out his hand and Emily slaps it away.
Emily: No. (She goes toward the rabbit cages) I'm not going. I don't want to be locked up anymore. I want to be a normal girl. I want to play with Lana!
Mr. Dinsmore: You have to listen to me, Emily. You are never to see Lana Lang again. Do you understand?
Emily: You can't tell me what to do. I'll do whatever I want!
Mr. Dinsmore reaches for her and she runs away with super speed.
He turns around and looks for her. Suddenly a rusted metal pinwheel comes toward him and s*ab him in the stomach. He falls to the ground and we see the point sticking up from his back as he lies there groaning.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark and Pete are walking through a cemetery. Day. It is pouring rain.
Pete: Clark, couldn't the bone yard visit have waited till after the rain stopped?
Clark: It's the only way to disprove the zombie theory.
Pete: Yeah. Well, if this Emily girl really is a ghost I really don't think she'd appreciate you scoping out her coffin..
Clark finds a headstone that says Emily Eve Dinsmore, January 20, 1986 - April 14, 1996. Loving Child, Blessed Angel.
Clark: Pete. Here it is. Emily Eve Dinsmore. Loving Child, Blessed Angel.
Clark looks into the ground with his X-ray vision. He sees Emily's skeleton inside the coffin.
Clark: The body hasn't been touched.
Pete elbows Clark and points into the distance. They see Emily standing there with her stuffed rabbit. She is dripping in the rain. She runs away with super speed.
Pete: Where'd she g--
Clark steps forward with super speed and we see him in normal speed as everything around him goes into slow motion. The rain drops hang in the air, almost completely still. He watches Emily run away and he runs after her. Time speeds back up to normal and Pete has barely moved.
Pete: (Finishing his sentence) --o? (He realizes that Clark is gone) Clark?
Clark runs after Emily into an open tomb. When he gets there he doesn't see her anywhere, but he notices a small heart-shaped locket on the ground and picks it up.
Act 2 Scene 2
Lana locks the doors at the Talon. Night. Emily suddenly slams her hands against the outside of the glass.
Lana: Aaah!
Emily: Let me in, Lana!
Lana runs away from the door toward the bar. She sees the door to the kitchen swinging shut and she looks around, frightened. Emily is behind her.
Emily: I know why you're scared of me. I saw my grave. But I'm not d*ad, Lana.
Lana: Who... who are you?
Emily: I'm Emily, silly.
Lana shakes her head and turns to the bar, but Emily is already in her way.
Lana: What do you want from me?
Emily: My daddy said I can't see you anymore. Did you do something bad?
There is a knock on the door. It's Clark.
Clark: Lana.
Lana goes to the door and lets him in.
Lana: She's here.
Clark comes in, but Emily is already gone.
Clark: Where?
Lana: I swear, Clark, sh-she was right here.
Clark: Lana, it's okay. I believe you. Emily's not a ghost. I saw her in the graveyard. That's where I found this. (He hands her the locket)
Lana: Her father gave it to her cause she wanted a necklace like mine. But it can't be Emily. She couldn't still be 10 years old.
Clark: I don't know who it is, but I think I know she's able to just appear out of nowhere. I think she moves faster than we can see her.
Lana: How?
Clark: I'm not sure, but hey. At least we know you're not losing your mind.
Lana: Thanks, Clark.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lionel comes out of a hospital room at Smallville Medical Center. Night. Lex comes around the corner and sees him.
Lex: Back from Metropolis so soon? Awfully long drive for quality healthcare.
Lionel: You're tailing me, Lex? I hope not. It's a bit obsessive, don't you think?
Lex: No, I just heard you were here. I wanted to make sure you're okay.
Lionel: I came to visit a former employee who's just been admitted. Unfortunately, he's still unconscious.
Lex: He must've been an exceptional worker to merit a visit from the CEO.
Lionel: I like to think that I treat everyone at LuthorCorp as part of the family.
Lionel goes to the elevator and pushes the down button. Lex follows him.
Lex: Well, that would explain the lack of loyalty.
Lionel: Have you become so cynical that you read ill will into my good intentions?
Lex: I'm just wondering why you're spending so much time in Smallville lately. That's all.
Lionel: You may not believe me, I'm sure you won't, but I've always tried to be a good father to you, son. I worry about you, son. These obsessive paranoid tendencies... The danger with indulging them is that you lose perspective and you turn your back on what truly matters.
The elevator opens and Lionel gets on.
Lionel: Lex? Coming?
Lex shakes his head and the door slides shut. He turns to the room Lionel came out of and looks in the window. He goes inside and we see that the patient is Mr. Dinsmore. After looking at him for a moment, Lex turns to leave and sees Emily seated near the door.
Emily: He's sleeping. I tried to wake him up. He needs to take care of me. I have nowhere to go.
Lex: (Kneeling down) What's your name?
Emily: Emily. He's my daddy.
Lex: I think our daddies are friends. Mine was just in here.
Emily: He's a bad man.
Lex: Did he do something to your daddy?
Emily: He took the bunnies away.
Lex: What bunnies, Emily?
Emily: The ones in the back yard.
Lex stands up and looks out the window.
Lex: Maybe I should talk to your mommy. Is she here?
He looks back to Emily, but she isn't there anymore. Lex looks around the room.
Act 2 Scene 4
Clark and Lana are looking through Mr. Dinsmore's house. Night.
Clark: Let's stay close.
They open the door to a small room that looks like a study. They move on down the hall and see a flight of stairs going down. There is a muffled child's voice coming from down the stairs.
Voice: You're my best friend. You're my best friend.
Clark goes down the stairs and Lana follows him. Outside the door at the bottom they hear the voice my clearly.
Voice: You're my best friend.
Clark opens the door and they step in. The room appears to belong to a little girl. There is a bed covered with dolls and stuffed animals. The walls are painted pink and there are shelves full of more toys and dolls. There is a table set up in the middle of the room with teacups on it. Clark sees a film projector and picks up one of the film strips to look at it.
Clark: This must be what you saw at the Talon.
Lana comes over to look. One of the dolls on the bed turns its head and they hear the voice again.
Doll: You're my best friend. You're my best friend. (Lana picks up the doll) You're my best friend.
Lana laughs.
Lana: Who needs human companionship when you can have a Gabby Abby?
She puts the doll down. Then she looks at the table and sees a closed diary. She opens it and the front page says This diary belongs to Emily Dinsmore.
Lana: I remember this. (She flips through the pages) I gave it to Emily for her ninth birthday. The last entry is from the day before she died. (Reading) I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow. Lana and I are going to the river. We're going to be best friends forever.
Lana turns the page and there is a picture of herself as a little girl with Emily.
Clark keeps looking around and notices the shelves behind him. He looks through them with his X-ray vision and sees a door. While Lana is still looking at the diary, he goes to the shelf and pulls it away from the wall. The door is there with a handle and a keypad.
Clark: Lana.
She gets up and looks at the door. Clark pulls it open and they go inside, finding another flight of stairs going down. They come down into a room that is a sort of laboratory. There are several large glass tubes lying horizontally in the room. The glass is fogged up. Clark walks up to one of them and wipes the fog away and they see Emily inside, unconscious. Lana gasps.
Lana: Oh, my God.
Lana goes to another tube and sees another Emily. Emily suddenly opens her eyes.
Lana: Aaah!
As she screams she backs away quickly and accidentally knocks over a cart holding several containers of green liquid. The containers break and the liquid spills all over the floor. Clark runs over to see what happened, but is weakened as soon as he gets close to the liquid. He turns away, gasping. Lana looks into the tube and Emily's eyes are still open, but she's not moving. Then she goes to Clark.
Lana: Clark. Are you okay?
Clark: Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get out of here.
Lana looks back one last time and then they leave.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Jonathan and Martha are talking to Lana and Clark in the Kent kitchen. Night.
Jonathan: I think you did the right thing, calling the police.
Martha: He was trying to clone his daughter?
Clark: He did more than try. We think he succeeded.
Jonathan: Well, whoever's funding him has sure got a heck of a lot of money.
Clark: Dinsmore even wanted her to have the same memories as Emily. That's why he gave her the diary.
Lana: That little girl must be so confused. (She starts to put on her coat) All she wanted was a friend, and I just scared her away. I have to go find her.
Clark: Lana, I don't think that's a good idea.
Martha: Clark's right. Until we know more, why don't you stay here?
Lana pauses. Before she can answer there is a knock on the door. Martha looks out the window and mouths the word sheriff to Jonathan. She opens the door and Sheriff Adams comes in.
Adams: Mrs. Kent, Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: Hello, Sheriff
Adams: (To Clark) We followed up on your story.
Clark: You found the lab.
Adams: After we got your call, we went and checked it out. David Copperfield must've got there first.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark is back at the Dinsmore house. Night. He goes down the stairs with his flashlight. He looks around and the lab is completely gone, but he continues to look around and he finally finds Emily sitting in a rocking chair, reading her diary.
Emily: (Crying) I saw them.
Clark: The people who took everything away?
Emily: (Shakes her head) The sleeping girls. Why are they like me?
Clark: (Kneels down next to her) Emily--
Emily: My daddy said I can't remember anything because I had an accident.
Clark: You don't remember anything because you didn't write that. A different Emily did.
Emily: She's the girl buried in the graveyard, isn't she?
Clark: (Nods) Yeah. This is her story. But you have to write your own.
Emily: Why would my daddy lie to me?
Clark: He probably thought that telling you the truth would make you feel different. But there's nothing wrong with being different. I'm different too. It doesn't change who we are.
Emily: Yes, it does.
She super speeds away. Clark stands up and shines his flashlight at the door. He sees Lex who is shining his own flashlight back at Clark.
Clark: Lex, what are you doing here?
Lex: I could ask the same of you. I met Emily Dinsmore. You can't blame me for being a little intrigued after I found out she died six years ago.
Clark: So you don't know anything about the lab that was down here? (Lex looks at Clark questioningly) They cloned Emily here. That's why your father's been refining meteor rocks.
Lex: What are you talking about?
Clark: There were jars of them right where you were standing.
Lex: Before Dinsmore left LuthorCorp, he was, uh, developing a technique to speed up cell growth. He claimed he could incubate a rabbit embryo to adulthood in a matter of days.
Clark: He's been using the meteor rocks as Miracle-Gro. That's why Emily looks like she's 10 years old already.
Lex: All ethics aside, it's an astonishing accomplishment.
Clark: Yeah, well, tell that to the little girl who doesn't know who she is.
Act 3 Scene 3
Lana is studying at the coffee table in the Kent living room. Day. She hears Emily's voice very softly.
Emily: Lana? Lana?
It sounds like it's coming from the window. Lana gets up slowly and crosses the room. She pulls the curtain away and the shutter slams against the pain, startling her. She takes a deep breath and goes back to the couch. When she sits down, Emily is next to her.
Emily: I brought you a picture.
Lana jumps slightly and then takes the picture. It's a drawing.
Lana: Thanks. Emily, I want to talk to you.
Emily: Are you ready to go to the river?
Lana: Not today.
Emily is suddenly on the other side of Lana.
Emily: Don't you want to be my friend anymore?
Lana: Of course I do. But--
Emily: Come to the river. I'll race you. I want everything to be like before.
Emily super speeds out the door.
Lana: No. Emily, wait!
Lana runs out the door after her.
Act 3 Scene 4
Mr. Dinsmore is conscious in his hospital bed. Day. Lex enters.
Mr. Dinsmore: You're here about Emily, aren't you?
Lex: She's a remarkable girl.
Mr. Dinsmore: Did he find her?
Lex: Not yet. But knowing my father, he will. You know that Emily will never be safe in his care.
Mr. Dinsmore: I don't have many options.
Lex: I'm offering to protect her. You obviously loved her enough to create her. Don't you want her to have a normal life?
Mr. Dinsmore: Of course I do, but Emily's accelerated growth caused severe chromosomal damage. She has no conscience. She has no concept of right or wrong. She's dangerous.
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark enters his house. Day.
Clark: Lana?
Martha comes down the stairs.
Martha: Clark? What's wrong?
Clark: Where's Lana?
Martha: I thought she was in the living room doing her homework.
They go to the living room and Lana is not there. Clark picks up the picture Emily drew. It's a picture of two girls at a bridge over a river.
Act 3 Scene 6
Emily and Lana are on the bridge. Day. Emily is skipping around singing.
Emily: ...full of posies. Ashes, ashes...
Lana: Emily, it's too slippery out here.
Emily stops by the edge of the bridge where there is no railing.
Emily: It's okay, Lana, we won't get in trouble.
Lana: You don't understand. We've already been out here once before.
Emily: Is that why daddy's mad at you?
Lana walks toward her slowly.
Lana: It was raining and I fell into the water and you jumped in after me.
Emily: Because I'm your best friend?
Lana: Yes. And you kept swimming beside me, telling me I could make it, that I'd be fine. And when I looked back, you were too far away, and the current was too strong.
Emily: Did you save me?
Lana: (Crying) No.
Emily: (Hurt) I thought you were my best friend.
Lana comes toward her and Emily starts to back away.
Lana: If I could go back and change that day, I swear to you I would. I live every day knowing that it should have been me.
She reaches for Emily and Emily super speeds to the other side of the bridge. Lana turns around to face her.
Emily: This time it will be.
Emily drops her bunny and pushes Lana off the bridge. She screams all the way down to the water.
Lana: Aaah!
Lana struggles under the water as the current pulls her down and Emily watches from the bridge. Suddenly Clark super speeds onto the bridge and jumps off right by where Emily is standing, and he swims deep into the water where Lana is now unconscious. He finally spots her and speeds over to her, grabbing her shoulder and swimming back to the surface.
Once there, he lies her out on a large rock.
Clark: Lana? Lana.
He starts to pump her chest and breath into her mouth.
Clark: Come on. Come on. Come on, please.
Lana coughs up some water and wakes up.
Clark: Lana. Lana, it's okay. It's okay, it's me. It's all right, you're okay.
Lana: Clark... hold me.
She puts her arms around his neck and he holds her. He looks up at the bridge and Emily isn't there anymore.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lionel enters Lex's study where Lex is having a drink. Day.
Lionel: All right, Lex, what's the crisis? One minute you want nothing to do with me, and then I'm inundated with urgent messages.
Lex: How does it feel to play God, Dad?
Lionel: Oh, if I left in the middle of brunch with the governor to come here and listen--
Lex: I know you reopened Level 3.
Lionel: Ah, the ominous Level 3.
Lex: Instead of abandoning the project like you claimed, you simply dispersed the research into smaller, undetectable labs.
Lionel: How could you buy into such a myth, Lex?
Lex: Your connection with Dinsmore is more than a myth. You're genetically engineering human beings.
Lionel: Oh, Lex. Lex... extraterrestrials, secret labs? It's science fiction, son.
Lionel turns to leave.
Lex: I saw Emily Dinsmore with my own eyes.
Lionel: (Turning back to Lex) If you'd kept your mind on business and not been distracted, you might have noticed that the state has placed the conservatorship of the Cowachi caves under my control, effective today.
Lex: (Nervous) That's impossible. I was under contract for a full five years.
Lionel: Yes, that's what I told the governor. But apparently somehow, he's learned of a series of accidents and several unfortunate deaths that occurred under your watch. I'm sorry, son. It's just-- I've tried to teach you always keep a sharp eye on the ball.
Lionel leaves.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark runs his hand over a wooden baby's cradle in the living room. Day. Jonathan is with him.
Clark: Smooth as silk. Good job, Dad.
Jonathan: Thanks. You realize, Clark, that this baby is going to be one lucky kid having you as an older brother. I mean that, Clark.
A knock at the door.
Jonathan: Uh, just a-- just a second.
Jonathan covers the cradle with a blanket and Clark answers the door. It's Lana.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: Hi.
She comes in.
Jonathan: Lana, I heard Sheriff Adams is still looking for Emily, but I'm concerned about you. You doing okay?
Lana: I'm gonna be fine. Just worried about Emily after all she's been through.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Lana: I hope the police find her soon.
Clark: I'm sure they will.
Lana: (To Jonathan) Do you think I could borrow Clark for a couple of minutes, Mr. Kent?
Jonathan: Yeah, go ahead. I don't see why not.
CUT TO Lana and Clark entering the loft.
Clark: If this is the mysterious Lana, I like it. What is this all about?
Lana: Us, kind of. (They get to the top of the stairs) I just wanted to thank you for yesterday. There were a few minutes there when I really thought I might be losing it. But, um, you never doubted me. Not for a second. You always believe in me. Thanks a lot.
Clark: Lana, what is this all about?
Lana: It's just that sometimes I, um... I feel like you've created this perfect picture of who I am.
Clark: That's what I see.
Lana turns away as her eyes fill with tears.
Lana: This might sound silly... but I have this fear that-- that one day you'll finally get a good look at me and... I'm going to disappoint you. That you'll see that I'm not as strong or as good as you think I am. And I'm afraid that it'll change the way you feel about me.
Clark steps closer to her.
Clark: Nothing could ever do that.
Lana looks up into his eyes for a moment and then walks closer to him. She reaches out and takes his hands in hers.
Lana: (Whispered) Maybe it's me that needs to start believing in you.
They hold eye contact for a long moment and Lana smiles softly.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lionel is standing outside a window looking into Emily's room. Day. He is talking to Mr. Dinsmore who is seated in a wheelchair.
Lionel: We'll do better next time.
Mr. Dinsmore: I assume this means I can continue the project.
Lionel: I, um, I don't think that would be a wise decision, Pete. You've jeopardized the research once already.
Mr. Dinsmore: You said you wanted a prototype.
Lionel: Yes, I did. And this phase has brought us closer to our goal. But, um,... I don't want you working on the project any longer. You're too emotionally involved.
Mr. Dinsmore: She's flawed. But she's my daughter.
Lionel: No. No, she's not. She's a poor approximation. This specimen is defective.
Mr. Dinsmore: You can't take her away from me.
Emily comes near the window, obviously not aware of Lionel and Mr. Dinsmore watching her.
Mr. Dinsmore: She's... my life.
Lionel: She's the property of LuthorCorp.
Lionel enters the room with a gift box. He comes to the table where Emily is seated.
Lionel: (Kind) Hello, Emily.
Emily: I don't like you.
Lionel: Oh. You know what I think, Emily? I think... (He takes a chair and sits at the table) I think we just got off on the wrong foot. Look at this.
He opens the box and a live rabbit pokes its head out.
Lionel: You want to hold him Emily? (Emily nods) Go ahead.
Emily picks up the rabbit and Lionel reaches out to stroke its head. Mr. Dinsmore watches with tears in his eyes.
Emily: Where is my daddy?
Lionel: You mustn't worry about him, Emily. (He picks up a cup and saucer) I'm going to take very good care of you. You'll see.
He sips from the cup.
Lionel: What do you think you should call your rabbit?
Emily: Bunny-Buns.
Lionel: Bunny-Buns. That's a beautiful name. (Sips some more tea) Mm. This tea is good. May I have some more?
Emily giggles.
Fade to black.
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x21 - Accelerate"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #222 - "Calling"
Original airdate: May 13, 2003
Written by: Kenneth Biller
Directed by: Terrence O'Hara
Act 1 Teaser
DR. MARCUS is looking at a computer generated image of a brain as he performs an MRI in the Smallville Medical Center. Day. We can hear the MRI machine shuddering in the background. He goes over to the machine, where a patient is lying with only their head inside the machine, and pushes a button. The shuddering stops and the table the patient is lying on slowly slides away from the machine, revealing his face. It is Dr. Frederick Walden and he is still unconscious.
Lex enters.
Lex: Dr. Marcus. What was so urgent you needed me here tonight?
Dr. Marcus: It's Dr. Walden. There's been a complete normalization of his higher brain functions.
Lex: Considering the source of the trauma, nothing surprises me.
Dr. Marcus: (Doubtful) You mean the Cowachi caves. How does a linguist go into a coma deciphering a Native American language?
Lex: If you had that answer, Doctor, you'd be running the place.
Dr. Marcus smiles at Lex. Suddenly Dr. Walden sits up and grabs Lex's arm. He is looking at Lex. His eyes are still completely white.
Walden: (Extremely urgent) The day is coming. The day is coming. The day is coming.
Lex pushes Dr. Walden's arm away and he lies back down, losing consciousness. Lex and Dr. Marcus look at each other, astonished.
CUT TO Clark working on a paper in the loft. Lana enters with a small box, smiling.
Clark: Lana. It's almost midnight.
Lana: Yeah, I took a chance you'd still be up. Are you getting a head start on your term paper?
Clark: I've got to give the toast at Lex's rehearsal dinner. It makes European history seem like a breeze. (Lana laughs) Am I supposed to guess what's in the box?
Lana: No. You're supposed to close your eyes.
Clark closes his eyes. Lana puts the box down on the table and looks at Clark.
Lana: Don't peek.
Clark shrugs and covers his eyes with his hands. We see Lana preparing something on the table, but we can't see what it is. She blows out a match. She turns around to face Clark and she is holding a birthday cake with candles on it.
Lana: Okay. (Clark opens his eyes) I know, uh, it's not your birthday for another seven minutes, but I wanted to surprise you.
Clark: (Standing, seriously) You did.
Lana: I get the feeling it's not in a good way.
Clark: (Walks to the window) It's just it's not really my birthday. It's just some date that my parents picked off the calendar for the adoption papers.
Lana comes to the window with the cake.
Lana: Maybe some of us want to celebrate the day you came into our lives.
Clark: (Smiling) I never thought of it that way.
Lana: Make a wish.
Clark: I've been wishing for the same thing ever since I was five.
Lana: And now?
Clark: And now I don't have to. (He takes the cake and puts it down on the table. Then he takes Lana's hands in his own) She's standing right here in front of me.
Clark leans in slowly and they kiss, lightly at first. The kiss becomes more intense, but remains slow and gentle.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Clark comes down the stairs at his house with a smile on his face. Day. Martha is in the kitchen.
Clark: Good morning, Mom.
Martha: (Mischievous) How was your birthday party?
Clark: So you're the one who told Lana.
Martha: She knows we're not too big on birthdays, but wondered if she could do something special.
Clark: Thanks.
Martha: I feel bad we never had parties when you were little, but we were always so nervous.
Clark: It's okay, Mom, I understand.
Martha: I know, but what mother denies her son a birthday party? It's a huge part of childhood.
Clark: I'll tell you what. All the mistakes you made with me, you can correct with the baby. You wouldn't want to scar the little one too.
Martha: (Laughs) Thanks a lot. So, um, last night...
Clark: Are you prying?
Martha: Okay, never mind.
Jonathan enters with Lex.
Jonathan: Hello. Look what the cat dragged in.
Martha: Oh, Lex. Have you had breakfast?
Lex: Uh, thanks, but I can't stay. I just wanted to ask you and Mr. Kent for a favor. (He is slightly nervous.) I know we've had our differences, so this might sound strange, but it would mean a lot to me. It's customary for the, uh, bride and groom to sit with their parents at the rehearsal dinner so... since mine won't be there, I was wondering... would the two of you consider standing in?
Jonathan and Martha smile at each other and Clark looks at them both expectantly.
Jonathan: Lex, we would be honored.
Lex: Great. Uh, that just leaves one open seat at the table. Right next to you, Clark. Any suggestions?
Clark smiles
Act 1 Scene 2
Lana is making out invitations to the wedding in the Talon. Day. Chloe enters.
Lana: Chloe.
Chloe: Yes. The one name you won't find on the list for Smallville's biggest event of the century. Don't worry. It's not like I'm holding out for my fairy godmother to bring me my glass slippers.
Lana: (Laughs) It's okay. I'm still not convinced Lex won't have me in a headset running around with ice buckets.
Chloe: (Holding up an invitation) Is this what you were doing until two o'clock in the morning last night?
Lana: (Hesitates) Yeah.
Chloe: Well, look, uh, I can't vouch for my calligraphy skills, but if you need any help just let me know.
Clark enters.
Clark: Hey, guys. I'd like a double espresso please.
Chloe: Whoa. Were you burning the midnight oil last night too?
Clark looks at Chloe and then shares a look with Lana, realizing that Chloe doesn't know about the night before.
Clark: (Slowly) I was just working on a toast for Lex's dinner.
Chloe: Oh.
Chloe notices the look between Clark and Lana, understanding that something is going on. Pete enters.
Pete: Chloe, ready to go?
Chloe doesn't answer. Pete waves to Lana who smiles reluctantly. Clark has his eyes lowered.
Pete: Everybody okay?
Clark: Yeah.
Chloe: Great.
Lana: Perfect.
Pete: Just checking.
Chloe: Right. Well, we better get going. I have ashes to sweep and wicked stepsisters to undermine.
Chloe and Pete leave.
Clark: You didn't...
Lana: No.
Clark: Phew. I had a really good time last night. I was thinking maybe we could go out after the rehearsal dinner tonight.
Lana: Maybe.
Lana walks away to clear a table. Clark follows her.
Clark: Lana, is everything okay? (She doesn't answer) If this is about last night, we can take it slow.
Lana: Clark, I think last night may have been a mistake. I'm really busy. I'll call you later.
She goes back to the bar, leaving Clark with a baffled look on his face.
Act 1 Scene 3
Lex and Helen walk through the hall at the hospital. Day. Helen gives Lex a clipboard.
Helen: Here's a revised seating chart for the rehearsal dinner.
Lex: Who are the people marked in blue?
Helen: Relatives who still talk to each other.
Lex: How about the red?
Helen: Family feuds and people who haven't spoken in at least five years.
Lex: And the yellow ones scattered throughout?
Helen: (Laughing) Buffer zones. Relatives who have no particular allegiance and whose conversation won't insight a riot.
Lex: If this medical career doesn't work out, you should consider the United Nations.
Helen: (Taking back the clipboard) I'm not done yet.
Lex: By the way, I put the Kents at our table. I asked them to sit with us at the dinner to fill in for my parents.
They stop outside Helen's office door.
Helen: Lex, I think it's great that you want to make them a big part of this, but...
Lex: But what?
Helen: Don't you think this might be the right moment to reach out to your father?
Lex: Helen, I'm touched that you want us to reconcile, but it's not gonna happen. Besides, the only family I need is you.
Helen smiles. She takes out her keys and they go into the office. They both stop inside the door, shocked. The entire office has been ransacked, papers all over the floor, chairs knocked over, and drawers hanging open.
Helen: I don't believe this.
She looks over at a small refrigerator on the table. The light inside is blinking on and off. She opens it and it is empty.
Lex: We should call the police. (Looking into the refrigerator behind her) Is anything valuable missing?
Helen doesn't answer.
Act 1 Scene 4
Jonathan gets off his tractor to talk to Helen outside the farm. Day.
Jonathan: Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that, Helen. Did they take anything important?
Helen: The vial of blood I drew from Clark.
Jonathan: Please tell me why you would even still have that.
Helen: I thought I might need it someday in case he got sick again. It wasn't labeled. There was no way anyone could connect it to Clark.
Jonathan: Then why would anybody want to steal it?
Helen: Looks like somebody just broke open the refrigerator and took whatever was inside. The police think it may have been junkies looking for drugs. Or maybe somebody who wanted to make it look that way.
Jonathan: Wait a minute. Are you saying you think that I staged this?
Helen: You and I are the only ones who knew about Clark's blood.
Jonathan: And you never told anybody else?
Helen: Of course not.
Jonathan: Not even the man you're about to marry?
Helen: Mr. Kent, Lex is not the man you think he is.
Jonathan: Considering the fact that you are about to spend the rest of your life with that man and what you know about my family, you had better be right.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark and Lex are talking in Lex's study. Day.
Clark: I don't think it's a good idea that you seat Lana next to me.
Lex: What happened?
Clark: I wish I knew.
Lex: Clark. None of us really understand the fairer sex. That's why we're so captivated by them.
Clark: (After a pause) I went for it last night.
Lex: Don't tell me she sh*t you down.
Clark: No. It was the opposite. It was like this perfect moment and then this morning...
Lex: She wanted to pretend it never happened? You've upped the stakes, Clark, and she's scared. She figures if she folds now she'll cut her losses.
Clark: But we're meant to be together. I've never been so sure about anything in my life.
Lex: Yeah, well, don't tell me, Clark. Tell her.
Clark thinks about this.
Act 1 Scene 6
Lana is riding her horse through an open field. Day. Clark is watching her. She rides toward him.
Clark: Hey.
Lana: Hey.
Lana gets off the horse.
Lana: (To the horse, pulling him forward) Come on.
Clark: Look, Lana, last night was a big deal for me.
Lana: Clark...
Clark: Look, you don't have to avoid calling me if you don't feel the same way.
Lana: No, it meant a lot to me too. Everything seemed so clear, but today it just feels a lot more complicated.
Clark: Is this about Chloe?
Lana: I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried about her, but there are three friendships at stake here and I don't want to risk losing ours.
Clark: Well, the friendship isn't gonna go anywhere. It'll just become something better.
Lana: And what happens down the road if... things don't work out? Will our friendship survive that?
Clark: I don't know. Lana, I've wanted this for so long, I think it's worth taking the chance.
They look at each other for a long time. Far in the distance, we can hear a man's voice.
Voice: The day is coming.
Clark turns around, hearing the voice.
Lana: Clark? Are you all right?
Voice: (Louder) They day is coming.
Clark looks into the sky.
Lana: Clark, what is it?
Clark: I'm sorry, I have to go.
Act 1 Scene 7
Dr. Walden is pacing through a white padded room, completely empty except for a bed and a chair. Day. He is dressed in white. There are bright white lights along the sides of the room and Lex and Dr. Marcus watch from a large circular window.
Walden: The day is coming. The day is coming. The day is coming. (He continues in the background of the following lines)
Lex: What do you think it means?
Dr. Marcus: It's probably just delusional rambling.
Walden: The day is coming. The day is coming.
Lex: Your scans say his brain activity is normal again.
Dr. Walden pounds on the window. We see that his eyes are back to normal.
Walden: The day... is coming.
Dr. Marcus: Does that look normal to you?
Walden: (Walking away from the window) The day is coming. The day is coming. The day is coming.
Lex: The cataracts. They're gone.
Dr. Marcus: They faded during the course of the day.
Lex: How do you explain that?
Dr. Marcus: I can't. Mr. Luthor, I know you want to see if he says anything else, but for his own safety, I need to sedate him.
Walden: The day is coming. The day is com--
Dr. Walden suddenly looks at the window. He holds up his hand, showing his palm to Lex and Dr. Marcus:
Walden: The day is coming.
A blast of white energy sh**t from his palm and shatters the glass, sending Lex and Dr. Marcus to the floor. Dr. Walden steps out of the room and runs away as Lex and Dr. Marcus are sitting up. Lex watches him go.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Lex and Clark are in the padded room that Dr. Walden escaped from. Day. There are Kryptonian symbols b*rned into the ceiling.
Lex: I think it says The day is coming.
Clark: You learned how to read the symbols.
Lex: No. Just an educated guess. That's what Walden kept saying before he escaped.
Clark: I wonder how he wrote it.
Lex: Apparently he's developed the ability to emit some kind of energy from his hands. I think maybe it has something to do with whatever happened to him in the cave that day.
Clark: Why are you telling me all this?
Lex: You found him, Clark. Just wondering if you could shed any more light on the situation.
Clark: I've already told you everything I know.
Lex: These symbols. They look like the one on your barn.
Clark: Lex, I told you, I don't know how to read this language.
Lex: I believe you, Clark.
Clark: Then what am I doing here?
Lex: I thought based on our mutual interest in the cave, we could solve this mystery together.
Clark: I'm sorry, Lex. I'm as mystified as you are.
Act 2 Scene 2
Dr. Walden is in the underground caves. Day. He is looking at the wall with the spirals of symbols and the octagonal groove in the center. He holds up his palm and sh**t the white energy into the groove. The symbols start to glow and rotate in alternating directions. After a few moments they realign themselves and stop, and the energy from Dr. Walden's hand stops as well.
He turns around with an astonished look on his face and sees a painting on the opposite wall. It is a picture of someone standing in front of the wall with the octagonal groove. The person has what looks like an S on their back.
Walden: I know who you are.
Act 2 Scene 3
Lana brings Helen a cup of coffee in the Talon. Day. Helen is looking over some notes.
Lana: Hey, Helen. Are you planning a rehearsal dinner or a peace summit?
Helen: (Laughing) This whole wedding is starting to feel just as political. It's hard to know what side everybody's on.
Lana sits.
Lana: You're not having second thoughts are you?
Helen: Sorry, I... It's all gotten very complicated.
Lana: Sounds kind of familiar.
Helen: You wouldn't be talking about a tall, dark, handsome best man, would you?
Lana: (Pause.) If you knew that Lex was keeping secrets from you, but he was being truthful about the important things like, um, like the way he feels about you... would that be enough?
Helen: I guess you have to decide. Is the part of themselves that they're willing to share with you better than not having them in your life at all?
They look at each other sadly, each identifying with the question.
Act 2 Scene 4
Helen is looking through a drawer of Lex's files in the study. Day. She pulls out a file labeled Martha Kent and starts to look through it. She turns around and is startled to find Lionel standing there, watching her.
Lionel: You don't really think he's hidden it in here, do you?
Helen: I don't know what you're talking about.
Lionel: I'm talking about the valuable object Lex stole from your office.
Helen: Lex would never steal from me.
Lionel: Hmm. If you believe that, what are you doing rummaging around in here while he's out?
Helen: How do I know it wasn't you who broke into my office?
Lionel: Oh my. Seems I've antagonized the lady of the house. Please, would you tell my son I dropped by to offer my best wishes? (He starts to walk away and then stops.) Oh, no. That would be difficult, wouldn't it? Because then we'd have to explain that we ran into each other when we were in here and I caught you snooping and, oh... Oh that could get really messy. Especially with your wedding day almost upon us.
Helen: Get out.
Lionel: Can I ask you a question, Helen? (Helen folds her arms in response) Why are you marrying Lex?
Helen: Because I love him.
Lionel: (Doubtful) Hmm.
Lionel leaves.
Act 2 Scene 5
Clark is searching the caves for Dr. Walden. Day.
Clark: (Calling out) Dr. Walden? It's me, Clark Kent. Dr. Walden. Are you down here?
Clark shines his flashlight on the wall with the circles of symbols. Lionel enters behind him.
Lionel: Interesting, isn't it?
Clark: Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: That octagonal recess in the wall... I once had, um, what you might call a keepsake that matched this. Exactly. Just disappeared from my office. (He stops, realizing something) It was that same day you rescued your mother and me.
Clark: What are you doing down here?
Lionel: I have taken over conservatorship of the caves. Didn't Lex tell you?
Clark: No, he didn't.
Lionel: Oh, he just doesn't want to admit defeat, and he's still fighting me on this. I ran into some of his security people down here. They were looking for that doctor, Doctor, um, Dr. Walden?
Clark: Dr. Walden was obsessed with these caves.
Lionel: Well, I can understand why. (He shines his own flashlight on the wall) Look at this. These symbols... Wait a minute, wait a minute. (Steps closer to the wall) Are-- are they arranged in a different order than they were before? That's strange. (Shines his light in Clark's eyes) Don't you think, Clark?
Clark: It's all Cowachi to me. If you see Dr. Walden, be careful. He could be dangerous.
Clark leaves.
Act 2 Scene 6
Clark is talking to Jonathan and Martha outside the farm as Jonathan finishes feeding the cows. Day.
Jonathan: I don't get it. First refined kryptonite, and now the caves. What does Luthor want, anyway?
Clark: I don't know, but I think we have a bigger problem. Dr. Walden can read the Krypton language. He wrote it on the ceiling at the hospital.
Martha: Do you think he's figured out your secret?
Jonathan: Is that why you're so worried right now?
Clark: I'm not sure, but there's something else going on in that cave. The symbols have changed.
Jonathan: What does it say now, son?
Clark: The day is coming when the last son will begin his quest to rule the third planet.
Jonathan: Clark--
Clark: Don't you see? I'm the last son.
Act 2 Scene 7
Lex is talking to Lionel in his study. Night. He is dressed up for the rehearsal dinner.
Lex: Why humiliate yourself like this, Dad? When are you going to accept the fact that you're not invited?
Lionel: You know, Lex, I'm not here to grovel for a place at your, uh, table. I wanted to tell you that, uh, your restraining order to keep me out of the Cowachi caves has been, uh, rejected, flat out.
Lex: And you couldn't have had your lawyers tell my lawyers that on the phone?
Lionel: It's curious how your, um, renewed interest seems to come right on the heels of Dr. Walden's escape. And, uh, Clark Kent seems to share you opinion. He was down there too, looking for your linguist.
Dr. Walden bursts into the room.
Walden: Lex! I did it, Lex.
Lex: Dr. Walden.
Walden: I finally read the wall. I know what is says.
Lex: And we'll talk all about it, but first we need to get you some help.
Lionel: Not now, Lex. Let the man tell us what he knows.
Lex: Stay out of this.
Lionel: The wall, Doctor. What does it say?
Walden: The last son will rule the planet. Don't you see? It's Clark Kent!
Lionel looks at Lex.
Lex: I think that's a pretty big leap.
Walden: No! I've never seen more clearly in my life. I know exactly what has to be done.
Lionel: What is that, Doctor?
Walden: We have to k*ll Clark Kent... before he destroys us all.
Lex: Dr. Walden, you're confused.
Dr. Walden holds his palm in Lex's face thr*at. Lex steps back. We hear a silenced g*n and Dr. Walden falls to the ground. Dr. Marcus is standing behind him holding a g*n and Lex and Lionel look down at Dr. Walden, seeing a tranquilizer dart in his neck. Lex looks at Dr. Marcus as Lionel looks at Lex.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
Clark practices his best man speech in the loft. Night. He is already dressed up.
Clark: Dear guests... No, there's got to be something else. Um... Friends and family.
Chloe enters, hearing him practice.
Chloe: The first line's always the hardest.
Clark: Hey, Chloe. What's up?
Chloe: Big news. Your friend Dr. Walden woke up.
Clark: I wouldn't exactly call him a friend of mine.
Chloe: Well, anyway, I was just wondering if you wanted come out of retirement and do the story with me.
Clark: Hey, I appreciate the offer, but now really isn't a good time.
Chloe: I didn't mean right this second, Clark. (There is an awkward pause) I wish things could be like they were.
Clark: Yeah, me too.
Chloe: I just feel like there's this huge rift between us and no matter how hard I try, I can't get back to you.
Clark: We'll get there, Chloe. It's just gonna take a little bit of time.
Chloe: Well, whatever happens, let's just promise to be honest with each other. I mean, you're a big boy, I'm a big girl. I think we can handle it. As long as we tell the truth. Okay, well, I'd better get going. You have your rehearsal dinner and I have the Torch. So... (She starts to leave) Break a leg, Clark.
She leaves and Clark lowers his eyes unhappily.
Act 3 Scene 2
The rehearsal dinner. Night. We see Helen talking to some women, Jonathan talking with Clark and Martha, and Lana talking to some friends from school. Clark watches Lana from across the room. She looks over and they make eye contact, but Clark quickly looks away. Lana continues to watch him and he looks back at her briefly. Lex enters and goes to Helen.
Lex: Sorry I'm late.
Helen: Where have you been?
Lex: Business crisis. Don't worry I'm all yours now. I just need a quick moment with the best man.
Helen: Okay.
Lex goes to Clark, Martha, and Jonathan. He kisses Martha on the check.
Lex: Hello, Mrs. Kent.
Martha: Everything is beautiful.
Lex: Thank you, thank you very much. Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: (Shaking Lex's hand) Hello, Lex.
Lex: Hey. Mind if I have a word with your son?
Jonathan: No, go right ahead.
Clark and Lex step away from Jonathan and Martha.
Clark: Is everything all right?
Lex: Dr. Walden paid me a visit. Nobody was hurt. He's on his way back to the hospital.
Clark: Well, that's good news.
Lex: Clark, he was ranting about you.
Clark: What'd he say?
Lex: That the writing on the cave wall says... you are going to rule the world.
Clark: I'm gonna rule the world? (He laughs.) He's obviously nuts.
Lex: Of course he is. Unfortunately my father was there. He heard the whole thing.
Clark: But he didn't believe him, did he?
Lex: He quoted one of his favorite Elizabethan poets. 'Twixt truth and madness lies but a sliver of a stream. He's not just gonna let this drop. I thought I'd warn you.
Clark looks at Lex seriously.
Act 3 Scene 3
Chloe is at the Torch. Night. She is looking at pictures of her and Clark from the Spring Formal on her computer. Lionel enters, startling her.
Lionel: I certainly do admire your work ethic, Miss Sullivan.
Chloe removes the images from the screen.
Lionel: Late at night, here you are, still at it.
Chloe: Yeah. Well, I wasn't invited to the rehearsal dinner, so...
Lionel: Yes, we have a lot in common. (He laughs.) I spoke to the, uh, managing editor at the Daily Planet. It's all set. A weekly column on current affairs from the, uh, young person's perspective.
Chloe: (She smiles, genuinely excited.) I don't know how to thank you.
Lionel: Nurturing a promising young talent is a reward in itself. And I've, uh, I've got your first assignment. (He sits on the desk, next to her.) A complete investigative profile of Clark Kent.
Chloe: What possible interest could the Daily Planet have in a farm boy from Smallville?
Lionel: This isn't for the Daily Planet. I'm sure they'll be in touch with you. No, this is for me. Just, uh, combine it with, uh, any research about his family you already have.
Chloe stands up.
Chloe: Wow. I blew off my journalistic skepticism and allowed myself to actually believe that you were interested in just helping me.
Lionel: You're playing in the real world now, Miss Sullivan. You have to give to get.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor. I don't know what your interest is in Clark, but you can take the job offer and shove it down your thousand dollar pants.
Lionel: Clark's very lucky to have a friend like you. All that integrity. I-I wonder, though, if he had to make a choice, would he sacrifice his dream out of loyalty to you?
Chloe doesn't answer. Lionel shrugs and leaves the room.
Act 3 Scene 4
Dr. Walden is being transported back to the hospital in an ambulance. Night. He is unconscious and strapped to a gurney in the back. Dr. Marcus looks back from the passenger seat.
Dr. Marcus: (To the paramedic.) Any change?
Paramedic: No, he'll be out for hours.
Dr. Walden's eyes open. We see the ambulance stop from outside as white light flashes inside.
Act 3 Scene 5
Clark taps a fork against his glass at the rehearsal dinner. Night.
Clark: Can I have everyone's attention, please? I think Lex picked me to be the best man because he knew how... comfortable I was speaking in front of people.
Polite laughter.
Clark: I've been looking through every book from Socrates to Shakespeare, trying to find someone who could put into words the way Lex and Helen feel about each other. But what I realized is, there are no words for it. And when you have it you trust it, and you believe in it. (He looks at Lana.) Take a chance on it. And you're willing to sacrifice anything to keep it no matter what the cost. (Clark picks up his glass.) To Helen and Lex.
Everybody: To Helen and Lex.
Glasses clink together and Lex and Helen kiss. Then Lex stands up and hugs Clark.
Lex: That was a good speech.
Clark: Thanks.
Clark suddenly hears a loud high-pitched noise and holds his head in pain, groaning.
Lex: Clark, are you all right?
Clark: Yeah, I, um, I just gotta get some air.
Clark exits. Martha and Jonathan follow him into the lobby.
Martha: Clark.
Jonathan: Son, what's the matter?
Clark: It's the key. There's something wrong at home. I have to go. (He super speeds away.)
CUT TO Clark super speeding into the loft.
He looks around and then goes to the tool chest where the key was hidden. The drawers are already open. He looks through them, but doesn't find anything. Dr. Walden enters.
Walden: I came looking for you. (He holds up the key.) And I found the proof. You are the one.
Clark: Dr. Walden, listen to me. You need help.
Walden: No. You need to die.
He sh**t the energy out of his hand at Clark's chest, sending Clark flying through the wall of the barn and onto the ground outside. Clark gets up weakly as Walden comes outside.
Clark: (Backing away.) Dr. Walden.
Dr. Walden sh**t him with the energy again, lifting him high into the air.
Clark: Dr. Walden, no!
Clark struggles against the beam, clearly in pain. He finally focuses his heat vision to h*t Dr. Walden in the arm, sending Dr. Walden to the ground. Clark falls to the ground too. They both get up.
Clark: Doctor, you're making a mistake.
Walden: No, I'm not. I'm doing this for mankind.
Dr. Walden tries to sh**t him again, but Clark super speeds away. Dr. Walden attempts follow Clark with the energy beam, but ends up hitting a propane t*nk. He screams as the t*nk explodes violently.
After the f*re from the expl*si*n dies down, Clark walks over to Dr. Walden. He is burnt to the point of being completely black and shriveled.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lex is holding two glasses of wine in his study. Night. He hands a glass to Helen.
Lex: With the exception of Clark's migraine, I thought the evening was mercifully uneventful. (Helen doesn't answer.) What's wrong?
Helen: Nothing.
Lex: Helen, if we're gonna spend our lives together, we need to be completely honest with each other. You're always saying that.
Helen: I found a file on Mrs. Kent in your bookshelf. It contained confidential medical records. From my office.
Lex: I got that from one of the disease control agents who was investigating Mrs. Kent's case.
Helen: You mean you bribed someone for it?
Lex: I've told you. The Kents are very important to me. I was concerned about Martha's health. What were you looking for anyway?
Helen: Something that was stolen from my office.
Lex: (Shocked.) Do you think I was involved in the break in?
Helen: Please tell me you weren't.
Lex: If you really believe I'm capable of that kind of deceit, maybe you shouldn't be marrying me.
Helen: Maybe you're right.
Helen puts down her wine and leaves the study. Lex puts down his own glass and walks over to the bookshelf. He reaches underneath and touches something, and the shelf lifts up, revealing a secret compartment with a box inside. He takes out the box, puts it down on the desk, and opens it. Inside is a thin metal vial. He opens the vial and carbon dioxide steam comes out. Then he tips the vial and a smaller vial comes out. The vial of Clark's blood.
Act 4 Scene 2
Clark is talking to Martha and Jonathan in the kitchen. Night. He is holding the octagonal key.
Clark: I had to pry it from his hand.
Martha: It wasn't your fault, Clark. The man tried to k*ll you. He was delusional.
Jonathan: Even the sheriff agreed, son. Walden was responsible for his own death.
Clark: What if he was right? What if I am some sort of thr*at to mankind?
Martha: I'll never believe that. And neither should you.
Clark: Then what does it mean? The day is coming when I'll begin my quest to rule?
Jonathan: We don't know, son. But when and if that day does come, your mother and I both know that you will do the right thing.
Clark looks at the key, now sitting on the table.
Act 4 Scene 3
Lionel is standing over Dr. Walden's body, which is covered by a sheet, in the morgue. Night. He is talking to the coroner.
Coroner: His entire body's been burnt beyond recognition.
Lionel: Mm.
Coroner: But look. Whatever he was holding here, it completely protected the skin it was covering.
She shows Dr. Walden's hand to Lionel. It is black and burnt except for an octagon of perfectly protected skin on his palm.
Coroner: I've never seen anything like this.
Lionel looks at the coroner.
Lionel: Send it to me. (He starts to leave.)
Coroner: Send you what?
Lionel: The hand.
Act 4 Scene 4
Lana enters the loft, still wearing her dress from the dinner. Night. She walks up the stairs and doesn't see Clark. He walks up behind her.
Clark: I never got a chance to tell you how beautiful you looked tonight.
Lana: Clark, you scared me.
Clark: You surprised me.
Lana: I just wanted to see you. You kind of ran out on dinner. I thought your toast was really beautiful.
Clark: I had a lot of inspiration.
Lana: Sorry I've been so confused about us. It's just, um, I'm scared.
Clark: So am I.
Lana: You have so many secrets in your life.
Clark: I know. I just don't want my feelings for you to be one of them.
Lana: Neither do I.
Clark comes to the top of the stairs and they are standing face to face. He leans in and they kiss passionately, Clark holding Lana's face in his hands.
We see Chloe watching from the ground floor. She cries quietly and exits.
CUT TO Lana and Clark coming down the stairs. They stop at the bottom and Lana touches Clark's face. They smile at each other and Lana starts to back away, still holding Clark's hand. She lets go and leaves Clark with a smile on his face. When she is gone, Clark suddenly hears the voice of a man.
Voice: Kal-El, it is time.
He turns around.
CUT TO the door of the storm cellar. There is golden light shining through the cracks in the door.
Voice: Kal-El, it is time.
Clark walks to the door and stands outside for moment, before opening it. He squints against the golden light, then starts down the stairs.
To be continued...
Fade to black.
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Wastin' My Time" by Boomkat
"In This Life" by Chantal Kreviazuk
"Everything To Me" by Elza
"Telling You Now" by Jessy Moss
"Signs Of Life" by Moby
************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x22 - Calling"} | foreverdreaming |
Episode #223 - "Exodus"
Original airdate: May 20, 2003
Written by: Al Gough & Miles Millar
Directed by: Greg Beeman
Act 1 Teaser
We see the open door to the underground storm cellar on the Kent property. Night. The gold light is still shining out of it.
CUT TO Clark coming down the stairs, the light reflecting off his face as a strong wind blows all around him. He sees the ship glowing and rising into the air. We hear the man's voice coming from the ship.
Voice: Fear not, Kal-El.
Clark: (Yelling to be heard over the wind) Who are you?
Voice: I am Jor-El... your father.
Clark: I thought you died!
Over the next line, the ship leans forward so that the front tip is pointing down at the ground.
Jor-El: I am his memory, his will. I am to fulfill his promise and guide you all the days of your life. You are the last son of Krypton.
The wings of the ship fold in until all that is left of the ship is the egg-shaped pod.
Jor-El: When you traveled through the cosmos, you carried the hopes and dreams of your people. They now live through you, Kal-El. It is time.
The pod morphs into a perfect replication of planet Earth and the gold light is replaced by a blue glow.
Clark: Time for what?
Jor-El: Time to accept your destiny.
Clark: I don't know what you have in mind for me, but I--
A shadow crawls over the small planet, as though the sun is setting. Then the golden glow of the sun shines from behind the planet.
Jor-El: By the setting of the sun Sol, you will return to me. Your destiny will be fulfilled.
Clark turns around and Lana appears there with Jonathan and Martha, bathed in warm light. They are all smiling at him serenely, not noticing the strangeness of the situation.
Jor-El: Your thoughts are not a mystery to me, Kal-El. These people have served their purpose. It is time to leave them.
Clark looks at Lana intensely, and she continues to smile. He reaches out to touch her face and his touch causes Lana, Martha, and Jonathan to disintegrate and disappear. He turns back to the ship, which has returned to the gold egg shape.
Clark: Please! Everything and everyone I love is here! In Smallville!
Jor-El: You must let go of your past. I will guide you to your future.
Clark: No, I don't want your guidance! I want to create my own future!
Jor-El: You have no choice, Kal-El.
The pod starts to spin until it explodes, sending out a blinding white light. Outside the storm cellar, the white light shines into the sky, and then abruptly goes out.
[Opening credits]
Act 1 Scene 1
Jonathan and Martha come outside and find Clark sitting on the front steps. Day.
Jonathan: Well, you're up early.
Clark: (Unhappy) I never went to sleep.
Martha: Clark? What's wrong?
Clark: (After a pause) I kind of met my biological father last night.
He looks up at Martha, who shares a worried look with Jonathan.
CUT TO the three of them coming down the stairs of the storm cellar.
Clark: When I heard his voice, it was coming from the ship. But it sounded like it was from my own head. He said it was time.
Jonathan: Said it was time for what?
Clark: To leave Smallville and fulfill my destiny.
Martha: He said that?
They approach the ship.
Clark: I have until sundown today.
Jonathan: Or what?
Clark: I'm not sure. He said I didn't have a choice. Why is it happening now when my life is just coming together? The farm's out of debt, I'm gonna be a big brother... Lana and I are finally getting together.
Martha: Whatever your biological father may have had in mind for you, they're his hopes and dreams, not yours.
Jonathan: Clark, you choose your own destiny. Nobody can decide that for you, son.
Clark looks at both of his parents very seriously. He takes a step toward them.
Clark: This is my home. And you're my parents. It's where I belong, and I'm not going anywhere.
He looks down at the ship and then back at his parents.
Act 1 Scene 2
There is a stack of wrapped wedding gifts in Lex's study. Day. Lex is standing behind the desk looking at the vial of blood from Helen's office. He steps out of his study and sees Helen and Lionel talking down the hall. Helen gives an envelope to Lionel and walks toward Lex.
Lex: I haven't seen you two together since, um, well Dad, since you tried to bribe Helen into dumping me.
Lionel: (Brief chuckle) And now Dr. Bryce refuses to accept this, my wedding gift to her. (He indicates the envelope) If you two, uh, star-crossed lovers will excuse me.
Lionel walks between them and down the hall, leaving.
Lex: (To Helen) You, uh, you want to tell me what that was all about?
Helen: Exactly what your father said. You know what? I'm tired of being a pawn in this never-ending struggle.
Helen goes into the study and Lex follows her.
Lex: We both said some things last night. I don't want to go into this marriage with any secrets between us.
Helen: I haven't held anything back.
Lex walks to the desk and opens the box revealing the metal vial. He hands it to Helen.
Lex: I have. Look inside.
She opens it and finds the vial of blood. She looks at Lex, shocked.
Lex: I did break into your office, and that's what I was after. I told you because I'm trying to break the cycle. I don't want to be the person who did this anymore.
Helen: (Near tears) But you did do it, Lex. You committed a crime. You violated my privacy and that of my patients.
Lex: I know.
Helen: What did you think would happen? That you'd give it back, tell me what you did, and I'd just forgive you and we would live happily ever after?
Lex: I don't know what I expected. All I know is that I love you.
Helen: I'm sure in some part of that twisted mind you do.
Helen starts to walk away.
Lex: I didn't have it analyzed.
Helen turns around.
Helen: What was so important about this blood, anyway?
Lex: I thought it would give me the answers I've been looking for.
Helen: All it did was end this relationship.
She turns around and leaves. Lex hangs his head.
Act 1 Scene 3
Clark and Lana are sitting on a blanket in a field near their horses. Day. Clark is sitting upright holding Lana who is leaning on his chest. He looks unhappy and Lana senses that something is wrong.
Lana: Are you okay?
Clark: Yeah, I'm great.
Lana pulls back so she can look into Clark's eyes.
Lana: You know, I can always tell when you're being less than truthful.
Clark: It's just that... I've waited for this for so long, for us. I just don't want it to go away.
Lana: I'm not going anywhere.
Clark: (Whispered) Neither am I.
They kiss each other heavily. When they pull away, Lana's eyes remained closed, a look of bliss on her face. Clark smiles and kisses her on the forehead.
Clark: So, uh, does this mean you're officially my date to Lex's wedding?
Lana: (Laughs) Only after we officially tell Chloe about our change in status. Clark, I've been avoiding her all day.
Clark thinks about this for a moment.
Clark: All right, just let me tell her. Chloe and I agreed that we'd be upfront about things like this.
Lana: Well, I'm sure if we're honest, she'll be fine.
Clark raises his eyebrows hopefully.
Act 1 Scene 4
Clark is looking at a newspaper in Lex's study. Day. There is a picture of Lionel with an article entitled Luthor Senior Spelunks Junior from Caves. Lex enters, seeing the paper.
Lex: I never realized the small town press could be so pithy.
Clark: What do you think your father's up to?
Lex: Apparently he's already got a team working overtime installing some pretty sophisticated machinery down there.
Clark: What for?
Lex: (Sitting behind the desk) I wish I could tell you, but I'm the last person he'd ever let back into those caves. He's tightened security. I doubt even you'll be able to get past.
Clark looks at Lex stubbornly.
Clark: (Changing the subject) Uh, where's this tailor? I'm kind of pressed for time today.
Lex: I canceled him.
Clark: Why?
Lex: Because Helen's not walking down the aisle tomorrow.
Clark: I saw her last night. She seemed really happy.
Lex gets up from the desk and walks to the middle of the room, facing away from Clark.
Lex: Yeah, well, a lot can change in 24 hours.
Clark: Why'd she break it off?
Lex: (Turning to face Clark) I've always been fighting my destiny, trying to avoid becoming my father. But we all have certain genes that, no matter how much we want to change, dominate us.
Clark shifts his eyes, starting to understand.
Clark: What'd you do?
Lex: (Sitting in a nearby chair) I betrayed Helen's trust. Then I fought my own nature and did something very unLuthor-like. I confessed my sin, hoping she'd forgive me.
Clark: (Sitting near Lex on the couch) My guess is she didn't.
Lex: Don't tell anyone, Clark. I want to hold onto my romantic notions for one more day.
Lex gives Clark a small smile and lowers his eyes. Clark looks away and then back at Lex sympathetically.
Act 1 Scene 5
Clark enters the underground caves. Day. There is metal scaffolding and electronic equipment everywhere including a stand holding a plastic tube focused straight at the octagonal groove in the wall. Encased in the tube is advanced looking machinery. Suddenly we hear a switch and the caves fill with artificial light. Lionel walks around the corner.
Lionel: I'm gonna have to put a stop to these unauthorized visits.
Clark: Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: What are you doing here?
Clark: I was just curious.
Lionel laughs.
Lionel: I suppose so. According to poor Dr. Walden, you're talked about quite a bit on these walls. Apparently you are going to rule us all.
Clark: I'm surprised someone like you, Mr. Luthor, would put stock in anything he had to say.
Lionel: I know you worked closely with the man, Clark. I'm sure there are insights you could give me. It would be extremely helpful.
Clark: He didn't tell me anything.
Lionel: Hmm.
Clark: What's with all the machinery?
Lionel: (Looking around) I'm going to unlock the secrets hidden in these walls.
Clark: Didn't you see what happened to Dr. Walden? It's dangerous.
Lionel: Yes, but I have something he didn't. The key. Once I insert that key into the slot, I'm convinced the answers will be revealed to me.
Clark: I don't understand. I thought the key was stolen from your vault.
Lionel: (Coming closer to Clark) It was, but before it mysteriously disappeared, I had it analyzed. The composition was unique. There's nothing like it on Earth, with one exception. (He leans up to Clark's ear, and whispers) The meteor rocks found here in Smallville.
He walks away from Clark.
Lionel: So I have fashioned my own key.
Lionel opens a small metal box and shows it to Clark.
Lionel: It's identical in every detail.
Inside the box is a key, exactly like the one to Clark's ship, except that it is a bright shade of green and transparent.
Lionel: Isn't it beautiful? Look.
Clark grimaces, becoming sick.
Lionel: Clark? You don't look well. Are you all right?
Clark turns away and walks toward the wall, gasping quietly.
Clark: I'm fine. Just... be careful.
Lionel: (Closing the box) Lionel Luthor's never gotten anywhere in life playing it safe.
Lionel puts the box down and looks at Clark excitedly. Clark lowers his eyes.
Act 1 Scene 6
Lana holds her dress up to herself, looking in the mirror in her room. Day. Chloe is standing in the doorway.
Chloe: I'm sure you'll render Clark speechless.
Lana: (Startled) Chloe, hi.
Chloe: (Coming in) Be careful you two don't upstage the bride and groom.
Lana: (Hanging up her dress) What do you mean?
Chloe: You two are going together, I assume.
Lana: Yeah, yeah. As friends.
Chloe: (Pause. Then brightly) Right. Friends.
Lana: Have you seen Clark? He's been looking for you.
Chloe: No. Uh, I've been trying to track him down all day, but his parents said that he was mired in best man duties. Uh, when did you see him last?
Lana: Oh, um, I ran into him at the Talon. He, uh, wanted to talk to you, said it was important.
Chloe: Well, I guess it couldn't be as important as you thought. Have fun tomorrow.
Chloe leaves and Lana sits down on her bed with a sigh.
Act 1 Scene 7
Clark watches a brilliant orange and gold sunset from the loft. Day. Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: I figured this is where I'd find you.
Clark: Just watching the sunset. I hope it's not the last one I see from up here.
Jonathan: It won't be, Clark. (Puts his hand on Clark's shoulder affectionately) Son, it's just another sundown.
Jonathan looks out at the sun sinking behind the horizon. Clark takes a deep breath, bracing himself as the sun goes all the way down. When the sun is completely out of sight, he and Jonathan look at each other, and Jonathan smiles, slapping Clark on the back.
Jonathan: Come on. Your mother's got dinner ready.
Clark: Yeah, I'll be there in a minute.
Jonathan starts to leave.
Clark: Dad?
Jonathan: Yeah.
Clark: Thanks for always believing in me.
Jonathan: You're welcome, son.
Jonathan leaves. We suddenly hear Jor-El's voice.
Jor-El: It is time, Kal-El. Come to me.
Clark looks around.
CUT TO Clark coming down the stairs of the storm cellar. The ship is hovering just above the ground, glowing slightly.
Jor-El: You will obey me, Kal-El.
Clark: You're not my father. I won't let you control me.
The ship turns so that the front is pointed at Clark. There is a white blast and Clark is thrown into the corner of the ceiling, upside down with his back against the wall. He screams, unable to move. His screams suddenly become more urgent and he rips open his shirt as a symbol is slowly being b*rned onto his chest.
Jor-El: This is the mark of your ancestors. You cannot fight it, Kal-El.
Clark: Aaah!
Jor-El: At the zenith of the star Sol, you will begin your journey.
The ship lowers and Clark falls to the ground.
Jor-El: If you do not, you will hurt the ones you love most.
Clark tries to get up and falls onto his back, revealing the complete symbol on his chest, still glowing slightly.
Fade to black.
Act 2 Scene 1
Clark leans against a fence outside his house. Day. He is holding Lana's meteor necklace that is now completely clear and harmless to him. Jonathan and Martha come outside, dressed for the wedding.
Martha: Clark! Why aren't you ready?
Clark puts the necklace in his pocket.
Clark: The wedding doesn't start for a few hours.
Jonathan: Your mother wants to get a good seat, son.
Martha: I promised Helen I'd go early and check the flowers.
Clark: Well, I gotta pick up Lana, so I'll meet you there.
Martha: We obviously have to get used to the fact that you have a girlfriend now.
Clark smiles half-heartedly. Martha looks at Jonathan, concerned.
Jonathan: Clark. How's it going today, son?
Clark: Good.
Jonathan: No voice?
Clark: (After a brief hesitation) No voice.
Jonathan: Looks like you're just gonna have to face the future the old-fashioned way.
Clark: I guess so. It's pretty scary.
Jonathan: (Chuckles) Yeah.
Jonathan and Martha start walking to the truck.
Clark: Mom?
Martha: Yes.
Clark: (Serious, sad) You look beautiful today.
Martha: Thank you, sweetheart.
Jonathan helps Martha into the truck and Clark is clearly distressed.
Act 2 Scene 2
Lex sits in the study, dressed in his tuxedo, and holding two wedding rings. Day. Helen enters, dressed casually.
Lex: (Standing up) Helen. You're here.
Helen: I am so angry at you. What you did was unforgivable.
Lex: You're right.
Helen: (Walking past him and sitting down) But the farther I got from you and this town... I realized that while any sane person would've kept driving, I needed to turn around. I started to look at myself and the mistakes that I've made in my life.
Lex: (Sitting next to her) I hope I'm not one of them.
Helen: No, Lex, you're not. That's the thing. I still love you.
Lex looks at her for a long time, his face neutral.
Act 2 Scene 3
Clark opens his shirt in the storm cellar. Day. Pete looks at the symbol scarred onto his chest.
Pete: Oh, man. Does it hurt?
Clark: No. Not now.
Pete: You got any idea what it means?
Clark: (Walks toward the ship) It's my biological father's way of telling me I have to do what he wants. I'm afraid by noon, it'll control me.
Pete: Your parents must be freaked out.
Clark: (Buttoning his shirt) I didn't tell them.
Pete: Why wouldn't you tell them, Clark?
Clark: Because, Pete, I know what I have to do. They'll never agree with me in a million years. I have to destroy the ship.
Pete: What? Clark, no. This thing traveled millions of miles through space. I don't think we can dent it, much less destroy it.
Clark: What if we had a Kryptonite key?
Pete: Clark, this is whacked!
Clark takes Lana's necklace out of his pocket and shows it to Pete.
Clark: Pete... do you remember Lana's necklace?
Pete: Yeah, but what's that have to do with destroying the ship?
Clark: Everything, Pete. When Tina Grier tied me up down here, it nearly k*lled me. But before it could, the ship neutralized it.
Pete: You said the ship was protecting you
Clark: What if it's actually protecting itself? Think about it, Pete. I'm from Krypton and so is this ship and what's the one thing that can k*ll me?
Pete: So you're thinking that Kryptonite can destroy the ship. (Clark merely looks at Pete in response) Clark, it's too dangerous. Do you hear me? You've never done this before. You don't know what'll happen. It could k*ll you.
Clark continues to look at the ship.
Pete: Besides, where are we gonna get a Kryptonite key?
Clark looks at Pete.
Act 2 Scene 4
The machine aimed at the octagonal groove in the cave is humming and moving as if taking measurements. Day. The cave is filled with workers and Lionel supervises, holding the metal key box.
Lionel: (To a woman typing on a computer) How much longer now?
Woman: Another ten minutes.
Lionel: (Mildly annoyed) Another ten minutes.
Pete enters, yelling.
Pete: Hey, Luthor! I got something to say to you!
Lionel puts the metal box down on a nearby metal stand.
Lionel: (Calmly) Security, get him out of here.
Two men try to grab Pete.
Pete: Don't put your hands on me! Get off me! (To Lionel) If these guys don't let me go I'm gonna lay a lawsuit on you so fast it's gonna make your head spin.
Lionel: All right, all right, I'll talk him. (The men let Pete go) Do I know you?
Pete: Name's Pete Ross.
Lionel: (Trying to remember) Ross, Ross, Ross.
Pete: As in Ross Creamed Corn. You stole my family's business.
Lionel: Yes. I overpaid for that ramshackle old factory.
Pete: (Grabbing Lionel's jacket) Nobody in this town likes you!
The two guards pull Pete back.
Pete: (To the guards) Don't touch me. You know you hate him.
Lionel: I know that, but I value their hatred. I find it very useful. You see, people are always at their weakest when they're angry. Ask you father.
Pete looks over Lionel's shoulder and sees Clark super speed in and out of the room, taking the key box with him. He moves so fast, we see little more than a blur. No one else notices. Pete is obviously relieved.
Pete: (Calmer) I'll do that.
Lionel: (To the men) Get him out.
They start to grab Pete, but he pulls out of their grip and leaves on his own. Lionel walks to the stand and sees that the box is gone.
Lionel: No...no...NOOO! (He turns to Pete) You-- Search him. Search him.
The men start to search Pete.
Pete: Search me? What are you doing?
Lionel: Where is it?
Pete: Where's what?
Lionel raises his hand as if to strike Pete, but stops himself.
Pete: Careful, Mr. Luthor. You wouldn't want to look weak.
Lionel shakes his head at Pete angrily.
Act 2 Scene 5
Lex is standing in the wedding chapel, looking up at the stained glass window above the alter. Day. Jonathan and Martha walk up behind him. The chapel is empty except for a few decorators putting the flowers in place.
Jonathan: Lex.
Lex: Mr. and Mrs. Kent. Where's the, uh, best man?
Martha: Well, you know Clark and punctuality have never been on the best terms, but he'll be here.
Jonathan: I got you something.
Jonathan holds up an antique compass that opens like a pocket watch.
Lex: A compass.
Jonathan: Yeah, it's a Kent family tradition. My father gave me one on our wedding day, just in case I got lost going down the aisle.
Lex: (Touched) Thank you, Mr. Kent.
They shake hands.
Act 2 Scene 6
Clark walks into the loft, holding the metal box. Day. Lana is on the upper level, wearing her dress for the wedding.
Lana: Why aren't you dressed?
Clark: (Looking up at her) Wow.
Lana smiles. Clark looks down at the box and an expression of dread comes over his face. He starts up the stairs and puts the box in his jacket pocket. Lana brings him his tuxedo.
Clark: Um, there's something I have to do first.
Lana: What?
Clark: I can't tell you. Just know it's for us and our future.
Lana: Last time a guy said that to me, um, he went off to w*r.
Clark runs his hand softly down Lana's cheek.
Clark: You should go. I'll meet you there.
They kiss.
Lana: Are you sure you're all right?
Clark: Yeah. (He smiles) Go.
Lana: Okay.
Lana goes down the stairs.
Clark: Lana, I--
Lana stops about halfway down and turns around.
Lana: Yeah?
Clark: (Smiling through his pain) I just wanted to remember this moment.
Lana smiles at him and continues down the stairs. On her way out the door, she looks slightly confused. Clark watches her go, taking a breath as the weight of the situation is evident on his face. He takes the box out of his jacket and continues to gaze longingly in the direction of the door.
Fade to black.
Act 3 Scene 1
The wedding chapel is full of seated guests. Day. Lex looks at his watch and goes to Martha and Jonathan who are seated in the front.
Lex: Any word on Clark? Helen's already circled the church five times.
Martha: He was coming with Lana.
Martha turns around and sees Lana coming up the aisle. She comes to them and leans over the pew.
Jonathan: Lana, where's Clark?
Lana: He said he had something to do. It seemed important.
Martha turns to Jonathan, worried. They both stand up.
Lex: Mr. Kent.
Jonathan: I'm sorry, Lex. It looks like you're gonna have to start your wedding without your best man.
Lex: We can wait.
Jonathan: Hey, don't worry about Clark. You have far more important things to do here. Good luck.
Jonathan and Martha leave.
Act 3 Scene 2
Clark comes out of the loft just as Chloe is driving up. Day. He check his watch and it's 11:50.
Chloe: (Getting out the car) Hey, Clark, I'm glad I caught you before the wedding.
Clark: Chloe, what are you doing here?
Chloe: Is everything okay? I mean, I heard you were looking for me.
Clark: Yeah, um, I was, but... (He looks out toward the storm cellar) I can't talk to you right now.
He starts pushing her back to her car.
Chloe: What are you doing?
Clark: Look, I promise I'll find you later.
Chloe: Clark, I--
Clark: Don't worry. I'll find you, okay?
Clark starts to walk away and Chloe stands at her car, watching him.
Chloe: So how'd you decide? Rock-paper-scissors, coin toss, or did you just happen to draw the short straw?
Clark: Decide?
Chloe: (Walking toward him) Who was gonna tell me that you and Lana are together.
Clark: You know?
Chloe: Yeah. I came over to the barn the other night to warn you about something.
Clark: About what?
Chloe: You know, it doesn't matter now. The point is I saw you and Lana in a major lip lock.
Clark: I-I didn't mean--
Chloe: (Getting angry) Didn't what, Clark? Newsflash. You've always been in love with Lana. I tried to deny it, thinking that maybe we could work something out, but it's like fate, Clark. Inevitable, but always surprising when it actually happens.
Clark: I was gonna tell you.
Chloe: Really? Because obviously it was on the top of your to-do list. You know, I can deal with the fact that you guys are together. It hurts, but I was prepared for it. But we just made a promise to be honest with each other, and you didn't have the guts to keep you word!
Clark: Chloe--
Chloe: Or was it just that it was too much fun making a fool of me that you couldn't reveal your secret? (She starts walking to her car) Have a nice life, Clark.
Clark watches her drive away. Then he runs in the opposite direction.
Act 3 Scene 3
The Wedding March plays in the chapel and everyone is standing as Helen walks up the aisle in her white wedding dress. Day. She smiles at Lex and he smiles in return. She gets near the front and Lana is watching her, smiling but worried.
CUT TO Jonathan and Martha speeding home in the truck, clearly worried.
CUT TO Clark opening the door of the storm cellar. He grips the key box tightly and goes down the stairs. He approaches the ship, bathed in the foreboding blue light of the cellar, and holds the box in front of him. He takes a view breaths to prepare himself as he shifts back and forth on his feet and nods his head. Then he squeezes the box in his hands, crushing it, and revealing the Kryptonite key which immediately begins to glow and cause him pain.
Clark gasps a few times before falling to his knees. He is moving the key toward the groove in the ship with his right hand, which is already so weak that he has to hold it up with his left hand. The veins in his hand are a dark green and so prominent that they look like they are above the skin. Shaking, he slowly moves the key closer and closer to the groove, grunting as he finally gets it in and falls back onto the ground.
Immediately the surface of the ship starts to fester and burn in all directions from the key, accompanied by a sound of scraping metal. Clark crawls farther away as the ship continues to burn, rising jerkily into the air. Clark watches from the ground. The ship is trembling in midair, the burning surfaces sending out a green glow that fills the cellar as the screeching sound of the metal gets louder. The ship's shaking gets more and more violent until it disappears in a flash of white light.
Outside we see the door of the storm cellar sink into the ground and inside there is another burst of white light. It sh**t out the door and straight into the sky and then sends out a ring of white energy expanding outward from the hole in the ground.
We see Jonathan and Martha driving, nearly home. They see the huge ring of energy, taller than a nearby telephone pole, shining and transparent, coming straight for them.
Martha: Aaah!
Jonathan swerves to avoid it and ends up driving into a field as sparks shower down from the telephone pole. The truck tips over and rolls several times, landing upside down.
CUT TO Lex's limo driving onto the airport runway. Lex and Helen get out smiling, and jog over to the LuthorCorp jet where a security officer is waiting outside the open door of the plane.
Man: Mr. and Mrs. Luthor, welcome aboard. It'll be a couple of minutes before we can take off. The tower's generator just kicked in. Seems the whole county suffered some sort of power failure.
Lex: Good. It'll mask our get away.
Lex gives the officer a playful slap on the shoulder and gets on the plane
CUT TO Clark lying on the ground, covered in rubble. He coughs and starts to sit up, pushing a plank of wood off his stomach. His shirt is shredded into rags, the sleeves almost completely gone. His face and hair are smeared with dirt. He finally gets to his feet and looks around, stumbling as he is slightly off balance. The angle widens and we see that he is in what is left of the storm cellar: a giant crater in the ground. The stairs up to ground level are the only recognizable feature remaining.
Clark runs up the stairs and trips at the top, falling onto his face. He gets up and looks into the distance where he sees Jonathan's red truck upside down in the field near the barn. He super speeds over to it.
CUT TO the LuthorCorp jet. We can hear the engines powering up as Lex sits across from Helen in the lavish plane. She has two glasses of champagne, one of which she hands to him. He takes her hand.
Lex: (Toasting) To our new life.
Helen smiles timidly, not responding.
Lex: What's the matter?
Helen: Nothing. Everything's perfect.
They clink their glasses together and sip their champagne.
Act 3 Scene 4
Jonathan stands outside a hospital room where Martha is unconscious. Day. Three different doctors are taking care of her as Jonathan watches through the window. Clark enters the hallway behind him.
Clark: How is she?
Jonathan: (Quiet) Doctors don't know yet. (Pause) What did you do, Clark?
Clark: I stole Lionel's Kryptonite key. I put it in the ship.
Jonathan: (Walking away from the window, behind Clark) And why did you do that?
Clark: Dad, I lied about the voice. (He turns to face Jonathan who is leaning against the opposite wall, facing away from Clark) It did come back. It told me I had to leave by noon. I didn't have a choice, Dad. I had to destroy the ship.
Jonathan: (Holding back tears) Why didn't you tell us?
Clark: I knew you wouldn't agree with what I did. Dad, I didn't want it to take me away from you. I'm so sorry for what I did.
Jonathan: (Turns to Clark, angry) Your actions have consequences, Clark. Didn't your mother and I ever teach you that?
Clark: Yes, but--
Jonathan: There's no time for excuses, Clark. It's too late. You didn't think this thing through. You had no idea what was gonna happen, and now... Now your mother is lying in a hospital bed.
The doctor comes out of Martha's room.
Doctor: Mr. Kent?
Jonathan: (Composing himself) Doctor, how is my wife?
Doctor: She has a mild concussion, but she'll be fine.
Jonathan: And how is our baby?
Doctor: I'm sorry.
Jonathan stands motionless as the doctor walks away.
Clark: Dad...
Jonathan shakes his head, unwilling to listen. He goes into Martha's hospital room and slams the door behind him. Clark stays where he is, shaken.
Fade to black.
Act 4 Scene 1
Lana walks up to the hole in the ground where the storm cellar was. Day. Clark is standing in the middle of it, a dazed expression on his face.
Lana: (Shocked) Clark, what happened? Looks like a b*mb went off. (Coming down the stairs) Where are your parents?
Clark: (Quietly, without looking at her) Hospital. They're fine. My mom lost the baby.
Lana: (Coming closer) The baby?
Clark: This is all my fault, Lana. I did this.
Lana: How could you do this?
Clark: The same way I always do. I bring pain and suffering to everyone's lives.
Lana: Clark, that's not true.
Clark: Yes, Lana, it is. Lana, I've kept so much from you. If you knew the truth, you'd never talk to me again.
Lana: I don't believe that.
Clark: (His eyes fill with tears) I tried to cover up my past and push it away. I-I couldn't. (He paces around aimlessly) He said if I didn't go, everyone I love would be hurt. He was right.
Lana: (Coming closer) Clark, you're in shock. You're not making any--
Clark: (Pulling away) No, Lana, stay from me. Stay away from me before I hurt you too.
Clark runs up the stairs and away from the hole, leaving Lana confused and upset.
Act 4 Scene 2
Lionel pours a cup of tea for a guest in Lex's study. Day. The guest picks up the tea and sips it, but we can't see who it is.
Lionel: I'm glad you finally decided to accept my offer. You know, don't you, you have a very exciting future ahead of you, Miss Sullivan.
We see that he is talking to Chloe.
Chloe: Well, opportunities like this aren't dropped on your doorstep every day.
Lionel: Why the sudden change of heart?
Chloe: You were right about Clark. He wasn't who I thought he was.
Lionel: (Unsurprised) Oh.
Chloe: I'm surprised I hadn't noticed earlier. So much for my crack journalistic instinct.
Lionel: No, no, love has a way of blinding even the sharpest minds. We don't look because we don't want to see. But once love has been stripped away, then we see the real person clearly. They're revealed to us with all their flaws, their foibles, and their secrets.
Chloe blinks, only the slightest bit of nervousness showing on her face. Lionel looks at his watch.
Lionel: Oh, I've got a meeting. I'm sorry to rush you out like this.
Chloe: (Standing) It's fine.
Lionel starts to walk Chloe to the door and she stops.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor? Why are you so interested in Clark?
Lionel: (Chuckles) You don't expect me to show you all my cards, now do you?
Chloe: No, I guess not.
Lionel walks her to the door and opens it for her.
Lionel: All will be revealed in good time, Miss Sullivan.
Chloe: (Smiling) Thank you, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel chuckles good-naturedly and Chloe leaves. Once he closes the door, Lionel takes a silver LuthorCorp envelope out of his jacket pocket, seemingly the same envelope he tried to give to Helen. He holds it in his hand, contemplating.
Act 4 Scene 3
Clark walks to the window of Martha's hospital room. Day. Inside Martha is sobbing as Jonathan holds her in his arms.
Jonathan: I'm here, sweetheart. I'm here.
Clark touches his hand to the window, his own heartbreak showing on his face.
CUT TO Clark walking down the empty hall at school. He enters the Torch and goes to Chloe's desk, opening a drawer. He pulls it all the way out to look through it, then throws it on the ground and moves on to the next one. Pete enters.
Pete: Clark. I've been looking all over for you. I heard what happened.
Clark: (Still pulling out drawers) What, are you here to tell me I screwed up in some major way?
Pete: No. Hey, listen, I'm sorry and I want to help.
Clark: It's too late for that, Pete. No one can help me now.
Clark moves on to the other desk and keeps searching frantically.
Pete: Clark, what are you looking for?
Clark: I know Chloe kept one of those red Kryptonite rings around here somewhere.
Pete: Yeah, well, what do you want it for? You know what it does to you.
Clark: Yeah. It makes me feel better.
Pete: That's not the answer, Clark.
Clark keeps looking.
Pete: I saw Lana. I heard what happened to your mom's baby. Clark, you need to talk to your folks.
Clark: (Finally turning to face Pete) I did talk to my parents, Pete! You should have seen the way my dad looked at me. It was like I was an alien. If I'd have done what I should've in the beginning, none of this would have happened.
Clark glances at the floor and sees a small ring box under the desk among the other things he had emptied out of the drawers. He kneels down to pick it up and opens it, revealing the red Kryptonite class ring. He starts to leave and Pete stops him.
Pete: Clark, don't do it. When you put that ring on, you're not yourself.
Clark: Exactly what I don't want to be right now, Pete.
Clark pushes Pete out of the way and walks out the door. Pete comes after him.
Pete: Clark!
Pete shakes his head, discouraged.
Act 4 Scene 4
Clark walks a motorcycle out onto the dirt road outside his house. Day. Lana walks up, worried.
Lana: Clark, where are you going?
Clark walks away from the motorcycle and grabs his leather jacket from a bale of hay where it is resting.
Clark: Away from here.
Lana: The Clark Kent I know wouldn't run away from his problems.
Clark: (Putting on his jacket and going back to the motorcycle) The Clark Kent you know is a lie.
Lana: Why won't you let me in?
Clark: Because, Lana, you won't like what you see.
Lana comes to his side and grabs his arm, turning him around to face her.
Lana: I am not giving up on you.
Clark: No on can save me. Not even you.
Lana: (Starting to cry) Your parents need you. (Whispered as a tear rolls down her cheek) I need you.
Clark looks away painfully. Lana pulls his face back to her.
Lana: I love you, Clark.
Clark: I love you, too... more than you'll ever know. That's why I have to leave.
He turns away from her and pulls the ring out of his pocket. He sits down on the motorcycle and puts the ring on, the red in his veins crawling up his arm and his eyes glow red briefly. He takes a breath, almost relieved as the pain leaves his features, and turns to Lana.
Clark: Come with me.
Lana: Smallville's my home. It's your home too.
Clark shakes his head and puts on his sunglasses.
Clark: Not anymore.
He starts the motorcycle and speeds away, leaving Lana alone and in tears in the middle of the dirt road.
Act 4 Scene 5
We see the LuthorCorp Jet flying through dense clouds in the middle of a turbulent thunderstorm. Night. Inside, Lex is unconscious in his seat. Lightning flashes a few times and he slowly wakes up.
Lex: (Looking around) Helen?
Thunder crashes and Lex stands up. We can see the emergency oxygen masks hanging from the ceiling. The hum of the engines stops as they completely lose power, causing the plane to jerk. Lex grabs onto a seat to keep his balance.
Lex: Helen?!
Lex walks toward the front of the plane, the turbulence becoming more violent as he goes and he nearly loses his balance several times. He steadies himself in the doorway right in front of the cockpit. Then he lunges for the cockpit door and opens it. He freezes in fear at what he sees.
The cockpit is empty. The control panel has been torn apart, wires hanging down, and sparks flying everywhere. Through the front window, we can see the water of the ocean getting closer as the plane nosedives. Lex's eyes widen. The plane gets closer and closer until it finally hits, and the water crashes in through the windshield.
CUT TO Clark speeding down a country road on the motorcycle, an expression of fierce determination on his face. We hear the voice of Jor-El.
Jor-El: You will obey me, Kal-El.
Clark keeps going down the long straight road of Smallville toward the skyscrapers of Metropolis, just barely visible on the horizon.
Fade to black.
This Episode of Smallville featured music by:
"Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put a Spell on You)" by Aqualung
"High On Sunshine" by Kelly Brock
"Take Me Away" by Lifehouse
"w*apon" by Matthew Good
************************************************************************
Transcribed by: Kerrplop | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x23 - Exodus"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 1st, 2003
A sh*t of the night sky. There are a few thin clouds and the full moon is shining brightly.
Screen Text: Three Months Later
We lower down from the moon and see the rotating globe on the top of the Daily Planet in Metropolis with several large buildings in the background. We soar slowly over the globe, then sh**t straight down the side of the building to the street below, heading straight for a figure walking along the sidewalk. With a blast of loud music and the sound of passing cars and people, we get to the figure and see that it's Clark Kent. He is wearing a black shirt and jacket and blue jeans and he is strutting along the sidewalk with the smallest hint of a dangerous smile on his face. He clenches his right hand into a fist for a moment. The red kryptonite ring shines on his finger.
He stops outside of a car shop called Metropolis Luxury Auto. Through the display window he sees a sleek, and obviously expensive silver convertible rotating on the turn table. He walks closer to the window and looks in at the car lustily.
Cut to Clark punching through an ATM machine at the Bank of Metropolis. He reaches in and shovels handfuls of bills into a leather bag. Next to him are a whole row of ATM machines that he has already broken and the ground is littered with cash. Clark smiles as he puts a few more large bills into the bag and then zips it shut.
Cut to the showroom of Metropolis Luxury Auto. He walks past the car, rubbing his hand over the spoiler. A sexy blond saleswoman approaches.
Clark: I like this car. How much is it?
Woman: If you have to ask, you can't afford it.
Clark: [Still looking at the car] Try me.
Woman: $240,000.
Clark: [Whistles, then unzips the leather bag] This should cover it.
The woman looks into the bag, shocked.
Clark: Let me take it for a test drive.
She looks into Clark's eyes and smiles.
Cut to an issue of the Metropolis Inquisitor lying in the street. There is a picture of Lex Luthor and an article entitled "R.I.P. Lex, Search Called Off - Funeral Friday." The silver convertible squeals to a stop with the tire right over the Inquisitor, and Clark and the woman step out of the car. They are outside a flashy nightclub. Clark takes her hand and leads her through the crowd of people waiting outside, and the valet parking attendant comes to Clark.
Attendant: Cool ride, Kal.
Clark: You like it? It's yours. [He tosses the attendant the keys and continues toward the door of the club] Keep it.
The attendant watches him go with wide eyes and a shocked smile.
Cut to Clark leading the woman into the club through a mass of scantily clad dancers, flashing lights, and loud dance music. A sign hanging above the bar says Atlantis, which is the name of the club. Clark and the woman stand next to each other at the bar.
Woman: So, Kal. Where you from?
Clark: Someplace I'm trying to forget.
Woman: [Standing closer to him, flirting] Me too.
She leans in and kisses him. They kiss hungrily for several seconds as she rubs her hands up and down his chest. When they finish kissing, she sees that the top button of Clark's shirt is undone and she notices the top of the Kryptonian symbol that was b*rned into his chest.
Woman: What is that?
Clark: It's a birthmark.
Woman: [Rubbing his chest] Ooh, it's pretty big for a birthmark.
Clark: [Grabbing her arm violently] Don't touch.
Woman: Ow! That hurt! Jerk.
She walks away. Standing behind the bar, the bartender watches her go.
Bartender: What's the deal, Kal? Every night you roll in here with a babe, but you always leave empty-handed. What are you, a monk or something?
Clark: What's the point of starting something if it's just gonna end badly?
Clark drops a 100-dollar bill on the bar.
Cut to the street outside Atlantis. Clark is walking across the street away from the club, when he suddenly doubles over in pain, gasping and clutching at his chest. He makes it across the street and stumbles into a nearby phone booth, leaning against the inside window as his pain intensifies.
He suddenly rips open his shirt and the Kryptonian symbol is glowing red hot, burning him.
Clark: Aaah! Aaaah!
He collapses on the floor of the phone booth and finally rips off his kryptonite ring. The symbol immediately stops glowing and his pain is gone. He looks up at the telephone.
Cut to a phone ringing on a table. Martha Kent answers it.
Martha: Hello?
Clark holds the receiver to his ear, breathing softly.
Martha: [Gentle, hopeful] Clark. Is that you?
Clark continues to breathe, a look of anguish on his face as he hears his mother's voice.
Martha: Please, come home.
Clark stays on the line a moment longer and then abruptly hangs up the phone, near tears.
Martha hangs up her phone as well.
Clark then turns around and puts the ring back on, sending red through the veins in his arm and up his flexed bicep as he clenches his fist in front of his face. He closes his eyes tightly and takes a deep breath of relief as the ring takes its drug-like effect. He opens his eyes and they glow with red.
[Opening credits]
A sh*t of the Metropolis skyline. Day. There are dozens of skyscrapers with the Daily Planet right in the center.
Cut to a man wearing a hideous almost demonic clown mask in the bank.
Man: Everyone on the floor now!
People gasp and scream as they fall to the floor. The man, along with several others wearing similar masks, run around yelling and pointing large g*n. Another of the thieves drops several thick stacks of bills into a bag.
Cut to a police helicopter making its way through the sky.
Man: [To someone on the floor] Stay down! Face down! h*t the floor!
A security guard crawls up behind the thief, attempting to surprise him. The thief turns around and opens f*re on the guard. A woman screams and ducks, holding her head.
A man in a ski mask on a motorcycle suddenly crashes through the front window of the bank. He swerves to a stop, knocking over one of the thieves. We see the red kryptonite ring glowing on his finger. He gets off the motorcycle and we get a clear look at his eyes through the mask, revealing that it's Clark.
Thief: sh**t the bastard!
Another one of the clown thieves opens f*re on Clark, sending b*llet after b*llet. We see it happen in slow motion as Clark knocks the b*ll*ts out of the air with his hands and dodges them. Then he is suddenly behind the thief and taps him on the shoulder. The thief turns around.
Clark: Stick to balloon animals.
Clark opens his fist and several b*ll*ts fall to the ground. He then throws the thief across the room at the wall. Then Clark begins walking to the desk where the other thief has the bag of money. The thief sh**t Clark in the chest over and over and Clark just keeps coming. He grabs the thief by the neck.
Clark: Sorry, Krusty. I saw the bank first.
Clark lifts him up over the desk and throws him to the ground.
Outside a row of Swat officers lines up and aim their g*n at the bank.
Clark picks up the bag of money and walks to the door as the clown on the floor behind him takes off his mask revealing a tattoo on the side of his face. He watches Clark in wonder.
The police helicopter continues its approach and police cars wait outside the bank, the officers all pointing their g*n. Clark walks out onto the sidewalk slowly and turns around, looking at all the chaos. Several voices are heard through megaphones.
Woman: Fall to your knees!
Man: Put your hands up.
An officer Maggie Sawyer yells into her megaphone.
Maggie: Drop the bag! This is your final warning!
Clark reaches into his jacket and all of the Swat officers and the police begin sh**ting. Clark remains where he is as the b*ll*ts bounce off of him and his eyes suddenly turn red as he uses his heat vision on one of the police cars. The car jumps into the air as it explodes and officers all around drop to the ground.
Maggie gets back to her feet and holds her g*n before her as she runs forward. On the ground she sees Clark's ski mask. She holds it up and it is full of b*llet holes.
Cut to a back alley. Clark super speeds into the alley and comes to an abrupt stop with a triumphant smile.
Kent Farm. Night. Pete talks to Martha and Jonathan in the kitchen. Jonathan is holding an issue of the Daily Planet with a headline that says "Masked Man Continues to Rampage Metropolis."
Pete: His crimes just keep getting bigger and bigger.
Martha: We can't be sure it's Clark.
Pete: Look, I know you don't want to believe, but ... it's him. What are we gonna do?
Jonathan looks at the picture of Maggie Sawyer pointing her g*n at the masked figure of Clark.
Martha: There really isn't anything ...
Jonathan: [To Pete] Yeah. You get in the truck. I'm gonna get my coat.
Jonathan leaves the room and Pete starts to follow him. Martha puts a hand on his arm, stopping him, then she follows Jonathan.
Martha: Where are you going?
Jonathan: I'm going to get him.
Martha: He knows what red kryptonite does. He can take that ring off anytime.
Jonathan: Martha, I don't know that.
Martha: Jonathan, the phone calls. They're the first step.
Jonathan: I can't just sit around in this farmhouse and do nothing anymore.
Martha: Well, even if you find him, how exactly do you plan on bringing him home? It's been three months. We've been searching all that time. We filed a missing person's report, we have done everything we can.
Jonathan: Martha ...
Martha: [Loudly] The fact is Clark doesn't want to be found. [Quieter, holding Jonathan's shoulders] He'll come home to us when he's ready. We just have to have faith. Okay?
Jonathan: [In a whisper] Yeah.
Lana is working in the Talon. Day. She is carrying a tray of coffee to a table and Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey. I haven't seen you in like a week. I was wondering if we still lived under the same roof.
Lana: I'm swamped here. Your dad said you spent the entire afternoon at the Daily Planet.
Lana puts the coffee down at a table.
Chloe: Yeah, as far as my editor's concerned, picking up his dry cleaning is more of a priority than meeting face to face with the junior columnist. I thought maybe we could have lunch.
Lana: I can't. With Lex gone the Talon's been relegated to LuthorCorp accountants who have no interest in a coffee shop in Smallville.
Chloe: Okay. Uh, well, if you need a ride to Lex's funeral I'm always available for chauffeuring and moral support.
Lana: Thanks. I'm going with the Kents.
Chloe: Have you heard from Clark?
Lana: [Shakes her head.] I was thinking of staying in Metropolis with Nell for a few days. I feel guilty I haven't spent more time searching for him.
Chloe: He's not lost, Lana.
Lana: You may have written him off, but I can't give up hope.
Chloe: Clark ran away. He made a conscious decision to leave his friends, his family, and the girl he claimed to love.
Lana walks toward the bar, hurt. Chloe follows.
Chloe: Lana, I know we've said our piece about what happened and we can continue doing the avoidance dance we've perfected all summer, but the fact is I'm worried about you.
Lana: I'm the last person you need to worry about.
Chloe: Pining over Clark only leads to personal misery. Trust me, I wrote the book. Now you need to move on. He obviously has.
Lana: I don't believe that. I just think he's waiting for the right person to find him.
Lana walks away and Chloe watches her go, worried.
A row of penthouses in Metropolis. Day. Inside, Clark sleeps in a bed with satin sheets. He is shirtless and we see the symbol on his chest.
Two men enter the room. One is the clown thief who removed his mask in the bank. They both point g*n at Clark's bed and sh**t for several seconds, sending feathers from the comforter flying into the air. They stop f*ring and the bed is completely still. Coming closer to the bed, the man with the tattoo on his face pokes at the blankets with his g*n.
Clark suddenly pushes the blankets off of himself, grabs both men by the neck, and throws them across the room. Clark gets to his feet, playing with the ring on his finger.
Clark: Who sent you?
A classy middle-aged man with white hair, Morgan Edge, walks up. He wears glasses and is very nicely dressed.
Morgan: I did. Morgan Edge.
Morgan holds out his hand to shake, but Clark merely turns away and puts on his shirt.
Morgan: That's a hell of a scar. How'd you get it?
Clark: My dad's a real bastard. What do you want?
Clark sits on a couch.
Morgan: You came to my club flashing money, and then you interrupt my guys at the bank. I take it that was not coincidence.
Clark: [Laughing] Those clowns? They work for you?
Morgan: You've made quite a reputation for yourself. I set up this test so I could see with my own eyes if you were man or myth. And clearly, you're both.
Clark: Well, I'm glad I could clear it up for you ... Mr. Edge.
Morgan: I'd like to talk about a job opportunity.
Clark: Thanks. But I'm really not looking for work right now. I like to fly solo.
Morgan: [Sitting] No matter how many b*ll*ts bounce off you, Kal, you're still a kid, and I'm the biggest crime boss in Metropolis.
Clark: Well, I would think you could afford better help.
He looks over at the two thieves who are just getting off the ground.
Morgan: That's why we're talking. I got this one job. It'll make you Midas rich. So when you are tired of playing the little league, you know where to find me.
Morgan gets up, leaving Clark alone, thoughtful.
Chloe walks into the caves below Smallville. Day. She appears to be searching for someone.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor? Mr. Luthor?
She turns around several times and Lionel Luthor is suddenly standing behind her. She turns around and sees him.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor. I got your message. I admit I was surprised to hear that you wanted to meet today considering the fact that tomorrow is Lex's ...
Lionel: My son is gone, Miss Sullivan, and there is nothing I can do now but put his memory to rest and get on with the business of living.
He walks to the wall where the octagonal groove was. We see that it isn't there anymore.
Lionel: You remember there used to be an octagonal keyhole here.
Chloe: Vaguely. I didn't spend much time in this cave.
Lionel: Trust me, it was right here. It disappeared the same day as that ... inexplicable expl*si*n on the Kent farm. The same day that our young friend Clark went into exile. You haven't seen him ... have you?
Chloe: After the fight that Clark and I had, I'd be the last person he'd call.
Lionel: Mmm. [He holds up a newspaper] I've enjoyed reading your column, Miss Sullivan. You're a good writer. [Reading from the column] "The worst sin of age is to forget the trials of youth."
Chloe smiles at Lionel and he chuckles.
Lionel: I just wish that report you did for me on Clark Kent had the same kind of insight.
Chloe: Well, I gave you everything I had.
Lionel: But you came to me with such vigor, and now it seems your enthusiasm for our arrangement is, uh, waning.
Chloe: It's kind of hard to find information when the subject is M.I.A.
Lionel: It might help you to view that as a test of your reporter's mettle. You're such a promising young talent, I'd hate to see an opportunity like this vanish like the keyhole on this wall here.
Chloe: thr*at me, Mr. Luthor, isn't gonna make Clark magically reappear.
Lionel: [Reading from the article] "All decisions have consequences." Clark chose to run away from his. You gonna run away from yours too, Miss Sullivan?
Chloe swallows nervously. Lionel walks away from her, leaving the caves. The sh*t goes up the side of the cave wall showing us the pictograph of the two-headed creature. We focus on the head on the left. Then the sh*t fades into another. The outline of the head is replaced by the outline of clouds in the same formation above an ocean. The creature's eye is replaced by an island of the same shape, appearing tiny from so high above.
We sh**t down toward the island, going straight through one of the fluffy white clouds, and stop at the beach where we find Lex lying on his back. He has no shirt and his skin is cracked and dirty. The sh*t keeps spiraling closer until all we can see is his closed left eye.
His eye abruptly opens.
Fade to black.
Lex is on the island. Day. He sits up with a jerk. We hear the voice of Louis behind him.
Louis: Whoa, easy there, Lex.
Lex: Where am I?
Louis: Same place you've been the last three months. Paradise.
Louis stands to poke at the f*re with a stick.. He is wearing shorts and no shirt. He has long, unkempt hair and a beard.
Louis: You had another fever dream. Malaria's still got you. You were calling her name again.
Lex: [Still out of breath] Who?
Louis: That bitch who set you up.
Lex: [Crawling toward Louis] Louis. I appreciate everything you've done for me, but if you ever refer to my wife that way again, I won't be held responsible for my actions.
Louis: [Laughs] See I was just sitting here running through your story in my head. Now you wake up, Helen and the pilot are gone, and you're left to die.
Lex gets up and walks away angrily.
Louis: You've got to at least consider the possibility.
Lex: Don't you have anything else to talk about?!
Louis: All these years alone on an island? Not really.
Lex: Why don't you go work on the raft.
Louis: [Rising] Because I am not gonna let you commit su1c1de! You could end up drifting for weeks and die alone! Is that what you want?
Lex: [Crazed] I want to get off this island and find out the truth.
Louis: Oh, the truth. See the way I figure it, either your father set you both up, Helen managed this on her own, or the two of them were in league. Why are you in such a hurry to get back to a family that twisted?
Lex: Because my life is not here.
Lex goes to the raft and starts working on it.
Louis: Well, it doesn't sound so great back there. You've got to stop looking at this place as a curse, Lex.
Lex: Shut up!
Louis: It is a gift! Your life has been stripped down to its bare essence. [Placing a hand on Lex's shoulder] To the outside world you're already d*ad. Why not let your old self rest in peace?
The name Lex Luthor is etched into a tombstone in a Metropolis cemetery. Day. Lionel speaks to the people gathered for the funeral.
Lionel: I think the cruelest fate that a parent can suffer is to lose a child.
Martha, Jonathan, and Lana stand together, listening.
Lionel: Lex was touched with greatness. We'd only just g*n to see that potential. I-I can only imagine the heights he would have soared to if his life ... hadn't been ... cut short so tragically.
He turns away for a moment to compose himself. Over the next lines, Lana gets a strange look on her face and turns around. Through the group of people, she sees Clark standing in the distance, somberly listening to Lionel's speech. She gives Lionel one last look, then turns around to go toward Clark. When she finally gets to the back of the crowd, Clark isn't there anymore.
Lionel: These, uh, rituals are meant to bring closure, but there are so many unanswered questions about Lex's disappearance. Questions I hope that will someday be answered, but those answers won't bring him back. I would've searched for a thousand years if I thought he could be found. We can't hold onto the past. In my heart, I will be searching for my son forever.
Woman's voice: So will I.
The crowd parts and we see Helen Bryce carrying some flowers. She walks to the tombstone and puts the flowers in the vase.
Lionel: [Quietly] If you're here to grandstand for the paparazzi, I will have you escorted out.
Helen: I wish to pay my last respects to my husband.
Lionel: Then, Mrs. Luthor, allow me to leave before the hypocrisy begins.
Lionel walks away.
Clark is riding a glass elevator up to his penthouse. Day. He still looks unhappy as we see the ground getting farther away through the window. The elevator dings and the door opens. Clark sees Chloe outside his penthouse door, looking in the window. She turns to him when she hears the elevator.
Chloe: Clark, I need to talk to you about ...
Clark: [Coming toward her, backing her into the railing] Chloe, I told you to never come back here again! Who else knows I'm here?
Chloe: No one. Your secret's safe with me, but we need to talk
Clark: [He goes into his penthouse] I'm busy.
Chloe: [Following him in] Well, I'm coming in. Now what's your deal? You come to Metropolis and you're a completely different person.
Clark: Maybe it's the real me.
Chloe: Well, if it is then I definitely prefer the country Clark. Now... [Looking around.] how did you afford all this?
Clark: Why, Chloe? So you can put me in your column and write a big story about me? Maybe that's why you kept my secret.
Chloe: I kept your secret because you asked me to. I was hoping that if I left you alone you'd get a grip and come home. Now there are people in Smallville that still haven't given up on the search.
Clark: I've erased Smallville from my past.
Clark sits in a chair.
Chloe: Really? Is that why you're still wearing your school ring?
Clark touches his ring.
Chloe: You know, sooner or later someone else is gonna find you.
Clark: You were lucky.
Chloe: Maybe so. But what are you gonna do if one day Lana shows up on your doorstep, or your dad? How are you gonna explain this to them?
Clark: I'm through explaining myself to anyone!
Chloe: Clark, Lana is a wreck and your parents are losing the farm!
Clark: [Standing up and walking across the room] What do I care? I'm never gonna go back anyway.
Chloe: Clark, you were not forced into exile. You ran away from your problems. You are not being noble, you're being a coward!
Clark starts to grab at his chest in pain. He grunts and walks back to Chloe, grabbing her shoulders, pushing her to the door.
Clark: Chloe, get out! If you tell anyone where I am, I'll go so far away from Metropolis that no one will ever find me!
Chloe: [Pulling out of his grip] I don't even know who you are anymore.
Clark: Get out!
Chloe leaves. After closing the door, Clark rips open his shirt and the symbol is glowing again. He falls the floor and pulls at his ring, groaning with pain. His ring seems to be stuck as he pulls on it for a few more seconds, and then it finally comes off and his pain stops. He remains on the floor out of breath.
Helen enters Lex's study in the mansion in Smallville. Day. She is carrying several bags from department stores. From behind her on the upper level of the room, slow clapping is heard. She turns around and sees Lionel.
Lionel: The highlight of the somber affair was the performance of the grieving widow played to perfection by Dr. Helen Bryce in her first public appearance since her dramatic rescue.
Helen: [Putting down her bags] I want you out of my house.
Lionel: You can drop the act, Helen, you're among family. And it's not your house yet.
Helen: I'm sure you didn't come all this way for a condolence call.
Lionel: I won't give my condolences to a m*rder.
Helen: I didn't m*rder Lex.
Lionel: Oh, oh, that's right. Let me see if I can remember your account of the harrowing event. You woke up having been robbed, found the pilot jumping out of the airplane with only one parachute left. Lex valiantly offered to give it to you and went down to his death in the crippled aircraft. That's a wonderful piece of fiction.
Helen: I think the police would find it interesting that you hired me to spy on Lex.
Lionel: You m*rder my son. I won't rest till I've brought your duplicity to light.
He starts to leave, then turns back.
Lionel: You know, Helen, black widows may be powerful predators, but every predator is somebody else's prey.
Lionel leaves and Helen smiles smugly.
Lex is digging in the dirt on the island. Day. He pulls apart a soft piece of tree bark and underneath are dozens of small white worms crawling through the mud. He looks at them greedily and then hungrily starts picking them up and eating them. His eyes close in pleasure as if he hasn't eaten in days. He is interrupted, however, by the distant sound of a jet flying overhead. He gets onto his feet and runs out of the trees and into the open where he can see the sky and he sees the plane flying over the island.
Lex: Louis! Louis! Louis! Louis!
He runs out to the beach where the small f*re is burning. He lights the end of a tree branch on f*re and brings it to a large pile of wood, attempting to light the signal f*re. Louis is sitting calmly on the beach.
Lex: There's a plane! Did you hear it?
Louis: I heard it.
Lex: What's your problem? That's the first one that's flown over in months.
Louis takes the burning branch away from Lex.
Louis: Too late now. It's long gone.
Lex: That's great. That's just great!
Louis: You're wasting your time! They're never gonna see it.
Lex: Son of a bitch. I need to get off this island!
Lex lunges at Louis, attacking him. But Louis steps out of the way and Lex lands on the ground on his back. Louis places his foot over Lex's neck, pinning him down and Lex gags quietly as his airway is cut off.
Louis: You know in your heart this is where you belong. Now you can rage against it but ultimately you'll have to accept it.
Lex pushes Louis's foot away.
Lex: You stay away from me, you freak.
Louis grins in response.
Clark walks into the hayloft on the Kent farm. Night. All of his belongings have been packed up in brown boxes that are stacked everywhere. One of them is labeled "Clark's Loft." He slowly walks up the stairs and looks around. Next to him is an open box and he pulls out a framed picture of himself and his parents.
He hears Martha's voice behind him on the ground level talking to Jonathan.
Martha: I spoke to the bank. They still want us out before the auction.
Clark hides out of sight of his parents who have no idea he's there. They are packing more boxes into the truck.
Jonathan: You know, it's amazing how you can fit your whole life into the back of a pickup truck.
Martha: Is, uh, Bill Ross still okay with us storing our stuff in his garage?
Jonathan: Yeah, he said as long as we need it, it's fine with him.
Martha: Oh, Lana gave me the keys to the apartment over the Talon.
Martha pulls the keys from her pocket and hands them to Jonathan.
Jonathan: [Quietly] Great.
Martha: Yeah, it-it's small.
Martha starts to sob and Jonathan puts his arms around her.
Jonathan: [Whispering] It's okay, Martha, Martha, Martha...
Martha: It's just not fair. This farm has been in your family for three generations, four counting Clark.
Jonathan: It's sad.
Clark continues to listen silently.
Jonathan: Since when have our lives been fair anyway, huh? [They sit on the back of the truck.] You remember the day we found out we couldn't have children? You grabbed my hand and you told me not to worry. You said that we would have happy days again, and you were right. We have had happy days with Clark. But even though he's not here with us anymore, Martha Kent, I am here to tell you that we will have happy days again.
Martha continues to cry and she kisses Jonathan. Clark starts to leave and as he goes, he knocks over the picture frame. Martha hears the clatter and looks up the stairs.
Martha: Clark!
She runs up the stairs and Jonathan follows her.
Martha: Clark! Clark! [Quieter] Clark.
They get to the top of the stairs and Clark isn't there. Martha runs to the window and Jonathan picks up the picture that fell.
Martha: Clark! Clark...
Jonathan walks up behind her and puts his arms around her.
Lana comes down the stairs of the Talon with her purse and a stack of fliers in her hand. Day. She sees Chloe seated at the bar and Chloe gets up to speak to her.
Chloe: [To a waitress] Thank you. [To Lana] Lana, hey, the other day I, uh, I didn't mean to push my own personal brand of self-denial on you.
Lana: It's okay, Chloe. We're all dealing with Clark in our own way.
Chloe: Yeah, and my way is to pull the emotional ripcord and pretend like it didn't happen. It's a force of habit when people walk out of my life.
Lana: [Pause] I can't give up on him without a fight. I already blew it once.
Chloe: Blew it? How?
Lana: When Clark was leaving he asked me to go with him. I said no, but I can't help thinking that if I had gone I could have convinced him to come home.
Chloe: Lana, you can't save someone who doesn't want to be saved.
Lana: I love him. [She looks at Chloe guiltily]
Chloe: It's okay. Your feelings for Clark aren't exactly breaking news.
Lana: I saw him yesterday. Just for a second at Lex's funeral.
Chloe: Are you sure?
Lana: Positive. But he took off right away. I'm gonna go back up there and post these.
She shows Chloe the fliers. They have a picture of Clark and a message that says, "Have You Seen This Boy?"
Lana: Could you give me a lift?
Chloe: Sure. But you don't need the fliers. [Pause] I know where he is.
Lana: What?
Chloe: Yeah, okay, you're gonna totally hate me for this, but I found him two months ago. Some friends of mine from the Planet snuck me into this club and there he was, and I couldn't believe it was him. So I followed him back to his apartment.
Lana: You've known where he's been this entire time and you haven't said anything to anybody?
Chloe: Well, I didn't have a choice. He said if anyone else found out, he'd run away to somewhere no one would find him.
Lana: I can't believe you've been telling me to give up on him.
Chloe: Lana, he's not acting like himself. He could be dangerous.
Lana: Just give me the address.
Chloe: Well, I'll take you.
Lana: I think you've done enough already.
Chloe looks at Lana, hurt.
Lana looks in Clark's penthouse window in Metropolis. Day. He doesn't appear to be home and she starts down the stairs. She hears a motor on the street below and looks down in time to see Clark driving up on his motorcycle. She runs down the stairs and gets in front of him, forcing him to stop.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Lana: Looking for you. Clark, you need to come home.
Clark: Smallville's not my home anymore.
Lana looks at him for a long moment, then steps closer.
Lana: I am not letting your ride out of my life again.
Clark: Then get on.
Lana lowers her eyes for a moment, hesitating, then puts her purse strap over her shoulder and gets on the motorcycle behind Clark. They speed out of the alley and out into the street.
Fade to black.
Lex consults an antique rusted compass on the island. Day. He takes a few paces forward and finds a small pond. He bends over and splashes water on his face and cups some of it in his hands from which he drinks. After a few gulps, he sees something shining in the water. Resting on a patch of grass is a necklace with the letters LL on it. It is obviously expensive and the Ls appear to be studded with diamonds. He crawls forward far enough that he is ankle deep in the water and reaches for the necklace. He pulls it a few inches from the water to get a closer look with the chain still under water. He keeps pulling and suddenly a human skeleton comes out of the water with it. The necklace is around the skeleton's neck.
Lex: Aaah!
Lex falls backwards onto the land and the skeleton falls backwards into the water. Lex reaches forward again and pulls the skeleton up by the necklace. On closer inspection, he sees a deep crack in the top of the skull, resembling a hatchet wound.
Louis: [From nearby, pointing to the skeleton with a machete] Lex. I'd like you to meet my dad.
Lex: You k*lled your father.
Louis: [Eerily calm, coming closer to Lex] Yeah, it was inevitable. I had to do it. Only one of us could survive. See, back there, he was a rich and powerful guy.
Louis kneels in the water and holds the skeleton's face close to his own.
Louis: He was always criticizing me, never thinking I was good enough.
Louis lightly hits the machete against the skeleton's jaw in rhythm with the next line. He is becoming more agitated.
Louis: And it just kept chipping away, chipping away till there was nothing left.
Louis drops the skeleton in the water and looks at Lex for a long time, his face scrunching up sadly.
Louis: [Beginning to cry] I thought you and I were kindred spirits.
Lex: No, Louis. [Viciously] You're a psychopath.
Louis: Well ... there's one in all of us. I just let mine out. Aaah!
He jumps forward, swinging the machete at Lex and misses. Lex runs away.
Louis: Lex!
An outside sh*t of Atlantis in Metropolis. Night. Inside, the lights are flashing and the music blaring. Clark pushes through the crowd of dancers as he pulls Lana by the hand. Lana looks around nervously. A young waitress with a tray of drinks walks by.
Waitress: Hey! What's up, Kal?
Lana: [Yelling over the music] Why'd she call you Kal?
Clark: [Smiling] It's my secret identity.
They keep walking toward the bar. Lana stops Clark and turns him around to face her.
Lana: Clark. Clark! I have been worried about you for three months and you've been hanging around in nightclubs?
Clark: You're so cute when you're angry. [He pulls her by the hand to the bar.] Lana, if you keep talking about Hicksville, you're gonna be on the next bus going back. Now I thought you were here to have some fun.
The same bartender from the other night walks up behind the bar.
Bartender: What's up, Kal?
Clark: Hey, what's up.
They shake hands with an elaborate series of movements, ending in a snap. The bartender walks away.
Lana: You're right. I'm sorry. I'll go freshen up.
She starts to leave and Clark stops her.
Clark: Hey, why? I think you look great.
He leans in and kisses her. She returns the kiss eagerly until Clark finally pulls away.
Clark: [Seriously] I'm glad you're here.
Lana: Me too.
She walks away and the bartender returns.
Bartender: If she's the one you've been saving yourself for, I can understand the wait.
Lana dials the Kents on her cellular phone. Jonathan answers.
Jonathan: Hello?
Lana: Mr. Kent, I found Clark.
Jonathan: Lana, where are you?
Lana: A nightclub in Metropolis called Atlantis. He's acting really strange.
Jonathan: Lana, listen to me. Clark is not himself right now.
Martha enters the room with a box and puts it down and runs to Jonathan when she hears Clark's name.
Jonathan: I want you to be very careful. Now I'm on my way down there, but if he wants to leave, I don't want you to try and stop him.
Lana: Okay.
Lana turns around and Clark is right beside her.
Clark: Who you talking to? [He takes the phone from her] Who's this?
Jonathan: Clark, it's me.
Martha pulls Jonathan's arm toward her ear so they can both hear.
Clark: [Detached, condescending] Jonathan. How's the farm?
Jonathan: Clark, your mother and I love you very much and we want you to come home.
Clark: Is that right? Hey, what about not dwelling on the past and making a fresh new start? Come on, you can admit it. You're happier I'm gone.
Martha: Clark...
Jonathan: Son, that's not true.
Clark: I'm not your son! And you're not my parents, you never have been! You never will be!
Clark throws the cell phone to the ground.
Lana: Clark, what is the matter with you? Your parents love you! I love you.
Clark: Do you always betray the people you love?
Lana doesn't respond and Clark walks away.
Cut to Martha and Jonathan. Jonathan is still holding the receiver in his hand.
Jonathan: I've got to go get him.
Martha: How, Jonathan? If he sees you he could either run, or if he's angry enough he could hurt you. You can't stop him.
Jonathan: Martha, if I don't go and get him now, we may lose him forever.
Martha looks at him pleadingly, then finally nods her agreement. Jonathan kisses her, grabs his coat and exits.
Cut to Jonathan in the hayloft. He opens his toolbox and pulls out a bundled up rag. He opens the rag and pulls out the octagonal key to Clark's spaceship. He looks at it for a moment and then leaves the loft.
Clark is escorted into Morgan Edge's empty nightclub by the two thieves that sh*t him in his penthouse. Morgan is seated at a large dining table. Night. The room is large, full of tables and lit with a foreboding blue light.
Morgan: I'm glad you decided to consider my offer. But why the change of heart?
Clark: My past is catching up to my present. I need to disappear.
Morgan: Free tonight?
Clark: [Sitting next to Morgan and resting his feet on the table] My calendar just opened up.
Morgan: [Handing Clark a slip of paper] This is an account in the Grand Cayman. Here's how much is waiting for you.
Clark: [Whistles] That's a serious amount of zeroes.
Morgan: It's a serious job. I need you to break into a secure building. The office on the 60th floor has a very valuable package. It's in a titanium-reinforced steel safe. Not a job for mere mortals.
Clark looks at the two thieves, dropping the slip of paper on the table.
Clark: Sounds like easy money.
The thieves look at each other, annoyed.
Morgan: I haven't told you where you're going yet. [Pulls a card out of his jacket pocket and hands it to Clark]
Clark: LuthorCorp Plaza. You want me to break into Lionel Luthor's office.
Morgan: Will that be a problem?
Clark: [Smiling maliciously] No. It'll be my pleasure.
Lex runs through the trees, still being pursued by Louis. Night. Lex falls to his stomach behind some shrubs as he hears Louis's voice getting closer.
Louis: [Taunting] Lex. Lex. Lex. [Screaming] Lex! I know every inch of this island. [He scratches his back with the tip of the machete] Where are you going?
Louis keeps walking and Lex jumps up from his hiding place, running in the opposite direction toward the f*re. When he gets to the f*re, Louis is already waiting there. Louis swings the machete at Lex three times, and Lex dodges all of them. On the third swing, Lex catches Louis's arm and pulls it around himself, trying to free the machete from Louis's hand. They struggle for a few moments and Lex finally punches Louis in the face, knocking him to the ground. Lex now has the machete.
Lex: Aaaah!
Lex swings the machete at Louis over and over as blood spatters his face.
Lex: [Screaming wildly] You can't k*ll me! Aaah! Aaah!
A Jamaican man comes up behind Lex with a flashlight.
Man: Hey, mon.
Lex stops and turns around slowly.
Man: What happened?
Lex: No. No. No. I had to do it. He was crazy. I had no choice. I had to k*ll him!
Man: k*ll who?
Lex: Him!
Lex turns around and points to Louis. But when he looks down, there is nothing on the beach but a pile of grass.
Man: There ain't nobody there, mon.
Lex raises his hand and sees that in place of the machete is a small tree branch.
Lex: No. No! [He falls to his knees, searching] Louis!
Man: These islands can mess with your head, play tricks, mon. You're lucky my captain saw your f*re.
Lex: No. It wasn't a trick. He was real. You have to believe me. He was real!
Fade to black.
Jonathan explores the underground caves with a flashlight. Night. He stops at the wall where the octagonal groove used to be. He steps toward it with the key and sees that the groove isn't there anymore. He taps on the wall and feels around, then pounds the wall in anger when he realizes the groove is gone.
Jonathan: He wasn't ready! But you, you had to keep pushing him anyway, didn't you? What kind of a race are you people? No wonder you destroyed yourselves.
He chucks the key to the ground and starts to leave. But the key starts to emit a soft high-pitched sound as the symbols on it light up. Jonathan turns around and sees the key float into the air and toward the wall, sh**ting directly into the center. The symbols on the wall light up and rotate in alternating directions as Jonathan watches. The key opens up and a blast of energy sh**t out, hitting Jonathan with brilliant flashes of light.
Jonathan: Aaah!
The voice of Jor-El can be heard.
Jor-El: I am Jor-El, the true father of Kal-El.
Jonathan: [Still surrounded by the energy] His name is Clark Kent! I am his father, I raised him.
Jor-El: You have fulfilled your function in Kal-El's destiny.
Jonathan: His destiny is whatever he makes of it.
Jor-El: His destiny is too great for you to comprehend. This was Kal-El's first test to see if he was ready to begin his journey.
Jonathan: He's too young! He needs more time!
Jor-El: This phase of Kal-El's journey is almost complete. It will be of no consequence if he returns to you ... for now.
Jonathan: You'll bring him home?
Jor-El: If you want him, you must retrieve him yourself.
Jonathan: I can't. He's too powerful.
Jor-El: Are you willing to sacrifice anything to get him back?
Jonathan: Yes! For my son I'll do anything.
There are more flashes of light as the energy blasts into Jonathan, growing in intensity with each second.
Jonathan: Aaah! Aaah!
The energy grows until all we can see is white.
An outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. Inside the LuthorCorp building, Clark jumps to the floor through a removed panel in the ceiling. He turns to his right where there is a set of double doors that he walks through to the office inside. In the office he goes to a set of sliding doors on the wall and opens them, revealing a large safe.
Clark grabs the top titanium hinge on the door and it crumbles in his hand. He does the same to the bottom hinge and then lifts the door completely off the safe, resting it against the wall. Inside on a shelf there is a small metal box, about an inch tall and the length of Clark's hand. He takes the box and turns around to leave. Jonathan is there waiting for him.
Jonathan: Hello, Clark.
Clark: [Smiling] Jonathan Kent. Isn't it a little past your bedtime? How'd you find me?
Jonathan: Your biological father.
Clark: [Walking closer, thr*at] You two are working together now, huh? That's cute. But I didn't listen to him and I'm certainly not gonna listen to you.
Clark tries to leave and Jonathan puts a hand on his chest, stopping him.
Jonathan: Clark. You need to put all this behind you, son. Come on home to the people who love you.
Clark smiles and pats his hand on Jonathan's chest. Then he pushes Jonathan hard, sending him flying across the office where he crashes into the wall, denting it with his back and falling to the floor.
Clark: You should've stayed in Smallville.
Jonathan looks up at Clark from the floor and Clark looks back at him intensely, almost as if challenging him. Jonathan rises slowly to his feet.
Jonathan: [Calm, determined] Son, you're coming home with me. Now.
Clark stares in reply, barely lifting his eyebrows.
Without warning Jonathan runs toward Clark, his body blurring with super speed and grabs onto Clark, sending them both crashing through the 60th floor window and falling headfirst toward the ground.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x01 - Exile"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 8th 2003
Jonathan and Clark fall from the 60th floor window of LuthorCorp. Night. They are surrounded by large shards of glass from the broken window falling all around them. They struggle with each other in the air, Jonathan refusing to let go, as they head straight for a huge circular spotlight built into the ground that shines up on the LuthorCorp tower. They crash through the glass of the spotlight and fall through it into the immense electrical warehouse underground, crash landing onto a massive generator and sending out a shower of sparks and series of expl*si*n.
Almost immediately, they stumble out the side of the generator and onto the ground, still struggling, Jonathan holding onto Clark by his jacket. He rams Clark into a concrete pillar, shattering it and causing it to come crumbling down on both of them. Clark pushes it away as they both get back to their feet and grab onto each other again. Jonathan throws Clark onto a pile of wood, landing on top of him.
Clark: Looks like the old man's been working out!
Jonathan: Jor-El and I have an understanding. I'm taking you home.
Clark: I don't care what he's done to you. You're not taking me anywhere.
Jonathan grabs at Clark's kryptonite ring, trying to take it off his finger. Clark shoves him away, sending him flying backwards into a set of pipes that break away when Jonathan collides with them. White steam sh**t up out of the ground and Clark gets back to his feet, slowly walking toward the place Jonathan landed. Jonathan walks out of the steam unharmed.
Jonathan: Clark!
Clark takes off his jacket. His shirt is dusty and torn.
Jonathan: You don't realize how dangerous you are when you're wearing that ring!
Clark: It's not the ring. I was born that way. You just can't accept it.
Clark super speeds forward, grabbing onto Jonathan. Everything goes into slow motion as Jonathan grabs Clark, swings him around in a complete circle, and throws him into a tower of scaffolding. Some of the scaffolding collapses onto Clark.
Slowly, he rises from the rubble, the back of his shirt almost completely torn away. He grabs at the shirt and rips the rest of it off easily, then turns around, revealing the Kryptonian symbol on his chest to Jonathan. Jonathan's mouth opens in wonder.
Jonathan: What in the hell did Jor-El do to you, Clark?
Clark: He made sure I'd never forget who my real father is.
Clark picks up a steel pipe and hurls it at Jonathan. Jonathan ducks, dodging it and when he gets up, Clark is nowhere in sight. Jonathan turns around, looking for him. Suddenly Clark is at his side, pushing him into a steel pillar. Clark holds Jonathan against the pillar by his neck and raises his closed fist ready to strike as the red kryptonite ring shines dully on his finger. Clark hesitates.
Jonathan: Go on. Do it. If I could raise a son that could k*ll, then k*ll!
Clark's fist trembles in the air.
Clark: Aaaah!
He pulls his fist back and then slams it forward, missing Jonathan and crashing into the corner of the pillar, destroying the kryptonite ring. Clark falls backwards and a flash of white illuminates Jonathan's body for a brief moment. Jonathan then falls to the ground unconscious.
On his knees, Clark raises his face upward growling like an animal as the symbol on his chest glows white and slowly fades until it is completely gone. Clark collapses for only a moment before seeing Jonathan on the ground.
Clark: [Getting up] Dad. [He kneels next to Jonathan] Dad? Dad.
Jonathan: [Softly] Clark.
Jonathan loses consciousness again.
Clark: Dad.
[Opening credits]
Martha sits in the Kent living room, looking at the picture of herself, Jonathan, and Clark. Night. The room is full of boxes and Martha glances over at the phone, worried. Clark and Jonathan suddenly come through the door, Jonathan leaning on Clark for support. Martha sees Clark, her mouth falling open. Clark steadies Jonathan.
Martha: Clark...
Clark: Mom.
Martha: [Crying] Oh, Clark.
Martha embraces her son.
Clark: Mom.
Martha sobs.
Clark: I am so sorry, Mom, for everything, for the baby.
Martha: We never blamed you.
She takes Clark's face in her hands and they look at each other. Jonathan collapses loudly into a chair and Martha and Clark go to his side.
Martha: Oh, my God!
Clark: Dad.
Martha: What happened?
Clark: Whatever Jor-El did to him must've been too much for his body to handle.
Martha: Jor-El?
Jonathan: The important thing is that Clark is back home with us now.
Martha looks at Clark, and Clark looks away uneasily.
Lionel Luthor stands in his office at LuthorCorp, looking out the broken window now barred off with police tape. Night. He hears a voice behind him.
Voice: Abraham through Isaac on the pyre to prove his faith to God.
Lionel's eyes widen and he turns around. Lex comes into the office wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the hood over his head. Lex is holding a g*n.
Lex: What was your excuse?
Lionel: Lex?
Lex pushes his hood back.
Lionel: Son.
Lionel steps forward and Lex points the g*n in Lionel's face.
Lex: Disappointed I'm not basking in the fires of hell?
Lionel: Lex. Put the g*n down.
Lex: Sorry I screwed up your plan.
Lionel: Why would I m*rder my own flesh and blood? Son, you're not yourself.
Lex: Actually I'm feeling more like myself than ever. What the hell did you do with Helen?
Lionel: She's living very comfortably in your mansion. Why don't you ask her?
Lex: She's alive?
Lionel: Yes. And she told a truly harrowing tale of survival. It left you quite the posthumous hero.
There is a flash of white and we go back to the night of the crash. Lex's plane flies through the stormy night. Lex and Helen are both on the plane.
Lionel's voice: She said the pilot took your money and bailed out.
Helen: Lex, we're going down!
Lex: There must be parachutes!
Lex opens a closet on the plane and pulls out a pack.
Lex: There's only one! Come on!
Helen: I'm not going without you!
Lex pushes the pack onto her, buckling the strap around her waist.
Lex: Count to three and pull. They'll send a rescue plane for you. I love you. [They kiss] Now go.
Helen jumps out of the plane and we come back to the present, Lex still pointing the g*n at Lionel.
Lionel: Quite a story, don't you think? A sacrificial death that would make every father proud. But something tells me that's not what really happened, Lex. I warned you not to trust her, Lex.
Lex furiously pushes a stack of paper off the desk.
Lex: Don't turn this on Helen! You were the one who had my name carved into a tombstone!
Lionel: [Holding up his hands] I had search parties scouring half the world for you.
Lex: Looks like you picked the wrong half.
Lionel: What would I have to gain from your death? Lex, as your widow, Helen just became one of the richest women in the world.
Lex: Helen never cared about the money.
Lionel: Oh, but she did, Lex. Ask her what happened to the vial with the blood sample after you returned it to her.
Lex looks into his father's eyes, unsure.
Clark and Jonathan talk in the underground caves. Day. Clark shines his flashlight on a pictograph of a falling meteor, then turns to Jonathan.
Clark: Dad, I just don't get it. Why would Jor-El help you bring me back when he's the one who wanted me to leave?
Jonathan doesn't respond and Clark realizes.
Clark: You made a deal with him, didn't you?
Jonathan: [Placing a hand on Clark's shoulder] Clark, the most important thing right now is that my son has his life back.
Clark: I'm not sure I want it back. [He steps away from Jonathan] And being Kal-El, I could just do whatever I wanted. It was like this huge weight had been lifted off me.
Jonathan follows him and puts his arm around Clark's back.
Jonathan: Look, I'm not saying that staying is going to solve all your problems, but at least this way we can face it together as a family.
Clark: I wish it were that easy.
Clark pulls the box he stole from LuthorCorp out of his pocket and hands it to Jonathan.
Jonathan: What is that?
Clark: I don't know. This guy Morgan Edge hired me to steel it.
Jonathan: Clark, you gotta take this thing back.
Clark: Dad. I stole it from Lionel Luthor.
Jonathan: [Pauses, looking at the box] We better find out exactly what it is we're dealing with.
Jonathan opens the box and Clark's eyes widen as Jonathan pulls out a vial of blood.
Clark: That's my blood isn't it?
Cut to Jonathan and Clark in the hayloft. Clark stands far away on the second floor as Jonathan takes a piece of green kryptonite from a lead box and holds it next to the vial of blood. The rock glows and the blood begins to boil.
Jonathan: It's your blood.
Jonathan puts the rock back into the box and Clark comes down the stairs.
Clark: Do you think Lionel knows?
Jonathan: Helen told me she never labeled it before somebody stole it from her office.
Clark: Why would Lionel want my blood?
Jonathan throws the vial at the ground shattering it.
Jonathan: Doesn't matter now.
Clark: I'm starting to wonder what he really knows about me.
Jonathan: Clark, we've managed to stay one step ahead of Lionel Luthor so far. Why don't you just focus on people closer to home, okay?
Jonathan pats Clark on the shoulder and leaves the loft.
Lionel pours a bright yellow and red layered drink and hands it to Morgan Edge in the LuthorCorp office. Day.
Morgan: I like scotch. What's this?
Lionel: It's our old special. A su1c1de. [They clink their glasses together] I hope your tastes haven't changed.
Morgan: Nothing ever changes, Lionel. Not even when you dress it up in a designer suit or a penthouse office.
Lionel: Yeah, it's sad the same thing can't be said about friendship. [Morgan nods] You know, I kind of suspected you had an inside contact, but, uh, I got to hand it to you. Very creative.
Lionel picks up a manila envelope from the table and sits on the couch. Morgan opens the envelope and pulls a picture out of it.
Lionel: Buying off my daughter-in-law. That's even low for you Morgan.
We see the picture is of Morgan and Helen. In the photo, Morgan is pulling an envelope from his jacket.
Morgan: [Smiling] Oh, well... [Morgan sits next to Lionel]
Lionel: All right, all right, let me guess, let me guess. The idea was to steal the vial and sell it back to me at a healthy markup, right?
Morgan: What are you going to do, have me charged with breaking and entering?
Lionel: Why settle for breaking and entering? I can have you put away for good.
Morgan: Oh, I'd be careful, Lionel. You've got a lot further to fall.
Lionel: Yeah, but I'm the one who's got the evidence. And remember, the statute of limitations on m*rder never runs out. You got 24 hours to get that vial back to me.
Morgan nods, knowing he has been beaten.
Lana puts a plate of muffins on display in the glass showcase below the bar at the Talon. Day. Through the glass she sees Clark walk in. She stands up and turns away.
Clark: Hi.
Lana: Hi? I don't even know what to say to that, Clark.
Lana doesn't turn to face him and they share an awkward pause.
Clark: I'm sorry. The way I acted in Metropolis . . . I really messed things up.
Lana: [Turning to look at him] I keep telling myself that it wasn't you, but then I think back on all the things that have happened and I realize that I don't know who you really are.
Clark: I know you need an explanation.
Lana: No, I don't. You warned me there were things about you that I wouldn't understand. I guess I just didn't want to believe it.
Clark: I was protecting you.
Lana: From what? [Suddenly louder] That's the part I can't figure out because, Clark, the only thing that keeps hurting me is you. After everything you said before you left... [Near a whisper] Did you even miss me?
Lana turns away.
Clark: I missed you every second. [Lana looks at him] But I can't keep doing this to you.
Lana: Then don't.
Clark: Lana, I'm not sure if I'm even gonna stay.
Lana's eyes fill with tears.
Lana: Well, when you decide, let me know.
She walks away and goes through the swinging door into the back room. As the door gently swings back and forth behind her, Clark sees glimpses of her crying.
Helen enters the study in Lex's mansion. Night. She puts her keys and her purse down on an end table and turns on the light. Lex walks up behind her.
Lex: Home sweet home.
Helen gasps, turning around.
Helen: Lex . . . Oh, thank God.
She hugs him.
Lex: Trust me, I've done that already. He seems to be the only one on my side lately.
Helen: But the rescue was called off. How ...
Lex: A small fishing boat spotted the smoke from my f*re.
Helen: I never gave up hoping.
Lex: Just in case, it was certainly generous of you to make me out to be a hero.
Helen: I'm so sorry, Lex. I shouldn't have lied to everyone.
Lex: So why did you?
Helen: I just couldn't face what really happened up there.
There is a flash of white and we go back to that night on the plane. Helen is waking up just as the pilot is jumping out of the plane.
Helen's voice: I woke up to find the pilot parachuting from the plane, just like I told everyone. But I couldn't wake you.
Helen shakes Lex in his chair.
Helen: Lex! Lex! Lex!
Helen's voice: I realized you drank a whole glass of champagne and I only had a sip. You must've been drugged. The plane was going down and I panicked.
Helen takes the remaining parachute from the closet and puts it on.
Helen's voice: You always think that you're gonna be brave in a situation like that, but when it really happens, I guess your survival instincts kick in.
Back to the present.
Lex: Survival of the fittest. I guess you really are a Luthor now.
Helen: You don't believe me?
Lex: I know you worked for my father. After I gave you the blood back and you apologized, you turned around and sold it to him.
Helen: Your father said if I gave him the blood he'd leave us alone forever. He's playing us against each other.
Lex: We seem to do a good job of that on our own.
Helen: If you want to annul this marriage, I'll get out of your life. [She starts to leave, then stops] But for what it's worth, I do love you.
Helen leaves Lex alone in the study.
The Kent Farm sign that hangs outside the Kent home has been replaced with a sign that says Foreclosure Auction. Day. Clark drives up in a hauling truck that says Smallville Movers on the side. Parked next to the barn is an expensive black car. Clark gets out of the truck and finds Morgan sitting in the back seat of the car.
Morgan: I must admit, this is the last place I expected you to show up.
Clark: How'd you find me?
Morgan: Where's my package?
Clark: I don't have it.
Morgan: I wonder if the cops want to know where you are.
Morgan pulls out his cellular phone and starts to dial.
Clark: [Slamming his hands against the door] I don't think you heard me!
He rips the door off of the car and pulls Morgan out, pushing him against the side of the car.
Clark: The package is gone! Luthor doesn't know who took it so forget about it!
The driver points a g*n at Clark's head.
Driver: Take your hands off of him right now! I said now!
Morgan pushes the g*n away slowly.
Clark: Take your sorry ass down the road back to Metropolis. I don't want to see you in Smallville again. Ever.
Morgan and the driver get back into the car and drive away.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School as the students leave. Day. Inside, Chloe is working in the Torch. Clark enters.
Chloe: [Cold] Kinda far from your new 'hood, aren't you, Clark?
Clark: I just came to say thank you.
Chloe: Oh, it's one of those days, because I can never tell with you, whether you're gonna walk in and it's gonna be an apology or an accusation.
Clark: Chloe, I gave you absolutely no reason to stand by me. But you knew where I was all summer and didn't tell anyone.
Chloe: Yeah, well, that's what friends do for each other, Clark. Talk to Lana yet?
Clark sits down at the desk.
Clark: I tried.
Chloe: [Laughing sarcastically] That's it? After two years of nonstop Lana lusting, that's the best you can do? Come on.
Clark: I think it's for the best.
Chloe: [Realizing] You're not staying, are you.
Clark: I haven't made up my mind yet.
Chloe: You can't keep running away, Clark. We all do things we regret. Sometimes you have to stop and face your demons.
Clark nods his head noncommittally.
Clark carries a chair out of his house and loads it into the moving truck parked in the driveway. Day. Lex approaches behind him.
Lex: Am I too early for the farm auction?
Clark turns around.
Clark: [Quietly] Lex?
Lex: Three months on a deserted island was almost worth it to see the look on your face right now.
Lex and Clark walk toward each other and Clark breaks into a huge smile as they embrace. Lex's eyes fall shut.
Clark: Aw, man! Aw, Lex, we thought you died.
Lex: Well, apparently fate has bigger plans for me. I heard about the farm. Anything I can do?
Clark: No, Lex, you know my dad. [Lex smiles] It's good to see you. What happened?
Lex: Something I didn't know I was capable of. It's ironic. In the most remote solitude I still managed to find an enemy. I suppose I was just hallucinating from malaria, but the enemy I found was real. I got a good look at myself, or at least the part I've always tried to ignore.
Clark: Lex, I guess we all got to take a look at our dark side sooner or later.
Lex: The problem is if you stare at it long enough, it can get hard to tell the two sides apart.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. The marquee says "Sonnet Saturdays, Free Pick Up Line With Purchase." Inside Lana is taking dishes from a table and setting them on the tray in her hand. Chloe enters.
Chloe: [Brightly] Hey!
Lana walks to the next table and Chloe follows.
Chloe: You can't keep avoiding me, Lana.
Lana: I'm not avoiding you. I had to work late last night and I had errands to run this morning.
Chloe: At 5:30 in the morning?
Lana: You want to cut the pretenses? Fine. You lied to me about Clark.
Chloe: Something we have in common then.
Lana: [Angry] I have apologized to you a hundred times for not telling you about Clark and me.
Lana goes to the bar and puts her tray down.
Chloe: You're right and I'm over it. So let me say I'm sorry and we can call it even.
Lana: Chloe, this is so much bigger than me. How could you let everyone worry like that?
Chloe: Because the more pressure I put on him, the more he pulled away. I mean, you saw him, Lana. He wasn't exactly the charming flannel king we all know and love. It was like he was a...
Lana: A different person.
Chloe: Yeah. Let's face it, Lana. Clark has more issues than "Rolling Stone." [Pause] Look, I know what I did was wrong, and as much as I hate to admit it, it felt really good being the person he confided in again.
Lana: Clark's always been more comfortable talking to you.
Chloe: It's because he's not in love with me.
Lex enters his study. Day. Helen is there and her packed bags are sitting on the piano.
Lex: That didn't take long.
Helen: I thought I'd leave for a while, give you some space to think things over.
Helen reaches for her bags. Lex stops her and takes her hand.
Lex: Hey. I've had more than enough space the last few months. I'd rather share it with someone. [Pause] I thought we can give the honeymoon a second try.
Helen: You don't let go of things, Lex. I know you.
Lex: Yes, you do. You and I understand each other because we're similar creatures. We've both done our share of maneuvering. In a twisted way, I guess that's why we're perfect for each other.
Helen: [Smiling] I want to be with you, Lex. But you know your father will never leave us alone.
Lex: Don't worry. I have a feeling he won't be interfering in our lives anymore.
Helen looks at him questioningly.
Clark enters the barn. Day.
Clark: Hey, Mom! Dad!
Morgan: Yes, Kal.
Clark stops in his tracks, furious.
Clark: Didn't I tell you not to ever come back here?
Morgan: I wanted to meet the parents. Nice people.
Morgan steps out of the way, revealing Martha tied to a wooden beam. One of Morgan's men is holding a g*n to the back of her head.
Clark: Mom...
Clark takes a step forward.
Morgan: I wouldn't do that if I were you.
Jonathan: [From behind Clark] Clark! Son.
Clark turns around and sees Jonathan tied to a chair with another of Morgan's men holding a g*n to his neck.
Jonathan: Don't do anything. It's okay.
Morgan: [To Clark] I know you're quick. But you can't get to both of them at the same time.
Clark: I don't have what your looking for.
Morgan: Do you want me to explain that to Lionel Luthor?
The man next to Martha cocks the g*n he is holding.
Jonathan: No, Clark ...
The man next to Jonathan hits Jonathan across the face with his g*n.
Clark: Wait. Stop!
Clark looks at Morgan for a long moment. Then he takes an empty jar from the work table and sets it on top of the tool chest. Opening one of the drawers, he pulls out the lead box and sets it down. Morgan steps closer to see what is happening. Clark pulls up his left sleeve and takes a moment to prepare himself. He opens the box and then shakily grabs the glowing kryptonite inside. He presses the kryptonite to his wrist and grunts in pain as he drags it across his skin, drawing blood. He holds his wrist over the jar and lets his blood fall into it, then collapses onto the floor.
Martha: Clark!
Morgan picks up the jar.
Morgan: What the hell is this?
Clark: [Weakly] It's what you're looking for.
Morgan: It better be.
Morgan puts a lid on the jar and leaves. Clark lets his head fall back to the ground, exhausted.
Fade to black.
A black car drives onto a pier on a cloudy day in Metropolis. Day. Lionel steps out of the car and Morgan waits for him with a brown paper bag in his hand. Two of Lionel's men step out of the car behind him.
Lionel: [Breathing in] Mmm! Extraordinary how the smell of creosote and algae can take you back 30 years, isn't it?
Morgan: A lot of memories buried here.
Lionel: Yeah, where they belong. Don't tell me I've come all the way out here for nothing.
Morgan: No.
Morgan gives Lionel the paper bag and Lionel pulls the jar of blood out of it.
Lionel: Intriguing presentation.
Morgan: It's not the packaging that is important. Unless you don't trust me.
Lionel: Trust you? Trust has never had anything to do with our friendship.
Lionel takes the jar back to his car and stands next to the tinted back window which rolls down revealing a woman seated in the back seat with an open briefcase full of sophisticated equipment in her lap. Lionel hands the jar to the woman and using a dropper, she takes a sample of the blood and puts it into a machine in the briefcase. After a moment, there is a beep.
Woman: It's identical.
Lionel: Excellent.
Morgan: If I didn't know any better, I'd think the blood was liquid gold. I can't imagine what the real source would be worth to you.
Lionel: Unfortunately the source is a mystery to me. My contact turned out to be, uh, let's say uncooperative.
Morgan: They were holding out on you.
Lionel chuckles and gets into his car, closing the door. Morgan taps on the window and it lowers.
Morgan: What if I were to tell you that this is not the sample I stole? [Lionel looks at Morgan] I got this straight from the source.
Lionel's face lights up with a small smile.
Clark is still lying on the floor of the barn. Day. Morgan's men rip open his shirt and tape the kryptonite to his chest with electrical tape. Jonathan and Martha look at each other, and Jonathan suddenly stands up with the chair still attached to him, and hits the chair against a nearby table, breaking it. He reaches for Clark, but one of Morgan's men kicks Jonathan in the face, sending him to the ground, and the other points a g*n at him.
Martha: Jonathan!
The g*n's cell phone rings. He answers it.
Man: Yeah? [Pause] Yes, sir. [He hangs up his phone and addresses his partner] That was Edge. He wants us to bring the kid to him.
They grab Clark, who is barely conscious, by the arms and drag him to the moving truck outside the barn. They push him into the back, tape his hands together, and pull down the sliding door just as Lana drives up. She doesn't see what is going on. She gets out of her car and walks to the g*n.
Lana: Do you know where the Kents are?
Cut to the g*n pushing Lana into the barn with his g*n to her back.
Man: Move it!
Martha: Lana. [To the man] Please leave her out of this.
Suddenly Lana steps on the man's foot and elbows him in the nose. She runs past Martha and the man comes after her. As he passes, Martha sticks out her foot, tripping him. He turns around and points his g*n at Martha, about to sh**t, when Lana hits him over the back with a shovel, knocking him to the ground. He drops the g*n and Lana runs for it. She and the g*n grab onto it at the same time. She kicks him away and he stumbles backward, landing against the wall behind him.
His mouth is open in silent pain as he looks down, seeing the tips of a pitchfork protruding from his chest. He dies.
Martha: Lana...
Lex's private jet soars through the sky. Day. Inside he and Helen clink their champagne glasses together.
Lex: To a second chance.
He puts down his glass.
Helen: You're not drinking?
Lex: Well, I sort of lost my taste for champagne. Did you sleep well last night?
Helen: The first good night's sleep I've had since the accident.
Lex: I'm glad. 'Cause it is our honeymoon and I'd hate for you to doze off. You never know, you might wake up to find me gone. [He laughs]
Helen: Lex, that's not funny.
Lex: I guess you had to be there. You know what? I am gonna have a drink. [He stands up]
Helen: What's going on?
Lex: [Pouring a glass of sherry] I was so relieved when you forgave me for stealing the blood that I failed to realize no rational person would have done that.
Helen: I did it because I love you. [Lex doesn't respond] You still think I tried to k*ll you? Why can't you see what's right in front of your eyes? It was your father's plane. He's always been thr*at by you.
Lex: You're right. But, you see, I haven't been able to stop thinking about the accident and there is something that's been right in front of my eyes. If my father wanted me d*ad, he wouldn't have failed.
Helen: You're experiencing residual delusions. It's a common aftereffect of the malaria.
Lex: I'm afraid I've been delusional a lot longer than three months. But I think I have a pretty clear picture of things now.
A flash of white and we see a flashback of Lex and Helen boarding the plane after their wedding.
Lex's voice: You had my father's pilot k*lled and snuck your own on board. You had the pilot touch down on a small island, drop you off.
As Lex sleeps in the chair, Helen hands the pilot a large stack of bills. She looks back at Lex once and then gets off the plane.
Lex's voice: You paid him a prearranged sum to take the plane up again with me still inside.
A sh*t of the plane flying through the stormy night.
Lex's voice: He flew away far enough to cover your tracks, and then he took a little skydive.
The pilot, wearing his parachute, jumps out of the plane.
Lex's voice: I'm guessing he had a pretty ugly surprise when he tried to open his parachute.
A white flash and we come back to the present.
Lex: Believe me, I prefer your version where I'm the gallant hero, but that's not giving you enough credit, is it?
Helen: Lex, you're scaring me.
Lex: The area where we crashed was unreachable given the amount of fuel we started with. I checked all the islands in the vicinity. You touched down on St. Croix at 7:59 that night.
Helen: You know what the most twisted part of all this is? The reason you didn't get a b*llet in your head that day was because I really did fall in love with you.
She reaches into her purse behind her back and pulls out a g*n.
Helen: But don't worry. I learn from my mistakes.
Helen points the g*n at Lex as a tear falls down her cheek.
Lex: Go ahead. I've become quite adept at cheating death. [Stepping toward Helen] In fact, I have no doubt that I'll rise from the ashes again.
Helen takes a step back and Lex suddenly grabs for the g*n.
Helen: Aah!
They struggle for the g*n and Lex can't take it from Helen's hands. He bends her over as he tries to wrench it from her grasp with the barrel pointing towards the front of the plane. Helen accidentally pulls the trigger and the g*n fires, sending a b*llet into the cockpit. Inside the cockpit, we see the pilot jerk as the b*llet comes through the door behind him and hits him in the back. He looks down at his chest and there is a hole in his shirt where the b*llet came through, dripping blood.
Lex and Helen both fall to the floor, dropping the g*n as the plane begins to rattle. Lex gets the g*n and runs to the cockpit where he finds the pilot d*ad. Lex sits in the seat next to the pilot and pulls on the steering wheel, taking the plane out of its nosedive. There is a sudden burst of air in the plane and Lex turns around, seeing that Helen is gone and the door of the plane is wide open.
Fade to black.
The Smallville Movers truck speeds toward the pier in Metropolis. Day. In the back Clark is still surrounded by boxes from his house and tied up with the kryptonite taped to his chest. In one of the open boxes above him, the picture of him and his parents is visible. He kicks at the box and the picture falls to the floor of the truck, shattering the glass in the frame. He takes a shard of the glass and starts to cut the tape binding his wrists.
Outside on the pier, Morgan is waiting and Lionel emerges from his own car. They look at the approaching truck excitedly.
Inside the truck, Clark has managed to free his hands and he pulls the kryptonite from his chest, chucking it to the other side of the truck.
Lionel: [To Morgan, almost playful in his anticipation] I hate mysteries. Or did you forget that?
Morgan: You're gonna like this one.
The truck finally comes to a stop and Clark looks around, panicked. Lionel walks to the truck with Morgan's g*n.
Lionel: This had better be worth it, Morgan.
Clark continues to look around, realizing that Lionel is on his way. In another open box, he spots several flammable containers of acetone. His eyes turn red as he sh**t heat vision at the closest container, and in seconds the heat melts through the metal and the entire truck explodes, sending Lionel and Morgan's g*n flying backwards through the air.
Immediately Lionel's bodyguard pulls Lionel from the ground and starts rushing him back to the car.
Lionel: [To Morgan] You set me up. You set me up!
Morgan: Lionel! I don't know what happened!
Lionel: You set me up! There was nobody in that truck! There was nobody in that truck!
Lionel's second bodyguard pulls out his g*n, as does Morgan's g*n who starts to sh**t at Lionel. The first bodyguard pushes Lionel behind a stack of crates to block the b*ll*ts and his second bodyguard sh**t Morgan's g*n. The b*ll*ts strike the g*n in the chest and he collapses.
Morgan pulls out a g*n and stands behind his own car as he and Lionel's bodyguard have a sh**t off. They each f*re several b*ll*ts, none of them connecting. Finally one of the bodyguard's b*ll*ts seems to h*t its mark when Morgan is knocked off balance and falls off the pier into the water below.
Bodyguard #1 pulls Lionel out from behind the crates. The following exchange takes place as the bodyguard forcefully ushers Lionel to the car.
Bodyguard #1: Let's get out of here!
Lionel hesitates, looking around to see what happened.
Lionel: Where's Morgan?
Bodyguard #1: Let's go, Mr. Luthor!
Lionel: Where's Morgan?
Bodyguard #1: I've got to get you out of here!
They get into the car.
Lionel: Where is he?! Where's Morgan?
Bodyguard #1: [To the driver] Go! Go! Go!
The engine starts and the car speeds away. Moments later, Clark climbs onto the pier. He is completely soaked and his shirt is torn.
Lex enters his study. Day. Opera music is playing, and Lex takes off his wedding ring. Lionel is seated behind him at the piano.
Lionel: Well done, Lex. Well done.
Lex puts his ring in his pocket. Lionel rises from his seat and walks to Lex.
Lionel: That was a Machiavellian maneuver worthy of a Luthor.
Lex: I appreciate the kudos, but I don't know what you're talking about.
Lionel: Oh, come on, Lex. Do you think I'd neglect to put surveillance on my planes?
Lionel holds up a small video cassette and chuckles. Lex pours a drink, not responding.
Lionel: Poor Helen. Should we be sending out a search party for her?
Lex: I have someone on it. But if Helen survives, I doubt anyone will find her until she wants them to.
Lionel: You know, Lex, I, uh, never imagined that you would fall in love with Helen. I'm sorry it happened, son, but don't be too hard on yourself.
Lex: You know the sick thing? [He walks away from Lionel] Of all people, I knew you'd understand.
Lionel: I do. Survival is what matters in life.
Lex: I know that now. [Turns to face Lionel] If I was anybody else's son I would have died on that island. All the tests you put me through . . . made me a survivor. If I keep my pride in check I know there's more to learn from you. [Pause] I was hoping your offer still stands to run LuthorCorp together.
Lionel watches in shock as Lex puts out his hand to shake on it.
Lionel: I, um, I-I don't want you making a hasty decision, Lex. You've just been through an incredibly traumatic ordeal.
Lex: No. I've learned to trust my instincts.
Lionel looks searchingly into Lex's eyes for a moment, then takes his sons hand in his own, placing his other hand on top.
Lionel: [Quiet, proud] Good to have you back . . . Son.
Lex slowly walks forward and into Lionel's arms. He rests his chin on his father's shoulder and his eyes fall shut. Lionel's face remains in an expression of confusion and hesitance.
Jonathan and Martha are taping boxes shut in the Kent living room. Day. Clark comes down the stairs with another box in his arms.
Jonathan: It just won't seem right calling any other place home.
Clark: It's not the place that makes the home, Dad.
Martha: Does that mean you're coming with us?
Clark: I've kind of closed the door on my time in Metropolis. [He sets down his box and looks at his parents] I called the police and told them where the money is that I stole. I guess you can't run away from the problem when the real problem is in your blood.
Jonathan steps forward and puts a hand on Clark's shoulder.
Jonathan: Hey. Clark, don't be so hard on yourself.
Lex knocks on the screen door.
Martha: Hi, Lex.
Lex enters.
Clark: Hey, Lex, you missed the garage sale, but we have tons of these macrame plant holders left.
Lex: [Smiling] Thanks, Clark, but, um, I'm actually doing my own share of purging around the mansion.
Lex takes a step toward Jonathan and hands him a piece of paper. Martha and Jonathan both look at it.
Martha: You bought our farm?
Lex: I put your names in the deed.
Jonathan: We can't accept this.
Lex: There's nothing to accept but my gratitude.
Jonathan: Lex ...
Lex: After the plane went down, I made my way into one of the broken wings. [Lex holds up the antique compass he had with him on the island] This compass, your wedding present, guided me to safe harbor. The least I can do is help you keep your farm.
Jonathan looks to Martha, then back to Lex.
Jonathan: We will find a way to pay you back.
Lex: I'm not worried about that, Mr. Kent. If it's not too presumptuous, I hope you'll just consider me part of the family.
Clark looks at his parents hopefully. Martha looks at Jonathan and Jonathan smiles, giving in. Clark smiles at Lex.
Standing on a ladder, Clark hangs the Kent Farm sign back in place. Day. Lana rides up on her horse. She gets down from the horse as Clark comes down from the ladder.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: Glad your parents are getting a second chance.
Clark: Yeah, I, uh, think I'll be earning every cent of my allowance this year.
Lana: [Quietly hopeful] So you're staying?
Clark: I think I want to try to put all the stuff that happened in Metropolis behind me.
Lana: It'd probably be a good idea if we put a lot of things behind us.
Clark: I was just thinking that too.
Lana comes closer to Clark.
Lana: Clark, I know there are things about you that you try to shield me from, but you don't have to protect me anymore. [She takes his hand in her own] Whatever it is, I can handle it. [Whispered] I really want to know you.
Clark pulls his hand away.
Clark: Look, um, Lana . . . The way you looked at me in Metropolis, you were, uh, you were disgusted.
Lana: No, I was confused. You can't blame me for that.
Clark: I don't blame you. But I can't stand for you to ever look at me that way again.
Lana: You weren't yourself.
Clark: Yes, I was. Lana, I chose to let that part of me out, and it's always gonna be there. Trust me, you don't want to know me the way you think you do.
Lana: Clark, that's my decision to make.
Clark: Lana, I'm sorry. I wanted this so much. All last year I tried so hard to be the right guy for you. [Pause] But I'm not. This'll never work.
Lana looks away, hurt. She blinks against the tears in her eyes and nods her head, then walks away from Clark and gets back on her horse. She looks down at Clark.
Lana: Clark, you never had to try.
Lana turns the horse around and rides away slowly. Clark lowers his eyes as if considering Lana's statement. He remains where he is for a long time as Lana continues away from him down the dirt road in the direction of the setting sun.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x02 - Phoenix"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 15th 2003
Students are leaving Smallville High School. Day. Above the door is a banner that says "Welcome Back!" Just outside the door sits a student Jake Pollen, guzzling a bottle of water. Another student Van McNulty walks up and sits next to Jake.
Van: Plan on coming up for air?
Jake: I'm thirsty. Is that a crime?
Van: Come on, I'll give you a ride.
Jake: I'm waiting for someone.
Jake and Van watch the door just as Lana comes out. She walks by, not noticing them.
Van: Lana Lang. Very original.
Jake: I hear she's single again.
Van: They post that on her official stalker website?
Jake: I'm not stalking her.
Van: No, you just have her entire schedule memorized for fun.
They watch as Lana gets into her car.
Van: That girl's got so many guys tailing her she should qualify for secret service protection.
Jake stands up and starts walking toward Lana. Van shakes his head, laughing.
Jake: [As Lana starts her car.] Hi.
Lana: [Friendly.] Hi.
Lana drives away. Van walks over to Jake and pats him on the back.
Van: Very smooth. Maybe in about ten years you'll actually be able to get a complete sentence out.
Jake: I'll catch you later.
Jake walks away.
Cut to the Smallville High swimming pool. Night. Lana is alone in the pool room. Wearing her swimming suit, she steps onto the diving board. She remains at the edge for a moment and then dives in, swimming strongly to the other side. There is a soft splash, barely audible over the sound of her own swimming. She stops in the water and looks around.
Lana: Hello?
She can't see anyone around so she keeps swimming toward the other side the pool. But beneath her, sitting underwater at the floor of the pool, is Jake. He looks up at her calmly as she reaches the edge of the pool and turns around, swimming back to the other side. When she is about halfway across the pool, Jake grabs at her leg, barely giving her a chance to scream before pulling her underwater.
Lana: Aah!
He pulls Lana down, holding her from behind. Lana manages to turn around and punch him in the face. Jake holds onto her tightly as she continues to struggle. Finally she kicks him in the stomach, freeing herself and rising to the surface.
Lana: Help! Help!
Jake pulls her back down and locks his hands around her neck in a death grip. Lana shakes and kicks, but she can't get away. A quiet blast is heard as a b*llet sh**t down into the water and strikes Jake from behind. He immediately goes limp as blood rises through the water from his back. Lana swims away just as a small green kryptonite rock is dropped into the water next to Jake. The rock has the word "Freak" written on it in white ink.
Lana returns to the surface of the water, panicked and out of breath, and swims to the edge of the pool, looking up at the second floor windows above the pool. She sees a figure in the window with a g*n, hurrying away. She gets out of the pool.
[Opening credits]
Pete and Clark walk through the halls of Smallville High School. Day. Pete picks up the latest issue of the Smallville Torch from a stack by the wall. A picture of Lana is on the front page with a headline that says "Mystery sh**t Saves Smallville Student! g*n Foils att*ck In Swimming Pool."
They continue to walk as Pete shows Clark the newspaper.
Pete: Looks like you got yourself a pinch hitter in the hero arena.
Clark: I don't know if I'd call him a hero, Pete. I'm just glad Lana's okay.
Pete: Yeah, I know. Have you seen her?
Clark: I'm not exactly the person Lana wants to be around right now.
A police officer walks past them to a row of lockers where Sheriff Adams and several other officers are inspecting Jake's open locker. Several students, including Pete and Clark, stop to see what is happening.
Adams: Keep it movin'.
Clark and Pete start walking again.
Pete: I still can't believe Jake turned Swim Fan on Lana.
Chloe joins them, hearing Pete's comment.
Chloe: Yeah, I didn't peg him as the poolside slasher type either. But I don't think Jake Pollen was exactly like your average teenager.
Cut to Clark, Chloe, and Pete entering the Torch office.
Clark: Why would you say that?
Chloe: Other than the meteor rock labeled "freak" laid next to his body? [Sitting at her computer.] You remember that field trip we took down to Crater Lake, the one where I, uh, dropped so gracefully my keys off of the pier?
Pete: [Laughing.] Yeah. I thought you were gonna call the Navy S.E.A.L.s.
Clark: Jake fished them out for you.
Chloe: Right, and he was under water for six minutes. Now unless you're David Blaine or a Himalayan yoga master, that's impossible.
Clark looks at Chloe's computer screen.
Clark: Hey, what's with the list?
Chloe: Oh, just my hunches, you know, sort of anything that's off the charts. It's kind of a purgatory before you graduate to the Wall of Weird.
Clark: [Pointing to Jake's name on the list.] You have a full file of Jake?
Chloe opens the file revealing a picture of Jake and some of his information.
Chloe: Well, I started suspecting a while ago that he had amphibious abilities due to the meteor rock exposure for a while.
Pete: You don't think you might be stretching with this one, Chloe?
Clark: I don't think Jake is the mysterious one. I mean, don't you think it's a little strange? r*fle-wielding commando shows up right when Lana's getting att*cked?
Chloe: If you want to help track down the enigmatic vigilante, I would be willing to explore the Jake angle.
Clark: [Pause.] That would be assuming I actually had a job here.
Chloe: Yeah, it was never clear about whose choice it was for you to quit.
Clark glances at Pete who is smiling.
Chloe: Look, Clark, I could say that I'm swamped with the Daily Planet column, but the truth is it would just be really nice to have you back.
Clark smiles brightly, accepting, and Chloe returns the smile.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. In his office, Lionel talks on his cell phone.
Lionel: All right, Doctor, I'll have Lex stop by for an examination by the end of the week. All right. [Quietly, as Lex enters wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase.] And, uh, Bob. Thanks. [Hangs up the phone.] Lex. Welcome back to LuthorCorp, son.
Lex: Feels like I never left.
Lionel laughs and puts his arm around Lex's back.
Lionel: You'll have the office next to mine. You've got the river view.
Lex: I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not here to enjoy the scenery. I'm here to generate profits.
Lionel: Lex, Lex, you already have the job.
Lionel smiles and takes a file from his desk, handing it to Lex.
Lionel: And now you've entered the executive branch, you need to fill out some paperwork. Coffee?
Lex: I'm good.
Lex looks in the file as Lionel pours coffee for himself.
Lex: Corporate life insurance?
Lionel: Standard for all upper-level employees.
Lex: Is 50 million dollars standard?
Lionel: Don't underestimate your own value, my son. [Pause.] You seem reluctant, Lex. I don't understand.
Lex: It's hard not to consider the implications when your mortality has a dollar sign attached to it.
Lionel: No, Lex, I'd hoped we'd move beyond this distrust reflex of yours.
Lex: It's called common sense.
Lionel: [Putting his hands on Lex's shoulders.] No, no, you're a corporate asset, Lex. If something should happen to you, the company needs to be compensated for its loss. [Lex doesn't answer.] All right. If that's unacceptable to you, I understand. You can, uh, give your security card to Nelson on your way out.
Lionel turns back to his coffee as Lex eyes him suspiciously.
A customer hands a credit card to Lana in the Talon. Day. She takes it and walks to the bar as Clark comes in behind her with his backpack over his shoulder and a yearbook in his hand.
Clark: Hey, Lana. How you doing?
Lana: Hi. I haven't seen you in a while.
They continue walking to the bar.
Clark: I thought it might be easier that way.
Lana: Easier on whom?
Clark: I didn't come here to upset you. I'm doing a story on Jake for the Torch.
Lana: That's great, Clark. What do you want to know?
Lana puts her tray down on the bar and slides the credit card through the scanner.
Clark: Well, you told the police he had a friend with him when he approached you, and I was wondering if you could point him out.
Clark opens the yearbook and Lana comes to the other side of the bar to look at it. She points to a picture of Van McNulty.
Lana: I think that's him.
Clark: Van McNulty. Thanks.
They look at each other awkwardly for a moment.
Lana: Glad I could be of help.
Lana starts to walk away and Clark grabs her hand.
Clark: Lana...
Lana: [Pause.] Is this on or off the record?
Clark: I'm sorry I haven't stopped by.
Lana: Clark, I know we're not together anymore, but you don't need an excuse to come see me.
They look at each other for a while longer, then Chloe comes breezing in, walking right between them as she goes to the bar and opens a file folder she is carrying.
Chloe: Hey, so we can rule out the Himalayan yoga masters. Check out what my connection at the coroner's office gave me.
Chloe lays out some pictures from Jake's autopsy. There are small slits behind his ears.
Chloe: You're not gonna see any of this in Jake's official autopsy report. Believe it or not, they're gills.
Lana: That's disgusting.
Clark: Personally I find the gaping b*llet wound more disturbing.
Lana: Okay, if that sh**t hadn't shown up when he did, I'd be d*ad. So forgive me if I don't have more sympathy for the gill boy who tried to drown me.
Clark: Jake was exposed to the meteor rocks. He didn't ask for them.
Lana: No, just like Greg Arkin didn't ask to become a bug boy and Tina Greer didn't ask to become a bone morpher. Look, the fact is when they got their powers they went psycho and tried to k*ll me. Tina even came back for seconds.
Clark looks away, not giving in.
Lana: Chloe's been att*cked by more of these people than me. [To Chloe.] You remember Justin Gaines and Sean Kelvin.
Chloe: Yeah, one tried to psychically impale me with farm implements and the other just wanted my body heat. Thanks for the memories.
Clark: I'm just saying a sh*t in the head is a little more extreme.
Lana: What about all the times that you've saved us from these people, Clark? What makes you so different from this sh**t?
Clark: For starters, I've never k*lled anyone.
Lana: Then how do you explain Tina Greer? The police found her body impaled in the alley.
Clark: What happened to her she did to herself. I was protecting you.
Lana: Spoken like a true vigilante.
Lana walks away. Clark looks at Chloe who quickly lowers her eyes.
A sh*t of the Metropolis skyline. Day. Chloe enters Lionel's office in LuthorCorp with a file in her hand. Lionel is seated at the desk.
Lionel: Miss Sullivan, what a nice surprise. Have you brought me an addendum to your report on Clark Kent?
Chloe: [Holding out the file.] No, it's my final article for the Daily Planet. I'm turning in my resignation today.
Lionel: [Takes the file.] Oh. Our agreement is terminated.
Chloe: I'm sorry, but Clark's friendship just means too much to me.
Lionel: I can't say it's unexpected, but it will be disappointing.
Chloe: I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor. I guess some people are just better at leading double lives than others.
Chloe starts to leave.
Lionel: You misunderstand me, Miss Sullivan.
Chloe stops and turns around. Lionel gets up from his desk.
Lionel: I'm not the one who's going to be disappointed. That'll be your father.
Chloe: What does he have to do with any of this?
Lionel: Well, I guess he wanted to surprise you. Your father just made a sizable down payment on a new house overlooking the golf course.
Chloe: My dad still hasn't paid off the new water heater. I seriously doubt he's moving us to Brat Flats.
Lionel: Well, it must be his way of celebrating his new promotion. When I rewarded him for his hard work and his dedication to LuthorCorp, he was just brimming with pride. He... Oh, he'd be devastated if he suddenly found himself unemployed.
Chloe: You can't do this to him.
Lionel: Yes, I can. But I won't, which is why I think we are going to enjoy a long and fruitful partnership, Miss Sullivan.
Chloe looks up at Lionel with fear.
Van McNulty is walking through the hall at Smallville High. Day. He has a police radio attached to his belt and is listening to it with an earphone. Clark comes up behind him.
Clark: Van McNulty?
Van: Hey.
Clark: Clark Kent.
They shake hands.
Clark: I'm, uh, sorry to hear about your friend Jake.
Van: Thanks. You know, he was always chasing girls, but I still can't believe he att*cked anybody.
They get to Van's locker and Van turns off the radio.
Van: Police scanner. I just want to hear when they catch Jake's k*ller.
Van opens his locker puts away some books.
Clark: I'm doing a story for the Torch. I was wondering if you could give me some background on Jake.
Van: Everything I know is in the police report.
Clark nods. He notices a picture of a man in Van's locker wearing an army uniform with numerous medals of honor on his chest.
Clark: I've never seen so many medals before. Is that your dad?
Van nods.
Clark: He must be a real hero.
Van: He was. And he was a great father. We used to do everything together.
Van straps his backpack back over his shoulders and closes his locker.
Van: I'm gonna be late for class.
He walks away and Clark watches him go.
Clark is seated at the computer in the Torch office and Chloe enters. Day.
Chloe: Hey. Remember the rock that was tossed next to Jake's body with the word "freak" written on it? It wasn't the first one the police found.
Chloe opens a file and hands Clark a picture.
Chloe: Meet Leonard Wallace, a local mechanic g*n down two weeks ago. Someone put a similar rock next to his body.
Clark: Why do you think he was k*lled?
Chloe: I can't be sure about that, but last month when my VW Bug was in the shop, I swear I saw his arm reach for a wrench three feet under my car. I started a file on him just in case he had some sort of stretching abilities. But unlike Jake, Wallace never went psycho.
Clark: So Lana's mystery hero isn't out to save anyone. He's hunting them.
Chloe: Smallville's own version of a hate crime. But why?
Clark looks a the computer screen.
Clark: Revenge.
He turns the monitor around and shows it to Chloe. There is a news article with a picture of Van McNulty's father and a headline that says "Town Honors Local Veteran, m*rder by Troubled Teen."
Clark: Van McNulty's father was a marine recruiter who was k*lled by Tina Greer.
Chloe: Tina's d*ad, so he decides to go terminator on the rest.
Clark: [Nods.] Van's fighting his own personal w*r.
Pete and Clark walk through a densely wooded area outdoors. Day.
Pete: Clark, my definition of "hike" stopped two miles ago.
Clark: We have to get evidence for the police. He used to come here all the time with his dad. It'll just take a minute.
Pete: Yeah, that's what you said when we broke into his locker. And his car and his house.
They approach a cabin.
Clark: Jake was k*lled by a hunting r*fle.
Pete: Like you can't find one of those in the back window of every truck in town.
They enter the cabin, Clark shining his flashlight. The room is filled with dust and looks like it hasn't been used in years.
Pete: Now, this place needs some serious Lemon Pledge. All right, Clark, that's enough. Let's go. There's nothing here.
Clark: He was pretty tight with his dad.
Pete: Clark, the last time I checked, there's no offense in father and son bonding.
Clark walks to a locked closet against the wall. He uses his X-ray vision to look through the door and sees several r*fles inside.
Clark: Pete, there's a serious arsenal in here.
Pete: Clark, it's a hunting cabin. What do you expect?
Clark smashes the padlock in his hand and opens the door. They go inside and look at the dozens of g*n leaning against the wall. Clark continues to shine his flashlight around. On another wall he finds the word "Freaks" painted in green. Below that is a group of pictures and profiles, identical to the profile Chloe had on her computer of Jake. The first profile is of Leonard Wallace, the second is Jake. They both have green Xs painted across them. The third profile, also crossed with a green X, has a picture of Lex.
Pete: Whoa. What's Lex Luthor's picture doing there?
Clark: Pete, call the sheriff.
Clark super speeds from the room.
Cut to LuthorCorp. Lex is just leaving the building and walking toward his car outside. We see a brief sh*t of Clark speeding through Smallville.
Lex unlocks his car as Van is in the distance loading a clip into his r*fle. He raises the scope to his eye, taking aim at Lex.
Clark runs over a bridge, the landscape blurring by in the background.
Van points the g*n at Lex, the red dot of the g*n's laser sight landing on the back of Lex's head. Van fires the r*fle and the b*llet flies through the air in slow motion. When it is about to h*t Lex's head, Clark super speeds into the way and reaches out his hand, catching the b*llet which smashes against his palm.
Clark: Lex, get down!
Clark pulls Lex to the ground and Van keeps f*ring, shattering the window of Lex's car. Several security officers come outside.
Clark: [To the officers.] Someone's trying to k*ll him! Get him inside! Go!
The men take Lex back into the building. Van watches as Clark looks around, holding the smashed b*llet in his hand. He drops the b*llet and Van runs away. But Clark super speeds around the side of the building and grabs onto him. They both fall to the ground and several kryptonite rocks fall out of Van's bag right next to Clark.
Clark: Aaah!
Van: [Getting to his feet.] You're one of them. I saw you catch that slug. It was in your hand. What are you, some kind of bulletproof freak?
Van looks at the meteor rocks and sees how much pain Clark is in. He smiles and nudges Clark with his foot, rolling him from his side to his back. Van kneels down and picks up a rock.
Van: What's wrong? Does this stuff make you sick or something?
Van holds it next to Clark's face and Clark's pain intensifies.
Van: Look at you. How about a nice big bite of meteor rock? How's that feel?
The security trucks come speeding around the corner. Van drops the rock on Clark's chest and runs away, leaving Clark helpless on the ground. Clark looks over at one of the rocks next to him and sees the work Freak.
Fade to black.
Lex stands at the head of a large set of stairs inside LuthorCorp surrounded by security officers. Day. Clark enters, escorted by two more officers on either side of him.
Clark: Lex.
The officers around Lex take a step forward, ready to keep Clark away from Lex.
Lex: It's all right, it's all right.
The officers back away and Clark shrugs out of his escorts' grip. He and Lex start walking down the stairs.
Lex: Clark. How did you know someone was gonna try to k*ll me?
Clark: It's the same person who sh*t Lana's attacker.
Lex: What would he want with me?
Clark: Look, I know this is gonna sound bizarre, but this kid Van ... He's convinced that the meteor rocks in Smallville have altered certain people.
Lex: [Laughing nervously.] What do you mean by altered?
Clark: He thinks they've developed different abilities than the rest of us, and he's hunting them. Lex, he had a h*t list. They found it in his cabin, and you're on it.
Lex: Clark, the only abilities I have are playing the market and falling for the wrong women.
Clark: He's obviously crazy.
Lex: There must be some reason he picked me.
Chloe is typing at the computer in the Torch office as Clark paces behind her. Day.
Chloe: Think about it, Clark. Lex survived the meteor shower, a near-fatal car accident, and a plane crash. Even he doesn't have enough money to afford a guardian angel with that much clout. Check this out.
Chloe pulls up a file on Lex on the computer.
Chloe: Lex's medical records show that he has a white blood cell count that is off the charts. I mean, it's more than enough to raise an eyebrow.
Clark: [Annoyed.] You've been keeping a file on Lex, too. Chloe, didn't you learn your lesson about keeping your secret files?
Chloe: They're my own private notes. Since when is curiosity a crime?
Clark: Since someone took your database and turned it into a personal h*t list. Van had a printout of the same file on his bulletin board.
Chloe stares at her screen, shocked.
Chloe: [Quietly.] Van helped network half these computers. He must've cracked my password. Oh, God, Clark. This is all my fault.
Clark: Chloe, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to blame you. It's not like you pulled the trigger.
Chloe: No, I just loaded the g*n and pointed it in the right direction.
Clark doesn't respond.
Lionel enters an office at LuthorCorp where Lex is seated at the couch. Day. Lionel brushes past the security guards standing at the door.
Lionel: [To the guards.] Where is he? [He sees Lex at the couch and sits next to him.] Lex. Thank God you're all right. You're now covered by my personal security.
Lex: I appreciate the gesture, Dad, but I'm not about to let some adolescent assassin disrupt my life.
Lionel: Don't take that cavalier attitude, Lex.
Lex: I wouldn't worry about it, Dad. I'm insured now.
Lionel: Not yet. There's some difficulty getting you underwritten by Lloyd's of London.
Lex: On what grounds?
Lionel: Your tendency to attract near-death experiences has made you too great a liability.
Lex: [Laughing exasperatedly.] I would think surviving would count for something.
Lionel: You're right. I'll get it straightened out. Don't worry.
Lionel gets up to leave. He stops when Lex speaks.
Lex: Dad. Before the meteor shower, was I ever sick?
Lionel: When you were a child, you, uh, had asthma, but, uh, other than that no. Nothing serious.
Lex stands up and walks toward his father.
Lex: Don't you find it, uh, a little strange that I've never been sick a day in my life since?
Lionel: What's all this about, Lex, hmm?
Lex: [Pause.] Nothing. I obviously inherited strong genes.
Lionel chuckles and Lex smiles. As Lex walks away, the expression on Lionel's face becomes tense.
Clark enters the Talon with a folder in his hand. Day. Sheriff Adams is just leaving.
Clark: Sheriff Adams, have you found Van yet?
Adams: Yeah, we're keeping an eye out, but there's no reason to think he's come back to Smallville.
Clark: I think there is. Take a look at this.
Clark shows her a printout of one of Chloe's file pages with a list of names.
Clark: One of these people will be Van's next target.
Adams: Are we in the psychic business now, Mr. Kent?
Clark: Just look at the first three names.
Sheriff Adams looks at the list and reads the names Leonard Wallace, Jake Pollen, and Alexander Luthor.
Adams: Where'd you get this?
Clark: A friend of mine who believes that these people are linked to a certain, um, phenomenon in Smallville.
Adams: A phenomenon, huh? It's a little out of my jurisdiction.
Clark: Well, you don't have to believe it's true. Van McNulty does, and these people are in a lot of danger.
Adams: It can't hurt to be cautious.
Sheriff Adams takes the list and leaves. Clark walks toward the bar and Lana approaches, carrying a tray.
Lana: How's Lex doing?
Clark: Okay, I guess. It's not the first time he's been in the cross hairs.
Lana: Are they sure Van was the sh**t?
Clark: I am.
Lana looks at Clark pointedly and walks to the bar. Clark follows.
Clark: Lana, I know he saved your life, but I don't think that was his intention.
Lana: No, it was just a happy accident.
Clark: I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.
Lana: Clark, I really thought I was going to die.
Clark: You've been through worse.
Lana: Because you've been there to protect me, but I knew you weren't coming this time, so when Van showed up I guess I was just relieved that there were others like you out there.
Clark: He's not like me. You have to see him for what he is. He's a k*ller. Lana, it's okay to be mad at people who tried to hurt you, but it's not fair to take it out on everyone who's been affected by the meteors. It's not their fault. No one asked to be different.
Lana: [Pause.] Life would just be so much better for everybody if the meteor shower never happened.
Clark looks away, stung by Lana's words.
Van is outdoors next to a campfire doing sit-ups. Night. He is wearing only army pants and holding his r*fle above his head, counting softly.
Van: 197, 198, 199...
He comes up for one last time and stops, resting his arms on his knees. He glances at the campfire behind him, then stands up and goes to it, resting his r*fle against a log. Nearby is a table covered with beakers, bottles, and other equipment. There are also several pieces of kryptonite, one of which he picks up to inspect. Then he kneels down next to the f*re where there is a pot full of glowing green liquid on the grill. He throws the meteor rock into the pot.
From the table, Van takes a small cup held by a long handle and dips it into the pot, filling the cup with the liquid. Next to the f*re is a tray with several circular grooves in it. He pours the contents of the cup into the tray, filling the grooves.
Using another long metal handle, he picks up the tray and dips it into a bucket of cold water, causing the water to bubble and steam. Then he pulls the tray out of the water and sets it down on the table. From the tray he pulls one of the dried pieces of meteor rock with a pair of tweezers, revealing it to be a perfectly shaped kryptonite b*llet.
Clark and Jonathan are outside on the farm, unloading bales of hay from the back of the truck. Day.
Clark: I've searched everywhere, from here to Metropolis. It's like Van disappeared.
Jonathan: Well, Clark, he can't hide forever. Every police officer in the state's looking for him. They'll find him.
Clark: I just hope he doesn't find his next target first. [Pause.] Dad, do you think I'm like Van?
Jonathan: Well, I think you know my answer to that question, son. The real question is do you think you're like Van?
Clark: It's just I've come into contact with a lot of kryptonite-infected people and it never ends with us being friends and shaking hands. I gave Lana this whole tolerance speech. I always assumed the worst about them too.
In the distance, under the cover of trees, Van cocks his g*n. He is in a full camouflage suit and his face is covered with army paint. He aims at Clark, but Jonathan steps in the way.
Jonathan: For all we know there could be lots of people out there who have been infected who lead perfectly normal lives.
Clark: They're forced to live with their secret, just like me.
Jonathan: And they could be using their abilities for good, too. I'm gonna get cleaned up.
Jonathan walks toward the house, giving Van a clear sh*t of Clark. He aims the laser sight directly at Clark's chest. Clark turns around to follow Jonathan inside, and Van pulls the trigger. The kryptonite b*llet comes out of the g*n in slow motion, whirling through the air. Clark turns around and sees the b*llet coming toward his head. He raises his hand to block it and is shocked when the b*llet drives right through the center of his palm and out the back of his left hand. Then it strikes his left shoulder, throwing him violently to the ground.
Clark: Aaah! Aaah!
Jonathan: Clark? Clark!
Jonathan kneels next to Clark and rolls him onto his back. Clark continues to yell and whimper, obviously in immense pain. Van smiles sadistically.
Clark: Dad... ah... Dad...
Jonathan: Clark, I got you.
Jonathan sits next to Clark, pillowing Clark's head with his knee.
Clark: Aaah!
Fade to black.
Martha is heating a sharp kitchen Kn*fe over the gas stove in the kitchen. Day. Jonathan is sitting on the kitchen floor next to Clark who is lying down, still moaning in pain.
Jonathan: [To Martha.] How's that coming, sweetheart?
Martha: I got it.
Jonathan rips open Clark's shirt, revealing a bloody b*llet hole in his chest near his left shoulder with swollen veins stretching out from it in every direction.
Clark: Aaah!
Jonathan: It's okay, son. It's okay. It's all right, Clark. Hang in there.
Martha runs to Clark and Jonathan with the Kn*fe as well as a bowl and dishtowel. Clark's moans become more desperate.
Martha: He's dying. The poison is spreading so fast.
Jonathan takes the Kn*fe.
Jonathan: Okay, Clark, I'm gonna... I'm gonna get it out.
Jonathan sticks the tip of the Kn*fe into Clark's wound.
Clark: Aaah!
Jonathan: Clark, Clark, you gotta stay still, son.
Martha: [Stroking Clark's hair.] Hold on, baby, hold on. Dad's gonna get it.
Clark: Aah ...
Clark's voice cuts off.
Martha: He's not breathing!
Jonathan: All right. Hand me those.
Clark loses consciousness as Martha hands Jonathan a pair of pliers from the bowl. Jonathan uses the pliers to reach into Clark's wound. Martha puts her hand over her mouth, frightened.
Jonathan: Don't you give up on us now, son!
Jonathan searches around inside the wound with the pliers.
Martha: Jonathan, do you have it?
Jonathan: Martha, it's in there so far. Wait a second. I think I got it. Okay.
Martha: [To Clark, crying.] Hold on, baby, hold on, baby, he's got it.
Jonathan slowly pulls the glowing kryptonite b*llet from the hole in Clark's chest. The b*llet and the tips of the pliers are covered in blood. Jonathan and Martha both look at the b*llet in disgust for a moment. Then Jonathan drops it into the bowl. Martha covers the bowl with the dishtowel and runs from the room.
Jonathan: Get that thing out of here. Clark, come on, son. Come on, Clark.
Clark is still unconscious. But right before Jonathan's eyes, the bulging veins around Clark's wound disappear and the b*llet hole closes up, healing itself completely. Jonathan remains next to Clark on the kitchen floor.
We see the computer simulation of Lex's Porsche hitting Clark on the bridge the day they met. Night. Lex is sitting at the desk in his study, watching the simulation on his monitor as it repeats over and over. He watches it for a long time, biting his fingernail.
Once more, we watch as the car hits the simulation of Clark and dives into the water.
Lana comes out into the alley behind the Talon with a bulging trash bag. Night. She is on her way to the dumpster when she hears Van's voice.
Van: Lana.
Lana turns around, startled, as Van comes out into the open. He is still in camouflage and there are traces of the army paint still on his face. He is slightly out of breath. He walks toward Lana slowly as he talks, and she backs away.
Van: It's me, Van. I'm the one who saved you.
Lana: [Nervous.] Yeah, I know who you are.
Van: They've got the roads blocked off and they're casing my house and my hunting cabin. I need you to help me get out of here.
Lana: Van, I think you should turn yourself in.
Van: To the police? They're useless. I mean, they should be protecting us. I thought you'd understand. You owe me, Lana. I saved your life.
Lana: I know.
Lana walks around him so that she is closer to the Talon than he is.
Lana: But Lex didn't do anything to you. I'm sorry about what happened to your father, but going after innocent people isn't gonna bring him back.
Van: These freaks aren't people, Lana, okay, no matter how much they seem like it!
Van continues to come toward Lana, and she looks around nervously.
Van: Look at Jake, all right? He was my best friend for three years and I had no idea. And you're being fooled just like I was.
Lana: What do you mean?
Lana backs into an open gate leading to a set of stairs descending into the Talon.
Van: Clark Kent is one of them.
Lana: [Whispering, terrified.] Why would you say that?
Van: Look, I know he seems perfectly normal, but I saw him catch a b*llet, Lana. In his bare hands. He was a freak just like the rest of them.
Lana: What do you mean "was"?
Van: Well, let's just say Clark Kent won't be able to hurt anyone now.
Lana: What did you do?
Van: I found his weakness. I made special b*ll*ts.
Lana: [Crying.] No, no...
Van: That freak got exactly what he deserved.
Lana: Clark is more human than you will ever be.
Lana steps back and slams the gate into Van, sending him tumbling down the long flight of stairs and crashing at the bottom. She then runs into the Talon, picks up the phone behind the bar, and dials 911.
Lana: Get someone to the Kent Farm. Quick. Clark Kent's been m*rder!
Van runs into the room, rips the phone off the wall and grabs Lana roughly by the shoulders. He is sweating and crazed.
Van: You were in love with that disgusting mutant, weren't you? [He squeezes her face in his hand.] You know, there's only one thing I hate worse than a freak, and that's a freak lover.
Van yanks Lana away from the wall.
Clark is still unconscious on the kitchen floor. Night. He now has a pillow under his head and a blanket covering him. Martha and Jonathan are seated at the dining room table, and Martha gets up as Clark's head starts to move from side to side.
Martha: He's coming to.
Jonathan comes to Martha's side as Clark hops to his feet. His shirt is spattered with blood.
Jonathan: Hey. Clark, how you feeling, son?
Clark: A little woozy.
Martha: You need to lie down, take it slowly.
Clark: No, I need to find Van.
Jonathan: Clark, listen, just because your wound is healed doesn't mean you don't need to rest.
Clark: How can I rest knowing that Van's out there with a h*t list in his hand?
Clark leaves the kitchen, taking off his shirt as he goes to the stairs.
Martha: Clark, this boy is not like the others. He has kryptonite b*ll*ts.
Jonathan: He already tried to k*ll you once, son. I'll not let you give him a second chance.
Clark: I know what I'm up against now.
Jonathan: Clark ...
Clark runs up the stairs. There is a knock at the door. Martha opens the door and finds Sheriff Adams. The lights of a police car flash behind her.
Adams: Mrs. Kent, is Clark all right?
Jonathan: Yeah, Clark's fine. Why, Sheriff?
Clark comes down the stairs, wearing a clean shirt.
Adams: [To Clark.] Well, rumors of your death have been greatly exaggerated, Mr. Kent.
Adams notices the bloody shirt still resting on the railing by the stairs.
Adams: [To Jonathan.] Are you sure everything's all right?
Jonathan: [Looking at the shirt.] Oh yeah, it was a barbed wire accident.
Clark: What do you mean rumors of my death?
Adams: Dispatch received a call that you'd been m*rder.
Clark: Who'd make a call like that?
Adams: Beats the heck out of me. I don't appreciate crank calls, especially in the middle of a manhunt.
Sheriff Adams turns away from the door to speak into her radio. There is a faint whoosh heard.
Adams: All clear at the Kent Farm.
Voice on the radio: All right, Sheriff.
Adams: Over.
Sheriff Adams turns back to the Kents and Clark is gone.
Adams: Where's your son?
Martha and Jonathan look at Sheriff Adams nervously. Jonathan shakes his head, at a loss for words.
Outside, Clark picks up the police radio from Sheriff Adams' car and speaks into it.
Clark: Van, I know you're listening. You didn't get me. If you want to finish this, meet me where I saw your dad's picture. I'm on my way.
Van hears Clark's voice on his radio as he is pushing Lana toward a car in the alley behind the Talon. He has one hand on her arm and his other arm around her throat. She struggles to get away, but her hands are tied behind her back. Van opens the trunk of the car and throws Lana inside. He leans over her.
Van: I don't know how your boyfriend survived my first sh*t, but we're gonna see how he handles a whole clip.
Van slams the trunk of the car shut.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. The parking lot is empty and the school is deserted. Inside Clark slowly walks through a dark hallway. Van suddenly comes around the corner holding a g*n in his hand. He drags Lana with him, his arm around her neck. Lana's hands are still tied behind her back.
Van: You may have survived one b*llet, but I'm not gonna make that mistake again!
Clark: Lana. Let her go!
Van: Not until she sees once and for all that her lover boy is a freak show.
Van grabs Lana's neck and throws her against the wall behind him where she topples into a row of stairs and lands on the ground. She looks up as Van takes aim at Clark and fires b*llet after b*llet, each one hitting Clark in the chest. Clark backs up toward a window with the force of the b*ll*ts.
Lana: Clark!
Van stops sh**ting and lowers his g*n. Clark looks at him, unharmed.
Van: [To Lana.] I told you he was a freak.
Clark comes forward slowly as Lana stands up quietly behind Van. She kicks him squarely between the legs and he doubles over immediately.
Lana: You're a freak.
Van stands upright and Lana kicks him in the face, sending him crashing through the glass of a trophy display case and knocking him unconscious. Lana goes to Clark.
Lana: [Whispered.] Clark, how did you ...
Clark: It's all about dressing for the occasion.
Clark unbuttons his shirt and opens it, revealing a breastplate made of lead. The glowing kryptonite b*ll*ts are imbedded in the metal.
Lana: What is that, lead?
Clark rips the plate off his chest and drops it to the floor. He and Lana smile faintly at each other.
Lex contemplatively traces his fingers over the keys of the piano in his study. Night. He has a glass of sherry in his other hand. Clark enters.
Clark: You can rest a bit easier. Van McNulty's been taken into custody. He's in the psychiatric ward.
Lex: I-I knew Van was misguided, but I'm not so sure he's insane.
Clark: What makes you say that?
Lex rises from the piano bench and walks to the bar where he refills his drink, turning his back to Clark.
Lex: Churchill once said "Out of intense complexities, intense simplicities emerge." Maybe that kid was right about me.
Clark: Lex, he's a fanatic.
Lex: [Turning to face Clark.] Oh, but Chloe Sullivan's not? How many times have I come face to face with death and walked away without a scratch? I've practically lost count.
Clark: Weirder things have happened.
Lex: All this time I thought the reason I survived that Porsche accident was because of you, Clark. Now I'm not so sure. See, I've always tried to explain everything by looking outside myself. But maybe the truth lies inside my own physiology. Maybe I am a freak.
Clark says nothing, looking at Lex noncommittally.
Lana drives up outside Kent Farm where Clark is working in the garden. Day. Lana gets out of her car.
Clark: Lana, is everything okay?
Lana: I thought we established that we didn't need a reason to come and see each other.
Clark steps out of the garden.
Clark: I didn't get a chance to tell you, but you really kicked ass yesterday.
Lana: [Laughing.] Yeah, well, some hero I turned out to be. You still got sh*t.
Lana touches Clark's chest over his shirt.
Lana: You must be pretty sore.
Clark: [Quietly.] It still stings a little.
Lana: You know, I, um, I believed Van for a minute when he told me you were bulletproof.
Clark: Is that what he told you?
Lana: It was really comforting to hear. Suddenly everything made sense. The tornado, all the times that you've been there... everything I can't explain...
Clark: I wish the answer was that easy. But I wasn't infected by the meteor rocks.
Lana: If you were. . .it would be okay.
Clark and Lana look into each other's eyes for a long time, longingly.
Clark: I have to get back to work.
Clark goes back into the garden.
Lana: What I don't understand is you're willing to walk into b*ll*ts for me, but you won't share what's going on inside. Clark, if you don't open up to the people that love you, you'll always be alone. I can't believe you want to spend your life like that.
Clark: I may not have a choice.
Lana: You always have a choice.
Lana looks at him for a moment longer, then goes back to her car.
Chloe is seated at her computer in the Torch office. Day. There is a dialogue box on the screen that says "Delete File?" with the options Yes and No. She clicks No repeatedly and each time she does, the dialogue box says "Locked File, Unable to Delete." She pushes a few buttons on the keyboard and gets the same result. Lionel enters.
Lionel: You h*t a glitch, Miss Sullivan? I know a very capable computer technician who might have some familiarity with your setup.
Chloe: How could I be so idiotic? You donate the computers and then send your experts in to set them up.
Lionel: Yeah, philanthropy. I've always prided myself on that.
Chloe: [Angry.] What about tampering with a high school student's personal computer?
Lionel: I think you'll find your personal computer is on loan to the school as the property of the LuthorCorp foundation.
Chloe: You are so low, you're subterranean. You know, Clark's files aren't even on this hard drive. Do you really think I'd be that stupid?
Lionel: My interest doesn't end with Clark Kent. I'm intrigued by your whole body of work. I'd hate to see your valuable research evaporate into the ether, but I will not allow information that concerns my son to be made available to anyone who can hack their way into your personal files.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor, I'm very sorry about what happened to Lex. These files were never meant to be seen by anyone other than me.
Lionel: [Quiet, dangerous.] I warn you. If I ever catch you investigating a member of my family again, a computer glitch will be the least of your problems.
Chloe looks up at Lionel from her seat, frightened.
Lionel: [Slightly more polite.] Good night, Miss Sullivan.
Lionel exits, leaving Chloe visibly shaken.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x03 - Extinction"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 22nd, 2003
We see a wooden sign in a gathering of trees with the words Crater Lake painted in yellow. Day. Past the sign, Clark comes out of the trees and looks out at the lake. The lake is massive and blue. The sun shines down on it brightly and heavily wooded hills can be seen in the background. Clark smiles and walks out onto the narrow dock, stopping about halfway to the end and takes off his shirt. He starts to unbutton his pants and take off his shoes when he hears Lana's voice behind him.
Lana: Hi, Clark.
Clark turns around as Lana walks up, smiling.
Clark: Lana. I didn't think anybody else was out here.
Lana: Well, it looks like we had the same idea for cooling off.
Clark: Yeah, it's a scorcher.
Lana's smile fades as she lowers her eyes to Clark's bare chest, hardly bothering to hide her desire.
Clark: You know, I'll come back.
Lana: Oh, no, why? It's a big lake. There's enough room for both of us. [Clark doesn't answer.] I'm game if you are.
Clark raises his eyebrows, surprised. Lana walks past him to the edge of the dock, behind Clark.
Lana: No peeking.
She turns toward Clark and takes off her shirt, dropping it onto the dock. A smile starts to form on Clark's face as Lana takes off her bra. She tosses it forward where it lands on Clark's foot. Lana takes off her pants and drops them, then jogs to the end of the dock. Clark turns around just in time to see her dive naked into the lake. Moments later, her head pokes out of the water.
Lana: Your turn, Clark. I promise I won't peek.
Lana turns around in the water so she is facing away from Clark. He smiles as he quickly pulls his pants off and dives into the water. Lana turns around, looking for him, but doesn't see him anywhere.
Lana: Clark?
No response. She turns around in the water, searching.
Lana: Clark!
The fear in her eyes grows as she continues to scan the water for Clark. His head suddenly pops out of the water behind her.
Clark: Boo.
Lana splashes water in his face.
Lana: Don't do that!
Clark laughs and splashes back. They get into a brief splash fight and soon Lana is laughing too.
Lana: You're ... it's not funny.
Lana wipes the water from her face and they take a moment to look at each other, inching closer together.
Lana: [Quietly.] I always said there should be nothing between us.
Clark: Now there's not.
Clark leans in to kiss her, and just as their lips are about to touch they hear a terrified scream.
Girl: Help!
They look at the beach and see a girl, Sara Conroy, running across the sand and into the trees as if being chased.
Sara: Help me!
Sara runs into the forest, hardly watching where she is going. She runs into Clark who is suddenly right in front of her and fully clothed. She looks up at him, breathless.
Clark: What's wrong?
Sara walks a few paces away from Clark, looking around, frightened.
Sara: He's here. Run. Run!
A growl is heard and a decaying hand reaches up from the ground and grips Sara's ankle.
Sara: Aah!
Sara falls down as she is pulled into the dirt. When she is waist deep, Clark runs to her and grabs her hand, trying to pull her out.
Sara: No! Don't let him take me! No!
Clark's strength is no match for whatever has hold of Sara. She is pulled completely into the ground leaving behind no trace of a hole.
Sara: No!
Clark looks at the ground, terrified.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent mailbox. Day. Inside, Clark talks to his parents over breakfast in the kitchen.
Clark: I dug holes, I used my X-ray vision, but it's like she just vanished.
Jonathan: Was anybody else out there with you?
Clark: [Quickly.] No. Just me.
Martha: You were skinny-dipping alone?
Clark: [Smiling, embarrassed.] Well, it was kind of a spur of the moment kind of thing.
Jonathan: All right, son, I'll give the sheriff a call.
Clark: Maybe I should skip school and go look for her.
Martha: Clark, it's not your responsibility to save everybody.
Jonathan: Besides, right now I've got a surprise for you. Outside.
All three of them go outside and come down the front steps.
Clark: Wow, I didn't know you got a new truck.
There is a brand new blue truck parked outside the house.
Jonathan: It's not mine, Clark. It's yours.
Clark: What?
Martha and Jonathan both laugh excitedly.
Clark: Oh, my God! Wait till I tell Pete!
Clark goes to the truck for a closer look.
Jonathan: Hey, it's not just for fun, son, we needed a new truck around here anyway.
Clark: Well, how can we afford it?
Jonathan: Well, the extra money Lex gave us came in handy.
Clark: Considering the source I'm surprised you used it.
Jonathan: Yeah, I-I know. But I finally realized that I wasn't giving him a fair shake.
Martha: After all you've been through the last couple of months, we're really happy to have you home.
Clark: I don't know what to say.
Jonathan: Say that you will take good care of her?
Jonathan holds up the keys.
Clark: [Grabbing the keys happily.] I'll take good care of her.
Martha and Jonathan laugh as they both hug Clark.
Clark: Thanks!
Jonathan: All right. Hey, you better get to school. You're late already. Oh, if Sheriff Adams finds anything about that girl, we'll let you know.
Clark: Okay.
Martha and Jonathan watch Clark get into the truck. Once inside, he gives them a last excited look through the window, then starts the motor. Jonathan waves and Martha blows a kiss as Clark speeds away, stirring up a trail of dust on the dirt road.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School as the bell rings. Day. Inside Clark is walking down the hallway. Lana catches up with him.
Lana: Hey, Clark.
Clark: Lana. Look, about yesterday...
Lana: Oh, it's okay.
Clark: You're not mad?
Lana: About you running off? No, I had a good view when you left.
Clark smiles, embarrassed.
Lana: So who was screaming?
Clark: Some girl.
Lana: Is she okay?
Clark: I don't know. She just kind of disappeared. I'm really sorry I just left you. Again.
Lana: It's not like we had a date or anything. But I had fun.
Clark: So did I.
Lana: Our relationship's always been about pain and angst. I guess a little levity is refreshing. Maybe after a while, you'll stop torturing yourself and realize that there's no reason why we shouldn't be together.
Clark lowers his eyes, about to argue. Lana puts her hand on his shoulder.
Lana: It's okay, Clark. I'm willing to wait as long as you want.
She walks away and Clark longingly watches her go. Then he turns away and sees Sara standing in the middle of the hallway looking at him.
Clark: Hey.
He goes after her as she starts to walk away.
Clark: Hey, wait. Hey, who are you?
Sara stops in front of a glass trophy case on the wall.
Clark: What happened? I saw you get pulled into the ground. At least tell me your name.
Sara: [Shakily.] Uh, Sara. Sara Conroy.
Clark: Okay, Sara, what's going on?
Sara: He's after me.
Clark: Who?
Sara: He's always after me.
Sara looks past Clark and her features tense up in fear. In the glass behind her, Clark sees the reflection of a faceless figure in a red cape and hood, reaching for Sara. Clark whips around and there is nothing behind him. Pete walks up.
Pete: Clark, where were you?
Clark: Pete, did you see that guy?
Pete: What guy?
Clark: How could you miss him? He had a big red cape on. He was standing right there. [He turns around.] Sara, you must ...
Clark sees that Sara is gone.
Pete: Who's Sara?
Clark: She was right there.
Pete: [Nodding.] The insanity defense. It's working. I get it.
Clark: I'm not insane.
Pete: Well, what do you call skipping a history exam worth 50% of your grade?
Clark: That's today?
Pete: That was today. You flunked.
Pete walks away, shaking his head.
Clark enters the Torch office where Chloe is working. Day.
Clark: Chloe, I need your help. Something came up at the lake yesterday.
Chloe: [Laughing.] Yeah, I heard. You are referring to the "Blue Lagoon" moment with a certain former girlfriend, right?
Clark: You know about that?
Chloe: Clark, this is high school. Everybody knows.
Clark: The only ... Did Sara Conroy tell you?
Chloe: Highly doubtful, since I've never met anyone with that name.
Clark: Well, she's a new student. I think. I saw her in the woods, and I just saw her in the hallway. She's definitely a candidate for Wall of Weird.
Clark suddenly looks at the wall, shocked.
Chloe: That's too bad, since the Wall of Weird has been retired.
Clark walks past Chloe to the wall. The clippings are all gone, the wall blank.
Clark: Chloe, who did this?
Chloe: I did. It's time to leave childish pursuits behind. You're not the only one who grew up this summer. Besides, I think the Daily Planet was beginning to frown on my little obsession.
Clark: But we know these stories are true.
Chloe: Do we? People have died because of that wall.
Clark: And people have been saved too.
Chloe: I'm done chasing windmills, Clark. From now on it's hard news that can be backed up with facts.
Chloe leaves the Torch office.
Lex is sitting in his study, holding a sifter of brandy that he is looking at contemplatively. Night. Clark enters.
Clark: Lex? Your message sounded urgent. Something wrong?
Lex: I'm not really sure. I'm having a rather strange day.
Clark: Join the club.
Lex: I was hoping you could help me with a problem, Clark.
Clark: What do you need?
Lex: Would you hand me that sword?
Lex points to a sheathed sword hanging on the wall and takes a sip of brandy. Clark pulls the sword off the wall and looks closely at it.
Clark: Is this new?
Lex: [Getting up from his seat.] Depends on your definition. It was a ceremonial w*apon used by a group of 16th century Samurai warriors. The Katai. Ever heard of them?
Clark: [Shaking his head.] Japanese history really isn't my strong suit.
Lex: Let me give you your first lesson.
Lex holds out his hands and Clark hands him the sword.
Lex: Legend has it this sword was forged in the fires of Mount Fuji.
Lex unsheathes the sword.
Lex: The blade can cut through anything. [He drops the sheath behind him.] The Katai never took it into battle. They never had to . . . till the day the strongest Katai turned on his own. One by one, the Katai fell at his hand.
Lex walks past Clark, facing the fireplace, holding the sword with both hands. Clark watches him, confused.
Lex: Nothing left to lose, the last of the Katai lunged at the warrior with this sword. The blade cut him clean in two. But when the warrior's armor fell away, the Katai saw he wasn't even human.
Lex tilts his head, cracking his neck. Then without warning, he whips around and swings the sword at Clark. Clark raises his arm and the blade strikes him, shattering into pieces.
Lex: [Breathless.] Just like you, Clark. See I've always been honest with you. But it turns out you've been lying to me from the first day I laid eyes on you.
Clark shakes his head and Lex starts to walk away.
Clark: No, Lex, I can explain!
Lex: It's too late! The irony is all you had to do was come to me, Clark. I was your friend. I would've protected your secret. I would've protected you. But I couldn't be trusted because I'm a Luthor.
Clark: No, that's not it!
Lex: I don't care! [Stepping closer to Clark.] I'm going to dedicate myself to ensuring the whole world knows who Clark Kent really is. Life as you know it is over.
Clark: Lex...
Lex leaves the room.
Clark: Lex!
Cut to Clark driving up to his house in the new truck. He turns off his headlights and steps out of the truck, heading toward the house.
Clark: Mom! Dad! We got a big problem!
Clark sees Sara standing outside the fence, her face a ghostly blue in the moonlight.
Clark: Sara? What are you doing here?
Sara looks at the flowers growing near the fence.
Sara: Lilacs. I haven't seen lilacs in years. They're my favorite. My mother used to grow them for me.
Clark: Where is your family?
Sara: Listen. Please don't let him take me again.
Clark: Who?
Sara: The Traveler, Clark.
Clark: How do you know my name?
A great wind suddenly starts to blow and Sara looks over Clark's shoulder.
Sara: Aaah!
Clark turns around and sees the figure hooded in red. It has no face and its deathly arms are outstretched. It speaks in a demonic male voice.
Traveler: Sara, you cannot escape me.
Clark goes to the Traveler who is several feet taller than he is, and tries to punch him in the stomach. The Traveler catches Clark's hand and throws Clark into the air. He lands in the back of the hay truck.
Traveler: [To Sara.] No matter where you hide, I will always find you.
The Traveler walks to Sara slowly.
Sara: No... Please, no! Clark! Aaah!
Clark runs to Sara as the Traveler wraps his arms around her and bends forward, covering her. Clark grabs at the red cape, but Sara and the Traveler are already gone. The cape is all that remains.
Clark: No! Sara!
Clark punches his fist deep into the ground, and a hole opens beneath him . He falls into the hole head first and the ground swallows him.
Cut to Clark jerking awake on the couch in the loft. He sits up. Martha and Jonathan come to his side.
Martha: Clark! Oh, thank God, we've been so worried.
Clark: What happened?
Martha: You fell asleep while you were studying for your history exam.
Jonathan: That was a day and a half ago, son. We've been trying to wake you ever since.
Martha: You must've been dreaming.
Clark: It's was so real. I met this girl Sara Conroy and she was in trouble.
Jonathan: Conroy. That's the name of our new next-door neighbor. He has a teenage daughter.
Clark: They moved into Lana's old house?
Clark gets up from the couch and goes toward the window.
Jonathan: There's been a moving truck there since yesterday.
Clark: How could I dream about someone I've never even met?
Jonathan and Martha exchange a worried look as Clark looks at them both, fearful.
Fade to black.
Clark sits on the front steps of his house drinking a cup of coffee. Day. He stands up and walks to the bottom of the stairs, stretching out his arms. Jonathan and Martha come outside.
Jonathan: Wow. Somebody's sure up early.
Martha: Clark, have you been up all night?
Clark: I was kind of afraid to go to sleep. I can't get over how real that dream was. I feel like I should check on the Conroys.
Martha: What would you say to them? That Sara was in danger in your dreams?
Jonathan: You need to be careful, Clark.
Clark: Yeah, now I got to be careful when I'm sleeping too.
Jonathan: You weren't just asleep, son. You were out for 36 hours. That just happens to coincide with that girl moving in next door?
Clark: You think she's keeping me asleep?
Jonathan: I don't know, Clark. But with all the weird things been going on around here, you need to be careful. So look, I'm asking you, you stay away from the neighbors.
Clark doesn't answer, but looks into the distance in the direction of the Conroys' house.
Clark is loading bales of hay into the back of the truck. Day. Lana approaches.
Lana: Missed you at school the last few days.
Clark: I haven't been feeling so good.
Lana: To be honest, you look a little tired. Maybe you should try and get some sleep.
Clark: [Quickly.] No. Uh, I'll be fine.
Lana: [Laughing.] Okay.
She pulls some papers from her bag and hands them to Clark.
Lana: Well, um, I brought you your homework. Mr. Blair said that you could, uh, make up your history exam as long as you have a note from your parents.
Clark: [Smiling.] You're the best. [Pause.] Can I tell you something?
Lana: Sure.
Clark: I had this dream, and it's really freaking me out.
Lana: What was it about?
Clark: A lot of things. This girl.
Lana: [Slightly disappointed.] Oh.
Clark: Lana, it's not like that. She needed help.
Lana: Let me guess. You had to save her.
Clark: Except I couldn't. Her name's Sara, and she moved into your old house.
Lana: When did you meet her?
Clark: That's the thing. I haven't. How could I be dreaming about her?
Lana: Well, maybe if you walked me through the dream we could figure it out together.
Clark: You don't think I'm nuts?
Lana: Clark, I think you have a lot of issues, but I do not think you have lost your mind.
Clark laughs.
Lana: Okay, so where did you see her first?
Clark: Crater Lake. You were there.
Lana: Really? What were we doing?
Clark: [Defensive.] Nothing. Um, it's really hazy.
Lana: Okay. Well, I have a better idea. Why don't we go see Sara in person?
Clark looks like he is about to argue, then smiles and nods.
Cut to Sara lying unconscious in her bed. Clark and Lana watch as Sara's uncle Nicholas touches her forehead affectionately.
Clark: [To Nicholas.] She seems so . . . Do the doctors think she'll come out of it?
Nicholas: Well, there's always hope.
Lana: It must be really hard to see your daughter like this.
Nicholas: Oh, Sara's my niece. So, this is your old house, Lana.
Lana nods.
Nicholas: [To Clark.] And you're the boy from next door.
Clark: What exactly happened?
Lana: [Whispering.] Clark...
Nicholas: It's okay. It's no secret. It was a car accident. Sara and her parents went off the Loeb Bridge on their way home from a soccer game. The paramedics say Sara was asleep, which is probably why she survived.
Lana: Sara's from Smallville?
Nicholas: Grandville. Just over the county line.
Clark notices the flowers on Sara's bedside table.
Clark: Lilacs. Those are Sara's favorite.
Nicholas: Yes. How did you know that?
Lana: [Covering.] They're my favorite too. Must be kismet, living in the same house.
Nicholas leans over to adjust Sara's pillows and a gold pendant hangs from his neck.
Clark: That's an interesting medal.
Nicholas: This? Well, it's just good old St. Christopher.
Clark: The patron saint of travelers, right?
Nicholas: Yes. Yes, I say his prayer every night in the hopes that Sara's journey will end and she'll come back to us. Look, I-I'm sorry. You'll have to excuse me. It's, um, time for Sara's medication. Thank you for stopping by.
Clark smiles uneasily and he and Lana leave the room. When they are gone, Nicholas unlocks a cabinet and opens it, revealing it to be full of various medications.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lex walks to Lionel's office where he finds Lionel face down on a table getting a massage.
Lex: Dad, I thought I made it clear that I'm back fully committed to LuthorCorp and to you.
Lionel: [Without lifting his head.] Well, I'm delighted... [He grunts in pleasure.] ...to hear it. Now, what's the problem?
Lex: I've been blocked out of half the computer files I need to do my job. Insufficient security clearance?
Lionel: [To the masseuse.] Thank you, Meli.
Lionel sits up and the masseuse helps him put on his robe.
Lionel: These, um, security measures, Lex, are a necessary evil. You should know that. We have to protect our assets.
Lex: From me?
Lionel gets off the table and walks across the office to the couch.
Lionel: I applaud your renewed commitment to LuthorCorp. After what you've been through, it's remarkable.
Lex: But you think I might betray you again.
Lionel takes a peach from a bowl on the coffee table.
Lionel: Betray me? That's an interesting notion. [He takes a bite out of the peach.] Might you?
Lex crosses the room and sits on the couch next to Lionel.
Lex: I want this to work. I want us to be a family again. You have nothing to fear from me.
Lionel: Why have you refused to complete the psychological profile?
Lex: Come on, Dad. You've never believed in psychobabble, and neither do I.
Lionel: I believe that, um, personal emotional problems are bound to affect day-to-day decision making. I think that dreams can often reveal hidden dangers, serve as a warning ...
Lex: Spare me the Jungian cliff notes, Dad.
Lionel: It's five sessions, Lex. That's all. I thought you wanted to reestablish our bond.
Lex: I do.
Lionel: Then do it. Prove that my total confidence in you is justified.
Lionel takes another bite from his peach and Lex just looks at him.
Clark closes his locker at Smallville High School. Day. Chloe is standing with him.
Chloe: Clark Kent dreaming of the girl next door. Isn't nice to know that some things never change?
They start walking.
Clark: Right now I'm just trying to stay awake.
Chloe: Yeah, even Red Bull has its limits. Trust me. I've tested them.
Clark: I think Sara's reaching out to me for help.
Chloe: Entering your dreams to communicate?
Clark: How else would I know these details of her life? Like the lilacs.
They enter the Torch office.
Chloe: There is a theory that telepathic receptivity is increased during R.E.M. sleep. It has to do with frontal lobe activity.
Clark: My frontal lobe is acting as a beacon.
Chloe laughs.
Chloe: I've never seen a case this dramatic. But we all know that your brain is wired a little differently than the rest of ours. Add the fact that the river where she crashed is a known source for our favorite green stuff and you have the perfect Smallville cocktail for weirdness.
Clark: You think the meteor rocks gave her this ability?
Chloe: Well, once she's in she can keep you asleep. It certainly explains the day and a half snore-a-thon.
Clark: I didn't wake up until the Traveler appeared. And I think it's her uncle.
Chloe: Or a manifestation of fear that she has for her uncle. Sorry, I didn't mean to get all Freudian on you.
Clark: No, her uncle's all-powerful in her life. Why wouldn't he be in her dreams?
Chloe: You're not buying the altruism angle?
Clark: My faith in human kindness is not what it used to be. You up for a trip to the courthouse to see what public records tell us about Uncle Nicholas?
Chloe: I have a deadline for the Daily Planet, and shockingly, a Wall of Weird story doesn't take precedence in their mind.
Clark looks at the Wall of Weird, which is now intact.
Clark: No time for childish pursuits anymore.
Chloe: Hey, now that's not fair. You know that if I had a choice, I would definitely be down there pulling dusty records with you.
Clark: I doubt that. It's okay, I'll grab Lana.
Clark starts to leave.
Chloe: Yeah, at least she can provide a constant source of caffeine.
Clark looks back at Chloe and smiles wryly, then leaves.
Clark and Lana are looking through stacks of public records in Clark's loft. Night. Lana is seated at the couch and Clark is standing behind her.
Lana: Now I know why public records are public. They're incredibly boring.
Clark kneels down and holds out a piece of paper.
Clark: Not all of them. Take a look at this.
Lana takes the paper.
Lana: Wow. Sara's parents were rich.
Clark: When they died she inherited everything. One guess who's in control of the money.
Lana: Uncle Nicholas.
Clark stands up and walks around to the front of the couch, where he sits next to Lana.
Clark: As long as she stays in a coma, he controls the wealth.
Lana: But he still hasn't done anything wrong. I mean taking care of your niece and living a nice life isn't exactly a smoking g*n.
Clark: Then why is Sara so scared of him? I just don't get it.
Lana: Hey, you're tired.
Clark: I'm afraid to close my eyes.
Lana: I'll go put on another pot of coffee.
Lana stands up.
Clark: You don't have to stay.
Lana: I want to, Clark.
They smile at each other and Lana goes down the stairs, exiting the loft. Clark runs his hands over his face and takes a deep breath, letting it out in a loud sigh. His eyelids start to droop and in seconds, they're closed. He opens them again when he hears footsteps.
Clark: That was fast.
Clark sees that it's Sara coming up the stairs.
Clark: Sara.
Sara: [With a small smile.] Hi.
Clark: I must've fallen asleep.
Sara: Yeah.
Clark: How do you get into my dreams?
Sara stops about halfway up the stairs.
Sara: I don't know, Clark. I ... This has never happened to me before. Just the other day, suddenly I was ... I was in the woods and then at school and then at your house. I realized what happened when you and Lana came to see me.
Clark stands up slowly.
Clark: You can hear us?
Sara: Yeah. It's like being in a long dark tunnel. I mean, sometimes it's open, but sometimes it's not. I tried to reach out to you. I mean, you don't know what it's like to be locked in your own body, never any contact.
Clark: Sara, who's the Traveler?
Sara becomes afraid and backs down the stairs, stopping halfway down.
Sara: Oh, w-we shouldn't talk about him. He'll find us.
Clark: [Coming down the stairs.] Is it your uncle? Why are you so afraid of him? What does he do to you?
Sara: I don't know. I used to be able to hear the doctors talking, and they said I should've woken up. But every time I do feel just a little bit better, he does something and I get sent back to a deep dark place that's like the bottom of the ocean. I almost woke up once. That's when he moved us here.
Wind starts bl*wing in the loft.
Sara: Oh, God, he's here.
Sara is suddenly pulled backwards over the railing. Clark runs to the railing and looks over to see Sara falling toward the ground. The Traveler is underneath her, slowly wrapping his arms around her, covering her with his red cloak.
Sara: Aaah! Aaah!
The cloak swirls through the air and sh**t into the ground, disappearing.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Clark and Lex walk through a hallway inside.
Lex: Interesting theory, Clark.
Clark: I know it sounds crazy, but that's what happened.
Lex: Now you're saving people in your dreams, too. I bet a shrink would have a field day with that scenario.
Clark: You don't believe me?
They enter the study.
Lex: I believe you believe it, and that's enough for me. You'll have to forgive me, Clark. I have a personal bias against psychotherapy.
Clark: You don't like letting people in your head.
Lex: Something like that.
Clark: Well, this girl's in my head until I figure out a way to help her.
Lex: I made a few calls to Metropolis General. It's true, Sara was supposed to wake up.
Clark: So her uncle is drugging her.
Lex: They didn't have any evidence of foul play, but they've only performed routine blood tests.
Clark: Maybe he's using a drug that's untraceable.
Lex: Clark, from all appearances the guy hasn't done anything wrong.
Clark: We both know appearances can be deceiving, Lex.
Lex: Telling the cops you heard it in a dream won't get him arrested.
Clark: I appreciate your help.
Lex: Any time.
Clark starts to leave, but stops when he notices a sword on the wall. It is in the same place he found the sword in his dream. He goes toward it nervously.
Clark: I always liked this sword. What is it, some sort of, uh, legendary Samurai antique?
Lex: Hardly. [Taking the sword off the wall.] It's a, uh, it's a prop from my favorite Kurosawa movie. "Throne of Blood."
Lex takes the sword out of the sheath, studying it.
Lex: I bought it at auction.
Lex swings the sword at Clark and stops just before hitting him. Clark flinches.
Lex: [Smiling.] Relax, Clark, it can't hurt you. It's not real.
Clark: Right.
Lex: [Sheathing the sword.] You've got to learn the difference between fantasy and reality. Get some sleep.
There is a knock at Nicholas's door. Day. He opens it and finds Clark on the porch.
Nicholas: Clark. This is a pleasant surprise.
Clark: I thought I'd bring Sara some fresh flowers.
Clark holds up a bouquet of lilacs.
Nicholas: [Pleased.] Oh. Come in.
Cut to Sara's room. Clark watches Sara, still unconscious in her bed while Nicholas puts the lilacs in a vase.
Nicholas: This is real nice of you, Clark.
Clark: Would you mind if I sit with her for a while?
Nicholas: Not at all.
Clark uses his X-ray vision on the cabinet in the corner. He sees all the medication inside.
Nicholas: Can I get you something to drink?
Clark: Anything with caffeine.
Nicholas: I think I might have some soda.
Nicholas leaves the room and Clark goes to the cabinet. He forces the door open and grabs a bottle of medication, looking closely at the label. He ponders for a moment, then super speeds from the room. Nicholas returns, looking puzzled when Clark isn't there. Then he notices the half open cabinet door. He goes to the cabinet, realizes the medication is gone, and immediately becomes angry.
Cut to Clark driving his truck down a dirt road. He has the radio playing loudly and he squints his eyes against the bright sunlight and his own exhaustion. He rubs his eyes with his hand and then realizes that Sara is next to him in the truck.
Sara: [Afraid.] Clark!
Clark: Sara...
Sara: He's so angry.
Clark: Wait, if you're here... that means I'm...
Clark's truck drives off the road and over a fence, sending it spiraling into the air. It lands upside down and rolls over in the field a few times before coming to a stop on its roof.
Martha is looking at a piece of paper and punching numbers into an electronic calculator at the dining room table. Day. Lana knocks on the door and enters.
Lana: Hello?
Martha: Lana, hi. Come on in.
Lana has an iced coffee in her hand.
Lana: I was, uh, looking for Clark. I brought him a little pick-me-up.
Martha: Oh, well he's not back from Lex's, but you're welcome to wait.
Lana: Thanks.
Lana puts down the drink.
Lana: So you finally have new neighbors.
Martha: Yeah, not as good as the old ones.
Lana laughs nervously.
Lana: Mrs. Kent, could I ask you something?
Martha: Of course, Lana.
Lana: [Sitting at the table. A long pause.] Do you know why Clark pushed me away?
Martha: [Gently.] Metropolis changed Clark. He's not the same boy he was when he left this spring. Jonathan and I are trying to figure it out too.
Lana: I guess I just ... I feel like if I stay in his orbit long enough he'll finally decide to open up.
Martha smiles sympathetically. They hear Jonathan's voice from outside.
Jonathan: Martha! Come quick! It's Clark!
Lana and Martha both run out of the house. Outside, they see the upside down truck in the field.
Martha: Oh, my God! Jonathan!
Jonathan pulls Clark from the overturned truck. Clark is unconscious.
Martha: What happened?
Jonathan: I don't know. He must've fallen asleep at the wheel.
Lana: I'll call an ambulance.
Jonathan: No, no, Lana, I think he just h*t his head. He's gonna be fine.
Martha: Well, where was he coming from? Lex's mansion is the other way.
Jonathan: Oh, Clark, I told you not to go to the Conroys.
Lana: He was worried about Sara. He kept seeing her in his dreams. This is my fault. I took him over there.
Martha: Oh, sweetie, don't blame yourself. Clark will be fine.
Lana: What about Sara?
Martha: I'm worried about her too.
The sh*t closes in on Clark's right eye which is vibrating from side to side under his closed eyelid.
Cut to Clark's dream. He pulls the truck to a skidding halt on the dirt road right by Crater Lake, and Sara gets out of the car, running away. Clark gets out after her.
Clark: Sara, wait!
Clark runs after her as she gets to the dock.
Clark: Sara!
Sara: No! We have to get away from him!
Clark: You can't keep running.
Sara stops and turns to face Clark.
Sara: I just want to be free.
Clark: You can. In the real world. You just have to face him.
Sara: I'm afraid.
Clark: Sara, you're keeping us in this dream. I can't help you until I wake up. I have no power.
Sara: I'm sorry, Clark.
A distant growling is heard. Then the Traveler's arm reaches up from the water and grabs Sara's ankle, pulling her in.
Sara: Aaah!
Clark: Sara!
Clark dives in after her.
Outside sh*t of Sara's house. Day. In Sara's room, Nicholas fills a syringe with blue liquid from a medicine bottle.
Nicholas: [Angry.] How did he know about this? How did he know about the lilacs? [He kneels next to Sara's bed.] I don't know what's going on in there, but it's gonna stop.
Nicholas grabs Sara's arm, about to inject her. Lana comes through the door.
Lana: Don't put that needle in her!
Nicholas stands upright, hiding the needle behind his back.
Nicholas: How did you get in here?
Lana: We know you've been drugging Sara.
Nicholas: Really?
He comes closer to Lana, menacing.
Nicholas: You and your boyfriend are a little to neighborly for your own good.
Lana: If you k*ll her, there's no more money.
Nicholas: Who said anything about k*lling *her*?
Nicholas grabs Lana and holds her with his arm around her throat. He sticks the needle in her neck and she drops her purse, losing consciousness immediately. Nicholas wraps his arm around her stomach, lowering her slowly to the ground.
In her bed, Sara's closed eyes are vibrating from side to side.
Fade to black.
Clark walks out of the water and onto the beach, holding Sara in his arms. Day. He puts her down on the beach.
Clark: Sara, are you okay?
Sara: I'm all right, Clark. She's in trouble.
Clark: Who?
Sara: Lana.
They hear a strong wind.
Sara: No. No...
Clark turns around and looks at the lake. Storm clouds form all around, blocking out the sky and hills with gray, and the Traveler rises from the water, spreading out his arms. He stands on the water, drifting closer and closer until he is on the beach.
Traveler: I warned you, Sara. This is a fight you'll never win.
Sara stands up.
Sara: [To Clark.] It's too late.
Clark: Sara, we have to save Lana.
Sara: He's too strong. You can't stop him.
Clark goes toward the Traveler, who grabs Clark by the neck and lifts him into the air.
Traveler: Death to all those who trespass here.
Clark: Sara! You have to help me!
The Traveler throws Clark through the air and he lands on a picnic table which crumbles beneath him. The Traveler drifts toward Sara.
Traveler: Sara, you cannot escape me. Return with me.
Sara: No...
Clark: You're stronger than he is, Sara! You know you are!
Traveler: He cannot save you.
Clark: He did this to you! Get angry! He took six years of your life!
The Traveler slowly reaches out his hand as Sara starts to shake with rage.
Traveler: I control your destiny, Sara. Close your eyes and return to your slumber.
Clark: Don't be afraid, Sara!
Traveler: The more you resist, Sara, the more you will suffer. I will not warn you again.
Sara glares at the Traveler, furious. Suddenly the clouds disappear and the sun shines brightly. The Traveler gasps pulling his hand back. Clark sh**t heat vision at him. The Traveler explodes.
Cut to Clark waking up on his living room couch with a gasp.
Martha: Clark.
Clark: Mom. Lana's in trouble.
He super speeds out of the house, across the field, and into Sara's house where he stops in her bedroom. She is still unconscious. Clark finds Lana's cell phone on the floor next to the bed.
Clark: Lana.
Cut to Lana unconscious in the driver's seat of her car, which is parked on a dirt road in the woods. Nicholas has poured gasoline all around it and is now pouring a trail away from it on the dirt road. He empties the gas can and throws it aside. He pulls a lighter from his pocket and triggers its flame.
Clark looks out Sara's window and sees no sign of Lana. He uses his X-ray vision to look through the trees at the edge of the field and into the woods. He sees Nicholas toss the flaming lighter at the trail of gasoline. Clark's mouth opens in horror and he super speeds from the room.
In slow motion, the lighter falls to the trail of gasoline. Before it hits the ground, a blurred figure flies across the trail and the lighter is suddenly gone.
Clark: [From behind Nicholas.] Looking for this?
Nicholas turns around and sees Clark holding the still flaming lighter. Clark closes the lighter and throws Nicholas against a tree. Nicholas lands on the ground unconscious with the St. Christopher's medal resting on his collar.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lionel is sitting at his desk in his office, facing away from the door. Lex enters.
Lionel: [Without turning around.] Lex? What's so urgent?
Lex: I decided to do it.
Lionel: Oh? Do what?
Lex: Meet with the psychiatrist, submit to a full battery of mental tests.
Lionel: [He turns to look at Lex.] Curious. Tell me what changed your mind.
Lex: Because I was dealing from a position of fear. If there's one thing you can sniff out like a bloodhound, it's that.
Lionel: It's a gift, Lex. And it's useful.
Lex: I know the only way I'm gonna prove to you that I'm your rightful heir is to deal from a position of strength. I have nothing to hide.
Lionel stands up and walks to Lex.
Lionel: That would mean a lot to me, son.
Lex: I figured you're my father and you only have my best interest at heart.
Lionel: Who's the good doctor?
Lex: Claire Foster.
Lionel: Oh, highly credentialed. She's published a couple books. She'll be able to help you work through any problems.
Lex: [Pause.] That island didn't make me crazy, Dad.
Lionel: [Chuckling.] Oh, crazy, no. Of course not.
Lionel pulls Lex into a brief hug.
Lionel: But it'll be good to have that in writing, won't it?
Lex starts to leave.
Lionel: Lex. When you're rich, you're not crazy. You're eccentric.
Lex looks away, nodding slightly, and leaves the room.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside Clark walks down the hallway with a bouquet of lilacs. He stops outside Sara's room where she is sitting up in bed, and knocks on the window. He goes in.
Clark: Hi, Sara, how you doing?
Sara: Hi.
Clark: I brought you some fresh lilacs. I know they're your favorite.
Clark puts the flowers on the table.
Sara: It's Clark, isn't it?
Clark: [Nodding.] I didn't think you'd remember me.
Sara: Yeah. We've been through so much together even though we've never officially met. I-I still don't know how I got in your dreams.
Clark: The important thing is your safe. And you're awake.
Sara: You're obviously a special guy. I saw some of the things you're able to do.
Clark: Well, in our dreams we're all super.
Sara: I just ... I know it's none of my business, I know dreams are usually private...
Clark: No, um...
Clark sits down next to the bed.
Clark: I'm curious to hear your perspective. What'd you see?
Sara: Someone who's clearly in love, but who resists it. Lana, right?
Clark doesn't answer.
Sara: Clark, take it from someone who's been trapped for six years. If you love her that much, don't push her away.
Clark: It's a long and complicated story, Sara.
Sara: I only know what I saw. I may have been there, but... Lana's the girl of your dreams.
Sara smiles and lowers her eyes as Clark looks at her thoughtfully.
Clark is doing his homework in the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Burning the midnight oil?
Clark: I finally got some sleep. My makeup history exam is tomorrow. How are you feeling?
Lana: [Laughing.] Pretty stupid.
Clark: Why? What you did was really brave. You saved Sara's life.
Lana: Yeah, and it almost cost me mine. I was lucky you got there.
Clark: You believed in me when I thought I was losing my mind. It was the least I could do.
Lana smiles. She walks past Clark and to the window.
Lana: So I finally met Sara. All she could talk about was you. I told her I'd love to switch places, you know, find out what goes on inside your head.
Clark: It's not that exciting.
Lana: Still, you know, maybe it would explain why things between us...
Clark: [Pointing to his head.] Lana, if I had the answers up here, you'd be the first to know.
Lana: It's just the last few days, I've felt like the girl next door again. It was nice.
Clark: Even though it almost got you k*lled?
Lana gives him a small smile and starts to leave.
Clark: Lana. You'll always be the girl next door.
Lana starts to go down the stairs, then turns back.
Lana: So, um, any chance we could do something this weekend? You know, as friends.
Clark: What'd you have in mind?
Lana: Well, it's been like an oven outside, so I was thinking we could go swimming at Crater Lake.
Clark: [Embarrassed.] Yeah ... I really don't think skinny-dipping is a good idea.
Lana: [Startled.] Who said anything about skinny-dipping? [Teasing.] Maybe in your dreams, Clark.
Lana goes down the stairs and Clark smiles as he watches her leave.
end | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x04 - Slumber"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 29th 2003
We see the black sky full of stars in outer space. A shining silver meteor flies through space, leaving a trail of floating rocks behind it as it tumbles toward the sun. It hits the sun, causing a giant blast.
Everything fades to white and then to an image of the sun's surface on a television screen. A female reporter's voice is heard. Clark is watching the report in fascination, his eyes glued to the screen. Day. The table next to him has several open astronomy books and a magazine called Scientific American.
Reporter: ...Kansas City, Kansas. Scientists are calling today's impact one of the most significant astronomical events of the last century. The enormous solar flare has already caused power surges and...
Jonathan and Martha enter with their arms full of grocery bags.
Jonathan: Clark? Hey, Clark, son, you want to give us a hand here?
Clark: Oh, yeah. [He stands.] Sorry, I must've got sucked in. You caught me in the middle of this news special.
Clark takes a bag from his mother and they all go the kitchen and put the groceries down on the table.
Jonathan: Really? What's the topic?
Clark: Solar flares and the effects on Earth's atmosphere. According to NASA the sun took a direct h*t from a comet today, causing one of the biggest solar flares ever to be recorded.
Martha: Oh, you sound intrigued.
Clark: Actually it's a relief to be researching a cosmic disaster that has nothing to do with me.
Martha laughs.
Clark: I gotta go. I told Pete I'd meet him at the Talon to swap some notes.
Clark puts on his backpack and grabs his coat on the way to the door.
Martha: You need a ride?
Clark: No. I think I'll run it. Bye.
Martha & Jonathan: Bye.
Clark leaves, and as soon as he closes the door, we hear a whoosh as he super speeds away. In the living room, the news report is still playing on the television.
Reporter: ...precipitates a huge expl*si*n with powerful far-reached effects. The shock wave from this type of CME...
Cut to the Wild Coyote bar. The television above the bar is showing the same report as Perry White holds a sh*t glass of tequila. He is obviously drunk.
Reporter: ...is so strong that it smashes the Earth's magnetic field, unleashing a geomagnetic storm. In layman's terms...
Perry: [To the bartender.] Do you believe that there are powers greater than we can know somewhere in the universe?
Perry's vision blurs as he looks at the bartender. He squints.
Bartender: Sure. Look, you mind if I switch back to the game?
Perry shakes his head and the bartender changes the channel to a football game.
Perry: [Chuckling.] That's one small step for man, one giant leap for the Metropolis Sharks. [He holds up his sh*t glass, making a toast.] To Littleville, Kansas and all the little Kans-assians in it.
He drinks his tequila.
Perry: One more.
Bartender: Look, pal, we don't want any trouble here. I think you might have had enough.
Perry: [Loudly.] If you want trouble, you just try cutting me off.
Cut to the bartender and another man pushing Perry out the front doors of the bar.
Bartender: [As he goes inside.] Don't come back.
Perry: [Slightly off balance.] Small-town friendly, my butt.
Cut to Clark super speeding along an empty road toward the Talon. Perry drives his car drunkenly nearby. He is looking at a map and talking on his cell phone.
Perry: N-no, ye-, no, I-I, I-I'll find it, I ... Yeah, I know this... [He switches the phone to his other ear.] Yeah, uh, no. No, I have not been drinking. Thank you for caring.
Perry hangs up the phone and takes another look at his map as Clark speeds nearer and nearer. Perry folds the map and puts it into his bag on the passenger seat, taking his eyes completely away from the road as he does so. His car starts swerving all over the road.
As Clark runs, his speed lessens and then surges again, seemingly out of control. He suddenly loses all of his super speed and stumbles to a stop in the middle of the road, right in the path of Perry's oncoming car. Perry's eyes widen as he slams on his brakes and turns to the right, dodging Clark. His tires squeal over the road and his car runs into a telephone pole. The pole showers sparks as it tips over and lands on the top of Perry's car with a crash. The broken wires lie at Clark's feet and around the car, sparking with electricity.
Clark super speeds to the car and Perry watches in amazement as Clark rips the door off and chucks it across the street. Clark then pulls Perry from the car and super speeds to the side of the road where he sets Perry down on the ground.
Clark: You okay?
Perry: You pulled the door right off the car with your bare hands? You walked right through the power lines.
Clark: You're a little drunk, mister...
Perry: White. Perry White.
[Opening credits]
A sh*t of the sun shining in the sky. Day. Outside the farm, Clark carries a bundle of large wooden poles and rests them against a haystack. He takes one of them and easily shoves the pointed end into the ground. Then he goes back to grab another pole and repeats the process. He takes a third pole and shoves it into the ground, accidentally shoving so hard that it is almost completely underground. Jonathan walks up.
Jonathan: Whoa. Take it easy, Clark.
Clark: I misjudged my strength.
Jonathan: Listen, I just got off the phone with the hospital. Seems your Mr. Perry White checked himself out late last night.
Clark: The paramedics said his breathalyzer was off the charts.
Jonathan: Well, what do you think he saw, son?
Clark: Dad, he probably doesn't even remember my name.
Jonathan nods. A pickup truck comes to a stop on the road and Perry is seated in the back.
Perry: Clark! Clark Kent! [To the driver.] Thank you.
Perry jumps to the ground and the truck drives away. Clark looks at Jonathan nervously.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Perry: [To Clark.] Last time I saw you, you were frisbeeing the door off my car and ignoring the high voltage lines.
Clark: [Shaking Perry's hand.] Mr. White.
Perry: [Waving four fingers in front of his eyes, chuckling.] I was trying to figure out which of the four Clarks I should be thanking when they hauled me off in the ambulance. [To Jonathan.] You must be Mr. Kent?
Jonathan: [Shaking Perry's hand.] Yes, I am. I'm certainly glad you're feeling better.
Perry: Well, that's relative. My car is crunched, this hillbilly cartoon you have as a sheriff has suspended my driver's license on a DUI, and my assignment editor is screaming for my head.
Clark: You're a reporter?
Perry: In a past life. At the moment, I'm the advance man for "XStyles", cable TV's one-stop for the paranormally inclined.
Jonathan: And what brings you here to Smallville?
Perry: Oh, I'm researching a piece about the meteor shower and the bizarre phenomena that it spawned.
Jonathan: [Laughing.] Don't tell me you believe any of that nonsense.
Perry: It's right up there with the tooth fairy.
They both laugh. Perry notices the wooden poles resting against the haystack.
Perry: Don't you need tools for a job like that?
Clark: [Changing the subject.] Uh, Mr. White, you really didn't come all this way just to thank me, did you?
Perry: No, I didn't. I-I thought we should discuss a settlement.
Jonathan: Settlement?
Perry: I didn't off-road my car for laughs, Mr. Kent. I swerved to miss your son. Look, I'll make this easy on you. I need a local who knows the territory to ferry me around. You loan me Clark for a couple days, we'll call it even.
Jonathan and Clark exchange a glance.
Lex walks around his study, looking at the various art pieces. Day.
Lex: My father went for historical accuracy when he had the mansion reconstructed, but I was thinking of taking some liberties with the decor. Move away from the artifacts and the period pieces and come up with something more modern... even abstract. Any thoughts, Doctor?
We see that Dr. Claire Foster is seated in front of Lex's desk.
Claire: Only that I hope today's session will be more productive.
Lex: Mmm. I believe the psychological term for, uh, refusing to accept the inevitable is denial. And no amount of probing can uncover emotional issues that don't exist.
Claire: Now who's in denial?
Lex: Trust me, I have nothing to hide.
Claire: Then tell me about the island. The fisherman who found you said you were raving about some imaginary enemy.
Lex: I was ill, suffering from malaria.
Claire: I saw your blood work, Lex. There was no trace of disease. But even some fictitious illness would not explain your reluctance to discuss your conflicted feelings towards your father. Until we understand that ...
Lex: What I understand, Doctor, is that LuthorCorp's insurance carrier insisted that I submit to five psychiatric therapy sessions.
[He sits at his desk.] So I've submitted. And, sadly, our final hour is up. I'll miss our sessions.
Claire gets her things together and leaves. Lex leans back in his chair, letting out a satisfied sigh.
Clark and Perry enter the Talon. Day.
Clark: Two meteor craters, that's it. You don't want to see anything else?
Perry: Well, blown-out buildings and sinkholes are background, Clark. Now I'm looking for substance, texture. The human dimension.
Perry walks toward the bar as Lana comes out.
Lana: Clark, is everything all right? Pete waited for you until after ten o'clock last night.
Clark: Uh, it's a long story.
Perry: [To Lana.] Hi. Perry White. I'd like a triple cappuccino and a couple of those glazed crullers, and...
Perry slaps a magazine onto the counter. It is the issue of Time magazine with a cover picture of Lana as a little girl on the day of the meteor shower.
Perry: ...an interview with Smallville's very own cover girl.
Lana looks at the magazine, then at Perry, confused.
Clark: What are you doing?
Perry: It's called getting the story. [To Lana.] Uh, nothing fancy, Miss Lang, just a simple Q & A. You know, uh, how is little Miss Meteor coping 14 years after the big bang?
Lana: [Angry, hurt.] Maybe this is a joke to you, but my parents died that day.
Perry: And I'm sorry, but that makes you newsworthy.
Lana looks at Clark.
Clark: [To Perry.] That's it, you're leaving.
Clark grabs Perry's arm.
Perry: Wha ... You know, either she talks to me now or she faces the cameras in the morning.
Lana: Clark, I can't believe you're with this guy!
Clark: Lana ...
Lana: Maybe you should both leave.
Lana walks away.
Clark: You didn't tell me Lana was part of your agenda.
Perry: And you didn't tell me you knew her. Hey, I'm sorry if I hurt your girlfriend's feelings, but she's a legitimate source.
Clark: No, she's not anymore.
Perry: It doesn't work that way, Clark. I still have to find faces to put on camera.
Perry pulls an issue of the Torch from inside his jacket.
Perry: You know, your high school paper has developed quite a rep in the bug-eyed monster circles.
Clark: Why would you say that?
Perry: [Sarcastic.] Because I did, like, three minutes of research before I came to town. You think the editor would know something about the meteor shower?
Clark: How would I know?
Perry: [Reads from the Torch.] "Principal Authorizes New Gym Mats" by Clark Kent. I know I was riveted.
Clark glares at Perry.
Clark and Perry look at the Wall of Weird in the Torch office. Day.
Clark: I think we should go.
Perry: Boy, I thought our stuff was off the wall This is incredible.
Chloe enters.
Chloe: It's also all true.
Clark: Chloe. Mr. White is interested in the meteor shower. I didn't think it would hurt if he had a look.
Chloe: I have nothing to hide.
Perry: Well, good. I think we've already borrowed two or three of your ideas for our show. Do you make it all up yourself, or do you pull in other writers?
Chloe glances at Clark.
Chloe: Excuse me?
Perry: [Handing Chloe his business card.] Oh, just, uh, professional curiosity. It's not every day that I meet another junk journalist with a penchant for the bizarre.
Chloe sees "XStyles" on the card.
Chloe: "XStyles"?
Perry: Yeah.
Chloe: [Annoyed.] I have a penchant for the truth, something your freaks and shrieks cable show gave up around episode two.
Perry: [Laughing, impressed.] Oooh.
Clark: That's it. We're done.
Clark and Perry start to leave. Chloe looks more closely at the business card and sees the name Perry White.
Chloe: Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Clark and Perry turn back to Chloe.
Chloe: You're *the* Perry White?
Perry looks at Chloe for a moment, then back to Clark.
Perry: [Scheming.] It's okay, Clark. I'm gonna hoof it back to the motel. Uh, you young lovers patch things up, and then later on you can swing by and we'll pick up the tour, hmm?
Perry leaves.
Chloe: Clark, do you have any idea who that was?
Clark looks at Chloe blankly. She continues to look at him in shock.
Lex is sitting in his study with his eyes closed. Day. The sound of waves in the ocean can be heard. A hand reaches for his shoulder, and he grabs it fiercely, sitting up straight. He realizes it's Lana and lets go.
Lana: Lex... I'm sorry. I'm interrupting.
Lex: No, no. It's strange.
Lex stands and walks to the CD player on the shelf.
Lex: When I was on the island I came to hate the roar of the ocean. Since coming back I find it's the only thing that relaxes me.
He turns off the CD and the ocean noises stop. Lana comes closer to him.
Lana: You must think about what happened every day.
Lex: And I'm sure you didn't come all this way to discuss that. [Lana doesn't reply.] What did you want to see me about?
Lana: This tabloid television reporter came by the Talon today, and he wanted to do an interview with me about the meteor shower.
Lex: I succinct "no comment" didn't dissuade him?
Lana: Not really. He said he was gonna come back tomorrow, this time with a camera crew.
Lex: And you don't want that.
Lana: I've spent the last 14 years trying to put that day behind me, and in an instant he brought it all back. I know it's a lot to ask, but I was hoping that you might be able to do something.
Lex looks at Lana for a moment, then turns away, walking to his desk.
Lex: I'm surprised you didn't go to Clark with this.
Lana: Clark's with him.
Lex sits at the desk.
Lex: So you want me to run him out of town?
Lana: I want him to stop.
Lex: He must've been very persistent. What was his name?
Lana: Perry White.
Lex: [Intense pause.] I'll make sure he never bothers you again.
Lana takes a relieved breath. Lex gives her a small smile.
Clark enters the Wild Coyote. Day. The sunlight shines brightly into the dark bar, surrounding Clark in white until the doors close behind him. Perry is seated at a table.
Clark: Mr. White, I've been looking for you.
Perry: And here I am. You may have the makings of a reporter yet, Kent.
Clark: Like you used to be? [Clark sits.] Chloe and I did some checking after you left.
Perry: Memories fade, but a Google search never forgets.
Perry reaches for his drink, but Clark stops him.
Clark: And another drink isn't gonna erase the fact that you used to be one of the best reporters in Metropolis. What happened?
Perry: Life is a journey, grasshopper, and sometimes the trip is smoother with a little lubricant. [He takes a sip of his drink.] What's it to you, anyway?
Clark: Maybe it's the journalist in me, or that I realized if you have a gift, you shouldn't turn your back on it.
Perry: Hmm. I made exactly two mistakes in my life, kid. The first was getting into journalism.
Clark: What was the second?
Perry: Thinking it mattered. [To the bartender.] One more.
Clark: No, he's had enough.
Clark stands and helps Perry to his feet, pushing him toward the door. Perry laughs.
Perry: I don't get you, kid. I strong-armed your parents, picked on your girlfriend, and ticked off your lady editor. And still, here you are trying to play the hero.
The door opens behind them and a figure stands in the sunlight, unrecognizable behind the glare. We hear that it's Lex.
Lex: Sometimes Clark's faith in his fellow man outweighs his common sense.
Clark: Lex?
The door closes behind Lex, and his face is visible.
Lex: It's all right, Clark. I'll deal with Mr. White from here.
Perry: [To Clark.] I may have underestimated you, kid.
Lex: Clark doesn't have anything to do with this.
Perry: Look, Lex, if this is your old man's idea, tell him I got the message back in Metropolis. I have no intention of revisiting the past.
Lex: This isn't about my father, White, it's about you.
Clark: Lex, don't you think you're overreacting?
Lex: Considering the way he went after Lana, I thought you'd admire my restraint. [To Perry.] Let's go.
Perry: [To Clark.] Thanks for the ride, kid.
Perry and Lex leave the bar. Clark remains in a state of confusion.
Lex and Perry drive down the road. Day. Lex pulls over at the bus stop, and they both get out of the car.
Perry: You know, this "get out of dodge" routine is pretty heavy-handed, even for a Luthor.
Lex: So is ambushing a teenage girl for a sound bite. Of course, using people always came easy to you.
Perry: You know, our one and only encounter was years ago.
Lex: Even in boarding school, I was good at sniffing out reporters, but you played the "just a friendly conversation" card remarkably well. As I recall it was a full 10 minutes before I told you to go to hell.
Perry: I was just doing my job, and you were a legitimate source.
Lex: I was 16 and you were scrounging for dirt on my father.
Perry: That's what this is really about, isn't it? Your father's secrets.
Lex: If you really had anything on him, it would have come out then.
Perry: [Laughing.] If you actually believe that, I almost feel sorry for you.
Lex: Just make sure you're on the four o'clock bus.
Lex grabs Perry's bag from the car and tosses it onto the ground. Then he gets into the car and speeds away, leaving Perry alone on the side of the road. Perry pulls a flask from his jacket.
Perry: Well, so much for not drinking before five.
Clark walks up to Jonathan who is working on the tractor outside. Day.
Clark: Hey, Dad.
Jonathan: Hey. Hey, Clark, I wasn't expecting you till later. Where's Mr. White?
Clark: He left. I think he realized that Smallville wasn't quite as friendly as he first thought.
Jonathan: Heh. Well, I'm glad your here. I've been trying to wrestle this thing up on a block for about an hour. You want to give me a hand?
Clark: Sure.
Clark goes to the side of the tractor and tries to lift it, but can't get it to move. He tries again, grunting as he strains against the weight of the tractor, but gets the same result.
Jonathan: What's the matter?
Clark: I don't know. It's like I've lost all my strength.
Jonathan: Why don't you give it one more try?
Clark leans over to grab the tractor again. He takes a breath and heaves the tractor, accidentally throwing it into the air behind him. Clark and Jonathan watch as it soars off into the distance. Clark's eyes shift nervously.
Cut to Perry at the bus stop. Just as he is about to take a drink from his flask, the tractor lands on the road right in front of him, crumbling to pieces. With his mouth hanging open, Perry tips the flask, draining its contents onto the ground. He looks up into the sky wonderingly as Clark super speeds up the road towards the tractor, not realizing that Perry is there. Clark turns around and sees him.
Perry looks in the direction Clark just came from, and then back at Clark, dumbfounded. Clark returns his gaze, anxious.
Fade to black.
A man connects the largest piece of the shattered tractor to his tow truck. Day. Sheriff Adams is investigating the scene. She picks up the tractor's dented license plate and walks to Jonathan who is standing with Clark and Perry.
Adams: Mr. Kent. You want to tell me how your tractor wound up scattered over two lanes of county blacktop?
Jonathan: Yeah, uh, we were pulling up to the farm in our truck, and saw somebody had put it on the back of a flatbed.
Adams: So you're saying this someone was stealing it.
Clark: Well, I tried to follow them. By the time I got here, it must've fallen off their truck.
Perry: I'm tell you, it fell out of the sky.
Adams: [To Perry.] And last night you were begging the nurses to keep the flying monkeys out of your room.
Perry: [To Clark.] Kid, you're saying you had nothing to do with this.
Clark: To be honest, Sheriff, I'm not sure what happened.
Perry: [To Adams.] Well, he's hiding something, Chief.
Adams: [Annoyed.] Mr. White, there's another bus in about an hour. I suggest you catch it. And don't call me chief.
Adams walks back to her car and Jonathan and Clark walk away from Perry.
Clark: Dad, I'm really sorry about the tractor. It's a total loss.
Jonathan: Clark, I'm not concerned about the tractor. Whatever's going on with your abilities, our family's wound up smack-dab in the middle of Perry White's radar.
Perry watches Jonathan and Clark suspiciously.
Perry enters the Torch office where Chloe is typing. Day.
Chloe: Wise decision coming inside. The weather service expects a light shower of threshing machines followed by a drizzle of combines.
Perry: Guess I deserve that.
Perry goes to the Wall of Weird and Chloe comes to his side.
Chloe: If you, uh, let me know what you're looking for, I'm sure I could help you find it.
Perry: And why would you want to do that?
Chloe: Because you were once the kind of reporter that I would like to be. Though, I'm-I'm curious how one goes from multiple Pulitzer nominations to walking the Bigfoot b*at.
Perry: You know the only thing that's worse than never landing that story of a lifetime?
Chloe: What?
Perry: Having it and being afraid to write it.
Chloe: Perry "The Pit Bull" White backing off a story? That's hard to believe.
Perry: Well, Lionel Luthor can be remarkably persuasive.
Chloe: [Serious.] Are you saying he had something to do with your career slide?
Perry: Let's just say that not everyone respects good investigative journalism, especially when it treads on the toes of the rich and vengeful.
Chloe looks at him anxiously. He notices the picture of the Kryptonian symbol b*rned onto the side of the Kent barn.
Perry: Isn't that the Kent farm?
Chloe: Uh, good eye. The police chalked it up to hyperactive frat boys going crop circles on the barn. Why?
Perry: Call it professional interest. Your friend Clark intrigues me.
Chloe looks from the article to Perry with worry in her eyes.
Jonathan and Clark are looking through Clark's astronomy books in the loft. Day.
Jonathan: You've thrown some Hail Marys in the past, but to think that your problems have anything to do with a solar flare? That's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?
Clark: I know, Dad, but my powers started to glitch when the comet impacted. Maybe there's a connection.
Pete enters with a newspaper.
Pete: Make that "probably."
Clark: Did you find something?
Pete gives the newspaper to Jonathan. It has a picture of the solar flare on the front page.
Pete: Yes. Yesterday's cosmic fender bender produced the largest solar flare ever recorded. I'm talking communication glitches, power surges ...
Clark: That's exactly what's been happening to me. One second I'm helpless and the next I'm in overdrive.
Jonathan: Well, we always have wondered about the source of your abilities.
Clark: Maybe my strength and my speed, all the things I can do, they come from the sun.
Pete: It's like you're some sort of walking solar battery.
Jonathan: [Looking at the newspaper.] According to this, the effects of the solar flare ought to by done by tomorrow night. Now, if that's true, maybe your accidents are gonna stop.
Clark: As long as I don't use my abilities till then, we should be okay?
Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. I thought I'd give you a heads-up. Our resident Ghost Buster is still on the job.
Clark: Perry White? I thought he went back to Metropolis.
Chloe: Evidently he had a change of heart. And he seems to be especially interested in you, Clark.
Chloe looks at Clark probingly.
Lex bursts through the doors of his study where Claire is waiting for him. Day.
Lex: [Furious.] What the hell are you trying to do?
Claire: Lex, calm down.
Lex: Why? You've already made up your mind about my so-called mental state. [Picking up a file.] According to this you're refusing to sign off on my psychological release. In fact, you're recommending even more sessions to be continued on an indefinite basis?
Claire: I have an ethical obligation to report my conclusions honestly.
Lex: [Coming closer to Claire, thr*at.] Or maybe the nothing shrink from Metropolis wanted a little more face time with her celebrity patient. You must be loving this.
Claire: I took no pleasure in my recommendation.
Lex: Then how do you explain it?
Claire: I think you need help, Lex. Between the island, your failed marriage, and everything that's happened since you came to Smallville, you have experienced incredible emotional and physical trauma.
Lex: And your prescription's more time on the couch? We just spent five sessions exploring my psyche.
Claire: No, we spent five sessions discussing your art collection, your fascination with expensive cars, everything except the most traumatic moments of your life.
Lex walks to the desk, facing away from Claire.
Claire: Lex, if you don't let your demons out, they could consume you.
Lex: We've been over this, Doctor.
Claire: We haven't even scratched the surface. This control freak thing might fool your father, but did you really think you could snow me? Lex, please ...
Lex: Get out. Get out!
Claire storms out of the study, leaving Lex clearly unsettled.
Clark comes out of the barn and finds Perry sitting on a bale of hay. Day.
Perry: Morning, Clark.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Perry: You inspired me. If you've got a gift, you should use it, remember?
Clark: You're drunk.
Perry: Maybe. Nonetheless, I finally found my story.
Clark starts to walk away and Perry follows him.
Clark: For some insane reason, it's me. Chloe told me. I don't think it's funny.
Perry: Oh, it's not a joke, Clark. I got the facts to back it up.
Clark: What kind of facts are those?
Perry: The accident, the power lines, your magical appearance as your family tractor drops out of the sky.
Clark: [Stops walking and faces Perry.] I explained that.
Perry: "It fell off a truck." That's not an explanation, that's a punch line. I spent the morning combing through police records and newspaper stories. You're Johnny on the Spot, Clark. You're Smallville's own hero on deck.
Clark: Trust me, Mr. White, there's nothing special about me.
Perry: Oh, that's where you're wrong, kid. So far I got you pegged as really strong and shock-resistant. The question is, what other tricks have you got up your sleeve?
They hear Martha's voice in the distance.
Martha: Clark? Clark, could you give me a hand?
Clark: I've gotta go.
Clark starts to walk away.
Perry: I've been stonewalled by the best of 'em!
Clark jogs away.
Perry: You can run, but you ...
Clark suddenly jolts into super speed, obviously against his will. His speed comes back to normal for a moment, then back into blurring super speed, taking him off into the woods in the distance at a blinding rate.
Perry: ... can't hide...
Perry blinks his eyes in disbelief.
Fade to black.
Jonathan waits at the bus stop as the bus drives up. Night. The bus comes to a stop and Clark gets off.
Jonathan: Clark, you all right son?
Clark: It's been a weird day. My light speed gave out around Lake Tahoe.
Jonathan: That's gotta be a thousand miles.
Clark: I know. One second I'm racing across the country, the next I can barely jog. I tried to make it home. My super speed gave out again around Colorado Springs. I barely had enough money for a bus ticket.
Jonathan: This thing's getting way out of control, Clark.
They get into Jonathan's truck.
Clark: Don't worry, Dad. I'm glued to the couch until this solar flare passes.
Jonathan: I'm afraid it's not gonna be that easy, son. Perry White saw you disappear. Now, your mother managed to get him off the farm, but I don't think he's gonna give up.
Jonathan starts the truck. Clark is visibly shaken.
Jonathan: Not that easy, anyway.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Perry enters the study where Lex is seated at his desk.
Lex: When they told me you were at the gate, I could hardly believe it.
Perry: Yeah, you and me both. I just thought we should talk.
Lex: We have nothing to talk about.
Perry: Oh. Sorry to hear that. Now, I guess you'll never find out what I have on your father.
Perry turns to leave. He stops when Lex speaks.
Lex: If it's personal, I don't care. If it's legal, the statute of limitations must've passed long ago.
Perry: [Turning back.] That depends.
Lex gets up from his desk and walks to Perry.
Lex: If this information is so damning, why did my father stop at simply destroying your career?
Perry: Multiple copies, plus multiple attorneys all with, in the event of my death, instructions to disseminate ... well, you do the math. It's all yours. I just want one thing in return.
Lex: What did you have in mind?
Perry: Everything you know about Clark Kent.
Lex: Clark.
Perry: Yeah. [Walks behind Lex, circling him.] Two years ago, you drove your Porsche off a bridge. I went over the police photos, Lex. There's no way you could have walked away from that crash without the miracle that is Clark Kent. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that you'd actually cultivated a friendship with this kid.
Lex: So now you're going after Clark. This is a new low, even for you.
Perry: The Lex I knew wouldn't shake your hand without an ulterior motive. You must have something. Give it to me, and I'll deliver you a story that'll bring new meaning to the phrase "sins of the father."
Suddenly, Lex grabs Perry by the jacket and pushes him roughly against the wall.
Lex: [Furious.] You may have been able to neutralize my father, but not me!
Perry: Looks like the jungle living really took a toll ...
Lex: I'm warning you. Stay away from me, and stay away from my friends. Trust me, there won't be any blood on my hands when they find what's left of you.
Lex is panting angrily. He slowly lets Perry go and backs away. Perry straightens his jacket and leaves the room. Lex lifts up his hand and sees that it is shaking.
Clark and Pete look out the Kents' living room window. Day. Martha and Jonathan are in the living room also. Through the window they see a camera crew outside a van that has "XStyles" painted on the side of it. Perry is among the crew.
Pete: Clark, I never thought you'd rate your own paparazzi.
Clark: Perry White must've called in a million favors to get a camera crew.
Pete: Yeah. Well, the good news is there's only one. If this solar flare theory is correct, then your tractor tossing days will be over by tonight.
Clark: I don't believe this.
Clark walks away from the window angrily.
Clark: I can't believe this. I feel like a prisoner in my own house. I just ...
Clark suddenly bends over and starts moaning in pain.
Pete: Clark?
Clark: [Holding the sides of his head.] Pete, get down!
Pete runs out of the way and heat vision bursts from Clark's eyes, sh**ting straight at the window, bouncing on the glass and lighting the curtains on f*re.
Clark: Mom! Dad!
Clark grabs a blanket and runs to the window.
Jonathan: Clark, wait!
Martha: Jonathan, hurry!
Jonathan: Son!
Clark pats the blanket on the f*re, trying to smother it. He suddenly backs away, holding his hand.
Clark: Aah!
Jonathan comes to the window with a f*re extinguisher and puts out the f*re, then comes to Clark.
Martha: Clark, what's wrong with your hand?
Clark: I b*rned it. My powers, they must be gone again.
Jonathan: Clark, remember, all you have to do is get through today.
Clark: And hope that I don't get another solar flare burst and burn the farm down. Next time I could hurt you or Mom, and Perry White will be there to catch the whole thing on tape. Dad, I can't stay here.
Jonathan doesn't respond.
Cut to Jonathan's truck peeling out of the driveway and along the dirt road away from the farm. Martha runs down the driveway.
Martha: Clark! Clark, come back!
Perry: [To his crew.] He's moving! Come on, let's go!
The crew takes their equipment and jump into their van, speeding down the road behind the truck. The chase continues until they are well away from the Kent farm. Suddenly the truck swerves around, coming to the stop in the road and Perry's van stops too. Perry and the crew get out of the van.
Perry: Keep it rolling, I want it all on tape!
Perry sees Jonathan step out of the truck.
Jonathan: Clark is not here. And he's not coming back until you people are gone. So why don't you just leave my family alone?
Jonathan gets back in his truck.
Cut to Pete and Clark coming out of the house with sleeping bags. They go to Pete's car and put the bags in the trunk.
Pete: Come on, Clark, they're long gone.
Clark: Thanks for doing all this, Pete.
Pete: You know I'm always up for a little Undercover Brother. So we'll camp out tonight, check in with your parents in the morning.
Lana walks up to a table in the Talon and drops a small sign on it, annoyed. Day. We see that Perry is seated at the table and he picks up the sign.
Perry: [Reading.] "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone."
Lana: I think you'd be more comfortable at the Wild Coyote.
Perry: [Laughing.] Well, I was till they threw me out.
Lana: Either way, I'd like you to leave.
Lana starts to walk away and Perry follows her, nearly running into a passing customer.
Woman: Oh ...
Perry steps past the woman impatiently.
Perry: Sometimes I let my enthusiasm for a story outweigh my good sense.
Lana: Is that your idea of an apology?
Lana walks away again.
Perry: No, no, look, look, I-I-I ... Okay, okay, okay, I'm a jerk, and I've got the broken engagements and the sleepless nights to prove it.
Lana: If your job bothers you so much, why don't you stop?
Perry: Because I'm a journalist. It's in my blood. And sometimes you have to push to get the truth, even when it hurts.
Lana: Well, if you're finished, I'm gonna call you a cab.
Perry: They won't come. It's a little issue over nonpayment of fares. But I'll make you a deal.
Lana: [Exasperated.] Mr. White ...
Perry: I will trade permanently staying out of your life for a ride to the bus stop.
Lana: [Cautiously.] Let me get my coat.
Perry gives Lana an exaggerated smile as she goes into the back room. When she's gone, he takes his flask out of his jacket and takes a drink.
Clark and Pete are unloading their things from Pete's trunk in a field behind some trees. Day. Clark's cell phone rings.
Clark: Hello? Lana? [Pause.] What?! No, don't do anything. I'll be right there.
Pete: Clark, what's wrong?
Clark: I gotta get to Saunders Gorge right now.
Clark starts to run away, but his super speed is gone.
Pete: Your speed thing still out?
Clark: I got nothing, Pete. It's all gone.
Pete: Get in. I'll drive.
Pete throws his sleeping bag back into the trunk as Clark gets in the car.
Cut to Pete and Clark speeding up to Saunders Gorge. There is a sign that says Saunders Gorge View in front of a deck overlooking the gorge. Lana runs down the steps to Clark who has gotten out of the car followed by Pete.
Clark: Lana, you okay?
Lana: Yeah, I'm fine. But ...
Lana turns toward the deck and Clark sees Perry standing on the railing, about to jump.
Lana: I was driving him to the bus stop and he pretended to be sick. I pulled over, and he ran out to the viewpoint and got out on the ledge and said he would k*ll himself unless I called you.
The drop below the ledge is enormous and Perry is standing completely still. Clark goes to the stairs of the deck.
Lana: Look, Clark, be careful. He's really drunk.
Perry: Not unless iced tea packs a punch.
Clark goes up the stairs.
Perry: I knew you'd never show for me, so I-I had to trick Lana into making the call.
Clark: Mr. White, don't do this.
Perry: See, the way I figure it, you're strong, you're shockproof, you're incredibly fast. Plus you're cursed with this hero complex.
Clark: [Inching forward.] Yeah, why don't you come back down on the deck and we'll talk about that.
Perry: No. Not till I have my story.
Clark: Wait, Mr. White? Look, you're wrong about me.
Perry: I'm betting you'll save me, Clark.
Clark: [Frustrated.] No, I can't save you!
Perry: Well, I guess we'll find out, huh?
Perry jumps from the ledge.
Clark: No!
Clark jumps over the railing after Perry, grabbing onto him.
Lana: No! Clark!
As Clark and Perry fall from the deck, we see a coil of black rope on the edge of the deck, uncoiling quickly because it is connected to Perry's ankle. Lana and Pete run up the stairs and over to the railing. The rope finally gets to its end where it is tied to the railing and catches Perry, leaving him dangling upside down in midair. Clark is jerked out of Perry's arms and falls until he catches Perry's hands. They are still extremely high above the ground and Perry's flask falls from the inside pocket of his jacket to the distant rocks below.
Perry: [Scared.] Okay, fun's over. Time to unleash those incredible powers there, Clark.
Clark: I don't have any powers!
Perry tilts his head, glancing at the rope tied around his ankle. Clark takes a terrified peek at the ground.
Fade to black.
Clark and Perry are hanging from the deck over Saunders Gorge. Day. Pete and Lana are watching from above.
Clark: Pete! The camping gear, there should be a rope!
Pete: Okay!
Pete runs to the car.
Lana: Hold on, Mr. White!
Clark: Hurry!
The roping holding Perry and Clark starts rip. Perry gasps.
Perry: Kid...
Lana: Pete, it's not gonna hold! Come on!
Pete opens the trunk of his car and grabs a long orange rope. Lana runs to meet him halfway between the deck and the car and he hands her one end of the rope. He takes the other end and attaches it to the front end of his car. Lana throws her end of the rope over the railing.
Lana: Grab the rope!
Perry: Hang on, kid.
Pete runs to the driver's side of the car and gets in as the rope holding Perry continues to tear. Clark reaches for the orange rope next to him and slowly shifts his weight from Perry to the rope. Perry's rope snaps apart completely.
Lana: Aaah!
Perry begins to fall and grabs onto Clark's waist, nearly missing. He slips down Clark's legs.
Clark: Hold on! Hold on!
Perry: Hang on, kid. Whoa! Oh...
Lana waves her hand at Pete.
Lana: Go! Go!
Pete reverses his car, pulling Clark and Perry up the side of the cliff. Perry is holding tightly to Clark's legs.
Lana: Good! Keep going! Come on!
Clark's hands strain against the weight and slip a few inches down the rope.
Clark: Aaah! Aah!
Perry: Kid... kid?
Clark: [To Lana.] Hurry!
Perry: All right now...
Clark: I can't hang on much longer!
Lana: Pete, get moving!
Pete continues to reverse and Clark and Perry are pulled slowly up the side of the cliff. Clark looks down at Perry who is looking at the rocks below. They finally make it to the deck and Clark grabs onto the chain link fence of the railing. Perry grabs on next to him and Lana reaches out for them both.
Lana: Here, give me your hand.
Lana helps Clark and Perry climb over the railing and Pete gets out of his car, running to the deck. Once on the deck, Perry and Clark both fall down, exhausted. Clark is looking at his hands and Perry stares at them in wonder. We see that Clark's palms are cut and bleeding in several places from the rope.
Lana: Clark...
Perry lowers his eyes, defeated. Clark looks at him, nodding slightly.
Outside sh*t of the Luthor mansion. Day. Inside Lex is seated in the study. We can't see who he is speaking to.
Lex: I'm sure you understand the need for confidentiality. I would be revealing things that are deeply personal, even hurtful.
We see he is talking to Claire Foster.
Claire: That's the point of therapy, Lex. To regain control, let the bad feelings go, and start recovering from the traumas of the past.
Lex: Then tomorrow, 10 AM.
They both stand and Lex shakes Claire's hand. Claire leaves.
Outside sh*t of the barn on the Kent farm. Day. Inside Clark is taking bales of hay off the back of the truck. Martha enters.
Martha: Clark, breakfast is almost ready.
Clark: Great. I'll be down in a second.
Martha: So you're sure everything's okay now.
Clark looks at Martha slyly. Then he picks up a bale of hay and tosses it easily at the upper level of the barn. While the bale is still flying through the air, Clark super speeds to the upper level just in time to catch it.
Clark: Once the effects of the solar flare faded, everything went back to normal.
Martha: Including your sense of humor. [She laughs.]
Clark looks past Martha, and Martha turns around, realizing someone has entered.
Martha: [Brightly.] Hi, Lana. This is a surprise.
Lana: Mrs. Kent, I hope I didn't come at a bad time.
Martha: No, not at all. Clark, I'll keep a plate warm for you.
Lana: Bye.
Martha leaves. Lana looks up at Clark and he comes down the stairs.
Clark: Hey, Lana. You know, I was gonna stop by the Talon later. With all the craziness, I didn't get a chance to thank you.
Lana: Well, I still don't understand why Mr. White thought you could do all those incredible things. But I'm glad I was able to help.
Clark: You know, I wasn't just talking about the gorge. Whether I meant to or not, I helped dredge up all your old memories about the meteor shower. I wanted to thank you for forgiving me.
Lana: Well, that's part of the reason why I came by. I went to the graveyard this morning.
Clark: I bet your parents were happy to see you.
Lana: Suddenly I realized I hadn't been there for months. At first I felt guilty, you know, like I'd done something wrong. But then I realized that that is the last thing they would've ever wanted for me.
Clark: So what did you tell them?
Lana: The truth. That I never meant to ignore them, but... there's someone else in my life now, someone I really care about.
Clark: Lana ...
Lana: Clark. It's okay. I also told them that we were in a kind of strange place right now. But I am still hoping that we can work it out. The important thing is, they know they will always be in my thoughts.
Clark looks deeply into Lana's eyes.
Lana: I better go.
Clark watches as Lana leaves the barn.
Clark drives Perry to the bus stop. Day. They get out of the truck.
Perry: Thanks again for the ride.
Clark: It's the only way I could be sure you'd get on the bus.
Perry stares at Clark.
Clark: What?
Perry: You really are kind of a freak, you know that?
Clark: Mr. White ...
Perry: I'm serious. You try to help people, even fools like me, and you never ask for anything in return. When I saw your face up there after it was all over, I suddenly realized I was about to tear down a good person. I just couldn't believe there was actually anyone like you out there.
Clark: Trust me, Mr. White, I'm not that good.
Perry: Well, I'm just glad nobody got hurt. Chalk it up to hallucinations or the DTs. All I know is, I got a wakeup call. I am, uh, [Glances at his watch.] exactly 17 hours and 5 minutes sober.
The bus drives up.
Clark: Well, I'm glad some good came out of all this. So what's next?
Perry: Well, if you found the guts to go over that cliff, maybe I can find the courage to finish the one story I let go.
Clark: Something tells me the world hasn't seen the last of Perry White.
Perry: Something tells me you're right. Rumor has it I still have a friend or two on the Daily Planet.
Perry walks to the bus and steps on. He stops on the stairs, turning back.
Perry: Oh, uh, by the way, I, uh, I went over a couple more of your Torch stories.
Clark: And?
Perry: Well, they're rough, and half the time you buried the lead, but I see a glimmer of hope. If you ever make it to Metropolis, look me up. I owe you one.
Clark smiles and Perry gets on the bus. Clark walks into the middle of the street to watch as the bus drives away, leaving a small cloud of dust floating above the narrow road.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x05 - Perry"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 5th 2003
Outside sh*t of a prison. Day. Inside Lana speaks to an old man, Dexter McCallum, in the prison hospital. He is obviously weak and has white hair and an oxygen tube below his nose.
Lana: Louise McCallum. No one every really said much about her, just that I had a great-aunt who died young.
Dexter: I'm guessing they never mentioned she had a husband.
Lana: No. But I don't think you can blame them. You were convicted of her m*rder.
Dexter: Yeah.
Lana: If you were so anxious to see me, why did you wait all these years to write?
Dexter: Your Aunt Nell. She asked me not to.
Lana: I don't mean to be rude, Mr. McCallum, but even if I did believe your story, I don't know what you want me to do.
Dexter's eyes fill with tears and his voice becomes shaky with sadness.
Dexter: I just need somebody in Louise's family to know I truly loved my wife, and I'm not the man who k*lled her.
We flash back to the past and see a g*n f*ring several times. We can't see who is holding it. Dexter, as a young man, runs out the front door of a nearby house.
Dexter: Louise!
He sees another man running away from the barn. Dexter runs to the barn.
Dexter: Louise!
As we watch the flashback, we hear Old Dexter's voice.
Old Dexter: It was 42 years ago, and I can still hear those sh*ts.
Young Dexter leans down in the barn and picks up a g*n from the ground. He stares in horror at Louise's lifeless body before him, her chest spattered with blood.
Dexter: Louise... [Still holding the g*n, he runs to her side.] Louise! No!
He pulls her into his arms and cries. A young police officer, Billy Tate, officer enters the barn.
Old Dexter: Sheriff Tate arrived.
Tate: Dex! Louise! You out here?
Tate stops in shock when he sees Dexter. We see Louise's face. She is identical to Lana.
Old Dexter: He found me with the g*n and Louise d*ad in my arms.
Tate: Dex... What have you done?
Dexter shakes his head in disbelief and holds Louise closer.
Old Dexter: I swear to you. That's what happened that night.
Flash back to the present, Dexter talking to Lana in the prison hospital.
Dexter: When I saw your picture in the paper, I couldn't get over how much you looked like Louise.
Lana glances at an old yellowing newspaper in her lap. The headline says "Local Beauty m*rder, A Community Shocked by m*rder of Farmer's Beloved Wife." There is a picture of Louise who again looks exactly like Lana.
Dexter: I thought if you are anything like her, you'd be the one person who could understand.
Lana: [Quietly, shaken.] If you're saying that you didn't k*ll her, then who did?
Dexter: The man I saw leaving the barn, a drifter. He k*lled my Louise.
Lana turns the newspaper over to see the bottom of the article. There she finds a police sketch of the drifter. It looks exactly like Clark Kent.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. In the loft, Clark is looking at the drawing of the drifter as he talks to Lana. He has his back to her.
Clark: What happened to this guy, this drifter?
Lana: They never caught him. Dexter said that people assumed that he made the story up so that he could cover his tracks.
Clark: [Turning to face her.] But you believe him.
Lana: Well, why would he lie to me? It's not like he's gonna get the last 40 years of his life back.
Clark: [Skeptical.] Lana, convicted m*rder spend half their day trying to convince people they're innocent.
Lana: [Coming closer to Clark.] Clark, that drawing looks exactly like you. So unless Dexter could've predicted the future, there's ... there's a pretty good chance that drifter was real. [Pause.] It could've been your grandfather. Even your father.
Clark: [Walking away from Lana, upset.] That's impossible.
Lana: Why? You must've come from somewhere. It's not like you just fell out of the sky.
Clark flinches. He takes another look at the newspaper and notices a medallion around the drifter's neck. It has a Kryptonian symbol on it.
Clark and Jonathan enter the underground caves, searching the walls with flashlights. Day.
Clark: I think Lana's right. It is Jor-El.
Jonathan: From 1961?
Clark: These cave walls said that people from Krypton have been here before. Why not my father?
Jonathan: Clark, son, don't you think you're trying just a little bit too hard to make a connection here?
Clark: You saw the medallion he was wearing. The symbol's Kryptonian.
Jonathan: Okay. Let's just say that it was Jor-El, and from everything I know about him, it's not that far of a stretch to believe that he could k*ll somebody.
Clark: That's the thing, we don't know that much about him. Up until now, all Jor-El has been to me is some distant powerful friend, but if he was here, walking the same streets as me, maybe we're not so different. Maybe he's more human than we thought.
Jonathan: Clark ...
Jonathan notices something on the wall behind Clark.
Jonathan: Clark.
Clark turns around and sees a large painting of the symbol from the drifter's medallion on the wall.
Jonathan: Isn't that what you're looking for?
Jonathan steps up onto a ledge to get closer to the painting and touches it lightly.
Clark: I knew I'd seen it down here.
Clark touches the painting and the symbol suddenly rotates. Then the painting opens up revealing a hole in the wall. Clark and Jonathan glance at each other and then Clark sticks his hand inside. A bright golden glow shines out of the hole and Clark is flooded with a series of images that fly by too fast to understand.
He sees a woman's lips, a ring with a capital T, the drifter and Louise kissing, the Kryptonian medallion around the drifter's neck, a man attacking another man outside the barn, the marquee of the Talon showing the name Natalie Wood, a g*n f*ring.
Clark suddenly returns to the present and pulls his hand from the hole in the cave wall, somewhat dazed.
Jonathan: Clark. Clark!
Clark opens his hand and he is holding the silver medallion from the picture.
Jonathan: What is that?
Clark doesn't respond, but looks from Jonathan to the cave wall.
Clark and Pete walk down the sidewalk across the street from the Talon. Day.
Clark: The images I saw must've been from the past.
Pete: Clark, you really need to lay off the late night television.
Clark: I'm not kidding, Pete. I had all these flashes, but they went by so fast, I really couldn't make sense of them.
Three young men walk by Pete and Clark, passing between them.
Young Man: Excuse me.
Clark steps out of the way and rests his arm on a mailbox. There is a flash of white and Clark is suddenly back in 1961. His clothes and slicked hair reflect the style of the time and there are old cars in the street as old music plays in the background.
Clark, as the drifter, walks along the sidewalk slowly, looking around. He looks across the street at the Talon where the marquee says "Splendor in the Grass, Natalie Wood." Lana, as Louise, comes out of the Talon reading a magazine. Her hair and clothes also reflect the old style.
A man runs up to her, pointing a g*n at her and gesturing to her purse.
Man: Give it over!
Louise: Get away from me!
The man pushes Lana to the ground.
Man: Give me the money! I know you've got it! Give it!
They fight over the purse as the drifter watches it all happen. He super speeds across the street and grabs the mugger, throwing him against a lamppost just as the police drive up. The drifter helps Louise to her feet.
Sheriff Billy Tate gets out of the police car and grabs the mugger.
Louise: [To the drifter, awe-struck.] My hero.
Drifter: You don't strike me as someone who usually needs saving.
Lana: Thank you.
He picks up the magazine Louise dropped and hands it to her.
Mugger: [To Tate.] Did you see that? He could've k*lled me.
Tate: [Pushing mugger to the car.] Tell it to the judge.
Louise: [To Drifter.] Thanks. I'm Louise.
Drifter: You can call me Joe.
Louise: Well, Joe, you're the most excitement we've had all year.
Tate: [To mugger, pushing him into the car.] Watch your head.
When the mugger is in the car, Tate shuts the door and comes over to Joe and Louise.
Tate: [To Joe.] Well, I guess we owe you our gratitude. Hi, I'm Sheriff Billy Tate. Some reflexes you got there.
They shake hands.
Joe: They kinda surprised me, too.
Tate: I haven't seen you around Smallville before.
Joe: I'm just passing through on my way home.
Louise: Lucky you.
Tate: [Kindly.] Forgive Louise. She's got stars in her eyes. Always has.
Joe: There's nothing wrong with that.
Joe and Louise share another quiet moment as Dexter drives up and gets out of his car.
Dexter: Louise?
Louise turns to Dexter, annoyed.
Dexter: Everything all right?
Tate: You go on home, Louise. I know how Dex hates to miss his bridge game. I'll drop by and get your statement.
Louise: [To Joe.] See you around.
Joe watches Louise as she slowly walks to the car. She turns back once to look at him and then gets in. Once inside, she continues to look at him until Dexter drives away.
Tate: I appreciate your help.
We suddenly come back to the present where Clark is still resting his arm on the mailbox.
Pete: Clark, what's going on?
Clark: It's like I was back in the '50s. I was standing right here where Joe was.
Pete: Joe?
Clark: That's the name of the drifter. Pete, do you remember when I was in the cave and I got all those flashes? [Clark takes the medallion from his pocket.] I think this medallion downloaded me with all his memories. When I touch something of his it triggers one.
Pete: [Skeptical.] Right.
Clark: Louise was here too. The drifter, he saved her.
Pete: Well, of course he did! Clark, back here in the 21st century, we call that a daydream.
Clark: There's got to be a way to find out if what I saw really happened.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside Clark blows the dust off of an old book as he walks down the hall. Chloe is with him.
Clark: Since when can you take police records out of City Hall?
Chloe: Since I caught the clerk and his girlfriend playing cops and robbers while on the job.
They both laugh.
Clark: [Opening the book.] Well, the robbery should be around June 1961. That's when the movie was playing at the Talon.
Chloe: Okay, I don't mean to give you the third degree, but how do you know all of these ...
Clark: Chloe, I told you it was just a hunch that the drifter was there.
Chloe: Yeah, I get that.
They enter the Torch office.
Chloe: But it's the robbery outside the Talon with the Natalie Wood movie playing that's a little more detailed than your average hunch.
Clark: Well, as curator of the Wall of Weird, just go with me on this one.
Clark sits at the desk.
Chloe: Okay.
Clark: There's some pages missing, all from the day of Louise's m*rder.
Chloe: Someone gets a D in subtlety.
Clark: [Turning the page.] Here, the robbery.
Chloe: You see our heroic drifter anywhere?
Clark: No, but look at the name of the robber.
Chloe: [Reading.] Lachlan Luthor. That's ... that's Lex's grandpa.
Clark looks at Chloe suspiciously.
Chloe: Oh, come on, I had a 3 megabyte file on Lex. I know his favorite cereal. Maybe he knows something.
Clark: Well, you're gonna have to find out. I gotta meet Lana. Nell found some of Louise's things in the attic.
Chloe: Wait, Clark, this is where I'm gonna have to bail. The last time I researched the Luthors, Lex almost got k*lled.
Clark: Please. You're gonna have to deal with him sooner or later.
Clark exits the Torch office.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex talks to Chloe on the upper level of the study. He is flipping through a book.
Lex: I always assumed my father's knack for taking people's money was inherited, but... I hardly think petty crime runs in the family.
He puts the book back on the shelf.
Chloe: Well, Smallville wasn't exactly teeming with Lachlan Luthors. Your grandfather has to be the one who was arrested.
Lex: Chloe. No one in my family set foot in this town until my father bought the cream corn factory. Isn't an age-old robbery a little off your usual teen b*at?
Chloe: Well, this one's pro bono. Lana's really worried about her great-uncle.
Lex: Something tells me you're not here because of Lana.
Chloe: [Changing the subject.] Anyway, we think Lachlan met the drifter, and we were just hoping that ...
Lex: What, that my family sat around at Thanksgiving sharing old crime stories?
Lex sits down.
Chloe: Your family isn't exactly a Norman Rockwell painting. Look, Lex, we're just trying to find what we can.
Lex: I wish I could help you, Chloe, but I'm afraid you've met a d*ad end.
Chloe looks at Lex, frustrated.
Clark enters the loft. Night. Lana is waiting for him.
Lana: Hey.
Clark: Hi, Lana. Look, I'm really sorry about being so defensive this morning.
Lana: You don't have to apologize. I kinda dumped a lot on you all at once.
Clark: I guess it's just when you're adopted, you dream about where you came from and what your birth parents were like. The biggest nightmare is that they were criminals.
Lana: With all the strange surprises I've had in my family, I know it's not easy. [Pause.] There are only a few of Louise's things. But I think we'll be able to find something.
Lana sits on the couch where there is a small box waiting. She opens the box and they start looking through it. On top there are several pictures that Clark picks up and looks at. Lana picks up a piece of paper, reads through it, and smiles.
Lana: It's a love letter. Dexter must have written this. Wow. Who knew he could be so, um...
Clark: [Reading the letter over her shoulder.] Passionate?
At the bottom of the letter there is a cursive letter J.
Lana: Only an initial?
Lana puts the letter back in the box uneasily and they continue to look through the other items. Lana pulls out a pearl necklace, smiling.
Lana: Could you?
Clark smiles as Lana turns her back to him and lifts her hair out of the way for him to clasp the necklace around her neck. As soon as Clark touches the necklace, he is propelled back into the past.
Joe is standing behind Louise in the barn. Day. His hands are on her shoulders and he leans over to kiss her neck. Louise turns around to face him, then walks through the barn, pulling Joe by the hand.
Louise: I couldn't stop thinking about you all day.
Joe stops Louise and pulls her to him, kissing her passionately.
Joe: I've never felt this way about anyone. All I know is I want to be with you.
They share another intense kiss. When they finish, Louise starts walking away again, heading toward the haystacks near the wall. Joe jogs after her, turning her around and leaning her against a wooden beam. They kiss frantically, breathing heavily as Louise unbuttons Joe's shirt and pulls it off his shoulders. Kissing her neck, Joe unbuttons Louise's shirt and she shrugs it off.
Louise tugs at Joe's t*nk top and as he pulls it off, they collapse onto a blanket on the hay, Louise lying on top of Joe kissing him breathlessly. As the kiss ends, Joe turns her over gently so that he is on top of her. His silver medallion hangs from his neck, shining in the filtered sunlight coming through the windows of the barn. He leans in to kiss Louise again, running his arm underneath her back as she touches his head, running her hand through his hair, then up his back.
They make eye contact one more time and then Clark flashes back to the present.
Lana: Clark?
Clark stands up and steps away from the couch.
Clark: Lana, I don't think that love letter's from her husband. I think it's from the drifter. They were in love.
Lana looks up at Clark in confusion.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Inside Lionel and Lex walk into Lionel's office.
Lionel: Congratulations, Lex. That was an excellent presentation. The board was impressed. It was smoke and mirrors, but, um, skillfully done.
Lionel picks up a bottle of champagne that has been chilling on the table.
Lex: What can I say? I guess the, uh, heart of deception runs in the family.
Lionel: [Laughs.] And the day was off to such a sweet start. [Pops the champagne open and pours a glass.] Um, deception, huh? You think I've been deceiving you about something?
Lionel hands the glass to Lex.
Lex: You tell me. You've always described Grandfather Lachlan as a hardworking entrepreneur who came from Scottish nobility.
Lionel: What are you driving at, son?
Lex: Maybe you could explain why a Lachlan Luthor was arrested in 1961 for petty robbery in Smallville.
Lionel: Not all entrepreneurs can have the luxury of being both successful and honest.
Lex: Why would you go to such lengths to hide our past?
Lionel: When I was, uh, young and trying hard to get a foothold in the world of overachieving ivy-leaguers, I quickly found that confessing to the fact that I was born and bred in a place like su1c1de Slum wasn't gonna win anybody over at a cocktail party.
Lionel sits on the couch.
Lex: So you took the liberty of rewriting our family history?
Lionel: That's right. Why should I have to pay for the sins of my father?
Lex: [Serious.] Sounds familiar. Is the, uh, memorial in our family plot even real or do I have grandparents wandering around su1c1de Slum?
Lionel: [Slowly, troubled.] No, no, they... they both died in a tenement f*re. [Pause.] The only reason I'm alive is I was moonlighting at the ... at a print shop when it happened. Ever since then I've, um, buried myself in work. Consciously.
Lionel smiles through his sadness as Lex eyes him suspiciously.
Clark and Lana enter a barn. Day.
Clark: This is the barn where Louise was sh*t.
Clark walks through the barn touching things and getting no reaction.
Lana: Clark, it's been over 40 years. What do you expect to find here?
Clark notices a large object covered by a tarp. Walking over to it, he pulls the tarp away revealing a dusty old blue car. He places his hand on the hood and is instantly transported into the past.
Joe is resting his hand on the car, now much bluer and shinier. Louise is leaning against the car she and Joe kiss in the barn. Night. The kiss ends as Louise reaches for the buttons of her blouse.
Joe: I have to leave tonight.
Louise: I'm leaving with you.
Joe: Louise, I told you, that's not possible.
Louise: I can't stay with Dex anymore, I don't love him. You're the one I want to be with.
Joe: Where I'm from we wouldn't be accepted.
Louise: I don't care what people think. I never have. [Laughs.] Dex says that's my curse.
Joe steps closer to Louise and touches her face.
Joe: No, Louise. That's a gift.
Louise: We're not that different, Joe. I'm willing to try.
Joe steps past her.
Joe: This wasn't supposed to happen. I have to return home alone.
Louise: Why?
Joe: [Turning to face Louise.] Because it's my destiny. I can't change it.
Joe walks to Louise and holds her face, desperate.
Joe: Louise, as much as I want this, I can't have it.
Louise's eyes water.
Joe: My father told me that someday I'd understand that my actions have consequences. I guess this is what he meant.
Louise fingers the medallion around Joe's neck.
Louise: [Whispered.] It's not fair. We should be together.
Joe takes Louise into his arms, holding her tightly. Lachlan Luthor walks into the barn holding a g*n, and Joe sees him.
Joe: Louise.
Joe pushes Louise out of the way just as Lachlan fires b*llet after b*llet at Joe. The b*ll*ts h*t Joe in the chest, but have no effect. Lachlan and Louise look on in shock. Then Lachlan drops the g*n and runs out of the barn. Louise slowly looks down and sees blood dripping down her white blouse from a b*llet wound in her chest.
Louise: [Whispered.] Joe...
Joe turns to Louise and catches her just as her legs begin to give out. He helps her gently to the ground.
Joe: No. Louise? Don't leave me.
Louise: [Weakly.] I'll never leave. I love you.
Louise's eyes close. She dies.
Joe: Louise... No. No, Louise.
Tears fall from Joe's eyes and he pulls Louise into his embrace
Joe: Louise...
Flash back to the present. Clark is touching Lana's face.
Lana: (Nervously.) Clark?
Clark backs away.
Clark: I know who k*lled her.
Lex walks down the hall of his mansion talking to a retired detective, Mason. Day. He hands Mason a file.
Lex: The Edgecliff Condos. They're owned by LuthorCorp, but I'm missing the connection to my grandparents.
They enter the study and stand next to the piano.
Mason: Well, before the condos and the coffee houses, this was the worst part of su1c1de Slum. That high rise... stands on the site of the tenement your grandparents died in.
Lex looks at the picture of the tall building Mason is referring to.
Lex: So my father's story's true. They died in a f*re.
Mason: [Laughs.] Yeah, if you call an expl*si*n that blows the windows out of two city blocks a f*re, yeah.
Lex: Sounds like you have your doubts.
Mason: I was a detective in that precinct. Back in those days, when they told you to drop a case you did it. The slum lords controlled City Hall. Well, I'm retired now. It doesn't really matter.
Mason drops an envelope on the piano.
Mason: I think you'll find my original report enlightening.
Lex pulls the report out of the envelope and looks over it. Then he takes a long look at Mason.
Clark walks down the hall at Smallville High School talking to Chloe and Lana. Day.
Chloe: I don't mean to rain on your parade, Clark, but Lachlan Luthor was in the jail at the time of the m*rder.
Clark: I know it was him.
Lana: How? You can't expect us to keep following these weird hunches without telling us what's going on.
Clark stops outside the Torch office.
Clark: It's crazy.
Chloe: You passed crazy about four random clues ago.
Clark: Ever since I read that newspaper article I've been having memories from 1961.
Lana and Chloe exchange a baffled look. Clark holds up his arm as it to say "I told you so" and goes into the office. Lana and Chloe follow him.
Lana: What?
Clark: It's like some weird deja vu thing.
Chloe: Well, could it be like reincarnation? You know, like past lives?
Lana: [Skeptical.] Chloe.
Chloe: Or, uh, genetic memory. Science has theorized that we store our ancestors' memories in our DNA.
Clark looks thoughtful about this.
Chloe: Anyway...
Chloe looks at her computer screen.
Chloe: Well, wherever your hunches are coming from, they're eerily accurate. Look at this. I asked the Ledger to email me the newspaper's police blotter from the day that was missing in the logbook.
Clark: [Looking at the screen.] Lachlan was released from jail the morning Louise was m*rder.
Lana: He only spent a few nights in jail for armed robbery?
Chloe: [Walking to her file cabinet, pulling out a file.] Yeah, and look at the name of the deputy who released him.
Clark: Billy Tate.
Chloe: More affectionately known now as our honorable Mayor William Tate.
Chloe takes a picture of Mayor Tate out of the file and hands it to Clark.
Lana holds a framed picture of Louise, Dexter, and Billy Tate on the day of Louise and Dexter's wedding. Day. She and Clark are talking to Mayor Tate in his office.
Tate: Dex and Louise were my best friends. Arresting him was the hardest thing I ever had to do. [To Lana.] You bear a striking resemblance to your great-aunt. Has anyone ever told you that?
Lana looks at Tate uneasily.
Clark: Mayor Tate, can you remember booking someone named Lachlan Luthor? He was released the same day Louise was k*lled.
Tate: It's hard to keep track of all the arrests that I've made.
Lana: We think your friend Dexter is innocent.
Tate pauses, then chuckles.
Tate: Trust me, of all people I wanted to believe that more than anyone. But finally I had to admit there was no drifter. He made up the story to cover his own guilt.
Clark looks around the office, noticing a shelf with Tate's police badge on display. Clark touches the badge. On a lower shelf he sees the framed certificate declaring Tate the mayor of Smallville. On the bottom of the certificate is Tate's signature. The cursive T in his last name is identical to what appeared to be a cursive J that Lana found on the love letter to Louise. Clark touches the certificate.
Tate: Careful with that , young man.
Tate places his hand on Clark's shoulder and Clark flashes back to the past.
Joe and Louise are in a parked car next to a corn field and Billy Tate is reaching in the window, touching Joe's shoulder. Joe turns around.
Tate: Hey, you two lovebirds.
Louise: Billy, it's not what it looks like. It was just ...
Tate: Sure. [To Joe.] Okay, big sh*t, out of the car.
Joe steps out of the car.
Joe: I don't know what business this is of yours, but ...
Tate: [Grabbing Joe by the shirt, thr*at.] I think you've overstayed your welcome. You better move along before you cause any more trouble.
Louise comes out of the car and pushes Tate away from Joe.
Louise: Billy, he was just taking me home.
Tate: You better make sure this is what you want, Louise. 'Cause I think you're making a huge mistake.
Tate gets into his police car and drives away. Louise turns to Joe.
Louise: I never wanted to marry Dexter. Don't get me wrong, he's ... he's a nice man, he's just... safe. I made the mistake of telling my father my dreams. I want to go to Hollywood, become a star. The next thing I know, he's putting me together with Dex, saying what a great wife I'd make. [Turns away from Joe.] I finally gave in. And here I am.
Joe: I think our fathers would get along. [Leans against the car.] See, I'm not what you'd call a model son. My father sent me here as sort of a lesson. I didn't want to come here. Now I'd give anything to stay. But I can't.
Louise goes to him.
Louise: Then take me with you.
She pulls him away from the car by the hands and turns him around a few times fancifully.
Louise: [Giggling.] We'll be like James Dean and Natalie Wood in "Rebel Without a Cause." It'll be romantic.
Joe: I don't think you understand. When I said I wasn't from here, I wasn't talking about Smallville.
Louise looks at Joe blankly, not understanding.
Joe: [Gravely.] Where I'm from we have colors that you've never seen. Our moons are so close they fill up half the sky. We have sunsets that last for hours.
Louise looks at him very seriously for a moment, then laughs.
Louise: You almost had me there. For a second I was actually believing you.
Joe steps closer slowly and lifts Louise into his arms. They hold eye contact with each other and we can see the sky lowering behind them as the blue light of the moon illuminates their faces.
At last Louise looks down and realizes they are floating high above the earth.
Louise: Oh, my God.
They both look up at the stars as they continue to rise and Louise's fear turns into a smile of joy. She looks at Joe who is still looking at her with love in his eyes.
Fade to black.
Lana and Clark talk to Sheriff Adams as they walk along the sidewalk. Day. Adams is holding a piece of paper.
Adams: So you want me to dredge up an investigation that was put to bed 40 years ago?
Clark: The mayor knows more than he's telling.
Adams: Oh, yes, that mysterious drifter of yours.
Clark: We think that Mayor Tate made a deal to drop the charges on Lachlan Luthor if Lachlan k*lled the drifter. They were gonna pin the whole thing on Dexter.
Adams: Well, you make a great storyteller, Mr. Kent, but not much of a detective. [She hands the paper back to Clark.] See, I will need two small things called motive and evidence before I'm gonna haul the leader of our community off to jail.
Clark pulls Louise's love letter from his pocket.
Clark: Look. The handwriting on the police log matches this love letter. It's the same signature.
Lana: He was in love with her as well. With the drifter d*ad and Dexter in jail for his m*rder, Mayor Tate could have Louise all to himself.
Adams: I don't know if you kids can hear yourselves, but you might want to be careful about who you're pointing fingers at. If you'll excuse me, I got a few cases in this century to attend to.
Sheriff Adams gets in her car.
Jonathan pulls several jars of peaches from a boiling pot of water from the stove and carries them to the kitchen table where Martha is filling more jars. Day.
Jonathan: Martha, we can't even tell if these visions are for real. I mean, for all we know, they could just be another test from Jor-El.
Martha: Jonathan, when have you seen Clark this determined for no reason? I know this is hard, but we can't blame him for wanting to know about his birth parents.
Jonathan: Every time I hear the name Jor-El, all I can think of is that we are his real birth parents. We're just the people who were lucky enough to find him, that's all.
Martha: But right now he's here with us.
Jonathan: Yeah.
Clark enters.
Martha: Clark. Have you had any more of the visions?
Clark looks from Jonathan to Martha uneasily.
Clark: No.
Jonathan: Listen, son, I'm, uh, I'm sorry I doubted you. If you'd like, we can go over to McCallum's barn, see if you missed anything.
Clark looks over Jonathan's shoulder and notices something on the wall.
Martha: What is it?
They see a r*fle hanging on the wall.
Clark: That's grandpa's g*n. I saw it in the cave when I had my first vision.
Jonathan pulls the g*n off the wall and holds it out to Clark. Clark touches it and has another flashback.
Joe is leaning over a barrel outside a farmhouse. A man walks up to him and hits him in the side with the butt of the r*fle, then across the face. Joe grabs the r*fle and yanks it out of the man's hands, pushing him to the ground. Joe points the r*fle at him.
Joe: I don't want any trouble. I'm just cutting through your field.
Man: Easy there, son. You already got one m*rder on your hands if you're the one the whole town's looking for.
Joe: I didn't do it. [Tosses the g*n back to the man.] I'm not a k*ller. I loved her. I'd never hurt her. You g ... you gotta trust me.
The man slowly gets to his feet and holds out his hand to shake.
Man: I'm Hirum. Hirum Kent.
Joe takes hold of Hirum's hand. Back to the present where Clark is still touching the r*fle.
Jonathan: What is it?
Clark: The drifter was here. He was here on the farm with Grandpa Kent.
Jonathan glances at Martha who looks bewildered.
Cut to Jonathan putting down a trunk in the loft. Clark and Martha are there.
Jonathan: I haven't opened this... since the day my father passed away.
Martha: Maybe something in here will trigger another memory.
Jonathan opens the trunk. He reaches in and pulls out a belt with a large buckle.
Jonathan: Clark, your grandfather wore this old thing every single day of his life.
Jonathan chuckles as Clark takes the belt.
Jonathan: It was his favorite belt.
Martha: [To Clark.] I wish you could've met him. Do recognize anything from your visions?
Clark sees a brown leather jacket and grabs it. It sends him back into the past where Hirum is helping Joe put on a denim jacket in the kitchen. Night. Mrs. Kent hands Joe his own jacket which is the brown leather.
Mrs. Kent: At least you won't stand out as much if they stop you.
Hirum: I know all the back roads. We'll take them.
Joe: I appreciate your help, but I'll find my way on my own.
Hirum: I am not sending you out alone. Are you sure these friends of yours are gonna show up?
Joe: They'll be there.
Joe steps past Hirum and opens the kitchen door.
Hirum: You're welcome to stay and try to clear this thing up.
Joe: I've got no reason to stay anymore.
Mrs. Kent: Be careful.
Hirum: [Placing a hand on Mrs. Kent's stomach.] Bye, Gene.
We see that Mrs. Kent is pregnant and Hirum is speaking to their unborn baby.
Mrs. Kent: His name is Jonathan.
Hirum: [To Joe.] We're still deciding.
Hirum kisses Mrs. Kent on the cheek, then touches Joe on the shoulder.
Hirum: Come on, let's go. [Leaves.]
Joe: [To Mrs. Kent.] Thank you.
Mrs. Kent nods and Joe gives her the leather jacket. Back to the present.
Clark: Grandpa helped him escape.
Jonathan: Now, look, I-I'd like to believe you, Clark but ...
Clark: He wanted to name you Gene.
Jonathan looks at Martha, stunned.
Jonathan: [Quietly.] After Gene Autry. We had all of his old records, but... Mom finally won out.
Martha: Hirum was a pretty good judge of character, Jonathan. I don't think he would've helped a guilty man.
Jonathan: Well, I don't think that an old b*mb jacket's gonna prove anything.
Clark: I'm not too sure about that.
Clark looks from the jacket to Jonathan as though an idea is forming in his head.
Mayor Tate is in his home, sitting before a cold fireplace as he reads a book and sips a glass of brandy. Night. A ball of f*re suddenly flies through the room into the fireplace, lighting a f*re. Tate gets up from his seat and looks at the f*re, confused.
Wind starts to blow through the room causing the papers on his desk to rustle. Becoming more uneasy, Tate goes to a switch on the wall and flicks it up and down, summoning the police. A man suddenly walks into the room and we hear his voice.
Man: Sheriff Tate.
Tate turns around, startled and sees Clark dressed up as Joe with the leather jacket, the medallion and his hair slicked in the style of 1961.
Tate: Mr. Kent. I'm not sure how you got in here, but I don't find this very amusing.
Clark: I think you've got me confused with someone else.
Tate: The police are on their way.
Tate turns away from Clark to walk toward the fireplace. As he turns, we hear a blast of air and by the time Tate has turned around, Clark is already in front of him. Tate steps back in fear, looking down at the medallion around Clark's neck.
Tate: Where did you get that?!
Clark: [Calm, secure.] I knew you'd remember me.
Tate: This can't be real.
Clark: You've done a pretty good job of hiding what's real. I know you made a deal with Lachlan to k*ll me. [Stepping closer, taunting.] But how did you feel when you found out that you k*lled Louise instead?
Tate: It was supposed to be you!
Tate goes to his desk and pulls a g*n out of the drawer. He fires several b*ll*ts at Clark, but Clark dodges them all, moving with super human speed. Tate lowers the g*n, terrified.
Clark: You can't k*ll me. I'm already d*ad.
Tate: Mother of God!
Clark: If you ever want another day of peace, you'll confess what you've done to the sheriff.
Tate: No! I'm not going to jail!
Tate points the g*n at his own head and a look of panic flashes across Clark's face. Tate cocks the g*n and Clark super speeds toward him, pulling the g*n out of his hand.
Clark: You're not taking the easy way out.
The door to the office opens and Clark super speeds out of sight. Sheriff Adams and another officer come in, holding their g*n ready.
Adams: Mayor Tate. You okay? We got the silent alarm.
Tate: He's trying to k*ll me!
Adams: Who?
Adams and the officer both look around, but see no one.
Tate: [Sad, desperate.] Lachlan was supposed to k*ll the drifter. I never meant to hurt Louise. I loved her.
Adams looks at Tate, surprised.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the prison. Day. In the prison hospital, Lana helps Dexter into a wheelchair. He is dressed in normal clothing. A nurse stands behind the chair.
Dexter: I never expected to see this day. [Laughs.] It's still so hard to believe about Billy. Did you know he came to visit me every Sunday for the first two years I was in here?
Lana: I'm sorry. I know he was your friend.
The nurse starts to push the chair slowly and Lana along next to Dexter.
Dexter: I guess I always knew how he felt about Louise, but I never imagined he could do a thing like that. And him confessing after all these years. It doesn't make any sense.
Lana: Maybe it had been haunting him.
Dexter: It be a terrible thing when love consumes you and takes over. I was so in love with Louise I just couldn't see she didn't feel the same way about me. I wish I'd known when to let go.
The nurse wheels Dexter away and Lana stays where she is, upset by Dexter's words.
Lex who is seated talks to Lionel who is standing in Lex's study. Night. Lionel is looking at a stack of papers.
Lex: The expl*si*n originated in your family's apartment. There were traces of ammonium nitrate, Dad. Your parents' death was no accident.
Lionel: [Crushed.] I've always suspected this. I ... oh... [Sits.] I knew my father had enemies, but uh...
Lex: That's not what you told the police.
Lionel: I was young, but never naive. I knew automatically that whoever did it would be watching me.
Lex is silent, contemplative. He gets up from his seat.
Lex: So you knew they were m*rder. It's not like you to pass up a chance at revenge.
Lionel: I had no resources. I couldn't pursue it.
Lex: Then. What about the last 30 years?
Lionel: I couldn't bring them back. There was nothing I could do so... I chose to move on, forget about it.
Lex: But you can't, can you?
Lionel: No. [Stands.] I owe you a thank you, son. Your grandparents were m*rder. They deserve justice. Oh, I was such a fool. I always thought their m*rder could stay buried in the past.
Lex looks intensely into Lionel's eyes and puts his hands on Lionel's shoulders.
Lex: We both know that's not gonna happen until we find out who did this.
Clark is in the loft. Night. Lana enters.
Lana: Clark?
Clark: Lana, how is Dexter?
Lana: I think he's just relieved that his name's finally been cleared.
Clark: Personally, I think I'd be more relieved knowing I wasn't getting locked up again.
Lana: I am not quite sure why, but I think Dexter has you to thank for his freedom.
Clark: You're the one who believed in him.
Lana: Yeah. He was wrong about the drifter.
Clark: I'm not so sure he was. Nothing would've happened to Louise if she didn't fall in love with him.
Lana: I know what Louise did was wrong, but I can't help thinking she was lucky. Even if it was only for a few days, she knew what it felt like to really be in love.
Clark: It's too bad it couldn't last.
Lana: What if that's not the point? [Pause.] Maybe you have to be grateful for the time that you spend together and stop holding onto what could've been.
Lana has tears in her eyes. She blinks and looks away.
Clark and Jonathan are in the underground caves. Night. Clark is looking at the symbol on the wall that matches the medallion.
Jonathan: What is it, Clark? What are we doing here?
Clark holds the medallion in his hand.
Clark: I'm not sure.
Clark touches the symbol on the wall and has a flashback. Joe and Hirum are in the cave. Joe is holding the medallion.
Hirum: What are you doing with that thing?
Joe: I was supposed to return it to my father, but there's too many bad memories attached. [Joe shakes Hirum's hand.] Thank you, Hirum.
Hirum: I can usually tell an honest man when I see one. I'm sorry you ran into trouble here. There's plenty of good folks in Smallville.
Joe: I'll remember that. Congratulations on the baby. He's lucky to have you as parents.
Hirum: If there's anything you ever need, you know where to find me.
Hirum leaves the cave. Joe looks at the medallion in his hand, then turns to the cave wall. Out of his pocket he pulls an octagonal disc, identical to the one from Clark's spaceship. He holds it in front of the cave wall and focuses on it. The small symbols on the key light up and the painting of the medallion appears on the wall. The painting opens up and Joe puts the key inside, causing a burst of gold light and smoke to sh**t out. When he removes his hand, the hole closes.
Back to the present.
Jonathan: Clark. What did you see?
Clark turns his back to Jonathan.
Clark: He buried this here because he didn't want his father to have it. It acts as some sort of journal. I think Jor-El was sent here as some kind of rite of passage. Grandpa Kent was down here too. He told Joe that if there was anything he needed...
Long pause. Jonathan steps closer to Clark.
Jonathan: What is it, Clark?
Clark: I don't think you and Mom found me by accident.
He turns around.
Clark: I think you were chosen.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x06 - Relic"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 12th 2003
Lowell County Fair in Smallville. Day. A roller coaster speeds through a series of spiraling loops as its passengers scream with delight. Nearby a live band is playing on a stage. A tightly packed audience stands before the stage yelling and waving their hands in the air.
Lana and Chloe are standing at a merchandise booth. Lana holds a snow globe that says "Smallville Meteor Capital of the World." Inside the globe is a house and the Smallville water tower. When Lana shakes the globe, small green meteor fragments float around.
Lana: How tasteless is this? I think they even used real meteor rock.
Chloe: The American version of closure. You can only get over your grief when you figure out how to merchandise your tragedy. [Looking into the distance.] Ooh! Cotton candy.
Lana: Ooh!
Chloe: Come on.
Chloe and Lana walk to the man selling cotton candy.
Chloe: Hi. One cotton candy, please.
Chloe pays the vendor and he gives her the cotton candy.
Lana: Sometimes I think it'd be nice to get away from all this. Maybe Clark was right, just leave it all behind.
Chloe: And we almost went through an entire day without mentioning our favorite farm boy.
Lana: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to throw a wet towel over our girls' day out.
Chloe: It's okay. I just feel I should take this moment to state something very obvious. Clark not dating you was his loss, not yours. Okay?
Lana: [Taking a piece of cotton candy, smiling.] Okay.
Working at a nearby booth called Hover Ball is a Smallville High student Seth Nelson. Behind him, balls are floating, suspended by air jets beneath them.
Seth: Lana Lang! Hey!
Lana looks at Seth.
Seth: Lana Lang, you want to show off your arm? Amaze and astound your friends?
Lana: Sure, why not?
Lana and Chloe walk to the booth.
Seth: [Quietly.] I'll let you in on a little secret, too. The game's rigged.
Lana: Hmm.
Seth: Magnets. Just get it close. I'll slip you a prize.
Chloe giggles.
Lana: Won't you get in trouble for that?
Seth: Oh no, it's the, uh, last day of the fair, you know? What are they gonna do?
Seth walks away to speak to another customer.
Chloe: [Leaning against the booth.] I rest my case.
Lana: Seth is my lab partner.
Chloe: Yeah, and he's also had a crush on you for forever. Isn't he the one that used to spell your name out with spaghetti?
Lana: [Laughing.] Yeah, that was in sixth grade. And now he's into, like, cars, comics, and Game Cubes. What exactly do we have in common?
Chloe: I don't know.
Chloe glances at Seth who stands out of the way as a man throws a ball, trying to knock one of the floating balls out of the air. He misses.
Chloe: He's cute, though. Why not? Expand your horizons. Go for it.
Lana: All right.
Chloe steps out of the way and Lana picks up a ball as Seth watches her. She throws it at one of the floating balls and misses.
Lana: Oh!
Chloe: Oooh!
Lana picks up another ball and Chloe laughs.
Chloe: Aim, aim.
Lana: I am aiming!
Lana throws the ball and misses again.
Lana: [Embarrassed.] I give up.
Seth: Here.
Seth goes to the shelf and picks up one of the Smallville snow globes which he hands to Lana.
Seth: For a fine effort.
He touches her hand as she takes it from him. The man who was playing earlier watches all of this happening.
Lana: [Reluctant.] Oh, Seth, I ...
Seth: You don't like it?
The man, who is large and rather intimidating, walks up.
Man: I'll take it.
Seth: Uh, I'm-I'm sorry, sir, but you have to win first.
Man: Oh, yeah? [Looks at Lana.] Like her?
Seth: [Nervous.] Um, I-I think you should-should leave.
The man climbs over the counter and into the booth, backing Seth into the wall.
Man: Yeah? I'd like to see you make me.
Lana holds out the snow globe to the man.
Lana: Here, just take it. Leave him alone.
The man takes the globe.
Man: [To Seth.] You gonna let your chick do your fighting for you? Come on, punk. What you got?
Seth looks at the man furiously, then pushes him into the shelf, causing it to collapse. The man falls down as several stuffed animals land on him. The surrounding crowd murmurs in surprise as Seth runs away. The man stands up, still holding the snow globe.
Man: I'm gonna tear you apart!
He runs after Seth through the crowd.
Lana: [To Chloe.] Get security!
Lana runs after the man. Seth keeps running, getting closer to the stage where the band is playing. The man follows him into the mass of people. Seth slows down, squeezing through the tight crowd, then stops and looks around. He doesn't see the man anywhere. The man suddenly pops out of the crowd and shatters the snow globe over Seth's head, knocking him to the ground. Everyone around gasps and the band stops playing as the man immediately walks away.
On the ground, Seth spits out water and a small piece of meteor rock. There is a bleeding cut on his forehead with several pieces of meteor rock imbedded in it. The sh*t closes in on the cut, then inside his skin where we see tiny pieces of meteor mixing with his blood. Lana finally gets through the crowd.
Lana: Seth. Oh, my God. Someone call an ambulance! [Kneeling next to Seth.] Seth?
Seth looks up at her breathlessly.
Cut to Seth lying on his back inside an MRI machine. The cut on his forehead has been stitched shut and he looks around nervously. He hears the voice of a doctor.
Doctor: Okay, Seth, just relax and try not to move.
Seth: I'm feeling a little claustrophobic in here.
Doctor: It's completely normal. I'm about to turn on the MRI. You're gonna hear some noises and we'll be done before you know it.
The machine starts to hum and there is a loud tapping.
Seth: What's that? What's happening? Is that normal?
The doctor watches from a booth.
Doctor: It's just the magnetic field being activated. Nothing to worry about.
The MRI machine starts to shake and Seth's cut glows a brilliant green as bolts of electricity dance over his face and neck, traveling down his body.
Seth: Aaah! Help! Help!
Doctor: Hold on!
Seth: Aah!
The doctor runs out of the booth and into the room. He reaches out to touch the machine and is thrown backwards into the wall and knocked unconscious. As the machine shakes more violently, an orderly enters the room. Seeing the machine and the unconscious doctor, he runs to the wall and unplugs the machine, finally stopping its shaking.
Orderly: I need a nurse in here now!
He wheels Seth out of the MRI machine. Seth reaches for the strap over his neck holding his head in place, trying to get free.
Orderly: Relax.
Lana runs to the door, looking inside the room.
Orderly: I need some help in here stat!
Lana comes to Seth's side.
Lana: Seth, what happened? Are you okay?
Seth's face is covered in sweat and he looks at Lana intensely. Her hand is resting on the table next to him and he rests his own on top of it. Small green currents of electricity jump from his hand to hers. Lana looks at him strangely, not noticing the electricity.
Lana: [Smiling slightly.] Chloe was right. You really are cute.
[Opening credits]
Lex is holding a file as he walks through the hall of his mansion talking to Mason, his private detective. Day.
Lex: [Angry.] T.B. records? I'm a little confused. I asked you to look into the tenement f*re that k*lled my grandparents and you brought me the history of my father's childhood inoculations.
Lex drops the file on the floor as he enters the study. Mason picks it up.
Mason: Hey, these things take time.
Lex: Especially when you're billing by the hour.
Lex sits at his desk. Mason puts the file on the desk in front of Lex.
Mason: Yeah, well, the information I pulled? It's not the records that are important. It's the list of the individuals who've accessed them. Turns out I'm not the only one looking into the Luthor family history.
Lex looks through the file and sees the name Chloe Sullivan on the list of people who have researched the file.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Seth is alone in his hospital room. He is sitting in bed with a tray of food on the table in front of him. He looks around and then concentrates on the metal spoon resting in his cup of Jell-O. The spoon starts to quiver, then rises into the air. It floats closer to Seth, but when he reaches out to take it, he loses concentration and the spoon falls down to the tray. He smiles nervously as Lana and Clark enter.
Lana: Hey.
Seth: Hey.
Lana: Either you're really excited about your Jell-O or you're felling a lot better.
Seth: I feel great, actually.
Lana: Yeah, your cut looks amazing.
Seth: Yeah.
Clark: You should see the MRI machine. It's a TKO.
Lana comes closer to Seth. Clark stays near the door.
Lana: Yeah, do they know what happened?
Seth: Um, I guess something interfered with the magnetic field. Must've just been an old machine, I guess.
Lana: Hmm.
Seth: Sorry for ruining your day at the fair, too. Thanks for bringing me to the hospital.
Lana: No, I was happy to help.
Seth: [Glances at Clark, then back to Lana.] Um... you know, I-I'd really like to make it up to you. Maybe take you out some time?
Lana: [Surprised.] Seth, you don't ... you don't have to.
Seth grabs Lana's hand and the green sparks of electricity sh**t between them. Clark doesn't notice.
Lana: Well, okay. How about tonight?
Clark watches, surprised. Seth smiles at Lana and looks again at Clark.
Cut to Clark walking out of Seth's hospital room. Lana follows him into the hall.
Lana: Clark, what's the rush? You're not upset that Seth asked me out, are you?
Clark: [Detached.] No. It's great.
Lana: I'm glad you think so because last time I checked, you and I were just friends.
Clark: [Pause.] Lana, it's fine. Really, it's not problem. I just ... I gotta go.
Clark walks away.
Cut to Seth in his hospital room. He looks at a metal supply cart across the room and reaches out his hand. The cart wheels forward until it hits the edge of his bed. Seth smiles at his new powers.
Clark opens the fridge in his kitchen and looks through it for something to eat. Day. Jonathan enters and goes to Martha who is arranging flowers in a vase.
Jonathan: Hello, sweetheart.
Martha: Hi, baby.
Jonathan kisses Martha on the forehead. Clark slams the fridge door shut.
Jonathan: Oh, something must be wrong if he stuck his head in the refrigerator and didn't eat the last piece of cherry pie.
Clark: [Quietly.] It's nothing. It's just Lana. Seth Nelson asked her out.
Martha: What did she say?
Clark: She said yes so fast it gave me whiplash.
Jonathan: Look, Clark, jealousy is a tough emotion.
Clark: Dad, I'm not jealous.
Jonathan: Ah.
Clark: Well, maybe a little bit. But... look, he asked her out on a date right in front of me. I just find it hard to believe she'd say yes.
Jonathan: Clark, you made a really tough decision, son. You didn't want to put Lana in any more danger, but you can't have it both ways. Now, if you're not willing to go out with Lana, then she's perfectly free to go out with whoever she wants.
Martha: [Gently.] I guess you have to accept it.
Clark nods.
Chloe is working in the Torch office. Day. The door opens. She doesn't look away from her work.
Chloe: Finally. I didn't think you were gonna show. Not that Clark Kent ever operates on the same speed as the rest of the world.
Lex: Interesting observation, Chloe.
Chloe turns around, surprised to see Lex.
Chloe: Hey, Lex. Uh, Clark's not here obviously.
Lex: Actually I was looking for you. It's come to my attention that you've been checking into my father. I saw your name on the Metropolis County Records log.
Chloe: [Casually.] Oh, yeah that. Um, I'm just writing a story on him for the Torch.
Lex: Oh, really? A story that involves obscure childhood medical records?
Chloe: Just trying to be thorough.
Lex: The mark of a good reporter. And you are a good reporter, Chloe. So good, apparently, that my father pulled strings to make you the youngest columnist in the history of the Daily Planet.
Chloe: What do you want, Lex?
Lex: I'm just curious. I'm wondering why a high school reporter is digging so deeply into my father's past. Maybe I'll just ask him about it at dinner tonight.
Lex starts to leave.
Chloe: [Smiling.] Go ahead. Since the only way you could've found out about those records is if you looked into them yourself.
Lex: At least I'm prepared for what I might find. I'm not so sure you realize what you've gotten yourself into.
Chloe's smile fades and Lex leaves.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside Lana is pouring sugar into the sugar bowls. Clark enters.
Clark: Lana. I owe you an apology. It did bother me when Seth asked you out. But I have to get used to the idea that you're gonna be dating other people.
Lana: I'm sorry too, Clark. I didn't mean for that to happen right in front of you. Truthfully, I don't even know why I agreed to go out with Seth. Maybe I was just subconsciously trying to make you jealous.
Clark: [Quietly hopeful.] So you're not really into him.
Lana: [Shrugs.] He's a nice enough guy... There aren't any sparks. He's gonna be here any second to pick me up.
Lana walks to the bar and Clark follows her.
Clark: Lana, I know I should stay out of it, but if you don't feel that way about Seth, it's not right to lead him on.
Seth enters.
Seth: Lana? Hey. Ready to go?
Lana: Seth, hi.
Lana glances at Clark, then comes out from behind the bar.
Lana: Maybe we should sit down.
Seth: Yeah.
Seth gives Clark a long look, then follows Lana to a table where they both sit.
Lana: I don't know how to say this. I know I said I could go with you, but I can't. I really am sorry.
Seth: [Hurt, but smiling.] It's not a problem. It's just that you're always so busy, you know?
Seth stands and walks closer to Lana.
Seth: You owe it to yourself to take a break. [Touches her shoulder with the green sparks.] Have a little bit of fun.
Clark tenses up when he sees Seth touch Lana.
Lana: You know what? You're right. I'd love to go out with you. [To a waitress.] Hey, could you cover me?
Waitress: Sure, no problem.
Lana: Thanks.
Lana barely gives Clark another look before leaving the Talon with Seth. Seth makes a point of looking back at Clark triumphantly as Clark watches them leave, confused.
Seth and Lana walk up to the closed fairgrounds. Night. They are holding hands as they come closer to the locked metal gate.
Lana: Seth, what are we doing here? The fair's closed for the season.
Seth: It is, but they don't take the rides away for a few more days.
Lana: And how are we supposed to get in?
Seth: Um, turn around. It's a surprise.
Lana turns away from the gate. Seth holds his fists together and electricity builds up between them, causing the lock on the gate to break. Lana turns around as the gate swings open.
Lana: How did you do that?
Seth: I guess the no-peeking rule wasn't really clear. [They start walking in.] Can you keep a big secret?
Lana: What do you mean?
Clark watches them from outside the park.
Seth: You know after that guy h*t me and I went to the hospital? I all of a sudden got these strange powers. It's like I can warp an electromagnetic field.
Seth and Lana continue walking through the park toward the Ferris wheel.
Seth: I don't know, it was after the MRI, and it was like, all of a sudden I could move metal objects like a magnet.
Lana: Can you do it all the time?
Seth reaches his hand out to the Ferris wheel, and it lights up. Lana smiles.
Seth: Only when I concentrate. Am I scaring you?
They walk toward the Ferris wheel.
Lana: Maybe in the past you would be, but actually I think it's kinda cool.
Seth: Thanks for not thinking I'm a freak.
Lana: Thanks for being honest with me. It really means a lot.
Seth holds his hand out in the direction of the lever that operates the ride, and the lever moves. The Ferris wheel rotates slowly until Seth moves the lever again to stop it.
Lana: [Excited.] You're amazing.
Seth: Let's go.
They go up the stairs to the seat waiting for them. Seth opens the bar across the seat and Lana sits down, laughing. Seth sits next to her and closes the bar. He puts his arm around her shoulders as the ride begins, carrying them slowly into the sky.
Seth: I love this ride.
Lana: Yeah, me too. It reminds me that there's a world out there beyond Smallville. I'm gonna leave one day.
Seth: I can't believe you're here with me. Even though I've always thought we've had a connection.
He sends a few sparks into her arm. Lana turns to Seth and he leans in to kiss her. She kisses him back willingly.
Lana: Yeah, me too. I never realized it was this strong.
Seth puts his hand in front of Lana's jacket and her zipper starts to lower seemingly by itself. Lana stops him.
Seth: I-I'm sorry. I'm moving too fast. I-I'll stop.
As they reach the top of the Ferris wheel, it jerks to a stop, causing their seat to rock.
Lana: Aah! Oh, my God! Seth, you're crazy!
On the ground, we see that Clark stopped the ride. Lana and Seth laugh. Clark starts pull on the Ferris wheel, rotating it so that Lana and Seth come toward the ground.
Lana: Aah! Seth, what's going on? You're making me nauseous. [She laughs.] Whoa.
They get to the bottom and see Clark.
Lana: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark: Well, I heard screaming. Um, I thought you were in trouble so I pulled the switch.
Lana: What switch? I didn't hear the motor go off.
Lana and Seth get out of their seat.
Seth: Do you always come to the fair when it's closed, Clark?
Lana: Did you follow us here? [Steps closer to Clark.] Clark, are you stalking me?
Seth: Better find a new hobby, Clark.
Seth takes Lana by the arm and they walk away together. Clark watches them.
Seth: You actually dated that loser?
Lana: Yeah. [Laughs.]
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. In the hallway inside, Seth closes his locker just by pushing his hand through the air. Clark comes around the corner and sees this happen.
Clark: Nice trick.
Seth: Haven't you got anything better to do than follow me around, Clark?
Clark: You can control metal objects, can't you, Seth?
Seth: So what if I can?
Clark: And you've got some kind of hold over Lana.
Seth: [Snickers.] I hate to poke a hole in your little theory, Clark. Lana's not made out of steel.
Seth pats Clark on the arm and walks away. Clark follows him.
Clark: Well, I don't know how you're doing it, but I'm not gonna let you force Lana to be with you.
Seth: I'm not forcing her to do anything. I'm just a persuasive guy, and Lana's on the rebound. It's not my fault you blew it, Clark.
Clark steps in front of Seth, stopping him.
Clark: She's not into you, Seth.
Seth: Could've fooled me. Look, Lana's all I've ever thought about, okay? And now she's mine, and you're just gonna have to deal with it.
Clark: [Steps closer, thr*at.] I'm warning you, Seth. Stay away from Lana.
Seth: And I'm warning you. Leave us alone. You have no idea what I'm capable of.
Seth raises both hands into the air and waves them forward, causing all of the open lockers in the hallway to slam shut simultaneously.
Young man: Whoa!
Seth glares at Clark and walks away. Clark's expression remains neutral.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Chloe and Clark search through the medical records room.
Chloe: So you think that the meteor flakes from the snow globe plus the MRI equals magnet boy?
Clark: Mm-hmm.
Chloe: Okay, well, assuming we can prove that Seth can manipulate metal with his mind, what does that have to do with Lana's sudden Seth infatuation?
Clark: Her attraction to him has something to do with the accident.
Chloe: Or Lana could just think he's really hot. [Clark glances pointedly at Chloe.] Seriously, I mean, I know you don't want to admit it, but it's possible that Lana just really likes him.
Clark: [Loudly.] Chloe, they have nothing in common ...
Chloe: Ssh.
Clark: [Quieter.] He's always been around, but they barely know each other.
Clark sees a drawer labeled "Patient Files L-N" and opens it.
Chloe: Well, except for the past two years, you could be describing yourself.
Clark: I found it.
Clark pulls out Seth's file and flips through it.
Clark: Look at this. The electromagnetic activity in Seth's nervous system is higher after the MRI.
Chloe: Well, that explains the walking magnet theory. Why didn't the doctors flag it?
Clark: According to this, they chalked it up to an accident. They're gonna keep an eye on him for a few weeks.
Chloe: Well, uh, okay. Let's head back to the Torch so we can check up on the effects of electromagnetism on the body.
Clark: Okay.
Clark puts Seth's file back in the drawer and closes it just as a doctor enters the records room. Chloe sees the doctor and quickly grabs Clark, pushing him against the wall and kissing him hard on the lips.
Doctor: What's going on? What are you two doing in here?
The shock is evident on Clark's face as Chloe pulls his arms around herself. Then she backs away from the kiss and clears her throat.
Chloe: Nothing. Uh, sorry, we were just taking a break from candy striping.
Doctor: This is a hospital, young lady. Volunteering is about helping patients, not about make-out sessions in the file room, okay?
Chloe: Okay.
The doctor leaves.
Chloe: [Smiling.] A good reporter always thinks on her feet.
Chloe leaves the filing room, glancing back at Clark as she walks through the door. Clark stays behind for a moment, clearly still startled as he straightens his jacket.
Lana is seated on the stairs in Clark's loft. Night. Clark enters and sees her.
Clark: Lana.
Lana stands up and walks to Clark.
Lana: I heard you warned Seth to stay away from me. First you follow us to the fair and now this? Who do you think you are, Clark?
Clark: Lana, I had to. Seth is different. He was affected by the MRI. It somehow made him magnetic.
Lana: I know that, Clark. Seth showed me. He's been completely honest about his abilities and I think it's great.
Clark: Well, it's not just metal. I think he's affecting you too. He's using his powers to make you like him.
Lana: Don't be ridiculous.
Clark: Lana, your brain is like a circuit board of magnetic impulses, and Chloe and I think ...
Lana: You talked to Chloe about this?!
Clark: ... that it's like he's a giant magnet, and he's able to control those impulses, make your brain secrete the ... the chemicals that control your emotions.
Lana: That's crazy.
Lana starts to leave and Clark follows her.
Clark: Lana, the brain release chemicals that control depression and hunger. Why not attraction?
Lana: [Turning back to Clark.] Seth isn't touching me now. But I am beginning to care more about him than I have for any other guy. Ever. So how do you explain that?
Clark: I don't know. Maybe it's like metal. The longer a magnet stays in contact with metal, the longer the effects last.
Lana: Look, Clark, if you don't want to date me, that's fine. But to make up some crazy theory so I don't go out with anyone else ...
Clark: Lana, that's not it!
Lana: I came here to tell you that who I date is none of your business.
Clark: Lana, Seth is dangerous.
Lana: No, Clark, you are! We're not together anymore, and that was your choice. So let me go.
Lana leaves.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Inside Chloe enters the Torch office and turns on the lights. She is shocked to see that her office has been ransacked and her computer is turned on. She drops her bag onto the desk, frustrated.
Chloe: Great.
Mason: [From behind her.] Evening.
Chloe turns around to see Mason. Then she hurries to her desk to dial a number on her cell phone.
Mason: Go ahead, call the cops. The first question they're gonna ask is why would a person like me break into a high school newspaper? Whatever could I be looking for?
Chloe: Who are you? What do you want?
Mason: Let's just say that I'm working for someone who's interested in the same thing you are.
Chloe: Which Luthor sent you?
Mason bends over and starts disconnecting all the cables on the back of Chloe's computer.
Mason: Now, why would you jump to that conclusion, Chloe?
Chloe: Wait, what do you think you're doing?
Mason picks up the hard drive and walks to the door.
Mason: Something I doubt that you'll want to tell the police about. You have a nice night.
He leaves. Chloe watches him go with her mouth hanging open in shock.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, the Talon is completely empty except for Lana and Seth who are making out in front of the bar. Lana is wearing a tight sleeveless shirt and tight pants.
Seth: [Breathless.] I gotta say, I like the new Lana.
Lana: I took your advice and splurged on a whole new wardrobe.
Seth: I can't wait to see the rest later.
Lana: [Touching his face.] I'll give you a fashion show.
They kiss again.
Seth: You know how you said you wanted to get out of Smallville someday? Why not today?
Lana: Are you serious?
Seth sparks Lana's arm with his hand.
Lana: [Suddenly excited.] Where do you want to go?
Seth: I don't know. I figured we'd just see where the road takes us. What do you say?
Lana: I'd go anywhere with you.
Seth glances at the cash register.
Seth: You know, we're, uh, probably gonna need some money.
Lana: I think I've got that covered.
Seth: Right.
They kiss heavily, then Seth pulls away.
Seth: Meet me out back. I've got a surprise for you, okay?
He leaves.
Cut to Lana opening the cash register and taking out all of the money. Lex enters and walks up to the bar.
Lex: What are you doing? Cleaning us out?
Lana: Taking an advance on my share of the profits.
Lana slams the cash register shut and starts to leave.
Lex: Okay, joke's over. Put the money back.
Lana: I'm not joking, Lex. I need the cash. Seth and I are leaving Smallville.
Lana storms out of the building into the alleyway and Lex follows her.
Lex: Lana, you can't be serious.
Lana: I can't stay in Smallville for a coffee shop, Lex. Try to understand. My whole family's gone, my friends have changed. I found someone who really wants to be with me, who trusts me. For the first time in a long time, I don't feel like I'm alone.
They hear a car engine coming closer and a horn honks. Lana turns around to see Seth drive around the corner in a brand new yellow Mustang convertible. She laughs excitedly as he skids to a stop next to her.
Seth: Hop in.
Lana gets in the car.
Lex: Pretty sweet ride for a 16-year-old. [Leans down next to Lana's seat.] Lana, you're making a serious mistake.
Lana: Have a nice life, Lex.
Lana looks at Seth. He puts the car in gear and they speed away, leaving Lex behind to watch. Lex goes back into the Talon and Clark is inside.
Clark: Where's Lana?
Lex: Leaving town with her new boyfriend. [Opens the cash register.] She just cleared out the register. [Takes out his cell phone.] Don't worry, Clark. I'm calling the sheriff. They won't even make it out of town.
Lex turns his back to Clark and we hear a blast of air as Clark super speeds away. When Lex turns back, Clark is gone.
Cut to Clark super speeding down the road. He stops when he sees Seth and Lana driving toward him in the distance. He uses his heat vision to blast hot air onto the road, then super speeds out of the way. As soon as Seth and Lana h*t that patch of road, the car gets stuck in the melted asphalt, coming to a stop.
Lana: What happened? What's wrong?
Seth tries to drive the car forward, but the tires just spin uselessly in the hot tar.
Seth: We're stuck.
Seth opens his door and looks at the ground.
Seth: Look at it. It's like the road melted. I can't believe this!
They hear sirens in the distance behind them.
Lana: Oh, my God. Seth, it's the sheriff. What are we gonna do?
Seth looks back in the direction of the sirens. Then he looks forward and sees a large semi truck coming toward them.
Seth: Don't worry, okay? We're gonna be together.
Seth kisses Lana.
Seth: Trust me.
Seth stands up in the convertible as the semi truck speeds by. When the truck has passed, we see Seth clinging to the back of the metal t*nk, leaving Lana alone in the Mustang as Sheriff Adams pulls up behind her.
Adams: [Over a megaphone.] Lana Lang. Remain in the vehicle and put your hands on the dashboard.
Lana squeezes her eyes shut, afraid.
Fade to black.
Lana is in a prison cell. Day. Clark speaks to her from outside.
Lana: Clark you were right. I didn't believe you before, but now...
Clark: It's okay. Lana, we all make mistakes. Believe me. Sheriff Adams knows that you didn't steal the car, and Lex has a lawyer working on the other charges.
Lana: I was so mean to you. You still didn't give up on me.
Clark smiles.
Clark: Do you have any idea where Seth went?
Lana: Um, well, he's got a brother in Grandville, works at a diner. We were gonna stay with him.
Clark nods and starts to leave.
Lana: Clark.
Lana reaches her hand through the bars and Clark takes it.
Lana: Thank you.
Clark looks into Lana's eyes for a moment, then leaves the jail.
Lex is on the upper level of his study. Day. A buzzer sounds and Chloe enters the lower level angrily.
Chloe: You're a Luthor, so it's a given that you're unscrupulous, but I really thought that petty larceny was beneath you, Lex.
Lex: Can you be a little more specific with the charge?
Lex starts down the stairs.
Chloe: [Furious.] I caught some creep in my office trying steal one of my computers. I figured either you or your father hired him.
Lex: But you're accusing me.
Chloe: You're what they euphemistically call the lesser of two evils.
Lex: I admire your take-charge attitude. Barging in here and accusing me took guts... or sheer stupidity. What do you say we pay a visit to your, uh, intruder?
Lex starts to leave the study and Chloe watches him, confused.
Cut to Mason's d*ad body laid out on a table in a morgue. Lex and Chloe stand over him.
Chloe: [Quiet, nervous.] How did he die?
Lex: Natural causes. Apparently his heart just gave out.
Chloe: And you believe that?
Lex: Given what he was looking into, I doubt there was anything natural about his death.
Chloe: How do I know you're not just playing me here?
Lex: [Sarcastic.] You're right, Chloe. I could be. I often bring high school girls to the morgue to show them what happens when trained professionals cross my father.
Chloe: Well, there's nothing in my files worth k*lling for.
Chloe starts to leave.
Lex: We've got a corpse here that says you're wrong.
Chloe turns around.
Lex: Chloe, you're involved in a very dangerous game. I can protect you.
Chloe: Yeah. Like you protected him?
There is a long pause as Chloe glances at Mason.
Lex: Mason knew the risks of tangling with my father. You clearly don't. I'm the only choice you've got.
Chloe leaves Lex alone with the body.
Lana sits in her jail cell. Day. She stands as she hears several distant crashes of metal, then an officer's voice from the next room.
Officer: Hey, what are you doing in here?! You're not supposed to ... Ah! Aah! [Thud.]
Seth walks into the jail, pushing open the gate to Lana's cellblock by waving his hand in the air. He walks to Lana's cell.
Lana: [Excited.] Seth!
Seth holds his fists together and Lana's cell opens. She runs out and hugs him.
Lana: I'm so happy you're here.
Seth: Really? Because I just saw Clark leave and I thought maybe you were having second thoughts about us.
Lana takes Seth's hand and they start to leave.
Lana: Clark's my past. You're my future. Besides, I made up a story, told him that you were headed to Grandville. He's probably halfway there by now.
Another officer runs out behind them, pointing a g*n.
Officer: Put your hands in the air!
Lana and Seth turn to look at the officer. They raise their hands into the air. Seth jerks his hands backwards, causing the cellblock door to come slamming shut, hitting the officer in the back of the head. He falls to the floor unconscious, dropping his g*n. Seth grabs the g*n, keeping it pointed at the officer as he and Lana run away.
Seth: [To Lana.] Go on!
Clark enters his house. Day. Martha is inside.
Clark: Seth doesn't have a brother who works in Grandville. Lana was trying to throw me off his trail. She lied to me, right to my face and I believed her.
Martha: She's clearly not herself, Clark.
Clark: I know. I'm not angry. It's just I realize that that's what I've been doing to her all this time.
Martha: You're feelings for Lana are not a lie.
Clark: Did I make the right decision pushing her away?
Martha: I don't know.
Clark: I miss the days when your answers were yes and no.
Martha: [Laughs.] Me too.
Pete knocks on the door and enters.
Pete: Hey. Seth pulled a "Bonnie and Clyde" and broke Lana out of jail.
Clark: What?
Pete: Yeah. The sheriff's got all the roads blocked.
Clark: She's gonna ruin her life being with him. I've gotta find them.
Martha: Clark, they could be hiding anywhere. They're a needle in a haystack.
Clark: (Pause.) Depends on the needle.
Clark grabs a small wooden antique box from the table by the couch.
Cut to Clark on the empty fair grounds. He has the open box in his hands as he looks around. He stops outside of a ride called "Sea of Love." He looks down at the box and we see that inside is a compass. The needle is pointed straight at the ride. Clark closes the box and walks toward the building.
Inside, the room is decorated with exotic sea plants, pictures of sea creatures, and flashing green and blue lights, representing an underwater paradise. Lana and Seth are holding each other.
Lana: I can't believe you came back for me. You could've been caught.
Seth: I could never leave Smallville without you. You're all I've ever wanted.
Lana: Let's just go now and get out of here, just the two of us.
Seth: No, not yet. It's too dangerous. They take the rides out of here tomorrow morning, okay? We'll slip away on one of the trucks. Come here.
They kiss. Suddenly Clark grabs Seth's shoulder and pulls him away from Lana and pushes him to the ground. Seth drops the g*n.
Clark: You're not taking her anywhere.
Clark walks to Seth and grabs his jacket, pulling him to his feet.
Clark: I told you to stay away from her.
Lana: Clark.
Clark looks over at Lana and sees that she is pointing the g*n at him.
Lana: Let him go.
Clark looks at Lana desperately.
Fade to black.
Lana is pointing the g*n at Clark as Clark holds onto Seth by his jacket. Day.
Lana: Let him go, Clark, or I swear I'll sh**t.
Clark doesn't move.
Lana: Get away from him, Clark!
Clark steps away from Seth.
Seth: Lana, I can handle it from here.
The g*n flies from Lana's hand to Seth's. Seth points it at Clark.
Seth: [To Lana.] Just go. Just meet me outside, okay?
Lana runs from the room. At the door, she takes one more look back at Clark and Seth, then leaves. Seth continues pointing the g*n at Clark, backing Clark toward a wall.
Clark: You need help, Seth.
Seth: No, you're just saying that because you want Lana back. But you can't have her.
Clark jumps out of the way just as Seth starts f*ring the g*n. Clark lands behind one of the ride cars, crouching against the floor as Seth fires b*llet after b*llet. The b*ll*ts easily blast through the flimsy metal of the car and h*t Clark in the shoulder. Eventually, Seth runs out of amm*nit*on. Clark stands up and brushes the smashed b*ll*ts off his shoulder.
Seth: Looks like I'm not the only one with special powers.
Seth drops the g*n and turns away from Clark. He puts his fists together, generating energy between them, causing one of the cars across the room to break off its track and fly through the air toward Clark. It knocks against several lights as it flies near the ceiling and sparks shower to the ground. The car flies at Clark, and he catches it, straining against its weight as Seth pushes it toward him harder and harder.
Seth: Face it, Clark. You can't fight physics.
Clark backs into a painted curtain behind him, pulling the curtain down and revealing a back room. Next to Clark on the wall of the back room is a large fuse box with a thick electrical cord coming out of the bottom. He rips the cord out of the box and touches the end of it to the car, sending an electrical current through the car's metal.
Clark: Neither can you!
The current causes a magnetic reaction that pulls Seth through the air toward the car. He lands against the side of the car.
Seth: Aah!
Seth sticks to the side of the car as the current flows through him, shaking his whole body. Clark finally puts the car down and drops the electrical cord. He runs to Seth who is unconscious on the floor.
Lex steps out of the elevator and into the hall of the Smallville Medical Center. Day. He sees Lana mopping the floor. She is wearing a jumpsuit that says "Community Service" on the back. He walks to her.
Lex: Nice outfit.
Lana: It goes with the community service. Which is getting off easy after what I did. Lex, thanks for all your help.
Lex: What good are lawyers if they can't jump through hoops? Any word on your friend Seth?
Lana: He's still in a coma. Uh, they don't know what he'll remember if and when he ever wakes up. Lex, I'm sorry I let you down. I can't defend my behavior, magnetism or no magnetism. But I'd really like my job at the Talon back.
Lex: [Quickly.] Done. I'm serious. The place needs you. And I make a lousy latte.
Lana: [Surprised.] Lex ...
Lex: Lana, I did a lot worse things than steal a sports car when I was your age, and I'm the last guy to criticize someone for falling for the wrong person.
Lana smiles minimally, somewhat comforted.
Lex: But I'm sure the right guy is out there.
Lex grins at Lana and walks away.
Chloe waits in Lex's study with a servant. Day. Lex enters and Chloe stands up.
Chloe: Lex. I was thinking about what you said, and I-I need your help.
Lex motions for the servant to leave and the servant walks out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Lex: All right, Chloe. You have the floor.
Chloe: It all started with the Wall of Weird. Your dad was interested in the effects of the meteor rocks. He wanted me to start feeding him information about the more bizarre incidents.
There is a long pause as Lex thinks about this.
Lex: It's always been an obsession of his. [Walking to the bar.] But I can't imagine that's the extent of your arrangement.
Chloe follows Lex as he pours a drink.
Chloe: He wanted me to spy on a friend.
Lex: Who?
Chloe: Does it matter?
Lex sips his drink, waiting for Chloe to respond.
Chloe: Clark.
Lex: And did you?
Chloe: Of course not. I would never do that. Clark is my friend, and I told him that. But then he thr*at to f*re my dad.
Lex leads Chloe in front of the desk where they sit.
Chloe: So I-I figured that in order to get out of my agreement with him that I had to find something on your father. You know, something damaging enough so that I could blackmail Lionel Luthor.
Lex: That was a very dangerous decision.
Chloe: I know.
Lex leans forward in his seat.
Lex: I'll protect you, Chloe. You have my word. But in order to do that, I need to know what you found out about my father.
Chloe: Have you ever heard of a man named Morgan Edge?
Chloe slides a file across the coffee table to Lex.
Lex: Before he was k*lled, he was the biggest crime lord in Metropolis.
Lex opens the file and sees a newspaper article with a picture of Morgan Edge. The headline says "Morgan Edge - Metropolis Crime Lord Missing, Believed d*ad."
Chloe: [Nods.] He was also your father's closest childhood friend.
Lex looks at Chloe.
Clark is reading in the loft. Day. He puts his book away as Lana enters and comes up the stairs. Clark stands.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: I, uh, came by to say thank you for saving me from Seth. And to apologize. For real this time. I should've believed you, Clark. I'm sorry.
Clark: I know you weren't acting of your own free will.
Lana: Maybe. But even though I was under Seth's influence, part of me always new you were right. I just kept telling myself that you were jealous. I guess that's just the way I wanted you to feel.
Clark sighs uneasily, smiling as he sits down on the stair.
Clark: It wasn't easy for me to see you with another guy.
Lana sits next to him.
Lana: Are you still sure you don't want to be that guy?
Clark: [Resisting.] Lana...
Lana: It's all right, Clark. I just ... I wanted to make sure before I told you this.
Clark looks at Lana expectantly.
Lana: Even though my compass was way off with Seth... he still had the courage to be honest with me.
Clark: [Nods.] Then he used his abilities to manipulate you.
Lana: I am not condoning what he did. Believe me, I'm paying for it. It still felt good caring for someone and having my feelings returned. I want that again.
Clark: I don't expect you to wait forever for me.
Lana: Good. Because one of these days, someone's gonna come along that's right for me, and I'm going to want to be with that person. And you're gonna have to deal with that.
Lana stands up and leaves the loft. Clark leans against his knees sullenly.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x07 - Magnetic"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 19th 2003
Doctor: Lets have a look. You're a new man.
Edge: Like looking at a stranger.
Doctor: Wasn't that the idea?
Edge: Throat hurts.
Doctor: You'll feel better when the swelling in your vocal cords goes down.
Lex: Personally, I think society places too much emphasis on looks. Should be the character of a man that counts. Don't you agree, Mr. Edge?
Edge: I think you have me confused with someone else.
Lex: You can change your face, your hair, your voice ... but not your DNA. You still sweat the same.
Lex: I don't walk out of here in 5 minutes, my people have orders to send the police. And inform my father that ... you didn't die on the docks that day. Maybe he'll send somebody to finish the job.
Edge: What do you want?
Lex: When you and my father were teenagers, you conspired to k*ll my grandparents ... .
Lex: ... and split the insurance money.
Edge: Are you on something Lex? Because frankly, you sound delusional.
Lex: No, I've got evidence. But I need hard proof to bring down my father.
Lex: You tell the whole story, he goes to prison. And maybe you can get a new life to go along with the face.
Edge: I blow up the building. Lionel gets rid of his bastard father and his gin soaked mother. The slumlord splits the insurance payment with us. Lionel uses his cut for his first start-up, and the rest is history.
Darius: Sorry for the interruption, sir, but your father called again. Now, I did what you asked. I told him you weren't here.
Lex: You look worried, Darius. Relax. Darius!
Clark: Lex!
Lex: Are you alone?
Clark: Yeah. What happened to you?
Lex: Someone tried to k*ll me last night.
Clark: We need to get you to the hospital. Call the police.
Lex: No, no hospitals. No police. These people are professionals. They k*lled my security guard, Darius. They tried to finish me off too. I just need time to think ... .
Clark: Who would want to k*ll you?
Lex: The less you know, the better.
Clark: Lex, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on!
Lex: It was probably my father.
Clark: Look, I know you guys have had your problems, but you really think he'd try to k*ll you?
Lex: It was either him or Morgan Edge.
Clark: Morgan Edge. Isn't he the crime boss I read was k*lled in a sh**t a few months ago?
Lex: He survived ... Went underground, got some hack plastic surgeon to change his appearance.
Clark: But what does he have against you?
Lex: I have evidence linking him and my father to a crime that can get them both the death penalty. That evidence was supposed to be delivered to the US Attorney this morning.
Jonathan: Clark? Is that you?
Lex: But it's in my safe, Clark. And I can't go back there.
Jonathan: Clark? I thought I heard somebody up here. Listen, since you're up with the cows anyway, why don't you come down and give me a hand with the milking.
Clark: Sorry Dad. I've got some last minute cramming to do.
Jonathan: All right. But I expect you to get an A.
Clark: Yes sir.
Clark: All right. I'll go get what's in your safe.
Lex: No, no, it's too dangerous, Clark. The people in the mansion could be in on this.
Clark: No, if anyone asks, I'll just play dumb. Tell them I was there to meet you. Tell me exactly what happened.
Bodyguard: Mr. Kent. Can I help you?
Clark: I'm here to see Lex.
Bodyguard: Most of the household is still asleep.
Clark: Is Darius on duty?
Bodyguard: He had the night off.
Clark: You got stuck with the graveyard shift? What a bummer.
Clark: Anything unusual happen?
Bodyguard: Not until you arrived.
Clark: Right, well I know how to take a hint, so um ... Tell Darius I was asking for him.
Clark: I'm telling ya Lex, it was like the Twilight Zone. There was nothing wrong.
Lex: I didn't imagine getting sh*t at, Clark. They must have had cleaners there to cover their tracks.
Clark: Yeah, well, they missed a spot. I found this in the hallway. I called Darius's house to see if anyone knew he was missing. But according to his answering machine, his wife and his kids are off visiting their grandparents.
Lex: Darius is probably at the bottom of Crater Lake by now.
Clark: Maybe we should call that US Attorney.
Lex: And tell him what? He was nervous about going after someone as powerful as Lionel Luthor to begin with. I don't think he'll be issuing warrants based on a shard of glass.
Clark: Is there *anyone* who can corroborate *any* part of your story?
Chloe: Well, is Lex all right?
Clark: He's freaked out ... pretty shaken up, but he's alive. How'd you get mixed up in this.
Chloe: Uh, I was just researching Lionel Luthor for a story. I found out that he ran with a pretty tough crowd as a kid.
Clark: Morgan Edge?
Chloe: Yeah. I thought Lex would be interested, but I had *no* idea he would develop this theory that Edge and Lionel m*rder his grandparents.
Clark: Chloe, these people are dangerous. They could come after you too. Lex and I both agree that you should stay out of sight until this is over.
Chloe: No, nobody who knows anything about this is safe, not until whoever is responsible is exposed!
Clark: Well, I'm not going to leave you alone. Grab your laptop and let's go.
Lionel: Hello Clark. Miss Sullivan, isn't it?
Chloe: Yeah.
Jonathan: Clark, Mr. Luthor has something he'd like to talk to you about.
Martha: I'm afraid it's serious.
Lionel: Have you seen Lex, Clark?
Clark: Not for a few days.
Lionel: Lex is missing. It's important that I find him.
Clark: Mr. Luthor, I know Lex pretty well, and if he wanted you to know where he was, you probably would.
Lionel: Lex is seriously ill. He needs help.
Clark: What do you mean, ill?
Lionel: There's a psychotic break. Lex has had a psychotic break..
Clark: That can't be right.
Lionel: It happened while he was on that island. I thought he'd beaten it, but, um ... he's had a relapse. He is suffering from paranoid delusions. He's hearing voices. He sees things that aren't there. I want my son. I want him back ... the way he used to be. If you hear from him Clark, you have to help me. We have to get him the care he needs.
Lex: Hush little baby ... don't say a word ... I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird ... and if that mocking bird don't sing ... I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring ... If that diamond ring turns brass ... I'm gonna buy you ...
Clark: Lex, what are you doing down here?
Lex: I had to get the baby. He was crying. My father woke him.
Clark: The baby? What baby?
Lex: My little brother Julian.
Clark: Lex ...
Lex: Shhh ... shhh. He's asleep. ... And if that diamond ring turns brass ... . .I'm gonna buy you a looking glass ... And if that looking glass gets broke ... . I'm gonna buy you a little toy boat ... Shh. Shh. No, no.
Martha: And the baby was a figment of Lex's imagination?
Clark: He did have a little brother named Julian. He died as an infant when Lex was still a kid.
Martha: Oh, that must have been traumatic for him.
Clark: Anyway, Chloe's with him now, and ... he seems perfectly fine. I don't get it. One second, he thinks he's holding a baby, and the next he's making complete sense.
Jonathan: Clark, what I don't understand is how you could hide him in our barn without telling us!
Clark: Dad, he was scared. And he thinks Lionel is trying to k*ll him.
Clark: He said Morgan Edge is still alive.
Jonathan: Morgan Edge?
Clark: He's involved.
Jonathan: Morgan Edge knows all about your abilities. He knows that kryptonite can k*ll you. How could you not tell us that?!
Clark: There's more.
Jonathan: More?
Clark: He said Morgan Edge has had plastic surgery. Even if he showed up, we wouldn't know it was him.
Jonathan: So Morgan Edge is alive, and he's had plastic surgery. Clark, don't you think that that sounds like another one of Lex's delusions? Come on.
Martha: I know how hard it is for you to see Lex in this condition, but he needs psychiatric care.
Lex: You think you know people, and, uh, you realize it's all just a facade.
Martha: Lex, you know we only want what's best for you.
Lex: Save the cloying maternal posturing for your own son, Mrs. Kent. I heard you all talking. Little Kent cabal ... Such a selective group, aren't you? And so secretive. Plotting to pack me off to the loony bin.
Chloe: I tried to stop him. I'm sorry.
Lex: You're all watching me now?
Clark: Lex! Where are you going?
Lex: To find Morgan Edge and prove I'm not crazy.
Clark: Lex ...
Lex: You're either with me or against me Clark. Choose right now.
Jonathan: Clark.
Lex: Maybe you should wait in the car.
Clark: No. Lex, I've got your back. That's why I'm here.
Clark: Lex, maybe this is the wrong place.
Lex: No. No, this was the place. No, Edge was *here*.
Clark: That was only yesterday. And these people look like they've been here a while.
Lex: Don't you see? It's part of the cover-up, Clark. No, it wouldn't be that hard. Bring in a few machines, some immigrant labor ... .
Clark: If you just want to disappear, Lex, why go through all the trouble?
Lex: I don't know, Clark!
Clark: Lex ... you gotta ask yourself ... is there any possibility you might be imagining all this?
Lex: Where's Morgan Edge? Where's Edge? Tell me where he is, or I'm going to stitch this seam right through your hand!
Clark: Lex, he doesn't understand a word you're saying!
Clark: Come on, let's go.
Lex: All right Clark, you win. But I'm not imagining this, am I? Huh?
Clark: Let's go.
Lex: Huh? Am I imagining this?!
Clark: Come on.
Lex: There's gotta be more evidence.
Clark: Maybe we should call the sheriff. Get her to bring in a forensics team. What do you want to do, Lex?
Darius: Mr. Luthor.
Lex: Darius. You're alive.
Darius: We were worried about you, sir.
Lex: You're in on this, aren't you?
Darius: In on what, sir?
Clark: Lex ... Come on, Lex ...
Dr. Foster: Lex.
Dr. Foster: Thank God. We were looking everywhere for you.
Lex: Did you call her?!
Clark: I don't even know who she is.
Lex: She's my psychiatrist. Don't you think it's a little convenient she just happens to be here.
Dr. Foster: Security called me, Lex. You need to come with me.
Lex: No. No, I'm not going anywhere. Somebody tried to k*ll me last night. I jumped through a window! Look, I have proof.
Dr. Foster: The window was broken.
Dr. Foster: You got angry during our last session and you threw this vase through the hall window.
Lex: No. No.
Dr. Foster: I'm going to give you something.
Lex: What is this? Huh? Some kind of hallucinogen?
Dr. Foster: It's a sedative.
Lex: No. No, you're working for my father. Drugging me to make me crazy!
Dr. Foster: We need to get you to a hospital.
Darius: All right, Mr. Luthor. Everything's going to be fine. It's going to be all right.
Lex: Get on the ground! Both of you, on the ground! Get on the ground!
Clark: Lex! What are you doing?
Lex: Get down there!
Clark: Lex, give me the g*n. Come on.
Lex: No, Clark, if they take me to the hospital, I'm either going to end up d*ad or drooling in a padded cell for the rest of my life!
Clark: Why would they want to do that?
Lex: It's the perfect plan, Clark! As long as the world thinks I'm crazy, no one will believe what I found out about my father and Morgan Edge! Think about it, Clark.
Dr. Foster: Young man, your friend is very sick. These conspiracy theories are a symptom of his condition.
Lex: Shut up! Maybe I am crazy, Clark. I honestly don't know anymore. But what if I'm right about all this? Are you really just going to let them put me away?
Lana: Hello? Are you here?
Clark: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Lana: I got your message. I brought the food. Now tell me what I'm doing here in the middle of the night? Lex. What's wrong?
Clark: There's a possibility he's being drugged. People are after him, I couldn't bring him to the farm, and I knew you knew this place.
Lana: Why didn't you tell me about this?
Clark: Because if Lex is right, everyone who's involved is in danger. And I promised myself I would never put you in that position again.
Lana: What exactly are we mixed up in?
Clark: I wish I knew. I need you to stay with him.
Lana: Where are you going?
Clark: I've got to get some evidence to Chloe that may prove that he's being drugged. She couldn't come here because we think she's being watched.
Lex: Don't worry Lana. I'll tell you everything.
Clark: Be careful. He's not himself.
Lana: Go.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Thanks for meeting me all the way out here.
Chloe: Of course.
Clark: Look, I need you to find out if this can make someone hallucinate.
Chloe: OK, I'll get it to my source at the pharmacology lab.
Clark: Also, I need to check out a Dr. Claire Foster and the two security guards. If there's a conspiracy, they're probably in on it.
Chloe: Clark, I dug up some of Lex's medical records. Apparently this isn't the first time he's ... had this kind of problem.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Chloe: Well, after his brother died, Lex went right back to boarding school. And soon after that, he started exhibiting some ... pretty bizzarro behavior.
Clark: What do you mean, "bizzarro"?
Chloe: His house-master found him sitting in the bell tower in the middle of the night, singing a lullaby to a wrapped up blanket. You know, I want to believe that this is a conspiracy just as much as you do, believe me, but I think we need to start preparing ourselves for the possibility that Lex really is losing his mind.
Lex: Thank you for coming, Lana.
Lana: I'm just glad you're letting me help.
Lex: What is this?
Lana: It's chamomile. It'll help you relax.
Lex: Liar.
Lana: What?
Lex: Liar!
Lana: Lex, what's wrong?
Lex: You're trying to drug me!
Lana: I would never do that!
Lex: I shouldn't have trusted you!
Lana: Lex, wait!
Lex: Keep away from me!
Clark: Lana?
Driver: What's the trouble, mister?
Lionel: You know, I was never quite sure which of them was more out of touch with reality ... Don Quixote, jousting with imaginary enemies, or his loyal lackey Sancho Panza, indulging his master's fantasies in spite of the danger to everyone else. Wait a minute. Where are you going?
Clark: I'm going to find Lex. If I were you, I'd be careful. Lex is convinced that you're responsible for everything that has been happening to him.
Lionel: Well, I'm touched by your concern, but you and I both know which of us is to blame.
Clark: Mr. Luthor, I don't think ...
Lionel: No, no! I don't want to hear it. If you had listened to me, Lex would already be getting the help he needs, and Miss Lang wouldn't be here fighting for her life!
Chloe: Clark? Are you OK?
Lionel: But don't worry about me, Clark. My security personnel are well-equipped to protect me and to, um, find my son. Now, I strongly suggest the two of you go home before you do any more damage. Miss Sullivan.
Chloe: The drug analysis came back. It was just a common sedative.
Clark: Lionel's right, Chloe. I really screwed up.
Chloe: Maybe not. There are a lot of drugs that could make Lex see pink elephants. Now, the question is, how did it get into his system.
Clark: The mansion. Everything is brought to him there ... the food, the drinks.
Chloe: So for all we know, they could have been dosing him for weeks.
Clark: How'd you do it?
Darius: Do what?
Clark: Get the drugs into Lex's system.
Darius: You know, I don't appreciate some farm boy coming in here and accusing me of a felony.
Clark: Don't underestimate farm boys. Baling all that hay can make you pretty strong.
Darius: Come on man, you're going to break my arm!
Clark: Not if you tell me who drugged Lex.
Darius: It was the scotch.
Clark: Tell me who you're working for!
Darius: I don't know who they are, all right? All I have is a cell phone number.
Clark: Then call it. Tell whoever answers to be at the Smallville s*ab by noon with a bag full of Benjamins or I go to the cops.
Darius: Wha ... kid, you're crazy! These people are not going to pay you off. They're going to k*ll you!
Clark: I'll take my chances.
Lionel: Thank you, Mike. Lex. How did you get in here, Lex?
Lex: Well, uh, when people think you're insane and you're holding a r*fle to their head, they, uh, tend to do what you ask.
Lionel: Put the g*n down, all right. Sit down. Let's talk.
Lex: Sure, Dad. We'll have a nice father-son chat.
Lionel: All right, sit down.
Lex: About, uh, how you and Morgan Edge k*lled my grandparents, and, uh, how you're drugging me to make the world think I'm crazy. And hey, why not do the whole thing on Oprah, you know? Spill our dysfunctional guts on national TV like regular families do.
Lionel: All right, Lex, I understand why you're angry. I found out the same thing as you. The slum lord that owned my parents' tenement hired Edge to blow it up for the insurance money.
Lex: Just like you planned it.
Lionel: No. Lex, no. Lex, no, they were my parents! No matter how badly they treated me, I would never hurt them. And I know deep down, you don't want to hurt me.
Lex: You know what disappoints me, Dad?
Lionel: All right, tell me.
Lex: You hired pros to k*ll me. You always taught me, if you want something done right, son, do it yourself!
Lionel: Lex, the person responsible for this is Morgan Edge. I know where he is ... .
Lionel: Believe me. We can get justice. Lex. Lex! Listen to me.
Lex: Shh! You'll wake the baby.
Lionel: It's Julian. Are you seeing Julian again?
Lex: You know I can't take it when he cries, Dad.
Lionel: No. Julian isn't here, Lex. He's d*ad.
Lex: No!
Lionel: No, Lex, you can't blame yourself for the baby's death.
Lex: Shut up!
Lionel: I know. You didn't mean to hurt him. I know that.
Lex: Shut up!
Lionel: Lex. It was an accident, Lex.
Lex: Tell me where Morgan Edge is, now!
Lionel: All right.
Lex: Now!
Lionel: All right. All right. You have to be careful. Lex, please ... be careful, please Lex. I can't bear to lose another child.
Clark: Hello? Tell me where to find the guy you're working for, or I keep squeezing.
Edge: Check it out. Jameson?
Lex: I gave you a chance, Edge, but you really screwed it up. Now, drop the g*n.
Edge: Your father's the one who screwed up.
Edge: If we'd done it my way, you'd be d*ad by now.
Lex: What are you talking about?
Edge: You really believe you could have escaped if I wanted to k*ll you? It was your father's idea to make you look crazy instead.
Lex: You're lying!
Edge: It's true, Lex. Lionel's gone soft in his old age. He was willing to lose his parents, but he said he couldn't bear to lose another child. Neck still bothering you? Muscle aches, sleeplessness? All common side effects of the drugs.
Lex: I knew I wasn't crazy. Tell me how you did it!
Edge: Lionel thought of everything. First the dope. And getting the window fixed, and setting up the sweatshop ... all little details to push you over the edge.
Lex: How do I know it wasn't all you?
Edge: Well take a look around you. You think I'd be in digs like this if I hadn't cut a deal with your old man? You got to admit, it's an elegant plan, just like when he was a kid. Either you crack so completely that you can't form a coherent sentence or anything you say sounds like the ravings of a madman. But he doesn't have to win, Lex. We can bring him down ... together.
Lex: Maybe I'll just k*ll both of you.
Edge: Hi, Kal. I had a feeling we'd see each other again. That's why I've been carrying these around.
Lex: You know each other?
Edge: We go way back.
Lex: You're in on this too, Clark? You're in on this too?
Clark: No, Lex. It's not what you think.
Clark: Thank you.
Lex: Don't thank me, Clark.
Lex: You're part of this. I have to k*ll you too. You think you can just slither away from me, Clark?
Clark: Lex ... I'm your friend. I would never do anything to hurt you.
Lex: What'd you do ... did you betray Edge too? Is that why he b*at you to a pulp? Tell me Clark! What's the price of a Judas kiss these days?!
Lex: I was right about you all along, Clark. You're not even human. That car h*t him at 80 miles an hour. And he tossed it like a toy. Did you see him?
Dr. Foster: See who?
Lex: No, no no ... He was right there. He was right there, I swear!
Dr. Foster: It's all right, Lex. We're going to get you the help you need.
Lex: No. No! He was right there! Look at the car! Look at him! Clark! He was right there. CLARK!
Clark: Hey.
Lana: How's Lex?
Clark: Lex isn't doing so good.
Lana: I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted to help him.
Clark: Um, the doctors say that you're doing better.
Lana: I almost died, Clark.
Clark: I know.
Lana: I always thought you were being paranoid.
Clark: About what?
Lana: That being around you is too dangerous. But it's true.
Clark: Lana ...
Lana: It's OK, Clark. I know. You're really looking out for me. But you're right ... I think I have to stay away from you.
Lionel: Dr. Foster.
Dr. Foster: Good evening, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: Why do these institutions always ... stink of ammonia? How's Lex?
Dr. Foster: Well, now that he's here, I can control his meds much more tightly. By the time he finishes his treatment, he won't have any short-term memory left. Wasn't that exactly what you wanted?
Lionel: Never believe for a second, Doctor, that this is what I wanted. I love my son more than life itself. But he leaves me no other choice.
Open on a cluttered alley outside a large warehouse. Inside the empty warehouse, a man sits in a chair. His face is heavily bandaged. A doctor moves toward him.
Doctor: Lets have a look.
The man in the chair grasps a necklace of large green beads, running his thumb over them as the doctor begins to remove the bandages. The doctor walks across the room to examine a laptop computer as his patient holds up a mirror, studying his now exposed face.
The doctor punches some keys on the laptop, and a picture of Morgan Edge appears, the computer noting adjustments made to his face in plastic surgery.
Doctor: You're a new man.
Edge: [Touching his face] Like looking at a stranger.
Doctor: [Chuckling] Wasn't that the idea?
Edge: [Touching his neck] Throat hurts.
Doctor: You'll feel better when the swelling in your vocal cords goes down.
Edge holds the mirror up to his face again. As he does so, he sees Lex Luthor standing behind him in the reflection.
Lex: [Dryly] Personally, I think society places too much emphasis on looks. Should be the character of a man that counts. Don't you agree, Mr. Edge?
Edge swivels his chair slowly, facing Lex.
Edge: I think you have me confused with someone else.
Lex: [Walking toward Edge] You can change your face, your hair, your voice... but not your DNA. You still sweat the same.
Edge stares at Lex. Behind Lex, we hear a g*n cocking. Lex turns his head to see a man pointing a g*n at him.
Lex: I don't walk out of here in 5 minutes, my people have orders to send the police. [Turning back to Edge] And inform my father that... you didn't die on the docks that day. Maybe he'll send somebody to finish the job.
Edge gets up from his chair and slowly walks toward Lex.
Edge: What do you want?
Lex: [Slightly angry] When you and my father were teenagers, you conspired to k*ll my grandparents...
Lex winces in slight pain, his breathing becoming a bit labored as he reaches up to rub the back of his neck.
Lex: [Continuing] ...and split the insurance money.
Edge: Are you on something Lex? Because frankly, you sound delusional.
Lex: No, I've got evidence. But I need hard proof to bring down my father.
Edge stares at Lex.
Lex: [Holding up a videocamera] You tell the whole story, he goes to prison. And maybe you can get a new life to go along with the face.
Edge and Lex study each other.
Cut to the screen of Lex's laptop. On the computer, video of Morgan Edge telling his story is running.
Edge: [On camera] I blow up the building. Lionel gets rid of his bastard father and his gin soaked mother. The slumlord splits the insurance payment with us. Lionel uses his cut for his first start-up, and the rest is history.
Lex watches the video, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose as if he has a headache. There is a slight knock at his study door, and Lex switches off the video and begins disconnecting the camera from his computer as his bodyguard Darius enters.
Darius: Sorry for the interruption, sir, but your father called again. Now, I did what you asked. I told him you weren't here.
Lex: [Lightly] You look worried, Darius. Relax. [Stands up, gathering the camera supplies]
Darius gives Lex a slight smile, before looking around worriedly.
Lex walks behind his desk, heading toward his bookcase. He glances over his shoulder, watching as Darius leaves the room. Once Darius has closed the door, Lex reaches under one of the shelves and presses a switch, causing the shelf to flip up, revealing a hidden safe. Lex enters the combination, opening the safe.
The camera pans up to the skylight, where we see a figure dressed in black crouched on the roof, cutting a glass pane out of the skylight.
Lex places the videocamera and some papers inside the safe.
Above him, the figure in black silently removes the pane of glass from the skylight. The figure drops a rope down into the room and begins to slide down the rope into Lex's study. He drops onto the landing and pulls a g*n from his belt and aims it at Lex.
As he closes his safe, Lex sees the red light from the g*n's scope on the bookshelf. He drops to the ground, yelling for his bodyguard.
Lex: [Yelling] Darius!
A sh*t is fired, taking a chunk out of the bookshelf. Darius enters, g*n drawn. The g*n sh**t at Darius, and from his position crouched on the ground, Lex sees Darius slump to the ground, d*ad.
Lex decides to make a run for it, and, still crouching, darts behind his desk. The g*n fires, missing Lex as Lex then makes a dash for the side door and gets out of the study.
Lex runs down the hall, only to meet another g*n as he rounds the corner. Lex turns and runs the other way, seeing another g*n coming up the hall from the other direction, in front of a large window. Lex grabs a small sculpture off a dais in the hall and throws it at the g*n, hitting him in the head and knocking him unconscious. Lex races toward the window, yelling as he leaps out of it, shattering the glass.
Lex groans as he hits the ground several stories below. One of the g*n appears at the broken window, sh**ting at Lex. Lex climbs to his feet and runs away, limping badly as the sh*ts sail by him.
Cut to the Kent farm the following morning. In the barn, Clark climbs the stairs to his loft and grabs some books off his desk. As he moves them, he sees Lex, his face bloodied from a cut above his eye, crouching on the floor.
Clark: [Shocked] Lex!
Lex: [Climbing to his feet] Are you alone?
Clark: [Concerned] Yeah. What happened to you?
Lex glances around nervously, then limps across the loft to look out the window.
Lex: Someone tried to k*ll me last night.
Clark: [Walking quickly to Lex's side] We need to get you to the hospital. Call the police.
Lex: No, no hospitals. No police. These people are professionals. They k*lled my security guard, Darius. They tried to finish me off too. [Walking away from Clark] I just need time to think...
Clark: Who would want to k*ll you?
Lex: [Seriously] The less you know, the better.
Clark: [Angrily] Lex, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on!
Lex studies Clark for a moment.
Lex: It was probably my father.
Clark: [Disbelieving] Look, I know you guys have had your problems, but you really think he'd try to k*ll you?
Lex: It was either him or Morgan Edge.
Clark: [Concerned] Morgan Edge.
Lex looks at Clark, slightly surprised that Clark speaks about Edge as if he knows him.
Clark: [Trying to cover] Isn't he the crime boss I read was k*lled in a sh**t a few months ago?
Lex: He survived... Went underground, got some hack plastic surgeon to change his appearance.
Clark: But what does he have against you?
Lex: I have evidence linking him and my father to a crime that can get them both the death penalty. That evidence was supposed to be delivered to the US Attorney this morning.
Jonathan: [From below] Clark? Is that you?
Clark glances worriedly toward the sound of Jonathan's voice.
Lex: [Whispering] But it's in my safe, Clark. And I can't go back there.
Lex crouches down behind some trunks, so Jonathan won't see him.
Jonathan: [At the foot of the stairs] Clark? [Sees Clark] I thought I heard somebody up here. Listen, since you're up with the cows anyway, why don't you come down and give me a hand with the milking.
Clark: Sorry Dad. I've got some last minute cramming to do.
As Clark talks to his father, we see Lex crouched behind the trunks, wincing in pain and rubbing the back of his neck again.
Jonathan: All right. But I expect you to get an A. [Grins at Clark]
Clark: [Nodding] Yes sir.
Jonathan leaves and Clark turns back to Lex. Lex climbs to his feet.
Clark: [Hurriedly] All right. I'll go get what's in your safe.
Lex: [Concerned] No, no, it's too dangerous, Clark. The people in the mansion could be in on this.
Clark: No, if anyone asks, I'll just play dumb. Tell them I was there to meet you. [Seriously] Tell me exactly what happened.
Cut to Clark walking in to Lex's study. The entire study is completely undamaged ... no b*llet holes in the wall, no broken glass, no evidence of the incident the night before. Clark looks around, noting this. He glances up at the skylight and sees it is intact and undamaged. Clark walks over to the bookshelf. He presses the switch and the shelf flips up. He sticks the key Lex gave him into the lock, then presses the combination. He opens the safe, and finds it completely empty.
Clark steps out into the hallway, walking toward the window where Lex made his escape. He shrugs and shakes his head in confusion as he looks out and sees the window ... unbroken. From behind him, one of Lex's bodyguard's steps out of a room.
Bodyguard: Mr. Kent. Can I help you?
Clark: I'm here to see Lex.
Bodyguard: [Chuckling] Most of the household is still asleep.
Clark: [Curiously] Is Darius on duty?
Bodyguard: He had the night off.
Clark: [Lightly] You got stuck with the graveyard shift? What a bummer.
As he engages the bodyguard in conversation, Clark uses his X-Ray vision to scan the hallway. He sees a shard of glass in the corner behind a dais in the hall.
Clark: Anything unusual happen?
Bodyguard: [Shrugs] Not until you arrived.
Clark: [Smiling] Right, well I know how to take a hint, so um...
Clark reaches in his pockets to grab his keys. As he does so, he purposely drops them on the floor near the shard of glass. He kneels down to pick them up, also grabbing the shard of glass as well.
Clark: [Standing up] Tell Darius I was asking for him.
Clark walks away as the bodyguard watches him.
Cut to the Kent barn. Clark walks across the loft.
Clark: I'm telling ya Lex, it was like the Twilight Zone. There was nothing wrong.
Lex pulls on a clean shirt, buttoning it up.
Lex: I didn't imagine getting sh*t at, Clark. They must have had cleaners there to cover their tracks.
Clark: [Pulling the shard of red stained glass from his pocket] Yeah, well, they missed a spot. I found this in the hallway.
Lex takes the shard from Clark.
Clark: I called Darius's house to see if anyone knew he was missing. But according to his answering machine, his wife and his kids are off visiting their grandparents.
Lex: [Studying the glass shard] Darius is probably at the bottom of Crater Lake by now.
Clark: Maybe we should call that US Attorney.
Lex: And tell him what? He was nervous about going after someone as powerful as Lionel Luthor to begin with. I don't think he'll be issuing warrants based on [Holds up the glass] a shard of glass.
Clark: Is there *anyone* who can corroborate *any* part of your story?
Lex looks at Clark, nodding slightly.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe in the Torch office.
Chloe: [Concerned] Well, is Lex all right?
Clark: He's freaked out... pretty shaken up, but he's alive. How'd you get mixed up in this.
Chloe: Uh, I was just researching Lionel Luthor for a story. I found out that he ran with a pretty tough crowd as a kid.
Clark: Morgan Edge?
Chloe: Yeah. I thought Lex would be interested, but I had *no* idea he would develop this theory that Edge and Lionel m*rder his grandparents.
Clark: [Concerned] Chloe, these people are dangerous. They could come after you too. Lex and I both agree that you should stay out of sight until this is over.
Chloe: [Slightly scared] No, nobody who knows anything about this is safe, not until whoever is responsible is exposed!
Clark: [Determined] Well, I'm not going to leave you alone. Grab your laptop and let's go.
Chloe looks at Clark, knowing she can't disagree with him.
Cut to the Kent farm. Clark and Chloe pull up in the pickup truck. As they get out of the truck, they see Martha, Jonathan, and Lionel standing the barnyard and walk toward them.
Lionel: [Extending his hand to Clark, who shakes it reluctantly] Hello Clark. [Turning to Chloe and extending his hand] Miss Sullivan, isn't it?
Chloe: [Shaking his hand] Yeah.
Jonathan: Clark, Mr. Luthor has something he'd like to talk to you about.
Martha: I'm afraid it's serious.
Lionel: Have you seen Lex, Clark?
Clark glances at his parents, and they nod slightly that it's OK to answer.
Clark: Not for a few days.
Lionel: Lex is missing. It's important that I find him.
Clark: Mr. Luthor, I know Lex pretty well, and if he wanted you to know where he was, you probably would.
Chloe glances back and forth between Clark and Lionel, shocked at Clark's words.
Lionel: [Seriously] Lex is seriously ill. He needs help.
Clark: [Surprised] What do you mean, ill?
Lionel: There's a psychotic break. Lex has had a psychotic break..
Chloe looks stunned.
Clark: [Disbelieving] That can't be right.
Lionel: It happened while he was on that island. I thought he'd beaten it, but, um... he's had a relapse. He is suffering from paranoid delusions. He's hearing voices. He sees things that aren't there.
The Kents look at Clark in sympathy.
Lionel: [Emotionally] I want my son. I want him back... the way he used to be. If you hear from him Clark, you have to help me. We have to get him the care he needs.
Clark looks concerned, not knowing if he should believe Lionel or not. From inside the barn, we see the group gathered outside from Lex's point of view as he peers through a crack in the barn wall. Lex glances behind him, a concerned look on his face, and walks away.
Cut to a sh*t inside the barn's lower level. Clark enters, looking around for Lex.
Lex: [Off camera, singing softly] Hush little baby... don't say a word... I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird... and if that mocking bird don't sing... I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring... If that diamond ring turns brass... I'm gonna buy you...
Clark walks through the barn, following the sound of the singing. He rounds a corner and sees Lex, his back to Clark, sitting on a stool cradling something in his arms as he sings to it.
Clark: [Concerned] Lex, what are you doing down here?
Lex turns his head and looks at Clark over his shoulder.
Lex: [Whispering] I had to get the baby. He was crying. My father woke him.
Lex turns back around, smiling down gently at what is cradled in his arms.
Clark: [Confused] The baby? What baby?
Lex smiles and turns around, showing Clark the "baby" cradled in his arms ... a rolled up blanket. Lex stokes the blanket gently as he smiles up at Clark.
Lex: [Proudly] My little brother Julian.
Clark just looks at Lex sadly as Lex continues stroking the blanket and smiling at it.
Clark: Lex...
Lex: [Putting a finger to his lips, never taking his eyes off the blanket] Shhh... shhh. He's asleep.
Lex begins to sing to the "baby" again as Clark watches, stunned.
Lex: [Softly] ...And if that diamond ring turns brass...
Lex looks up at Clark and smiles, before turning back around and continuing his song
Lex: [Softly]...I'm gonna buy you a looking glass... And if that looking glass gets broke... I'm gonna buy you a little toy boat... [Rocking the blanket] Shh. Shh. No, no.
Cut to a sh*t of the Kent's yard. Clark, Jonathan, and Martha stand in the yard, talking.
Martha: And the baby was a figment of Lex's imagination?
Clark: He did have a little brother named Julian. He died as an infant when Lex was still a kid.
Martha: [Sympathetically] Oh, that must have been traumatic for him.
Clark: Anyway, Chloe's with him now, and... he seems perfectly fine. I don't get it. One second, he thinks he's holding a baby, and the next he's making complete sense.
Jonathan: [Angrily] Clark, what I don't understand is how you could hide him in our barn without telling us!
Clark: Dad, he was scared. And he thinks Lionel is trying to k*ll him.
Martha looks on, concerned.
Clark: He said Morgan Edge is still alive.
Jonathan: Morgan Edge?
Clark: He's involved.
Jonathan: [Angry] Morgan Edge knows all about your abilities. He knows that kryptonite can k*ll you. How could you not tell us that?!
Clark: [Glancing at Martha] There's more.
Jonathan: More?
Clark: He said Morgan Edge has had plastic surgery. Even if he showed up, we wouldn't know it was him.
Jonathan: [Disbelieving] So Morgan Edge is alive, and he's had plastic surgery.
Clark nods.
Jonathan: Clark, don't you think that that sounds like another one of Lex's delusions? Come on.
Clark looks upset, and Martha steps forward.
Martha: [Sympathetically] I know how hard it is for you to see Lex in this condition, but he needs psychiatric care.
Jonathan looks over Clark's shoulder, and his expression changes to one of extreme concern. Clark turns and sees Lex standing behind them, a look of disappointment on his face. Clark looks at him guiltily.
Lex: [Sadly] You think you know people, and, uh, you realize it's all just a facade.
Martha: [Soothingly] Lex, you know we only want what's best for you.
Lex: [Angrily as he limps toward them] Save the cloying maternal posturing for your own son, Mrs. Kent. [Points at the group] I heard you all talking. Little Kent cabal... [Accusingly] Such a selective group, aren't you? And so secretive. Plotting to pack me off to the loony bin.
Clark looks on guiltily as Martha and Jonathan shake their heads. Chloe comes running around the corner, stopping next to Lex.
Chloe: [Out of breath] I tried to stop him. I'm sorry.
Lex turns to look at Chloe, even more upset.
Lex: [Angrily turning back to the Kents] You're all watching me now?
Lex turns and starts to limp away. Clark starts after him, grabbing his arm.
Clark: Lex! Where are you going?
Lex: [Determined] To find Morgan Edge and prove I'm not crazy.
Clark: [Softly] Lex...
Lex: [Demanding] You're either with me or against me Clark. Choose right now.
Clark glances back at his parents apologetically.
Jonathan: Clark.
With a last glance at his parents, Clark turns and walks away with Lex. Martha and Jonathan share a look of concern.
Cut to a sh*t of Clark and Lex in the Kent truck. Clark pulls up behind a warehouse and stops the truck. Both men look out the window at the warehouse.
Lex: Maybe you should wait in the car.
Clark: [Opening the truck door] No. Lex, I've got your back. That's why I'm here.
The two men climb out of the truck and head for the warehouse.
Cut to a sh*t inside the warehouse. The sound of machines running fills the room, and Clark and Lex stand in the doorway, taking in the scene before them. Lex walks through the room in slow motion, his breathing labored, looking in confusion at the room full of seamstresses, sitting behind machines making clothing. Wincing in pain, Lex reaches up to rub his neck again.
Clark: [Approaching Lex] Lex, maybe this is the wrong place.
Lex: No. No, this was the place. No, Edge was *here*.
Clark: That was only yesterday. And these people look like they've been here a while.
Lex: [Conspiratorially] Don't you see? It's part of the cover-up, Clark. No, it wouldn't be that hard. [Waves his arms toward the workers] Bring in a few machines, some immigrant labor...
Clark: If you just want to disappear, Lex, why go through all the trouble?
Lex: [Frustrated] I don't know, Clark!
Clark reaches over and grabs Lex's shoulders, turning Lex to face him.
Clark: Lex... you gotta ask yourself... is there any possibility you might be imagining all this?
Lex seems to be considering this, then pushes past Clark and grabs an Asian man who appears to be in charge.
Lex: [Angrily] Where's Morgan Edge? Where's Edge?
The man, frightened, doesn't speak English and doesn't understand, speaking some phrases in his native tongue.
Lex grabs the man's arm and drags him to a nearby sewing machine, sticking the man's hand in the machine.
Lex: [Yelling] Tell me where he is, or I'm going to stitch this seam right through your hand!
The other workers scream, and Clark tries to pull Lex off of the man.
Clark: Lex, he doesn't understand a word you're saying!
The man begins to shout at Clark and Lex, again in his native language.
Clark: [Soothingly] Come on, let's go.
Lex: [Shrugging Clark's arm off] All right Clark, you win. [Pulls the shard of glass out of his pocket and holds it up, his hand trembling] But I'm not imagining this, am I? Huh?
The man shouts at them again in a foreign language, indicating they need to leave.
Clark: [Pulling Lex's arm] Let's go.
Lex: [Waving the shard of glass at the man, yelling angrily] Huh? Am I imagining this?!
The man continues shouting at them, shouting "Go!" in broken English as Clark pulls Lex from the room.
Clark: Come on.
Cut to a sh*t of the Luthor Mansion at night. Inside Lex's study, Lex and Clark look around.
Lex: [Frustrated] There's gotta be more evidence.
Clark: Maybe we should call the sheriff. Get her to bring in a forensics team.
Lex just looks around the room, overwhelmed, rubbing the back of his neck.
Clark: What do you want to do, Lex?
From behind them, a familiar voice calls out.
Darius: Mr. Luthor.
Lex and Clark turn around to see Darius standing in the doorway.
Lex: [Stunned] Darius. You're alive.
Lex walks slowly toward Darius, a look of confusion on his face.
Darius: We were worried about you, sir.
Lex approaches Darius, pointing at him.
Lex: [Accusingly] You're in on this, aren't you?
Darius: [Confused] In on what, sir?
Lex just continues to point at Darius as he stares, confused and suspicious.
Clark: Lex...
Clark pulls Lex back from Darius, and Lex stumbles a little in his confusion. He makes his way over to the bar and, hands trembling, pours himself a glass of scotch, downing it in one swallow.
Clark: [Concerned] Come on, Lex...
The door opens and someone enters.
Dr. Foster: [Off camera] Lex.
Wild eyed, Lex turns around to see Dr. Foster walking into the study.
Dr. Foster: Thank God. We were looking everywhere for you.
Lex spins around toward Clark.
Lex: [Accusingly] Did you call her?!
Clark: I don't even know who she is.
Lex: She's my psychiatrist. [Walking toward Dr. Foster] Don't you think it's a little convenient she just happens to be here.
Dr. Foster: Security called me, Lex. You need to come with me.
Lex: [Suspiciously] No. No, I'm not going anywhere. Somebody tried to k*ll me last night. I jumped through a window! Look, I have proof.
Lex holds the shard of glass up to Dr. Foster's face.
Dr. Foster: [Gently pushing Lex's hand down] The window was broken.
Dr. Foster walks over to her medical bag and opens it, pulling out a vase.
Dr. Foster: [Continuing] You got angry during our last session and you threw this vase through the hall window.
Lex takes the vase from Dr. Foster as she walks back to her bag and pulls out a syringe.
Lex: [Muttering and shaking his head as he looks at the vase] No. No.
Dr. Foster: I'm going to give you something.
Clark looks at Darius, concerned. Lex grabs the bottle and syringe from Dr. Foster.
Lex: [Suspiciously] What is this? Huh? Some kind of hallucinogen?
Dr. Foster: It's a sedative.
Lex: [Accusingly] No. No, you're working for my father. [Stepping back and bumping into Darius] Drugging me to make me crazy!
Dr. Foster: We need to get you to a hospital.
Darius: [Soothingly] All right, Mr. Luthor. Everything's going to be fine. It's going to be all right.
Lex reaches into Darius's belt and grabs his g*n.
Lex: [Shouting, aiming the g*n at Darius] Get on the ground! [Turning to Foster] Both of you, on the ground! Get on the ground!
Clark: Lex! What are you doing?
Lex: Get down there!
Clark steps between Lex and Dr. Foster and Darius.
Clark: Lex, give me the g*n. Come on.
Lex points the g*n at Clark.
Lex: [His voice breaking] No, Clark, if they take me to the hospital, I'm either going to end up d*ad or drooling in a padded cell for the rest of my life!
Clark: [Pleading] Why would they want to do that?
Lex: [Voice breaking] It's the perfect plan, Clark! As long as the world thinks I'm crazy, no one will believe what I found out about my father and Morgan Edge! Think about it, Clark.
Dr. Foster: [Calmly to Clark] Young man, your friend is very sick. These conspiracy theories are a symptom of his condition.
Lex: [To Foster] Shut up!
Lex, hand trembling, continues to aim the g*n at his hostages, never taking his eyes off of them as he speaks to Clark.
Lex: [Tearfully] Maybe I am crazy, Clark. I honestly don't know anymore. But what if I'm right about all this? [Looking at Clark] Are you really just going to let them put me away?
Clark looks at Lex, conflicted.
Cut to a sh*t of the Smallville s*ab at night. Lana enters, carrying a cooler bag. She looks around as she walks into the s*ab.
Lana: Hello? Are you here?
Clark steps out of an empty stall and Lana jumps.
Clark: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you.
Lana: I got your message. I brought the food. Now tell me what I'm doing here in the middle of the night?
Clark steps back so Lana can see inside the stall. Lex sits on a bale of hay, head bowed, staring blankly at his hands. He looks broken.
Lana gasps in shock and moves over to Lex, kneeling next to him.
Lana: [Softly] Lex. What's wrong?
Lex doesn't answer, continuing to stare at his hands.
Clark: There's a possibility he's being drugged. People are after him, I couldn't bring him to the farm, and I knew you knew this place.
Lana gets up and walks toward Clark.
Lana: [Angrily] Why didn't you tell me about this?
Clark: Because if Lex is right, everyone who's involved is in danger. And I promised myself I would never put you in that position again.
Lana: [Concerned] What exactly are we mixed up in?
Clark: I wish I knew. [Pauses] I need you to stay with him.
Lana: Where are you going?
Clark: I've got to get some evidence to Chloe that may prove that he's being drugged. She couldn't come here because we think she's being watched.
Lex: Don't worry Lana. [Smiles slightly] I'll tell you everything.
Clark: [Softly to Lana] Be careful. He's not himself.
Lana: [Whispers] Go.
Clark exits, and Lana returns to Lex, kneeling next to him and rubbing his arm gently.
Cut to a sh*t of Chloe sitting outside in her car. She looks around nervously, and sees Clark pull up next to the car in his truck. She gets out and walks over to his window.
Chloe: Hey.
Clark: Thanks for meeting me all the way out here.
Chloe: Of course.
Clark holds out Dr. Foster's bottle of medication to Chloe.
Clark: Look, I need you to find out if this can make someone hallucinate.
Chloe: [Taking the bottle] OK, I'll get it to my source at the pharmacology lab.
Clark: Also, I need to check out a Dr. Claire Foster and the two security guards. If there's a conspiracy, they're probably in on it.
Clark moves to start the truck, but Chloe stops him.
Chloe: Clark, I dug up some of Lex's medical records.
Clark looks at Chloe, concerned.
Chloe: Apparently this isn't the first time he's... had this kind of problem.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Chloe: Well, after his brother died, Lex went right back to boarding school. And soon after that, he started exhibiting some... pretty bizzarro behavior.
Clark: What do you mean, "bizzarro"?
Chloe: [Hesitates] His house-master found him sitting in the bell tower in the middle of the night, singing a lullaby to a wrapped up blanket.
Clark's face falls.
Chloe: You know, I want to believe that this is a conspiracy just as much as you do, believe me, but I think we need to start preparing ourselves for the possibility that Lex really is losing his mind.
Clark sighs as he considers what Chloe is saying.
Cut to the s*ab. Inside, Lex and Lana are sitting on a bale of hay, while Lex eats one of the sandwiches Lana has brought.
Lex: [Politely] Thank you for coming, Lana.
Lana smiles, gently squeezing Lex's arm as she stands up.
Lana: I'm just glad you're letting me help.
Lana grabs a thermos and opens it, pouring a cup of liquid for Lex. She holds out the cup and Lex takes it, smiling gratefully. He raises it to his lips, but then hesitates before taking a sip.
Lex: [Suspiciously] What is this?
Lana: [Smiling] It's chamomile. It'll help you relax.
Lex studies the liquid, chuckling dryly to himself.
Lex: [Softly] Liar.
Lana: [Confused] What?
Lex: [Angrily throwing the cup aside] Liar!
Lex gets up from the hay, and Lana steps back.
Lana: [Scared] Lex, what's wrong?
Lex grabs the thermos from her hand, throwing it aside.
Lex: [Angrily] You're trying to drug me!
Lana: I would never do that!
Lex limps quickly from the stall, and Lana runs after him, trying to stop him.
Lex: I shouldn't have trusted you!
Lana: [Running after Lex] Lex, wait!
Lex turns and grabs Lana by the arms.
Lex: Keep away from me!
Lex throws Lana against the door of a nearby stall. The force with which he throws Lana causes the lock on the door to give way, and Lana falls into the stall, startling the horse inside. The horse begins to rear up. Lex looks back one last time, then hurriedly limps from the barn.
Inside the stall, the horse is squealing angrily and rearing into it's hind legs. Lana looks at the horse fearfully, and quickly tries to crawl from the stall. She's not fast enough, however, and the horse strikes her repeatedly with it's hooves, leaving her unconscious on the floor of the stall.
Clark superspeeds into the barn. He glances cautiously at the horse, which has calmed down a little but is still unnerved.
Clark: [Kneeling next to Lana] Lana?
The camera pulls back and we see Lana, unconscious on the stall floor, her leg bent at an unnatural angle at the knee, clearly broken.
Cut to a back roadway. A truck drives down the road, and slows down as a man steps into the road in front of it, waving for the driver to stop. The driver slows to a stop and we see Lex limp over to the driver's door.
Driver: What's the trouble, mister?
Lex doesn't answer. Instead, he reaches inside the truck and slams the driver's head against the steering wheel, knocking him out. Lex opens the door and pulls the driver from the truck, dragging him across the road. He throws the driver down into a ditch on the other side of the road, and limps back to the truck. As he climbs inside the truck, Lex sees a g*n mounted on the g*n rack behind the front seat. He touches the g*n, then gets behind the wheel of the truck and speeds away.
Cut to a sh*t inside Smallville Hospital. Clark stands outside a room, looking through the window at Lana, who lies on a bed inside. She's still unconscious, and hooked to various machines, including a respirator. Lionel approaches and stands next to Clark, also looking in on Lana.
Lionel: You know, I was never quite sure which of them was more out of touch with reality ... Don Quixote, jousting with imaginary enemies, or his loyal lackey Sancho Panza, indulging his master's fantasies in spite of the danger to everyone else.
Clark glares at Lionel and starts to walk away.
Lionel: [Following] Wait a minute. Where are you going?
Clark: I'm going to find Lex. [thr*at] If I were you, I'd be careful. Lex is convinced that you're responsible for everything that has been happening to him.
Lionel: [Mockingly surprised] Well, I'm touched by your concern, but you and I both know which of us is to blame.
Clark: [Angrily] Mr. Luthor, I don't think ...
Lionel: [Interrupting, voice rising angrily] No, no! I don't want to hear it. If you had listened to me, Lex would already be getting the help he needs, and Miss Lang wouldn't be here fighting for her life!
Chloe: [From behind Lionel] Clark?
Lionel turns to see Chloe.
Chloe: [Concerned] Are you OK?
Lionel: [Turning back to Clark] But don't worry about me, Clark. My security personnel are well-equipped to protect me and to, um, find my son. [Turns to Chloe, then Clark] Now, I strongly suggest the two of you go home before you do any more damage.
Clark just glares at Lionel. Lionel turns to walk away.
Lionel: [Passing Chloe] Miss Sullivan.
Chloe: [Stepping closer to Clark] The drug analysis came back. It was just a common sedative.
Clark's face falls, and he turns back to the window to look at Lana. We see she also has several steel pins and a metal brace on her leg to keep it immobile.
Clark: [Sadly] Lionel's right, Chloe. I really screwed up.
Chloe: [Encouragingly] Maybe not. There are a lot of drugs that could make Lex see pink elephants. Now, the question is, how did it get into his system.
Clark: [Pausing to think] The mansion. Everything is brought to him there ... the food, the drinks.
Chloe: So for all we know, they could have been dosing him for weeks.
Clark looks at Chloe, a look of realization on his face.
Cut to Lex's study. Clark throws the doors open and strides inside.
Clark: [Firmly] How'd you do it?
Darius gets up from his chair, tossing a magazine aside.
Darius: Do what?
Clark: [Accusingly] Get the drugs into Lex's system.
Darius: [Stepping closer to Clark] You know, I don't appreciate some farm boy coming in here and accusing me of a felony.
Clark grabs Darius's arm, and in one quick motion throws Darius to the floor, pinning his arm behind his back. Darius grunts in pain and surprise.
Clark: Don't underestimate farm boys. Baling all that hay can make you pretty strong.
Darius: [In pain] Come on man, you're going to break my arm!
Clark: Not if you tell me who drugged Lex.
Clark twists Darius's arm for good measure.
Darius: [Grimacing in pain] It was the scotch.
Clark looks up at the bar and sees the decanter of scotch. He twists Darius's arm again.
Clark: [Shouting] Tell me who you're working for!
Darius: I don't know who they are, all right? All I have is a cell phone number.
Clark: [Demanding] Then call it. Tell whoever answers to be at the Smallville s*ab by noon with a bag full of Benjamins or I go to the cops.
Darius: [In disbelief] Wha... kid, you're crazy! These people are not going to pay you off. They're going to k*ll you!
Clark: [Leaning in] I'll take my chances.
Cut to Lionel Luthor's office. His security guard opens the door, and Lionel walks through.
Lionel: Thank you, Mike.
The security guard punches in a security code on a keypad near the door inside the office. As he turns from it, Lex steps out of the shadows and hits the guard in the face with the butt of the truck's g*n, knocking him unconscious. The guard slumps to the floor. Lionel turns around, surprised. Lex reaches down and grabs the guard's g*n, aiming it at Lionel.
Lionel: Lex. How did you get in here, Lex?
Lex: [Voice trembling] Well, uh, when people think you're insane and you're holding a r*fle to their head, they, uh, tend to do what you ask.
Lionel: [Calmly] Put the g*n down, all right. Sit down. Let's talk.
Lex: Sure, Dad. We'll have a nice father-son chat.
Lionel: All right, sit down.
Lex: [Continuing, waving the g*n around as he talks] About, uh, how you and Morgan Edge k*lled my grandparents, and, uh, how you're drugging me to make the world think I'm crazy. [Growing more frustrated, voice raising to a shout] And hey, why not do the whole thing on Oprah, you know? Spill our dysfunctional guts on national TV like regular families do.
Lionel: [Walking toward Lex, hands outstretched to calm Lex down] All right, Lex, I understand why you're angry. I found out the same thing as you. The slum lord that owned my parents' tenement hired Edge to blow it up for the insurance money.
Lex: [Mumbling to himself] Just like you planned it.
Lionel: [Firmly] No. Lex, no. Lex, no, they were my parents! No matter how badly they treated me, I would never hurt them. And I know deep down, you don't want to hurt me.
Lex just stares at Lionel, trying to get control of his emotions.
Lex: You know what disappoints me, Dad?
Lionel: [Calmly] All right, tell me.
Lex: You hired pros to k*ll me. You always taught me, if you want something done right, son, do it yourself!
Lionel: [Calmly] Lex, the person responsible for this is Morgan Edge. I know where he is...
Lex cocks aims the g*n at Lionel, resting it right over Lionel's heart.
Lionel: Believe me. We can get justice. Lex. Lex! Listen to me.
Lex glances over his shoulder.
Lex: [Angrily] Shh! [Whispering] You'll wake the baby.
Lionel: [Realizes what Lex is talking about] It's Julian. Are you seeing Julian again?
Lex stops aiming the g*n at Lionel. Lex uses the hand he's holding the g*n in to rub the side of his head, in obvious discomfort. He walks away, rubbing his head.
Lex: [Distraught] You know I can't take it when he cries, Dad.
Lionel: [Calmly] No. Julian isn't here, Lex. He's d*ad.
Lex: [Shouting over his shoulder at Lionel] No!
Lionel: No, Lex, you can't blame yourself for the baby's death.
Lex whirls around angrily, aiming the g*n at Lionel again.
Lex: [Shouting] Shut up!
Lionel: I know. You didn't mean to hurt him. I know that.
Lex: [Screaming] Shut up!
Lionel: Lex. It was an accident, Lex.
Lex shoves the g*n in Lionel's face.
Lex: [Shouting] Tell me where Morgan Edge is, now!
Lionel: All right.
Lex: Now!
Lionel: All right. All right.
Lionel reaches into his pocket and pulls out a pen and a notepad. Lex keeps the g*n on him, but grimacing in pain, cocks his head to the side, trying to rub his neck on his shoulder.
Lionel: [Softly as he writes the address down] You have to be careful. Lex, please... be careful, please Lex.
Lionel holds out the notepad to Lex, who grabs it from him.
Lionel: [Pleadingly] I can't bear to lose another child.
Lex studies the address, then uses the g*n to h*t Lionel on the side of the head, knocking him out. Lionel groans and falls to the floor, unconscious.
Cut to the Smallville s*ab. Clark walks through the barn, looking for the people Darius works for.
Clark: Hello?
As the camera pulls back, we see one of the g*n who tried to sh**t Lex crouched in some bushes across from the barn door. As Clark steps out, the g*n takes aim. As the g*n looks through his scope, suddenly Clark is gone. The g*n puts the g*n down in confusion, as Clark speeds up behind him.
Clark grabs the g*n from behind, bringing it up to the g*n's throat, choking him with it. He pulls off the g*n's ski mask.
Clark: [Matter of factly] Tell me where to find the guy you're working for, or I keep squeezing.
Cut to a small stone villa. Inside, Morgan Edge is having a drink, studying his new face in a mirror on the wall. A security guard keeps watch as Edge walks to a set of glass doors and opens them, looking outside across the fields. He brings his hand up to stroke his throat, and we see he's clutching a string of kryptonite beads.
Edge hears a door opening. He turns and nods to the bodyguard.
Edge: Check it out.
The bodyguard nods, pulls his g*n, and moves to check out the source of the noise. We hear the bodyguard groan, followed by a loud thud. Edge pulls out a g*n and moves slowly into the hallway, calling for the guard.
Edge: Jameson?
As Edge rounds a corner, he comes across the unconscious form of his bodyguard. He kneels to check on Jameson, then stands up. As he does do, Lex appears behind him and presses a g*n to the back of Edge's neck.
Lex: [Angrily] I gave you a chance, Edge, but you really screwed it up. Now, drop the g*n.
Edge drops the g*n.
Edge: [Muttering angrily] Your father's the one who screwed up.
Lex angrily grabs Edge by the shoulders and throws him down the hall, forcing him back toward the room he just came out of.
Edge: [Continuing] If we'd done it my way, you'd be d*ad by now.
Lex: What are you talking about?
Edge: You really believe you could have escaped if I wanted to k*ll you? It was your father's idea to make you look crazy instead.
Lex: [Angrily pushing Edge into the room] You're lying!
Edge: [Turning to face Lex] It's true, Lex. Lionel's gone soft in his old age. He was willing to lose his parents, but he said he couldn't bear to lose another child.
As Edge talks, Lex grimaces in pain, rubbing his neck.
Edge: Neck still bothering you? Muscle aches, sleeplessness? All common side effects of the drugs.
Lex: I knew I wasn't crazy. [Thrusting the g*n in Edge's face] Tell me how you did it!
Edge: [Unafraid] Lionel thought of everything. First the dope. And getting the window fixed, and setting up the sweatshop... all little details to push you over the edge.
Lex: How do I know it wasn't all you?
Edge: [Indicating the room] Well take a look around you. You think I'd be in digs like this if I hadn't cut a deal with your old man? You got to admit, it's an elegant plan, just like when he was a kid. [Mocking] Either you crack so completely that you can't form a coherent sentence or anything you say sounds like the ravings of a madman.
Lex looks stunned by this information.
Edge: [Friendly] But he doesn't have to win, Lex. We can bring him down... together.
Lex lowers his g*n, thinking about this for a moment.
Lex: [Raising the g*n again] Maybe I'll just k*ll both of you.
Suddenly, Clark superspeeds into the room. He grabs the g*n from Lex's hand and steps back. Lex turns around, shocked to see him. Clark suddenly looks sick, and looks around the room for the source.
Edge: Hi, Kal. I had a feeling we'd see each other again. [Raises the string of kryptonite beads] That's why I've been carrying these around.
Clark, trying to stay on his feet, glares at Edge. Lex looks back and forth between the two men.
Lex: [Disbelieving] You know each other?
Edge: We go way back.
Lex: [Accusingly] You're in on this too, Clark? You're in on this too?
Clark doubles over, clutching his stomach.
Clark: [Weakly] No, Lex. It's not what you think.
Edge wraps the beads around his hand and punches Clark in the jaw, sending him sprawling across the floor. As Clark tries to get up, Edge kicks him. Lex looks on in shock as Edge beats up Clark. Edge pulls Clark up onto his knees by his jacket collar, and punches him square in the face. The string of beads breaks, sending kryptonite beads rolling across the floor. Clark slumps over, his mouth and nose bloodied.
As Edge prepares to att*ck Clark again, a sh*t rings out. Edge falls back through the open glass doors into the yard as he's sh*t him in the shoulder. Edge lies in the grass as Lex, his g*n still smoking, watches. Clark, still lying in a pile of kryptonite beads, rolls over to face Lex.
Clark: [Weakly] Thank you.
Lex lowers the g*n.
Lex: [Coldly] Don't thank me, Clark.
Clark tries to climb to his feet as Lex walks over to him.
Lex: You're part of this. [Aims the g*n directly at Clark] I have to k*ll you too.
From the floor, Clark looks up as Lex aims the g*n at Clark's head.
Clark pushes the beads away from him as best as he can, and tries to slowly crawl away from Lex.
Lex: [Accusingly] You think you can just slither away from me, Clark?
Clark: [Weakly as he crawls across the floor] Lex... I'm your friend. I would never do anything to hurt you.
Lex: [Following Clark, still aiming the g*n at him] What'd you do ... did you betray Edge too? [Clark rolls over] Is that why he b*at you to a pulp?
Lex reaches down and grabs Clark's jacket, pulling him up slightly and shoving the g*n right in his face.
Lex: [Angrily] Tell me Clark! What's the price of a Judas kiss these days?!
Clark just stares at Lex. Outside, we hear a car starting, and Lex glances over his shoulder toward the doors. He sees Edge is no longer lying on the ground. Lex pauses, unsure of who to deal with first. He angrily shoves Clark back down to the ground and walks outside to catch Edge.
Tires squeal as Edge's car pulls out into the drive. Lex runs across the yard and steps in front of Edge's car. Edge doesn't stop, and Lex fires his g*n, hitting Edge several times. As Edge slumps over, his foot presses on the gas pedal and the car speeds up. Lex doesn't move, continuing to sh**t at the car.
Clark suddenly superspeeds in between Lex and the car, and pushes Lex out of the way. Lex tumbles to the ground. Clark lowers his shoulder and the car hits him, the car curling around him as the front end smashes in and the car comes to a stop.
Lex watches all this, a look of shock and amazement on his face.
Clark pulls himself free from the car wreckage and pushes the car back easily. Lex turns and watches the car go, utterly amazed. Clark brushes off his hands and turns around, realizing Lex has witnessed this whole incident. Lex looks at Clark, tears in his eyes, his face a mixture of awe and relief.
Lex: [Amazed] I was right about you all along, Clark. You're not even human.
Clark looks at Lex fearfully.
Lex smiles to himself and looks down, grasping on to this piece of evidence to prove he's not crazy. He looks up, tears still in his eyes and smiles, almost joyfully.
A car pulls up and Lex glances over, as we hear Clark superspeed away.
Lex climbs to his knees as an SUV pulls up in front of him, and Dr. Foster and two men step out.
Lex: That car h*t him at 80 miles an hour. And he tossed it like a toy. [Hopefully] Did you see him?
Dr. Foster: [Confused] See who?
Lex happily points toward where Clark was standing, but stops when he sees Clark is no longer there.
Lex: No, no no... [Points to wreckage] He was right there.
Dr. Foster looks around, then looks at Lex. He smiles hopefully at her, willing her to see what he knows is the truth. She kneels next to him.
Lex: [Pleading] He was right there, I swear!
Dr. Foster looks at him sympathetically, reaching out to cup his chin gently.
Dr. Foster: It's all right, Lex. We're going to get you the help you need.
Lex blinks back tears as the two men grab him by the arms.
Lex: No. [Fighting the men as they pull him to the SUV] No! He was right there! Look at the car! Look at him! [Screams] Clark! [Mutter to the men] He was right there. [Screams once again as he's forced into the SUV] CLARK!
Cut to a hospital bed. The camera pans up Lana as she lies in the bed. She wakes up, and turns to see Clark sitting next to her bed.
Clark: [Softly] Hey.
Lana smiles slightly, then looks concerned.
Lana: How's Lex?
Clark: [Sadly] Lex isn't doing so good.
Lana: I'm sorry. I know how much you wanted to help him.
Clark: [Changing the subject] Um, the doctors say that you're doing better.
Lana: [Pauses for a moment] I almost died, Clark.
Clark: [Sadly] I know.
Lana: I always thought you were being paranoid.
Clark: About what?
Lana: That being around you is too dangerous. [Pauses] But it's true.
Clark: Lana...
Lana: [Interrupting] It's OK, Clark. I know. You're really looking out for me. But you're right... [Sadly] I think I have to stay away from you.
Clark just looks on sadly as Lana closes her eyes, drifting back to sleep.
Cut to a sh*t of a building in a large lot. A spotlight shines across the lot, and as the camera pulls back, we see the lot is surrounded by chain link fences topped with barbed wire. A sign on the fence reads "Belle Reve Sanitarium. Keep Out."
Inside, Dr. Foster walks through a door marked "Restricted Access". She walks down the hall, checking her charts. As walks down the hall, we see Lionel standing against the wall.
Lionel: Dr. Foster.
Dr. Foster: [Turning to Lionel] Good evening, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: [Glancing around] Why do these institutions always... stink of ammonia?
Lionel walks toward Dr. Foster and stops next to her, looking down toward something at the end of the hall.
Lionel: How's Lex?
Dr. Foster: [Also looking down the hall] Well, now that he's here, I can control his meds much more tightly. By the time he finishes his treatment, he won't have any short-term memory left.
Lionel sighs.
Dr. Foster: Wasn't that exactly what you wanted?
Lionel: [Slightly angry] Never believe for a second, Doctor, that this [Nods toward the end of the hall] is what I wanted. I love my son more than life itself. But he leaves me no other choice.
Lionel walks down the hall, and Dr. Foster watches him. At the end of the hall, a large two-way mirror looks into a large padded room. Lex sits on the floor, barefoot and clad in a straitjacket. He rocks back and forth, mumbling to himself. Lex climbs to his feet and walks over to the mirror, looking at his reflection. Deep purple circles are under his eyes. His lips move wordlessly as he talks to himself, staring at his reflection but not really seeing anything. Lionel watches, a few tears welling up in his eyes.
Cut to the hospital. Clark stands outside Lana's window, watching her sleep.
Back at the asylum, Lionel puts a hand up on the mirror, touching Lex's face through the glass as Lex stares out blankly, rocking back and forth, his lips still moving occasionally.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x08 - Shattered"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on January 14th, 2004
We open with an outside sh*t of a chain link fence. Day. On the fence is a sign that says "Belle Reve Sanitarium, Keep Out!" Inside, hundreds of patients all dressed in the same light blue scrubs file up and down stairs, hallways, and around the commons area. There are several nurses and orderlies seen, dressed all in white. A line of patients waits outside a booth where a nurse distributes their medication. Lex, also dressed in the blue scrubs, gets to the head of the line, and the nurse hands him a small tray with a cup of water and another smaller cup with three pills in it.
Nurse: All right, rich boy, there you go.
Lex takes the tray, dazed. He glances at the nurse, then down at the three pills. One pill is red, one yellow, and one blue. He makes no move to pick them up.
Nurse: Come on.
Lex finally picks up the smaller pill cup and pours the pills into his mouth followed by a swallow of water.
Nurse: Next.
Lex walks away, and the line continues to move slowly. Seated all around are more mental patients. Some are seated at tables doing puzzles, others are painting on easels. Lex walks to the end of the room and sits down in front of an easel next to a translucent window. He picks up the brush and begins painting what appear to be random lines on the blank canvas. He lifts his other hand to his mouth in a fist and coughs once.
Before him on the easel sits three cups of paint, yellow, red, and blue. The bright colors are shocking against the cold blue lighting of the sanitarium. We see the yellow pill dropped in the yellow paint, the blue pill in the blue paint, and the red pill in the red paint. He nudges the red pill down further into the pain with his paintbrush, looking calmly from his painting to the surveillance camera on the wall above him.
Cut to Clark being led down a hall in the sanitarium by two orderlies. He looks around uneasily as he sees patients in various states of distress. One man is holding his head, crying quietly. Another man has his arms wrapped around himself tightly, afraid.
From a room to Clark's right comes Van McNulty from the episode Extinction, now a mental patient in Belle Reve. He sees Clark and is immediately furious.
Van: Well, look who it is. Hi, you freak!
He lunges for Clark, but one of the orderlies stops him, pushing him against the wall.
Orderly: Back off!
Two other orderlies grab onto him and keep him where he is as Clark continues on.
Van: [Screaming.] You're the one that should be in here! Ah! You're the one that should be in here!
The orderlies force him back into his room, but he continues to scream.
Van: They should lock you up, you freak!
Clark and the orderlies turn a corner in the hallway and walking in the opposite direction is Eric Summers from the episode Leech. He is also dressed in patient scrubs. He notices Clark and stops.
Eric: Hey, Kent. It's me, Eric. Been struck by lightning lately?
Clark stops walking until the orderly taps him on the shoulder, and another orderly pulls Eric away. Clark starts walking again. Behind him, pushing a cart of books and newspapers, is Ian Randall from the episode Dichotic, a third familiar face who is now a mental patient at Belle Reve.
Ian: Good to see you, Clark. Tell my two favorite ex-girlfriends I said hello.
Orderly: Keep moving, Ian.
Ian smiles bitterly back at Clark, but keeps going.
Orderly: [To Clark.] Jeez, kid. You seem to know a lot of people in here.
Clark: Where's Lex?
They arrive at the commons area and Clark sees Lex painting at the easel.
Orderly: You got ten minutes.
The orderly walks away, and Clark hesitates as he looks sadly at Lex. When Lex turns around and sees Clark, he puts down his brush and stands up, his eyes filling with hope. Clark walks to him.
Clark: Lex?
Lex: [Happily.] Clark. [He takes Clark's hand and holds it in both of his own warmly.] I was wondering if I'd ever see you again.
Clark lifts his other hand to cover Lex's.
Clark: I've been trying to visit you for the last month. The doctors said you weren't ready to see anyone. [Lex smiles strangely.] Are you okay?
Lex: [Still smiling.] I know your secret.
Clark looks up at the surveillance camera on the wall. Lex looks at the camera, then back to Clark.
Lex: [Whispering.] Don't worry. [He puts his index finger in front of his mouth.] I haven't said a word to anyone.
Clark nods. Lex grabs him tightly by the shoulders.
Lex: I need you to get me out of here. I've seen what you can do.
Somewhat startled, Clark holds onto Lex's shoulders.
Lex: That car h*t you at 60 miles an hour, and then you ... you tossed it like a toy. Breaking me out's not gonna be too much of a challenge.
Clark: [Reluctant.] Lex, I want to ...
Lex: Then do it, Clark. My father's never gonna let me out. [Clark doesn't respond. Lex holds Clark's face, pleading.] You're my friend. Please, Clark. Don't let me rot in this cesspool.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Lex slowly takes his hands away, eyeing Clark sadly. Then he suddenly lunges forward, grabbing at Clark's neck. The orderlies are almost immediately at his side, pulling him away.
Lex: Aaah!
Orderly: Hey! Hey!
Lex: Bastard!
Clark backs away slowly as Lex struggles against the orderlies.
Lex: I'll never forgive you for this, Clark! Never!
Lex's outburst has caused pandemonium in the commons area. All the patients are now screaming and running around, tipping over chairs and tables.
Lex: Never!
The orderlies wrestle Lex to his knees as another patient grabs onto Clark's arm.
Man: Save me.
Clark pushes him away and runs from the commons area.
Cut to an orderly entering Lex's cell, carrying a tray of medication.. The room is completely empty except for a toilet and a metal platform that serves as Lex bed. Lex lies still on his back.
Orderly: Get up, curly. Time for your nine o'clock meds.
Lex slowly opens his eyes.
Orderly: [More loudly.] Get up!
Lex rises to a sitting position and, unseen by the orderly, grabs a sharpened pencil sitting next to him on the bed. They look into each other's eyes for a moment, then Lex jams the pencil into the man's thigh.
Orderly: Aaaah!
The orderly continues to scream as he drops the tray of medication. Lex covers his mouth with his hand, pushing him against the wall. Keeping a hand over the orderlies mouth, Lex puts his other arm around the man's neck, squeezing tightly, as they walk toward the glass window at the front of the cell. The orderly's eyes cross as he finally loses consciousness and falls to the floor. Lex takes the orderly's nightstick and his ID card. He slides the card through the scanner, and the door to his cell opens.
He exits the cell and runs down the empty hallway. He turns around as a door opens and another orderly enters the hallway with an arm full of blankets. Lex's back is to the orderly.
Orderly: Hey, Luthor! [Slowly putting down the blankets.] What are you doing here, my friend? Huh?
Lex holds the nightstick ready in his hand.
Orderly: [Approaching Lex cautiously from behind.] I'm gonna take you back to your room, okay? [Lex nods.] Just relax...
Lex whips around and strikes the orderly with the nightstick several times in the face and in the legs until the man is unconscious on the ground. Lex circles around frantically, trying to decide which way to go. He finally breaks through a large air conditioning vent in the wall and into the narrow passageway. It is so short that he has to duck to run through it, and he eventually gets to a stairway that leads him outdoors. It is night.
He is still inside the fence of the sanitarium and sirens can be heard in the distance getting closer. He runs bare-footed along the road toward the main gate as two black cars with blaring sirens and flashing lights drive up behind him. Lex does get to the main gate in the chain link fence just as the cars come to a stop behind him, and he starts to climb the fence. When he gets to the top of the fence, he accidentally grabs onto several strands of barbed wire.
Lex: Aaah! Aaah!
Four men step out of the cars and sh**t Lex in the back with Tasers, sending sizzling electrical currents through his body.
Lex: Aah! Aaah! Aaah!
Lex loses his grip and falls to the ground unconscious, his bloody palms splayed on either side of his head. One of the guards kneels down to feel Lex's neck for a pulse.
[opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Kent Farm. Day. Inside, Clark sits at the dining room table with Jonathan and Martha. Clark gazes down at the table unhappily.
Clark: I've never seen Lex so angry with me. It's like he just went...
Jonathan: Crazy?
Clark looks at Jonathan.
Martha: Well, you can't take it personally, Clark.
Clark: Well, it's hard not to. He asked me to break him out .
Jonathan: You said no, didn't you?
Clark: [Nodding.] Yeah.
Jonathan: [Relieved.] That's good.
Jonathan takes his dishes from the table and walks to the kitchen. Clark does the same. Martha follows them, carrying a pitcher of orange juice.
Clark: Yeah, it's great. He just broke himself out and injured two guards along the way. He doesn't belong in there. He's being drugged.
Martha puts the orange juice in the fridge as Clark and Jonathan set their dishes next to the sink.
Martha: Well, we don't know that for sure. This isn't his first brush with mental illness.
Clark: Well, Lionel's never gonna let him out. I'm his only chance.
Jonathan: [Putting on his jacket.] Clark, you can't just break somebody out of a state institution. Then you would go to jail, and Lex would be out there, a fugitive, with your secret on the tip of his tongue.
Clark: Pete knows my secret, and that's turned out okay.
Jonathan: Lex is different. [Clark lowers his eyes.] Look, Clark, I'm not saying that you should put your secret above Lex's well-being. I just think that you should stay out of this one, that's all.
Clark: [Arguing.] Dad ...
Jonathan: [Stern.] Clark, you don't know everything that's going on here. Now if you get involved . . . it could just get worse.
Jonathan steps past Clark to kiss Martha on the cheek, then he pats Clark's shoulder and leaves the house. Clark walks out of the kitchen sullenly. Martha follows him into the main entryway where he is taking his coat off the rack.
Martha: You know, you've got another friend in a hospital that you haven't visited.
Clark: Lana doesn't really want to see me right now.
Martha: She was in shock, Clark, she didn't mean what she said.
Clark: Except she's right. All I've done is put her in danger. She's better off without me.
Clark starts walking to the door, and Martha stops him.
Martha: What about you? Are you better off? You know, you can save the whole world, Clark, but you got to take care of your own heart, too. Go see her.
Clark looks at Martha, considering her advice.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Lana is in a physical therapy session. Her left thigh is in a brace and she is walking slowly along a mat as she holds on to parallel bars on either side of her. She is obviously in pain as she walks, and her physical therapist is at her side encouraging her.
Therapist: Good, Lana. One more step.
Lana struggles through her final step, and starts breathing heavily, near tears as the pain intensifies.
Therapist: Okay. Okay, that's enough for today. That goes for you too, Adam.
ADAM, a young man, is seated at a weight machine with his back to the therapist and Lana, working his legs. He doesn't turn around when he is addressed.
Adam: I know my limits.
Therapist: [To Adam, handing Lana her crutches.] If you overdo it, you'll undo all your hard work.
Adam: If I listened to people like you, I'd still be in bed.
Lana leans on her crutches, wiping sweat off her forehead as she catches her breath.
Therapist: [To Lana.] Good work today, sweetie.
Lana: Thanks.
The therapist leaves, and Adam turns around to look at Lana.
Adam: Hurts, doesn't it?
Lana: Like you wouldn't believe.
Using her crutches, Lana starts to slowly walk away from the parallel bars as Adam easily walks past her to grab his jacket and his gym bag.
Adam: I think you're getting off way too easily.
Lana: Excuse me?
Adam: You have to learn to push through the pain. If we all sat down every time it hurt, this country never would've been built.
Lana: [Annoyed.] Well, I doubt the founding fathers broke their legs in four places.
Adam: [Teasing.] What happened, bad pileup at cheerleading practice?
Lana starts to leave. Adams stops her.
Adam: No, no, no, seriously. How'd you end up in here?
Lana: Horse got spooked. I ended up under its hooves.
Adam: Hmm. I'm guessing that's not a good place to be. [Offers his hand.] I'm Adam.
Lana: [Shaking Adam's hand.] Lana.
Adam: All right, Lana. [Drops his gym bag on the weight bench and walks over to the parallel bars.] We both you know that you have one more lap in you on this puppy. Let's see it.
Lana: How about not?
Adam: [Walking closer to Lana.] I know "struggle" is probably not in your vocabulary, but just to let you know, here, it's credo.
Lana: [Getting angrier.] For your information, I haven't walked in a month.
Adam: Feeling sorry for yourself may work now, but it's not gonna get you up a flight of stairs, is it?
Lana: Are you always this obnoxious?
Adam: I'm just telling you how it is. No one's ever honest with girls like you. I bet you have a boyfriend that's always protecting you, right?
Lana swallows, not knowing what to say.
Adam: But, he's not here. No one's gonna fight this battle for you. You're on your own. See you around.
Adam leaves the therapy room, and Lana watches him indignantly.
An orderly slides his card through the scanner outside Lex's cell in the sanitarium. Day. The door opens as the fluorescent lights inside turn on, and Lionel enters the cell. Lex is lying on his metal bed, but now he is strapped down. In addition, there is a metal cage over his body, preventing him from moving his arms or legs. Only his neck and head have any sort of freedom.
Lionel: [Quiet, sad.] Hello, Lex. You were making such good progress, son.
Lex: [Turning his head to look at Lionel.] You're the one who taught me. att*ck adversity head on.
Lionel: [Coming closer to the bed.] And had you been taking your medication, you would've done just that. This institution is not your adversary, Lex. Your illness is the enemy.
Lex: [Calm.] But I'm better now. I don't need the meds. That story about you k*lling your parents . . . it was nothing more than a paranoid delusion. See, somewhere along the line, I ... I veered off into the abyss, but I managed to claw my way back.
Lionel kneels down next to Lex.
Lionel: [Whispering.] But that's irrelevant now.
Lex: What do you mean?
Lionel: When your attempt to escape failed, you sabotaged my efforts to have you released, to be cared for at home.
Lex: But I told you. I'm cured. A cured patient doesn't belong in a hospital.
Lionel laughs sadly, with tears in his eyes.
Lionel: Oh, it's painful to see you like this.
He touches Lex's face and rests his hand on Lex's scalp, running his thumb over Lex's forehead.
Lionel: You know I have your best interest at heart, don't you?
Lex: [Quietly.] The only interest you have . . . is staying out of prison. [In a furious whisper.] I'm not insane, and you know it.
Lionel: It's sad to see a man who's lost his mind. But it's tragic when he's convinced himself that he's sane.
Lex: [Barely audible.] You son of a bitch. [Screams.] Aaah!
Lionel jerks his hand away from Lex's face and stands up, backing away slowly.
Lex: You did this to me. You're the one who's insane! Aaah! You did this to me! Aaaaah! Aaaah!
Lex continues to scream like a wild animal as Lionel leaves the cell and the door slides shut behind him.
Ian and Eric walk into Van's room. Day. Van is sitting on his bed.
Ian: Well, if it isn't Ku Klux Van.
Van: [Standing up.] Get out of my grille, freaks.
Eric: I'd watch your mouth in here if I were you.
Ian: We heard about your little one-man ethnic cleansing campaign.
Van: I don't know what you're talking about.
Ian: Oh, come on. You were out there picking off meteor freaks like ducks on the first day of hunting season.
Eric: And now you're stuck in here with all us ducks. Quack, quack.
Van starts to leave, but Eric and Ian both grab onto him, stopping him.
Ian: We don't want to hurt you, Van. Believe it or not, the three of us have something in common.
Van: I seriously doubt that.
Eric: Clark Kent put us all in here.
Ian: And the word on the ward is you know his weakness.
Van: Why should I tell you?
Ian: Well, because we're looking to sample the sweet taste of revenge.
Eric: See, if you weaken him, I can leech his powers and break us all out of here.
Van: Wait, you took Clark's powers. How?
Eric: It was a lightning strike. He took them back with a high voltage shock.
Van looks from Eric to Ian thoughtfully.
Van: How do I know I can trust you freaks?
Ian: The enemy of your enemy is your friend.
Van looks at Eric who is nodding at him, then back at Ian.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. Inside LuthorCorp, Lionel talks to Lex's psychiatrist Dr. Claire Foster as they walk down the hall to Lionel's office.
Claire: I don't feel comfortable moving forward with the procedure yet.
Lionel: Comfortable. Your comfort level is of no concern to me, Doctor. I've indulged you for a month while you've conducted this drug therapy of yours, and not only does Lex's memory remain completely intact, but he attempted to escape. I can't afford to waste any more time.
They enter Lionel's office.
Claire: Mr. Luthor, the procedure your proposing is draconian. It's successful in less than 50% of patients, and it leaves the other half with irreparable brain damage. Are you really willing to take that risk?
Lionel: No risk, no reward. Isn't that what they say, Doctor?
Claire: Performing this procedure on a patient who does not require it is unconscionable.
Lionel: But it's not the first time. You've experimented with it before.
Claire looks away, her resolve faltering.
Lionel: We had a mutual agreement, didn't we? I strongly suggest you keep your part of the bargain. So start the procedure. Immediately.
Lionel leaves the office.
Chloe enters the Torch office. Night. The lights are off, but Clark is working at the computer.
Chloe: Clark, turn a light on. It's bad for your eyes. [She switches on the desk lamp.] What are you doing burning the midnight oil?
Clark: Trying to prove Lex doesn't belong in Belle Reve.
Chloe: What'd you find on Lex?
Clark: [Handing Chloe a file.] Well, I have his medical record. Dr. Foster's definitely drugging him.
Chloe shakes her head as she looks through the file.
Chloe: Clark, there are millions of reasons why should could be administering this drug. Psychotherapy is just trial and error. This doesn't prove anything.
Clark: [Determined.] I know. But I got to do something. [He goes back to typing on the computer.]
Chloe: Well, why don't we work on this in the morning, okay? This is just a pit stop. I have to pick up Lana on my way home.
Clark: How is Lana?
Chloe: It's been really tough. She could use some moral support.
Clark: I sent her a card.
Chloe: Nothing says "I love you" more than a $1.50 piece of cardboard.
Clark: If she wanted me there, Chloe, I'd be there. Right now, I'm just trying to keep my promises for once.
Chloe: Well, keep me posted on the "Free Lex" front.
Chloe starts to leave, and Clark sees something on the computer screen.
Clark: Chloe, wait. Dr Foster has recommended Lex for radical electroshock therapy.
Chloe: That's a little extreme, don't you think?
Chloe walks back to the computer and looks at the screen over Clark's shoulder.
Clark: It is. [Reading.] Memory loss is almost a given, and if everything doesn't go exactly as planned, Lex could turn out a vegetable.
Chloe: When does this happen?
Clark: [Fearful.] 24 hours.
Van is in the weight room of the sanitarium doing biceps curls. Night. An orderly comes in, carrying a small box.
Van: Is that my package?
Orderly: Mm-hmm. I still don't get what you want with one of these rocks.
Van opens the box, revealing a rock of green kryptonite. He pulls some folded dollar bills from his shoe and hands them to the orderly.
Van: How about we just forget the whole thing?
Orderly: (Taking the money.) Whatever floats your boat, my man. (He leaves.)
Van looks at the rock. Ian comes into the weight room from the showers, wiping his face with a towel. He notices the box Van is holding.
Ian: So, did you get what you were waiting for?
Van: It's in the box. When Kent comes back, he's gonna have a little surprise waiting for him.
Van lies back on an inclined weight bench and starts doing bench presses, lifting a large amount of weight. He doesn't notice as Ian grabs onto the chin-up bar, bracing himself. He begins to shake and grunt as a human face, and then a body, emerges from his back, until they are separate. Two completely identical versions of Ian stand side by side. The second Ian is still behind Van as the first Ian stands to Van's left.
Ian: You need a spot?
Van rests the barbell on the rack.
Van: Look, when Clark shows up, I'll be ready. But until then, let's not pretend like we're friends.
Ian: Well, I just wanted you to meet my better half.
The second Ian comes around to Van's right. Van looks at them both in shock. They grab the barbell and push it down onto Van. He tries to push it away, but he is overpowered. The two Ians ram the barbell down onto Van's neck, strangling him to death.
Ian #2: You should know better than to trust a meteor freak.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. In a Metropolis hospital, Dr. Foster enters a room where there is a nurse standing next to a bed. In the bed is a male patient. His eyes are open, but he lies completely still with no expression on his face.
Claire: What's the emergency?
Nurse: [Confused.] Everything's fine here.
Clark's voice: Is this what your planning on doing to Lex?
Claire turns around and sees Clark and Chloe standing in the doorway.
Clark: [Coming farther into the room.] There's nothing wrong with Lex. You've been drugging him. That's why he's having paranoid delusions.
Claire: If you're here to accuse me of criminal malpractice, I hope you have the facts to back it up.
Chloe: Oh, I'm sure you could talk your way out of Lex's dubious drug regime. But what about the existing lawsuit for radical electric shock therapy?
Claire looks down at the motionless patient on the bed.
Claire: What happened to Mr. Watkins was unfortunate. But for your information, that suit was dropped.
Clark: [Angry.] Because Lionel Luthor paid it off.
Claire: I'm very busy. So if you two will excuse me.
Claire goes to the door and Clark and Chloe follow her.
Clark: Do you think if you turn Lex into a vegetable that Lionel Luthor's gonna let you off the hook?
Claire turns around to look at Clark and Chloe, not responding.
Chloe: You have all the power here, Doctor. Please, help Lex and yourself.
Lex is strapped to the bed in his cell with the metal restraints still in place, only allowing movement of his head. Day. A buzz is heard and the door slides open admitting Ian with the cart of books and newspapers.
Ian: Newspaper? Magazine? Crossword puzzle?
Lex: [Quietly.] What do you think?
Ian: Right. It must be a little bit difficult to turn the pages. What do you do when you have an itch?
Lex turns his head to Ian slowly.
Lex: Get out of my face.
Ian: Boy, I bet you are just itching to get out of this place.
Ian runs a hand up the metal restraints, then leans against them so his face is just above Lex's.
Ian: Mr. Luthor, what would you do if I told you I had figured out a way for certain animals to escape the zoo?
Lex: I'd ask you why you're still here.
Ian: Funding issues. Once I'm out, I need to disappear. And a new identity doesn't come cheap.
Lex: Oh, I admire your ambition. But when you tried to m*rder my friends to get my money, you went a little too far.
Ian: I know I've made some mistakes in the past. But I'm all better now.
Lex: [Sarcastic.] And I'm happy for you. The both of you. Now take your little cart, and go sucker some other patient with a bank account.
Ian: Suit yourself.
Ian starts to leave, then turns back to Lex.
Ian: Of course, if my brain were about to be deep-fried, I might have a little bit different attitude. It's gonna be hard to get around when your toes are permanently curled.
Lex: [Laughs.] Fear is an effective sales tactic, but it doesn't work on me.
Ian: How about facts?
Ian pulls a chart from his cart and holds it up so Lex can read it.
Ian: See, you're on deck, Mr. Luthor.
Lex: [Nervous.] Where'd you get this?
Ian: I know everything that goes on in this dump.
Lex takes his eyes away from the chart and looks up at the ceiling, deep in thought. Ian puts the clipboard back on his chart and starts to leave.
Ian: If you want to save your cerebrum, you know where to find me.
Ian leaves. Lex's mouth twitches as he continues to stare at the ceiling.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Lana is alone in the physical therapy room. She gets to the end of the parallel bars with a gasp of pain, then looks at her crutches several feet away leaning against the wall. She takes one cautious step forward, without the help of the bars, and falls to the ground just as Adam walks in.
Adam: Whoa. [Runs to her side.] You okay?
Lana: Yeah, I'm just pushing through the pain.
Using her arms, Lana pushes herself off the floor and onto a weight bench. Adam hands her the crutches.
Adam: I see you changed your therapy time.
Lana: Yeah, I wasn't crazy about the company.
Lana stands up and leans onto the crutches.
Adam: Would you believe me if I told you I was a nice guy once, with no issues?
Lana: Nice guys normally have the most issues. [Starts to leave.]
Adam: That's why I came. I wanted to apologize. I'm sorry for taking it out on you.
Lana stops and turns around to face Adam.
Lana: I was upset because you're kind of right. I haven't really been pushing myself. I guess it's because I know that when I get back on my feet, my life's gonna be different. I don't really know if I'm ready to face it. So you never got around to telling me why you're in here.
Adam: Isn't it obvious? Fine cuisine, post-modern decor.
Lana: [Laughs.] No, really. What happened?
Adam hesitates, leans against the parallel bars.
Adam: Well, uh, I tried to get into a burning building and a beam collapsed on me. My parents were inside. I thought I could save them.
Lana: [Coming closer to Adam.] I am so sorry.
Adam: It happened. Now I have to move on. See? I guess I'm a little afraid of my future too.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Clark and Pete walk down the hall together.
Clark: I convinced Foster to cancel the procedure. She's on her way right now to sign the cancellation papers.
Pete: And you think this is a good thing? Clark, he knows your secret.
Clark: I can't let him turn Lex into a vegetable just for that.
Clark goes into the Torch office. Pete hesitates outside the door, then comes in.
Pete: You can't trust him.
Clark: And you've never given him a chance.
Pete: And you give him too many. You think it's easy keeping a lid on your secret? I've got to think about it every time we're around other people to make sure I don't slip. I got to remember to say "meteor rock" instead of "kryptonite." And I always got to cover your unexplained exits.
Clark: Pete, I'm sorry. You've never said anything.
Pete: Clark, that's not the point. The point is that I got your back. But Lex won't.
Clark: [Looking past Pete.] Chloe.
Pete turns around and sees Chloe at the door. She is afraid.
Clark: What's wrong?
Chloe: Claire Foster's d*ad. They found her car wrapped around a tree off highway 54.
Pete: I feel the invisible hand of Lionel Luthor. You two had better back off before he sets his sights on you.
Pete leaves and Chloe walks to Clark.
Chloe: Now, I know you were just trying to help Lex, but I think you've made matters worse.
Clark: No, there's got to be another way to stop the procedure.
Chloe: Clark, Dr. Foster tried to stop it, and look what happened to her. Lionel Luthor is gonna make sure this procedure happens.
Outside sh*t of Belle Reve Sanitarium. Night. Clark walks up to the chain link fence and tears it open with his bare hands. He super speeds across the parking lot and into Lex's cell where Lex is still strapped to the bed.
Clark: Lex.
Lex turns his head to Clark and smiles.
Lex: Clark, I knew you'd come.
Clark: Let's get you out of here.
Clark grabs onto the metal cage holding Lex down, tears it away, and throws it across the room. He kneels down to release the strap on Lex's arm as Lex watches in amazement.
Lex: All this time . . . I was right about you.
Clark doesn't respond. His face suddenly fills with pain and he turns around to see Ian standing behind him with the kryptonite in his hand. He punches Clark in the face and Clark falls against the wall.
Ian: What do you know? It worked.
The second Ian comes in to the cell carrying a nightstick. While the first Ian punches Clark in the face repeatedly, the second Ian beats Lex with the nightstick.
Lex: Aah! Aaah!
Ian #2 rolls Lex onto his back and punches him in the face.
Ian: If it weren't for you, Kent, [Punches Clark.] I'd be at Harvard right now, [Punches Clark again.] with a co-ed on each arm.
Ian #2 punches Lex again, then picks up the nightstick and walks toward the door. Ian #1 drops the meteor rock down Clark's shirt, and Clark collapses onto the floor.
Lex: What the hell are you doing to him?
Ian: [Grabbing Lex by the shirt.] Your buddy's our first class ticket out of here.
Ian #2 kicks Clark in the stomach.
Lex: How do you plan to escape? I'm not giving you a cent. Clark's my friend.
Ian: Well, you ought to pick your friends better, considering he didn't tell you his little secret.
Ian punches Lex.
Ian: [To Ian #2.] Come on. Let's get out of here.
Both Ians grab Clark and start to drag him from the room.
Lex: [Weakly, trying to get up.] No.
Clark: [Whispering.] Lex... Ah...
Lex: Leave him alone!
Ian: Or you'll do what, Mr. Luthor? Considering they're coming to fry your ass in about five minutes.
Lex: Leave him alone!
Lex rolls off the bed and lands on the floor with a thud.
Lex: Aah!
He coughs several drops of blood onto the floor. Through the window, he sees the Ians lifting Clark onto a gurney and wheeling him away.
Lex: Ah...
Lex struggles to keep moving, but eventually loses consciousness.
Fade to black.
The two Ians wheel Clark into a boiler room in the sanitarium. Night. Eric is already there waiting, holding a set of jumper cables. We can still see the green bulge of the kryptonite underneath Clark's shirt.
Ian: Well, here he is!
Ian #2: Right on schedule.
Clark sees Eric standing next to the gurney.
Clark: [Weak.] Eric...
Eric: Time to give me those powers back. It's not like you use them anyway.
Clark: This'll never work.
Eric connects one end of the jumper cables to the generator.
Ian #2: Are you kidding?
Ian: There's enough voltage in here to power a small third world country.
Both Ians walk away from the gurney. Clark tries to sit up, and Eric pushes him back down.
Eric: Save your strength, Clark. I'm gonna need it.
Eric connects the other end of the jumper cables to the gurney.
Lex on the floor of his cell. Night. He regains consciousness and coughs as he starts to get up.
Lex: Clark!
He gets to his feet and runs out through the open door of his cell.
Lex: Clark! Clark!
Lex doesn't get far down the hall before he runs into two orderlies who push him to the ground and pin his hands behind his back.
Lex: They've got Clark!
Orderly #1: How the hell did he get out?
Orderly #2: I don't know, but I ain't taking any chances. Come on, hold him.
The orderly sticks a large syringe into Lex's neck.
Lex: No! No! Aah!
Lex loses consciousness almost immediately.
Adam helps Lana walk along the parallel bars in the physical therapy room. Night. He is holding her hand lightly, and she isn't holding onto the bars for support.
Adam: There you go. Almost.
Lana: Okay.
Lana gets to the end of the bars.
Adam: Done! [Lana laughs excitedly.] It's not Mount Everest, but it is a start.
Lana: A few days ago, I wouldn't have even thought that was possible.
Adam hands Lana her crutches.
Adam: Sometimes you just have to look impossibility straight in the eye.
They share a moment standing close to each other, looking into each other's eyes. Martha enters.
Lana: Mrs. Kent. What a surprise.
Martha: Chloe had a late deadline. She asked if I could give you a ride home.
Adam: I'm gonna go.
Lana: Okay.
Martha: [As Adam is leaving.] Hello.
Adam: Hello.
Martha: [To Lana.] Interesting physical therapist.
Lana nods. There is a moment of awkward silence.
Lana: So, how's Clark? I got his card.
Leaning on the crutches, Lana limps over to a bench where she sits down.
Martha: I'm sorry he hasn't come by to see you.
Lana: To be honest, that was kind of my idea.
Martha sits next to her.
Martha: Lana, I-I know that Clark's not always the easiest person to understand, but he never meant to put you in danger.
Lana: Did he send you to argue his case?
Martha: He doesn't know I'm here. I'm sure he'd be upset that I was meddling.
Lana: I just want him to be happy.
Martha: I know. But you need to be happy too, Lana.
Lana: Thanks, Mrs. Kent.
Lex wakes up strapped to a table in an operating room. Night. His head is connected to various wires, and a doctor stands above him adjusting the equipment.
Lex: [Desperate.] Please. I'll pay you whatever you want. You'll never have to work another day in your life.
Lionel: He doesn't want your money, son.
Lionel walks to Lex's side and rubs a soothing hand over his chest.
Lionel: He wants to make you better. Just like I do.
Lex: [Quietly.] You're a liar.
Lionel: No. Be strong, Lex.
Lex: Liar!
Lionel: I'm sorry, son.
The doctor holds Lex's chin so he can put a mouthpiece in Lex's mouth.
Lex: [Frantic.] No, don't do this, Dad!
Lionel: Be strong.
Lex: Don't do this, Dad!
Lionel: Be strong.
Lex: Aah!
Lionel: Be strong.
Lex: Aah! Aah!
The doctor gets the mouthpiece in, preventing Lex from saying anymore.
Lionel: Be strong. I'm sorry, son. I didn't think it would have to come to this. [Lionel has tears in his eyes.] If it were a gangrenous limb, we could amputate. But the brain, unfortunately, is infinitely more complex.
Lex: [Muffled.] No, don't do this!
Lionel: [To the doctor.] Do it.
Lionel steps away from the table and we hear the rising hum of electricity as Lex's whole body starts to convulse. His screams get louder and louder.
Cut to Clark lying on the gurney in the boiler room. Eric walks to the gurney, looking for Ian.
Eric: Hey! Come on, let's go!
Only one Ian comes forward.
Ian: I'm right here.
Eric: What happened to your better half?
Ian: It's a lot easier to break one person out than two.
Eric: Let's go.
Eric takes the kryptonite out of Clark's shirt and puts it in Clark's hand. He then holds Clark's hand tightly in both of his own. Ian stands next to a large lever on the generator. He flips the lever up and green bolts of electricity fly through Clark and Eric, causing the whole gurney to shake.
Cut to Lex in the operating room. The power goes out, ceasing his electric shock treatment. The red emergency lights turn on.
Lionel: What is it? What's happening?
Doctor: We don't have any power. There must be a short somewhere.
Lionel: Well, fix it.
Lex looks around hopefully.
In the boiler room, there is a final blast causing Clark to fall off the gurney and Eric to be blown in the opposite direction. Clark remains where he is, and Eric smiles, getting to his feet. He and Ian come to Clark's side, and Eric takes off his glasses and throws them away.
Ian: Do you feel any different?
Without answering, Eric lifts Clark above his head and throws him across the room.
Eric: Does that answer question?
They both laugh and touch fists in triumph. Clark tries to get up, but he is weak. The side of his face is cut and bleeding. Eric super speeds to his side and picks him up.
Eric: Welcome back to being normal, Clark. Kind of sucks, doesn't it?
Eric sends him sliding across the ground like a bowling ball straight into a cluster of oxygen t*nk, knocking them all down.
Clark: Aah! Ah!
Eric: All right, farm boy, you're gonna pay for the two wasted years I spent in here.
Ian: Eric, let's go.
Clark notices the meteor rock lying next to him.
Eric: I'm not through with him yet.
Ian: They're gonna realize we're gone. They're gonna be here any minute.
Eric: What do I care? It's not my problem.
Ian: No, no, no, wait a second. We're a team. I thought we were friends.
Eric: There's no such thing as friends in here.
Eric punches Ian in the face, sending him flying across the room where he crashes against a pipe and falls to the ground. Clark finally succeeds in sitting up.
Clark: Hey! Is that all you got?
Eric: That little jolt make you insane, Clark?
Eric pounds a dent into a nearby pipe, then comes storming to Clark angrily. When he gets close enough, Clark lifts up the kryptonite. The rock glows brightly and Eric stops in his tracks, gasping.
Clark: Look who's afraid to use their powers now.
Clark runs to Eric and pushes him against the generator, causing another massive electric shock to pass through them both. After a few seconds, Clark reaches over to the generator's lever and pulls it down, stopping the flow of electricity.
At the same time in the operating room, the power comes back on, and electricity pours into Lex's body. He convulses violently.
Lex: Aaaah!
Eric falls to the ground and Clark throws the kryptonite away.
Lionel watches in horror as Lex shakes on the table. The shaking finally stops, but Lex continues to whimper and twitch.
Doctor: I don't know what happened.
Lionel: Again.
Doctor: But, sir, the way this equipment is working, we should wait.
Lionel: [Holding back tears.] Do it. Again.
Reluctantly, the doctor turns to the control table and flips the switch, sending Lex into an even more horrific seizure than the last one.
Eric looks up at Clark as the cut on Clark's face heals completely. Clark wipes the blood away.
Clark: Tell me where Lex is! Now.
Lex continues to shake on the operating table until the doctor finally turns off the machine. Lex groans incoherently and his eyelids flutter, nearly closed. Lionel walks to Lex's side, crying. The doctor removes the mouthpiece from Lex's mouth as Lionel leans over the table and puts a hand over Lex's chest.
Lionel: Lex? Son?
Clark super speeds to the operating room and looks in through the window. He sees Lionel leaning over Lex on the operating table.
Lionel: It's over.
Clark watches helplessly.
Fade to black.
Adam is sitting up in his hospital bed reading a book. Day. He is hooked up to an IV. Lana enters carrying a picnic basket. She is limping and using a cane, but she isn't using her crutches.
Adam: Hi.
Lana: Hey.
Adam: Am I hallucinating? No crutches.
Lana: Well, it's pretty amazing what you can accomplish when someone's cracking a whip over your head. [Adam smiles. Lana notices the IV.] You okay?
Adam: Yeah. This ... don't let it spook you. I tend to get dehydrated from time to time.
Lana: Well, I know that these probably can't compared to the desserts in here, but I, um, I wanted to thank you for being such a pain in the butt.
Lana puts the picnic basket down on the bedside table.
Adam: Any time. [Lana laughs.] So I guess this is goodbye.
Adam holds out his hand and Lana takes it.
Lana: Just because I've finished physical therapy doesn't mean I won't come back and visit.
Adam: Lana, please. I'm a memory from a painful moment in your life. Who wants to be reminded of that?
Lana: We all push through the pain, Adam. Maybe you're not willing to do that.
Lana starts to leave.
Adam: Lana, I'll be completely honest with you. (Lana stops.) I like you, but I get the feeling that there's someone else. I don't want to be caught in the middle of anything.
Lana: There is nothing to be caught in the middle of. But . . . I'm not really ready to be jumping into another relationship right away.
Adam: Trust me, I don't want to be your rebound boy either. But I would like to be your friend.
Lana: Yeah, I'd like that.
Adam: Good. Then we're friends?
Adam holds out his hand and again, Lana takes it, smiling.
Lana: Friends.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Lex sits in front of the fireplace with his back to us. A servant comes in followed by Clark. Clark walks a little nervously into the study and the servant leaves.
Clark: Lex.
Lex turns around and stands up.
Lex: Clark.
Clark: How are you feeling?
Lex: [Calm.] Great, actually. [Lex takes Clark's hand in both of his own.] Never better.
Clark looks at Lex silently for a long moment.
Lex: I heard you came to visit me, and . . . I wasn't a very cordial host. [Lex holds Clark's shoulders.] If that's true, I'm ... I'm sorry.
Clark: Did your dad tell you why he had you committed?
Lex: He said I had a psychotic break. They think my island trauma precipitated it. I'm ... I'm just grateful my father recognized it in time.
Clark: [Sadly.] Me too.
Lex: [Reading Clark's expression.] Do you want to tell me something, Clark?
Clark: [Quietly.] No. It's good to have you back, Lex. Welcome home.
Clark turns to go and stops when Lex speaks.
Lex: You know, Clark, there is one thing I'll never forget.
Clark turns around.
Clark: What's that?
Lex steps closer to Clark.
Lex: How important your friendship is to me.
Lex pulls Clark into a hug closing his eyes. Clark's eyes close and his forehead wrinkles with regret.
Outside sh*t of Kent Farm. Day. In the kitchen, Martha and Jonathan stand on either side of Clark.
Martha: I'm sorry, Clark.
Jonathan: Lex is okay. Your secret's safe. You got to find some consolation in that.
Clark: Lex is right. Lionel got away with m*rder.
Jonathan: But you didn't tell him what really happened.
Clark: I figured what's the point?
Clark stares despondently at the counter.
Jonathan: Clark. Clark, I do not want you and Chloe taking up this charge.
Clark: [Quietly furious.] Someone's gonna make Lionel pay for his crime.
Jonathan: Someday, somebody is gonna make Lionel pay for his crime, but that day is not today, Clark. Now, I know this is very difficult for you, but you have to realize that there are people out there who are more powerful than you are.
Clark takes a deep breath and turns to look at his father. He nods.
Clark: [Barely audible.] Yeah.
Clark walks into the living room and sits down. Martha follows him.
Martha: You okay?
Clark: In a way, I envy Lex. He seemed so happy. I wish I could erase the last few months of my life.
Martha: [Rubbing a hand over Clark's back.] I heard they're having a welcome back party for Lana at the Talon. Why don't you go?
Clark: [Smiling faintly.] You never quit, do you?
Martha: It's called tough love. Come on, go.
Lionel and one of his assistants are in Lionel's office at LuthorCorp. Night. Lionel is leaning over his desk looking at a computer screen. On the screen is a surveillance video and he is rewinding it over and over, watching the same few seconds of video again and again. The sound is jumbled.
We see that the surveillance video is from the common room of Belle Reve the first day that Clark came to visit Lex. Lex stands with Clark in the middle of the room. Lionel rewinds the video again and we can barely make out Lex's words over the chatter of the other patients.
Lex: I know your secret. [Clark looks up at the camera.] I haven't said a word to anyone.
Lionel rewinds the video.
Lex: I know your secret. [Clark looks at the camera.] I haven't said a word to anyone.
Lionel stops the video.
Lionel: Why didn't you show me this sooner?
Man: We've been working all week to enhance the audio, sir.
Lionel: A week?! And this is the best you can do?
He turns the video back on, staring fiercely at the screen.
Lex: I know your secret. [Rewind.] I know your secret. [Rewind.] I know your secret. [Rewind.] I know your secret.
The following scene takes place in dramatic slow motion. Clark enters the Talon. Night. The room is full of people and loud music and a banner hangs from the ceiling that says "Welcome Home Lana." Clark comes farther into the room, squeezing past all the people, looking around for Lana. He finally spots her standing with Pete and Chloe, talking and laughing. She starts to walk away from them, and Clark unhappily notices Lana's cane and the brace on her left leg.
She notices Clark and stops walking. They hold eye contact, and Lana reflexively starts to smile. Then, as if reliving the pain of the last few months, her smiles fades and her gaze falters. Another of Lana's friends comes to her, and Lana gives Clark another glance before walking away. Clark's eyes lower, and he turns around and leaves.
Back at the bar, Lana watches him go, then turns away sadly.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x09 - Asylum"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on January 21st, 2004
Clark stands outside Smallville Jewelers looking in the display window at expensive-looking necklaces and earrings. Day. In the reflection in the glass, we see Lana walk up to Clark and stand next to him.
Lana: [From beside Clark.] Looking for something special?
Clark looks at Lana, slightly surprised.
Clark: My mom's birthday's coming up. How you feeling?
Lana: Still trying to get the taste of hospital Jell-O out of my mouth. But the leg's feeling better.
Clark: I thought of visiting, but...
Lana: It's okay. I understand. [Pause.] I've gotta go. Bye.
Lana walks away. Clark takes a breath as if about to speak, but Lana leaves too quickly for him to say anything. He watches her as she walks away, then he goes into the jewelry shop.
Outside, a car pulls up to the curb. Nathan Masterson is in the passenger seat, driven by his father.
Nathan: You sure about this?
Masterson: Just follow the plan, Nathan. Nobody will even know you're there.
Nathan nods. Masterson pulls a g*n from the glove compartment.
Masterson: You smash, I grab. It's done. Do your thing, kid.
Masterson puts the g*n in his jacket and stuffs earplugs into his ears as Nathan gets out of the car.
Inside the shop, Clark talks to the jeweler at the counter who hands Clark a small jewelry box.
Jeweler: Last time Martha was in, she made a point of trying these on.
Clark: Did she try anything on that didn't have four numbers in the price?
Nathan enters the shop inconspicuously.
Jeweler: [Laughs.] Well, I just got in some nice costume pieces from a local designer. Quite unique.
The jeweler puts another jewel box on the counter and opens it, removing a pin with a small kryptonite stone as its main jewel.
Jeweler: Straight from outer space.
Clark backs away, breathless.
Clark: Thanks, but I'll keep looking.
On the other side of the shop, Nathan puts the tips of his fingers against his throat on either side of his voice box. We hear a crunching sound followed by a low rumbling as his voice box bounces up and down rapidly a few times. Then Nathan removes his fingers from his throat and emits a high-pitched piercing noise from his mouth. Everyone in the shop starts to scream and cover their ears.
Jeweler: Aaaah!
Masterson enters the shop, pulling a nylon mask over his face. Nathan's lips shake with the intensity of the noise he is making, and the glass of the display counters shatters. The counter where the kryptonite jewel is sitting shatters, causing the jewel to fly into the air just as Masterson pulls out his g*n. Clark sees the g*n and sh**t small bolts of heat vision at Masterson. His heat vision reaches the g*n, causing Masterson to drop it, but not before some of the heat collides with the flying kryptonite jewel. The heat bolts reflect off the jewel, sending a green bolt of light back at Clark, hitting him directly in the eyes. He falls to his knees, holding his face.
Clark: Aah! Aah!
Nathan stops making the noise. The jeweler points a g*n at Masterson.
Jeweler: Not another step.
Masterson looks at Nathan who runs from the store unnoticed. Some of the other customers leave the store as a crowd is starting to form outside. Lana comes in.
Jeweler: [To Masterson.] Don't you move. The police are on their way.
Lana sees Clark still on his knees and runs to his side. He isn't holding his face anymore, but he seems dazed and disoriented.
Lana: Clark, are you all right?
Clark: Lana? [Pause.] Lana, it's my eyes. I can't see.
Lana's mouth hangs open in horror as Clark blinks frantically.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Night. Inside, Martha helps Clark sit on the couch as Jonathan watches.
Martha: Here, honey. Sit back, there you go.
Clark sits down and adjusts the cushion behind him, trying to get comfortable. The skin around his eyes is slightly red. Martha goes to Jonathan and speaks quietly.
Martha: Jonathan, we have to do something.
Jonathan: Yeah, I know, sweetheart. But what? Clark's retinas were scarred by that heat burst. You saw the doctor. He was baffled.
Martha: He wasn't baffled, Jonathan, you handcuffed him.
Jonathan: The last time we trusted a doctor, she sold his blood to Lionel Luthor.
Martha: Then we'll find someone we can trust.
Jonathan: We cannot risk that.
Martha: Clark has lost his sight. We may have to risk someone learning his secret.
Jonathan: Martha, this is not about Clark's secret. His powers have now done something that have hurt him. And I think before we run out and just do something, we ought to think this whole thing through.
Clark: Don't I get a vote?
Clark stands up and Jonathan puts a hand on his shoulder.
Jonathan: Of course you do, Clark.
Clark: I think it may just be a question of time before I get better.
Martha: Sweetheart, it could be permanent.
Clark: [Trying to be optimistic.] Then there's a lot of people who learn to live with disabilities every day. What's the worst that could happen, go to school and walk through a wall?
Jonathan and Martha look at each other.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. In the hallway, Pete walks at Clark's side, holding onto his arm. Clark is wearing dark sunglasses. Students watch them as they walk.
Clark: Everyone's staring, aren't they?
Pete: Uh, they're just digging your shades.
Clark smiles. They arrive at Clark's locker.
Pete: Hey, man, let me give you a hand. [Pete starts to work the combination lock.] I've been up on this combination since the third grade. [Laughs. Opens the locker.] Here you go.
Pete guides Clark's hand to the open locker.
Pete: If it helps, the guy who did this landed on my mom's court calendar. Somehow, I don't think Judge Ross is gonna be giving this Masterson guy any breaks.
Clark smiles as he continues to take books from his locker. Lana walks around the corner and sees Clark and Pete.
Lana: Clark. You're already back.
Clark: Nothing quite that heroic. It's just a pit stop.
Lana: Well, um, if you need anything, I'm here for you. Class notes, help writing your papers.
Clark starts to turn back to his locker and drops the stack of books in his hands. Lana kneels down to help him pick them up. When she hands him the books, he takes them, accidentally resting his hand on top of hers.
Lana: One thing I learned from my accident is that you can't go through something like this alone.
They both stand.
Clark: Lana, just because I'm blind doesn't mean the issues between us have disappeared. This... [He touches his sunglasses.] ...doesn't change anything.
Lana: I was just offering a helping hand, Clark. But I won't make that mistake again.
Lana walks away.
Pete: Whoever said absence makes the heart grow fonder obviously hasn't met the two of you.
Pete swings the locker door shut. The slam is deafening. He slides the combination lock back into place and spins the combination. All of these actions are enormously loud, but Clark seems to be the only one who notices. Pete lets the combination lock swing back against the locker and the slam causes Clark to wince grab his ears. Suddenly the footsteps of passing students becomes louder, and then the zipping of a book bag. Clark is in obvious pain, holding his ears.
Pete: Clark, what's the matter?
Clark: Pete, did you hear that?
Pete: Hear what?
Chloe's Voice: Hello.
Clark: Chloe?
Chloe's Voice: Hello ...
Pete: [Confused.] She's not here, Clark.
Chloe's Voice: Hello?
Clark: Pete, I can hear her right now.
During the following line, we travel into Clark's ear canal to his eardrum which is rattling excitedly at the sound of Chloe's voice.
Chloe's Voice: What do you want? I'm at school. This isn't the best place to talk. I'm done with this.
We come back out of Clark's ear and zoom down the hallway, through the walls, stopping when we get to a close sh*t of Chloe's lips as she talks on her cell phone.
Chloe: No one can hear me. I can't believe you're calling me, especially after everything that's happened. Look, I told you before, my researching Clark days are over.
Chloe is walking down the stairs down the hall from Clark and Pete. She is talking to Lionel who is seated at his desk at LuthorCorp.
Lionel: Really? I have such a vivid memory of that young reporter, just eager to work for the Daily Planet, as an opportunity I provided for her with only one requirement.
Chloe: Well, I gave you all the information I had, Mr. Luthor.
Lionel: Look, you have to look at Clark Kent as a work in progress. Tell me it didn't arouse your instincts as a journalist when you learned about Clark's blindness, especially when the other people at the scene were treated with hearing-related traumas.
Chloe: Look, you're gonna have to find someone else to connect the dots, Mr. Luthor, because I'm done with this.
Lionel: Ah? What are you going to do then? You gonna go running back to Lex?
Chloe: Or what's left of him?
Lionel: [Suddenly stern.] Lex has a serious mental illness. It's as if there's a crack in his foundation. You understand? The structure may look perfectly s*ab, but it can't take any pressure. So we will let Lex sit in his office sharpening pencils.
Clark listens unbelievingly.
Lionel: But I expect a full report from you on Clark Kent, Miss Sullivan, by ...
Lionel's voice is cut off when the school bell rings. Clark gasps at the noise.
Clark: Ah! Ah!
Pete: Clark, what happened?
Clark: Pete, there's something wrong. You have to get me home right away.
Pete takes Clark's arm and leads him down the hallway full of students. Nathan is standing next to his locker and looks at Clark and Pete strangely as they pass.
Jonathan helps Clark up the stairs of the loft as Martha follows. Day.
Jonathan: So these sounds, they ... they just h*t you all at once?
Clark: It's like someone turned on a giant stereo full blast. Suddenly all the sounds were magnified.
Jonathan: Here's the couch.
Clark sits on the couch.
Clark: Then they just went away. It was completely random.
Jonathan: Well, with your X-ray abilities and your heat vision, I'm not really sure how your senses are supposed to develop.
Martha: It might just have been a one-time thing, or maybe your body's trying to compensate for its lack of sight.
Clark: I just hope it goes away. All the sounds, they were so loud. I didn't even know where they were coming from or what they were. [Pause.] Then there was Chloe and Lionel.
Martha: [Confused.] What about them?
Clark: They must've been on the phone. They were talking about me. I don't think it was for the first time, either.
Lex enters.
Lex: Hey.
Martha: Oh, Lex.
Lex: How are you?
Martha: It's nice to see you.
Lex: Mr. Kent. [He shakes Jonathan's hand.]
Martha: Well, uh, I have to go fill out some paperwork for Clark's principal.
Jonathan: Yeah, that stuff's due tomorrow.
Jonathan and Martha exit. Lex stands next to the couch silently for a moment.
Lex: Clark, I don't know what to say.
Clark: How about hello? Come on, behind the Ray Bans, I'm still the same old Clark.
Lex: You know, when my father lost his sight, I, uh, I made contact with some of the world's top ophthalmologists. You just say the word and I can make any one of them available to you.
Clark: Well, I appreciate that, Lex, but this isn't a problem to be solved. This is something I need to learn to live with.
Lex smiles a little sadly.
Clark: Look, I really don't want to talk about my condition. Even when people don't mention it, I can hear the concern in their voices.
Lex sits on the couch next to Clark.
Lex: Trust me, I know the feeling. I discovered there's an almost medieval prejudice against the survivors of mental illness. I decided the only way I could put the insinuations behind me is by proving my worth.
Clark: How are you gonna do that?
Lex: By returning to LuthorCorp. My father's offered me my position back.
Clark: Lex, do you think that job offer's for real?
Lex: Why, Clark? You know something I don't?
Clark: Look, I heard that that job offer's a sham. Your dad doesn't really think you're better.
Lex laughs.
Lex: So he thinks I'm just going to, uh, sit in my office and twiddle my thumbs?
Clark: No, his exact words were "sharpening pencils".
Lex: Clark, where did you hear this?
Clark: Look, it doesn't matter where I heard it, Lex. The important thing is you need to be careful.
Lex takes a breath and nods slightly.
Jonathan enters the house. Martha is seated at the dining room table. Day.
Jonathan: Hi, sweetheart.
Martha: Hi. You know, Jonathan, I was thinking. Maybe we should look into hiring some extra hands. You look tired. I'm concerned about you.
We zoom out of the house and into the loft, where Clark can hear his parents speaking.
Jonathan: Nah, Martha, we're barely making ends meet as it is.
Martha: And it won't help if you wind up in a hospital bed.
Jonathan: I'll be all right. I just need to catch my breath. What are you doing?
Martha motions to the paperwork on the table in front of her.
Martha: Board of education disability application to get Clark a special teacher.
Jonathan: His counselor said that he could take all of his regular classes.
Martha: Until when? His life has changed. And so has yours, but neither one of you will admit it.
Jonathan: Martha ...
Martha: You both think you're supermen who can do everything alone, but you can't anymore! You need to start relying on people, and so does he.
Martha gets up from the table and walks away, upset. In the loft, Clark stands still, having heard every word.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is seated at his desk in the study looking at a report from the Talon. Lana enters.
Lana: So I got a letter from the insurance carrier. Apparently my entire medical bill has been taken care of. [She sits.]
Lex: Well, who said all insurance companies are evil? It wasn't your fault, Lana, it was mine. I pushed you into the stall. I spooked the horse.
Lana: [Standing.] Lex, you were ...
Lex: Crazy?
Lana: [Sitting back down.] Not yourself.
Lex: Semantics aside, you got caught in the crossfire trying to help me. For that, I'm truly sorry.
Lana: As much as I appreciate the grand gestures, you could've just stopped by the Talon and said hello.
Lex: [Smiles.] Yeah, well, the grand gestures have always come easier. I'm sorry I couldn't be there during your rehabilitation, but I'm sure Clark was more than able to pick up the slack.
Lana: Actually, Clark hasn't been around. We kind of decided that the best way to stop hurting each other was to stop seeing each other altogether.
Lex: Given his new reality, I'm sure he could use your support right now. Look, the brave front's just an act, Lana. My father did the same thing.
Lana: Lex, I've tried to reach out to him. I don't think my presence is going to raise his spirits.
Lana stands up and starts to leave.
Lex: By the way, who's Adam?
Lana turns back, surprised.
Lex: I noticed the Talon bill has included some gift baskets sent to him at the Smallville Medical Center.
Lana: I am going to reimburse the shop.
Lex: You still haven't answered my question.
Lana: He's a friend I made in physical therapy.
Lex: Oh. Must've made quite an impression.
Lana: Yeah, he did. Don't be a stranger.
Lana leaves, and Lex goes back to the Talon bill.
Chloe drives up to Clark's loft. Day. Clark is inside, still wearing his sunglasses, and turns as he hears her car. She gets out of the car and enters the loft.
Chloe: Clark?
Clark: Chloe.
Chloe: Hi. Look, as much as I try and avoid unbearable cliches, if there's anything I can do, just ... [Rests a hand on Clark's arm.]
Clark: I-I'll manage. [Walks a few paces away from Chloe.] You didn't come all the way out here to check out the blind guy.
Chloe: Actually, I'm on something of a mission. Have you seen Pete?
Clark turns his head toward Chloe, reacting to the word "seen".
Chloe: Sorry. It's, um ... we were supposed to meet this morning and double-team on my Daily Planet column.
Clark: The column Lionel Luthor helped you land?
Chloe: What's that supposed to mean?
Clark: I may have lost my sight, but things are becoming much clearer now. Exactly how long have you and Lionel been looking into my life?
Chloe takes a long pause.
Chloe: [Quietly.] Since last spring. The day after Lex's wedding.
Clark: When you saw me and Lana together. Is that why you did this? (Chloe doesn't answer.) Your silence is deafening. What did you give him?
Chloe: [Defensive.] Nothing. Nothing he didn't already know.
Clark: [Angry.] Well, then what is he sharing with you?
Chloe: Nothing. Believe it or not, Clark, I-I was just ... I was trying to help you.
Clark: Oh, by spying on me.
Chloe: No, by just trying to understand why he's so intrigued with you.
Clark: And if the Torch got a few new computers and you made a name for yourself at the Daily Planet, that was okay too. For all the times you accused me of keeping secrets, how could you do this to me?!
Chloe: I was ... He just, he caught me at an especially bad time. And I caved. I've been trying to get out of it ever since, but when people like Lionel Luthor have you, they don't want to let go. [Her eyes start to water.] You know, I thought that you out of all people would understand making a stupid decision in a moment of weakness. But I guess I was wrong.
Chloe leaves. Clark stands silently as he hears Chloe get into her car and start the engine.
Pete drives down the road near the Kent farm and pulls over to the side of the road when he sees Clark sitting on the fence. Day. Pete gets out of the car.
Pete: Clark. Your parents were ready to start gluing your picture to milk cartons. How'd you get out here, anyhow?
Clark: [Getting off the fence.] I walked. Turns out I do know every inch of this farm. [Pete laughs.] I really didn't mean to scare them, but I couldn't take all the noise.
Pete: So your mega-hearing thing's back.
Clark: Suddenly I'm the ultimate eavesdropper.
Clark turns his head slightly and hears the rattling sound of a noisy vehicle approaching.
Clark: Did someone follow you?
Pete: No. Why?
The clanging gets louder and Clark covers his ears.
Pete: Clark!
The noise gets louder until Nathan drives up in a tow truck and gets out.
Nathan: Ross! Get in the truck!
Clark: Pete, what's going on?
Nathan touches the sides of his voice box, causing it to bounce again, and his lips quiver as the high-pitched screech issues from his mouth.
Clark: Aaah!
The windows of Pete's car shatter as Pete and Clark both fall to the ground, screaming and holding their ears. Nathan stops making the noise and grabs Pete, forcing him to stand.
Nathan: I said get in the truck!
Clark holds onto the fence as he stands up.
Clark: Pete, who is that?
Nathan shoves Pete into the truck and gets in next to him.
Clark: Pete, what's going on? Talk to me!
Nathan starts the truck and drives away loudly.
Clark: Pete!
Fade to black.
Sheriff Adams is with Jonathan and Martha in the Kent dining room. Day. Sheriff Adams is adjusting her CB radio, listening for information.
Jonathan: They didn't find anything by Pete's car?
Adams: Nothing helpful.
Martha: Sheriff, whoever took Pete made the same sound Clark heard at the jewelry store. There has to be a connection.
Adams: I understand that, Mrs. Kent, but frankly, your son's "ear" witness testimony isn't much help.
Jonathan: No, it is, too, a help, Sheriff. It means that Masterson has an accomplice.
There is a knock at the door and Martha goes to answer it.
Adams: And in a town of 45,000 people, Mr. Kent, that doesn't exactly narrow things down.
Jonathan: No, but I would think it would give you a place to start looking.
Martha comes back into the dining room with Pete's mother, ABBY ROSS followed by another officer.
Jonathan: Abby?
Adams: Judge Ross. You should be home in case there's a ransom demand.
Abby: They just called. I asked your deputy to bring me straight here.
Martha: Is Pete all right?
Abby: So far.
Martha touches Abby's arm comfortingly, and Jonathan pulls out a seat at the table for Abby to sit.
Jonathan: Abby.
She sits down.
Jonathan: What do they want?
Abby: Masterson's pretrial hearing is tomorrow. Apparently, his attorney is going to make a motion to dismiss all charges. If I don't grant it, they're going to k*ll my son. [Her voice shakes.]
Clark is in the loft, hearing the whole conversation.
Martha: Oh, my gosh, Abby...
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Several loud noises are coming from the loft including a table saw, a tractor engine, and a news report on the radio. Clark is in the loft adjusting the antenna on the radio. Martha and Jonathan enter just as Clark gets frustrated with the radio and knocks it off the desk shattering it.
Jonathan: [Yelling over the noise.] Clark! Do you mind telling us what's going on in here?
Clark: I'm trying to focus my hearing!
Martha: I take it you're not having much luck!
Clark: If I don't get a handle on this, I can't save Pete!
Martha turns off the tractor and Jonathan turns off the table saw. The rumbling of the engines dies down.
Jonathan: Clark, Judge Ross was at the house.
Clark: I know, Dad, I heard. But playing chicken with the kidnappers is not a good idea. They're gonna k*ll Pete. I've got to focus. Help me.
Jonathan: All right, let's get to work then.
Jonathan guides Clark to the center of the room. He leans over and pulls the cord on the wood chipper and the engine sputters to life. He goes to the wall and turns on the table saw as Martha powers up the tractor. She jogs to Clark's side and takes his hand and has to yell to be heard over the racket.
Martha: Listen for your father's voice.
Clark nods.
Jonathan stands across the room from Clark next to the table saw. He mouths the words "Concentrate, Clark." But Clark can't hear him over the other sounds.
Jonathan: [Mouthing.] Concentrate on my voice.
Clark turns his head, focusing his hearing on all the individual sounds. He hears the metal grating of the blades in the wood chipper. He hears the grinding of the table saw. He hears the motor of the tractor.
Slowly the noises start to fade away and Jonathan's whispers get louder.
Jonathan: [Whispering.] Clark, concentrate. Concentrate on my voice, son.
Clark: Dad!
Jonathan walks toward Clark. As he brushes past a table with is arm, a nail falls off the table and lands on the ground with a crash that is deafening to Clark.
Clark: Aaah!
Jonathan: Clark?
Clark: [Holding his ears.] Aah!
Jonathan: Clark!
Clark: Dad, it's okay. It's okay. For a second, I could hear you.
Martha smiles at Jonathan.
Jonathan: That's great. I was barely whispering. Okay. Let's keep working.
Clark nods, and Jonathan walks away, this time standing next to the door.
Jonathan: [Whispering.] Focus, Clark. Focus on my voice. Can you hear me? [Clark nods.] Good.
Lex pours a glass of orange juice in his study. Day. He takes a drink of it and Lionel comes in.
Lionel: Lex? I'm sorry, son, I'm afraid I don't have much time. I have to be back in Metropolis within the hour. What did you want to talk to me about?
Lex: When I was released from the institution, you welcomed me back with open arms.
Lionel: That's right.
Lex: I should've known better than to take your promises at face value.
Lex walks away from Lionel and Lionel follows.
Lionel: I don't understand, son, what are we talking about?
Lex: Humiliation. Apparently, word's out that my new position at LuthorCorp will consist of a title and little else.
Lionel: Oh, that's foolish, son. I've always wanted you to work with me. You know that.
Lex: To do what, sharpen pencils?
Lex goes to the couch and sits down.
Lionel: Lex, please. Listen to me.
Lionel sits on the couch next to Lex.
Lex: If you thought you could throw me behind a desk and forget about me, you're making a grave mistake. Unless, of course, my source is wrong.
Lionel: It's true, Lex. I have been disappointed with your performance in the past, but that's nothing I haven't said to you.
Lex: And, evidently, to anyone who will listen. So I have to keep proving myself. Is that it?
Lionel: [Chuckles.] Well, unfortunately, we have to prove ourselves every day. I've come to accept that, and in time, so will you. I hope. Lex, listen to me. If someone is trying to drive a wedge between us, someone we both know, then that's treachery, son. Who is this source of yours?
Lex: Who were you talking to when you decided to trash me behind my back?
Lionel returns Lex's gaze steadily.
Jonathan drives up to the curb outside the Talon. Day. Clark is in the passenger seat.
Clark: Dad, I'm really worried about Pete. We've looked everywhere.
Jonathan turns off the engine and gets out of the truck.
Jonathan: Well, we're at the Talon, Clark. I thought maybe you and I could get an update. I'll be right back, son.
Jonathan goes into the Talon. Clark hears the driver side door of the truck open and close.
Clark: [Thinking he's speaking to Jonathan.] That was fast.
Lana: Your dad told me you were out here.
Clark: [Surprised.] Lana.
Lana: I thought you might want some company. [Clark doesn't respond.] But if you don't ...
Lana starts to get out of the truck.
Clark: No, please stay. [Lana stops.] About this morning ...
Lana: It's okay, Clark, you were upset.
Clark: No. It's not okay. All I've managed to do lately is push people away, and the truth is, Lana, I miss having you in my life. But I understand why you don't want me around.
Lana: I-I was hurt and scared, Clark. I overreacted.
Clark: The way I've been treating you, I'm surprised you didn't bolt sooner.
Lana: I know you've had your reasons for pulling away.
Clark: Maybe those reasons are gone.
Lana: [Pause.] What are you saying?
Clark: What I'm saying is my life is different now. And one thing I've realized is I don't want to be alone.
Lana: Clark, you ... you're not alone.
Clark reaches out and places his hand on top of Lana's, holding it softly. Lana pulls her hand away. She has tears in here eyes.
Lana: [Almost a whisper.] I should get back inside.
Clark hears a metal clanging approaching.
Clark: Lana, wh-what is that?
Nathan drives past them in his tow truck.
Lana: What, the tow truck?
Clark gets out of the truck and walks to the front of it, feeling his way along the hood. Lana gets out too.
Clark: It's the same sound as when Pete ...
Lana: Pete? Clark, what's going on?
Clark: Lana, this is very important. Go get my dad.
Lana runs inside the Talon. Clark walks out into the street as the tow truck drives by slowly. Unnoticed by Nathan, Clark climbs onto the back of the truck and is carried away.
Cut to the tow truck driving into an alley and stopping outside what appears to be an old service station. Clark jumps off the truck before it comes to a complete stop.
Inside the service station, Pete is tied to a chair with a square of tape covering his mouth. Nathan parks the tow truck and gets out just as Pete succeeds in opening his mouth wide enough to get the tape to peel off. Clark is outside the service station when he hears Pete scream.
Pete: Help!
Clark: Pete?
Pete: Can anybody hear me?
Clark: Pete!
Pete: Clark! Clark, help! Clark, help!
Nathan enters the room.
Nathan: Shut up!
Nathan punches Pete across the face, knocking him unconscious. Clark kicks open the door and feels his way into the room.
Clark: Pete? Pete, where are you?
Clark reaches out, touching everything he can, but doesn't find Pete. Nathan is suddenly standing right behind him, holding a blow torch. He lights the torch and Clark immediately turns at the sound. Nathan knocks Clark's sunglasses off of his face and waves the blow torch in front of Clark's face, sh**ting the flame straight into his eyes.
Clark: Aah! Ah!
Clark grabs his eyes, backing away.
Nathan: How's that, blind man?
Clark: Aah!
Nathan turns off the blow torch and drops it. Then he grabs Pete by the jacket, pulling him to his feet and out of the room.
Nathan: Come on! Come on!
Clark: [Still covering his eyes.] Pete! Pete!
Clark removes his hands from his face and looks around. The darkness that he sees gives way to a soft green light, then gets brighter as his sight begins return and the room comes into focus.
Fade to black.
sh*t of the mailbox outside Kent Farm. Day. Inside, Clark looks at an apple he is holding in his hand. His vision is still slightly blurry and doubled. Martha and Jonathan stand in front of him.
Jonathan: Any more improvement?
Clark: There's a little. But everything's still a blur. At least I won't be walking through any walls.
Martha: Uh, what about your other abilities?
Clark: The X-ray vision and the heat vision ... they're still gone.
Jonathan: Well, the heat from the torch must've broken up the scar tissue. Maybe the rest will just take time to heal.
Clark puts his sunglasses back on.
Clark: Pete's still out there.
Jonathan: Clark, Pete could be anywhere. Besides, you already told Sheriff Adams everything you know.
Clark: Well, I can't just sit here.
Jonathan hesitates, looking at Martha.
Jonathan: Okay. But before we do anything else, there's one stop we have to make.
Cut to Jonathan and Martha stepping out of an office at the Smallville Medical Center. They wait for Clark to follow them.
Martha: Clark, come on out.
Clark comes out of the office reluctantly. He is wearing a pair of prescription glasses.
Martha: Sweetie, they look fine.
Clark: Yeah?
Martha: Yes.
Jonathan: Yeah. Now, what is your plan? How are you gonna find Pete?
Clark: The Masterson hearing is in an hour. We know he's trying to set up an exchange. If Mrs. Ross lets him go, I'll follow him.
Jonathan: Son, that is such a long sh*t.
Clark: It's all I've got.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. The night is illuminated by the lights coming from all the different office buildings. Lionel is in his office at LuthorCorp. Chloe enters, escorted by an assistant.
Lionel: [On the phone.] Was there any result with the change? Hmm.
The assistant brings Chloe to the center of the room, then leaves. The door closes. Lionel continues to talk on the phone, as if not noticing Chloe's presence.
Lionel: Uh, all right. Do it again. [Laughs.] How long will that take? All right. Call me when you're done.
Lionel disconnects the call, still not acknowledging Chloe.
Chloe: I guess this is the part where I'm supposed to cough suggestively? You know, I don't have any new information on Clark.
Lionel glances at Chloe, taking his mug from the coffee table.
Chloe: And even if I did, I would have happily e-mailed it to you sans three-hour drive.
Lionel pours a cup of coffee.
Lionel: Would that have been before or after you spoke to Lex?
Chloe: What are you talking about?
Lionel: You know, Miss Sullivan, these coy evasions may work when your wheedling information out of a high school librarian, but up here, you're out of your league.
Lionel sits on the couch.
Chloe: Mr. Luthor, what's this about?
Lionel: We had what I assumed was a private conversation, but imagine my surprise to have Lex throw my very own words right back in my face. You led me to believe, Miss Sullivan, that, uh, you were no longer in communication with Lex.
Chloe: Well, I'm not. But thank you for the wildly offensive insinuation. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm on a deadline.
Chloe starts to leave.
Lionel: Not anymore. Your column at the Daily Planet's been cancelled.
Chloe: [Stopping in her tracks.] What?
Lionel looks Chloe in the eye for a moment.
Lionel: All right, all right. Here's the deal. You tell me everything you fed to Lex, I'll let things stand.
Chloe: I told you I'm not Lex's source. And while I'm sure you could k*ll my column, this is not the only piece I'm working on for the Daily Planet. I know I could interest them in a story about an eccentric billionaire with an obsessive interest in a Kansas farm boy.
Lionel looks up at Chloe from his seat at the couch dangerously.
Lionel: [Quietly.] You thr*at me?
Chloe swallows. Lionel stands and comes closer to her.
Lionel: I'd be careful, Miss Sullivan. Very careful.
Lionel walks past Chloe to the desk.
Chloe: I'll be whatever I want. Apparently, I don't work for you anymore.
Chloe turns and walks out of the office. When she gets outside the double doors, she stops and takes a nervous breath, wiping a hand across her brow.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville courthouse. Day. Inside, Abby Ross is in her judge uniform, walking down the hall on her way to the courtroom. Sheriff Adams is at her side.
Adams: Judge, I've got people fanning out from that garage trying to find your son, but we are running out of time.
Abby stops walking and turns to Adams.
Abby: I know. Releasing Masterson goes against everything that I believe in. But if I don't, it could mean Pete's life.
Abby looks across the hall at Masterson who is speaking with his lawyer.
Abby: Look at him. He knows he has us over a barrel.
Adams: What are you gonna do?
Abby: Until the hearing starts, pray.
Abby touches Adams' arm and they continue walking through the hall. We see Clark standing in the background, obviously having heard their conversation. He looks at Masterson who is finishing his conversation with his lawyer, and the lawyer walks away. Masterson pulls out his cell phone and dials a number. Clark focuses his super hearing to hear who Masterson is talking to. Nathan is at the other end of the line.
Nathan: Hello?
Masterson: Nathan.
Nathan: Talk to me.
Masterson: Everything's set. If this judge is smart, I'll be out of here in 20 minutes.
Clark's eardrum rattles as Nathan's voice echoes through his ear canal.
Nathan: Cool. Then it worked? So what do you want me to do next?
Masterson: As soon as I'm out, get rid of the Ross kid. Then we'll meet as planned in Metropolis.
Nathan: Done. Ross will be a pile of junk in a minute.
Clark stays long enough to see Masterson turn of his cell phone, then super speeds out of the courthouse.
Cut to the car garage. Nathan is standing over an old, battered car looking down at Pete who is lying half-conscious in the trunk. Nathan slams the trunk closed and steps away from the car. Clark super speeds to the garage and sees a sign that says "Auto Wrecking."
Nathan flips a switch on the wall that turns on a motor above the platform the car sits on. The compactor above the car begins to lower, on its way to crushing the car with Pete inside. Nathan walks away from the press and Clark enters the maze of old cars parked in the field, looking around.
Clark: Pete!
He keeps looking until he sees Nathan. He jogs to Nathan's side, not recognizing him.
Clark: Hey, you work here?
Nathan: What the hell? What are you doing here, blind man?!
Clark grabs Nathan by the jacket.
Clark: Where's Pete?
Nathan: In a minute, neither one of you will care.
The compactor is now touching the roof of the car and beginning to crush it. Nathan utters the piercing noise from his throat and Clark lets him go, backing away and holding his ears. He backs into a large pile of cars and rips his glasses away from his eyes, covering his face. The pile of cars behind him starts to tilt and Clark super speeds out of the way, leaving Nathan.
Nathan: Aaah!
Nathan is crushed under the falling cars.
Pete: Help me! Can anybody hear me? Help me! Help!
Clark takes a moment to figure out where Pete's voice is coming from, then sees the car compactor. The car's windows shatter under the pressure and Clark super speeds to the platform, climbs onto it, and holds his hands against the ceiling, stopping it from lowering anymore. Eventually, the engine shorts out and the compactor stops. Clark opens the trunk of the car.
Clark: Pete! Pete, are you okay?
Pete: [Smiling.] Clark.
Pete looks up at Clark for a moment, then drops his head in relief.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Pete is seated at the bar surrounded by three attractive young women and a young man, all listening to him with awe.
Pete: And that's the way I pulled myself out of the compactor and got away.
Girl: Oh, my God. That's the bravest thing I've ever heard.
Pete: Well, you know, if I didn't do something fast, I'd be Spam in a can, so ...
Girl #2: Well, I'm glad you're okay. [Kisses Pete on the cheek.] Call me.
Pete: [As the group is walking away.] I will do that.
Clark is standing next to the bar behind Pete, smiling to himself. Clark is still wearing his prescription glasses.
Clark: [Loud enough for Pete to hear.] I have a feeling I'll be hearing this story for a long time.
Pete turns around on his seat, laughing.
Pete: Busted. But, you know, what can I say? Chicks dig a hero.
Clark: Uh-huh.
Pete: Hope you don't mind I'm bending the truth a little bit.
Clark: Pete, look who you're talking to. The master truth-bender. Besides, after everything you've done for me, it's the least I can do.
Clark takes off his glasses and rubs his eyes.
Pete: What's the matter?
Clark: My eyes are just adjusting. I think I need a new prescription.
Chloe walks up to them, dazed. She looks like she has been crying.
Chloe: Hey.
Pete: Hey, Chloe. Hey, I'm ready for my big Torch interview.
Chloe: Sorry, Pete, I'm gonna have to reschedule. [To Clark.] I'm really glad you're feeling better.
Chloe turns to go and Pete grabs her arm.
Pete: Chloe, what's the matter?
Chloe: [Takes a deep breath.] I just lost my Daily Planet column.
Pete: What? Why?
Chloe: They didn't exactly spell it out on the pink slip. And in the "when it rains, it pours" category, my dad just got laid off from his job at LuthorCorp this morning.
Clark: That doesn't make any sense. Your father's worked there for years.
Chloe: If you want answers, ask Lex. He's the one that dropped the ax.
Clark is confused.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Clark is sitting on the couch in the study waiting. Lex enters and Clark stands up.
Lex: Clark. I heard about your miraculous recovery.
Clark: I just found out that you fired Chloe's father today.
Lex: Yeah, well, uh, apparently his performance was seriously lacking.
Lex walks past Clark to the desk, and Clark follows.
Clark: Chloe's father has worked for the company for years. This could ruin her family.
Lex: [Turning back to face Clark.] Clark, my father suspects Mr. Sullivan was the one spreading malicious rumors about me. I assumed Chloe overhead the gossip and passed it along to you.
Clark: [Stepping closer.] No, this isn't right.
Lex: It's not about being right. It's about positioning. My father won a battle today.
Clark: And Chloe's father is a casualty.
Lex: True. But the w*r's just starting, and I have the greatest advantage. He thinks I'm weak.
Clark looks away, at a loss for words.
Lex: Frankly, Clark, I thought you'd be relieved.
Clark: Why would you think that?
Lex: [Coldly.] Because at least this way, I was able to keep you out of it.
Clark is startled by this.
Outside sh*t of the cows grazing in the Kent field. Day. Clark is in the loft. He takes off his glasses and squints into the mirror, then puts them back on. He blinks a few times and takes the glasses off again. In the mirror, he sees Lana come up the stairs behind him.
Lana: Looks like you're back to normal.
Clark turns around toward her.
Clark: Hey, Lana. Um, I'm glad you're here. [He steps closer.] I wanted to talk to you about what happened yesterday in the truck.
Lana: Right, I, uh, wanted to talk to you about that too.
Clark: I was way out of line. I was feeling vulnerable, but I don't expect ...
Lana: Clark, um ... The reason I pulled away is that I ... I met someone at the hospital.
Clark: Oh.
Lana: And I'm not sure how I feel about him.
Clark: [Pause. He is shaken.] Well, I mean, the fact you're telling me about him means you already know.
Lana: [Quietly.] Maybe you're right. But if, um, if you and I are going to be friends, I-I didn't want you to find out from somebody else.
Clark: [Nodding, sad.] Yeah. Yeah.
Lana: Well, uh, I should get back to the Talon.
Lana turns and starts walking down the stairs.
Clark: Hey, Lana?
Lana stops and turns around.
Clark: Thanks for being honest.
Lana: [Nods.] Well, it's the only way our relationship can last, right?
Clark smiles softly. Lana smiles back and continues to walk down the stairs, her face tight. She exits the barn and as she gets into her car outside, a tear runs down her cheek. She starts the car and drives away.
In the loft, Clark focuses his super hearing and he hears Lana sobbing quietly. He stares at the floor sadly.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x10 - Whisper"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on January 28th, 2004
The city of Metropolis viewed from above. Night. A helicopter zooms past and the sh*t starts to lower, soaring by the whirling globe on top of the Daily Planet tower, then down the side of the building. We fly in through one of the windows into a large busy office full of journalists typing, talking on the phone, and looking at files.
We stop at a desk that has a coffee mug that says "Go Crows" next to a name plate that says "Chloe Sullivan, Columnist." Chloe is at her desk, packing up her things. She picks up the name plate and takes a moment to look at it sadly, then puts it in a box with the rest of her things. She slings her purse over her shoulder, picks up the box, and starts to leave.
Max Taylor appears in the doorway of his office and leans against the doorframe.
Max: Not even a goodbye?
Chloe turns to face him, sighing in reply.
Max: Come on in.
Max steps out of the way and motions for Chloe to enter his office. She comes in.
Chloe: Blacklisted before I even graduate. That's got to be a record.
Chloe puts her box down on Max's desk.
Max: I don't know who you ticked off around here, but you sure ruffled some feathers.
Chloe: I have enemies in high places.
Max: [Walking behind his desk.] Well, we're going to miss you.
Chloe: [Smiling.] Yeah, right. You're just gonna miss the free proofreader.
Max's secretary Maureen enters.
Maureen: Max, your wife's called three times about dinner.
Max: All right, tell her I'm on my way.
Maureen leaves.
Max: [To Chloe.] Seriously, if there's anything I can ever do...
Chloe: [Pulls a computer disk out of her pocket.] Actually, um, it's just a few stories I've been working on. I would love for you to take a look at them.
Max: Chloe, I couldn't print your name in the classifieds right now without catching hell.
Chloe: Well, what about a pseudonym? [Chloe leans over to write a name on a piece of paper.] She's my cousin. She won't mind at all. She's not interested in journalism.
Chloe hands Max the paper. He reads the name.
Max: Lois Lane.
Cut to a LuthorCorp screensaver on a computer screen. The computer is in a dark office full of electronic equipment and other computers, the technical department of LuthorCorp. Lex enters, looking for the technical assistant. He finds nobody at the desk and turns to go, coming face to face with an attractive young woman, Molly Griggs, grinning at him a little slyly.
Lex: [Slightly startled.] I was looking for the, uh, on-call tech guy.
Molly: Well, you found her.
Lex: You ... you work in the tech department?
Molly: Would you rather have a Play Station addicted dork wearing a "Star Wars" T-shirt?
Lex smiles apologetically. Molly laughs and offers her hand.
Molly: Molly.
Lex: Lex. [They shake hands.]
Molly: So what's the crisis, Lex?
Lex: Well, I'm trying to finish a presentation, my program keeps crashing, and I don't have the time to deal with it.
Molly: Probably a virus.
Lex: I would assume so.
Molly smiles flirtatiously and turns her back to Lex and bends over the desk to look through a pile of disks. Lex's eyes lower slightly in the direction of her backside, and Molly raises an eyebrow mischievously, clearly aware that she is being checked out. Lex walks up next to her and leans against the desk.
Lex: You know, I've only been back a few weeks, but I'm surprised I haven't seen you.
Molly: Back from where?
Lex: It's a long story.
Molly: Oh. I.E. none of my business. [She finds the disk she's looking for.] There we go. This should scan for any viruses. [Very flirtatious.] Are you a do-it-yourselfer or do you need me to do it for you?
Lex takes the disk from her.
Lex: I think I can handle it.
Molly smiles. Then she watches Lex as he leaves the office. Once he is gone, she goes back behind the desk and pulls a bundle from a box and places it on the desk. She unrolls the bundle revealing a set of tools, and she puts on her glasses. She goes to work, drilling on a partially dismantled hard drive that sits on the desk. The hard drive is hooked up to a monitor which shows Smallville High's mascot and the name Chloe Sullivan across the bottom of the screen. Molly pulls out the drive's inner disk and the screen goes black. The disk says "Property of Smallville High."
Cut to a sh*t of the Smallville High parking lot after dark. Inside the school, Chloe enters the Torch office. The lights are already on and all the computers are missing. Pete is there.
Pete: Welcome to the Torch. Unplugged.
Chloe: [Shocked.] Pete, what happened to my computers?
Pete: A bunch of deliverymen stopped by this afternoon. LuthorCorp took the computers back.
Chloe: But they were donated.
Pete: [Bitter.] Yeah, well, I guess the Grinch changed his mind. Oh yeah, some girl stopped by. Didn't leave a name.
Chloe: Thanks, Pete.
Chloe puts her purse down on the desk, looking around unhappily.
Cut to Chloe leaving the school. As she is walking through the parking lot to her car, she hears the engine of a vehicle loudly approaching in the street. A truck drives by and makes a sharp turn into the parking lot, squealing its tires on the asphalt. Chloe turns around, startled as the truck heads right for her and stops in front of her.
She stares into the headlights confused and unable to see the driver's face. The truck inches forward thr*at a couple of times, then starts speeding at Chloe again. She runs away, passing a picnic table which the truck plows right through. Chloe runs for her life and the truck keeps speeding after her.
She gets to a Crows van parked next to the school and whimpers as she trips and falls the ground. The truck runs over her, miraculously missing her with its tires, and slams into the side of the van, coming to a halt.
Chloe, still under the truck, raises her head and looks around in fear. She starts to slide out from underneath when the driver opens the door and steps out, his feet touching the ground right in front of Chloe's face. She keeps crawling sideways until she can crane her neck up far enough to see who it is. It's Clark. He looks around, confused, then sees Chloe.
Clark: [As if surprised to see her.] Chloe?
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, Sheriff Adams is giving Clark a Breathalyzer test. The breathalyzer beeps and she takes the straw from Clark's mouth to read the results. Chloe is sitting on an examination table as a doctor checks her for fractures.
Clark: The last thing I remember, I was in the library. I was working on my history paper.
Adams: [Reading the device.] Stone sober. Miss Sullivan, would you care to shed any light on Mr. Kent's version of the incident?
Chloe: What do you mean, the part where I wasn't eating pavement? [The doctor finishes and leaves.] I don't know, um... it just ... it looked like he lost control of his truck.
Adams: [Sighing.] Well, Mr. Kent, your family sure has its way of going through vehicles.
Clark: [Imploring.] Chloe...
Chloe: [To Adams, cutting Clark off.] Is that all you need from Clark?
Adams: [To Clark.] Why don't you go on home? I got a few more questions for our Miss Sullivan.
Clark leaves. He stops in the hallway to look at Chloe through the window. Chloe glances at him warily, then looks away. Clark starts to walk down the hallway and as he goes, he sees Adam and Lana coming out of a room.
Lana: Well, I'm glad you're feeling better, Adam.
Lana sees Clark.
Lana: Clark, are you okay? I just heard about the accident.
Clark: I'm okay. But Chloe's a little scraped up.
Clark and Adam look at each other awkwardly.
Lana: Um, Clark, this is Adam.
Clark: [Offering his hand.] Nice to finally meet you.
Adam hesitates, then shakes Clark's hand.
Adam: So you're Clark. Heard a lot about you.
Clark: Didn't realize there was that much to say. [To Lana.] How'd you get here so quickly?
Lana: I was just upstairs visiting Adam. Physical therapy.
Clark: Isn't that where you two met?
Adam: [Pressing Clark's buttons.] Yeah, I thought I'd see you when you dropped by to visit Lana, but I guess you got busy.
Clark: Looks like we've all been busy.
Lana's PDA beeps from inside her purse. She pulls it out and looks at it.
Lana: [Annoyed.] Ever since Lex gave me this thing, it's like no one can change a coffee filter on their own.
Lana presses buttons on the PDA. Adam looks at Clark challengingly and Clark lowers his eyes. Lana glances at them both, aware of the tension.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lex enters the technical department. There is a man working.
Man: Mr. Luthor.
Lex: Where's Molly?
Man: Uh, Molly?
Lex: Yeah. She was working here last night. She loaned me this. [Holds up the disk.]
Man: Ah, I've been looking for that. We don't have a Molly. I was the one on-call last night. From home.
Lex: She was here unpacking these computer boxes.
Lex points to a box, then notices that it's labeled "Smallville High".
Man: Huh, well, that might explain how all those hard drives got wiped out.
Lex looks at the man who shrugs apologetically.
Lana pours swirls of caramel onto a mountain of whipped cream in a coffee cup at the bar in the Talon. Day. Adam is seated next to her.
Adam: There is a lot going on in that cup.
Lana: Well, it is your first time here, and I'm trying really hard to get the thumbs up.
Adam holds up his thumb in approval, and Lana laughs. She picks up her own cup from the bar and they walk to a table.
Lana: This place has really been a refuge for me.
Adam: Refuge from what?
Lana: Oh, just everything.
Adam: It was interesting meeting Clark.
Lana pauses uncomfortably, then laughs.
Lana: We're just friends.
Adam: Just friends. [They sit at the table.] Well, for friends, you're very uncomfortable around each other.
Lana: Yeah, well, we've got a lot of history.
Adam: Mm. I saw the way he looked at you.
Lana: [Pause.] Clark doesn't know what he wants. Besides, I can't control the way he feels.
Adam: And . . . you?
Lana: Clark will always be a very important part of my life. But whatever there was between us is gone.
Adam nods, accepting.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Day. The truck is parked inside the loft and Clark takes his school books and his laptop from the passenger seat and closes the door unhappily. The front end of the truck is completely smashed. Clark drops his books onto a nearby table as Chloe enters.
Chloe: If you're looking for signs of tampering, I'll save you some time. There's nothing wrong with it. I asked the mechanic.
Clark: There's got to be some explanation.
Chloe: As to why you tried to mow me over? I'm ready and waiting.
Clark: Didn't you tell the sheriff that I lost control of the truck?
Chloe: I was covering for you, Clark. You chased me onto the sidewalk. [Shaken, she starts to cry.] Now, I-I know that you're still upset with me about this whole Lionel thing, but don't you think that manslaughter is a little beyond eye for an eye?
Clark: Chloe, you don't think I tried to hurt you.
Chloe: I don't know. But the way you've been acting lately... I don't know, Clark, I can only apologize so many times!
Clark: I have been having a hard time getting over this. Every time I see you, I can't help picturing you and Lionel talking. You're not the same person you used to be.
Chloe: Kind of like if I moved to Metropolis and became a motorcycle-riding party animal and told you to get out of my life. Kind of like that, right?
Clark doesn't respond, taking Chloe's point.
Chloe: Look, you know what? As much fun as this guilt trip is, I came here to see if you put any more pieces together from last night. What happened after the library?
Clark: I don't even remember leaving the library. The last thing I do remember, I was working on my laptop.
Chloe walks to the table and opens Clark's laptop, turning it on. She types in the command "Search for recent documents." The search pulls up the paper Clark was working on.
Chloe: Well, the computer recovered your paper. That's an interesting take on General Sherman.
Clark looks at the computer screen.
Clark: I didn't even finish my sentence.
Clark pushes another button, taking them to his e-mail box. The e-mail at the top of the list is from the address "[email protected]."
Clark: It says I downloaded an e-mail before the accident. [He clicks on it, and the screen says "EMAIL IS LOCKED".] It won't open.
Chloe: Who's Brainwave?
Molly is seated in front of her home computer. Day. She puts the inner disk from Chloe's hard drive into her computer, then puts another disk into the CD-ROM. She starts typing with a small smile on her face.
Cut to Lana and Adam walking through the hall of Smallville High. There are Crows banners hanging everywhere.
Adam: [Sarcastically.] Remind me again what your school mascot is. [A young man walks by wearing a Crows jacket.] Oh, wait, it's a bird.
Lana: [Laughing.] Okay, it's a small town. We take our school spirit very seriously. Oh, I, um, I forgot my history book. I'll meet you outside?
Adam: Okay.
Adam leaves as Lana walks back to her locker.
Molly continues to type on her computer. She pulls up Chloe's e-mail list and scrolls down to Lana's name, sending Lana a message.
Just then, Lana's PDA beeps. She pulls it out of her purse and turns it on, seeing that she has received a message from Brainwave. She opens it and the screen fills with flashing numbers and letters zooming around. We see the numbers reflecting on her eye, then we travel inside her pupil and along her optic nerve as the electrical impulses travel to her brain. We come back out of her eye which is still reflecting the green code of the e-mail. She blinks once, and the reflection is gone. Her eye suddenly looks cold and dangerous.
Fade to black.
Chloe walks down the hall at Smallville High. Day. She stops next to a bulletin board, looking at it. We are still focused up close on Lana's eye, which looks over at Chloe, then straight forward, determined.
In slow motion, we see Lana's legs slowly approaching Chloe as the PDA drops next to her feet. Chloe turns around.
Chloe: Lana, hey, I've been looking for you.
Without responding, Lana grabs Chloe by the hair and slams her head against the bulletin board. Still holding onto her hair, Lana uses her other hand to grab Chloe's arm and whips her around, throwing her down a nearby flight of stairs. Several students gasp and scream as Chloe rolls down the stairs, stopping on the landing.
Lana stalks down the stairs after her as Chloe gets to her feet, terrified. She is bleeding from her forehead.
Chloe: Lana, what are you doing?
Lana: [Calm, cold.] k*lling Chloe Sullivan.
Lana does a spin kick to Chloe's back, knocking her down the next flight of stairs. Again, Chloe stops at the landing and gets to her feet as Lana follows her down. Lana kicks Chloe in the stomach, and Chloe slams up against the wall behind her. Then she stumbles forward and Lana punches her in the face, causing her to trip down the first few steps of the next flight of stairs and run into the railing. She turns around, leaning against the railing for balance.
Lana grabs onto Chloe's jacket, and Chloe grabs onto Lana, shaking her back and forth, finally starting to fight back. Chloe whips Lana around so that Lana's back is to the stairs and punches Lana hard across the face. Lana flips around in slow motion, then falls down the stairs. There is a group of students at the bottom of the stairs watching and screaming, shocked and confused.
When Lana gets to her feet, Chloe runs down the stairs and rams her shoulder into Lana's stomach, smashing her against the f*re hose case on the wall, breaking the glass. Lana knees Chloe in the stomach, then kicks her in the face, sending Chloe sprawling onto her back on the ground. Lana turns around and grabs a f*re ax from the case. There is a trickle of blood coming from her nose. She swings the ax at Chloe who rolls out of the way, and the onlookers scream as the ax connects with the floor. Chloe stands up and jumps backwards, dodging another swing of the ax, this one aimed at her stomach.
Lana kicks Chloe in the stomach and she slams backwards into the double doors of the girls' locker room. Lana then swings the ax at Chloe's head and Chloe tilts out of the way as the ax lodges in the door. Chloe takes a brief, terrified look at the ax before Lana kicks her in the stomach again, causing the door to open and Chloe to fall backwards into the locker room as Lana pulls the ax out of the door.
The room is full of girls standing at their lockers and changing their clothes who all begin to scream. Still on the floor, Chloe backs away frantically as Lana swings the ax at her, hitting the ground between Chloe's legs. She swings again, and Chloe catches her arms, lying back and kicking Lana in the stomach, sending her flipping over Chloe.
Neither of them let go of the ax, and they both pull on it as they stand up across from each other. Lana tugs on the ax, pulling Chloe to her side, then kicks her in the back. Chloe loses her grip on the ax as she slams into a row of lockers, then immediately ducks as Lana swings the ax at her, missing once again. Chloe straightens up and Lana does a spin kick to Chloe's stomach which sends her backwards into the showers. All the girls in the showers run away, leaving Chloe sitting against the wall as the water pours down on her, soaking her hair and clothes.
Lana pulls the ax out of the locker door and storms toward Chloe, holding the ax above her head. Chloe looks up at her, completely helpless and having nowhere else to run.
Suddenly, a hand grabs onto the ax. Lana turns and sees that it's Adam. Never letting the ax go, Lana does a spin kick to Adam's stomach.
Adam: Aah!
Lana tries to swing the ax at Adam, but he pulls out a high kick of his own, connecting with Lana's shoulder causing her to drop the ax and stumble against the shower wall. Adam picks up the ax and spins around kicking Lana in the stomach, holding his foot there, pinning her to the wall. She grabs his foot and twists it, sending his whole body into a spin and he falls to the ground.
Chloe reaches out with her leg and kicks Lana in the back of the foot, tripping her. Lana falls onto her back, banging her head on the hard floor as blood pours from her nose. She opens her eyes, dazed as Adam and Chloe lean over her.
Lana: [Breathless.] What happened?
Chloe looks at Lana in shock.
Chloe sips a cup of coffee in the Talon. Day. She looks around nervously as she talks to Clark and Adam. Her forehead is bandaged.
Chloe: So we can rule out paranoia. Someone is officially trying to k*ll me.
Clark: Not just someone.
Chloe: Yeah, well, either way, it still doesn't look great for me.
Lana comes to the table with an ice pack.
Lana: Chloe, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I went after you like that.
Lana sits down and starts to put the ice pack against Chloe's forehead. Chloe takes the ice pack from her, avoiding Lana's touch.
Chloe: Yeah. I can't believe you got us suspended. Thankfully, Adam was there. [To Adam.] Those were some really nice moves. What was that, Kung Fu? Judo?
Adam: [Shrugs.] I don't know. I guess I've watched a few too many Jackie Chan movies.
Clark and Lana both look at Adam a little disbelievingly.
Chloe: Well, who would've thought it would come in handy in the treacherous halls of Smallville high?
Clark takes a sip of coffee and a thought occurs to him.
Clark: [To Lana.] Just before this, did you get any weird e-mails?
Lana: Let me check. [She looks at her PDA and sees the e-mail from Brainwave.] I did, but I don't remember opening it.
Clark: It sounds like the same thing happened to both of us. It's like we were being hypnotized.
Adam: It could be a subliminal message.
Chloe: Something could've been hidden in the binary codes.
Lana: [Handing the PDA to Clark.] Well, how did I get snapped out of it?
Chloe: Right now, I'm a little bit more concerned with what triggered the "k*ll Chloe" impulse in the first place.
Clark: [Looking at the PDA.] It's Brainwave again.
They all look at each other nervously.
Cut to Adam typing at the computer behind the bar of the Talon. He has Lana's PDA with him and Clark, Chloe, and Lana watch him work.
Adam: Every computer online has an IP address so we should be able to track the message and the computer that it was sent from.
Clark: [Suspicious.] You can do that?
Adam: We'll see.
Chloe: If this Brainwave person wanted me d*ad so badly, why didn't they just send me a message saying to off myself?
Adam: The brain's hardwired to stay alive. I mean, not even hypnotic messages can override our survival instinct.
Chloe is startled by Adam's knowledge on the subject.
Clark: What, did you just pick that up somewhere?
Adam: I was in physical rehab for months. What else is there to do but read?
Lana looks strangely from Adam to the computer screen. A dialogue box pops up that says "computer registered to Chloe Sullivan, IP address registered to LuthorCorp."
Clark: Chloe, the message came from your computer.
Lana: I thought Lionel took back all of your computers. Why would anyone at LuthorCorp want to att*ck you?
Chloe and Clark look at each other, worried.
Lex and Clark talk on a sidewalk in Metropolis. Day. Lex buys a newspaper from a Daily Planet dispenser and they start walking side by side.
Lex: Look, I hate to think you wasted a trip to Metropolis, but I seriously doubt my father's trying to k*ll Chloe.
Clark: Why? He was willing to put his own son in a mental institution. [Lex looks at Clark pointedly.] You know what he's capable of.
Lex: Clark, what reason would he have to go after a high school reporter from Smallville?
Clark hesitates, not answering.
Lex: Is there something you're not telling me? Does this have anything to do with the seven weeks of my life that I can't remember?
Clark: All I know is that Lionel asked you to f*re Chloe's dad.
Lex: Look, Clark, that was business. [Lex stops walking and faces Clark.] You know, contrary to common perception, my father isn't behind every nefarious activity in Smallville. Besides, he'd never be that circuitous.
Clark: Those e-mails came from Chloe's computer after it was packed up and shipped to LuthorCorp. Who else would have access?
Lex thinks about it, not responding.
Molly is working at her computer. Day. An elevator opens and Dr. Garner steps out. Molly stands to greet him.
Molly: Dr. Garner. How are things at Summerholt? Is everything okay?
Dr. Garner: No. I wish I could say it was. A reporter from the Daily Planet stopped by today.
Dr. Garner pulls a business card out of his pocket and hands it to Molly.
Dr. Garner: His name was Max Taylor.
Molly: About that horrible article that girl wrote?
Dr. Garner: Unfortunately. I just don't know what I'm gonna do if they shut me down. [Walking to the window in the living room and looking out at the city.] Think about all the people that I've helped. Where will they go?
Molly: That's never going to happen.
Dr. Garner: I don't know. I just can't seem to get them to leave us alone. How can I make them understand, Molly?
Molly: You can't. They'll never understand.
Dr. Garner: I'm just glad I was able to help you so much.
Dr. Garner rubs a gentle finger down Molly's cheek.
Dr. Garner: But if these reporters have their way, other patients may not be so lucky.
Molly gets a determined look in her eyes and goes back into the computer room.
Adam is packing a bag in his hospital room. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: Are you leaving?
Adam: [Laughs.] Paroled. Good behavior.
Lana: So are you heading back to Metropolis?
Adam: I was...sort of thinking about staying in Smallville.
Lana: [Surprised.] Why?
Adam: Ow. That hurt.
Lana: No, no. I just meant, you know, after what I did at the school. Smallville just doesn't seem like the type of place you'd go to if you could...go anywhere.
Adam: Actually, it's about as close to a home as I have. [Comes closer to Lana and holds her face.] I was hoping I could spend a little more time with a certain coffee shop owner who just happens to have the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.
Lana: [Lowering her face.] Adam, we don't really know each other.
Adam: Wasn't that the point of me staying? What's the problem? Hmm?
Lana turns around and walks away slowly, then stops.
Lana: No one knows martial arts without remembering where they learned it. Chloe can't even hack a computer like you can, and if you got it all from reading, then where are the books?
Adam: Wow. Clark, must've really messed with your head.
Lana: Yeah, he did. And I'm not gonna let that happen again.
Adam: [Losing patience.] Look, Lana I like you, and I've told you that. But whatever your problems are, I'm not gonna stick around to be one of them. [Lana can't respond.] I think you should go.
Lana looks hurt, then leaves Adam's hospital room. She stops when she gets to the lobby and looks back sadly.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Night. Chloe enters the Torch office and doesn't see Clark working behind her.
Clark: Chloe.
Chloe gasps as she turns around, startled.
Chloe: Clark, don't sneak up on me like that!
Clark: Look, I talked to Lex and they found your old computer at LuthorCorp, but the hard drive is gone.
Chloe: [Groans.] Including all of my e-mail addresses.
Clark: Well, we think this is who took it.
Clark shows Chloe a surveillance picture of Molly.
Clark: She may be working for Lionel. Her name's Molly ...
Chloe: Griggs, yeah, I know. And for once the connection isn't Lionel. I interviewed her for a story I did about a month ago.
Clark: About what?
Chloe: Summerholt Neurological Institute.
Chloe goes to her drawer and pulls out a file.
Clark: Summerholt? Isn't that where Ryan used to be?
Chloe: Yeah, to study his ESP. That's why I started looking into the place. Apparently he isn't the only patient Dr. Garner held against their will.
Chloe hands Clark the file.
Clark: Well, his methods are right out of the Mengele handbook. Why was Molly there?
Chloe: Uh, MIT recruited her at 15. She was a total engineer whiz kid until she went homicidal on another student. After her breakdown, they sent her to Summerholt.
Clark: Yeah, but Summerholt isn't exactly a psych ward.
Chloe: For megalo-brainiacs it is.
Clark: Why would she want to k*ll you?
Chloe: Well, when I talked to her, she was pretty adamant that Dr. Garner had given her a new life. I had enough amm*nit*on in that article to shut him down in a second.
Clark: [Urgently.] Chloe, who else knows about this article?
Chloe: Max.
Cut to Max Taylor talking to Chloe on the phone in his office at the Daily Planet.
Max: Chloe, I've been looking at your Summerholt story. I think you've got something here. [Pause.] Wait, slow down, thr*at are a part of the job. But I appreciate the heads up. You'll get used to it.
Max's secretary Maureen enters the office, takes a pencil out of a stack, and sharpens it in the electric sharpener. Then she looks at the tip of the pencil, making sure it's sharp enough. Max puts his hand over the phone and looks at Maureen over his shoulder.
Max: You need something, Maureen?
Chloe, talking to Max from the Torch, waits on her end of the line.
All we see is Maureen's face as she makes a violent thrusting motion. Chloe hears a thump.
Chloe: Max?
Max's arm falls limp to his side and the receiver hangs from its cord next to his chair.
Chloe: Max?
Chloe hears Maureen begin to scream chillingly.
Maureen: Aah!
Chloe: Max?
Maureen: Aah! Max! Help! Aaah! Max!
Maureen continues to scream and cry. The sh*t widens and we see Max with his head down on his desk, the pencil sticking out of his ear as blood drips down his face. He is d*ad.
Fade to black.
Lex, Chloe, and Clark enter Lex's study. Day.
Clark: Thanks for letting Chloe stay here, Lex.
Lex: Whatever I have to do to help.
Lex goes to the bar and pours a drink.
Chloe: Yeah, this is the last place anybody would look for me.
Lex: Chloe, I'm sorry about what happened to your friend at the Daily Planet. You must've really had Garner over a barrel.
Chloe: Yeah, well, I obviously didn't know what I was getting myself into. Just seems to be a nasty habit that I've picked up lately.
Lex sits at his desk.
Lex: So your theory is that Garner has turned Molly into his own e-mail assassin, using hypnotic suggestion?
Clark: It's not that far of a stretch. Summerholt goes from studying the brain to controlling it.
Lex: It's a pretty amazing breakthrough if you don't consider the application.
Chloe: [Suddenly intense.] Well, there's no question. When it comes to brain warping, Dr. Garner is definitely the guy.
Lex looks at Chloe thoughtfully.
Clark: I'm gonna go talk to Garner.
Clark starts to leave, but Chloe grabs his arm.
Chloe: No, no, Clark, don't, please. It's too dangerous.
Clark: I'm not the one he's looking for. It'll be all right. Just don't leave the mansion. I'll call you if I find anything.
Clark leaves and Lex gets up from his desk.
Lex: Chloe, I have my tech guys trying track her. I'm gonna go see what they've got. Make yourself at home.
Chloe nods and Lex leaves. She watches him go with tears in her eyes.
Outside sh*t of Summerholt. Day. Clark comes in through the front door into the large foyer. Dr. Garner is on his way out.
Clark: Clark Kent.
Dr. Garner: Here to abduct another one of my patients? I think you'll find security significantly increased since your last visit.
Clark: I know what you and Molly are doing.
Dr. Garner: [Trying to place the name.] Molly... Griggs? She left us months ago.
Clark: She's sending out hypnotic e-mails. It's not the kind of technology you pick up at Radio Shack.
Dr. Garner: Nor Summerholt if that's what you're implying.
Dr. Garner starts to leave and Clark grabs his arm.
Clark: Molly's already k*lled one reporter who was about to expose everything you're doing here, and she's going after another. That's quite a coincidence.
Dr. Garner: Mr. Kent, this is a serious research institute. I'm not going to involve Summerholt in some imaginary high school investigation.
Clark: [Stepping forward thr*at.] I don't think the police are going to see it that way.
Two security guards walk up.
Guard: Dr. Garner?
Dr. Garner: Cornell, could you show our friend to the door?
Cornell puts a hand on Clark's shoulder and escorts him out the front door. Clark looks back long enough to see Dr. Garner take out his cell phone and dial a number. Cornell keeps pushing him until he is outside. Clark stays outside and looks in through the glass as Dr. Garner turns a corner down a hallway inside.
Clark focuses his super hearing on Dr. Garner's phone call. We fly inside Clark's ear and see his ear drum rattling at the sound of a phone ringing, then back out of his ear and down the hall of Summerholt until all we can see are Dr. Garner's lips. A man picks up the phone.
Man: Centennial Tower Apartments. How may I direct your call?
Dr. Garner: Apartment 927, please.
Another ring and then Molly picks up.
Molly: Hello?
Dr. Garner: Molly, something else has come up.
Hearing all he needs to, Clark walks away.
Lana is bussing tables at the Talon. Day. Adam enters.
Adam: Library. [Lana looks at him, confused.] That's where you'll find all the books I was reading.
Lana: I thought you'd be on your way to Metropolis by now.
She starts walking to the bar and Adam follows her.
Adam: I was, but I didn't want to leave things the way we did. I can be a little abrupt.
Lana puts her tray down on the bar.
Lana: That's one way of putting it.
Adam groans, frustrated.
Adam: You're driving me nuts! I can see how strong you are, and then for some stupid reason, you retreat into this hurt little girl facade. It's ridiculous.
Lana: This is your way of ending things on better terms?
Adam: People here don't say what they think. I wasn't trying to hide anything from you.
Lana: Then why are you so guarded?
Adam: You have to understand, there are patches of my life that I just can't piece back together.
Lana: [Understanding.] And everyone that could answer those questions is gone.
Adam: It's kind of scary. Smallville just seemed a little less terrifying than going to Metropolis on my own.
Lana lowers her eyes, then looks back up at Adam smiling.
Lana: Crazy ninja girls and all?
They both laugh.
Adam: Crazy ninja girls and all. I guess I just was moving a little too fast, so I'm sorry if I read something in our friendship that wasn't there.
Lana: I think it was a little too early to tell what was there.
Adam: Yeah.
They smile at each other warmly for a moment.
Adam: I'm gonna miss my bus.
Adam gets his bag and starts to leave. He turns back.
Adam: Lana, I ... I really hope you find a way to trust people again. Because you're a really amazing person, and it'd be a shame not to let someone get close enough to see that.
Adam smiles and starts to leave again. Looking agitated, Lana can't keep from saying something.
Lana: Adam, wait. [She walks to him.] Were you serious about staying?
Adam smiles at Lana, and she looks into his eyes hopefully.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. In her apartment, Molly brings a tray with a coffee pot and two mugs into the living room where Lex is seated.
Lex: I'm starting to get a complex. It seems all the women I find even remotely appealing turn out to be psychopaths.
Molly laughs softly, setting the tray down on the coffee table and sitting in front of Lex.
Molly: Birds of a feather.
Lex: [Leaning forward and touching Molly's chin.] What did Garner do to you? Hmm?
Molly turns her head away. The elevator door opens and Clark enters the apartment. Molly stands up.
Clark: [Shocked.] Lex, what are you doing here?
Lex: My tech guy traced her.
Molly: [To Clark.] And you would be?
Clark sees the computer on the desk and points to it.
Clark: Is this what you're using to hurt my friends?
Clark walks to the desk and Molly blocks his way.
Molly: Get away from that!
Clark: Molly, you don't have to protect Garner. We know he's controlling you.
Molly: Look, there's only one person with that ability, and you're looking at her, now get away from the computer!
Lex: You looking for this, Clark?
Lex holds up a disk.
Molly: How'd you get that?
Lex: Birds of a feather. [Lex stands up.] It wasn't Garner. You're the one who developed the program, huh? [Molly grabs for the disk, but Lex keeps it from her.] I pulled it from your disk drive.
Molly: You don't understand. You don't know what it's like to be so different, to see things other kids can't see, to feel and to think about things they can't even imagine.
Clark takes the disk from Lex and holds it in front of Molly's face.
Clark: Molly, Garner's not helping you.
Molly: He made me feel normal, and I never thought that could happen.
Lex looks at the computer screen.
Molly: Now, if someone gave you that chance, wouldn't you protect them, too?
Clark doesn't answer.
Lex: Clark, she sent an e-mail right before we got here. You recognize the address?
Clark looks at the address on the computer screen. CNH320(a)instamail.org.
Clark: Mom!
Chloe enters Clark's loft. Night. Martha is standing next to a table.
Chloe: Mrs. Kent? Mrs. Kent, I got your call.
Martha turns around smiling.
Chloe: What did Clark find out?
Martha grabs a sickle from the wall and walks toward Chloe thr*at. Chloe starts to back away and runs into Jonathan who grabs her and pushes her against a support beam, wrapping a chain around her neck to hold her still. Chloe whimpers and struggles against the chain as Martha inches forward with the sickle raised above her head.
Fade to black.
Chloe, Martha, and Jonathan in the loft. Night. Jonathan pulls the chain tighter around Chloe's neck.
Chloe: Aah!
Martha continues to come toward Chloe slowly with the sickle. Then Chloe kicks Martha in the face, causing her to drop the sickle and fall to the floor. Clark super speeds into the loft and pushes Jonathan away from Chloe who falls to the floor gasping.
Clark: Chloe. [Kneels at her side.] You all right?
Chloe nods. Jonathan pulls a piece of kryptonite from his pocket, smiling sadistically. He stands up and comes toward Clark.
Chloe: Clark!
Jonathan punches Clark across the face with the rock and Clark falls down. Chloe stands up as Jonathan leans over Clark and punches him repeatedly. Chloe looks around for some way to help and notices stacks of hay bales on the upper floor of the loft. She runs to the wall and pulls a lever, causing the railing to fall away and the hay bales come crashing down on top of Clark and Jonathan. The kryptonite rolls away and its green glow goes out. Clark throws a bale of hay off of himself and Chloe sighs, relieved that he's all right.
Clark: Mom.
Martha is getting up from the ground. Clark throws another bale of hay off of Jonathan and goes to his mother.
Martha: What happened?
Clark: You okay?
Martha looks at Clark in confusion and Jonathan sits up, coughing. Clark looks at Chloe who is still shaken.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Lana leads Adam up the stairs at the side of the main room. She stops when she gets to the top and turns back to him.
Lana: Okay, just keep an open mind.
Adam nods and gestures for Lana to keep going. She turns to the door and unlocks it. She enters, followed by Adam, and turns on a light revealing a dusty crowded storage room filled with boxes, furniture, and an old movie reel. Dusty sunlight filters in through the windows.
Lana: So? What do you think?
Adam: I think...Norman Bates would be right at home here.
Lana: Not exactly the tenant I had in mind.
Adam: Is that an offer?
Lana: If we clear out all this junk and paint, it could be a really cool space. I negotiated a good deal on the rent with the owner.
Lana turns on another lamp next to a stained glass window and Adam looks around.
Adam: Well, I guess an upside would be I wouldn't need an alarm clock. [Lana doesn't understand.] The smell of fresh coffee would wake me up in the morning.
Lana: Yeah, unless you're making it. If you stick around long enough, I might just put you to work.
Adam smiles, then steps closer to Lana.
Adam: I appreciate you doing this for me, but I don't want you to do it because you feel sorry for me.
Lana: No. No, that's not what this is about. Trust me. I'm just trying to help out a friend.
Adam looks at her warily for a moment, then smiles a nods.
Chloe is in the Torch office. Day. She is powering up a new set of computers as Clark enters.
Clark: New computers?
Chloe: The same old computers. New Luthor. Lex returned them to me, no strings attached. Uh, I guess he felt guilty about f*ring my dad.
Clark: Well, at least you're up and running.
Chloe: Sans cyber stalker. [Laughs.]
Clark: Your soul is still intact.
Chloe: Yeah. [Long pause. She studies Clark.] You know, all this stuff with Molly...there's just ... there's a part of me that feels like maybe I deserve it.
Clark: No, Chloe...
Chloe: No, like it was my penance, you know, for what I did to you.
Chloe sits on the desk. Clark takes a breath and puts down his backpack, sitting on the other desk across from Chloe.
Clark: You can't take all the blame. You went to Lionel because I pushed you away. It seems to be one of my hidden talents lately.
Chloe: [Laughing.] It's not so hidden. [Clark smiles sheepishly.] You know, I never set out to investigate you, Clark. It just ... it was so flattering that someone like that would be interested in my work.
Clark: It made you feel like you mattered.
Chloe: Yeah. And then Lionel, like, set my dream out right in front of me, and I just... [She starts to cry.] I don't know, I gave in to all my worst instincts.
Clark: No, Chloe, he caught you at a weak moment, and we all have them. [Chloe nods.] When you found me at mine in Metropolis, you didn't turn your back on me. You gave me a second chance, and I at least owe you the same.
Chloe: [Smiling, grateful.] I'd like that. [She wipes her eyes.] So what do we do now? I mean, we can't just forget about everything that's happened.
Clark thinks for a moment, then stands up to come sit next to Chloe.
Clark: Well, you have to understand that there are some things about me that'll never add up.
Chloe: [Laughs.] I know that.
Clark: Are you willing to stop digging?
Chloe: [Pause. She takes a breath.] Yeah. I mean, I figure you'll just tell me when you think it's right.
Clark smiles.
Clark: I'll see you tomorrow.
Chloe: Okay.
Chloe watches Clark hopefully as he leaves.
Lex is leaning against his car next to a fountain outside Summerholt Neurological Institute. Night. Dr. Garner comes out of the building.
Dr. Garner: Mr. Luthor. I should've known when young Clark stopped by that you wouldn't be far behind.
Lex: Any more attempts on Chloe Sullivan's life would be...ill-advised.
Dr. Garner: Molly seems to have vanished into thin air. I don't suppose you'd know anything about that.
Lex: Molly's in the care of people who should be able to help her, not exploit her.
Dr. Garner: Lex, you're a smart man. You know that the line has to be bent now and then to make progress.
Garner starts to walk away and stops when Lex speaks.
Lex: I believe there's a difference between bent and broken.
Dr. Garner: You've never been so close to making a discovery that you'd be willing to do almost anything to see it through? My work could change that the world views intelligence. Thought.
Lex: I don't think your research is worth the cost of innocent lives.
Dr. Garner: And I don't think I have time for a morality lesson. Excuse me.
Garner starts to walk away again.
Lex: Chloe's article is a real page-turner. [Lex pulls a disk out of his pocket as Garner stops walking.] Almost worth k*lling over.
Garner turns around.
Lex: Wouldn't you say, Doctor?
Dr. Garner: What do you want, Lex?
Lex: Your help. [Lex walks closer to Garner until they are standing face to face.] Two months ago I had an unfortunate session of shock therapy that basically erased seven weeks of my life.
Garner watches Lex silently, waiting.
Lex: I want those seven weeks back.
The light reflected off the water in the fountain flickers eerily across Lex's face as he stares deeply into Dr. Garner's eyes.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x11 - Deleted"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 4th, 2004
A young man, Jordan Cross, is in his sweat suit, running on a trail in the woods. Day. The morning sun shines through the trees in several places. Jordan eventually catches up with a group of students from Smallville High who are also running for gym class. Lana and Pete are at the head of the group, and they watch Jordan as he catches up with them, then runs past them.
Led by Jordan, the group comes off the wooded trail and back onto Smallville High school grounds. They cross first the track, then the football field where the cheerleaders are having practice. Jordan focuses on one cheerleader in particular, Megan Calder, who doesn't notice him as she cheers. He stops once he gets to the other side of the track where the gym teacher, Mr. Altman, is waiting. The group isn't far behind Jordan, who quickly steps out of the way once they get to the track.
Altman: Good run, everybody. Don't forget to stretch it out.
Altman starts to walk away. Lana comes forward.
Lana: Mr. Altman. I, uh, I wanted to come by. If there's anything I can do...
Altman: Well, there's nothing that any of us can do now. [Thoughtful, sad.] She really loved this time of year.
Altman walks away.
Cut to Lana catching her breath and wiping her face next to a table beside the bleachers. The table has a water cooler and plastic cups on it. Jordan comes to get a drink.
Lana: You were really focused out there. Speaking as one of the dozens you passed. [She laughs.] I'm Lana.
Jordan: Jordan Cross. I just started here a couple days ago.
They both reach for a plastic cup and they touch hands. There is a flash of light and suddenly we see an old woman with long gray hair lying in a bed with an old man standing next to her. She looks up at the man, who is holding her hand, and then her eyes close and the man puts her hand down at her side. The woman is wearing Lana's kryptonite necklace. The clear stone shines in Jordan's mind as he looks slowly at Lana, then comes completely back to reality as the cup of water they both reached for spills off the table.
Jordan: Sorry.
Lana: [Unaffected.] No, it's okay. There's a lot more where that came from.
Jordan walks away without saying anything, leaving Lana a little confused. As Jordan gets to the track, Altman walks up to him.
Altman: Hey, nice job out there today. When are you gonna join the ...
Altman places a hand on Jordan's shoulder and there is another bright flash. Then Jordan has a vision of Altman standing in the middle of the road with his eyes closed and his arms outstretched as a car heads straight for him and hits him, sending him rolling up onto the hood. The impact cracks the windshield, and Altman rolls over the top of the car and then down to the ground where he lies still with his eyes open, clearly d*ad. Another flash and we are back in reality.
Altman: ... team?
Jordan pulls away from Altman's touch, touching the side of his head.
Altman: You all right?
Jordan runs away.
Cut to Jordan leaving the front doors of school at the end of the day. Clark comes outside after him.
Clark: Jordan. [Jordan turns around.] The totally overwhelmed look gave you away. I'm Clark.
Clark offers his hand. Jordan doesn't shake it. He puts his hands in his pockets instead as they walk toward the parking lot.
Jordan: Right. The mentor guy. Hi.
Clark: Hey, we were supposed to meet in the gymnasium. They said you bolted. Is everything okay?
Jordan: I'm still trying to get used to all these people. I was home schooled up until now.
Clark: Allow me to be your lifeline. All new students are assigned a mentor, most importantly because they come with map. Let me give you a lay of the land.
Clark pulls a map out of his pocket, but Jordan cuts him off.
Jordan: Would you mind if I check with my dad?
Clark looks out into the parking lot where Jordan's father is getting out of his truck. He waves at Jordan.
Clark: Sure.
Jordan goes to his father and Clark stays where he is.
Mr. Cross: It happened again, didn't it? [Jordan nods.] Jordan, I know how much you want this to work, but I still think it's a mistake.
Jordan looks away, unhappily. Then he notices Mr. Altman walking away from the school just as a car comes speeding around the corner.
Jordan: No. Not today.
Altman notices the car coming closer, and Jordan starts running toward him.
Jordan: Don't be today.
Mr. Cross: Jordan!
Mr. Cross grabs Jordan, stopping him. Altman runs out into the road in front of the oncoming car, closing his eyes and spreading his arms exactly like in Jordan's vision. Clark sees all of this happening and super speeds out into the road, pushing Altman out of the way. They both fall to the ground as the car comes to a screeching halt.
Clark: Mr. Altman, are you okay?
Altman: Why did you stop me? I just, I just want to be with my little girl. [Crying.] My daughter is d*ad, and it is my fault.
Clark looks down at Altman pityingly as Altman continues to sob. Jordan comes running toward them and Clark turns around. Clark and Jordan make eye contact, Clark appearing confused while Jordan is completely stunned.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Lana and her friend Megan from the cheerleading squad walk down the hall together. Lana sees Clark sitting in the lobby.
Lana: Megan, could you go and ask the nurse if Mr. Altman's ready for visitors?
Megan nods and goes into the nearby nurse's station. Clark stands when he sees Lana and Lana walks to him.
Lana: How's Mr. Altman?
Clark: He's pretty heavily sedated. They want to keep him here until they can do a full psych evaluation. I didn't know you and Megan knew Mr. Altman so well.
Lana glances through the window of the nurse's station where Megan is talking to a nurse.
Lana: It's, uh, really through his daughter. We were all on the cheerleading squad together back in junior high. Mr. Altman was never the same after she got hurt.
Clark: I remember she was h*t by a car.
Lana: Yeah, walking home from our end of season party. The doctors said that there was no chance for recovery, but, um... [Sadly.] But Mr. Altman kept hoping for a miracle.
Clark: It sounds like that never came.
Lana: [Almost a whisper.] He took her off life support last month.
Clark: [Stricken.] I wouldn't wish that decision on anyone. [Pause.] It's hard when you blame yourself for everything that happened.
Lana: I'd better go.
Lana walks away and Clark watches her seriously.
Cut to Megan standing over Mr. Altman who is unconscious in his hospital bed. She is crying as she speaks.
Megan: If I could change that night, I would. I don't even remember why Julia and I were fighting.
Lana enters, hearing what Megan is saying.
Lana: Megan, don't do this.
Megan: Julia left that night because she was mad at me. If I had just stopped her...
Lana: [Putting a hand on Megan's shoulder.] I wish I'd gone after her too, but you know, neither of us could have known what was going to happen. You can't keep blaming yourself.
Megan: [Gazing at Mr. Altman.] I should've told him then.
Lana: He's under sedation, Megan. I'm not sure he's even hearing you. Come on. Let's go.
Megan: [To Altman, as she leaves.] I'm so sorry.
Megan leaves the room. Lana follows her, taking one more look back at Mr. Altman as she gets to the door, and then exits. In his hospital bed, Mr. Altman's eyes open and he looks at the doorway coldly. He has heard everything.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Day. Inside, Jordan walks down the stairs in between classes. The hallways are full of students. He weaves through them cautiously, dodging several people on his way down. As he is about to reach the bottom of the stairs, a hand reaches out and touches his shoulder.
There is a bright flash and suddenly Jordan is having a vision. There is a flowing red cape with a distorted hint of a yellow triangular logo on it. The cape flows out of the way and we are hurtling through space at a dizzying speed, through thick clouds and flashes of a bright light until finally the clouds part and a bright light like the sun is shining blindingly in the center of the sh*t.
Jordan comes back to reality and turns around, seeing that Clark is the one who grabbed his shoulder. Clark sees that Jordan is startled.
Clark: Hey, Jordan, it's just me.
Jordan: [Shaken.] Yeah. Hi.
Clark: I just want to apologize for dropping mentor ball yesterday.
Jordan: Mr. Altman's lucky you were there. I just wish my dad hadn't seen it.
Jordan continues down the stairs and Clark follows him.
Clark: Just tell him that Smallville High is rarely that exciting. Trust me, my parents wrote the book on being overprotective. You'll be just fine.
Clark reaches out to pat Jordan on the shoulder and Jordan darts away from Clark's touch.
Clark: You all right?
Jordan: Yeah. I just don't like being touched.
Clark: Fair enough.
A student walks by and accidentally bumps into Jordan. There is a bright flash and Jordan grabs his head. A young woman accidentally bumps into Jordan, causing the same reaction. A third student bumps into him, and he starts becoming out of breath. Clark watches all of this, confused. Jordan realizes Clark is staring and holds his notebook to his chest tightly.
Jordan: What?
Clark: Nothing. You just had that, uh, look yesterday just before Mr. Altman jumped in front of the car. It's almost like you knew he was gonna do something.
Jordan: [Uneasily.] I need some air.
Jordan walks away. Clark takes a few steps forward, watching Jordan go with interest.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside, Lana is putting chairs onto the tables as the other two employees leave for the night.
Lana: Good night.
Girl: Bye, Lana.
Girl #2: Bye.
The girls leave and Lana starts walking to the bar. She stops when she hears a muffled male scream and a thud. She listens carefully and the screams get louder. She looks up the stairs at the door to the room she rented to Adam. The thudding continues and she runs up the stairs, stopping outside the door to listen. Adam screams again and she goes inside.
Adam: Aaah! It hurts! Burns!
Lana finds Adam thrashing around on his bed. He is having a nightmare. Lana comes to his side.
Lana: Adam, are you all right?
Adam's arms are flailing, and he knocks a lamp off his bedside table.
Adam: Aah!
Lana: Adam, wake up!
Adam: Aah!
Adam accidentally kicks Lana hard in the stomach, sending her knocking into the wall and falling to the floor. Adam sits up in bed with a jolt, finally waking up. He is out of breath and his face and bare chest shine with sweat. He notices Lana on the floor as she gets up slowly.
Adam: Lana. What happened? You okay?
Lana: [Out of breath, holding her stomach.] I'm fine. You were having a king-sized nightmare.
Adam: I guess.
Adam gets out of the bed and goes to the sink to splash water on his face.
Lana: Do you want to talk about it?
Adam: To be honest, no, not really.
They look at each other intensely for a moment as Adam is still struggling to catch his breath.
Adam: I'll put some clothes on, clean up this mess.
He walks away, leaving Lana stunned.
Clark is printing an article in the Torch. Day. Pete and Chloe enter smiling.
Pete: Clark, we've been looking all over for you. [To Chloe.] Look who gets to do the honors.
Clark: What's going on?
Chloe: You ready to hear the latest news about Lana's houseguest?
Clark: Actually, no.
Pete: "No" as in you're not interested?
Clark: No. "No" as in it's none of my business. Lana and I finally reset our relationship to the friendship level. I'm not gonna blow it by getting between her and Adam.
Pete: [To Chloe.] Wow. Clark's taking one for the team.
Clark: From now on, consider me an Adam-free zone.
Chloe: Okay, now that we can scratch gossip off the discussion list, what's next on the agenda?
Clark leans over the desk, ready to discuss his own topic.
Clark: What have you guys heard about that new kid? Jordan Cross?
Pete: You mean Mr. "Pathologically Afraid of Human Contact"?
Clark: I guess he made quite a first impression. Look, this is gonna sound crazy, but I think he had a premonition about Mr. Altman.
Chloe: What made you take that leap?
Clark: Let's call it a gut feeling.
Pete: Well, maybe that's the same thing that Jordan had.
Clark: What do you mean?
Chloe: Some people believe that premonitions are just heightened intuition.
Pete: Yeah, maybe he overheard something or saw a look in Altman's eyes.
Chloe: Yeah, but still, given your track record with Wall of Weirdness, I think we should look into it.
Clark: [Pleased.] Thanks.
Chloe: No thanks required. It's kind of fun being Woodward to your Bernstein again.
Clark smiles as Chloe goes to sit down at her desk.
Lex is seated at his desk in his study working on his laptop. Day. There is a knock at the door.
Lex: Lana, come in.
Lana enters.
Lana: Your message said it was important. Something wrong?
Lex: I was hoping you could tell me. I understand there was an incident at the Talon last night. Apparently some neighbors heard your tenant screaming?
Lana: I think that "incident" is a pretty strong word. Adam had a bad dream. That's all. It's no big deal.
Lex: And if it had been the first time, I'd probably agree with you.
Lana: What do you mean?
Lex: [Holding up a file.] I can read an invoice.
Lex stands up and walks around the desk, reading from the file.
Lex: Let's see. Charges for repairing broken windows, replacing furniture. All in the last week. Is there a reason why you didn't tell me?
Lana: Maybe I thought you'd jump to conclusions.
Lex: You have to admit, Adam's behavior is unusual. [Lex walks closer to Lana. Gentle.] And when you're on the rebound, it's easy to let your emotions outweigh your common sense.
Lana: Look, this isn't personal. Adam's been a real help around the Talon. Putting up with his nightmares is a small price to pay.
Lex: Look, it's your call. But at the very least, you should be asking yourself how much do you really know about your new friend?
Lex goes back to his desk and Lana stays where she is with a troubled look on her face.
Chloe walks down the hall of Smallville High. Day. She enters an empty classroom and stops at the door when she sees Adam seated with his back to her. He is slightly hunched over and obviously doesn't know that he is being watched. Chloe watches as Adam stands up and drops something in the garbage can, then pulls down his sleeve and leaves the room through the other door.
Once Adam is gone, Chloe enters the classroom and goes to the garbage cane. She takes a handkerchief from the teacher's desk and uses it to reach into the garbage can and pick up what Adam left. She pulls it out, revealing it to be a syringe.
Chloe: Whoa.
Cut to Clark working at the computer in the Torch. Chloe enters.
Clark: Chloe, I think I found something.
Chloe: Yeah? You and me both. [Putting her bag down on the desk and taking off her coat.] I just had a mega "Real World" moment with Ad ... [Glancing at Clark, remembering his stance on Lana and Adam.] Never mind. Sorry. Anyway, looks like you're hammering away at the Jordan story.
Clark: Yes, I pulled this off the Ledger database.
On the computer screen is a newspaper article with a picture of Jordan as a young boy with his father. The headline says "Six Year Old Seer Foretells Coaster Crash."
Clark: Apparently when Jordan was six, he went ballistic outside of a roller coaster screaming that someone was going to be k*lled. His dad pulled him away, but when they restarted the ride, one of the cars broke loose.
Chloe: [Reading the article.] k*lling the woman standing in line with him.
Clark: [Nods.) Mr. Altman wasn't Jordan's first premonition.
Chloe: All right, well, cue the spooky music... because Jordan was born on the day of the meteor shower. [Hands Clark a file.] I took a quick trip to the courthouse and asked them to pull up anything pertaining to Cross.
Clark: [Reading.] According to this, Jordan's mother died shortly after he was born... as a result of a direct h*t from a meteor?
Chloe: As one life ends, another begins.
Clark: Well, that must be the connection.
Chloe: Yeah, mix that with the meteor rocks, and you could be entering John Edward territory.
There is a commotion outside the Torch office. Chloe and Clark look out the door and see students shouting and running outside to see what's going on.
Chloe: This can't be good.
They hear Jordan screaming outside.
Jordan: Just for one second! Megan, please!
Clark: That's Jordan.
Cut to Jordan outside the school with Megan. They are surrounded by students and Clark comes outside. Megan is trying to run away, but Jordan keeps blocking her path.
Megan: Stop it!
Jordan: You don't understand! I'm trying to help you!
Megan: Go away!
Jordan: Megan, stop! Please! I'm just asking you to let me walk you home. You don't understand! It's not what you think!
Megan: Leave me alone!
Megan runs away. Clark goes to Jordan.
Clark: Jordan, what's going on?
Jordan: I have to help her!
Clark: Why? Calm down! What's gonna happen to Megan?
Jordan: [Desperate.] She's going to die, Clark! Don't you understand? She's going to die.
Jordan runs away in the direction Megan went. Clark stays where he is, unsure of what to do.
Fade to black.
Jordan is running along the track around the football field of Smallville High, on his way to the wooded path that leads away from the school. Day. Clark super speeds up behind him, catching up.
Clark: Jordan, hold up!
Jordan stops and turns around.
Jordan: My father was right, Clark! This was a mistake. I should've never come to school.
Clark: Jordan, I believe you. You saw something when you touched Megan, didn't you?
Jordan: I don't know what you're talking about.
Clark: Like a premonition?
Jordan: [Screaming.] I don't know what you're talking about!
Clark: I know about the roller coaster. [Jordan's eyes shift.] When you touched Megan, what'd you see?
Jordan: [Slowly.] I saw f*re... smoke. Megan was screaming. She couldn't breathe. Clark, I had to warn her.
Clark: [Thinking for a moment.] Maybe we still can.
Cut to Clark and Jordan walking down a quiet street together.
Clark: Megan's house is just around the corner. These visions, when they h*t, what are they like?
Jordan: It's hard to describe. It's like a curtain's being pulled back just long enough for me to see the moment they die.
Clark: Have you ever been able to stop one of these visions from coming true?
Jordan: Never. My dad and I did everything we could. We called the police, the paramedics, begged people to take us seriously, but no matter what we did, the visions always came true.
Clark: That's how you knew Mr. Altman was going to k*ll himself.
Jordan: [Mystified.] Except he survived. Because of you. How did you do it? I had a vision of you too when you grabbed me in the hallway.
Clark: [Suddenly nervous.] What do you mean? What'd you see?
Jordan: Like you don't have an end like other people. It's like you live forever.
Clark: [Startled.] Come on, Jordan. You're wrong.
Jordan: No. Maybe that's why you were able to save Mr. Altman. [They stop walking.] Nobody's ever been able to stop one of the death's before. Maybe you can do it again for Megan.
They hear a CB radio and realize they are standing outside Megan's house. Sheriff Adams is on the front lawn consulting with Megan's mother and another police officer.
Adams: [To the mother.] Excuse me. [She comes to Clark.] Mr. Kent. Why am I not surprised?
Clark: Sheriff, what's happening?
Adams: We just found Megan Calder's car abandoned off the main highway. There were signs of a struggle. [Looking at Jordan.] Are you Jordan Cross? [Jordan nods.] I'm told you got into an argument with Miss Calder today?
Jordan looks at Clark, afraid.
Clark: I was there, Sheriff. It wasn't a big deal.
Adams: I got a missing girl, Mr. Kent. That makes everything a big deal. [Quietly to Jordan.] We better talk.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Lana is taking a tray of coffee from the bar to a table. Chloe enters and follows her.
Lana: I think it's a little early for your second triple cap, isn't it?
Chloe: Um, actually, I, uh, came to talk to you about something. Is-is Adam around?
Lana stops at a table and unloads her tray.
Lana: I don't know. I haven't seen him in a while. You okay?
Chloe: Well, I'm just ... I'm having one of those "it sucks to be a reporter" days. [Lana looks at her inquiringly.] I know you and Adam have been spending a lot of time together, but...
Lana: Chloe, what's wrong?
Chloe pauses, about to break the truth to Lana.
We see a pair of hands playing a beautiful classical piece on the grand piano in Lex's mansion. Day. Lex enters the room carrying a file.
Lex: They say music hath charms to soothe the savage breast.
Lex walks to the piano and we see that Adam is the one playing.
Adam: Don't count on it. You play?
Lex: [Shakes his head.] I never really had the patience for it.
Adam: My parents would have k*lled for a piano like this. [He stops playing.] I wound up learning on a secondhand junker.
Adam stands up and Lex sits down at the piano bench, placing his file on top of the piano.
Lex: It doesn't seem to have hurt your playing. That's one of Rachmaninoff's most complicated pieces.
Adam: You didn't ask me here to discuss music theory.
Lex: No. I thought we should meet.
Adam: If it's about the lamp, I'll replace it.
Lex: It's your behavior that concerns me, Adam. Lana's a friend.
Adam: For what it's worth, we both care about Lana.
Adam walks around to the other end of the piano, and Lex slides the file across the piano top. Adam catches it and opens it.
Adam: What's this?
Lex: Your colorful past.
Adam: These are my school records. They're supposed to be sealed.
He slides the file back to Lex.
Lex: I'm not sure why you'd care. They're exemplary. Straight A's across the board.
Adam: I was always a good student.
Lex: Actually, I spoke with your teachers. I believe the phrases they used were "a fine pupil" and "a joy to teach."
Adam: It's nice to be appreciated.
Lex: The strange thing is they all said it, word for word, almost as if they were told what to say. [Adam doesn't respond, looking away.] Don't worry, Adam. I'll keep checking. We all have black marks somewhere in our past.
Lex walks away and Adam looks at him angrily.
Clark and Jordan are still in front of Megan's house. Day. Jordan's dad drives up in his truck and gets out, running to Jordan.
Mr. Cross: Jordan! Are you all right?
Jordan: I had another vision. I thought I could help. [Mr. Cross glances at Clark nervously.] It's okay. Clark knows.
Mr. Cross: Wait for me in the truck.
Jordan: Dad, please.
Mr. Cross: [Warning.] Jordan.
Jordan walks to the truck, leaving Mr. Cross and Clark alone. Mr. Cross starts to pass Clark and walk toward Sheriff Adams.
Mr. Cross: Excuse me.
Clark: Mr. Cross. Jordan really wants to make a go of it at school. Will you just give him one more chance?
Mr. Cross: I really appreciate all you've done, Clark, but Jordan is... special. If he's at home, at least I can try to protect him. [Glances at the truck.] Jordan...
Jordan's backpack is on the hood of the truck and Jordan is gone.
Mr. Cross: Oh, my God. Jordan! [He runs into the road looking around.] Jordan!
Lana is putting things away in her locker at Smallville High. Night. The halls are silent and empty. Adam walks up.
Adam: I got your message. In case you didn't notice, school's out.
Lana: I was at the Torch doing some research.
They start walking together.
Adam: Hmm.
Lana: [Nervous.] Adam, there's-there's no easy way to ask this, but somebody found your needle in the trash today.
Adam: Technically, that's not a question.
Lana stops walking and faces him.
Lana: Look, I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt. Are you diabetic? On some sort of medication?
Adam: [Sarcastic.] Was that the research you were doing? I mean that would explain it, right? Except diabetics are supposed to leave their syringes with the school nurse.
Lana: Believe me, I am not trying to accuse you of anything.
Adam: Yes, you are. You think I'm on drugs. The truth is you don't trust me. Never have.
Adam walks away angrily and Lana follows him.
Lana: That's not fair. You said you'd always be honest with me. Why can't you be honest now?
Adam: [Stops walking.] Look, I want this to work, but if you're not sure, just say the word and I'm gone.
Adam walks away again, and this time Lana doesn't follow.
Cut to Jordan walking down the hallway in another part of the school. He gets to the end of the hall just as Adam is turning the corner and they bump into each other. There is a bright flash and Jordan doubles over gasping. Adam stops to see what happened, then Jordan looks at Adam with a look of shock and wonder. Without a word, Adam turns away and keeps walking. Lana comes around the corner.
Lana: Adam!
Adam keeps walking and Lana notices Jordan.
Lana: Jordan. Are you okay?
Jordan: I'm fine.
Lana: What are you doing here?
Jordan: Hiding from my father. I think he wants to pull me out of school.
Lana: Running away isn't going to fix ...
Lana touches Jordan's shoulder and he is thrust into another vision. He sees Lana's face in excruciating pain. He sees a photograph of three young girls in cheerleading outfits. The photograph is on f*re. The photo is among many of the same young girl set up like a shrine, and the whole thing is burning. Lana seems to be trapped in the flames and she screams.
Flash back to the present. Jordan pulls away from Lana's touch and holds his head.
Jordan: [Confused.] It's changed.
Lana: Jordan, what is it?
Jordan: [Urgent.] Lana, please don't leave here.
Lana: What's going on?
Jordan: I can't explain it. Something awful is about to happen. We have to go find Clark!
Lana: Clark?
Jordan turns to go and suddenly a figure dressed all in black and wearing a ski mask comes around the corner and punches Jordan in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Lana: What are you doing?!
The attacker puts a handkerchief over Lana's mouth and nose forcefully. She struggles against it, but her screams are muffled and eventually, she loses consciousness.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside there is a knock at Adam's door. When there is no answer, Chloe enters.
Chloe: Adam? Hello?
She closes the door behind her and turns on a flashlight. She starts to look through the room, shining the flashlight over Adam's bed and then his bookshelf. Something shines on the floor beneath the bed, and Chloe gets down on her knees and tilts her head to look. She sees that it is an unlabeled medicinal vial filled with a clear liquid and picks it up. When she sits up straight, Lex is standing behind her.
Lex: Last I heard, breaking and entering were still against the law.
Chloe jumps and turns around, hiding the vial behind her back.
Chloe: I could say the same thing to you.
Lex: [Walking closer to Chloe.] Except I own the place. I take it you have some concerns about Lana's new friend.
Chloe: I think that's pretty obvious.
Chloe walks past Lex to the other side of the room, slipping the vial into her purse.
Chloe: So what caused you to go all Cloak and Dagger?
Lex: Rachmaninoff. [Picks up a slide picture and looks at it.] When Adam came to see me earlier today, he was playing one of his most difficult pieces.
Chloe: Is that a crime?
Lex: No CDs, sheet music. Not even a radio. [Hands the slide to Chloe.] According to his transcripts, he never took a single music class.
Chloe: So computers, kickboxing, and a master pianist. Wow. Adam's a regular renaissance man.
Lex: Like you said, that isn't a crime.
Chloe: Though it certainly piqued your interest.
Lex smiles slightly.
Lex: Lock up on your way out.
Chloe squints at Lex, realizing that she is being given permission to stay, and Lex leaves. Chloe pulls the vial out of her purse and looks at it closely.
Clark is looking through the tool chest frantically in the loft. Night. He finally finds a flashlight as Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Clark? Clark, you've been looking for Jordan all over town. I think it's time you call it a night.
Clark: Dad, I was supposed to help him fit in. Instead, I take him to a crime scene, I put him on the sheriff's radar.
Jonathan: That is not your fault.
Clark: Well, he was a lot better off before he met me.
Clark starts to leave.
Jonathan: Clark, if he ran away, it's because he didn't feel like he had anybody at home to talk to.
Clark: His dad seemed like a good man.
Jonathan: I'm sure he is. And I'm also sure he feels like he's doing the best thing for Jordan. [He places a hand on Clark's shoulder.] Look, when ... when your son has a gift, your first temptation is to hide him away, to shelter him from everything.
Clark: You didn't.
Jonathan: I sure as hell wanted to. Look, your mother convinced me that you needed to experience the whole world. Not just this farm. Ultimately she was right. [Clark nods.] So Jordan will come home. But not until he's good and ready. Okay?
Clark: Yeah.
Jonathan: All right, why don't you come on inside, grab a bite to eat?
Clark: I'll be there in a second.
Jonathan: Okay.
Jonathan leaves. Clark walks back to the tool chest and puts the flashlight away. He puts on his backpack and starts to leave the loft when suddenly Jordan jumps out in front of him from a hiding place. His face is red where he was punched.
Jordan: Clark!
Clark: Jordan, what happened to you?
Jordan: I was in the school with Lana when somebody att*cked us! I think they took her!
Clark: Who took her?
Jordan: I don't know, I didn't see him! Clark, I had another vision of Lana.
Clark: What do you mean "another"?
Jordan: I'm not sure. The other day, she touched my hand on the track. It was okay. She was peaceful, she was old, it was her time.
Clark: What, you're saying that's changed?
Jordan: She was trapped in a f*re just like Megan!
Clark: Okay, okay, calm down. What else did you see?
Jordan: Stuff... on the floor. Photos burning. Lana and Megan were in one of them, but they were younger. They were in cheerleading outfits.
Clark takes off his backpack and opens it, pulling out a newspaper and handing it to Jordan.
Clark: Is this the girl?
He shows Jordan Julia Altman's obituary.
Jordan: Mr. Altman's daughter.
Clark: When I saved him, I changed everything. Even what's supposed to happen to Lana. [Suddenly afraid.] Okay, did you see anything that might tell us where she is?
Jordan: Uh, there was ... there was an old sign inside.
Clark: What did it say?
Jordan: It said "Wandering Hills".
Clark: I know where that is. [He starts to leave.]
Jordan: Clark, take me with you.
Clark: No way.
Jordan: I've seen the house. Maybe I can help you find it. Please.
Clark: [Short pause.] First sign of trouble, you back off. [Jordan nods.] Let's go.
Mr. Altman is in the basement of an old house carrying gas cans in each hand. Night. He puts one of the cans down and sets the other one down next to Lana who is sitting on the ground with her hands tied to a beam behind her. Megan is across the room from Lana, also tied to a beam. They are surrounded by gas cans.
Lana: [Afraid.] Mr. Altman, why are you doing this?
Megan: Please, you don't have to do this!
Altman: [Calm.] You're gonna pay for what you did to Julia.
Lana: What are you talking about?
Altman: I heard you at the hospital. Megan had a fight with her and you let her leave. You should've been looking out for her.
Lana: We didn't cause the accident.
Altman: You might as well have! My little girl was out there all alone because of you!
Megan: [Crying.] It wasn't our fault!
Altman picks up another gas can and starts pouring it all over a shrine to Julia against the wall, covered with pictures of Julia.
Altman: For years I blamed myself for not being there.
Lana: Mr. Altman, this is not the way.
Altman: But now I know I wasn't responsible. You two k*lled her.
Megan: [Frantic.] No, we didn't ...
Altman pulls a lighter out of his pocket and lights the flame. Lana struggles against the ropes holding her down.
Megan: Please, no!
Altman tosses the lighter at the shrine and it bursts into flames immediately.
Megan: Oh, no! No!
Megan and Lana continue to scream as the f*re spreads from the shrine to the wall behind it. Altman kneels down slowly, almost ceremonially in front of the shrine as the f*re swallows the pictures of Julia.
Megan: Aah! Help us! Please!
The picture of Lana, Megan, and Julia as little girls in the cheerleading outfits catches f*re as Altman closes his eyes.
Clark and Jordan drive up outside the house and see smoke and flame rising from the windows.
Jordan: Clark, look!
Clark: [Stopping the truck.] Jordan, stay in the car.
Jordan: He's got Lana and Megan. You're going to need some help!
Clark: Stay in the car, Jordan.
Clark gets out of the car and runs to the house, bursting through the basement door. He sees Megan and Lana tied to the beams and the f*re is consuming the room quickly. Lana and Megan both seem to be unconscious. He runs to Lana and lifts her head.
Clark: Lana? Lana.
Lana: [Weakly.] Save Megan.
Altman comes up behind Clark and grabs him.
Altman: Get out!
Clark pushes Altman hard and sends him flying into the wall. Clark kneels back down to help Lana and Jordan comes in.
Clark: Jordan!
Jordan: I'll get Megan!
Jordan runs to Megan and starts untying her. Altman crawls toward the shrine.
Altman: You stay away from me! I just want to be with my girl!
Clark: [To Lana.] Come on. Come on, let's go!
Clark helps Lana and Megan run outside.
Jordan: Coach? We've got to get out of here!
Altman grabs Jordan from behind and turns him around, shaking him. There is a series of bright flashes as Altman's touch causes Jordan to have several visions.
Altman: You! It's your fault!
Outside, Clark realizes that Jordan isn't with them.
Clark: Where's Jordan?
Lana: I didn't see him come out with us.
Clark looks back at the door into the house where the f*re is getting higher and higher. He runs back toward the house.
Lana: Clark!
Clark: Run!
Lana and Megan run away from the house as Clark goes back inside. He finds Jordan unconscious on the floor and runs to him.
Clark: Jordan!
He throws Jordan over his shoulder and looks around for Altman.
Clark: Mr. Altman! Coach Altman! You got to get out of here!
Clark runs from the house with Jordan over his shoulder. Once he gets to the edge of the yard, he puts Jordan down on the ground and lies on top of him just as the house explodes sending f*re and debris sh**ting in every direction. The f*re engulfs Clark and Jordan. When it clears, Clark sits up. His face is smudged with black and his jacket is burnt, but Jordan is unburned. He shakes Jordan's shoulders and feels his neck for a pulse as Lana and Megan run toward him.
Clark: Jordan!
Lana: Clark! Clark, are you okay?
Megan: Oh, my God, is he okay?
Clark: He's not breathing.
Megan: Jordan!
Clark starts giving Jordan chest compressions.
Clark: Come on, Jordan. You can't die on me.
Lana and Megan watch fearfully until finally Jordan starts to choke and sits up. Lana sighs in relief.
Jordan: Clark.
Clark: It's okay. You're all right.
Clark puts a hand on top of Jordan's. Jordan flinches, expecting another vision, but nothing happens. He looks up at Clark questioningly.
Clark: You're gonna be okay.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is seated in his study working on his laptop when Lana enters. Lex closes the laptop.
Lana: Lex?
Lex: Lana. How you feeling?
Lana: [Jokingly.] Between the f*re and my leg, I've seen enough hospitals to last a lifetime.
Lex: Have a seat.
Lana: Thanks. [She sits.] Lex, I think you were right about taking a closer look at Adam.
Lex: Why the sudden change of heart?
Lana: Chloe caught him using some sort of drug at school, and when I confronted him about it, he almost lost it.
Lex: Lana, I've had people assume the worst about me all my life. Trust me, it's hard to respond when people always jump to the wrong conclusions.
Lana: Lex, the last time we talked, I was under the impression that you'd be happier if I kicked him out.
Lex: It's not my choice to make. But I've had a chance to ask a few questions. Adam hasn't been healing as well as his doctors had hoped. Apparently he's part of a clinical medical trial testing a new drug.
Lana: That might explain the needle. It doesn't explain why he was hiding it. I'm just beginning to wonder who I let into my life.
Lex: You should trust your instincts.
Lana: [Considers this.] Thanks, Lex.
Lex smiles. Lana gets up from her seat and leaves the room. Lex reopens his laptop and we see he has a file labeled "Knight, Adam" on the screen with a picture of Adam and a list of Adam's personal information. Lex studies the screen.
Outside sh*t of Jordan's house. Day. Clark and Jordan enter the house after coming home from school.
Clark: I promise your second week of school will be easier.
Jordan: The paramedics said if you hadn't given me CPR, I'd be... d*ad.
Clark: But you're not.
They go into the living room.
Jordan: I saw her, Clark.
Clark: Who?
Jordan: My mom. In that moment, right before you pulled me back. [Awestruck.] She was beautiful. I tried to run to her, but couldn't.
Clark: Maybe it just wasn't your time.
Jordan: When I woke up, they were gone.
Clark: The visions?
Jordan: Maybe I was destined to lose them when I met you.
Lana enters.
Lana: Mind if I interrupt? Jordan, I brought your homework.
Clark looks from Lana to Jordan.
Clark: Why do I get the feeling you've replaced me as your mentor?
Lana: I've offered to help Jordan get back on his feet, and he is going to help me become faster on mine.
Clark: [Smiles, to Jordan.] I think you're getting the hang of this high school thing.
Jordan smiles, a little embarrassed.
Clark: [To Lana.] How you doing? [Lana smiles half-heartedly.] I know that look. You sure you're okay?
Lana: [Quietly.] Yeah, I'm fine, Clark.
Clark: [To Jordan.] I'll see you tomorrow.
Jordan nods. With another look at Lana, Clark leaves.
Lana: So, we've got a lot of work to do.
Lana and Jordan sit on the couch and Lana takes a binder out of her book bag. Jordan looks at her awkwardly as if he wants to say something.
Lana: What's wrong?
Jordan: [Hesitantly.] Lana, it's about your friend. The one in the hall? Adam. [Lana turns to Jordan, giving him her attention.] He's from Oklahoma, right?
Lana: I don't know. He's never really said anything. Jordan, what's going on?
Jordan: I think something really bad happened to him.
Lana: Well, he's been in the hospital. He was pretty seriously injured a few months ago.
Jordan: [Nervous pause.] This is going to sound really strange, but... I think it's worse than that. I don't think he was just hurt. I think he died.
Lana is startled. Her eyes lower as she ponders Jordan's revelation.
Martha pulls a sheet of cookies out of the oven. Night. She carries them over to the counter where Clark is seated with a glass of milk.
Martha: You're awfully quiet today.
Clark: Having someone tell you you can change destiny is a lot to handle.
Martha: Jordan's visions really struck a chord.
Martha goes to the cupboard and gets a plate.
Clark: Or just brought up questions I had all along. Mom, by helping Mr. Altman, I put three other lives in jeopardy.
Martha: But you were there for them.
Clark: If it wasn't for me, he would've never had the chance to hurt anyone.
Martha: [Putting cookies on the plate.] Clark, what's this really about?
Clark: I'm just wondering if that's why I was really sent here. To change destiny. What if I make a wrong choice and I'm not there to make it right?
Martha: It's a huge responsibility. You have to concentrate on the good that you do. Think of all the people you've saved. Your dad and me and Lex. He's turned out to be a really good friend. Sweetheart, you just have to do the best you can. You can't save everybody. [Clark nods. Martha picks up the plate of cookies] Well, I'm gonna take some of these out to your dad.
Clark: I'll do it. [Stands up and puts on his coat.]
Martha: [Teasing.] Well, could you please make sure that at least a couple of them make it to the barn?
Clark: [Smiles.] Yes.
Martha: Thank you.
Clark: [Warmly.] Thanks, Mom.
Martha nods and Clark exits. As he goes, she smiles after him proudly.
Cut to Clark entering the barn, eating one of the cookies from the plate he is carrying. He hears the table saw whirring loudly and looks around for Jonathan, but doesn't see him anywhere.
Clark: [Yelling over the noise.] Dad?
Clark goes to the table saw and sees a board fall off. Jonathan isn't there. He goes to the saw and turns it off, causing the noise to die down. Clark walks to the other side of the saw and sees Jonathan sprawled on the floor. Clark drops the plate of cookies and it shatters on the ground as he kneels at Jonathan's side.
Clark: Dad... Dad!
He turns Jonathan over. Jonathan's face is sprinkled with saw dust and he is obviously in pain, groaning.
Clark: Dad?
Jonathan: [As if speaking to someone else.] Not now! Not yet. [To Clark.] I love you, son.
Jonathan grimaces in pain, then his eyes shut and he goes completely limp in Clark's arms.
Clark: Dad?! [Panicked, screaming.] Mom! Mom! Mom!
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x12 - Hereafter"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 11th, 2004
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, Clark and Martha are seated in Jonathan's hospital room. Jonathan is lying in bed asleep hooked up to an IV with an oxygen tube under his nose. He wakes up. Martha and Clark both stand, Martha walks to the bedside and Clark stops at the foot of the bed.
Clark: Dad?
Martha: Sweetheart? How are you feeling?
Jonathan: Are you two still here? I think you need to go back, back home and get some rest. [Clark looks at Jonathan gravely.] Hey, Clark, don't worry about me, son. It's gonna take a whole lot more than a heart att*ck to keep your old man down.
Clark: I just feel like this is all my fault.
Jonathan: Hey, come here. [Jonathan holds out his hand and Clark takes it.] Look, there's a lot of things that you can do, but causing cardiac arrest is not one of them.
Clark: Last time you were at the doctor's, they said you had a heart of a 20-year-old just before I went to Metropolis.
Jonathan: If you're suggesting that your biological father has anything to do with this ...
Clark: He gave you powers to bring me home that no human was meant to have, and I don't think your heart could handle it.
Martha: Clark, no. There were other factors.
Clark: If I hadn't put on that ring and abandoned you and mom when you needed me most, you wouldn't be lying here in this bed.
Jonathan: As hard as this is for you to believe, not everything that goes wrong in Smallville is Clark Kent's fault.
Martha looks from Jonathan to Clark. Jonathan and Clark look seriously at each other.
Cut to Martha and Clark driving home on a quiet empty street. They get to a stop sign at an intersection and come to a halt. Martha looks over at Clark in the passenger seat. Clark is looking out the window sullenly. Martha opens her mouth as if to say something, then changes her mind. She pushes on the gas, and just as the truck starts to go forward two cars speed toward them on the intersecting road.
Clark: Watch out!
Martha slams on the brakes and the two cars speed by in front of them. Both cars are sporty and very flashy and one of the cars is spewing green flames from the tailpipe. Clark unfastens his safety belt.
Martha: Where are you going?
Clark: They're gonna k*ll someone.
Clark gets out of the truck.
Further down the street, the two cars come to a stop. On either side of the road, there is a row of parked cars all with their headlights shining on the road, all just as sporty and flashy as the two cars that have obviously just finished a race. The car with the green flames has finished in the lead. The owners of the parked cars come running out into the road cheering and flocking around the winning car. Clark super speeds over to the crowd to see what's going on. He looks on, astonished as the winner steps out his car. It's Pete.
Another young man, Jason Dante, comes to Pete's side.
Dante: Ladies and gentlemen! Your reigning king of speed, Pete "The Boss" Ross!
Dante raises Pete's arm into the air and the crowd starts to cheer. A sexy young woman gives Pete a kiss on the cheek as Pete smiles and soaks up his praise, not noticing Clark. Clark is dumbfounded.
[Opening credits]
Clark drives to an old barn set up as a car garage. Day. Dante and Pete are outside the garage working on a car. Dante is installing a device in the trunk that has a tube of liquid kryptonite attached to it.
Pete: [Excited.] Whoa, Dante! That's some serious green!
Dante: All right, I jacked up the meteor rock ratio in this new batch of nitrous, okay?
Pete: Woo-hoo! You ought to be working for NASA, man! These cars are gonna be like rockets!
Pete and Dante touch fists. Clark gets out of his truck and walks over to Pete and Dante.
Clark: Hey, Pete.
Pete: [Closing the trunk of the car.] Clark. What are you doing here?
Dante: [Sarcastic, looking at Clark's truck.] Hey, nice ride, man. What's that thing do, like 0 to 60 in an hour? Hey, if you ever want to turn that tortoise into a hare, give me a call, all right? [Clark grins, nodding slightly. Dante slaps Pete on the back.] See ya, bro.
Dante walks to another car and starts working under the hood.
Pete: Hey, how's your dad?
Clark: He's doing okay. But in case you didn't notice, you almost obliterated our truck last night. My mom was behind the wheel.
Pete: I'm sorry if I scared your mom, Clark. But I swear I was in complete control the whole time.
Clark: At 100 miles an hour?
Pete walks into the barn and Clark follows.
Pete: Clark, you're not exactly one to talk about breaking the speed limit. You know what it's like to move so fast that nothing can touch you. For me, this is as close as I can get.
Clark looks around in awe at the garage. There is loud music playing and there are several shining new cars.
Clark: How long have you been doing this?
Pete: I don't know. A couple months.
Clark: How come you didn't tell me about it?
Pete: Because I knew you'd want to ground me and take away my allowance.
Clark: Pete, this isn't a joke. You could really hurt someone.
Pete: Clark, I know how to handle these cars. Dante's the best driver in Lowell County. He's taught me everything he knows.
Clark: Including how to break the law. Street racing is illegal. You could go to jail.
Pete: Not if no one finds out. You're good at keeping secrets, Clark. You're not gonna tell anybody. Right?
Clark looks at Pete strangely, as if seeing a new side of him for the first time.
Lana and Adam are in Adam's apartment above the Talon. Day. Lana is holding a newspaper article entitled "Tulsa Valedictorian d*ad at 17". There is a picture of a boy named Chad Nash who looks exactly like Adam.
Adam: They say everyone's got someone that looks like him.
Lana: Chad Nash doesn't just look like you. [Reading.] Karate team, orchestra, computer club. All things that you just happen to be a master of? According to this article, you died five months ago of a rare liver disease, and suddenly you're standing right in front of me with a different name?
Adam: Who else have you shown this to?
Lana: No one.
Adam: [Stern.) Are you sure?
Lana: Yes! Adam, tell me what's going on.
Adam: [Increasingly aggravated.] Lana, you can't tell anyone. [The white part of Adam's left eye starts turning red.] You have to promise me you'll keep this a secret.
Blood starts to drip from Adam's eye, running down his face.
Lana: [Frightened.] Adam, your eye.
Adam wipes the blood off his face and looks at his hand.
Adam: [Covering.] Happens all the time. It's just a broken capillary.
Lana: Adam, are you sure you're okay?
Adam: It's nothing. I'm fine. [He takes Lana's arm and walks her to the door.] Lana, listen, you have to promise me you're not gonna tell anyone about this, okay?
Lana: Adam ...
Adam: [Pushing Lana out the door.] My life could depend on it. Please, promise me you won't say a word.
Lana nods and Adam shuts the door, leaning against it and shutting his eyes tightly. Then he runs into the bathroom and turns on the sink. Lana stands outside the door in shock, then walks away.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Chloe talks to Lex who is seated at his desk.
Chloe: So I've been following up on our mysterious tenant in the Talon. It seems he has an intimate relationship with needles.
Lex: I take it you're not talking about embroidery.
Chloe: Hardly. I found a vial in his apartment and took it to the pathologist at Smallville Med to have it analyzed. [Chloe holds the vial in her hand.]
Lex: [Standing.] Well, what is it?
Chloe: It's a serum that contains minute amounts of cells resembling blood platelets. Now, what's even freakier is the molecular makeup is like nothing the pathologist has ever seen in any human or animal. [Lex takes the vial to look at it more closely.] That's why I decided to take a peek into Adam's medical records.
Lex: [With a grin.] Privacy laws don't seem to faze you much, do they?
Chloe: Not when I'm worried about one of my best friends. As long as Lana has the Talented Mr. Ripley living above her, I'm gonna do whatever it takes to make sure he's not dangerous.
Lex: Is he?
Chloe: I don't know. All I know is that when he was in the hospital, he had a doctor visiting him twice a week.
Lex: Well, that doesn't sound very unusual to me.
Chloe: It is when it's not an M.D. Dr. Tang is a professor of molecular biology at Metropolis University.
Lex: Have you been following up with him?
Chloe: Him is a her. And she's so high up in the ivory tower, I'd need a hook and ladder to get to her. That's why I came to you. A generous benefactor of the university is gonna have a lot more luck than a high school student.
Lex: Have you mentioned any of this to Lana?
Chloe: I didn't want to say anything until I found out all the facts.
Lex: Let's keep it that way.
Chloe blinks at Lex, unsure of his decision.
Pete cruises down an empty road in his sporty race car. Day. He sees something speeding forward past the driver side window so fast that it's no more than a blur. When he returns his focus to the windshield, he sees Clark standing several meters up the road. Clark puts out his hand, motioning for Pete to stop, and Pete has to slam on his brakes coming to a stop inches away from Clark. Pete gets out of the car, slamming the door angrily.
Pete: What do you think you're doing? If I'd have h*t you, I would have totaled this car, and it's not even mine.
Clark: Maybe if you slowed down, you wouldn't have a problem.
Pete: Since when did you become a traffic cop?
Clark: Since you started driving kryptonite-fueled cars that can practically break the sound barrier.
Pete: Don't I wish.
Clark: Pete, listen to me. There have been a series of fatal car accidents this year in Lowell County. They were all tricked out with the same kryptonite booster t*nk.
Pete: Clark, any car can be dangerous if you don't know how to drive it. But I do.
Clark: That's not the point.
Pete: Yes, it is! For once in my life, I finally found something that I'm truly good at.
Clark: What are you talking about? You're good at a lot of things.
Pete: Like what?
Clark: Like basketball. You got a k*ller jump sh*t. You've b*at me plenty of times.
Pete: Yeah, when you're not using your powers. Clark, I'm okay at hoops. I'm a decent photographer. But you saw that crowd last night. You heard them chanting my name. And for once in my life, I finally get to feel what you feel like every single day. I get to feel special.
Pete starts walking back to the car.
Clark: Pete, I'm not special. I'm different.
Pete: Clark, who do you think you're kidding? You can do things that I could never even dream of. And ever since we were kids, even before I knew your secret, I've always been walking in your shadow.
Clark: Pete, that's not true.
Pete: Clark, don't get me wrong. It's not a bad place to be. But I'm growing up. I'm realizing that I got my own talents.
Clark: Pete, as your friend, I can't let you race anymore. It's too dangerous.
Pete: Clark, what are you gonna do? Physically stop me every time I go to race?
Pete opens the car door and Clark slams it shut.
Clark: If I have to!
Pete looks up into Clark's eyes angrily for a long time. Then his expression softens.
Pete: Fine, Clark, you win. I guess I'll just keep living vicariously through you.
Clark steps away from the car, defeated. Pete gets inside and speeds away.
Jonathan is flipping channels on the television in his hospital room. Day. Clark enters carrying a game of checkers.
Jonathan: Hey.
Clark: You look like you're feeling better.
Jonathan: [Dropping the remote control.] Yeah. They need to give this room to somebody who's really sick. I got a farm to run.
Clark: Everything's taken care of. What you need to concentrate on is feeling better and your checkers strategy, not necessarily in that order.
Clark sets the checkers box down on the table and wheels the table over to the bed.
Jonathan: Clark, you've been here every night. Why don't you go out with your friends, have some fun.
Clark: [Sitting on the edge of the bed.] Why would I go out with my friends when I can b*at my dad at checkers?
Jonathan: I'm serious. Listen, just because I'm stuck in here doesn't mean you need to be. Call Pete, go to the movies. I'll watch TV.
Clark: [Setting up the game.] Pete has other plans.
Clark tries to hide his troubled expression, but it comes through.
Jonathan: You two all right?
Clark: He's been hanging out with a different crowd lately.
Jonathan: When you say different you mean wrong?
Clark: Without realizing it, I think I've taken Pete for granted.
Jonathan: Well, you and Pete have been friends since the sandbox, son. Maybe he's just going through a phase. As long as he's not getting himself in any trouble, give it some time.
Clark looks at Jonathan hopefully.
Both sides of a road are once again lined with parked cars. Night. Pete walks into a large crowd of people who are cheering and clapping for him. Pete goes to the center of the crowd where two race cars are waiting side by side. Dante comes to Pete.
Dante: How you feeling, Boss?
Pete: Like I'm about to own the road.
Dante: All right.
Pete gets into his car and Dante leans down to the window, speaking to Pete quietly.
Dante: Look, you're gonna have to shift gears.
Pete: What do you mean?
Dante: It's time to take a dive. [Pete doesn't respond.] No winning streak lasts forever, okay? You're 6-0. That's the best driver this county's seen since yours truly. Now, that means all the money's on you.
Pete: So?
Dante: So there's a lot of bucks to be made if you get smoked.
Pete: So all that stuff about the beauty of racing and the triumph of victory. That was all lies?
Dante: Oh, hell no. I meant every word of that. This is the beauty of racing. Dante style. See you at the finish line.
Dante pats Pete on the shoulder and walks away from the car, leaving Pete upset. The sexy young woman comes to Pete's car and leans down next to the window.
Girl: This is for good luck. [She kisses Pete on the lips.] Not that you need it.
She stands upright and walks up the road so she is in front of the two cars. Pete's opponent is seated in his own car and looks over at Pete as he revs his engine. Pete rolls up his window and faces forward, concentrating. The sexy girl takes a yellow scarf hanging from her belt and holds it in the air. Pete puts his car in gear. The girl brings her arm down and both cars take off. The crowd runs out into the road, cheering.
The opponent's car is ahead by a little bit and gaining speed, leaving Pete in second place. Pete shakes his head in frustration and reaches for the green button on his dashboard, ready to push it and activate the kryptonite boost, then changes his mind and pushes on his brakes. His speedometer lowers from 81 mph to 76 mph, giving his opponent an even bigger lead.
They have nearly come all the way around the track as the crowd and the two lines of parked cars come into view in the distance. On an impulse, Pete reaches forward and hits the green button sending a sh*t of liquid kryptonite through a tube and spraying into his gas t*nk. The car has an immediate burst of speed, sending Pete's speedometer to 101 mph, and he flies past his opponent. He smiles as he gets to the finish line first and the crowd goes crazy, cheering and surrounding his car. He steps out of the car to bask in his victory. Dante squeezes through the crowd and puts an arm around Pete's shoulder, walking him away from the group.
Dante: Congratulations, Boss.
Pete: Thank you. Hey, Dante, look, about that whole cheating thing... It's like, I didn't have it in me.
Dante: Yeah, it isn't in you? [Pushing Pete roughly, furious.] What do you think this is, some little backyard game of Hot Wheels? I'm out $20,000 dollars because of you.
Pete: [Speechless.] Sorry.
Dante: Sorry's not gonna cut it. So you're gonna give me the keys to my car, you're gonna pay me my 20 G's, and I never want to see your face again.
Pete looks around, realizing he is surrounded by Dante's large and intimidating friends.
Pete: Dante, where am I gonna get $20,000 dollars?
Dante: Oh, you're gonna figure it out. 'Cause if you don't, the only car you're gonna be driving in is a hearse.
One of Dante's friends pushes Pete lightly on the back thr*at and Dante stares at Pete for a few seconds more. Then Dante and his friends walk away, leaving Pete alone, helpless and afraid.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside Clark walks down the hall toward the lobby. Lana enters with balloons.
Lana: Hey, how's your dad?
Clark: He'll be better once we get him home. [Needing to get away.] Look, I gotta run. His room is right around the corner. He'll be happy to see you. [Clark starts to leave.]
Lana: Clark. [Clark stops.] Have you, by any chance, seen Adam?
Clark: [Walking to Lana, concerned.] Is everything all right?
Lana: I just hope your dad likes the balloons. It was either these or the "Get Well" teddy bear.
Clark: [Sweetly.] He'll love them. [Pause.] I'm gonna go.
Lana: Bye.
Clark leaves.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Lex enters Dr. Tang's laboratory at Metropolis University. A monkey in a cage screeches as Lex walks by. Dr. Tang is at her table looking through a microscope.
Lex: Dr. Tang.
Tang: [She doesn't look away from the microscope.] If you'd bothered to read the sign on the door, you'd know my office hours don't begin until five.
Lex: I'm not a student, doctor. I'm Lex Luthor.
Tang: [Looks at Lex.] Am I supposed to be impressed? Even the chancellor makes an appointment before he interrupts my work.
Lex: I've heard you like to play doctor. Think I can get a checkup?
Tang: I don't give physicals, Mr. Luthor. Nor do I see any patients. I'm a research scientist.
Lex: What about Adam Knight? Isn't he a patient?
Tang: I told you, I don't ...
Lex: I just don't understand why a world-renowned molecular biologist would pay regular visits to a patient in a small town hospital.
Tang: The amount of money your family funnels into this university does not grant you the right to storm in here and interrogate me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do.
Dr. Tang picks up her clipboard and walks over to her desk.
Lex: Does that work happen to involve blood platelets of unknown origin?
Tang: [Laughs.] I think you've seen one too many science fiction movies, Mr. Luthor.
Lex: No. I've simply been fascinated with the mysteries of hematology for quite some time. [Tang looks at Lex seriously.] Next time, I'll be sure to call first. I wouldn't want to interrupt a moment of inspiration.
Lex leaves and Dr. Tang watches him go nervously.
Clark walks down the hall at Smallville Medical Center. Day. He sees Pete coming out of Jonathan's hospital room. They smile at each other.
Pete: From the way your dad's going off about Kansas State's free throw sh**ting, I wouldn't know he had a heart att*ck.
Clark: It's nice of you to stop by, Pete.
Pete: Clark, I've known your dad almost as long as I've known my own. How you holding up?
Clark: It was tough the first couple of days. But now that he's out of the woods, I'm doing okay.
Pete: Your dad's the strongest guy I know besides you. He's gonna be fine.
Pete looks at Clark for a moment, as if deciding whether or not to talk about his problems. Then he starts to walk away.
Pete: I better get going.
Clark: Pete, are you okay?
Pete: Clark you got enough on your plate without me adding to it.
Clark: Pete!
Pete stops walking. Clark comes after him.
Clark: Don't worry about me. What's going on?
Pete: Dante asked me to throw a race and I couldn't do it. Now he's thr*at to k*ll me unless I pay him the money that he lost in bets.
Clark: How much is it?
Pete: $20,000 dollars. Clark, I don't know what I'm gonna do.
Clark: [Thinking.] All right, look. You're just gonna lay low for now. I'll figure something out.
Pete nods.
Clark enters Dante's car garage. Day. There are no people inside and all the lights are off. Clark looks around and sees a metal cabinet near the wall. He uses his X-ray vision to look through it and sees that it's full of license plates. His eyes widen.
Clark sits next to Chloe who is typing at the computer in the Torch. Day.
Chloe: So you think Dante is more grand theft auto than Indy 500, huh?
Clark: Why else would he have a personal collection of license plates with brand new registrations that match?
Chloe: Journalistic obsessions aside, it almost seems like you have kind of a vested interest in this story.
Clark: You know how it is, Chloe. Once you get started on a really good story, you can't stop until you get to the bottom.
Chloe stops typing and takes a deep breath as she turns to look at Clark.
Chloe: I just chatted with the motor heads up in auto shop. Your source wouldn't happen to be Pete "The Boss" Ross, would it? [Clark looks at Chloe guiltily.] I understand protecting your source. But we're talking about a friend of mine who's putting his life at risk every time he goes for the checkered flag.
Clark: Pete asked me to keep it a secret. I'm keeping my word.
Chloe: Yeah, but Clark, you of all people should know that when your friend is doing something reckless, sometimes keeping a secret hurts more than it helps. [Clark nods.] He needs a friend. Now, Pete might listen to me.
Clark: What's that supposed to mean?
Chloe: It's called sibling rivalry. You and Pete are practically brothers. Now, from what I've heard, sometimes it's difficult to take advice from your sibling.
Chloe goes back to work on the computer as Clark thinks it over. Chloe pulls up a list of stolen cars, all of them matching the plates in Dante's garage.
Chloe: Whoa. You were right about Jason Dante. He could be the poster boy for Lojack. All the VIN numbers you took down are for stolen cars.
Clark: It's all the evidence we need. I'm gonna go talk to the sheriff.
Clark stands up and leaves. Chloe keeps looking at her computer screen.
Dante is working under the hood of one of his cars in the garage. Day. The double doors behind him suddenly burst open and Sheriff Adams, along with several other officers, enter the garage pointing g*n.
Adams: County Sheriff! Hands where I can see them! Drop that drill now!
Dante raises his hands.
There is a knock on the front door of the Kent house. Day. Clark comes down the stairs and opens the door. It's Sheriff Adams looking not at all happy.
Adams: Good work, Mr. Kent. It only took eight deputies and four cruisers to discover that that barn was as clean and my grandma's pantry.
Clark: That couldn't be. I saw those license plates.
Adams: The only plates in that barn were the ones in the kitchenette sink. And none of the cars in there had VIN numbers even remotely similar to the ones you gave me.
Clark: Sheriff, that's impossible.
Adams: As usual, Mr. Kent, your information is about as accurate as the local weatherman. But I'm cutting you some slack this time because I've had my eye on Jason Dante for a while now, and he is one slippery fish. Next time you say there's a storm a-brewing, Mr. Kent, I better see some rain.
She leaves.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark walks up the stairs of the loft carrying some books. He gets to the upper level and sets his books on the desk, then realizes that Pete is standing behind him in the shadows.
Clark: Pete?
Pete steps forward. His face is bloody and cut up. The blood has dripped down onto his collar.
Clark: [Shocked.] What happened to you?
Pete: Dante thought I was the one that called the sheriff. It was you. Dante knew about the raid because he's got a deputy in his pocket. That's why he never gets busted.
Clark: Pete, we gotta get you inside and clean you up.
Clark walks to Pete and tries to take his arm, but Pete pulls away.
Pete: Clark, I'll be fine! I just need you to get me that $20,000 dollars.
Clark: Pete, how am I supposed to come up with that much money?
Pete: Go Kal on an ATM machine. You've done it before.
Clark: When I was on red kryptonite.
Pete: Then go slip on a ring.
Clark: Pete, I can't do that!
Pete: Clark, you don't get it. Dante's a psycho. He told me he's gonna k*ll my parents first, and then if I still don't pay up, he's gonna come after me.
Clark: Pete, you know I'd never let anything happen to you or your family. But it doesn't mean I need to break the law.
Pete: That's never bothered you before. We've gone Watergate on so many buildings, I've lost count!
Clark: We were trying to help people.
Pete: Yeah, and now I'm the one that needs help! Me!
Pete's lip starts to tremble and his eyes fill with tears.
Pete: Clark, if you b*at him up, he's just gonna come after us later. Of course you're not gonna k*ll him, and let's face it. You can't be on secret service detail forever. I got to put an end to this.
Clark: There's got to be another way.
Pete: [Grabbing Clark's arm.] Clark! It's my family we're talking about. If you don't give me that cash, we're d*ad.
Pete looks up at Clark imploringly.
Fade to black.
Clark enters Lex's study. Day. Lex is dressed in a suit.
Lex: Clark, you just caught me. I was on my way out to a meeting. Did your dad get the DVD player?
Clark: Thanks, Lex. That was nice of you. He, uh, really enjoyed those westerns.
Lex: I figured he would. I hope he feels better soon.
Lex leaves the study and walks down the hall on his way to the front door. Clark follows him.
Clark: Lex, you've done so much already, but I need a big favor.
Lex: Name it.
Clark: [Quickly.] I need $20,000 dollars, cash.
Lex stops walking.
Lex: You're right. That is big. You mind telling me what it's for?
Clark: My friend got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and now they're making him pay for it.
Lex: Is this the old proverbial friend who happens to be you?
Clark: Believe me, if that was the case, it'd be a lot easier.
Lex: Well, tell your friend that in my experience, money-hungry thugs are like stray dogs. You feed them once, they're at your back door every night asking for more.
Clark: Lex. Unfortunately I don't think my friend has a choice. They're thr*at to k*ll him.
A servant enters the hallway.
Servant: Mr. Luthor. Chopper's waiting.
Lex: [Sincerely, to Clark.] Be careful.
Lex takes his coat off the rack and leaves. On the desk below the rack, Clark notices the keys to Lex's Porsche.
Clark drives up outside the loft in Lex's silver Porsche. Day. Pete comes out of the loft as Clark gets out of the car. Pete's face is bandaged in several places.
Clark: Here's your $20,000 dollars.
Pete: This car is worth a lot more than that. Lex gave it to you?
Clark: Not exactly.
Pete: You stole it?
Clark: I plan on giving it back after you challenge Dante to a race he can't say no to.
Pete: What are you talking about?
Clark: If he wins, the Porsche is his. If you win, your debt is settled.
Pete: The problem is, as fast as this thing moves, it can't stand a chance versus Dante's car.
Clark: No, this is the prize. You're gonna drive the car you always drive. And you're gonna win.
Pete: Well, I appreciate the confidence, Clark, but Dante's never lost a race.
Clark: He will this time, I guarantee it. I'm gonna use my heat vision to fry his engine. I can stay away from the kryptonite and no one gets hurt.
Pete: A last minute tune-up. [Excited.] Clark, you're awesome!
Clark: [Angry.] I'm glad you're happy, Pete. Because I had to lie for you and I had to steal for you. Now I have to cheat for you. Let's get this done.
Clark and Pete are in Dante's garage. Day. The sexy girl watches as Dante sits in Lex's Porsche.
Dante: [Getting out the car.] Well, I got to hand it to you, Boss. You got quite a pair of lug nuts to take me on. [He puts his hand on the sexy girl's hip and hands her the keys.] Baby, take the Porsche out to the starting line, okay?
Girl: Okay.
She kisses Dante as Pete watches jealously. Then she takes the keys and opens the car door.
Pete: Whoa, how do I know she's not gonna drive off with it? I'll drive it down. [Pete takes the keys.] Clark, keep an eye on the Mustang.
Pete gets into the Porsche and the sexy girl gets in on the passenger side. They drive out of the garage. Dante goes to the back of the garage and talks to one of his friends. Clark uses his super hearing to listen to the conversation.
Dante: We ready to fly?
Guy: Oh, yeah. But this kid's for real. He might not be such an easy win.
Dante: Did you put the package in the kid's car like I told you?
Guy: Yeah, we're all set.
Dante: Good. Once his speedometer hits 100, the Boss will be blown to bits.
Clark is shocked. He goes to the back of the garage to confront Dante.
Clark: The race is off. You rigged his car. There's a b*mb in the engine.
Dante: [Laughs.] And who made you racing commissioner?
Another of Dante's friends is standing behind Clark near a work table. He picks up the kryptonite booster filled with liquid kryptonite and Clark is immediately weakened. Clark starts to lose his balance and Dante's friend hits Clark in the back of the head with the booster, knocking him to the ground.
Dante: Put him in the trunk.
Cut to Pete waiting by the Porsche out on the road. Dante comes out.
Pete: Where's Clark?
Dante: I thought he was out here. Let's stop stalling. Let's put it down.
Pete and Dante's cars are sitting side by side in the empty road. They both go to their cars and get in, revving their engines.
Inside Pete's trunk, Clark is barely conscious, the kryptonite booster hanging right behind him.
Clark: Pete. Pete...
Pete looks over at Dante.
Dante: Good luck, Boss.
Pete rolls up his window and the sexy girl walks out in front of the cars, standing between them. She raises her scarf into the air, then brings it down. Pete and Dante take off with a screech of tires. Pete shifts gears and his speedometer sh**t from 46 mph to 56 mph. He and Dante are still right next to each other. Clark is completely unconscious in the trunk.
Pete shifts gears again and he is up to 6000 rpm. (Rotations per minute.) Dante looks out his passenger window at Pete maliciously as he starts to gain the lead. Pete shifts and continues to speed up accelerating to 81 mph. He looks over at Dante who is still in the lead and pushes the green button on his dashboard. The kryptonite empties into the gas t*nk and the exhaust pipe starts spitting green f*re as Pete sh**t into first place, his speedometer reaching 93 mph. Dante smiles cruelly as he watches Pete go. The speed goes to 95 mph.
As the kryptonite booster finishes draining, Clark suddenly regains consciousness and looks around. The entire trunk is rattling with their speed. Pete shifts gears, raising the speed to 97 and then 98 mph.
Clark continues to look around and finally sees the tube coming out of the kryptonite booster running through the floor of the trunk into the gas t*nk. Just as Pete reaches 99 mph, Clark punches a hole through the trunk floor causing the gas t*nk to burst and drain out all over the road. Pete's car immediately starts to slow down. Pete pumps the gas pedal to no avail.
Dante, who is still driving behind Pete, is startled and starts swerving left and right as he tries to slow down and avoid hitting Pete's car. Dante's tires screech as he swerves and suddenly one of his tires catches on the road, causing his car to flip over sideways and roll along the road, falling to pieces as it goes. Pete jumps at the impact and looks into his rearview mirror to see what is happening.
Dante's car finally comes to a stop on the shoulder of the road and Pete stops his car. He gets out and runs into the road. Through the passenger window, he sees Dante slouched against the steering wheel. The top of his head is against the nearly shattered windshield where there is a large spray of blood. Clark gets out of the trunk of Pete's car.
Pete: Oh, my God. I think he's d*ad.
Clark doesn't respond. Pete looks from Clark to Dante's smoking car fearfully.
Fade to black.
Dr. Tang enters Lex's study angrily. Day. Lex is pouring a cup of coffee.
Lex: I thought you didn't do house calls.
Tang: Thanks to you, the university is thr*at to revoke my tenure. My funding has been cut off.
Lex: Well, I suppose those are the consequences of conducting illicit drug trials without bothering to notify your own university, let alone the FDA. You're lucky no federal charges have been pressed, but then again, that could simply be a matter of time.
Lex takes a sip of his coffee and goes to his desk. Tang follows him.
Tang: What exactly is it that you want?
Lex: I want you to do what you do best, Doctor. [Pause as Tang looks at him expectantly.] Biology.
Tang: How do you suggest I do that? The university won't even let me in the building.
Lex: I'm gonna fund your research, Doctor. Consider your budget doubled. You'll have access to whatever equipment you require as long as you tell me where the platelets come from and what you're using them for.
Tang continues to stare at Lex.
Adam groans in his bed. Night. He tosses and turns under the blankets, then throws the blankets away from himself, sitting up in bed. He is wearing pajama pants and no shirt. He stands up with difficulty and staggers into the kitchen where he grabs a syringe from under a towel on the counter. He injects himself directly into the chest as he continues to pant and groan. There is blood dripping from his eye again, and the skin on his chest and arms seems to be peeling off in several places. There is a knock on the door.
Lana: [From outside.] Adam? Are you there?
Adam: [Strained.] I'll be right out!
Adam breathes heavily.
Lana: Adam? Are you okay?
The door opens and Adam steps out. His hair and face are damp, but he seems to be back to normal.
Adam: [Calm.] I'm fine.
Lana: Um, Adam, I kept my word. I didn't tell anyone about Chad Nash. But I think I deserve an explanation.
Adam: Look, Lana, this is bigger than you realize. Whatever you know, just forget about it. For your own good.
Lana: No, Adam, I can't do that. If you're gonna live here, you're going to have to be honest with me.
Adam: You want the truth?
Adam walks toward Lana, backing her to the stairs thr*at.
Adam: [Slowly, menacing.] I'll make it real clear to you. You tell anyone what you found out, and you're gonna regret ever meeting me.
Lana looks into his eyes, frightened. Adam slowly backs into his apartment and slams the door shut, leaving Lana confused and out of breath.
Outside sh*t of the loft. Night. Inside Clark comes down the stairs as Lex is entering.
Lex: Clark.
Clark: Hey, Lex.
Lex: Hey. I was wondering what ever happened with your friend?
Clark: It turns out the dog's bark was bigger than his bite.
Lex: I had a feeling you'd work it out, Clark. You know, the oddest thing happened yesterday. After I talked to you, my silver Porsche was seen speeding off the grounds.
Lex walks past Clark, facing away from him.
Clark: Someone stole it?
Lex: Not exactly. [Faces Clark.] By the time I got in, it was resting in my garage, snug in its car cover.
Clark: That's odd. I'm glad you got it back.
Lex: My security thinks it was a joy rider, but I'm not so sure.
Clark: Why? What do you think happened?
Lex: I don't know. [Steps closer to Clark.] But I understand what it's like to have a friend in need, Clark. Sometimes you have to cross the moral line to come to their aid. Often, that can be the test of a true friendship. [Clark nods nervously.] Give your dad my regards.
Lex smiles and leaves the loft. Clark barely grins, seemingly aware that Lex knows what really happened.
Outside sh*t of Kent Farm. Day. Clark and Martha enter through the front door followed by Jonathan who is taking off his jacket.
Jonathan: The words "Home Sweet Home" have never been truer.
Clark: Come on, Dad, let's get your feet up.
Martha walks Jonathan into the living room.
Jonathan: [Stubborn.] Clark, I don't need to put my feet up. They've been up for a week. The doctor said that I need to rest. I'm not an invalid.
Martha: Well, I'm gonna make some lunch. I got you some low-sodium turkey.
Jonathan: Low-sodium turkey?
Martha: [Slightly pleading.] Jonathan...
Jonathan: [Giving in.] Sounds good, sweetheart.
Martha goes into the kitchen. Jonathan sits on the couch and pats the seat next to him.
Jonathan: Clark, sit down. [Clark sits.] Listen, son, it doesn't take a genius to realize that something's been bothering you other than my health lately. What's up? Hmm?
Clark: While you were in the hospital, Pete got himself into a bind. I did some things I'm not too proud of.
Jonathan: Well, your mother and I trust your judgment. We did raise you to know the difference between right and wrong. Clark, one day when we're not around anymore, I'm sure that you're gonna remember it. Look, in the world, things aren't always black and white. I mean, sometimes you got to just wander out into the gray areas and do what you think is best.
Clark: What do you mean?
Jonathan: Clark, I did go talk to Jor-El, and I think maybe that is why my heart gave out. [Clark sighs unhappily.] But listen, son, I went into that cave knowing full well that there were risks involved. And I'd do it again if I thought you were in trouble.
Clark: Dad, I promise I'll never put you in that position again.
Jonathan: Clark, that's not what this is about. You're different than your mother and I. Son, you're gonna have to make choices in your life, moral choices that she and I will never have to make. But we both know that when that time comes, you'll do what you think is best. What's right. That's what's important.
Clark nods.
Clark is sh**ting hoops outside the barn. Day. He sh**t one and makes it, then makes his next sh*t too. A car pulls up behind him just as he is about to make a third sh*t, and he stops to turn around and see who it is. It's Pete. Pete gets out of his car.
Pete: Hey.
Clark: Hey.
Clark goes back to dribbling the ball and sh**ting baskets.
Pete: Clark, look, I-I know you're probably mad as hell at me, and to be honest, I don't blame you. All I can say is, I'm sorry.
Clark stops with the basketball and looks at Pete.
Clark: I am too, Pete. I had to steal from one friend to help another. And someone died.
Pete: I know. If I had listened to you from the start, none of this would've happened. [Clark lowers his eyes.] Clark, listen, you told me your secret because I'm your friend, and at times, that's not an easy thing to be. But it doesn't give me the right to do what I did. I just want to say that... Clark, I swear it will never happen again. [Clark still doesn't respond. Pete continues with fierce conviction.] Clark, I know I let you down. But I promise you until the day that I die, I will never disrespect your powers again.
Clark doesn't answer. He continues to look at Pete with intense sadness in his eyes. Pete motions to the basketball in Clark's hand.
Pete: [Brighter, trying to change the mood.] You want to play some hoops?
Clark: [Quietly.] I was just about to go inside.
Clark starts to walk away and Pete swipes the basketball away from him, dribbling it excitedly. Clark stops walking and looks at Pete.
Pete: Aw, come on. Game of 21 by 2's. [Pointing.] Three-pointers outside of the crack. No powers.
Pete tosses the ball back to Clark and Clark catches it. Clark's is expression is still heavy and serious.
Clark: [Very quietly, shaking his head slightly.] Not today, Pete.
The excitement drops from Pete's face as he realizes he's not going to win this battle. Clark lets the basketball drop from his hand to the ground where it bounces several times and rolls away. Clark silently turns his back and starts walking toward the house.
Pete watches him go sadly, then walks back to his car. He stands by the driver side door for a moment, watching Clark walk to his house, then gets in the car.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x13 - Velocity"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 18th, 2004
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Inside, a class of students from Smallville High School are going on a tour of the building. Among the students are Chloe and Clark. Lionel Luthor addresses the group, speaking with presentational enthusiasm.
Lione: Ah, advanced economics, Smallville's best and brightest. Welcome to LuthorCorp.
Clark and Chloe exchange an uneasy look.
Lionel: Now, you're all here to learn something about business. The most important element in anything to do with economic theory is the individual. Yes, you.
Lionel points to Alicia Baker, an attractive young woman who stands near the front of the group. She smiles at him excitedly. Chloe rolls her eyes at Lionel's phony display of friendliness.
Lionel: Traditional rules, supply and demand ... they're secondary. But to rise above those rules, to know when to break them, requires absolute personal commitment. I consider it a prerequisite for success.
The class applauds.
Chloe: [Quietly to Clark.] And I consider it despicable, immoral, and possibly illegal.
Lionel: [To Chloe.] I'm sorry, do you have a question? [Chloe lowers her eyes.] No. Anybody else? No? All right, then I'll hand you back over to Mr. Simms.
The tour guide Mr. Simms gestures with his hand.
Mr. Simms: All right, group. Follow me.
Lionel: [To the teacher.] Pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Alice
Mrs. Alice: Thank you.
The group is following Mr. Simms and Lionel walks up to Chloe and Clark.
Lionel: Miss Sullivan. Mr. Kent. [With mock sincerity.] Well, it's nice to see you both looking to the future.
Chloe and Clark smile at Lionel politely and he walks away. They start to follow the group.
Chloe: What do you say we make a break for the f*re escape?
Clark: [Agreeing.] I could crawl down all 39 stories if this fieldtrip didn't count toward our final grade.
They get to the elevator where Mrs. Alice and the rest of the class are waiting.
Chloe: [Sarcastic. She steps into the elevator.] Welcome to the Lionel Luthor exhibit. Next floor: Victims, sycophants, and hatchet men.
Mrs. Alice: How about I split up this jaded little fan club? Mr. Kent, take the next car.
Chloe waves to Clark disappointedly as the elevator door slides shut, separating Clark from the rest of the class. Alicia has missed the elevator too, and she stands next to Clark. They look at each other briefly, and then Clark pushes the button on the wall. They wait for the next car.
Clark: [Making conversation.] Elevators. Too much demand, not enough supply.
Alicia nods and smiles curtly, then looks away, obviously not interested in talking. Clark looks away sheepishly and the elevator bell dings as the door slides open revealing an empty car. They both step inside and Clark pushes the button, closing the door. They wait for a moment while the elevator remains on the 39th floor, then a loud alarm starts to buzz. Clark pushes the button again and the elevator suddenly drops, rattling as it swiftly slides down the shaft. Clark and Alicia both fall down.
Alicia: Ah! Aah!
Alicia looks at the dial and sees the floors speeding down from 32 to 26 in a matter of seconds as the car plummets toward the ground.
Alicia: Oh, my God!
Clark looks up at the corner of the elevator and sees the lens of a security camera. He sh**t his heat vision at it causing it to turn red hot and then explode. Alicia gasps as the sparks fly from it. She looks at Clark wonderingly. Clark turns to the wall behind him and punches a hole in it. He grabs onto a pipe that runs down the length of the elevator shaft in an attempt to stop the elevator from falling. The friction of his hand against the pipe causes smoke and sparks to fly from his hand and he tightens his grip, finally managing to stop the elevator with a jerk on floor 19. He looks at Alicia who is staring at him breathlessly. She stands up.
Alicia: [Afraid.] What did you just do?
Clark: Please, don't tell anyone about this.
A security guard starts to pry open the elevator door from the outside with a pry bar.
Man: Hello? Is somebody in there? This is LuthorCorp security. Remain calm! If anybody's in there, we're working to get you out! Hang on!
Clark's is still standing with his arm in the hole in the wall and he looks at the elevator door nervously. Alicia walks to Clark and puts her hands on his shoulders. The air around their bodies starts to get wavy. Then from above the elevator inside the elevator shaft, we see the elevator car drop to the ground with a crash at the bottom.
Outside the elevator shaft on the ground floor, Clark and Alicia materialize out of thin air. Alicia removes her hands from Clark's shoulders and looks around to make sure nobody is watching.
Clark: [Astounded.] What did you just do?
Alicia: You didn't want to get caught, and I wanted to help, so...
Alicia glances over at the stairs. Mrs. Alice and the rest of the class are coming down the stairs and running toward them, frightened.
Alicia: Clark, now you know my secret too. You can't tell anybody. Please.
Mrs. Alice runs up to Clark and Alicia. Chloe and the rest of the class surround them.
Mrs. Alice: Are you two all right?!
Clark: [Pausing to look at Alicia.] Yeah. Yeah, yeah, we're okay. Um, the elevator crashed just as we got out of the doors. It sounded like the cable broke.
Chloe: How did that happen?
Clark: I-I don't know, Chloe.
Chloe: Are you all right?
Clark: Yeah, I'm okay.
Clark looks over at Alicia who is being lead away from him by Mrs. Alice. Alicia mouths the words "Thank you."
The class and the security team continue to swarm around Clark and Alicia.
[Opening credits]
The ground is covered with snow outside Smallville High School. Day. Alicia walks along the sidewalk just outside school grounds and Clark catches up with her.
Clark: Alicia! Hold on. With all the excitement yesterday, I didn't get a chance to thank you.
They walk together.
Alicia: Oh, it was my pleasure. It's actually kind of a relief to be able to share my ability with someone.
Clark: Is that what it takes to be friends with you?
Alicia: [Smiling.] I guess I deserved that. I'm not really as stuck up as everyone thinks. [Clark lowers his eyes.] What, you think I don't know what people say about me?
Clark: It doesn't bother you, huh?
Alicia: I don't know. I'm always afraid that if I get too close to people, they'll find out about me, realize that I'm a freak. I just figure it's better to be alone, even if people think I'm a snob.
They turn the corner and start walking toward the school.
Clark: You don't mind if I ask, have you always been able to...
Alicia: No, it was the meteor shower. One minute, I was swinging on the swing set, and the next thing I knew, I'm in the middle of a corn field.
Clark: Do you know how it happened?
Alicia: Sort of. I mean, once I was old enough to realize I was different, I did some research and... [Clark opens the school door for her. They go inside.] Thank you. I don't know, there's a complicated explanation about quantum physics. You'd probably be bored.
Clark: No, um... [Clark pulls her aside in the hallway as students pass by.] Try me.
Alicia: Basically, the meteor shower affected my body and allowed me to teleport myself.
Clark: And anything you touch.
Alicia: And anything I touch I want to take with me, yes.
Clark smiles softly at her.
Alicia: What about you? Was it meteor exposure too?
Clark: [Avoiding a direct answer.] Everything's pretty much connected to the meteor shower, right?
Alicia: Right.
The bell rings. Alicia starts to back away toward class. The moment becomes quiet, flirtatious.
Alicia: I just can't believe that you're like me. I mean, not exactly like me, but just...like me. You know?
Clark: [Still smiling, taken with her.] Yeah, I do.
Alicia backs up a few more steps as she smiles shyly.
Alicia: [Quietly.] Bye.
She waves and then turns to walk away. The smile on Clark's face remains as he watches her go.
Lana unlocks the door to Adam's apartment in the Talon and peeks inside. Day.
Lana: Adam?
There is no response and Lana enters, shutting the door behind her. She immediately goes to Adam's closet and starts looking through a pile of books on the floor. Then she goes to a shelf grabs a small box, accidentally dropping it onto the floor. She opens it and finds nothing incriminating inside. As she looks back up at the shelf, she notices a notebook taped to the underside of the shelf. She pulls it off and opens it. It is full of short journal entries about Lana and Clark. Adam walks up behind her.
Adam: Lana?
Lana gasps and jumps to her feet.
Adam: What are you doing?
Lana: [Holding up the book.] Adam, what is this?
Adam: It's private. Give it back to me.
Lana: No. [She opens the journal and reads.] "January 11th: Lana evasive about her relationship with Clark. January 17th: Clark is at the scene of another accident." [Angry.] You've been spying on me. And you've been spying on Clark.
Adam: Look who's talking.
Lana: No, you thr*at me, and now I find out you've been keeping tabs on me? I want you to leave.
Lana tries to walk toward the door and Adam stops her. He takes the notebook away from her. She looks into his eyes angrily then walks to the door.
Adam: I guess you haven't checked tenant laws. It's not that easy to evict someone.
Lana stops at the door, looking back at Adam.
Adam: [With a smug grin.] I'm not going anywhere.
Lana leaves.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Alicia is working in an empty science classroom. She is wearing a pair of protective goggles when Clark enters.
Clark: [Shyly.] Alicia. [Alicia takes off the goggles.] Hey. I've been looking all over for you.
Alicia: Yeah, you figured teleporting girl, physics lab. Makes sense. That's a pretty good deduction. But I should warn you, Clark, I'm not always that easy to pin down.
Clark: So I've seen. [Alicia looks at him expectantly. He continues nervously.] Um, but since I've been this lucky, I was just wondering if you'd like to get together. You know, for the econ test.
Alicia: Are you asking me out on a date?
Clark: A date? No. Uh, not that I wouldn't, but, uh...
Alicia: Clark? [She walks closer to him.] Would you like to go out on a date with me?
Clark smiles brightly in reply.
Cut to Clark leaving the science room smiling. He stops when he nearly runs into Lana in the hallway.
Lana: [Noticing his expression.] Did you just win the lotto?
Clark: W-what?
Lana: No, it's just I haven't seen you smile like that in a long time. Look, I, uh, I don't want to spoil your mood, but, um, I wanted to tell you something about Adam.
Clark: What is it?
Lana: He's been keeping a journal about me...and you. And I don't know if it's because he's jealous or he's just obsessed with us, or if it's more about you.
Clark: Well, I'll go talk to him.
Lana: Clark, no, I'm gonna have him evicted. I don't think he'll be bothering either of us anymore. I just wanted to give you a heads-up.
Alicia walks up to Clark.
Alicia: [Smiling.] See you at 7:00?
Clark smiles at Alicia. She glances at Lana as she walks away.
Alicia: Hey, Lana.
Lana looks at Clark questioningly.
Clark: We're in the same econ class.
Clark looks at Alicia who looks back at him one more time as she walks away. Lana nods at Clark with a forced smile and leaves.
A sh*t of the night sky full of stars. Clark and Alicia are in Clark's loft. Clark is looking at the sky through his telescope.
Alicia: According to the Greeks, Orion the Hunter is greater in strength and stature than any other mortal.
Clark: I thought I was the only one who knew astronomy.
Alicia: I'm a science geek.
Clark steps out of the way so Alicia can look through the telescope.
Clark: You don't look like one.
Alicia: [Laughing.] Thanks. So, I, uh, spent the whole movie wondering what else you can do other than punch through steel.
Clark: [Nervously.] What do you mean?
Clark looks into the telescope, trying to avoid the question.
Alicia: Come on, Clark. I know you managed to fry that security camera. I just...I can't figure out exactly how.
Clark: [Pause.] With my eyes. They give off heat.
Alicia: That's incredible. Have you ever shown Lana what you can do?
Clark: [Sadly.] No. It was actually one of the issues of our relationship. I didn't feel I could be completely honest with her.
Alicia: [Smiling.] Like you are with me?
Clark smiles in reply.
Clark: So, um, how about you? Any boyfriends or...
Alicia: There was this boy and I really liked him. Um, but then he found out what I can do and he totally freaked.
Alicia lowers her eyes, clearly still upset about it.
Clark: [Comforting.] What he thought doesn't matter.
Alicia looks into Clark's eyes and he smiles slightly.
Cut to Clark driving Alicia up the driveway of her house. The house is fairly large and all the lights inside are on. They get out of the truck and walks slowly toward the porch.
Clark: Looks like someone stayed up. I hope they didn't worry.
Alicia: Yeah, my parents are a little overprotective.
Clark: Really?
Alicia: Yeah, they don't really understand everything about my abilities. For a while, they tried to keep me from doing it.
Clark: How?
Alicia: [Looks at Clark for a moment.] I don't really want to talk about it.
Clark: Okay.
They start walking up the steps.
Alicia: What about your parents?
Clark: My parents are great. They worry about me, that someone might find out. But they don't try to change me.
They get to the front door and stand face to face, close to each other.
Alicia: Well, maybe that's why you're so special. [Clark smiles.] Clark, um, I just want you to know that I had a really good time tonight.
Clark: [Quietly.] Me too.
Alicia: [Whispered.] Yeah.
There is a long quiet moment and they lean in slowly for a kiss. Their noses brush together as their lips are about to touch, then Clark pulls away slightly, ending the moment. They both laugh, a little flustered.
Alicia: Okay. Um... [Clark shakes his head embarrassed.] I guess I'll see you later.
Clark: Okay.
Alicia: [Smiling.] Okay.
Alicia opens the front door and goes inside, closing the door behind her. She looks out at Clark through the glass door and Clark waves. He continues to look at her as he walks down the front steps and stumbles slightly and then regains his balance. The sh*t rises from the front door to Alicia's bedroom window on the second floor. She is already in the window smiling as Clark drives away.
Outside sh*t of the Kent home. Night. Clark rolls over in bed and glances at his alarm clock, then closes his eyes and starts to go back to sleep. A hand reaches out and rubs over his bare shoulder and down his arm. He breathes deeply, enjoying the touch at first, then jumps into an upright position, knocking his alarm clock off the nightstand. Alicia is sitting on Clark's bed in a skimpy pajama top and underwear.
Clark: Alicia!
Alicia: [Laughing.] Sorry. I didn't want to scare you. I just wanted to surprise you.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Alicia: When you dropped me off, I could tell that you didn't want the night to end, and neither did I, so...
Alicia straddles Clark's lap, resting her hands on his face.
Clark: [Resisting.] Um, Alicia, I...
Alicia: I know you wanted to kiss me, Clark.
Clark: Um, Alicia...
Alicia: Just kiss me.
Clark gives in and kisses Alicia lightly. His hand hovers next to her hip awkwardly, and he breathes into her mouth as his hand finally rests on her hip and squeezes it, then runs up her back.
They kiss more heavily and Clark wraps his arms around her back. Suddenly the door bursts open and Jonathan enters.
Jonathan: Hey, what'd you do, fall out of ...
Jonathan stops when he sees Alicia in Clark's lap. Alicia takes a breath, startled.
Clark: Dad.
Jonathan looks at Clark, shocked.
Fade to black.
Several minutes later. Clark stands at the top of the stairs while Jonathan and Martha are talking in the kitchen. Night.
Jonathan: I don't know, Martha. It's what we've always discussed. We have rules in this house, boundaries, limitations. Clark knows that.
Clark takes a deep breath, clears his throat, and walks down the stairs.
Jonathan: I don't understand ...
Martha: Jonathan ...
They stop talking when they see Clark coming down.
Clark: She's gone.
Jonathan: What did she do, Clark, climb out the window?
Clark: Actually, she teleported.
Jonathan: You're gonna have to run that by me one more time.
Clark: [Pause.] Alicia was infected by the meteor shower. She can transport herself wherever she wants.
Martha: Including boys' bedrooms.
Clark: Look, Alicia saved me. We were trapped in a LuthorCorp elevator and the cable broke... and I had to stop it.
Jonathan: [Even more aggravated.] So Alicia saw you use your powers.
Clark: [Nodding.] Yes.
Jonathan: [Holding back his temper.] How much does she know about you, Clark?
Clark: She knows about the strength, and um... the heat vision.
Jonathan: I suppose the next thing you're gonna tell us is that she also knows you get sick around meteor rocks.
Clark: [Quickly.] No. I didn't tell her that.
Jonathan and Martha exchange an unhappy look.
Clark: [Defensive.] She didn't have to help me. She was willing to expose her own secret to protect mine. [Slight smile.] I think that's why I feel such a connection to her. Look, you guys don't get this. We're a lot alike.
We see that Alicia has teleported into the next room. She watching and listening to the conversation through the partially open door.
Martha: You really like this girl.
Clark: Yeah. Maybe I do. I think I found someone I can actually have a relationship with.
Alicia smiles to herself.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Pete catches up with Clark who is walking through the crowded hallway.
Pete: [Smiling.] Clark. I know we've had our differences lately... but I can't believe you didn't tell me!
Clark: Tell you what?
Pete: That your dad caught you and Alicia in your bedroom, that's what.
Clark: [Surprised.] The only people who knew about that were me and my parents and Alicia.
Pete: Well, I guess she's not as secretive as you are. Anyway, man, that girl is on f*re! [Slaps Clark on the chest playfully.] Congratulations! [Clark smiles. Pete starts to walk away.] Later, stud!
Clark: [To himself, pleased.] Yeah.
Clark is now at his locker. He spins the combination lock and opens the door. The smile on his face fades when he sees that the inside of his locker is covered with pictures of Alicia. He slams the door shut before anyone else can see the pictures, and suddenly Alicia is standing right next to him smiling.
Alicia: Good morning, gorgeous.
Clark: Alicia. We need to talk.
Alicia: What's wrong?
Clark: Well, last night in my room, and-and these pictures...
Alicia: Don't you like them?
Clark: No, I-I do. It's just, um... Look, I just think we might be moving a little too fast.
Alicia lowers her eyes, hurt. She takes a few steps away from Clark and speaks loudly so the other students in the hall can hear.
Alicia: You said you had a great time last night. You kissed me.
Clark pulls her back toward the locker.
Clark: [Quietly.] No, um, I did. And I did. I just think that, um, maybe we need to set some boundaries. You know, maybe some limitations.
Alicia: [Holding Clark close.] We're special, Clark. People like us don't need boundaries and limitations.
The bell rings.
Alicia: I'll see you later, sweetie.
Alicia kisses Clark lightly.
Clark: Yeah.
Alicia: I'll be thinking about you.
Alicia walks away and Clark watches her go with worry in his eyes.
Lex pours himself a drink in his study while he talks to Clark. Day.
Lex: You go on one date with this girl, and already she's sneaking into your bedroom, putting sexy pictures of herself in your locker, and practically asking your parents to book the wedding chapel. [With a smirk.] What's your secret, Clark?
Clark: This isn't funny, Lex. We barely know each other. She's already acting like we're soul mates.
Lex: Look, in my experience, a person doesn't develop this kind of fixation unless she's been encouraged to think the relationship is more than just casual.
Clark: You're saying I led her on?
Lex: I'm saying I've been there. [Pause. Clark doesn't answer.] She's smart, she's pretty, and you want her to like you so you tell her things she wants to hear. I'm curious. What exactly did you do to make her feel this way?
Clark remains silent with a guilty look on his face.
Lex: You're making my point for me.
Lex walks to his desk.
Clark: So what do I do now?
Clark knocks on Alicia's front door. Day. Alicia's mother, Mrs. Baker, opens the door with a smile.
Mrs. Baker: [Very warm, friendly.] You must be Clark. Come in, come in. Uh, Alicia's not here right now.
Clark comes in and Mrs. Baker closes the door behind him. Mr. Baker is seated at the kitchen table.
Mrs. Baker: [To Mr. Baker.] Honey, look who's here. It's Clark.
Mr. Baker: Clark.
Clark notices a shelf on the wall covered with trophies and ribbons and pictures of Alicia.
Mrs. Baker: [Excited, almost nervous.] She's, uh, she's told us so much about you and, uh, well, we're just thrilled that she's dating such a nice young man.
Clark: Actually, that's why I'm here. I think Alicia may have gotten the wrong idea about us.
Mrs. Baker: Oh, no, I'm pretty sure that you're mistaken. She said you're her boyfriend.
Clark: That's the thing, I'm-I'm ...
Mrs. Baker puts her hands on Clark's jacket, quieting him.
Mrs. Baker: If she says you're dating, well, just go along with it. Alicia's a special girl.
Clark: I know about Alicia. Her ability. She said that you tried to stop her from using it. How?
Mr. Baker: [Looking at Mrs. Baker.] We kept her in a special room.
Mrs. Baker: But she begged us to let her out. She promised she wouldn't abuse her power.
Clark looks around the house with his X-ray vision. Behind the wall, there is a room that he can't see into; it's lined with lead.
Mr. Baker: Now we never know where she is or what she'll do.
Mrs. Baker: Please, Clark. Just try to go along with her.
Clark: If you see Alicia, please tell her I'm looking for her.
Clark starts to leave.
Mr. Baker: Clark. [Clark stops.] Th-there was another boy that Alicia liked a lot. Uh... it didn't end well. Be careful.
Clark doesn't respond. He leaves. Mr. Baker closes the door, and Alicia is suddenly standing there, looking furious.
Mr. Baker: [Afraid.] Alicia. [He starts backing away.]
Alicia walks toward her father slowly.
Alicia: [Quiet, menacing.] You shouldn't have said that, Daddy.
Lana is preparing a cup of coffee in the Talon as she talks to Lex. Day.
Lana: I'm sorry to bother you with this, but I didn't know where else to turn.
Lex: It's all right, Lana. I trust your instincts. Look, if you're nervous about Adam, I'm sure it's with good reason. Is there anything concrete you can tell me?
Lana: No, not really. Um, just the journal that I told you about and his attitude.
Lex: Don't worry. I'll take care of it. [He starts to leave.]
Lana: Lex, I looked into tenant laws, and it can take up to six months to get him out. And I'm not willing to wait that long.
Lex: Believe me, there are definitely ways of getting rid of someone a lot faster than that.
Lana looks at Lex nervously.
Clark enters the loft. Day. There are candles and flowers everywhere. He finds a framed picture of Alicia on his desk which he picks up and looks at. He puts the picture down, and next to it is his open Smallville High yearbook. He picks up the yearbook and sees that Lana's picture has been scratched out. He turns around and Alicia is there. She kisses him on the cheek.
Alicia: [Sweetly.] Hey.
Clark: Alicia. What's going on?
Alicia: I got your message. My parents said you wanted to see me. So here I am.
Clark: Yeah, well, that wasn't an invitation to redecorate or to go through my stuff.
Alicia: I thought you'd like what I did to the loft. It's more us now.
Clark: [Holding up the yearbook.] What's this all about?
Alicia: [Taking the yearbook and shutting it.] Clark, it's time to move on. I know you used to go out with Lana, but now you're with me.
Clark: There's no us.
Alicia: [Stepping closer.] Of course there is. We're special. We're made for each other. You didn't tell Lana your secret, you told me.
Clark steps past her.
Alicia: You and I are meant to be together. [Alicia's cell phone rings. She answers it.] Hello? Yes. [She hangs up the phone, shocked.] It's my father. He's at the hospital. He fell down the stairs.
Mrs. Baker is sitting in Mr. Baker's hospital room. Day. Mr. Baker is unconscious in the bed. Alicia and Clark enter. Mrs. Baker looks at Alicia. Her mouth hangs open as if she is too afraid to speak. Alicia's eyes fill with tears as she steps closer to Clark, touching his chest. Sheriff Adams enters.
Adams: [To Alicia.] Ms. Baker. May I have a word?
Alicia steps into the hall with Clark and Sheriff Adams. Alicia is holding onto Clark's hand.
Alicia: What is it?
Adams: Can you think of anyone who'd want to hurt your father?
Alicia: I thought it was an accident.
Adams: Well, there was a suspicious-looking blunt trauma to the back of Baker's head. It's possible there was an assailant.
Alicia starts to cry.
Clark: Possible?
Adams: Yeah, the basement was locked from the inside.
Alicia sobs into Clark's chest.
Alicia: I'm sorry.
Sheriff Adams steps away, giving Alicia a moment to calm down. Clark pushes Alicia gently down the hall.
Clark: Alicia, listen to me. I need to know. Did you have anything to do with this?
Alicia: How could you think that?
Clark: Who else could escape from a locked basement?
Alicia stops crying and looks up at Clark seriously.
Alicia: I did it for us. He was trying to keep us apart.
Clark: [Shocked.] You need to talk to the sheriff.
Alicia pushes Clark away. He reaches for her, but she teleports out of the hall, leaving Clark alone.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark enters the house and finds Alicia in the kitchen waiting for him.
Alicia: Clark, hi. I stopped by to see you and your mom asked me to stay for dinner.
Clark looks in the dining room and sees Martha setting the table.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Alicia: I'm just getting to know your family.
Clark: Alicia, you need to turn yourself in.
Alicia: [Angrily chopping a head of lettuce in half with a sharp Kn*fe.] You're my boyfriend. You're supposed to be protecting me like I protected you. [Walks to Clark and touches his face.] As long as you do that, your secret's safe. And so are the people you care about.
Clark: [Grabbing Alicia's wrist roughly.] Is that a thr*at?
Alicia: [Pulling away.] Tell your mom I'm sorry I couldn't stay.
Alicia teleports away.
Clark and Chloe talk in the Torch office. Day.
Chloe: I'm really sorry she went all Glenn Close on you.
Clark: I should have told you about Alicia's ability before. But she'd asked me to keep it a secret.
Chloe: Yeah, and I respect you for keeping her confidence. But once she went psycho, all bets are off.
Clark: So how do you look for someone who can disappear in the blink of an eye whenever she wants?
Chloe: Well, we know that Alicia has at least one weakness. You.
Clark: [Thinking about it.] She may have one more. Chloe, I have an idea. I'm gonna need your help.
Cut to Mrs. Baker answering the door to Chloe. Mrs. Baker looks frazzled.
Chloe: Mrs. Baker? I'm Chloe Sullivan. I need to speak with Alicia, please. It's urgent.
Mrs. Baker: Uh, what's wrong?
Chloe: It's her boyfriend, Clark. He's in trouble.
Alicia steps out from behind Mrs. Baker.
Alicia: What do you mean? What is it?
Chloe: Sheriff Adams suspects that he may have had something to do with your father's accident.
Mrs. Baker: Oh, Alicia ...
Alicia: [Stern.] Mother.
Mrs. Baker walks back into the house. Alicia comes out onto the porch and closes the door.
Alicia: Why would the sheriff suspect Clark?
Chloe: She has this theory that Clark was angry with your father for not allowing you guys to be together.
Alicia: Is he under arrest?
Chloe: No, he's in hiding. And he asked me to find you and tell you he needs help. I don't understand why, but he said you were his only chance.
Alicia thinks about it. Chloe watches her closely to see if she takes the bait.
Alicia: Um, where is he now?
Cut to Alicia walking into the boiler room in the basement of Smallville High. She is surrounded by steaming pipes.
Alicia: Clark? Clark?
She walks down the hallway looking around and finds Clark hiding next to a large t*nk.
Clark: Alicia? [He goes to her.]
Alicia: Clark. You okay?
Clark: They're after me. The sheriff thinks I tried to k*ll your father.
Alicia: I know.
Clark: You have to tell them the truth.
Alicia: No, I can't do that.
Clark: [Pleading.] Alicia...
Alicia: We'll disappear. We'll go somewhere where no one will find us.
Clark: Yeah. I guess it's the only way. [He takes her hand.] Come on.
Clark leads her back through the hallway she entered through and they start going up the stairs. When they get to the first landing, they hear the door to the boiler room opening.
Clark: Quick, someone's coming. Come on!
Clark takes Alicia into a nearby room and closes the door. Alicia looks around and sees that the entire room ... ceiling, walls, and floor ... has been painted a dull red color. Then she notices the open paint cans on the floor.
Alicia: Lead paint? [Looks at Clark.] Are you trying to trap me? Like my parents did in that little room?
Clark: Alicia, what you did to your father was wrong.
Alicia: You're just trying to get me out of the way so you can be with Lana. That's what this is about.
Clark: Alicia, you need help.
Alicia: [Stepping closer.] Don't you understand? I'm the one that's right for you.
Clark: [Pushing her away.] No, I'm sorry. The police are already on their way.
Alicia: Just because I can't teleport out of this room, Clark, doesn't mean that I can't walk out.
Clark's breath has become labored and he looks tired. We suddenly see that Alicia is holding a large kryptonite rock in her hand. She holds it closer to Clark and he gasps, bending over and then falling to the ground.
Alicia: I overheard you talking to your parents. I hoped that I wouldn't have to use it, but you broke the rules first.
Alicia drops the rock next to Clark.
Clark: Please. Alicia don't do this.
Alicia kneels down next to Clark and holds his face close to her own.
Alicia: Once Lana's out of the way, you'll realize we were meant to be together.
She kisses Clark. He is too weak to resist.
Alicia: We can still be great together, Clark. We're soul mates, and nothing can stop that.
Fade to black.
Lana walks into the alley behind the Talon with a full garbage bag. Night. She tosses the garbage bag into the dumpster, and when she turns around, she comes face to face with Alicia. She gasps quietly, startled.
Alicia: What is it about you, Lana?
Lana: Excuse me?
Alicia: What is it that Clark Kent is so in love with? I mean, what have you got that I haven't got?
Lana: I have know idea what you're talking about.
Lana turns around to walk the other way, but Alicia is already there waiting for her, holding a sharp kitchen Kn*fe. Lana turns around and looks at the empty space where Alicia was just standing, then turns back to Alicia.
Alicia: I think you do.
Lana takes one look at the Kn*fe and runs away toward the Talon. Alicia follows calmly, walking at a normal pace. Lana gets inside the Talon. It is after hours and no one else is there. She runs into the middle of the room, and once again runs into Alicia who is there waiting for her with the Kn*fe.
Alicia: Tell me, Lana. What's your secret?
Alicia holds the Kn*fe near Lana's neck, backing Lana up to the bar slowly.
Alicia: You're not prettier than I am.
Lana steps behind a table with a tub of dishes sitting on it, putting the table between herself and Alicia. Alicia knocks the table over, sending the dishes to the floor with a shattering crash and pulls Lana forward, holding the Kn*fe even closer to her neck.
Alicia: And you're definitely not smarter. And you certainly don't have my abilities.
Lana: Alicia, there is nothing going on between me and Clark.
Lana pushes Alicia away and runs toward the bar. But when she gets there, she just runs into Alicia again. Alicia is getting more aggravated and desperate. She grabs Lana's face.
Alicia: Oh, yes, there is because Clark is still in love with you. [She pulls Lana's head back, holding the Kn*fe at her neck and whispering into her ear.] And now it's my turn. He told me the truth about himself. The things that he wouldn't tell you!
Alicia pushes Lana into one of the pillars next to the stairs. Lana knocks into the pillar face first and then falls onto the stairs. Alicia advances on her.
Cut to Clark lying on the floor in the boiler room. The kryptonite is next to him on the floor, emanating a pulsing green light through the room. Clark gasps as he attempts to move. He looks at the kryptonite and sees that an open can of lead paint is sitting right next to it. He starts to tap the paint can with his foot, barely able to move it. He finally succeeds in knocking the paint can over, drowning the kryptonite in lead paint which immediately diminishes the rock's effect. Clark sits up, catching his breath. Then he super speeds from the room.
Cut to Alicia standing over Lana in the Talon. Alicia adjusts her grip on the Kn*fe, holding it above her head, ready to s*ab.
Alicia: And now you'll never know.
Alicia walks toward Lana just as Clark super speeds into the room.
Clark: Alicia!
Alicia stops and looks at Clark. Clark hurls a sealed paint can at Alicia and we see it fly toward her in slow motion. As it goes, Clark sh**t his heat vision at it, causing the can to tear open, and paint begins to spew everywhere, drenching Alicia from head to toe.
Alicia: Ah!
She begins to sob and sink to the floor, wiping the paint from her eyes. She drops the Kn*fe and tries to teleport away. The air around her crackles and flickers, but she can't go anywhere.
Clark goes to Lana and helps her sit up.
Clark: Lana. Lana.
Lana: [Dazed.] Clark?
Alicia: [Crying.] Why, Clark? Why?
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Lana knocks on the door and Clark opens it.
Lana: Hey.
Clark: Hi.
Lana: Can I come in?
Clark: Yeah, come on in.
Lana enters and Clark closes the door.
Lana: I, uh, I just wanted to thank you.
Lana nods as Clark looks at her awkwardly for a moment.
Clark: You know, I think I should apologize. If I never got involved with Alicia ...
Lana: Alicia said that you, um, you told her the truth about yourself. Stuff you never told me. What'd she mean by that?
Clark: [Shrugging.] Alicia said a lot of crazy things.
Lana: [Quietly. This is difficult for her to talk about.] She also, um, said that you were still in love with me. But, uh, but that was crazy too. Right?
Clark: [Unhappy.] Right.
Martha comes down the stairs.
Martha: [Friendly.] Lana, hi. [Lana smiles.] Would you like to stay for dinner?
Lana: Oh, thanks, Mrs. Kent, but, um, but I can't.
She smiles at Martha and goes to the door.
Martha: Well, bye.
Lana: Bye.
Lana leaves. Clark holds the door behind her and watches her go, then closes the door.
Martha: Clark, honey, someday you'll find the person that's right for you.
Clark: You know, for a while, I thought that person was Lana, but I could never be honest with her. And then I thought it was Alicia because she was like me, but ...
Martha: Sweetheart, there's-there's nobody like you. You're...
Martha cuts herself off, realizing she might not have chosen the best words.
Clark: Maybe that means I'll always be alone.
Martha lowers her eyes, not knowing how to respond.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside, Lana enters Adam's apartment.
Lana: Hello? Adam?
There is no response. Lex walks up behind Lana.
Lex: Lana.
Lana turns around with a gasp.
Lex: Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. They told me you were up here.
Lana: Lex, thank you. I feel like this huge burden's been lifted.
Lex: What do you mean?
Lana: Well, Adam's gone. I really appreciate your help.
Lex: Lana, as much as I'd like to take credit for getting him out of your life, I can't. My security people haven't been able to track him down.
Lana: Well, if you didn't get rid of him, then where is he?
A dark hallway. At the end of the hallway, is someone seated in a chair. A door opens shedding light on some of the objects in the hall, animal cages, shelves. The lights turn on and reveal Adam is sitting in the chair, strapped down. Lionel is entering. The hallway appears to be part of a laboratory. Lionel approaches Adam slowly, slipping on a rubber glove.
Lionel: Adam?
Adam: Hello?
Adam is weak and he has several open sores on his face.
Lionel: Why did I send you to Smallville? Hmm? [He leans over the chair and opens one of Adam's eyes with his gloved hand.] To become the best friend of Lana Lang. To find out everything she knew about Clark Kent. Wasn't that it? [Adam nods.] And instead, you have alienated her completely.
Dr. Teng enters carrying a tray with Adam's medication.
Teng: Mr. Luthor, his medication is ready.
Lionel: [Taking off his glove.] That won't be necessary, Dr. Teng.
Teng: He needs the serum or he'll die.
Lionel: I'm sorry, Doctor, I've already made my decision. This patient is no longer a participant in our research program.
Lionel takes the vial of serum from the tray and holds it up in front of Adam's face. Adam's breathing speeds up as he becomes afraid.
Adam: Help me. [Barely audible.] Please.
Lionel turns and walks back down the hallway. Dr. Teng follows him.
Adam: [Jerking in the chair.] No! [The lights go out.] No. No! Help me!
Lionel shuts the door.
Adam: [Panicked, animalistic.] Help me!
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x14 - Obsession"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 25th, 2004
Jonathan and Martha are in an exam room in the Smallville Medical Center. Day. Jonathan is shirtless on the bed and Dr. Scanlan is performing an ultrasound of Jonathan's heart. We see the computerized image of Jonathan's heart on a small monitor.
Jonathan: [Joking.] I get to take home the souvenir video of this when we're done, right?
Scanlan: [Finishing.] Jonathan, you can go ahead and put your shirt on.
Martha: How does everything look, Dr. Scanlan?
Scanlan: Well, I'm afraid the left ventricular myocardium is still dyskinetic.
Jonathan: Why don't I like the way that sounds?
Scanlan: Because of your arterial blockage, I'm going to recommend a triple bypass.
During the next line, we see Clark's ear drum rattling as he uses his super hearing to listen from out in the hallway of the medical center.
Scanlan: You're only in the hospital for a few days, and I promise, when you come out, you'll feel better than when you came in.
Jonathan: Open heart surgery. Don't you think that's a bit extreme?
Scanlan: We've been friends for a long time, and I know you can be a stubborn man. Look, given your current condition, Jonathan, you could have another heart att*ck any moment. [Jonathan and Martha both look startled.] And the next time could be fatal.
Jonathan: [Thinking it over.] And the surgery could be fatal too.
Scanlan: Trust me. You stand a far greater risk if you don't have this operation.
Clark is distracted from listening to his father and Dr. Scanlan when he hears a pounding noise behind him. Garrett Davis, a young man who goes to Smallville High with Clark, is pounding a soda machine.
Garrett: Come on!
Garrett continues to pound and Clark stands up to walk over to him.
Clark: Garrett? Garrett.
Clark knocks the machine with the back of his fist and Garrett's can of soda rolls out of the machine.
Garrett: Thanks, Clark. [He picks up his soda. Then referring to the machine.] You'd figure after a couple of months, it'd like me better.
Clark: [Smiling.] Yeah.
Garrett: I thought your dad was out of the woods.
Clark: So did I, but, uh, here we are again.
Garrett opens his soda as they walk back to the waiting area.
Clark: How's your brother doing, Garrett?
Garrett: [Pause. Then sadly.] He's in serious need of a new liver. If he doesn't get one soon, I don't know how much time he's got left. Of course, if he knew I was out here hovering instead of hitting the books, he'd pitch a fit. [Garrett smiles.] What's it looking like for your dad?
Clark: He talked about open heart surgery.
Garrett: Everything you tell me about your father, it should be a walk in the park.
Clark sits down and Garrett sits across from.
Clark: You know, Garrett, I always though of my dad as a man of steel. I guess I was wrong.
Garrett: Clark, your dad's gonna have that surgery, and my brother's gonna get that transplant and a year from now we'll all get together and laugh about how freaked out we both were.
Clark: [With a slight smile.] Yeah.
Garrett smiles back. They hear a nurse's voice over the speaker system.
Nurse: Code blue. Room 247. Code blue. Room 247.
Garrett sits up straight, suddenly afraid. Then stands up and walks toward room 247.
Garrett: God. That's Vince's room!
He runs down the hall and Clark follows.
In Garrett's brother Vince's hospital room, Vince is lying shirtless on a bed. He is flat-lining, and Dr. Yeager with the help of several nurses is using a defibrillator to try to get Vince's heart beating again.
Nurse: Clear!
Dr. Yeager presses the paddles to Vince's chest and the electric shock causes Vince to convulse.
Yeager: Bag him! [Seeing no result.] No? Another milligram of Epi. Come on!
Another nurse is holding a large syringe, getting ready to inject Vince.
Nurse: [Preparing the defibrillator.] Charging! Clear!
Another electric shock to Vince's chest.
Nurse: No response!
Garrett and Clark get to the room.
Garrett: Vince?!
Yeager: [Seeing Garrett.] Hey, get him out of here! [To Vince.] Out of here!
Garrett: [Frantic.] Vince?
Nurse: [Referring to Vince.] He's crashing.
Yeager: No. Come on! Load up the truck and keep bagging!
Clark starts to pull Garrett from the room.
Garrett: No! No Vince! Vince, please! Vince!
Yeager is doing chest compressions on Vince.
Garrett: Not yet! Please! [Crying.] Don't die.
Vince is still flat-lining, and Dr. Yeager finally stops doing compressions. He rests a gloved hand on Vince's chest.
Yeager: [Quietly.] All right. Let's call it. [Looks at his watch.] Time of death, 2:43 PM.
Clark continues to hold onto Garrett who is shaking his head in disbelief. Dr. Yeager and the other nurses remove their gloves and disconnect the heart monitor, bringing the steady hum of the flat line to silence.
One of the nurses begins filling out the death report. He writes down the time of death. He is also holding a PDA which has an outgoing message that says "Subject is ready for pickup."
Yeager: [To Garrett.] I'm sorry son.
The nurse clicks a button on the PDA sending the message. We see a close sh*t of the word "pickup". The word disappears as the message is sent.
Then another sh*t of Vince, motionless and d*ad.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. A counselor walks with Garrett through the waiting room with an arm around his shoulder. She sits him down to talk. Martha and Clark watch this from several feet away.
Martha: [To Clark.] Poor boy. Where's his family?
Clark: His brother's all he had. His parents died in a car accident when he was a little kid.
Martha: Well, who's gonna take care of him?
Clark: He's got an uncle in Germany. It'll take him a few days to get here. He said something about foster care.
Martha: No. He shouldn't be there the night his brother died. [Martha glances back at Garrett.] He can stay with us for a few days.
Clark: Are you sure? What about Dad's surgery and everything? [Martha looks a little surprised. Clark speaks apologetically.] I overheard.
Martha: Dad's not sure he's gonna have it yet. I'm gonna go speak with Dr. Scanlan.
Martha rubs Clark's shoulder and walks away. Clark walks the opposite direction and goes to Jonathan's hospital room where Jonathan is sitting on the bed reading a pamphlet. Clark knocks on the door and comes in.
Jonathan: Hi, Clark. Look, I'm, uh, sorry to hear about your friend Garrett. How's he holding up?
Clark: He's in shock. I guess that's what happens when the most important person in your life is gone. I know about the surgery.
Jonathan: [Pause. Jonathan sniffs and looks down at the pamphlet.] Can you believe it? I'm so popular around here, they want me to be admitted right away.
Clark: So you're gonna do it.
Jonathan: It's not quite that cut and dried, Clark. There must be a way around this.
Clark walks around the bed to face his father.
Clark: No, I heard the doctor. It didn't sound like that.
Jonathan stands up.
Jonathan: I thought you and I talked about eavesdropping on people's private conversations.
Clark: If you'd stop trying to protect me from this, I wouldn't have to. [Jonathan doesn't respond.] Dad, I see Garrett out there, and he's lost. Just like I'd be without you. [Clark looks into Jonathan's eyes imploringly.] Please do this.
Jonathan: [Moved.] Clark, I want you to go out there and tell your mother to start filling out all the admissions paper work.
Clark nods, relieved. He hugs Jonathan. The embrace ends after a few moments.
Jonathan: Go on.
Clark starts to leave.
Jonathan: And Clark? Don't worry about me, son. I'm not going anywhere.
Clark nods and leaves the room.
Outside the Smallville Medical Center. Day. The helicopter is waiting on its pad. The propellers are turning and the helicopter is ready to take off. Two men in white roll a gurney out of the building toward the helicopter. On the gurney is a body completely covered in a white body bag. They get to the helicopter and lift the body from the gurney and place it inside, then close the door. All of this is done with a swiftness that seems practiced. They jog away from the helicopter and it lifts from the ground, flying away.
Outside sh*t of the Kent home. Night. Inside, Garrett and Clark stand in the living room. Martha enters with a pillow and some blankets that she puts down on the sofa.
Garrett: Mrs. Kent, I want you to know how much I appreciate this.
Martha: Oh, sweetheart, we're happy to have you. Clark, uh, I'm gonna go get some things together for your dad.
Martha leaves the room. Garrett walks slowly toward the sofa.
Clark: Garrett, if you want to be alone ...
Garrett: No. No, I really don't. It's kind of ironic. [He sits on the sofa.] My brother worked in demolition. He risked his life every day with expl*sives and we lose him to liver disease.
Clark sits in the chair across from Garrett.
Garrett: If he had just gotten that transplant, he'd still be... Your dad's about to have surgery. You don't need to hear this.
Clark: No, Garrett, it helps to talk about it. You listened to me that time in the hospital.
Garrett: Part of me feels like Vince isn't really gone. That it's all just some big misunderstanding.
Clark: Garrett, if there's anyone that needs to be told, I can help, make some phone calls...
Garrett: No, it was just us. [Chuckles softly.] He used to call me "runt" as long as I could remember. I always hated it. Now I'd give anything to hear him say it again.
Martha enters.
Martha: Garrett? I just got a call from the crematorium. They want to know where they should send your brother's ashes.
Garrett: Ashes? What are they talking about? He's supposed to be buried next to my mom and dad.
Martha doesn't know what to say. Garrett looks at Clark, confused.
Two men in white lab coats run down a dark hallway, pushing a gurney with the white body bag on it. Night. They enter a lab with several screeching monkeys in cages. Dr. Teng is waiting in the lab.
Teng: Let's move.
They lift the body bag from the gurney to the lab table. Dr. Teng unzips the bag revealing Vince.
Teng: Syringe.
Dr. Teng holds out her hand and one of the lab technicians hands her a syringe. She sticks the needle into Vince's chest and injects him. Then she stands back as almost immediately, Vince begins to choke and open his eyes, then sit up straight as he catches his breath. He looks around, confused and afraid.
Teng: Welcome back, Vince.
Clark and Garrett talk to a doctor in the morgue. Night.
Clark: Doctor, why would you have him cremated? It's not what he asked for.
Doctor: We didn't send him. Metropolis General did. He was helicoptered there for an organ donation.
She hands the file to Garrett who opens it.
Garrett: Then it couldn't be the same Vincent Davis.
Doctor: It's what the paper work says. All the documents are signed, including your brother's autograph on that cremation form.
Garrett: No.
Doctor: Look, maybe you didn't know him as well as you thought you did.
Garrett: [Suddenly furious.] What are you talking about?!
Clark: Garrett, calm down.
Garrett: [Yelling.] How am I supposed to be calm when my brother's been carved up and burnt to a crisp?
Doctor: Look, son, I know this is difficult, but ...
Garrett: [Pointing at her.] You don't know anything!
Garrett storms to the other side of the room. Clark looks at the doctor.
Clark: I'm sorry. [Clark walks to Garrett.] Garrett, I know this is hard. Maybe Vince just didn't tell you.
Garrett: My brother's told me everything since the day my parents died. Those documents have to be forged.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. In his study, Lex is seated at the desk having a heated phone conversation. Chloe enters.
Lex: Well, I'd think your embassy would keep tabs on North Koreans who have recently been deported. [Hangs up the phone. To Chloe.] Seems like Dr. Teng has vanished without a trace.
Chloe: Yeah, well, it turns out that's not the only thing out of the ordinary of our friendly molecular biologist.
Lex: What have you got?
Chloe: Well, it turns out it wasn't scientific research or academic prestige that got her into this country 12 years ago. It was wedding bells. She married a rent-a-cop from LuthorCorp.
Lex doesn't look surprised. He stands from his seat and goes to the bar to pour a drink.
Lex: So my father arranged a green card marriage.
Chloe: Yeah. Now, I tracked down the groom so I could ask him what he knew.
Lex: What'd the lucky guy have to say?
Chloe: It wasn't really what he had to say. It was more where he said it. He plays watch dog for the old Metron Pharmaceuticals building.
Lex: That's been shut down for seven years.
Chloe: Yeah, that's what I thought. But while he was in the process of telling me to get lost, I swear I saw what I think was a delivery truck pulling around back.
Lex: My father's been strangely stubborn about liquidating that property. Every market indicator says to sell, but he insists the neighborhood's about to be revitalized.
Chloe: The only thing being revitalized in that neighborhood is the graffiti. Now, I think I can make some headway if you'll just come along with me.
Lex: Chloe, I think I should take it from here.
Chloe: [Smiling.] Lex, I'm perfectly capable ...
Lex: This has nothing to do with your capability. I'm worried about your safety. [Chloe's smile fades.] When my father's involved with covert research, people tend to get hurt.
Chloe nods seriously.
Garrett and Clark enter Clark's loft. Night.
Garrett: I'm sorry I lost it. I guess I kind of have a short fuse.
Clark: You have every reason to be upset, Garrett.
Garrett: The thing is, it just doesn't make any sense.
They hear the door to the loft open behind them. They turn around to see who it is.
Garrett: [Shocked.] Vince?
Vince enters the loft smiling.
Vince: It's me, runt.
Garrett: [Excited.] Vince?! I can't believe it!
Garrett runs to Vince and they hug tightly.
Clark: Wait, I don't understand. We both saw you. You were pronounced d*ad.
Vince: I guess they were wrong.
Clark: Well, there's got to be an explanation.
Vince: All I know is when I woke up, I was in a lab and this woman doctor with a needle the size of Kansas was standing over me. [To Garrett.] Come on, runt. We have to get out of here.
Clark: Wait, we should get you to a doctor.
Vince: No more doctors or labs. Garrett and I have to fall off the radar.
Clark: Why? Who's after you?
Vince: I don't know, but...
Clark: Will you tell me where the lab is?
Vince: [Having a difficult time thinking clearly.] Uh... it's, uh, it's somewhere in Metropolis.
Vince is blinking heavily as if something is caught in his eye.
Clark: Are you okay?
Vince: Garrett, let's roll.
Garrett: Vince?
Blood starts to trickle from Vince's eyes.
Garrett: Your eyes. They're bleeding.
Vince wipes the blood from his face and then looks at his fingers. Then he starts to gasp and hold his stomach, convulsing into a bent over position, then falling to the floor in what looks like a seizure.
Garrett: Vince? [Kneels down next to Vince whose convulsions become more violent.] Vince?! What's happening to him?!
Vince: Aah!
Garrett: Vince! No!
Vince's face starts to turn slightly yellow.
Garrett: Clark! You have to help him, please!
Vince loses consciousness.
Fade to black.
Two technicians wheel Vince on a gurney toward a hospital room. Day. Garrett walks along side the gurney and Dr. Yeager and Clark follow.
Yeager: [To Clark, bewildered.] No, I-I don't know how to explain it. This man was d*ad yesterday.
Clark: He said he was revived at a lab in Metropolis.
Yeager: Well, whatever they did, it was short term. I'm afraid he's not gonna be able to last much longer. His liver is rapidly deteriorating.
They get to the hospital room. Vince is wheeled inside while Garrett, Clark, and Dr. Yeager stay in the hallway.
Garrett: Dr. Yeager, just call the lab and tell them to give him more of whatever he got.
Yeager: I have no idea what lab you're talking about.
Garrett: [Losing his cool.] Don't hold out on me. I'm not gonna stand here while my brother dies again.
Yeager: Look, I've never had a patient come back to life before. I'm just as confounded as you are. But I promise you, we're doing everything we can to keep your brother alive.
Garrett and Clark exchange a glance as Dr. Yeager joins the technicians in the hospital room.
Technician: All right, here we go.
They carry Vince from the gurney to the hospital bed. Clark and Garrett look in at Vince through the window.
Garrett: I'm not sure coming back here was such a great idea.
Clark: There's no other place to take him, Garrett. At least here they can s*ab him.
Garrett: I can't lose him twice, Clark.
Clark nods sympathetically. They both watch through the window as Dr. Yeager listens to Vince's heartbeat with a stethoscope.
A nurse takes Jonathan's blood pressure in another hospital room. Day. Jonathan is lying in bed before his surgery. Martha stands in the room next to the window. Clark enters.
Clark: [To Martha.] How's Dad doing?
Jonathan: [Sarcastic.] I feel like I'm being prepped for a Thanksgiving dinner, and I'm the turkey.
Clark: You'll have a good scar to brag about. [Jonathan smiles.]
Martha: Clark, what's happening with Garrett's brother?
Clark: He's going downhill fast, and the doctors, they don't know what to do. But he mentioned this lab in Metropolis. If I could find it, maybe I could figure out what cured him.
Jonathan: You need to go help your friend, Clark.
Clark: No, Dad, I'm not leaving you.
Jonathan: Clark, I'm in very capable hands here, and... honestly, you're not very good at sitting on the sidelines.
Martha: Garrett and Vince need you, Clark.
Clark: [Reluctant.] Yeah, but ...
Jonathan: Son, if there is any chance that you could save your friend's life, then that's what you need to do.
Clark gets very serious, sentimental.
Clark: Dad, I want you to know...
Jonathan: [Understanding.] I do know, Clark.
Jonathan holds up his hand and Clark takes it.
Jonathan: And I love you too. [Clark smiles halfheartedly.] Now go on. Help your friend.
Clark nods and leaves the room. Martha takes Jonathan's hand and sits on the edge of the bed.
Cut to Clark leaving the medical center. Outside, he finds Lana in the parking lot, walking toward him with a picnic basket.
Lana: Clark. I thought you and your mom could use some moral support. [Gesturing to the basket.] And a little sustenance.
Clark: Thanks, Lana. My mom hasn't eaten all day. I'm sure she'll appreciate it. Um, I'll be back soon.
Clark starts to walk away.
Lana: Is everything all right?
Clark: [Pause.] Do you know Garrett Davis?
Lana: Sure. He and Vince used to come by the Talon.
Clark: Yeah, well, Vince came down with this rare liver disease, and he needed a transplant.
Lana: I'm guessing from the past tense that he never got it.
Clark: No, he died yesterday. Then last night, he showed up at my barn.
Lana: [Shocked.] He came back to life?
Clark: He seemed completely fine until he started bleeding from his eyes.
Lana: [Afraid.] I've seen that before. With Adam, I-I found this obituary that said he died five months ago from a rare liver disease.
Clark: Did you tell anyone? [Lana shakes her head.] Why not?
Lana: Adam said if I told anyone, they could be in danger.
Clark: [Urgent.] Where is Adam now?
Lana: I don't know. He disappeared. I haven't seen him in more than a week.
Clark: Listen, Vince mentioned he got an injection. Did Adam ever take anything?
Lana: Yeah. At first, I thought it was because he was a drug addict, but maybe that's what was keeping him alive.
Clark looks worried.
Garrett is pacing in Vince's hospital room. Day. Vince is very weak and lying in the bed. He has started to develop sores on his face and chest and his skin is turning a darker shade of yellow. His eyes open.
Vince: Hey, runt.
Garrett: Vince.
Garrett sits on the edge of Vince's bed. Vince holds up his hand, and Garrett takes it.
Garrett: Vince. I'm sorry.
Vince: What are you talking about? I have a disease. None of this is your fault.
Garrett: But if it weren't for me, you could've had such a better life. You would've married and had kids of your own instead of worrying about me.
Vince shakes his head.
Vince: Garrett, I wouldn't have done it any different. Even if you are a runt.
They both smile. Vince's breath becomes slightly labored for a moment, then his eyes close. Dr. Yeager enters the room.
Yeager: Garrett?
Garrett stands up, and Dr. Yeager puts a hand on his back, leading him out into the hallway.
Yeager: There's not much else we can do at this point except make him comfortable. Now might be a good time to say your goodbyes.
Garrett: [Stubborn.] I'm not saying goodbye to anybody.
Yeager: Son, I-I know this is hard.
Garrett: I'm not gonna let him die. Do you hear me? I'm not gonna let him die!
Garrett turns around and walks down the hallway away from Dr. Yeager. He passes by Jonathan's hospital room where Martha is still sitting with Jonathan. She is slightly leaned over him and touching his face.
Martha: They'll be here any minute.
Jonathan: Martha, you and I both know there's a chance that things could go south in there.
Martha: [Whispered, upset.] Don't say that, please.
Jonathan: Now, there's no doubt in my mind that you and Clark can take good care of each other, but you have to remember our promise. [Martha nods.] When he's ready, you have to let him go.
Martha: [Determined.] When that day comes, you'll be standing right beside me.
Jonathan nods. They kiss. The kiss ends when Dr. Scanlan knocks on the door and enters.
Scanlan: We're ready.
Martha and Jonathan look at each other again. Jonathan smiles and nods encouragingly and Martha puts her hands on his face.
Chloe and Clark enter the Torch office. Day.
Chloe: You know, Clark, I can totally run with this if you want to go be with your dad.
Clark: It's all right. He knows I'm here. Besides, it takes my mind off the fact that I can't do anything for him.
Chloe puts a hand on Clark's shoulder.
Chloe: Everything's gonna be okay.
Clark nods. They both sit at Chloe's computer.
Clark: We need to figure out what brought Vince back to life.
Chloe: [Looking at the monitor.] Well, it looks like my contact at Metropolis General e-mailed me. [She reads the e-mail.] The only organ donors who arrived yesterday were both females.
Clark: That means the Medivac chopper took Garrett's brother somewhere else.
Chloe: Seems that Fly Boy is the one to talk to.
Clark gets up from his seat and leaves the office.
Clark walks out to Smallville Medical Center's helicopter launching pad. Day. The pilot, Ben Powell, is standing on the helicopter working on the propeller.
Clark: Are you Ben Powell?
Ben: [Getting down from the helicopter.] What's it to you?
Clark: Where'd you take that body yesterday?
Ben: Look, uh, I don't know what kind of game you think you're playing, but I'm an emergency medical pilot.
Clark: You left here to take a body to Metropolis General, and that body never arrived. Now, I'm not a lawyer, but I'm willing to guess you could do some pretty serious jail time for using a Medivac helicopter for your own profit.
Ben doesn't respond. He is unable to argue Clark's point.
Ben: What do you want?
Clark: Take me where you took Vincent Davis.
Cut to the helicopter flying through the air in Metropolis toward Metron Pharmaceuticals, an old building that appears to be shut down. Clark and Ben sit side by side in the helicopter.
Clark: What is this place?
Ben: They pay me cash. I don't ask questions.
The helicopter lands on the roof of the building. Clark takes off his headset and steps out. The helicopter takes off once he is out. He looks around and sees a ventilation pipe sticking out of the roof. He jogs over to it and uses his super hearing to listen through the pipe inside the building. Through the long and winding pipe, his hearing reaches to Dr. Teng's lab where Lex and Dr. Teng are speaking.
Teng: Who's there?
Lex: I thought I'd never see you again.
Teng: What are you doing here?
Lex: So this is where you were deported to. I can only imagine the moves you used to sway the immigration officer.
Teng: [Walking toward Lex heatedly.] How did you get past security?
Lex: As I'm sure you're well aware, this building is owned by LuthorCorp. Family name tends to open doors.
Lex walks toward the table and sees a vile of clear fluid. He picks it up.
Lex: Now, this looks familiar. It's identical to the vial found in Adam Knight's apartment.
Clark is still on the roof listening. Dr. Teng takes the vial from Lex and puts it back in its place.
Teng: It's a very delicate substance. If you don't leave at once, I'm notifying your father.
Lex: [Sarcastic.] Can't you just send me to the principal instead? I offered to fund your research, Doctor. You turned your back on me. Now, I suggest you tell me the origin of your little blood platelet cocktail, or I'll make sure the I.N.S. reserves you a window seat on the next flight to Pyongyang. Something tells me they don't look too kindly on North Koreans doing illegal research on American soil.
Dr. Teng looks at Lex fearfully. Clark turns around and sees an entrance to the building. In the lab, there is a small burst of wind that scatters several of the papers on the table next to Lex and Dr. Teng. The vial of clear fluid seems to vanish. Dr. Teng and Lex both look at the scattered papers and see that the vial is gone.
Teng: Where did it go? What did you just do?
Lex looks at Dr. Teng, just as surprised as she is.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. In an operating room, Dr. Scanlan is beginning surgery on Jonathan. Dr. Scanlan and several nurses are all suited up in scrubs, caps, and masks and Jonathan is unconscious under sedation on the table before them. A small rectangle of Jonathan's chest is exposed.
Nurse: Are you ready to proceed?
Scanlan: Yes. Go ahead and start it. I want two more milligrams of potassium chloride in the IV.
Nurse: Yes, Doctor.
Scanlan: Vitals?
Nurse: Pulse is leveled off at 80.
Nurse #2: BP 120 over 70.
Nurse #3: EKG normal.
Scanlan: Blood ox.?
Nurse: 98% of normal.
Dr. Scanlan starts to make the incision in Jonathan's chest.
Scanlan: Okay, Jonathan, we're gonna have you out of here in no time.
Martha fills a cup of coffee in the waiting room. Lana stands at her side.
Martha: [Nervous.] I suppose all we can do now is wait.
Lana: [Putting a hand on Martha's arm.] Mr. Kent's strong. He's gonna fight through this.
Martha nods. Pete enters.
Martha: [Happy to see him.] Pete.
Pete: I wasn't sure if you guys wanted your space, but at the end of the day, I thought I should be here.
Martha: [Hugging Pete.] Oh, I'm so glad you came.
Pete: Where's Clark?
Martha: He'll be right back.
Pete: Oh.
They hear Garrett yelling frantically from down the hall.
Garrett: Dr. Yeager!
Pete turns around as Garrett walks around the corner holding his jacket tightly shut.
Garrett: Where is Dr. Yeager?! I want to speak to Dr. Yeager!
Dr. Yeager comes into the hallway.
Yeager: Just what do you think you're doing?
Garrett: My brother needs a liver.
Garrett opens his coat revealing that he has a b*mb strapped to his chest. Everyone in the waiting area gasps. Garrett is holding a detonator for the b*mb in his hand. The corners of the b*mb are glowing green.
Garrett: So I figure now you'll get him one.
Martha: [Approaching Garrett slowly.] Garrett, this isn't gonna solve anything.
Garrett: Don't come any closer. [Martha stops. Garrett turns back to Yeager.] If you want anyone to leave this building with their limbs attached, you better make sure my brother gets that transplant.
Lana, Pete, and Martha all watch Garrett with fear.
Outside the medical center, several police cars are parked near the building and more drive up as police choppers circle the area shining spotlights on the ground. The whole area is sectioned off with police tape. Clark waits with a crowd outside the tape looking around. He spots Sheriff Adams and lifts the tape out of his way to walk toward her.
Clark: Sheriff!
Officer: Whoa, just hold it!
Adams: Hey, not now, Mr. Kent. You know, if you can't tell, I am a little busy here.
Clark: My parents are in there. My dad's having surgery. Please. What's going on?
Adams: [To the officer.] Let him go.
The officer walks away and Sheriff Adams walks to Clark's side.
Adams: There is a kid in there who is gonna blow this place to Kingdom Come unless his brother gets a transplant.
Clark: Garrett Davis?
Adams: You know him?
Clark: His brother doesn't need a transplant. I have medicine that can cure him.
Clark pulls the vial of fluid from his pocket and shows it to Sheriff Adams.
Adams: And where'd you get this wonder drug?
Clark: It doesn't matter. Please, if you tell him I have this, we can prevent anyone from getting hurt. [Adams looks hesitant.] Sheriff, I know him. He's just desperate.
Adams: Well desperate equals dangerous in my book.
Sheriff Adams starts to go.
Clark: Sheriff, please. Just get him on the phone. He'll talk to me.
Inside the medical center, Garret has taken everyone in the waiting area hostage. They are all sitting close together quietly, afraid. Lana kneels next to a middle-aged woman, offering her comfort. Pete and Martha sit next to each other talking quietly.
Pete: We have a serious problem. Clark can't help us in here. That b*mb is laced with meteor rock. His family uses it for their demolition business. More bang for their buck.
Garrett is pacing the hall outside his brother's hospital room with the b*mb still strapped to his chest and the remote control still in his hand. Vince is unconscious in bed and Dr. Yeager is standing over him. Martha stands and walks to Garrett.
Garrett: Mrs. Kent, you're a nice lady. I don't want to hurt you.
Martha: Don't do this, Garrett. It's not what your brother would want.
Garrett: I know exactly what my brother wanted. A transplant and to see me graduate high school, and I'm gonna make sure he gets both of those, even if I have to be locked up when I get that diploma.
The phone at the nearby nurse's station begins to ring. Garret walks to the desk and answers it.
Garrett: Yeah?
Clark talks to Garrett from a cell phone outside. Sheriff Adams is listening to the conversation on a headset.
Clark: Garrett, it's Clark. Listen, I tracked down the lab they took Vince to, and I grabbed a vial of the medicine that they gave him. I'm holding it right here in my hand.
Garrett: Why should I trust you?
Clark: Because I've done nothing but try to help you.
Garrett: Okay. Come in, but just you.
Adams: No. I will not allow that. I will get one of my deputies to bring it in.
Garrett: It's Clark or no one!
Clark: [Thinking quickly, looking at Adams.] You have to let the hostages go.
Garrett hesitates, glancing at the hostages.
Clark: That's the only way they're even gonna think about letting me in.
Adams nods at Clark, recognizing his strategy. Garrett puts down the phone and looks at the waiting room full of hostages.
Meanwhile in Jonathan's operating room, his heart surgery is still progressing.
Cut to the front doors of the medical center sliding open as the hostages come running out of the building. Martha, Pete, and Lana come out. Martha goes to Clark as Lana and Pete continue to jog away from the building.
Martha: Clark!
Clark: Mom, you okay?
Martha: I'm fine. Look, your father's still in the operating room. Clark, Garrett means what he says.
Clark: I just need to get this medicine to Vince, then I'll take care of the b*mb.
Martha: Clark, you may not be able to. It's made with kryptonite. Be careful.
Clark runs into the medical center. Sheriff Adams walks to a sharp sh**t who is standing ready with his r*fle.
Adams: [Quietly.] There is too much at stake here. You find a good vantage point. You get a clean sh*t, you take him out.
The sh**t nods.
Inside the medical center, Clark walks down the empty hallway.
Clark: Garrett!
Garret comes out into the hallway in front of Clark, facing him.
Garrett: Where is it?
Clark: [Holding up the vial.] It's right here.
Garrett starts walking toward Clark slowly, and Clark gasps quietly at the proximity to the kryptonite b*mb. Clark puts the vial on the floor and backs away from Garrett.
Garrett: What are you doing?
Clark: Garrett, you have a b*mb strapped to your chest. I prefer to just keep my distance.
Garrett picks up the vial and holds it up to look at it. As it comes near the kryptonite b*mb on his chest, the clear liquid turns red and starts to boil. Clark looks shocked.
Garrett: Is it supposed to do this?
Clark: I don't know.
Garrett: Doctor? [Dr. Yeager comes out of Vince's room.] I need you to give my brother an injection of this in his chest.
Garrett holds the vial toward Yeager, and as it gets farther away from the kryptonite, it stops bubbling and goes clear.
Yeager: What is this?
Garrett: Just do it!
Clark: Please, just do it.
Dr. Yeager takes the vial from Garrett and goes into Vince's room. Garrett glances back at Clark who nods reassuringly. Garrett goes into Vince's room where Yeager is loading the contents of the vial into a syringe with an enormous needle. He hesitates, looking at Garrett.
Garrett: What are you waiting for? Hurry!
Clark stands at the door and watches as Dr. Yeager goes to Vince and puts the needle deep into his chest, injecting him with the serum.
Garrett: How long is it supposed to take, Clark?
Clark: I'm not sure.
Dr. Yeager feels for a pulse in Vince's neck.
Yeager: There's no change in his vitals?
Garrett: It's not working? You lied to me, Clark.
Clark: No, I didn't.
Garrett: That's it. My brother is getting a liver now.
Yeager: We don't have one, Garrett.
Garrett: Yes, you do. You've got a man lying in the O.R.
Clark: That's my dad!
Garrett: I don't have another choice!
Clark: No, you're not touching him!
Angry, Clark starts to walk into the room. Garrett holds up the detonator thr*at.
Garrett: Clark!
Clark is affected by the kryptonite and backs away.
Garrett: You'll still have a mom. If Vince dies, I have no one.
Yeager: Son, the chances of success are very low.
Garrett: Just go. [Dr. Yeager doesn't move.] Now!
Dr. Yeager starts to leave the room. He stops when he gets to Clark who is still standing in the doorway.
Clark: [Quietly.] Doctor, you can't do this.
Yeager: I know I can't. But there are 20 other patients in this building. I don't know what to do.
Outside, the police sharp sh**t is crouching on the roof of a building across from the medical center leaning against the ledge as he aims his r*fle at the window. He looks through the scope on his g*n and sees Clark standing in the hallway outside Vince's room.
Inside, Dr. Yeager leaves the room and walks down the hallway. Garrett follows him, stops in the doorway to look at Clark sadly for a moment, then goes to follow Dr. Yeager. Clark follows them both. Through the window, the sh**t sees the three of them in line with Dr. Yeager in the lead and Clark at the end, closest to the window preventing a clear sh*t at Garrett.
Clark: You don't want to do this, Garrett.
Garrett stops walking and turns to face Clark.
Garrett: I'm sorry, Clark.
Once Garrett has turned around, he is facing the window and the sh**t has a clear sh*t at him. The sh**t fires his r*fle. The b*llet shatters through the window and hits Garrett directly in the chest.
The impact of the b*llet causes Garrett to turn sideways. He reaches out toward a shelf against the wall and knocks a tub of empty glass vials over. In slow motion, he falls backwards toward the ground as the vials fall around him. Clark watches as Garrett accidentally hits the button on the b*mb's detonator. Then time appears to stop almost completely as Garrett hangs above the ground and the vials hang in the air above him. Clark turns around and super speeds into a room behind him marked "Radiology." He grabs a lead apron and speeds to Garrett, who is still suspended in slow motion, and covers the b*mb with the lead apron, rips it from Garrett's chest, and super speeds out of the medical center.
He runs all the way to a sewer inlet outside the center and drops the b*mb inside where it explodes in a mass of green smoke. All of this has taken place in under one second, and back inside the medical center, Garrett finishes his fall to the floor as the vials crash down around him. The b*mb expl*si*n causes the ground to quake slightly in the operating room where Dr. Scanlan is still working on Jonathan. Clark watches the expl*si*n from a safe distance.
Scanlan: [Calm.] Is everyone all right? Everything s*ab? Let's continue.
They get back to work.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Metron Pharmaceuticals. Day. Inside, Lex and Dr. Teng enter a back hallway of the lab. They walk down the hall as they talk.
Teng: Your father wanted to cut off his medication. He said Adam Knight's role in the project was done, but I couldn't do it. It was barbaric. It would've k*lled him.
Lex: That's why you've hidden him down here from my father. Why didn't you just keep the kid on the medicine?
Teng: The platelets are in extremely short supply.
Lex: You still haven't told me where these blood platelets come from.
Teng: I don't know. Why would I lie to you? You're my only way out from your father's grip. But I do know they have the remarkable ability to revivify necrotic tissue.
They get to the end of the hallway and stop at an iron door with a small window and a large lock, almost like the door to a prison cell.
Lex: So why is it that all the subjects suffer from the same liver disease?
Teng: The cells in the liver are the most resilient cells in the body.
Dr. Teng unlocks the door.
Teng: [Calling into the cell.] I want you to relax, Adam. It's me, Dr. Teng.
She opens the door, revealing another door of iron bars. Lex walks closer to the bars and looks inside, confused.
Lex: What's wrong with him?
Teng: He's deteriorating. I told your father not to rush the serum's development. But he wouldn't listen.
Adam is huddled on the floor in the corner of the cell shaking and panting. His shirt is off revealing several open sores and his skin is a sickly shade of yellow.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Lana is in Adam's apartment scrubbing the window fiercely. She is unaware of Lex standing in the room behind her and jumps at the sound of his voice.
Lex: I don't think it's gonna get much cleaner.
Lana: What brings you to the far reaches of the Talon?
Lex: Well, I thought I might be able to find a clue to the former tenant's whereabouts.
The apartment is almost completely empty. Lana walks over to the counter, sprays it with cleaning fluid, and begins to scrub.
Lana: Why? He's gone. That's what's important.
Lex: You wouldn't happen to know where he is, would you?
Lana: Nope. I just want to forget that he ever lived here.
Lex: Yeah, I can see that. Lana, is there something you're not telling me?
Lana: [Stops scrubbing and looks at Lex.] No. Of course not. [Lex nods.] I guess I'm gonna have to put all this stuff in storage.
Lana wipes the sweat off her brow and walks over to the bookshelf. She starts to put Adam's books into an open cardboard box. Lex walks to her and takes a rag, gently wiping a splotch of dust from her face.
Lex: [Sympathetic.] Look, I want you to know, if you ever feel like talking about Adam, I'm always here.
Lana nods and Lex turns to go.
Lana: Lex. [He turns around.] Why are you still interested in him, anyway?
Lex: You came to me and asked if I could get him out of your life. I'm just following up and making sure he stays that way.
Lex leaves and Lana remains at the bookshelf, thoughtful.
Clark and Martha come out the front doors of the Smallville Medical Center. Day. Jonathan is with them being pushed in a wheelchair by a nurse. Clark is carrying a suitcase and Martha is carrying a basket of flowers.
Jonathan: Hey, uh, thanks for the lift. I think I can take it from here.
Jonathan starts to stand up.
Martha: Easy, Jonathan. The doctor said to stand slowly.
Jonathan: [Getting to his feet.] If I stand any slower, I'll be standing still.
Martha: [To the nurse.] Thank you so much for everything. Buh-bye.
The nurse takes the wheelchair and goes back inside as Clark, Martha, and Jonathan walk slowly to their truck. Jonathan puts his arm around Clark.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark, it's all right, son. The doctor says that the worst of this is behind me.
Clark doesn't respond and walks ahead of Jonathan to the truck.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark? What's bothering you, son?
Clark: When I went to pick up the vial for Vince, Lex was there. He was talking to one of the scientists. From their conversation, it sounds like Lionel Luthor is behind all of it.
Jonathan: [Glances at Martha.] Now, why doesn't that surprise me?
Clark: Dad, when that serum got close to the kryptonite b*mb, it reacted the same way as my blood.
Martha: So you're saying the serum...
Clark: I know. It sounds crazy, but I think that Lionel Luthor has found a way to use my blood to bring people back to life.
Martha and Jonathan look at each other, shocked.
Clark: If my blood can save lives, maybe I should come forward. What if there's something inside me that can repair dad's heart permanently?
Jonathan: Clark, your mother and I both know that you are gonna save a lot of lives in this world, even more than you have any idea.
Clark: The only life I'm interested in saving is yours.
Jonathan: [Smiling.] You do. You save my life every day that you're with us.
Jonathan puts his arm around Martha, and Martha smiles at Clark.
Jonathan: And we wouldn't trade that for a single moment without you.
Clark smiles slightly, encouraged.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Lana serves some customers their coffee as Clark enters.
Clark: Hey.
Lana: Hey, how's your dad feeling?
Clark: You'd never know he just had a triple bypass. My mom actually bought the doctor a combat helmet as a thank you gift.
Lana: [Laughing.] Only your dad could survive surgery during a siege.
Lana walks to the bar to put her tray down and Clark follows her.
Clark: I talked to Garrett's uncle. He wanted to know what happened.
Lana: What did you say?
Clark: Well, I couldn't explain Vince's resurrection, but I told him that Garrett was a good kid. You know, he was desperate. He wanted to do whatever he could to save his brother.
Lana: I should've said something about Adam sooner. I feel so guilty.
Clark: None of this was your fault.
Lana: Still, I let him thr*at me into silence.
Clark: Because you knew it would put people in danger. I understand keeping secrets for that reason.
Lana: Well, it was really hard keeping it from everyone. It was kind of a relief to tell you.
Clark pauses, looking at Lana lovingly.
Clark: Lana, no matter where we stand, I'm still your friend, and you can tell me anything.
Lana: You know that goes both ways.
Clark turns to go.
Lana: Clark. [Clark stops.] What do you think was in that serum?
Clark: I have no idea.
Lana looks at Clark strangely, as if unsatisfied with his answer. Clark leaves and Lana continues to look thoughtful.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x15 - Resurrection"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on March 3rd, 2004
Pete and Clark walk up to the front door of the Smallville Youth Center. Night.
Pete: I didn't think Lana would find someone to cover her shift this late in the game. I guess I should've figured on the Clark factor.
Clark: [Chuckles.] Well, it sounded like she was having her own crisis over Jensen's history exam.
Pete: Thanks for coming. I know this can't compete with the all-you-can-drink Talon cram session.
Clark: Definitely not.
Pete laughs as they enter the building. They enter a room full of young people seated at several tables. Everyone is either studying or answering phones as Pete and Clark walk to their own table.
Clark: Pete, I think it's great that you spend so much time volunteering here.
Pete: Well, someone's always been there for me when I've been in trouble. Seems like a good way to give something back.
An attractive young woman talking on the phone at the table behind Pete covers the receiver with her hand and smiles.
Girl: [Flirtatious.] Hi, Pete.
Pete smiles in response.
Clark: [Sarcastic.] And to hone your sensitive guy skills.
Pete's grin widens. The phone at his table rings and he sits down to answer it.
Pete: Watch and learn. [Answers the phone.] Teen Crisis Hotline. Uh-huh. [Pause.] Well, how long has it been since they've been divorced? Yeah, I know. That can be tough. Well, have you talked to them about it?
The phone next to Pete rings and he motions for Clark to answer it. Clark sits down next to Pete.
Pete: [Still on the phone.] Yeah.
Clark answers the phone and there is a loud buzzing static on the other end.
Clark: Teen Crisis Hotline.
Lana's voice: [Yelling.] Clark!
Clark: [Startled.] Lana.
Cut to Lana running down a hallway of what appears to be a storage facility talking on a cell phone. There are chain link fences on either side of her.
Lana: [Terrified, breathless.] Clark, it's happening! Are you there?
Clark: [Still confused.] Lana?
Lana: He's got a g*n!
Lana runs past a desk where a radio is playing. An announcer is reporting a basketball game. Just as Lana runs past the desk, a b*llet hits the wall, barely missing her.
Announcer: [Stating the score.] 61 to 60, Vipers!
A man chases after Lana. We can't see his face. Lana runs out the door of the building into a heavy rain storm. Outside the door is a metal staircase leading to the ground and Lana grabs onto the railing as she sprints down the stairs.
Lana: Clark! Please help me!
Clark glances at Pete who looks back at him questioningly.
Clark: Lana? Lana, wha ...
Lightning flashes as the man chasing Lana bursts through the door and out onto the landing above the staircase. He is carrying a r*fle, but we still can't see who it is. He runs down the stairs onto another landing.
Clark: Lana? Lana!
The man points the r*fle at Lana's back as she runs away down the alley. He fires the g*n and Clark hears the g*n over the phone. The b*llet hits Lana in the middle of her back. She gasps and then screams as she falls to the ground, face down in a puddle of water. The cell phone falls to the ground next to her.
Clark: Lana! Lana, can you hear me? Lana!
Lana's eyes are closed.
Clark: [Standing up.] Pete, call the police!
Clark super speeds away and Pete gets to his feet.
Pete: [On the phone.] Hey, uh, please hold. Hold.
Pete starts pushing buttons on the phone.
Lana is still lying completely motionless in the alley. There is a b*llet hole in her back and a small dot of blood is quickly growing across her snowflake sweater.
Cut to an outside sh*t of the Talon. Clark super speeds inside. He stops when he gets there, looking shocked.
Sitting on the couch against the wall are Chloe and Lana studying. They are both perfectly fine and untroubled.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. Knock much?
Lana: You're too late. I turned off the cappuccino machine an hour ago.
Clark is at a loss for words.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Youth Center. Day. Inside, Lana, Pete, Clark, and Sheriff Adams listen to a tape recording of Lana's call from the night before. Lana listens to her own voice fearfully.
Lana's voice: Please help me!
Clark's voice: Lana? Lana!
They hear the g*n and the call ends. Pete turns off the tape recorder.
Pete: The call came from a blocked ID.
Adams: [Holding a notepad and pencil.] Sounds like your voice, Miss Lang.
Lana: I know. But it can't be.
Clark: We think it's some sort of a prank, Sheriff.
Adams: You know, usually these situations originate a little closer to home than you'd expect. [To Lana, smiling.] Any reason you might want to goose these boys with a little crank call, Miss Lang?
Clark: Lana didn't have anything to do with this.
Adams: [Annoyed.] You know, unless Miss Lang has grown several inches and developed an affinity for plaid, this would be a good time for you to pipe down.
Clark lowers his eyes. Adams approaches Lana.
Adams: Yeah, I suppose someone could be imitating you.
Lana: Why would anyone do that?
Adams: If I had the answer to half the whys in this town, I'd have a best seller on my hands. [Closes her notepad.] I'll look into this. But you kids need to know that crank calls aren't exactly a top priority, hmm?
Sheriff Adams leaves. Clark walks closer to Lana who still looks upset.
Clark: Are you okay?
Lana: You know, if someone's doing this as a joke, they have a pretty sick sense of humor.
Clark: [Nods.] Don't worry. We'll figure out who did this.
Lana looks at Clark with tears in her eyes.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Chloe, Clark, and Lana are in the Torch office. They have uploaded the recording of Lana's phone call onto Chloe's computer, and Chloe is listening to it through headphones as Lana and Clark stand behind her.
Chloe: This connection's bad. We're missing pieces of the conversation. But the background noise is constant throughout. This recording wasn't piecemealed together.
Chloe unplugs the headphones and sets them down. She adjusts some of the sound levels on her computer.
Chloe: Here, I'll play it again with the static as low as I can get it.
The recording plays and they can hear a soft rapid tapping.
Lana: [Thoughtfully.] That sounds like rain.
Clark: We haven't had a storm in months.
Lana's voice: [On the recording.] Clark, it's happening!
Lana: Why would I say that?
Clark: It's almost like you were expecting something.
Chloe glances at Clark and then back at the computer screen.
Lana's voice: Clark! Please help me!
Lana's recorded screaming continues and Clark focuses with his super hearing. He suddenly hears a man's voice on the recording.
Man's voice: [Screaming.] You lied to me!
Clark: Hey, Chloe, can I...?
Chloe: Yeah.
Chloe gets up from her seat at the desk, and Clark sits down in her place.
Clark: I think I heard something.
Clark highlights one portion of the recording on the computer and types a few buttons, readjusting the sound levels. He plays the portion and they all hear the man's voice.
Man's voice: You lied to me!
Lana: That's Adam. But I haven't spoken to him since he left.
Chloe: Clark, how did you hear that?
Clark: I guess I missed too many Linkin Park concerts. [He types more, adjusting the levels.] Look, there's someone else here.
He plays the recording and they hear the sports announcer that was playing on the radio.
Announcer: That makes the score 61 to 60 Vipers. g*n now needs to miss the second sh*t to keep the Vipers home for an undefeated season ...
Chloe: g*n? He was benched in the preseason. This-this has got to be a recording of an old game.
Clark: No, that can't be. This is the first year the Vipers have been undefeated.
Clark wheels his chair around to the desk behind him where the other computer is online. He pulls up the sports page on the Internet.
Clark: They're not even scheduled to play the Metros until tonight. [He goes to the weather page.] And according to the weather service, a storm's on the way.
Chloe: Well, if none of this has happened yet, maybe the phone call hasn't either.
Clark and Lana both look at Chloe strangely.
Lana: [Skeptical.] You're saying the call came from the future?
Lana exchanges a nervous glance with Clark.
Lex slides a vial of clear liquid across the desk to Lionel in Lionel's office at LuthorCorp. Day.
Lionel: [Picking up the vial.] What is this?
Lex: An experimental medication. Not exactly FDA approved, but I assume you're working on the patent.
Lionel puts down the vial and turns back to his computer, exasperated.
Lionel: Oh, Lex, I don't have time for 20 questions.
Lex: [Leaning over the desk.] I know about the lab at Metron. It gives new meaning to the term, "Human Resources."
Lionel: You know, there are hundreds of projects in development at LuthorCorp. You'll have to forgive me if I'm not current on all the details about, uh, what, Metron?
Lex: You're secretly developing a serum that has a certain Lazarus effect on the dearly departed.
Lionel takes a sip of coffee, then looks up at Lex, startled.
Lionel: Resuscitating the d*ad? [He chuckles and gets up from his desk.] I think your, uh, creative talents are being wasted at LuthorCorp, son.
Lex: Unfortunately, this isn't fiction. [Opens his briefcase and pulls out a file.] So far, the Kafkaesque trials have caused patient's bodies to deteriorate while their minds retain consciousness.
Lex hands the file to Lionel who looks through it.
Lex: It sort of bypasses the code of ethics, but I suppose if you were successful, it could mean business.
Lionel: I applaud your moral outrage, but, um, these papers don't specifically confirm any of your accusations, son.
Lex: Although, they would raise a few eyebrows at the Daily Planet.
Lionel: [Laughs.] You know, you don't have to resort to thr*at, Lex, if you want to shut this project down.
Lex: I must not be making myself clear.
Lionel shakes his head.
Lex: I came back to LuthorCorp to be a partner, not a paper pusher. This new project can make the company billions of dollars. I don't want it shut down. I want to be put in charge of it.
Lionel looks at Lex seriously, finally understanding. Lex smiles faintly.
Several men in suits are going through Dr. Teng's lab at Metron, taking samples of the drug out of the fridge and putting them in a cooler to be transported. Day. Dr. Teng enters.
Teng: What are you doing? This is a restricted area.
Lionel enters.
Lionel: Apparently not. You failed to mention, Dr. Teng, that my son recently paid you a visit.
Lionel picks up a vial from the cooler and looks at it.
Teng: I don't know how he found us. But I didn't tell him anything.
Lionel: That's irrelevant now because as of this moment, this project never existed.
Teng: But we haven't even tested the most recent adjustments.
Lionel: Don't worry, Dr. Teng, your work will continue. Just not here. [He closes the cooler.] I want this lab cleared out by the end of the day, or this time, you will find yourself deported back to your native homeland. And if I'm not mistaken, your government does not have much use for women who have, uh, consorted with the devils of, uh, western capitalism. [To the men.] Come on.
Lionel opens the door for his men who carry the cooler out of the lab.
Lionel: [To Teng.] Am I right?
Dr. Teng watches Lionel fearfully, unable to respond. Lionel leaves. Dr. Teng walks down the back hallway toward Adam's cell. Outside the door, she pulls a tourniquet along with a syringe and a vial of the drug out of her pocket. She unlocks the door and enters the cell.
As she is getting the syringe ready for injection, Adam reaches up from the floor and grabs her arm, pulling himself into a standing position breathing heavily. His skin is a sickly shade of yellow and he is bleeding from his left eye. There are several open sores on his face and neck. He pulls the syringe and the tourniquet out of Dr. Teng's hand and lifts his shirt, revealing more sores on his stomach. He injects himself in the abdomen.
His breathing slows down as the sores on his stomach close up and his skin returns to a normal color. He remains where he is with his eyes closed for a few moments, then glances at Dr. Teng before drinking from a cup next to his bed.
Adam: Where have you been?
Teng: I'm sorry, Adam. I know you're in a lot of pain.
Adam: [Wiping the blood from his face.] Then why'd you do this to me?
Teng: We were trying to give you a second chance.
Adam: I've been hearing a lot of noise out there. What's going on?
Teng: They're shutting down the lab.
Adam: Where are we going?
Dr. Teng shifts her eyes away guiltily.
Adam: You're not taking me with you.
Teng: I can't.
Adam: What about the medicine?
Teng: Mr. Luthor took all of it.
Adam drops the syringe to the floor, holding onto the tourniquet.
Adam: [Starting to panic.] Then get it back! I've only got 12 hours. You know that!
Teng: He won't help you, Adam. He doesn't even know you're alive. I have no idea where he's taking the serum. I'm sorry.
Adam: [Quiet, thr*at.] What am I supposed to do?
Dr. Teng doesn't answer and Adam stares at her viciously, gripping the tourniquet in his hand. Then he lets it hang loose, holding onto one end.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Clark and Lex walk into Lex's study as they talk.
Lex: Look, Clark, I'm no expert on quantum tunneling or wormholes, but if minds like Einstein and Thorne believe time anomalies are possible, who am I to rule it out?
Clark: Lex, if that phone call is gonna happen tonight, we need to find Adam.
Lex: [Sitting at his desk.] Clark, what's makes you think I can help?
Clark: [Nervously.] Because you were at the lab. And I know you met with Dr. Teng.
Lex looks up at Clark, surprised.
Lex: Clark, what have you been doing? Following me?
Clark: Don't turn this around on me, Lex. Look, we think Adam died of liver disease three months ago, and I'm guessing he was one of Dr. Teng's subjects. Lana's in trouble, and I know you're holding out on me. [Pause. Lex lowers his eyes.] Where is he, Lex?
Lex remains silent, and Clark leans over the desk, imploring.
Clark: You don't want anything to happen to Lana, I know you don't. Please.
Lex leans forward, giving in.
Lex: Trust me, Clark, there's no way Adam's gonna come after Lana.
Clark: How can you be so sure?
Lex: Because he can't leave the lab. He needs constant injections just to stay alive.
Clark stands up straight, thinking this over.
Clark: I need to see with my own eyes.
Lex: It's a secured lab. You'll never be able to get in there.
Clark: Not without you.
Lex looks away, realizing he has no choice.
Cut to Lex and Clark entering Dr. Teng's lab. The only sound is that of the caged monkeys screeching. The office has clearly been ransacked. The floor is covered with paper and all the equipment has been turned over. Clark walks over to one of the monkey cages and finds one of the lab assistants, a young man, propped against the cage with his eyes closed and blood on his throat. He is d*ad.
Clark and Lex both turn to look down the hallway to Adam's cell and there are d*ad bodies of lab assistants littering the floor. They walk down the hall and turn the corner. At the end of the hall, the door to Adam's cell is wide open, and they both run to it, going inside.
Lex kneels down next to Adam's bed. Dr. Teng is on the ground, leaning against the bed with the tourniquet wrapped tightly around her neck. She has been strangled to death.
Clark: Lex...
Lex: [Shaken.] Adam's gone.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lionel enters his office, closing the doors behind him, obviously upset about something. Lex is waiting for him, seated at the desk.
Lex: Was it worth it? Sacrificing the lives of Dr. Teng and all those technicians just to get back into the pharmaceutical business?
Lionel: I, uh, hope you weren't as emotional as this with the police.
Lex: I just spent the last five hours covering for you.
Lionel: I appreciate the gesture, son, but I told you I had nothing to do with the lab at Metron.
Lex: [Standing up, angry.] And I suppose you didn't have anything to do with those m*rder either.
Lionel: Lex, even if I were the demonic father you've made me out to be, you know I would never do anything so sloppy. But I'm not worried, son.
Lex: How can you be so cavalier?
Lex starts to leave.
Lionel: Because I know I have someone extremely competent in charge.
Lex stops and turns to Lionel.
Lionel: Hmm? You wanted the project. It's yours. I'm trusting you to handle things.
Lex walks toward his father slowly.
Lex: [Long pause.] Nice try, Dad. But I'm not suiting up in the eleventh hour. [Whispered, with venom.] Clean up your own mess.
Lex turns and walks out of the office. Lionel remains where he is, thoughtful, unhappy.
Lana and Clark walk out of Adam's apartment over the Talon and down the stairs. Day.
Clark: I thought I was getting used to seeing some pretty weird things around here, but, Lana, this was a m*ssacre.
Lana: What about Adam?
Clark: It looks like he escaped.
Lana: But you think he k*lled them.
Clark: He obviously escaped from his cell and strangled his doctor. Looks like the other victims were trying stop him.
Clark and Lana stop walking when they get to the bar, and Chloe enters.
Chloe: Hey, guys. So after I promised to switch my long distance service, I finally got my guy at the phone company to track down the blocked number you called from.
Clark: Whose was it?
Chloe: It's from a cell phone belonging to Gwen Burton. Does that ring a bell?
Chloe pulls a piece of paper out of her pocket and shows it to Lana.
Lana: No. I have no idea who that is. Why would I make a call from her phone?
Chloe: I don't know. But it looks like we can rack up another one from our "Can you hear me 24 hours from now?" theory. I looked into Mrs. Burton's phone records, and there were no outgoing calls made from last night. It's like the call you received just came out of thin air.
Clark: Or a really different time zone. Look, at least this gives us an advantage.
Chloe and Lana look at Clark, waiting for him to continue.
Clark: We know what's supposed to happen. All we have to do is keep Adam away from Lana, and make sure you don't get that cell phone.
Lana: But Adam could be anywhere.
Clark: Yeah, maybe it's safer if we get you out to the farm.
Lana: [Quiet, afraid.] Clark, what if we can't stop this from happening?
Clark doesn't respond.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Clark is walking down the hall and finds Gwen Burton. She is an employee of the medical center and is walking down the hall with a stack of files in her arms.
Clark: Mrs. Burton?
Gwen turns and acknowledges Clark, but doesn't stop walking. He walks alongside her.
Clark: I know this is a strange question, but I work at the Teen Crisis Hotline and we got a call from this number last night. Is it yours?
Clark hands her a piece of paper.
Gwen: [Nods and gives the paper back.] But I didn't make any calls last night. I'm sorry, there must be some mistake.
Clark: Would you know an Adam Knight? He used to be a patient here.
Gwen: We don't get too many patients down in accounts receivable.
Clark finally stands in front of Gwen, stopping her.
Clark: Look, Mrs. Burton, I don't know how to explain this, but I think your phone's gonna be used in a crime. Tonight.
Gwen: What did you say your name was?
Clark: Clark Kent.
Gwen: Well, Clark, we have an excellent psychiatric staff here at the hospital. I would be happy to take you down to the admitting desk.
Clark: I know I sound crazy, but is there a chance you lost your phone?
Gwen: Actually, I lent it to my husband today. He had to run some errands in Metropolis.
Clark: Would you call him? Please?
Gwen looks at Clark uneasily.
Cut to the side of a van that says "Speedy Heat and Air" along with a phone number. The van is parked on the side of a deserted road as Len Burton, Gwen's husband, replaces the tire. The cell phone rings in the passenger seat and he answers it.
Len: Hello?
Gwen: Hi, honey. There's some kid here asking about the cell phone.
Len: What, they come in person now? Just, just tell him we're happy with our plan.
Clark: Ask him where he is.
Gwen: Where are you?
Clark listens to Gwen's husband with his super hearing.
Len: Well, I'm stuck outside the city on route 17. I got a flat, but I should be home by ...
Len turns around and Adam is suddenly there. Adam punches him in the face, knocking him unconscious. Len drops the phone.
Gwen: Len? Len?
Adam picks up the cell phone. The skin on his arm is already starting to yellow.
Gwen: Len?
Adam hangs up the phone and looks around.
Gwen: [To Clark.] He's not answering.
Gwen turns around to see that Clark is already gone.
Adam gets into the van and drives away leaving Len on the side of the road. Clark super speeds to Len just as he is regaining consciousness and standing up. Len has a cut across his forehead.
Clark: Are you okay?
Len: Yeah, I'm fine.
Clark: What happened?
Len: Some kid just carjacked me. He looked like a junkie.
Clark: Did you see which way he went?
Len: No. I must've been out for a minute.
Clark nods.
Len: I need to call the police.
Len searches his pockets for his cell phone and can't find it.
Clark: You don't have your cell phone, do you?
Len: [Confused.] No.
Clark walks out into the empty intersection and looks around helplessly.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. The sky is full of dark rain clouds and there is a flash of lightning as thunder rumbles softly. Inside, Jonathan comes downstairs into the kitchen where Lana is waiting as Chloe talks on the phone. Jonathan is holding a sweater.
Jonathan: Here you go, Lana. I know this old house can get drafty, and I'm sure Mrs. Kent won't mind.
Lana: Thanks, Mr. Kent. I really appreciate it.
Jonathan helps Lana put on the sweater. We see that it is the same snowflake sweater she was wearing in the teaser when she made the phone call to the crisis center.
Chloe: [On the phone.] Yeah, okay. Yeah. I'll tell them. [She hangs up the phone.]
Lana: What did Clark say?
Chloe: He-he missed Adam by a few minutes, and Adam has the cell phone.
There is a flash of lightning and a startlingly loud thunderclap. Lana turns to the window and sees the rain starting to fall.
Lana: [Afraid.] It's all starting to come true. The storm, the phone.
Jonathan: Don't you worry, Lana. I'm not gonna let anything happen to you.
Jonathan walks to the side of the stairs where his r*fle is hanging on the wall. He takes the r*fle and walks back into the kitchen.
Chloe: You know, I'm not doing any good just standing here. [Chloe puts on her scarf.] The police are looking for the stolen vehicle and for him, so if any leads come through, they're gonna come through the police scanner at the Torch.
Jonathan opens a drawer and pulls out some amm*nit*on for the r*fle and his keys which he hands to Chloe.
Jonathan: Here, Chloe, I want you to take my truck. The last thing we need tonight is you getting stuck crossing the creek in that little car of yours.
Chloe: Thank you. [Turns to Lana.] Lana, it's gonna be okay. We've got lots of time. The game hasn't even started yet.
Lana nods, pulling the zipper up farther on the sweater. Chloe leaves, and Jonathan puts a comforting arm around Lana's shoulder.
Lex is in his study talking on his cell phone. Night. Lightning flashes with loud thunder.
Lex: Keep me posted.
Lex hangs up the phone as Clark enters.
Lex: Still no leads on Adam.
Clark: What about the serum?
Lex: What about it?
Clark: Adam knows it's the only thing keeping him alive. He's got to go after more of it.
Lex: Only problem is, there's no more serum for Adam to find.
Clark: You know your father didn't get rid of all of it. He must have it stashed somewhere.
The study door opens and Detective Cage enters with another detective.
Cage: Detective Cage, Metropolis P.D. [He hands a piece of paper to Lex.] We have a warrant to search the premises.
Lex: On what grounds?
Detective #2: Eight possible counts of negligent homicide.
Cage: Why don't you take a load off? [Sits at Lex's desk.] We'll just make ourselves at home.
Lex: I'm sorry, Clark, but you better go. I don't want you getting involved in this.
Cage: Unfortunately, he already is. Seeing as how Mr. Kent was also at the scene of the crime, we'd like to ask him a few questions too.
Lightning and thunder. Clark looks at Detective Cage nervously.
Chloe walks down the hall at Smallville High and enters the Torch office. Night. The lights are all off. She turns on the computer and then turns on the lamp on the desk. She turns around, and suddenly Adam grabs her and holds a Kn*fe to her throat. Chloe gasps. Adam's face is more yellow than before and the sores have started to reopen. He is frantic.
Adam: [Breathless.] Where's Lana?
Chloe: I don't know. I'm not her keeper.
Adam: [Shaking Chloe by her jacket.] Don't lie to me! I was just at the Talon and they said both you and Lana left together. Where is she?!
Chloe: Why do you care so much?
Adam: [He swallows, obviously weak.] She's got something that belongs to me.
Chloe: Well, it's obviously not here. And if I ... [Adam pushes the Kn*fe closer to Chloe's neck.] If I were you, I wouldn't be either. Everybody's looking for you.
Adam pauses, looking at Chloe, then pulls her over to the window looking out at the parking lot.
Adam: Isn't that Clark's truck?
Chloe: [Hesitating.] No, it's my cousin's.
Adam: [Pushing Chloe back against the wall.] Something tells me that's not what the registration's gonna say. You're covering for her. Where is she? Is she hiding at her old boyfriends?
Adam glances back at the window, and Chloe attempts to run away. Adam catches her.
Adam: No!
Chloe: Aah!
Adam: No!
Adam pulls Chloe back toward him so her back is to his stomach. He wraps his arm tightly around her neck, holding the Kn*fe just below her jaw.
Adam: Don't worry. You'll be able to talk to her soon enough.
Chloe: Ah!
Adam forces Chloe out of the Torch office, never letting go of her.
Cut to Jonathan pouring coffee for Lana in the kitchen.
Jonathan: I'm sure when Mrs. Kent gets home, she'd be happy to whip you up one of her specialties, but until then, I'm afraid it's just black coffee.
Jonathan hands the cup to Lana.
Lana: Thanks.
Jonathan: I have some honey.
Lana: No, I'm good.
Lana sips from the cup. They hear a horn honking repeatedly outside. Jonathan turns to the window.
Jonathan: Sounds like my truck.
He goes to the window and sees Chloe sitting in the truck outside.
Jonathan: Yeah, it's Chloe.
Lana: Why isn't she coming inside?
Jonathan: I don't know. Um, why don't you lock the door behind me?
Jonathan goes out the front door into the pouring rain as the lightning and thunder continue. He has his r*fle with him as he approaches the truck.
Inside the truck, Chloe's hands are tied behind her back and she is screaming.
Chloe: Go back in the house! Mr. Kent!
Jonathan can't hear her with the windows rolled up and the storm. He continues to approach.
Chloe: Please, be careful, Mr. Kent, please!
Jonathan: [Yelling.] Chloe?
Chloe: Mr. Kent!
Adam comes up behind Jonathan and hits him on the back with a pry bar, knocking him to the ground.
Chloe: No!
Lana comes to the kitchen window to see what's happening. Jonathan is unconscious on the ground. Adam takes the r*fle and opens the truck door.
Adam: Come on!
Chloe: Get away from me!
Adam yanks on Chloe's arm, throwing her out of the truck. She lands hard on the ground, and Lana gasps. Adam turns toward the house.
Adam: Lana! I know you're in there! If you don't come out, I'll k*ll your boyfriend's father! Then I'll move on to Chloe!
Lana runs out the front door.
Lana: Adam! Whatever you want, just don't hurt them anymore!
Chloe remains unconscious. Adam walks toward Lana as she comes down the stairs and out through the gate to the driveway. Adam grabs her arm and leads her to the truck.
Lana: Please don't hurt them.
Adam: Come on.
Lana: [As she passes Chloe.] Oh, God.
Adam: [Pushing her to the truck.] Hurry up, let's go. Get in the truck.
Lana climbs into the truck and Adam gets in after her, closing the door.
Fade to black.
Detective Cage has his laptop set up in Lex's study. Several officers are searching the study. Night. On the monitor is a surveillance video of Lex and Dr. Teng at Metron. Detective Cage and Lex watch the video.
Cage: You gonna stand there and tell me you weren't working with Dr. Teng? You can't deny you were behind this.
Lex: I'm the one who called the ambulance. Now, why would I do that if I was involved in those m*rder?
Detective #2 carries a briefcase over to Lex and Cage and places it on the table.
Detective #2: Well, let's see what we got in the goodie bag.
Lex: Nothing that will incriminate me.
Detective #2 pulls out a file and hands it to Cage who looks through it.
Cage: Except some memos signed by you as acting director of the lab. [Hands the file to Lex.]
Lex: [Shaken.] I've never seen these before.
Cage: Amazing how that always happens.
Lex: I'm being set up.
Cage: Then they're doing a pretty damn good job of it. Take a breather. Think about if you want to stick to that story.
Cage walks out into the hallway where Clark is waiting.
Clark: You have to let me go.
Cage: Look, kid, your friend's been running off at the mouth for over an hour 'fessing up. So don't try to play the hero.
Clark: You're bluffing. He didn't admit to anything because he didn't do anything.
Cage: You really think that? Something tells me that you don't know your friend as well as you think you do.
Detective #2 comes into the hallway.
Detective #2: [To Cage.] Hey, Paul. The Vipers just took Roberts off the court. He blew out his knee. And guess who they pulled off the bench with five minutes in the fourth quarter.
Clark: [Fearful.] g*n.
Detective #2: Yeah. That guys throws more bricks than a mason. [Goes back into the study.]
Clark: [Urgently.] I have to go.
Cage: I'm sorry, were we keeping you from something?
Clark: Have you called my parents yet?
Cage: Yeah, no one's answering.
Clark: Well, I think the newspapers would find it interesting that a minor was being held for questioning without his guardian.
Cage pauses, knowing he's been beaten.
Cage: I wouldn't take any long vacations. We may need to bring you in for more questioning.
Clark runs out of the hallway.
A security guard at the storage facility attempts to adjust his television, but the picture is static. Night.
Guard: Damn.
He turns on the radio at his desk and the announcer's voice is reporting the game.
Announcer: Vipers lead 52 to 46, but the momentum ...
Adam strikes the guard in the back of the head with the r*fle, knocking him unconscious. Then he grabs Lana and pushes her ahead of him. She steps over the guard and down the hallway lined on either side with chain link cages. The announcer continues to report the game loudly.
Adam: Which one is it?
Lana: It's over here.
Adam: Hurry up. Come on.
Lana gets to her storage area and starts to unlock the gate.
Adam: Faster.
Lana unlocks the chain, opens the gate, and steps inside. Adam follows her.
Lana: I put everything I found in the apartment in these boxes over here.
There are several boxes stacked on the floor.
Adam: Where are my books?
Lana: I don't know which one I put them in.
Adam: Well, look!
Adam points the r*fle at Lana as she looks through the box at the top of the stack. The books aren't there, and she starts to lift the box out of the way to look at the next one. Adam viciously yanks the box off the top of the stack, and Lana opens the next one.
Adam: Hurry up. I don't have a lot of time, Lana.
Lana pulls several books out of the box. Adam grabs for one of them.
Adam: The white one, the white one, the white one.
He opens the book, and the inside has been hollowed out to store his medication. But it is empty.
Adam: Where is it?
Lana: I don't know what you're talking about.
Adam: The medicine. I had three vials in there! What'd you do with them?
Lana: I didn't touch them.
Lana kneels to the floor and Adam points the g*n at her.
Adam: You liar!
Lana grabs a book and hits Adam across the face with it. He fires the g*n, but misses her.
Adam: Ah!
Lana kicks at the back of Adam's leg and he falls backwards to the ground, dropping the g*n. Lana crawls past him and reaches for it, but he gets to his feet and grabs her legs, dragging her away from the g*n. He grabs her hair and pulls her to her feet, then slams her hard against the chain link fence twice. Lana gasps and sinks to the ground.
Adam leans over to grab the g*n and he doesn't notice the cell phone drop out of his pocket onto the floor. He starts walking back to Lana, but she grabs the gate's chain from the ground and whips his face with it. He falls to the floor again, dropping the g*n a second time.
Lana grabs the cell phone and runs away as Adam struggles to get back to his feet. He grabs the r*fle and runs after her.
Outside sh*t of the Kent home. Night. The storm is even heavier. In the kitchen, Martha is holding an ice pack to Chloe's forehead as they listen to the game on the radio. Clark enters.
Clark: What happened?
Martha: I came home, and I found your father and Chloe outside.
Clark: Are you okay?
Chloe: I'm fine. Adam has Lana, and he has your dad's g*n.
Jonathan enters the kitchen with a first aid kit.
Jonathan: The police are looking for him now.
Clark: [Starting to panic.] Do you know which way they headed?
Chloe: I don't know. Adam keeps saying that Lana has something of his.
Clark: The serum.
Both Jonathan and Martha look at Clark worriedly.
Chloe: I don't know. I mean, he already went to the Talon and the house. I don't know where they were headed next.
Martha touches a piece of cotton to the cut on Chloe's forehead.
Clark: I'm going to the youth center. The only thing we know for sure is that Lana is gonna make that call to the crisis hotline.
Jonathan: Clark, what good is that gonna do? You've already heard the call.
Clark: It was cutting in and out. I could barely hear half of it. If I can figure out why that call was placed to the past, then maybe I can stop that from happening.
Martha: If you get a clear connection, you think Lana will be able to tell you where she is?
Jonathan: Ssh, ssh.
Jonathan turns up the volume on the radio.
Announcer: Porter passes off to Johnson again. Johnson goes for the three-pointer and he sinks it!
Clark: What's the score?
Announcer: Vipers up by 2, 61 to 59. There are 3 seconds left in the game!
Jonathan: 61 to 59. Vipers.
Clark runs out of the house.
Cut to Lana running down the hallway of the storage facility, breathing heavily. Adam screams at her from several meters behind.
Adam: Lana!
Lana turns a corner and finds a staircase going up. She starts to run up the stairs, but sees that the way is blocked at the top.
Adam: Lana!
Lana: Oh, damn it!
Adam: Lana!
Adam continues to run toward her with the r*fle, limping slightly. Lana opens the cell phone and dials a number, standing near the wall next to the staircase, blocking herself from Adam's view. Adam comes running down the hallway, and just as he is passing the staircase, Lana sticks out her leg and trips him. When he falls to the floor, she starts running down the hallway in the direction she just came from.
Cut to Pete pacing back and forth in the Smallville Youth Center. He is alone. The phone rings and he goes to answer it. Clark super speeds into the room and gets to the phone first, picking it up.
Clark: Lana!
Lana: Clark!
Clark: Lana!
Lana: Please help ...
A bolt of lightning strikes the telephone pole outside the youth center, causing the power to go out and cutting off Clark's connection to Lana. The telephone pole falls to the ground, crushing a dumpster in its path. The pole lands in a large puddle of water. There are several kryptonite rocks in the puddle which react to the electricity in the wires, causing green bolts of electricity to spark between the wire and the rocks.
Cut to Lana in the storage facility.
Lana: Clark, it's happening!
In the youth center, Clark looks at the phone. He can't hear Lana.
In the storage facility, Lana runs past the desk where the radio is playing.
Lana: He's got a g*n!
Adam runs up behind Lana and fires the r*fle at her. He misses her, his b*llet hitting the wall as Lana turns the corner. Adam continues to chase her.
In the youth center, Clark looks around frantically, trying to figure out what's going on. He uses his X-ray vision to look through the wall and sees the telephone pole on the ground with the electricity sh**ting through the puddle and into the wires.
Lana: Please help me!
Clark puts the phone to his ear, still unable to hear Lana.
Clark: Lana! Lana!
The lights in the youth center flicker.
Fade to black.
The telephone wire continues to spark and sizzle with green electricity from the kryptonite in the puddle. Night. Clark stands in the rain, backing away from the kryptonite.
Cut to Lana running through the storage facility, still holding the cell phone to her ear.
Lana: Clark!
Clark has the cordless phone from the youth center in his hand, but all that comes from it is static. He jogs around to the bottom of the telephone pole.
Lana: Clark, why aren't you picking up?!
Lana keeps running, and Adam is still chasing her with the g*n.
Clark places his left hand underneath the telephone pole and lifts it up, removing the wire from the puddle and the kryptonite. Lana's voice comes through his phone again briefly as she exits the facility onto the metal staircase.
Lana: Clark, he's trying to k*ll me! Please, help ...
Clark strains against the weight of the pole, and the wire sinks back into the puddle, cutting off Lana's connection again.
Lana: [Getting to the bottom of the stairs.] Clark!
Adam comes out the door onto the staircase.
Lana: Help me!
Lana runs down the alley as Clark pushes the telephone pole higher, once again reestablishing his connection with Lana.
Lana: Please, help me!
Clark: [Finally hearing her.] Lana!
Adam: [On the landing of the stairs.] You lied to me!
Adam points the g*n at Lana's back.
Clark: Lana, where are you?!
Lana: I'm at Walcott Storage! Help me!
Adam fires the r*fle, and Clark hears the sh*t through the phone. Clark drops the telephone pole and super speeds away.
Adam's b*llet flies through the air in slow motion, hitting dozens of raindrops on its way to Lana. The raindrops, as well as Lana, are nearly frozen in time as the b*llet gets closer and closer to striking her in the back. Just as it is about to h*t her, Clark super speeds into the way and the b*llet hits him in the chest.
Time goes back to normal speed, and Lana trips, falling to the ground and dropping the cell phone. Adam finally loses his strength and sinks to the landing, dropping the g*n as he lies down. Lana tries to get up. Clark zips up his jacket, hiding the b*llet hole in his shirt, and runs to Lana's side.
Clark: Lana! [He helps her stand.] Are you okay?
Lana: Where's Adam?
They turn and see Adam lying down on the stair landing. Clark runs to Adam who is barely alive.
Adam: You took that b*llet.
Clark: That's impossible.
Adam: [Weak.] I saw you. Now I know why Lionel sent me to watch you. I guess I found what I was looking for... [He gasps in pain.] ...just a little too late.
Clark: Adam...
Adam: He's not gonna stop, Clark. I couldn't escape him. How long do you think you can?
Clark watches Adam as he blinks a few more times. Then Adam dies. Clark steps away from the stairs and back to Lana, embracing her tightly.
Outside sh*t of the mansion. Day. In the study, Detective Cage handcuffs Lex's hands behind his back.
Cage: Let's go.
An FBI agent enters the room, showing his badge.
Agent: FBI. [To the detectives.] Why don't you boys h*t the showers? This case has been bumped up to varsity.
Cage unlocks Lex's handcuffs angrily.
Cage: That's just like you guys. We do the heavy lifting, and you just show up for the prize.
The detectives leave.
Agent: [To Lex.] This better be important. Your lawyer may have friends in high places, but I'm not a believer in the trickle-down theory.
Lex: I want to make a deal.
Agent: Why should I do that? From what I understand, they're building a strong case against you.
Lex: As flattered as I am to be the object of so much attention, you and I both know I'm only the consolation prize.
Agent: I'm listening.
Lex: Tell the cops to drop the charges and give me immunity, and I'll give you the biggest arrest of your career.
Agent: What are we talking about?
Lex looks at the agent for a long time with bitter tears in his eyes. He steps closer to the agent.
Lex: [Intense whisper.] I'll help you bring down my father.
The FBI agent grins slightly, and Lex holds his gaze.
Lionel walks down the hall of LuthorCorp with a man, Dr. Bergin. Day.
Bergin: I must admit, I'm intrigued by the research. What happened to your last project manager?
Lionel: She, uh, moved on.
They enter Lionel's office.
Lionel: And, uh, please understand me, Dr. Bergin. I will spare no expense on this project. You onboard?
Bergin: With the limited amount of serum you have, there's barely enough for one round of trials.
Lionel: That's why I'm counting on you to get it right the first time.
Lionel smiles and turns to his desk.
Bergin: Well, I suppose I could have a lab outfitted and the trial underway within a year.
Lionel: Dr. Bergin, I want you up and running by the end of the week.
Bergin: A project like this requires time.
Lionel: Time is a luxury I don't have, Doctor. I have been diagnosed with a rather unique . . . liver disease, and, uh, I'm out of options.
Lionel turns to Dr. Bergin.
Lana is sitting in the Talon reading a book called "Theories of Time Travel." Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Any luck?
Lana: [Laughing.] No, I-I got lost at the first wormhole.
Lana stands and walks to the bar.
Clark: You know, half the world's scientists are still debating over Einstein's theories of travel. I don't think we're gonna crack it in one night.
Lana: Clark, there's still something I don't understand. How did you get from the hotline to the storage unit in a split second?
Clark: It took me more than a few seconds. [Lana waits for him to go on.] Maybe it had something to do with the weird time anomaly.
Lana nods. She turns her back to Clark to pour a cup of coffee.
Clark: You know, there's something that I don't understand either. Why did you call the hotline instead of the police?
Lana: [Without turning around.] Because, um, I knew you'd be there. [She turns back to Clark and puts the cup in front of him.] Looks like we cheated fate.
Clark: Barely. [Lana smiles.] I was so afraid I wouldn't get to you in time.
Lana: I know. I spent the last 24 hours terrified of what might happen. But it all turned out okay. [Clark nods.] It made me realize how many decisions I make because I'm scared of how things will end up.
Clark: We both do our share of that.
They look at each other for a moment.
Lana: Maybe it's time to stop being so afraid. I've always thought that my life is so mapped out for me, but, you know, maybe we have more control over the future than we think.
Clark looks at Lana thoughtfully. She smiles and leaves the bar to help some customers. Clark stays where he is, still thoughtful.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Lionel is in his office at LuthorCorp listening to opera music. He hits a button on the remote control, turning up the volume. His hair is disheveled and his face is pale. He looks like he hasn't slept.
The tenor in the music sings a lamenting song in Italian as Lionel picks up a medical record from his desk. He looks at it in a daze. He hits another button on his remote and the blinds close, blocking out the daylight, then drops the report and the remote on the desk. At the bottom of the report, it says "UNSPECIFIED HEPATIC DISEASE AFFECTING THE LIVER. PROGNOSIS: TERMINAL"
Lionel takes a small wooden box from his desk and carries it over to the coffee table. He sets it down on the table and sits on the couch. Also on the table is an open bottle of scotch and a glass which he drains in one gulp.
Setting the glass back down on the table, he opens the box and looks inside. He reaches in and pulls out a hand g*n. He cocks the g*n and points it at his own face.
We see the g*n from Lionel's point of view as the barrel comes slowly toward us, finally blocking out everything else.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x16 - Crisis"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on April 14, 2004
Outside sh*t of the Kent home. Day. Martha walks toward the barn, yelling to Jonathan who is on the extremely high and steeply slanted barn roof. He is holding a weathervane in his hand, preparing to position it on the roof.
Martha: Jonathan! What are you doing up there? Clark should be doing that!
Jonathan: Sweetheart, I'm fine. Will you stop worrying?
Jonathan adjusts the direction of the metal rooster on the weathervane.
Martha: Jonathan, please be careful!
Jonathan: Martha, my father and I built this roof. I could walk this roof with my eyes closed.
He places the weathervane into its holder on the roof, standing it up straight.
Martha: You know what the doctor said about taking it easy.
Jonathan: [Stubborn.] You know, the last time I checked, the doctor didn't have a farm to run.
As Jonathan starts to tighten the screws on the weathervane, he hears a high-pitched piercing hum. The noise is so loud that he reflexively covers his ears.
Inside the barn, we see the tool chest. A golden glow shines from inside the chest. On the roof, Jonathan continues to block his ears against the sound. Martha doesn't seem to hear it.
Martha: Jonathan?
Jonathan: Ah! Martha! Ah!
Jonathan loses his balance and grabs for the weathervane to steady himself.
Martha: Jonathan?!
The weathervane isn't strong enough to hold Jonathan's weight, and it tears out of the roof. Jonathan tumbles down the slanted roof in slow motion as the weathervane tumbles down beside him. The high-pitched hum can still be heard.
Martha: [She gasps, then screams.] Clark!
Elsewhere on the farm, Clark is shoveling hay from a trailer to the ground. He hears his mother scream and super speeds across the farm to the side of the barn as Jonathan rolls off the side of the roof and starts his final descent toward the ground. Clark leaps over the fence next to the barn and stops right underneath Jonathan with his arms outstretched. The metal weathervane falls off the roof after Jonathan, looming above him dangerously.
Clark catches Jonathan, and just before the weathervane lands on them both, Clark pulls Jonathan out of the way. They both fall to the ground next to the weathervane. Clark starts to get up. The hum has stopped.
Clark: Dad, what are you doing, trying to fly? Are you all right?
Martha: Jonathan!
Martha walks quickly to Jonathan's side as he stands up. He groans.
Jonathan: It was just that noise. Where the hell did that come from?
Martha: I didn't hear anything.
Jonathan looks at Clark, pausing for a few seconds.
Jonathan: It was probably nothing.
Jonathan bends over to pick up the weathervane. Clark tries to pick it up for him.
Clark: Um, Dad, look, you don't have to ...
Jonathan: [Angrily.] Damn it, Kal-El, I can get it myself!
Martha: [Startled.] Kal-El?
Clark: Why'd you call me that?
Jonathan: [Puzzled.] I don't know.
Jonathan starts to walk away and Clark follows him.
Clark: Dad, you said you heard a noise. What did it sound like?
Jonathan: It was a loud, high-pitched ...
Clark: Hum? It was the key!
Jonathan: [Turning toward Clark impatiently.] Clark, I slipped and fell off the roof, okay?
Jonathan starts to walk away again.
Clark: Are you sure this doesn't have anything to do with Jor-El?
Jonathan: I thought we agreed we were gonna drop that.
Without waiting for a response, Jonathan chucks the weathervane to the ground and walks toward the house. Clark and Martha share a worried glance.
Cut to Clark entering the barn. He opens the bottom drawer of the tool chest and pulls out an old tackle box which he places on top of the chest to open. He pulls out the octagonal key to his spaceship and looks at it pensively.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Inside Lionel's office, he is still sitting on his couch with the g*n pointed at his face as the opera music plays in the background. Just as his finger begins to tighten on the trigger, his cellular phone rings. He remains completely still with his eyes closed as the phone continues to ring.
Finally, he takes his finger off the trigger and pulls the g*n away from his face. He picks up the phone and answers it.
Lionel: What? (Pause.) He is? All right, have the chopper standing by.
He closes the cell phone and puts it down on the coffee table. Then he closes the g*n box and places the g*n on top of it.
Cut to Clark in the underground caves of Smallville. He holds the octagonal key in his hand and gazes at the wall of the cave.
Clark: Why did you have to bring him into this, Jor-El? [No response.] Whatever promises my dad made, I'll take them on. Come on! [He holds the key toward the wall.] Come on, Jor-El! I'm the one you want!
The Kryptonian symbols on the key begin to glow gold and the octagonal hole in the wall opens. The symbols on the key turn red, yellow, and blue and the key floats out of Clark's hand and remains suspended in air in front of the cave wall. Three beams of energy, red, blue, and yellow sh**t from the key onto three separate points on the wall surrounding the hole, then converge into one beam.
A distorted sound comes from the wall, what almost sounds like a muffled voice, as energy seems to be transferring from the wall to the key. Clark watches all of this, astonished. Then he hears Lionel Luthor walking toward him.
Lionel: Who is that? Who's down here?
Clark grabs the key out of the air and puts it in his jacket pocket before Lionel comes around the corner. When Lionel comes around, he shines his flashlight at Clark.
Lionel: Oh, Clark. It's you. [Walking toward Clark slowly.] Don't let me interrupt you.
Clark: I just came down here to be alone.
Lionel: Yeah, I can understand that. [He walks past Clark and shines his light on the walls.] Sometimes when I'm down here and I look at these walls, I feel as if it might be possible to solve the mysteries of the universe. [He turns back to Clark, waiting for a reaction.] What do you think?
Clark: I think it's time for me to go.
Clark starts to leave.
Lionel: Clark. [Clark stops.] How's your father? How's his, uh, recovery progressing?
Clark: [Reluctant, monotone.] He's better.
Lionel: I can only imagine how difficult it must be to see him so... so weak.
Clark: Weak, strong, healthy. He's still my dad. And I love him.
Lionel: Of course you do. A son's love for a father... there's nothing to compare it to.
Lionel puts a hand on Clark's shoulder in an eerie display of friendliness. Clark looks down at the hand uneasily. Lionel seems on the verge of genuine emotion.
Lionel: After all, you only get one.
Clark backs away from Lionel's touch. He looks at Lionel strangely and starts to leave. He stops again when Lionel shines his flashlight on the wall and sees that the octagonal groove has reappeared. Clark super speeds away before Lionel can question him further.
Lionel: [Looking around.] Clark?
He touches the groove.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. In his study, Lex is seated at the couch looking at a Smallville Ledger as he talks to Lionel. The headline on the front page says "Scientists Return to Cave." Lionel stands next to the fireplace.
Lex: I'm having a strange case of deja vu. Why the sudden resurgence of interest in the caves?
Lionel: Lex? Listen. Something truly extraordinary has happened. [He sits next to Lex on the couch.] Do you remember the, um, the octagonal hole, or the indentation that was in one of the walls of the cave?
Lex: [Uninterested.] I'm sorry, Dad, that's your obsession, not mine.
Lionel: All right, but you remember the hole was sealed over. (Lex nods.) Yesterday, I found Clark Kent down there.
The mention of Clark's name catches Lex's attention.
Lex: [Skeptical.] Clark?
Lionel: Yes. And the hole was opened. He'd opened it somehow.
Lex: [Leaning in to Lionel.] You know, Dad, they say mental illness is hereditary. [Lex stands from the couch and walks to the bar.] I'm willing to accept my break with reality. Are you?
Lionel stands up and follows Lex.
Lionel: Oh, Lex, men of vision have so often been mocked. Galileo knew it was the earth that orbited the sun, and he was sentenced to death for that discovery.
Lex pours a drink.
Lex: [Sarcastic.] Where's the Inquisition when you need it?
Lionel: Oh, don't let your friendship with Clark Kent blind you, son. Don't forget it was Clark who discovered the caves. Then one of the symbols from the caves mysteriously appeared on his barn. The hole sealed itself up the same day that expl*si*n happened on his farm.
Lex: Probably coincidence.
Lionel: [Scoffs.] Coincidence. That's an explanation used by fools and liars. [Persuasive.] Lex, we could accomplish so much if we work together.
During the next line, we get a close up sh*t of Lex's shirt. We go through the shirt and see a small microphone taped to his chest. Then the sh*t zooms to a small office where two men sit at a desk listening to the conversation over a speaker. One of the men is the FBI agent that made a deal with Lex to bring Lionel down in the episode Crisis.
Lionel: Don't pretend that this isn't an obsession you and I share. We both know that you have an entire archive devoted to uncovering the mystery of Clark Kent. And if you won't help me, I'll find someone else who will.
The two men are surrounded by various recording equipment. We zoom out of the office and see that it's actually a small trailer parked in the trees just off the road in Smallville. Two men in construction uniforms are surrounding the outside of the trailer with orange fencing to keep trespassers out.
Jonathan stands in the barn looking at the octagonal key that he holds in his hand. Day. He doesn't see Clark standing behind him.
Jonathan: You said there'd be more time.
Clark: Who are you talking to?
Jonathan: [Turning around.] I'm not talking to anybody, Clark, I'm just thinking out loud, that's all.
Clark: Were you talking to Jor-El?
Jonathan: Listen, son, not everything is about your real father, okay?
Clark: He's not my real father.
Jonathan: Yes, he is, Clark. He is. [Taking a look around the barn.] He's gonna be around this place long after I'm gone, anyway.
Clark: Dad, what's going on with you?
Jonathan: I don't expect you to understand any of this stuff, Clark, but I-I almost died, and I look around here and I think, what in the hell did I really accomplish anyway? You're lucky, Clark. You won't ever have to face your mortality. But if you did, you'd find yourself reevaluating your choices too.
Clark: [Sadly.] Like taking me in?
Jonathan turns to face Clark, realizing he misspoke.
Jonathan: [Apologetic.] Clark, no, that's not ... I would never regret that. It's just there's so many chance I never took. I have to live with my mistakes. Don't let my mistakes be yours.
Clark: You're tired. [Clark holds out his hand for the key.] Let's go inside.
Jonathan holds the key over Clark's hand and drops it in.
Clark: The last thing we want to do is call more attention to this.
Clark wraps the key in a rag and puts it into the tackle box. He closes the box and locks it with a padlock.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Clark is seated at a table reading a book called "Handbook Assessment and Treatment Planning for Psychological Disorders". His brow is furrowed. Lana walks up to him.
Lana: That looks a little heavy for Psych 101.
Clark: [Closes the book.] I'm just trying to get a handle on what my dad's going through. You know, the surgery and everything.
Lana: [Refilling Clark's coffee.] When I was in the hospital, the doctors told me that depression's pretty common after a major surgery.
Clark: He's just not the same dad I know. He keeps talking about all these opportunities he missed in his life.
Lana: [Comforting.] Clark, it's gonna be okay. There isn't anything that you can't recover from.
Clark: What if you screw up something so badly you can never get it back?
Clark is not necessarily talking about Jonathan anymore.
Lana: Well, I guess that depends on how determined you are.
Lana smiles sympathetically and walks away, leaving Clark thoughtful.
Lex is at the dirt road outdoors where the trailer is parked. Day. He is speaking to the two FBI agents who were inside the trailer.
Agent: So what's with the cave obsession?
Lex: You listened to the conversation. It's one of my father's many eccentricities.
Agent #2: Along with Clark Kent?
Lex: Trust me, Clark has nothing to do with my father.
Agent: That's not what it sounded like to me. You know, when the Metropolis police had that noose around your neck, you offered us full disclosure.
Lex: [Aggravated.] Look, don't try to hang this on me. Before I agreed to help, all you had on my father was some creative bookkeeping. I'm giving you illegal cellular research, cloning, crimes against humanity. So leave Clark out of this.
Agent: Hmm. [Reading from a transcript of Lex and Lionel's conversation.] "You've got an entire archive devoted to unlocking the mystery of Clark Kent." That sounds to me like more than your average kid from Podunk.
Lex: [Quiet, thr*at.] Maybe if I speak into the microphone, you'll hear it clearer. [Steps closer.] Clark Kent is nobody.
Agent #2: A nobody who's pals with Dr. Virgil Swann?
Lex looks to the first Agent for a confirmation of this statement.
Agent: [Nodding.] Uh-huh.
Lex lowers his eyes. The two agents go back to their trailer and Lex watches them with worry in his eyes.
Outside sh*t of Virgil Swann's enormous building. Day. Inside, Lionel waits in a large room looking out the window. Dr. Swann enters the room in his wheelchair. Lionel turns to him.
Swann: Corporate titans don't often show up on my doorstep unannounced.
Lionel: [Laughs quietly. He seems respectful, even nervous.] I, uh, I apologize for surprising you like this, Dr. Swann, but, uh, it's a matter of some urgency.
Swann: I've been wondering how long it would take for you to finally walk through the door.
Lionel: Then you, uh, obviously know why I'm here.
Swann: [Calmly.] I think perhaps you've been reading my e-mails to Clark Kent. Am I correct?
Lionel: [Chuckles.] My transgression doesn't seem to upset you. I'm glad.
Swann: I'm a scientist. I find curiosity to be a most admirable trait.
Lionel: Dr. Swann, I am the conservator of the Kawatche caves. If you can tell me what is written on the cave walls, I would agree to hand over that conservancy to your foundation.
Swann: Well, thank you, but I'm afraid I can't help you. The language remains a mystery to me.
Lionel: Are you aware that, uh, at one time there was an octagonal keyhole on the wall of the cave? It was sealed for months. Then it reopened suddenly just after our young friend Clark had been down there.
Swann: [Jokingly.] Oh, then you don't need me. You need a locksmith.
Lionel: [Laughs.] All right, but, uh, the key to that lock was in my possession. But it was stolen from my safe. Again, Clark was present.
Swann: So now you believe that he has it.
Lionel: He trusts you. Would you be willing to talk to him? [Swann lowers his eyes.] Such a small price to pay in exchange for the answers you've been searching for.
Swann: Yes, well, I know what I'm after. But what do you expect to find?
Lionel hesitates. He can't bring himself to answer.
Swann: You're dying.
Lionel: [Startled.] How do you know that?
Swann: As I said, curiosity is an admirable trait.
Lionel walks closer to Dr. Swann. When he speaks, his voice is soft and earnest.
Lionel: Dr. Swann, I know that what can save my life is locked within the wall of that cave.
Swann: I believe in the extraordinary, in the possibilities it holds. But I prefer to follow my own path.
Lionel steps back, realizing he has just been refused.
Lionel: All right. Thank you for your time, Doctor.
Lionel starts to leave and stops when Dr. Swann speaks again. Dr. Swann doesn't turn around when he speaks and Lionel doesn't turn around either. Their backs are to each other.
Swann: Even if you had the key, you have no idea what would happen if you put it into the lock.
Lionel: I'd be willing to take that risk.
Swann: Mm-hmm. Then perhaps there is an arrangement we might make.
Lionel finally turns back to Dr. Swann, who looks thoughtful. He is obviously planning something.
Fade to black.
The underground caves. Day. The cave is full of bright electric lights, lab equipment, and lab personnel in white coats working busily. Clark enters, distressed at everything he sees. Lionel walks up behind him.
Lionel: Clark. [Clark turns around.] I'm afraid I've inv*de your sanctuary.
Lionel walks to a lab technician with a clipboard and signs a paper.
Clark: What do you think you're gonna find down here?
Lionel: Uh, you tell me. How'd you open it, Clark?
Clark: I don't know what you're talking about.
Lionel walks to the wall with the octagonal keyhole. There is a bright spotlight shining on the wall through a large pane of glass with a hole in the center that lines up with the keyhole.
Lionel: I don't want to play games. [Lionel walks to another man with a clipboard.] You expect me to believe your fascination with these caves started with a term paper assignment?
Lionel looks over the man's notes and makes some marks on them with a pen.
Lionel: [To the man.] Now, do it again.
The man walks away.
Clark: I don't think you want to start talking about unusual obsessions, Mr. Luthor. Unless you want to explain why you blackmailed my friend into spying on me.
Lionel: I believe that we're put on this earth for a reason, Clark. Our task in life is to find out what that reason is. Sometimes, we can't do that alone.
Lionel walks to another lab technician. Clark makes a visible effort to swallow his fear.
Clark: You're never gonna find what you're looking for.
Lionel turns to look at Clark. The pale shine of one of the spotlights illuminates Lionel's face ominously.
Lionel: I'm much closer than you think.
Clark doesn't respond. He looks at Lionel uneasily.
The Kent home. Night. Several black government cars speed into the driveway with their blue and red lights flashing. They skid to a stop and Martha runs out onto the front porch.
Martha: What's going on here?
An officer, Agent Tobin, walks up to the front gate.
Tobin: [To two other men.] You guys check the barn, and the rest follow me. [To Martha.] Martha Kent?
Martha: What are you doing?!
Tobin: FBI Agent Tobin. We're going to search the place.
Martha: You can't do that!
Tobin: [Handing a search warrant to Martha.] We can and we will.
Martha stands on the front lawn looking at the search warrant in shock as Agent Tobin walks into the house and more men run from their cars onto the Kent property.
Inside, the house is already full of agents who are knocking things off shelves and emptying drawers. The flashlight beams are waving everywhere and the flashing red lights from the government cars shine through the window and reflect on the walls. The sound of falling objects and crashing glass is everywhere and the house is filled with a feeling of chaos and destruction.
Cut to the inside of the barn where the same relentless search is taking place. The agents are tipping over tables, throwing haystacks off of the loft, and searching through all the different tools and equipment. Martha walks into the barn looking around in disbelief. She still holds the folded search warrant in her hand. She halts in fear as she sees an agent place the locked tackle box on top of the overturned tool chest. Another agent starts trying to break the padlock with a pair of bolt cutters.
Martha tries to walk quickly to the tackle box, but Agent Tobin gets in her way.
Tobin: Excuse me, ma'am, we need you outside.
He pushes her backwards toward the door. She looks around his shoulder at the tackle box and sees the agent with the bolt cutters finally succeed in breaking the lock.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Clark is inside talking on the phone. The Talon is closed.
Clark: [Leaving a message.] Hi, Mom. You must be out looking for Dad too. I think I have an idea where he is. I'll see you soon.
Lana walks up to Clark as he hangs up the phone.
Clark: Thanks for the phone.
Lana: [Concerned.] Clark, what's going on?
Clark walks to the bar and stays there with his back to Lana.
Clark: My dad kind of went AWOL. He was halfway through unloading the feed run, and he just jumped in his truck and took off.
Lana walks closer to Clark.
Clark: [With emotion in his voice.] I'm sorry, Lana, it's just ... He's never done anything like this before.
Lana puts a hand on Clark's arm and turns him around, taking his hands in hers.
Lana: Hey, you know what? It's gonna be okay.
Clark: I didn't mean to unload on you like that.
Lana: You never have to apologize for opening up to me.
They share a long needful look. Clark finally leans down and kisses Lana. She starts to return the kiss, then lowers her face.
Clark: Lana?
Lana: I know this is a stressful time for you.
Clark: No. That's not what this is about. Lana, I don't want to look back like my dad and wonder what my life could've been.
Clark leans in to kiss Lana again, and she pulls away. It is extremely hard for her to resist him.
Lana: Clark, we've tried this once before.
Clark: You said there's nothing you can't recover from.
Lana: [With tears in her eyes.] No, I wasn't talking about us. Look, right now think about your dad, okay? He's the one that needs you.
Clark: [Disappointed.] Yeah.
Clark walks out of the Talon and Lana turns to the bar, letting the tears fall down her face as she scrubs the bar in frustration.
Jonathan kneels before his parents' graves in the cemetery. Night. Clark walks up behind him.
Clark: Dad? You okay? Mom and I have been worried sick about you. You can't just take off like that.
Jonathan: How'd you know to find me out here?
Clark: When I'm searching for answers, I turn to my dad. I guess it runs in the family.
Jonathan: Your grandfather was the stubbornest man I ever knew. [He stands up.] And believe me, Clark, I wasn't nearly the son you are. My mother used to say that he and I were like watching two sides of the same coin duking it out. And I see the way you and Jor-El fight and I wonder if maybe fathers and sons were the same on Krypton.
Clark: Except he's not my father. You are.
Jonathan: [Immensely unhappy.] Yeah. I am your father who turns his back on you when you need him the most. I am your father who forces you to run away. My father never would've done that.
Jonathan looks at the dates on his Hirum Kent's grave: Jan 24, 1924 - Dec 22, 1980.
Jonathan: I wish I had his strength and his wisdom.
Clark: Dad, you do.
Jonathan: Clark, I don't know how to protect you anymore.
Clark: It's not your job. Your job is to teach me how to protect myself. But that doesn't mean I don't need you. Mom needs you too. Let's go home.
Jonathan takes a deep breath and walks out of the graveyard with Clark.
Lana and Lex sit across from each other at the couches on either side of the coffee table in Lex's study. Night. The f*re burns in the fireplace next to them as they work on the Talon bills. The room is silent.
Lex: I realize paying the Talon's bills isn't the, uh, high point of your month, but I'm guessing something else is going on.
Lana: [With a forced smile.] No, no, everything's fine.
Lana picks up her purse and starts to leave. She stops at the door when Lex speaks.
Lex: Lana, you know you can talk to me about anything.
Lana turns around and looks at Lex's back, deciding whether or not to stay. She finally gives in and walks back to the couch across from Lex.
Lana: I want to believe that someone can change, but... [Starting to cry.] But I'm starting to lose faith.
Lex: Are we talking about Clark?
Lana: [Nods, wiping her tears.] You know, he, uh, he came by the Talon earlier. And he kissed me.
Lex: He kissed you.
Lana: Yeah.
Lex: Isn't that what you wanted?
Lana: I don't ... [Lana takes a breath, holding back a sob.] I don't know.
Lex stands up and walks over to Lana's side of the table, sitting next to her. He puts a comforting hand on her back.
Lex: Look, I'm afraid I'm a little jaded in the romance department. The only thing I know about relationships is that someone usually winds up getting hurt.
Lana: And you don't think I can trust Clark to not do that.
Lex: I don't think it's about trust. It's like the German poet Rilke said, "A person isn't who they are during the last conversation you had with them. They're who they've been throughout your whole relationship."
Lana looks at the floor and then back into Lex's eyes unhappily.
Martha stands in the middle of the barn. Night. The agents are all gone but the mess remains. Clark and Jonathan enter.
Clark: Mom?
Martha: Oh, thank God you're back.
Clark: What happened?
Martha: The FBI came. They tore through everything.
Clark: What did they want?
Martha: I don't know, but they had a search warrant, and the only thing that's missing is the key.
Clark goes to the tackle box on the floor, panicked. He opens the box and finds it empty.
Clark: I have to get that back. If they find out what that key's really for...
Jonathan: It doesn't matter, Clark.
Clark: [Knocking the tackle box away.] How can you say that?!
Jonathan: Because they didn't get what they came for.
Jonathan holds up the key. Martha and Clark share an astonished glance.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Lex is seated across from two business associates at the couches in front of the fireplace.
Lex: Wir müssen die Kosten reduzieren. [We have to reduce the costs]
Clark storms in.
Clark: Lex!
Lex: Clark, I'm in the middle of something. Can this wait?
Clark: The FBI just raided our farm.
Lex: [To the businessmen] Meine Herren, es ist spät, wir sprechen morgen weiter. [Gentlemen, it's late, we'll talk tomorrow]
They both stand up and leave.
Lex: [To Clark.] Any idea why?
Clark: They didn't say, but for some reason, I think your dad's involved.
Lex walks toward the fireplace.
Lex: Clark, I can't imagine my father's on the FBI's Most Trusted list, but I'm curious why you think he'd be interested in the farm.
Lex pokes at the f*re with a poker.
Clark: I talked to him today. He was saying all sorts of crazy things. He thinks I can give him answers about the caves.
Lex: [Turning to Clark.] Can you? My father's methods are often questionable, but usually there's a germ of truth in his madness.
Clark: Your father's so obsessed about those caves that he's imagining things that don't exist.
Lex: Clark, I'm glad you told me about this. It means a lot that you trust me enough to let me help.
Clark: Is there something you're not telling me?
Lex: [Avoiding the question.] And what would that be, Clark? [Pause.] I'll check into it.
Cut to Lex driving up to the dirt road that leads to the FBI trailer. He gets out of his car and addresses the first agent who is standing in the door of the trailer.
Lex: What the hell were you doing barging into the Kent farm?
Agent: Be quiet. You're bound and determined to blow our cover, aren't you? Get in here.
Lex enters the trailer and the agent closes the door.
Agent: If I want to take a serious look at Clark Kent, you won't have much to say about it.
Lex: Those weren't your men?
Agent: We don't make it a habit of storming farmhouses. What is it about this kid you're trying to protect?
Outside, Clark super speeds to Lex's car. He sees the trailer at the end of the dirt road. He focuses on the trailer and looks through the side of it with his X-ray vision. He sees Lex talking to the agent, and he sees the microphone taped to Lex's chest. He uses his super hearing to listen to their conversation.
Agent: Look, Luthor, this is my show. Do I need to remind you you came to us?
Lex: Like I had a choice.
Agent: You know the deal. The FBI is not interested in some farm boy. We're interested in your father. Now, get out of here so we can do our work.
Cut to Lex walking away from the trailer as it drives away. He raises his key ring into the air, unlocking the doors of his car with the remote control. Just as he gets to the car, Clark comes toward him and grabs his shoulders, turning him around and slamming him back against the car.
Clark: [Furious.] Your father's not the one working with the FBI. It's you!
Lex: Clark, you have to trust me.
Clark: I did.
Clark rips open Lex's shirt and tears the microphone off his chest.
Clark: This was a bad mistake. [He starts to walk away.]
Lex: Clark, you've got it all wrong! Look, it's not about you! We're going after my father! [Clark stops walking without turning around.] He tried to pin the m*rder at Metron Labs on me, so I went to the Feds and I cut a deal. [Clark turns around, and Lex walks toward him.] Look, over and over, I've given him the chance to show me who he really is, and I now realize he already has. He deserves what's coming to him.
Clark: And you don't care whose privacy gets inv*de in the process.
Lex: Clark, it wasn't the FBI who raided the farm. My father could've had his own men impersonate the Feds. The question is why.
Clark: Maybe he's onto you! Maybe he's warning you to back off!
Lex: Look, if that's the case, I'm sorry he got you involved. But I think you already were.
Clark: What's that supposed to mean?
Lex: How well do you know a Dr. Virgil Swann?
Clark: [Covering his surprise.] What makes you think I know him at all?
Lex: Well, according to the FBI, my father's been talking to him. And he found Dr. Swann through you. Apparently you two have been e-mailing each other?
Clark: He's been studying the cave paintings.
Lex: Look, Clark, I don't know how you stumbled into this. But somehow, you've got two billionaires keenly interested in you and those caves. They're your enemies. Not me.
Clark doesn't respond.
Outside sh*t of Virgil Swann's building. Day. Clark storms into the large room where Dr. Swann is waiting.
Clark: You betrayed me!
Swann: Hello, Kal-El.
Clark: [Annoyed.] My name is Clark.
Swann: You think I betrayed you because I met with Lionel Luthor?
Clark: You did more than meet with him. You agreed to help him.
Swann: I didn't betray you, Kal-El. I promised you your secret would never leave this building and it hasn't. My involvement with Lionel Luthor is in your best interest.
Clark: That man has done nothing but cause my family pain.
Swann: Was he the one who caused the expl*si*n on the farm? Did he make you run wild in Metropolis? [Shaking his head.] I opened the door to your heritage because I thought that you were ready. Your actions over the past year have proven me wrong.
Clark: You don't understand. There was another message in the ship from my biological father, and it said I was sent here to conquer. Do you know if that's true?
Swann: I don't have all the answers. I'm still on the same journey as you are, Kal-El.
Clark: [Turning away, frightened.] Please, don't call me that. I don't even know who that is!
Swann: Fathers often want futures that their sons reject. That struggle is as old as the human race.
Clark: [Turning back to Swann.] Except I'm not... human.
Swann: Humanity is not only about biology.
Clark: Look, you don't know Jor-El. Everything that he said has come to pass. My father made a deal with him to save me, and now it's k*lling him.
Swann: But the more you pursue this course, the greater the risk that you'll expose your secret not only to the Luthors, but to the world.
Clark: [Desperate.] I can't let my father die for my mistakes.
Swann: [Pause. Reluctant.] Well, if that's your decision, then there's something else I have to show you. [He raises his voice.] Activate screen.
A large screen rises behind Dr. Swann. There are several rows of Kryptonian symbols on the screen, each row scrolling across in alternating directions. Clark looks at the message.
Clark: It says, "I am waiting." It must be from Jor-El.
Swann: That message didn't come from the stars. It originated right here on Earth. But I believe that it wasn't meant for you, Kal-El.
Clark is stunned.
The key is sending off its golden glow from inside the tool chest in the barn. Night. Jonathan enters and the glowing stops. He opens the drawer and takes out the key. He looks at it seriously for a moment and then exits the barn.
Fade to black.
Clark enters the Kent home through the front door. Day. The entire house is still a mess with lamps on the floor and furniture overturned.
Clark: Dad?! [He enters the living room where Martha is just starting to clean up.] Mom, where's Dad?
Martha: He left again, Clark. Don't be too hard on him. Your father can't do what he used to around here.
Clark: [Urgent.] Mom, I don't think it's that simple. I just went to see Dr. Swann. He thinks Jor-El is trying to contact someone. Mom, it's not me. And I think the way Dad's been acting ... I think he's been getting messages through the key.
Martha: What would Jor-El want with your father?
Clark: I don't know, but he said Jor-El was waiting for something. Do you know where Dad went?
Lionel talks to Tobin in the underground caves. Day.
Lionel: You searched every inch of that farm?
Tobin: Yes, sir.
Lionel: You're certain?
Tobin: Yes, sir. I assure you, it's not there.
Jonathan enters the cave with a g*n.
Jonathan: Everybody out of here. Get out of here. Get out. Go on. Right now! Get out of here!
All the workers in the cave start to panic and run away when they see the g*n.
Jonathan: Get out of here now!
Jonathan cocks the g*n and sh**t a laptop computer, shattering it.
Jonathan: I said everybody get out of here!
Everyone but Lionel runs away.
Lionel: What the...
Jonathan: [Cocks the g*n again and points it at Lionel.] You have no right to be down here.
Lionel: Yeah, well, the state park service might disagree with you.
Jonathan: [Stepping closer, thr*at.] You want something that doesn't belong to you. I'm not gonna let you take it.
Lionel: There exists in this world some things that are too valuable to be the sole possession of any one person.
Jonathan slams the side of his g*n against Lionel's chest, using it to push him back against the glass in front of the keyhole on the wall.
Jonathan: I am sick and tired of talking to you. This is your last warning. Stay away from my son.
Lionel: If you'd raised your son the way I raised mine, maybe you wouldn't have to protect him. You know, weakness isn't something you're born with. You learn it. And Clark learned his from you.
Jonathan loses his temper and punches Lionel in the face, causing Lionel to groan and double over. While he is down, he elbows Jonathan in the stomach. Then he puts his hands on Jonathan's chest, pushing him backwards and they both fall to the ground, knocking a nearby shelf full of equipment and causing a shower of sparks.
Red and white lights begin to flash throughout the cave as Jonathan and Lionel struggle to their knees. Jonathan punches Lionel in the face again, causing him to fall down. Lionel grabs Jonathan's arm in an attempt to get back up and Jonathan knocks his arm away. This time Lionel lands on his back. Jonathan comes toward him, but Lionel places his foot on Jonathan's chest kicking him away.
Lionel finally gets to his feet and pulls Jonathan into a standing position, where he then knocks his own head into Jonathan's head. Jonathan is dazed long enough for Lionel to throw him at a nearby pane of glass which shatters, and Jonathan slams against the cave wall. Lionel comes at him again and punches him in the face. Then Lionel grabs him, holding a thumb over Jonathan's eye, and begins to squeeze.
As Jonathan struggles, the key starts to glow through his jacket pocket. Lionel notices it and reaches into Jonathan's pocket, grabbing the key. Jonathan knocks it out of his hand and it lands across the cave from them on the ground. Lionel dives to the floor, reaching for it, but Jonathan grabs Lionel's legs holding him back. He then climbs on top of Lionel, grabbing Lionel's hand just before it touches the glowing key. Lionel reaches with the other hand, then stops, staring in wonder as the key begins to rise into the air. The different symbols turn yellow, red, and blue.
The key zooms toward the wall and through the hole in the center of the pane of glass, landing directly into the keyhole. The air around the hole becomes distorted with white energy and a loud swishing sound. Jonathan puts his arm around Lionel's throat and his other hand on top of Lionel's head as if about to break his neck. Clark super speeds into the room and sees what is about to happen.
Clark: Dad! [He runs to Jonathan's side.] Dad!
Clark pulls Jonathan off of Lionel and pushes him against the wall. Lionel remains on the floor choking.
Clark: What are you doing? You're not thinking!
Jonathan: It's the only way that I know you're safe.
Tobin and several other of Lionel's men enter the cave and point their g*n at Jonathan.
Jonathan: [To Lionel.] Unless you want to explain to the police why you illegally raided my farm, you had better let me walk out of here.
Lionel pauses briefly.
Lionel: [To the men.] Back off.
A lab technician has reentered the cave and is looking at the wall.
Technician: [Astounded.] Sir... you better take a look at this.
Lionel walks over to the wall followed by two of his men. He sees that the keyhole has once again been sealed over.
Lionel: [Bewildered.] The key's in the wall. It must be.
Jonathan: [Quietly.] Where is it, Clark?
Clark: [Just as bewildered as Lionel.] I don't have it.
Clark is outside the farm pushing a wheelbarrow full of soil toward the barn. Day. Lana drives up behind him. He puts down the wheelbarrow and turns around, and Lana steps out of the car.
Clark: [Walking to her.] Hi.
Lana: Yeah, um... [Walking past Clark.] I know you got a lot going on right now. Just ... I think we left things in kind of a weird place.
Clark walks with her.
Clark: I know the way I've been acting is kind of hard to understand, but, Lana, my feelings for you have never changed.
Lana: I guess a part of me knows that. But, you know, it's like Lex says, a person isn't who they say they are in any one moment. They're who they've always been.
Clark: Lex? What does he have to do with this?
Lana stops and turns to Clark.
Lana: I trust him. I trust his advice. He only wants what's best for us.
Clark: Look, Lana, how many times have we been standing here avoiding what we both want?
Lana: That's because every time you let me get close, it hurts that much more when you leave. You can't keep changing the rules.
Clark: I'm sorry, Lana, I never meant to hurt you. But I promise, I'm not gonna leave this time.
Lana: [Quickly.] Maybe I am. [Clark stops, surprised.] You know what your dad said about looking back on his life and feeling as though he'd missed something? Clark, I have been so focused on you, waiting to see if we could ever get back together, that maybe I'm missing out on some opportunities.
Clark: [Hurt.] Like seeing other people.
Lana: No. No, I mean everything. Until I figure that out, I can't keep doing this. It's not fair to either of us.
Clark looks down silently, unable to respond. Lana walks back to her car. She looks at Clark as she gets in and starts the engine. He watches her regretfully.
Cut to Jonathan driving the tractor through a field. A trailer full of haystacks is hooked up to the back of the tractor. Jonathan brings it to a stop and turns off the engine next to the fence where Clark is standing. Jonathan walks to him.
Jonathan: Clark? Lana sure didn't stay very long.
Clark: No.
Jonathan: You all right, son?
Clark: Yeah. Dad, we're gonna have to talk about what happened down in the cave.
Jonathan: I know.
Clark: You always tell me to be so careful around Lionel Luthor, and then you just ... Why'd you go down there with the key?
Jonathan: I'm not sure. I was just drawn to it. That's the only way I can explain it.
Clark: Dad, I know it's the deal you made with Jor-El. And all this time, I thought that you'd sacrificed your health to bring me home, but it's more than that, isn't it?
Jonathan: Clark, look, I've ... I've done a lot of things in the last few days that I'm not particularly proud of, but it wasn't Jor-El who did them. It was me.
Jonathan turns away and walks back toward the tractor.
Clark: What's Jor-El waiting for?
Jonathan: [He stops but doesn't turn around.] How do you know about that?
Clark: Dr. Swann. Dad, what did you promise him?
Jonathan: [Turning to Clark.] That's none of your concern, Clark.
Clark: Dad, if it wasn't for me, you never would've gotten involved with Jor-El. Come on, why don't you let me help?
Jonathan: Clark, I've always told you to take responsibility for your own decisions. Now why don't you let me take responsibility for mine?
Clark: Because now we're both in Lionel's sights. And what are we gonna do when he gets that key out of the wall?
Jonathan: The key is not in the wall, Clark.
Clark: You took it?
Jonathan: No. But it's ... it's still out there somewhere.
Clark looks at Jonathan nervously.
Dr. Swann sits in his office looking at a small ornate open box. Inside the box rests the key. Dr. Swann's expression is a mixture of fascination and excitement.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x17 - Legacy"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on April 21, 2004
Outside sh*t of the home of a LuthorCorp employee, Jack Cole. Night. Jack pulls into the driveway in his LuthorCorp car. He gets out of the car and walks toward the house, but stops and turns around when another car pulls into the driveway behind him. He watches as Chloe steps out of the car and walks toward him. He recognizes her and greets her.
Jack: [Friendly.] Chloe. I thought that was Gabe's car. What a surprise. I haven't seen you since ...
Chloe: [Fierce, without hesitation.] Since my father was fired from his job at the plant.
Jack: [Concerned.] How's he doing?
Chloe: Hanging in there. I don't think he ever expected to be doing the human resources shuffle this late in his career, but...
Jack: Well, he's a good man. I'm sure he'll land on his feet.
Chloe: Actually, he sent out dozens of resumes and hasn't even gotten a nibble. Look, I know this is way above and beyond the call, but my dad said you always kept your ear real close to the ground. Do you think somebody could be sabotaging his chances at getting a new job?
Jack: Chloe, you know I'd do anything for Gabe. But, um, Lex is opening some projects none of us want anything to do with. Trust me, your dad would be better off to put LuthorCorp far behind him.
Jack turns away from Chloe and goes to his house, entering through the front door. Chloe turns to walk back to her car and notices Jack's LuthorCorp security card hanging from the rearview mirror in his car. She looks at it thoughtfully, as if making a decision.
Cut to the outside of Smallville's LuthorCorp plant. Night. A security vehicle drives by, patrolling the grounds. Dressed completely in black and wearing black gloves, Chloe walks to one of the entrances to the plant and slides Jack's security card through the scanner. There is a buzz and clank of metal as the door unlocks and Chloe enters.
Inside, she peeks through the window of a door labeled "Lab 3" and sees a large laboratory with several workers inside. She opens the door quickly and runs into the lab. Nobody notices her as she hides behind a large t*nk in the middle of the room. She peeks out from behind the t*nk and looks around for another hiding spot. Then she runs toward a row of empty animal cages which she hides behind. She is now in another section of the lab where there appears to be no other people. She takes a long look around and then walks out into the open.
She stops and stares in confusion at a cage that is covered with a blue tarp. She walks slowly toward it and lifts the tarp. Inside the cage is a large black dog that immediately begins to bark viciously at Chloe, shaking its cage in its distress. Startled, Chloe gasps and jumps back, accidentally knocking a control panel with her hand and hitting a button. The dog continues to bark insistently.
Suddenly, the glass doors to that section of the lab slide shut as emergency lights begin to flash and an alarm screeches loudly. A low rumbling is heard above her and she looks up at what appears to be several showerheads side by side. The rumbling gets louder and louder until finally the showerheads spew a thick green smoke all around Chloe. She stands in the middle of it, gasping as if in pain. Then she collapses on the floor unconscious.
Outside the lab, the workers respond to the alarm. One man picks up a telephone.
Man: I need a decontamination crew in section 1-9-7-8.
In the lab, Chloe's eyes open. She stands up and the man on the phone sees her through the glass doors.
Man: Send a security team.
He hangs up the phone and another worker tosses a gas mask to him. He catches the mask and pushes two buttons on his control panel which shut off the gas. The other worker puts on his own gas mask, and together they enter the lab. They search for Chloe who is again hiding. Once they have gone past her, she runs from the lab. One of the workers turns around just in time to see her go.
She runs toward the exit to Lab 3, but before she gets there, a group of security officers comes in through the door and spots her.
Officer: There she is!
She makes a sharp right turn and runs down a hallway. The security officers run after her, yelling indistinctly. Chloe sprints away as fast as she can until another group of officers comes at her in a small security vehicle from the opposite direction. She stops in her tracks.
Man: Hold it right there!
Glancing back at the men running at her from the other direction, she finally turns to a door right next to her and goes through. It leads her to a garage. The large garage door that leads to the outdoors is slowly lowering to the ground, nearly closed. She heads for it at a d*ad run and lunges to the ground, rolling under the door just before it closes. The men fall to the ground after her, but the door closes before they get to her.
Chloe gets to her feet and runs away.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Chloe hurriedly runs down the crowded stairway. Clark runs down after her, calling her name.
Clark: Chloe. Hey, Chloe! [Chloe turns around and Clark catches up with her at the bottom of the stairs.] I've been trying to break through the plane of Chloe for two halls now.
They continue to walk down the hall as they talk.
Chloe: [Laughs.] Yeah, I-I guess I've had a lot on my mind. Speaking of which, please tell me I can cross your teacher of the year interview off my to-do list.
Clark: Um, well, I called and I left a message, but she didn't call me back.
Chloe: Clark... [Impatient, she puts a hand on his shoulder.] Okay, Clark, I understand that Mrs. Taylor is like Fort Knox when it comes to her private life, but journalism isn't about sitting back and waiting for someone to hand you the truth. Sometimes you have to actually work for it.
Chloe looks past Clark, noticing Mrs. Taylor walking toward them.
Chloe: And sometimes, timing is everything. [She turns Clark around to see Mrs. Taylor.] Okay, Clark. Now go. And remember, "no comment" is not an option.
Chloe pushes Clark in Mrs. Taylor's direction. Clark walks to her.
Clark: Mrs. Taylor. I was wondering if we could set a time for your Torch interview. It'll be painless, I promise.
Mrs. Taylor: Actually, Clark, I'm really busy this week.
Clark nods understandingly, but Chloe walks up to them both.
Chloe: [Insistent.] But Mrs. Taylor ... ten minutes, tops. How about before Lit class? Does that work for you?
The sh*ts closes in on Chloe's mouth. Thousands of tiny green molecules fly through the air from Chloe's breath and are inhaled by Mrs. Taylor.
Mrs. Taylor: [Casually.] No, I'm printing a pop quiz because I watched TV last night instead of prepping for class.
Chloe looks at Mrs. Taylor silently, confused. Mrs. Taylor walks away and Chloe turns to Clark.
Chloe: [Smiling, baffled.] Did she really just say that?
Clark smiles in response.
Cut to Pete putting his books in his book bag in the Torch office. Clark and Chloe enter. Clark goes to the desk at the back of the office, and Chloe puts her things down on the desk next to Pete.
Clark: Hey, Pete, are we still on for tonight?
Pete: Oh, yeah. I got to drop some stuff off for my mom, but I should definitely be home in time for tip-off.
Chloe: Another lovely evening huddled around the electronic hearth.
Clark: Yeah, and since Pete's supplying the big screen, I got dinner.
Chloe: [Laughing, skeptical.] What? Clark Kent in the kitchen? [To Pete, with mock dread.] What's on the menu?
Pete: Clark's gonna run to Metropolis to get some Shark Dogs from the stadium.
Clark, who is standing behind Chloe and facing Pete, makes a gesture to Pete as if to say "What are you doing?" Pete looks at Clark with a surprised expression as if he just realized what he said.
Chloe: [Incredulous.] What? Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up. You mean to tell me that Clark is driving six hours to pick up a couple of hot dogs?
Pete: Well, when Clark goes supersonic, he can make the roundtrip in ten minutes.
Clark sh**t an angry look at Pete. Pete looks back at Clark, baffled at his own words. Chloe turns to Clark and gives him a questioning look.
Clark: He's kidding. [Trying to keep the anger out of his voice.] Come on, Pete, let's get to class.
With a fake smile plastered onto his face, Clark puts his arm around Pete's shoulder and leads him out of the office. As soon as they are in the hallway, Clark turns Pete around furiously.
Clark: [Through clenched teeth.] What was that?
Pete: I don't know what happened, Clark! I never meant to say that! I just had this urge to tell Chloe the truth.
Clark: Well, next time you get the urge to open up, don't.
Clark walks away angrily.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. Lex enters Lionel's office at LuthorCorp where Lionel is seated at his computer.
Lionel: Lex. Thanks for, uh, dropping by.
Lex: [Annoyed.] Which of your obsessive compulsive fixations is behind today's summons?
Lionel stands and walks around the desk to Lex.
Lionel: I understand there was a, um, an incident at the Smallville plant last night, correct?
Lex: A false alarm in the old wing. Already taken care of.
Lionel: By scrambling the Hazmat team?
Lex: [Sitting in a seat next to the coffee table.] Just a precaution.
Lionel: Or a wild overreaction. [Lionel walks to Lex and puts a hand on his shoulder.] Unless, of course, a chemical agent had actually been released. Hmm?
Lionel looks into Lex's eyes and chuckles when Lex grins at him slyly. Lex stands up.
Lex: I'm curious, Dad. Why the, uh, sudden urge to play micromanager?
Lionel: Because I'm concerned about you, Lex.
Lex: [Unbelieving.] Oh.
Lionel: You're not deliberately concealing things from me... are you?
Lex takes another step toward Lionel so that his mouth is against Lionel's ear.
Lex: We all have our secrets.
Lionel looks a bit startled. Lex gives him short glance and leaves the office.
Cut to Lex getting into his car outside. He starts to unbutton his shirt and stops when another car drives by. Once the car is gone, he unbuttons his shirt revealing the microphone taped to his chest. He removes it, then starts his car.
Chloe and Clark are seated in Clark's dining room going over their Torch work. Night.
Chloe: Okay, well, so far we have student accolades, testimonials, everything except for Mrs. Taylor herself.
Clark: Well, Chloe, if she doesn't want to talk, maybe we should just let it go.
Martha enters the house with two bags of groceries.
Martha: Hi. [Noticing Chloe.] Oh, hi, Chloe.
Martha smiles at Chloe as she puts the groceries down on the counter.
Chloe: Hey, Mrs. Kent.
Clark: [To Martha.] Are there more in the truck?
Martha: Yes, sweetheart. Thank you.
Clark goes outside to get the rest of the groceries. Chloe stands and goes into the kitchen to talk to Martha as Martha takes off her coat and scarf.
Martha: I never got a chance to thank you for the flowers you sent after Jonathan's surgery.
Chloe: Oh, of course. How's he feeling?
Martha: It's been really difficult. He's depressed and angry. I worry that when he comes out of this, he won't be the same man I married.
Martha seems not to notice her own brutal honesty.
Chloe: [Stricken.] I'm sorry. How's Clark handling all this?
Martha: Of course, he feels responsible for Jonathan's condition.
Chloe: How could he possibly be responsible for Mr. Kent's heart att*ck?
Martha: [As Clark enters with the groceries.] It's not. It's his biological father. He's the one who drove Clark to Metropolis last summer.
Clark: Mom! [Martha turns around. Clark speaks with tension in his voice, referring to the groceries.] Where do you want these?
Martha can't respond. She realizes what she has just told Chloe. Chloe walks toward Clark.
Chloe: [Hurt.] Clark, you found your biological father, and you didn't tell me about it?
Clark: [Pause.] She meant figuratively. Um, you know, coming to grips the fact that my real parents didn't want me, um, played a part in what happened last summer.
Clark grabs Chloe's books from the dining room table and hands them to her.
Clark: Let's pick this up tomorrow.
Chloe: [Still very confused.] Okay. Bye.
Martha: [Almost a whisper.] Bye.
Chloe leaves.
Martha: [Shocked.] I can't believe I... I told Chloe about Jor-El. I don't-I don't... I don't know what happened, Clark.
Clark: Mom, it's okay. I don't think it's just you. I think something's happened to Chloe.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Lana stands at the bar reading a brochure entitled "Paris Arts." Clark enters behind her.
Clark: Lana. [Lana closes the brochure and puts it away before Clark sees it.] I hope I'm not interrupting.
Lana: No, I'm just finishing up with the morning rush. I haven't seen you around the last few days.
Lana takes an empty try to a table and starts clearing the table of coffee cups.
Clark: I figured after our last conversation, you could use some space.
Lana: Well, I was thinking the same thing, but we don't seem to be very good at that.
Clark: [Trying to make a joke.] It's hard to make yourself scarce in Smallville.
The joke doesn't go over very well, and after giving Clark and awkward half smile, Lana walks back to the bar.
Clark: Actually, I'm here because of Chloe. Have you noticed anything different about her?
Lana: [Pause. She turns to Clark.] I don't want to cross the roommate boundaries, but this guy called for her yesterday when she was out, an old coworker of her dad's.
Clark: From LuthorCorp?
Lana: Yeah, and he sounded really upset. He was wondering if she had taken his security card.
Clark: [Skeptical.] Klepto Chloe? That doesn't sound like her.
Lana: He said that whoever stole it broke into a lab at the plant two nights ago.
Clark absorbs this information silently.
The bus drives away from Smallville High before school. Day. In the parking lot, Mrs. Taylor and her son, William, get out of their car and walk toward the school. Chloe jogs toward them with a notepad and pencil.
Chloe: Mrs. Taylor? Hi, Mrs. Taylor. I'm sorry to be pulling the "60 Minutes" card, but I'm crashing a deadline here. Can we just pop this off really quick?
Mrs. Taylor: [Smiling, giving in.] Yeah, only because I know you'll never let me off the hook.
Chloe: [To William.] It must be pretty cool having the best teacher in school as a mom.
William: Uh, yeah, I'm kind of used to her being the best at everything she does.
Mrs. Taylor smiles.
Chloe: [To Mrs. Taylor.] Okay, we'll just start with the obvious. Um, what do you like about teaching?
Mrs. Taylor: I enjoy the students.
Chloe: [Writing in her pad.] Okay. Any downsides?
Mrs. Taylor: [Without hesitation.] Always having to hide the truth.
William looks at Mrs. Taylor strangely.
Chloe: [Taken off guard.] I'm sorry. The truth about what?
Mrs. Taylor: That Mrs. Taylor doesn't exist. [William laughs, thinking that is mother is joking.] My real name is MaryAnne Lewis, and I've been running from my past since 1972.
Mrs. Taylor looks at her son who is starting to look genuinely worried.
Chloe: I-I don't understand. What did you do?
Mrs. Taylor: [Becoming emotional.] I was part of a radical group. We planted expl*sives outside a bank in Seattle.
Shocked, Chloe continues to write in her notepad.
Mrs. Taylor: We were just trying to make a statement. But one of the guards came in early, and when the b*mb went off...
Chloe: Mrs. Taylor, are you saying you're wanted for m*rder?
William watches Mrs. Taylor, terrified.
Mrs. Taylor: [Starting to cry.] I... I just drove the car. I swear, I-I never meant for anyone to die.
William: Mom, what are you saying?
Mrs. Taylor: I should've told you this years ago. I'm so sorry.
Chloe: [Ready to ask more questions.] Okay, Mrs. Taylor ...
William: No! Get away from her, okay? Just leave us alone! [To Mrs. Taylor.] Come on.
He leads her to the school. Chloe watches them go as an excited grin begins to form on her face.
Chloe walks into the crowded halls of Smallville High the next day. Day. All of the students are reading the latest issue of the Torch. On the cover is a picture of Mrs. Taylor with the headline: "Exclusive: Beloved Teacher or Fugitive m*rder?" Chloe walks down the hall, grinning ear to ear, and all of the students look at her with mixed expressions of anger and hurt. Clark walks up to Chloe. He also has a copy of the Torch.
Clark: Congratulations, Chloe. Within 24 hours, you've managed to tick off the entire school.
Chloe: [Unperturbed.] Well, you don't earn your press pass by making friends.
Clark: Don't you think the police should be handling this?
Chloe: Clark, I uncovered a m*rder.
Clark: With your new ability.
The smile remains on Chloe's face.
Clark: You broke into the LuthorCorp plant the other night, didn't you? Something happened?
Chloe: [Impressed.] Wow. There may be some journalistic genes behind those baby blues after all.
Clark: Chloe, for some reason, people are telling you things they don't want you to know, and it's not a joke.
Chloe: No. But it is every reporter's dream.
A young woman walks by. Chloe grins at Clark mischievously, then stops the girl.
Chloe: Rebecca. When the entire geometry class got Cs on the final, how is it possible that you aced it?
Rebecca: Oh, I swiped the answer key the day before the test.
Chloe smiles as Rebecca realizes what she just revealed.
Rebecca: You're not gonna tell anybody, are you?
Chloe giggles quietly and Rebecca walks hurriedly away. Chloe smiles triumphantly at Clark who is unwilling to share in her joy. Behind Clark, a cheerleader and a small group of guys in letterman jackets walk up. Chloe addresses the cheerleader.
Chloe: [Exaggeratedly friendly.] Mindy! Hey, Mindy. You're always so upbeat. Does anything bother you?
Mindy: Are you kidding? Do you have any idea how hard it is to cheer for a losing team?
The guys are shocked. One of them talks to Mindy.
Doug: Mindy, what are you talking about?
Mindy walks away, embarrassed.
Chloe: Doug, if you could take anyone to the prom, who would you take?
Doug: [Looking at one of the other guys.] That'd be Fitz.
Chloe glances at the guy Doug is referring to, who is looking extremely uncomfortable.
Chloe: Thomas Fitzpatrick, the quarterback? Wow! I didn't expect that one.
Doug advances on Chloe, thr*at. Clark steps between them, pushing Doug gently back.
Clark: Hey, it's cool. It's off the record.
Doug backs away and Chloe and Clark step away from the guys.
Chloe: My God, Clark, this is amazing! Can you imagine the kinds of stories I could break? I mean, I could crack the mystery that is Clark Kent! [Clark doesn't respond. Chloe looks into his eyes.] What do you keep hiding from me?
Clark: [Hurt.] I can't believe you just asked me that.
Chloe: [Confused.] And you didn't answer. Everyone else would have. [Serious.] What are you so afraid of? That I'll get behind that armor and finally uncover your secret?
Clark looks into Chloe's eyes deeply without responding.
Fade to black.
The glass doors of the LuthorCorp lab in Smallville slide open and Clark enters. Day. There is nobody else there and Clark starts to look around. He finds a file cabinet and opens one of the drawers, skimming through the files. He finds a file marked "Records" and another marked "Levitas". He looks at the file briefly, then puts it back and closes the drawer. Lex enters behind him.
Lex: Clark. Last time I checked, this area is restricted.
Clark: [Nervous.] Hey, Lex. Sorry about just walking around, but the outside door was unlocked.
Lex: Actually, it looked broken to me, but, uh, I'll have a word with my security people. Want to tell me why you're here?
Clark: I'm worried about a friend.
Lex: That friend wouldn't have happened to break into this lab a few nights ago, would they? Clark, why didn't you come to me?
Clark: The last time I did that, I had my conversations hand-delivered to the FBI.
Lex: Clark, whatever deal I've made with the Feds, your family is strictly off limits. I was kind of hoping you might return the favor. Would you mind telling me what you were doing down here?
Clark: It wasn't me. [Lex lowers his eyes disbelievingly.] Lex, there's something happening to my friend, and... and what were you working on down here?
Lex: An old project of my father's. I was trying to salvage something from his failure.
Clark: Then where is everything?
Lex: I decided to cut my losses. Clark, we didn't get far enough to gauge the potential side effects. If this friend was exposed to anything here, there could be serious health risks. Now, it's hard for me to help unless I know who it is.
Chloe enters the Talon. Day. The place is busy with students from Smallville High who all glare at Chloe as she passes through toward the bar. Someone walking in the opposite direction knocks Chloe's shoulder with his own as he passes, causing her to momentarily lose her balance. Then William walks up to her, tossing a copy of the Torch at her angrily.
William: How could you print this? Thanks to you, my mom had to go into hiding. The police are looking for her!
Chloe: I'm sorry, William, but I just printed the truth. I mean, I can't be held responsible for that.
William steps closer to her thr*at.
William: You ruined my life.
William leaves. The rest of the students get up and follow him out. Lana walks up to Chloe with a tray, noticing as the Talon swiftly becomes empty.
Chloe: Is it just me, or did I completely clear out the lunch crowd?
Lana: No, it was you. Ever since you've turned the Torch into your own personal gossip column, no one can stand being around you.
Chloe: Yeah, well, at least you're still talking to me, right?
Lana: For now.
Lana turns away and walks toward the bar. Chloe follows.
Chloe: Okay. What's that about?
Lana: [Turning to face Chloe.] I applied to the Paris School of the Arts. They have a full-time high school program and if I get accepted, I start in the summer. [Lana seems baffled that she is revealing so much.]
Chloe: Wow. I guess I'm not in the loop. When did you decide this?
Lana: I've been thinking about it for a while now. Everyone has their families, you know, and, um, I'm not sure where I fit in.
Chloe: But I always thought that we were your family.
Lana: Come on, Chloe. I know what you and everyone else thinks of me, that I'm driven and self-involved. I just can't wait to get out of here and go somewhere where people don't judge me.
Chloe: [Truly stricken by Lana's words.] I never said anything like that.
Lana: You never had to.
Chloe: Why haven't you ever talked to me about this?
Lana: [Quietly.] Because I couldn't trust you.
Chloe looks into Lana's eyes for a moment, then leaves the Talon, unhappy. Lana remains confused.
Lex enters his study where Chloe is waiting for him. Day.
Lex: Chloe, thanks for coming.
Chloe: Yeah, well, I only have a minute. Clark just called me about a story that broke at the hospital, so...
Lex: Then maybe you can just give me the, uh, abridged version of your fieldtrip to LuthorCorp the other night. Let me guess, uh, somehow no one can resist telling you the truth.
Chloe: Are you looking for an apology?
Lex: No. [Lex puts his hands on Chloe's shoulders.] Chloe, I want you to use your gift to help me get back the weeks my father stole from me.
Chloe: Lex, I don't think your dad would go to such extremes to destroy those memories if they didn't pose some sort of a thr*at to him. Maybe you should just leave it alone.
Chloe starts to leave and stops at the door when Lex speaks.
Lex: Why do I get the feeling you know more about this than you're letting on?
Chloe: I don't know anything about that. But I do know that because of you, my dad can't get a job. So why would I help you?
Lex: Because my father's the one who ordered his dismissal. You know that's the truth, don't you?
Chloe takes a breath and touches her head as if she is getting a headache.
Chloe: Meaning that my family's future is just one chess move in the endless game of one-upmanship played by you and your dad.
Lex: It's not a game, Chloe. You're the only one who can get me the truth.
Chloe circles Lex until she is standing behind him.
Chloe: Why do you keep doing this to yourself? Why can't you just walk away from your father?
Lex: Because he won't give me the only thing I've ever wanted from him.
Chloe: And that would be?
Lex: [Turning to face her.] I want him to love me.
Lex lowers his eyes and chuckles quietly, surprised at himself.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Clark is waiting for Chloe in the lobby. Pete walks in with a camera
Clark: Pete. What are you doing here?
Pete: Chloe said you had some big story.
Clark: [Leading Pete to the elevator.] Um, I just told her that. The way she's been acting, I thought it was the only way I could get her to the hospital.
Pete: Is she okay?
Clark: She got doused with something at LuthorCorp, and I think it's making her sick. Some sort of truth gas.
As they get to the elevator, Pete looks down at his upper arm which Clark is still holding onto.
Pete: Which would explain the vice grip on my arm. [Clark lets him go.] I can take a hint, Clark. You want me to get out of here before the human lie detector shows up.
The elevator door opens and Pete steps inside, noticing that Chloe is already in the elevator.
Chloe: Hey, Pete.
Pete: [Surprised.] Chloe.
Pete looks nervously from Chloe to Clark, then tries to leave, but Chloe stops him.
Chloe: No, wait. Now, enough is enough. Everyone seems to be on the "Run Away From Chloe" bandwagon today. Why you?
The elevator door starts to close as Clark stands outside, unsure of what to do.
Pete: I'm trying to stay away from you so I don't tell you the truth.
Just before the door is completely closed, Clark catches the door and pushes it back open.
Clark: Chloe? Remember that story that I called you about?
Chloe: Yeah, we can talk about the story later, Clark. Right now, I want to know why you guys are playing such a zone defense on me. What is the big secret, Pete?
Pete looks at Chloe in a panic, clearly about to reveal what he knows. Then instead of speaking, he leans in and kisses Chloe. Chloe and Clark are both startled.
Pete: I'm in love with you, Chloe. I've been waiting to do that ever since the first day I met you.
Chloe: Okay, whoa, Pete. Um, why didn't you tell me this sooner?
Pete: Because I knew the way you felt about Clark, and I never saw the point.
The elevator door finally opens at the ground floor opens and Pete runs out, mortified.
Chloe: Pete, wait.
Pete: Chloe, listen. If Clark's right and there something wrong with you, then take care of it. Please.
Pete leaves and Chloe turns to Clark. Then she suddenly gets a massive pain in her head and gasps as she doubles over.
Clark: Chloe? Are you okay?
Chloe: [Holding her head.] Ow! Ah!
Clark: I need some help! Please!
A doctor and nurse standing nearby in the hall run over to Chloe.
Doctor: What's her name?
Clark: Chloe.
Doctor: Chloe? We're going to take you down to exam 3.
Chloe continues to gasp as the doctor and nurse help her into a wheelchair and push her away. Clark watches them worriedly.
Fade to black.
Clark is seated at the computer in the Torch office. Day. Pete enters.
Pete: Clark, I've been looking for you. They arrested Mrs. Taylor.
Clark: I know. It's been all over the Internet.
Pete: As long as you're online, you want to ask Jeeves how long it takes to die of embarrassment?
Clark: [Getting up from the desk.] Pete, how come you didn't tell me how you felt about Chloe?
Pete: It's not like I ever had a chance with her.
Clark: What makes you say that?
Pete: Because I'm always standing next to you. Oh, come on, Clark. As far as long shadows go, you're the dark side of the moon.
Clark doesn't respond. Pete looks at the computer screen.
Pete: Why are you looking through Chloe's files?
Clark: I'm worried about her. [Pete sits at the desk.] She's working on a story about a LuthorCorp project called Levitas. This retired military doctor General Jonah Doyle claims he was part of the first test five years ago.
Pete: Sounds like a crackpot.
Clark: It's our only lead.
Chloe sits in the exam room with a thermometer in her mouth. Day. She doesn't seem to be in pain anymore. The doctor takes the thermometer from her mouth and looks at it.
Doctor: Well, everything looks normal. I'll be right back.
The doctor takes off his rubber gloves and leaves the room and Chloe stands up to get her cellular phone. She opens it to check her messages. Lionel enters the room behind Chloe, and she thinks it's the doctor.
Chloe: That wasn't very long.
Lionel: Miss Sullivan. [Chloe whips around at the sound of Lionel's voice.] You look a bit peaked.
Chloe holds the phone behind her back.
Lionel: Well, I suppose a steady diet of truth can wear on a person. I understand you've borrowed one of our LuthorCorp security cards.
Chloe: I was just trying to help my dad. What did you do, blacklist him?
Lionel: You're damn right I blacklisted him. He'll be lucky to find a job as a dishwasher. [Lionel gasps at his honesty and Chloe smiles knowingly.] Well, I warned you there'd be repercussions if you defied me, and I'm a man of my word.
Chloe: There's only one way to find out.
Chloe still holds the phone behind her back and she pushes a button, dialing her voicemail box.
Lionel: What?
Chloe: Did you order Morgan Edge to k*ll your parents?
Lionel: Of course I did for their life insurance. I needed that money to start my company. Oh... I'm sorry you asked me that question, Miss Sullivan. That's very dangerous information for you to have. Why did you ask me that?
Chloe: It's not important. This is.
Chloe holds up her phone and pushes a button playing back a recording of Lionel's voice.
Lionel's voice: Of course I did. For their life insurance.
Chloe: I have your entire confession recorded on my voicemail, and the only person that has the password is me. So if I were you, I would reconsider my father's employment situation.
Chloe opens the door to leave, and Lionel closes the door to stop her from going.
Lionel: I'm impressed but unfortunately, I don't respond to blackmail. But you know, this isn't what's going to get your father's job back.
Chloe: Then what would?
Lionel starts backing Chloe up toward the wall.
Lionel: Information from an especially intransigent source.
Chloe: Does this source have a name?
Lionel: Two, actually. Jonathan and Martha Kent. But you need only ask one question.
Chloe: Why would I ever do that?
Lionel: [Circling Chloe slowly.] Because I know that you have a special place in your heart for their son, and it's k*lling you that he's hiding something from you. And we both know that this may be the only opportunity you'll ever have to find out what that is.
Chloe: [After thinking about it for a moment.] And what exactly is it that you want to know?
Lionel: Where did Clark Kent come from?
Chloe looks at Lionel for a long time, silently worried.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Clark enters an old car garage with several cars and car parts scattered around the room. He looks around and the place appears to be empty of any other people. Suddenly a man, Jonah Doyle, cocks a hand g*n and holds it to Clark's back.
Jonah: You need a lesson in manners.
Clark: [Turning around slowly.] I'm here to talk to you about the Levitas project. I know that LuthorCorp was the civilian contractor when you were in charge. They've resumed the experiment.
Jonah: Lionel Luthor send you?
Clark: No. I'm here because I need to know how the drug affects people.
Jonah looks at Clark for a long time, still pointing the g*n. Then he gestures beyond Clark.
Jonah: Over there.
Clark turns around and goes over to the side of the garage where there is an old orange couch next to a small stove warming a pot of coffee. Jonah sits at the couch with a tired sigh and pours a cup of coffee.
Jonah: We were trying to create the ultimate interrogator.
Clark: Why did you stop?
Jonah: I balked over safety issues. Luthor retaliated by arranging for a disappointing psych report and a dishonorable discharge.
Jonah hands the coffee to Clark.
Clark: Mr. Doyle, a friend of mine stumbled into the LuthorCorp lab. It was continuing the Levitas research. I think she was exposed.
Jonah: Is your friend showing any symptoms?
Clark: She's been having headaches.
Jonah: Then my guess is your friend will be d*ad by morning.
Clark: [Shaken.] d*ad?
Jonah: That's why I suspended the project. We suspected the gas would work. But the toxicity levels were off the charts.
Clark: Is there anything that can help her?
Jonah: Just before the project went down, I was working on a possible counteractant. [He walks to an old dirty fridge and opens it. He pulls out a large syringe full of yellow fluid and shows it to Clark.] It was never tested.
Clark takes the syringe.
Clark: If I have to use this, how much do I give her?
Jonah: h*t her with a full dose right in the heart.
Clark looks nervously at Jonah.
Clark walks to a nurse's station at the medical center. Day.
Clark: Excuse me. I'm looking for Chloe Sullivan.
Nurse: So are we. She left without being officially discharged.
The nurse walks away. Clark notices Lionel and goes to him.
Lionel: Clark. What a surprise.
Clark: Is it? I know about your human truth serum. The Levitas project.
Lionel: [Thoughtful.] Levitas. Levit ... I think we abandoned that project five, seven years ago. [He starts to leave.]
Clark: You're lying.
Lionel: That's a provocative accusation Clark, especially coming from you.
Clark: I don't believe you're here just to check on Chloe's health. What did you do, get her to work for you again? Ask more questions about me?
Lionel: Whatever I ask her to do, Clark, is in search of the truth.
Clark: She might die. And you couldn't care less.
Clark walks away and dials a number on his cell phone.
Clark: [Waiting for an answer.] Come on.
Cut to Chloe speeding down the road in her car. The car swerves back and forth slightly. Chloe is having a hard time controlling the car as she is clearly having another headache. Her phone rings and she answers it.
Chloe: [Drowsily.] Hello?
Clark: Chloe, it's Clark. Listen, you have to get back to the hospital right now. What you have might k*ll you.
Chloe: You're just saying that so you can stop me.
Chloe can hardly keep her eyes open.
Clark: Stop you from what?
Chloe: Clark, do you know what it's like to look at your best friend every day and know that he is lying to you? I can't do this anymore.
A truck drives up behind Chloe and rides extremely close to the back of her car. She grabs her head as her pain intensifies.
Clark: Chloe... [No answer from Chloe.] Chloe, talk to me!
Chloe looks in her rearview mirror at the truck, and then it speeds up and drives past her getting in front of her toward a bridge.
Clark: Chloe. Are you all right, Chloe? Talk to me. Listen, you have to let me help you.
Once the truck is several meters ahead of Chloe, and both vehicles are on the bridge, the truck turns around dangerously, its tires screeching against the road. Then it starts coming right at her in what appears to be a game of chicken. Chloe drops her phone and keeps driving, too shocked to do anything else. Her car and the truck come closer and closer to a head on collision until the very last minute when Chloe finally swerves out of the way and crashes into the barricade along the side of the bridge, breaking through the bars. The front end of her car hangs off the side of the bridge, teetering over the river below.
Clark: [Hearing the crash.] Chloe.
The truck drives up behind Chloe and rams into the back of her car, and we finally see that the driver is William Taylor. One remaining bar connected to the barricade rests against the hood of Chloe's car and prevents it from falling into the river.
William: [Leaning out of his window.] I warned you to leave us alone! My mother doesn't deserve to be in jail!
Chloe's eyes widen in fear as William puts the truck in reverse and backs away, preparing to crash into her again.
Clark: Chloe?!
Chloe picks up her phone.
Chloe: Clark! Clark, I'm at the Coughlin Bridge. Please help me!
Clark runs away.
William slams his foot against the gas, coming at Chloe's car again and crashing into it. Chloe pushes on her brakes, trying to stop her car from falling, and William keeps his foot on the gas. Chloe looks back at William and sees the crazed look on his face, then turns back to the river desperately.
Fade to black.
Chloe's car is still halfway over Coughlin Bridge, about to fall off. Day. William continues to push on the back of her car with his truck. The last bar from the barricade holding her car on the bridge falls away and into the river and the car starts to tip. Chloe reaches down to the door handle and tries to open it, but it's stuck.
William's back tires spin against the pavement and the friction causes smoke to billow into the air. As Chloe glances into her rearview mirror at William, her vision starts to blur and she suddenly loses consciousness, going limp against her window. Her foot falls away from the brake pedal just as William puts his truck into reverse and backs up again. Then with fury in his eyes, he slams down on the gas pedal for one last ram at Chloe's car. But just before he gets there, Clark super speeds onto the bridge and grabs at the back of William's truck, stopping it from hitting Chloe. The quick stop causes William to jerk against his buckled seatbelt and knocks him unconscious.
After stopping the truck, Clark looks at Chloe's car which has g*n to tilt over the edge and is about to fall. He grabs the back of the car and pulls it back down to the road. Then he lifts the car and turns it around, knocking over another piece of the barricade in the process, and sets the car down safely on the bridge.
He opens the door and rips Chloe's seatbelt off. She is still unconscious and he pulls her out of the car, lying her down on the road. He pulls open her shirt and takes the large syringe from inside his jacket, removing the plastic needle cap and squirting a small amount of the fluid from the needle.
With a nervous expression, Clark raises his arm into the air and brings the needle down, jamming it into Chloe's chest. He injects all of the fluid into her and then waits. After a short moment, Chloe opens her eyes with a gasp and sits up coughing.
Clark: Chloe. It's gonna be okay.
Chloe catches her breath.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lionel is talking on the phone in his office.
Lionel: No, that's it. No need to call back. [He hangs up. Lex enters.]
Lex: Two invitations to your office in one week. I should be flattered.
Lionel: You should be more careful. In the future, if you want to reactivate one of my old projects, son, all you have to do is ask.
Lex: [Angry.] If you made more of an effort to keep me informed, I wouldn't have to resort to subterfuge.
Lionel: I am trying to understand, Lex, why you would be so desperate to learn the truth that you would resort to using a dangerously unstable drug.
Lex: Well, I guess the truth has never really held much merit for you.
Lionel: Now, I'm losing my patience, Lex. You are constantly defensive with me. Now, tell me, damn it. What is it you want from me?
Lex looks at his father sadly for a short moment.
Lex: [Quietly.] It doesn't really matter, Dad. I'm never gonna get it.
Lex leaves the office.
Clark is studying in the loft. Day. Chloe enters.
Clark: Chloe. How are you feeling?
Chloe: A little shaky. But I'm totally truth serum free. What ever you Pulp Fictioned into my chest not only kick-started my heart but also relieved me of any Levitas in my system so... that's good. Did you hear what happened to William?
Clark: Yeah. Between his mother's past and her arrest, he took quite a h*t.
Chloe: [Guilty.] I never meant to hurt him.
Clark: His mom's the one who should've told him. But that's the thing about the truth. It's bound to come out sooner or later.
Chloe: Then I guess it's my turn to come clean. When you found me on the bridge, I was on my way here. I was gonna ask your parents all the questions you would never answer.
Clark looks hurt but not surprised. He turns away, and Chloe walks around to face him.
Chloe: Look, I know "I'm sorry" has become a recurring motif in our relationship, but ...
Clark: No, Chloe, um, look, I appreciate your honesty, but you weren't yourself.
Chloe: I really wish I could believe that. But there have been so many times when my curiosity has gotten the best of me. Maybe this is just who I am.
Clark: No. You're going after the truth. Chloe, there's nothing wrong with that.
Chloe: Unless it hurts the people you care most about. I'm just afraid that one day I'm gonna push too hard, and I'm not gonna get the chance to say I'm sorry.
Clark: [Smiling.] Today's not that day.
Clark pulls Chloe into a hug and she sighs, relieved.
Lana comes down the stairs of the Talon holding some books in her hands. Day. Clark is entering.
Lana: Clark. Thanks for coming by.
Clark: Is everything okay? I haven't gotten many phone messages from you lately.
Lana puts her books down on the bar and picks up a brochure for the Paris school.
Lana: [Nervous.] Yeah, um... I've been wanting to show you this.
Clark: [Takes the brochure.] Paris?
Lana: I sent in my application last week.
Clark: I don't understand.
Lana: I'm leaving.
Clark: [Shocked.] Lana, if this is because of me ...
Lana: No. No. Um, it's because of everything. I'm beginning to feel like I need a fresh start.
Clark: Well, what about your life here? What about all your friends?
Lana: Well, maybe I'll wind up in Smallville eventually, but I don't think I can be happy wondering if there's something else out there.
Clark is having a hard time finding words to express his feelings.
Clark: Why didn't you tell me sooner?
Lana: Because I... I didn't want anyone to talk me out of it. And the truth is, I knew you were the only person that could.
Clark looks at her for a long time. She looks away awkwardly.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Chloe sits down at her computer in the Torch office. At the phone next to the computer, she dials her voicemail box. A computerized voice answers.
Voice: Thank you for using CansCom. Please enter your security code now.
Chloe enters her code.
Voice: You have one new message.
Chloe hits another button and the message plays.
Lionel's voice: Hello, Miss Sullivan. It's only me. Um, oh, no need to look for that conversation we had earlier. It's gone.
Chloe's expression becomes worried.
Lionel: And, um, well, that's it. No need to call back.
Computerized voice: You have no more messages.
Chloe hangs up the phone. A look of fear grows on her face.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x18 - Truth"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on April 28th, 2004
Outside sh*t of Excelsior Academy, an enormous and very intimidating private school that almost looks like a castle. Night. The rain pours down in sheets and lightning flashes as thunder claps. Inside, Lionel enters one of the darkened classrooms with a teacher Mr. Woodruff who is holding a flashlight that is turned off.
Lionel: Where is he?
Mr. Woodruff: [Indicating a terrace outside the window.] Out there. If anyone approaches, he becomes hysterical. He claims he's protecting his brother Julian.
Lionel: [Taking the flashlight.] Thank you. I'll handle this, Mr. Woodruff.
Mr. Woodruff: [Arguing.] Mr. Luthor ...
Lionel: [Stern.] He's my son.
Mr. Woodruff reluctantly gives in and leaves the classroom. Lionel turns on the flashlight and walks slowly toward the window as the lightning continues to flash outside. He shines the light through the window onto the terrace where we can hear a young boy singing a lullaby. Huddled against the wall of the terrace, sits Lex as a child of 11 or 12, just as bald as he is now, holding a rolled up blanket close to his chest and rocking it as if it were a baby.
Lex: [Singing.] ...little baby, don't say a word. I'm gonna buy you a mockingbird. If that mockingbird won't sing, I'm gonna buy you a diamond ring.
Lionel opens the window and starts to come outside.
Lionel: Lex? [Lex continues to hum the lullaby.] Lex. If this is an attempt to get yourself expelled, it's not gonna work.
Lex: [Finally looking at Lionel.] Ssh. You'll wake the baby.
Lionel: Lex, Julian's gone.
Lex: [Shakes his head.] He's right here. I found him inside of my dorm crying. I told him I'd never let anyone hurt him again.
Lionel: Julian is d*ad, Lex. We both know why. You have to come to terms with that. Now!
Lionel starts walking toward Lex. Lex runs to the ledge of the terrace and starts to climb over it, still holding the blanket. The drop toward the ground from the terrace is extremely high.
Lex: No, leave us alone!
Lionel: No, no! Lex, what are you doing?!
Lex: Just go home!
Lionel: Lex! Come down off that ledge!
Lex: Stay away from us!
Lionel: Stop this, Lex. Get down now.
Lex: Julian needs me!
Lionel: Lex, no!
Lionel steps toward Lex and grabs his arm, causing Lex to drop the blanket off the side of the building. It flutters toward the distant ground slowly as Lex lets out a blood-curdling scream.
Lex: Aaaah!
Lionel: Lex! Lex!
Lex: [Out of control.] JULIAN! JULIAN! JULIAN!
Lionel: [Trying to pull Lex away from the ledge.] Lex!
Lex: JULIAN!
Lionel: Stop it, Lex!
Lex: JULIAN! JU ...
Cut to Lex in the present day standing on the ledge of a terrace in his mansion in Smallville with tears in his eyes as he screams into the night. Lightning flashes.
Lex: ... LIAN! JULIAN! JULIAN! JULIAN!
Lana comes onto the terrace behind Lex and grabs his arm.
Lana: Lex!
Lex: JULIAN! JULIAN!
Lex falls backwards onto the terrace, and the impact knocks him out of his trance. He sits up slowly, out of breath, and Lana kneels next to him, frightened.
Lana: Lex, what were you doing?
Lex: [Dazed, touching Lana's arm.] Where am I?
Lightning flashes.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. In the barn, Clark is shoveling hay out of a wheelbarrow with a pitchfork. Lana enters.
Lana: Hope I'm not interrupting. [Clark stops working.] Chloe told me you were farm-bound all week.
Clark: Yeah, my dad's cardiologist sent him to Metropolis for more tests, so I'm pulling double duty.
Lana: I thought he was getting better.
Clark: He is. But when your heart's been through something like that, the scars don't magically disappear.
Lana: [Affected by Clark's choice of words.] No. No, I guess they don't.
Clark: But I'm sure you didn't come all this way just to admire my stall-mucking abilities.
Clark turns away from Lana and walks to the wall to hang up the pitchfork.
Lana: I think there's something wrong with Lex. I was dropping off the Talon payroll, and I found him out on the ledge, screaming for someone named Julian.
Clark pauses.
Lana: What is it, Clark?
Clark: [Turning to face Lana.] Julian was the name of Lex's baby brother. He died of SIDS when Lex was a kid. Did he give you any kind of explanation?
Lana: [Upset.] No. He shrugged it off as a bad dream.
Clark: The last time Lex had a breakdown, I found him over there [Clark points to the side of the barn), singing a lullaby to a blanket he thought was Julian.
Lana: Well, maybe he's had a relapse.
Clark: Whatever it is, I think you better stay clear for a while.
Lana: Oh, Clark, he's my friend.
Clark: Lana, the last time Lex went off the deep end, you got trampled by a horse.
Lana: Lex didn't mean to hurt me.
Clark: But he did. And I promised myself I wouldn't let that happen again. [Lana doesn't respond, looking worriedly into Clark's eyes.] I'll talk to him.
Lex is in his study talking on the phone. Day.
Lex: [Angry.] Well, tell him I'm on my way, and he needs to clear his schedule for the rest of the afternoon.
Lex hangs up the phone and turns around to see Clark standing in the room, looking worried.
Lex: [With a smile.] Lana told you about my nocturnal adventure, didn't she? I can see I spooked her. That usually sends her running to you.
Lex puts on his jacket, getting ready to leave.
Clark: Are you okay?
Lex: Well, I haven't lost my mind, Clark, if that's what you mean. I just indulged in a little harmless sleepwalking, that's all.
Clark: Lex, you were on a ledge yelling Julian's name. You could've k*lled yourself.
Lex: You know, when I found you asleep in the middle of Route 8 last year, I don't remember questioning your mental health.
Lex starts to leave.
Clark: I hadn't just spent seven weeks at Belle Reve.
Lex turns to look at Clark.
Lex: According to my doctors I'm cured. But apparently, a clean bill of health isn't good enough for Clark Kent.
Clark doesn't respond.
Lex: [Kindly.] I can take care of myself.
Lex leaves.
Lex drives up outside the Summerholt Institute. Night. He gets out of his car and walks toward the front door of the building. Just as he is entering, Clark super speeds up to the building, obviously having followed Lex.
Inside, Lex talks to Dr. Garner. They are looking at an animated image of Lex's brain on a screen.
Lex: These nightmares are becoming more frequent.
Dr. Garner: They're not nightmares, Lex. They're spontaneous memories.
Lex: Look, Dr. Garner. Whatever you call them, they're starting to impact my waking life.
Dr. Garner: [Pointing to the screen.] The electroshock therapy atrophied this part of your brain. These memories are the equivalent of a muscle spasm. They indicate that the treatment is working.
Lex: [Stepping closer, serious.] Doctor, I didn't come to you to relive repressed childhood traumas.
Dr. Garner: If you're concerned, we can stop at any time. The choice is yours.
Dr. Garner speaks with a smug grin, already knowing what Lex will choose.
Cut to a large warehouse type room. There are several lab technicians in white lab coats operating the machinery. In the center of the room is a large rectangular t*nk full of green water, and Lex is lying in a stretcher suspended over the t*nk by wires. He is wearing only a pair of shorts. The stretcher slowly lowers into the water until most of Lex's body is submerged except for his face. He has two wires connected to his forehead and two wires connected to his chest. Dr. Garner is at the head of the t*nk at the control panel. Lex looks slightly uneasy.
Dr. Garner: Just relax, Lex. Close your eyes, and open the door to your mind. Think about your father. Take us back to where we left off.
Lex's eyes are closed. We zoom closer to his face and just as we get to his right eye, it opens and the sh*t zooms into his pupil. We come back out of the pupil and find we are now looking at Lex as a child again. He has tears running down his face and he is sobbing. He wears a suit and tie.
Dr. Garner's voice: Where are you now?
Lex's adult voice: My 12th birthday party.
The sh*t widens and we see that young Lex is seated at the head of an huge dining table covered with plates of brownies, donuts, hotdogs, cupcakes, and every other party food imaginable. Day. The room is decorated with balloons. Party hats sit at each of the place settings at the table, but Lex is the only one there. Lionel enters.
Lionel: Lex? [Lionel sees that no one has come to Lex's party.] I'm, um, I'm sorry, son, that your friends didn't get to see the beautiful party that your mother planned for you.
Lex: [Sadly.] I told you nobody would come. Everybody hates me.
Lionel: That's not true.
Lex slams the table with his hand and gets up from his chair, walking over to the window seat and sitting down next to a huge stack of wrapped presents. Lionel follows him.
Lionel: Lex. Lex... They're jealous, Lex. You're a Luthor, and you're ... you're ...
Lionel is having a hard time playing the role of a caring father. He reaches out to touch Lex's shoulder, then pulls his hand away.
Lionel: You're special, and it's always going to be difficult for others to accept that. I, um...
Lionel takes a present off the top of the stack and holds it out to Lex.
Lionel: Lex. Your mother wanted to give you this in person, but she's resting, so...
Lex: Is she okay? She seemed so sad.
Lionel: [Sitting next to Lex.] No, no, she's ... she's just tired, that's all. [Wiping the tears from Lex's face.] This pregnancy's been very difficult for her, but once the baby comes, I know she'll be as excited as we are. Here.
Lionel puts the present in Lex's hands. Lex opens it and pulls out a lead box. The same lead box Lex gave to Clark in the Season One episode Metamorphosis.
Lex: [Unimpressed.] It's just an old box.
Lionel: No, no, it's much more than that. This box was formed from the armor of St. George.
Lex: [Surprised.] The dragon slayer?
Lionel: That's right. According to the legend, St. George was fighting a particularly fierce dragon. The battle between them had raged on for days, and St. George was losing his strength... and his faith. So he took a piece of broken armor, and he made it into this box. Inside it he put all his doubts and his fears, and then he went out to face the dragon again.
Lex: [Amazed.] Without any armor?
Lionel: Yeah. [Almost a whisper, telling the story with intensity.] But when the dragon saw St. George coming to do battle with him again, it hesitated and drew back, and in that moment, St. George plunged his sword into the dragon's heart, and it fell d*ad.
Lex smiles.
Lionel: So when people are cruel to you, you take all your fears and your doubts and put them in here, [Lionel opens the box.] in this box. And then you lock it. [He closes the box. Lex nods.] And you'll find that you're, uh, you're stronger than you think you are.
Lionel puts his arm around Lex's shoulder and pinches Lex's nose lovingly. He wipes away what's left of Lex's tears and tweaks Lex's chin. Lex looks inside the empty box.
Fade back to the present, an image of Lex's brain on a screen. This fades to Lex's face in the t*nk. His eyes open.
Dr. Garner: [To the lab technicians.] Bring him up. [To Lex.] That was a good session, Lex. We're making progress.
The stretcher starts to rise from the water t*nk. Clark is on the roof of the building, watching all of this with his X-ray vision. He looks worried.
Cut to Lex leaving Summerholt and walking to his car. Clark walks up to him.
Clark: What are you doing with Dr. Garner, Lex?
Lex: I thought I told you to stay out of this.
Clark: Lex, you know what he did to Molly. And to Ryan. Lex, he's dangerous.
Lex: I really don't have to explain myself to you, Clark.
Clark: Yes, you do, Lex. Because I can't understand why my best friend keeps lying to me.
Lex: [Becoming irritated.] What if you lost seven weeks of your life?
Clark: [Pause. Clark suddenly understands.] That's what this is about.
Lex: Clark, if I could retrieve those memories, they would give me the answers to the questions that have been plaguing me.
Clark: But Dr. Garner knows no boundaries, Lex. If you get caught up in his experimental research, it could k*ll you.
Lex: I don't care. I'm gonna remember everything.
Clark looks frightened. Lex gets into his car and drives away, leaving Clark alone in front of Summerholt.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. Lionel is seated at the desk in his office at LuthorCorp speaking to Clark who is standing in front of the desk.
Lionel: When I got your call, I was shocked. I couldn't imagine why you would want to see me.
Clark: Lex is using a highly experimental procedure at Summerholt Institute. He's trying to retrieve the memories he forgot. [Lionel is startled. Clark steps closer to the desk.] Mr. Luthor, you're the only one powerful enough to shut Summerholt down.
Lionel: [Laughs.] Oh, well, I'm flattered by your rather naive view of my business prowess, but why do you think I would resort to behaving like a thug?
Lionel stands and walks around the desk toward Clark.
Clark: Because I don't think you really want Lex to remember what he forgot.
Lionel: No one cares more about Lex's mental health than I do, Clark, but it's not my prerogative to stop him from regaining those lost memories.
Clark: [Pause.] Even if he uncovers the truth about his grandparents' death?
Lionel: You know, Clark, I always thought that your parents' corn-fed hokum made you weak, but, uh, clearly I have underestimated your dark side.
Clark: I'm trying to save my friend.
Lionel: No, you're not. You came here trying to strong-arm me under the guise of concern for Lex, but it's you who doesn't want him to regain his memory.
Clark: That's not true.
Lionel points a remote control at a television and the set turns on, playing the surveillance video of Lex and Clark at Belle Reve from the Season Three episode Asylum. The footage plays over and over.
Lex: I know your secret, Clark.
Buzz as the footage rewinds.
Lex: I know your secret, Clark.
Buzz.
Lex: I know your secret, Clark.
Buzz. Clark looks at the screen, frightened.
Lex: I know your secret, Clark.
Lionel: You want Lex to stop this highly dangerous therapy? I suggest you start telling the truth.
Clark is too stunned to answer. The footage continues to repeat.
Lionel enters Lex's study. Day. Lex is leaning over the railing of the upper level with a drink in his hand.
Lex: What brings you to Smallville, Dad? Find more evidence of little green men in the Kawatche caves?
Lionel: [Laughs.] Another one of your extracurricular activities has been brought to my attention. [Lex comes down the stairs.] Your excursions to the Summerholt Institute.
Lex: Where'd you hear that?
Lionel: Your good friend Clark.
Lex: Summerholt is a highly respected institution.
Lex walks to the bar to refill his drink.
Lionel: [Scoffs.] Respected? Lex, this Garner character operates on the outer fringes of accepted science.
Lex: Well, then you should feel right at home. [Takes a sip of his drink.]
Lionel: Lex, your mind is still very fragile. Why would you risk jeopardizing your sanity for the sake of a few lost memories?
Lex: What's wrong, Dad? Hmm? You, uh, you afraid of what I'm going to remember? Because so far, it's been very illuminating.
Lionel: Lex, it's foolish for you to go on with this treatment. It could trigger another psychotic break.
Lex: Look, that's ridi ...
Lex pauses, closing his eyes as if becoming weak. The entire room suddenly goes dark around him, and he drops his glass, the brandy spilling out of it as it falls to the floor. When it hits the floor it shatters. But it is no longer the same glass. It is now a shattered teacup. A woman with long dark hair sits on the floor and starts to pick up the pieces. Another woman is standing next to her trying to comfort a crying baby. Lionel enters the room. Young Lex spies on the scene from the next room. Day.
Lionel: [To the woman holding the baby.] Would you, uh, would you get something to clean that up, please, Mary?
Mary: Yes, Mr. Luthor.
Mary starts to leave the room, taking the baby with her.
Lionel: Uh, let me have Julian.
Mary comes back and gives the baby to Lionel.
Lionel: [To Julian, comforting.] Yes, yes. Oh, look in his eyes. Hmm? How he looks at you. Oh, my ... Look at that. Lillian, he's like a prince.
Julian stops crying. The woman who dropped the teacup, Lillian Luthor, has remained with her back turned to Lionel, obviously very upset. Lionel tries to give Julian to her.
Lillian: [Crying.] I don't want to hold him.
Lionel: Lillian, it's unnatural for a mother not to want to bond with her child. Please...
Lionel tries to give Julian to Lillian again and she walks away toward the window.
Lionel: [Quiet, angry.] I will not let you inflict psychological scars on my children.
Lillian: [Cold.] That's why they have you, Lionel.
Lionel: No, you don't mean that, Lillian.
Lillian: [Struggling to stay in control of her emotions.] I told you I didn't want any more children. I see how you treat Alexander, chipping away at his spirit.
Lex is still outside, hurt by his parents' words.
Lionel: Because you have made him weak.
Lillian: You're going to pit these boys against each other.
Lionel: No.
Lillian: Make them fight for your affection. I won't let you turn them into monsters. I want a divorce, Lionel.
Lionel: Lillian, these thr*at... these constant thr*at of yours are tiresome. I allowed Lex to come home for your sake. Now, you are going to start to try. [Holding Julian in front of Lillian.] Lillian, try. [Lillian takes the baby.] Try. That's it.
Julian starts to cry again.
Lionel: The four of us are going to be a family. All right? I'm going to give Mary the night off. I think you need some time alone with your son.
Lillian doesn't respond. She walks to the window with Julian who is still crying. Lionel looks at the door and sees Lex peeking in.
Lionel: Lex?
Lex closes the door. Lionel goes to the door and opens it, finding Lex there.
Lionel: Lex, what ... what...
Lex runs to Lillian who is now sitting in a chair with Julian.
Lionel: Lex! [Walks to Lex.] Lex, what are you doing? Hmm?
We are suddenly back to the present in Lex's study. Lex is still buried in memory.
Lex: [On the verge of tears.] Dad, it was an accident.
Lionel: [Honestly confused.] Lex? What are you talking about?
The room goes dark again and red, yellow, and blue lights shine across Lex's face. He is taken into another memory. In the memory, young Lex is in Julian's nursery standing over the crib. The colored lights are coming from a night light in Julian's room. Young Lex stands quite still over the silent crib, looking into it, frightened. Lionel enters the room behind him. Night.
Lionel: Hello, son. What are you two boys up, to, huh?
Lex doesn't turn around. He squeezes his eyes shut fearfully.
Lionel: Lex?
Lex turns to face Lionel.
Lex: [Quiet, defensive.] He wouldn't stop crying. I tried to rock him, and then... [Becoming more upset.] I... You have to believe me.
Lionel: What have you done, Lex?
Lionel walks toward the crib, and Lex steps out of the way as Lionel looks at Julian.
Lionel: What ... [He leans over the crib as his eyes fill with tears. Whispered.] What have you done? Wha ... [His breathing becomes uneven as he turns to Lex with fury in his eyes.] What have you done? What have you done?!
Lionel backhands Lex across the face and Lex falls to the floor.
Back to the present time as Lex falls to the floor in his study. Lionel kneels down next to him.
Lionel: Lex? Son?
Lex: What happened?
Lionel: I don't know. We were talking. You went into a catatonic state, and... I'll call the doctor.
Lex: [Getting up.] Don't bother. I'm fine, I'm fine.
Lex goes to the bar and grabs a bottle of water, drinking from it deeply.
Lionel: This is a side effect of your treatment, isn't it? [Touching Lex's face.] You're playing with f*re, son.
Lex: [Slapping Lionel's hand away.] Stop it! You only care about preventing me from getting back those seven weeks.
Lionel: No. I've got nothing to hide from you, Lex. You spend too much time living in the past. You've got to start looking to the future.
Lex: Get out.
Lionel: It's always been your weakness.
Lex: Get out!
Lionel looks at Lex for a moment, then leaves the study. Lex takes a deep breath.
Martha is in the Kent kitchen talking on the phone as Clark enters. Day.
Martha: I love you, too, sweetheart. Okay, bye. [She hangs up the phone.] I just spoke to your dad. He's doing well, but they want him to stay an extra day.
Clark: Did you tell him about Lex?
Martha: I thought it was better to keep that under wraps until it looks like more of a thr*at.
Lionel enters.
Lionel: Unfortunately, I'm afraid that time has come. Excuse the intrusion. The door was open.
Martha: [Startled.] What are you doing here?
Lionel: Clark didn't tell you? He came to see me.
Martha: looks at Clark, shocked. Clark looks back guiltily.
Lionel: Your son has always had a penchant for secrecy.
Clark: Mom, can you give us a minute?
Martha: [Nodding.] Sure.
Martha starts to go up the stairs and stops when Lionel speaks.
Lionel: Martha, I... Would you, uh, give my best wishes to your ... to Jonathan? I'm sure it must be a challenge for him to, um, run the farm in his weakened condition.
Martha: [Cold.] Don't worry about Jonathan. He'll be fine. His strength of character will see us through anything. [She turns to go.]
Lionel: I miss your sage advice, Martha. [Martha turns to face him.] There's always a job waiting for you if you ever want to come back to LuthorCorp.
Martha is unsure of how to respond. She looks at Clark uneasily, then back to Lionel, then turns and goes upstairs.
Lionel: Um, thank you, Clark, for letting me know what Lex has been up to. Unfortunately, our collective meddling has convinced him to accelerate the whole process.
Clark: [Worried.] He could seriously hurt himself.
Lionel: I know, but he's an adult, Clark, and people have to make their own mistakes sometimes before they realize that they've gone down the wrong path.
Clark: What if he doesn't? What if he comes out of this a vegetable?
Lionel: Well, then I'll have no choice but to... to have him committed again to Belle Reve. This time, permanently.
Clark: [Shocked.] Where is he?
Dr. Garner is in the memory lab at Summerholt Institute. Day. Clark enters.
Clark: Where's Lex?
Dr. Garner: How the hell did you get in here? I'm calling security.
Dr. Garner walks toward the water t*nk. Clark follows him.
Clark: If he continues these experiments, his father's gonna have him institutionalized again.
Standing next to the t*nk of green water, Clark is visibly weakened.
Dr. Garner: Lex is well aware of the risks. [Seeing Clark's condition.] What's the matter, Mr. Kent? You're not looking well.
Clark: [Starting to double over.] You have to stop what you're doing.
Dr. Garner nods to a man standing behind Clark. The man punches Clark in the back, knocking him to the floor. Clark is too weak to get up. Dr. Garner looks down at him cruelly.
Dr. Garner: You've always been intrigued with my research. Now, you're gonna have the opportunity to be a part of it.
Cut to three lab technicians lifting Clark onto a metal operating table.
Dr. Garner: Strip him.
They pull of Clark's jacket. Then one man unbuckles Clark's belt and pulls it out of his jeans as another man cuts Clark's shirt open with a pair of scissors. Dr. Garner watches this as he talks on his cellular phone.
Dr. Garner: The mouse took the bait.
Lionel is on the other end of the line in his office at LuthorCorp.
Lionel: All right. Now, I've delivered my end of the deal, and I expect you to live up to yours.
Dr. Garner: Lex will never undergo another treatment at Summerholt.
Lionel: Now we can put your talents to use on a far more interesting project. I want us to begin studying Clark Kent. Immediately.
Dr. Garner smiles sadistically.
Fade to black.
Clark is strapped to the stretcher at Summerholt wearing only a pair of shorts. Day. He has two wires connected to his chest and two wires connected to his forehead. He looks around fearfully, still unable to fight. The stretcher is raised into the air over the water t*nk, and Lionel and Dr. Garner watch from below.
Dr. Garner: [To Lionel.] We're ready.
Lionel: I'll feed you the questions, all right? I want to know the truth about Clark Kent. [Looking up at the stretcher wistfully.] Where does he come from?
Cut to Lex entering the Summerholt Institute. He goes to the front desk and speaks to the receptionist.
Lex: I'm here to see Dr. Garner.
Receptionist: Mr. Luthor, Dr. Garner left word with your assistant. Your session's been cancelled.
Lex: I got the message. I want to speak with him personally.
Receptionist: Well, I'm afraid he's off-site at a seminar.
Lex: [Disbelieving.] Thank you.
Lex walks away from the desk and dials a number on his cell phone.
In the memory lab, Lionel's cell phone rings. He looks at the caller ID, then answers it. Clark is still in the stretcher suspended over the t*nk.
Lionel: Lex, I'm in a meeting.
Lex: At Summerholt? Is that why Dr. Garner cancelled my session?
Lionel: I don't have time for this now, Lex.
Lex: Then you better make time. Because my treatment worked. I remember everything.
Lionel: [Pause. Lionel is clearly worried.] Where are you?
Lex: You know where I am, Dad. [Lex hangs up his phone confidently.]
Lionel: [To Dr. Garner.] I have to solve a problem. Wait till I get back.
Lionel leaves.
Dr. Garner: [To the lab technicians.] Lower him into the t*nk. I'm not waiting for anyone.
The technicians lower the stretcher into the water. As Clark comes closer to the water, his body starts to tremble rapidly, and even more so once he is in the water with only his face still in the air.
Dr. Garner: Clark, I need you to relax. Take me back to your earliest memory. Where did you come from?
Clark's shaking has slowed down somewhat, and his eyes are closed. We zoom into his eye and it opens allowing us into his pupil. A memory opens up before us. A baby wrapped in a yellow blanket is being placed into a spacecraft. We hear the voice of Jor-El.
Jor-El: Put him inside, Lara. Our time has passed. The hourglass is empty.
We see Lara's hand putting a key into the ship and we hear her voice.
Lara: What if they don't love him?
The inside of the ship lights up with Kryptonian symbols. Jor-El and Lara join hands above the baby.
Jor-El: Lara, his destiny is set. As is ours.
Lara: [Sadly.] Goodbye, my sweet Kal-El.
The octagonal key rests in its groove on the ship. Lara presses on it, and it melds into the ship, causing the groove to fill in. Lara and Jor-El continue to hold hands as the symbols in the ship start to travel in circles and the ship closes around the baby.
Back to the present at the Summerholt Institute. Clark is in the stretcher in the water t*nk screaming.
Clark: Lara! Lara! Lara!
Dr. Garner: Who's Lara, Clark? [No answer.] Why isn't he responding?
Lab technician : I'm not sure, Doctor. But he's having some sort of reaction to the solution.
Clark starts to shake again and the lights in the room flash with surges of electricity.
Clark: Lara!
Technician : We need to pull him out!
Dr. Garner: No. He hasn't told us what we want.
Clark: Lara!
Clark keeps shaking as bolts of electricity flash through the water in the t*nk.
Cut to Lionel walking out to the front desk of Summerholt where Lex is waiting.
Lionel: Lex? Lex, what's so urgent that you needed to call me out of a meeting? What's the problem, son?
Lex: I don't know, Dad. The fact that you co-opted Dr. Garner tells me that you really are scared of the memories I could recover. What'd you give him?
Cut to Clark in the t*nk. His shaking has become violent and the machinery around him is starting to self destruct and sh**t sparks.
Clark: Lara! Lara!
Dr. Garner: Shut it down!
At the front desk of Summerholt, there is a loud crash causing the ground to shake and the emergency alarm to sound.
Lionel: What the hell was that?
Receptionist: The alarm in the memory well's been triggered.
Lex: [To Lionel.] Looks like I'm not the only one playing with f*re.
Lex walks past Lionel toward the memory lab.
Lionel: Lex. Lex? [Lex keeps walking.] Lex!
Lex enters the lab where most of the equipment has collapsed. He sees an unconscious lab technician on the floor and feels his neck for a pulse. Lex continues to walk through the disaster area, dodging a hanging neon lamp, and gets to the water t*nk where he sees Clark. The stretcher has tipped partway into the water and Clark is unconscious and completely submerged.
Acting quickly, Lex finds a pipe on the ground and bashes the side of the t*nk with it, shattering the glass. The green water spills out onto the ground and Lex looks inside the t*nk at Clark.
Lex: Clark.
Clark turns his head toward Lex, regaining consciousness.
Clark: [Weakly.] Lex, help me.
Lex: I'm gonna get your out of here.
They hold each other's eyes as the equipment continues to flash and spark around them.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Inside, Clark sits on the steps, contemplative. Lex enters. Clark sees him, then stands up and walks up the stairs, making a point of not saying anything. Lex follows him.
Lex: I wanted to see how you were feeling. You looked pretty messed up.
Clark: [Curtly.] Yeah, I'll survive.
Lex: What were you doing in Summerholt, Clark?
Clark: [With his back to Lex.] I was trying to save my friend from making a big mistake.
Lex: That was your opinion. I told you to let it go, but you kept pursuing it. You even involved my father.
Clark: [Turning around.] Yeah, well, believe me, Lex. He's the last person I'd ask for help, but I didn't have any other options.
Lex: He betrayed you, Clark. He stopped my sessions with Garner by offering you up as a lab rat. I've tried to keep my father away from you, but he's obsessed. If I'd got back those seven weeks, I could've finally stopped him.
Clark: Maybe, Lex. Or maybe you'd make it worse. You're always telling me how you don't want to turn into your father, and I truly believe that. But the more you two go at each other, the more like him you become. And the more people get hurt.
Lex: [Stricken, he steps closer to Clark.] I will never become my father. I would never sacrifice you or anybody I cared about to bring him down.
Lex turns around and walks down the stairs.
Clark: Lex. Why does your father hate you so much?
Lex pauses for a long time without turning around.
Lex: Take care of yourself, Clark.
Lex continues to walk down the stairs, then stops when he gets to the landing and the barn goes dark around him. He is suddenly seeing another memory of himself as a little boy.
Young Lex is in his pajamas, walking up the stairs of the mansion with a tray of food. Night. He can hear Julian crying uncontrollably in another room. He follows the sound down the hallway and is startled to hear the crying abruptly stop. Panicked, Lex runs up another flight of stairs and down another hallway toward Julian's bedroom. He gets inside and the blue, red, and yellow night lights shine on his face.
Lex: Mom?
Lillian is wearing a nightgown and leaning over Julian's crib with her back to Lex. She doesn't respond.
Lex: [More insistent.] Mom?
Lillian turns around. Her face is shining with tears, and she is holding a pillow in her hands which just moments earlier she had been holding in the crib. She drops the pillow onto the ground, and Lex looks at his mother, understanding. He walks closer to her.
Lex: What'd you do?
With a dazed smile, Lillian walks closer to Lex.
Lillian: Ssh. Don't wake the baby. He's sleeping.
Lex looks past Lillian at the crib, then runs to it and looks inside.
Lex: [Shocked, whispering.] No. No. [He turns to Lillian.] What about Dad?
Lillian: Ssh. Dad has nothing to worry about, sweetheart. [Lillian kisses Lex on the forehead.] Julian's happy now.
Lillian nods at Lex and then staggers out of the room. Lex looks back down at the crib and the motionless baby inside.
Lex: No...
Back to the present, Lex is still standing on the landing of the stairs in the loft. Clark walks down after him.
Clark: Lex? Are you all right?
Lex: Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
Lex leaves the loft, and Clark watches him go with a confused expression.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lionel enters his office where Lex is seated on the desk waiting for him.
Lex: I see, once again, you managed to walk away from a major debacle unscathed.
Lex holds up a newspaper article with a picture of Dr. Garner. The article says "Summerholt Founder Comatose After Medical Accident."
Lionel: [Chuckles.] I was only there at Summerholt, Lex, because I was concerned about you.
Lex: And Clark.
Lionel: I was as shocked as you were to find out that Dr. Garner was holding him there against his will.
Lex: [Smiling at Lionel's lie.] In yesterday's melee, I didn't get a chance to tell you about a repressed memory I recovered.
Lionel: [Exasperated.] Oh, Lex...
Lex: Don't worry, Dad. It wasn't about those seven weeks.
Lex gets off of the desk and walks away from it, his back to Lionel. Lionel goes to the desk and picks up the article about Dr. Garner. Lex turns around.
Lex: It was about Julian.
Lionel: [Dropping the article back on the desk.] Yes, well, we, uh, put that tragedy behind us years ago, didn't we?
Lex: I didn't k*ll him.
Lionel looks into Lex's eyes, startled. He takes a breath.
Lionel: Lex, I understand that you need to, uh, excuse your behavior, but I, uh, [Whispering with unresolved emotion.] I saw you, Lex. I saw you standing over Julian's crib. [Making an honest effort to move on.] It's the past. It's history.
Lionel turns his back to Lex, looking down at the desk. Lex walks toward Lionel's back slowly.
Lex: [Pause, then softly.] Mom did it.
Lionel turns around and looks at Lex.
Lex: I walked in, and I found her. [Whispering, becoming emotional.] That's what I repressed.
Lionel: (Quiet, dangerous.) Don't you dare. I won't let you desecrate your mother's memory like that.
Lex: (Angry.) I don't blame her. I blame you.
Lionel: What are you talking about? Your mother loved Julian. She would never ... she wasn't capable of m*rder her own child! She loved him!
Lex: Loved him so much she couldn't bear the thought of subjecting him to your particular brand of parenting.
Disgusted and hurt, Lionel walks away from Lex and goes toward the door of the office, grabbing his coat. Then he glances back at Lex and drops his coat onto the chair, not ready to drop the argument.
Lionel: All right, Lex. Why would you take the blame for your brother's death?
Lex: [Turning around.] Because I was your sole remaining heir, Dad. I knew you wouldn't let anything happen to me. But Mom... she would be the lamb to the slaughter.
Lionel's face is pure shock as he begins to realize that Lex's words are true. Lionel's mouth hangs open and his lower lip begins to tremble as his eyes fill with tears at the horror.
Lionel: [Shaky.] Oh...
Lex nods.
Lionel: I... If I'd known, if... [He grabs Lex by the jacket desperately.] If I'd seen...
Lex: What?
Lionel: [Immensely regretful.] Things would've been s ... so different between us.
Lex: Yes, Dad. You might've actually loved me.
Lionel frantically tries to argue.
Lex: No. No.
Lionel: I ...
Lex pushes Lionel out of the way and leaves the office. Lionel remains alone, wavering slightly on his feet.
Clark is sitting on the couch in the loft. Day. On the coffee table in front of him is a model with all of the planets in our solar system and the sun. The planets are connected to wires and revolve around the sun slowly. Clark watches silently, depressed. Martha enters the loft and walks up the stairs toward Clark.
Clark notices her and turns off the mobile, ceasing the planets' movement.
Martha: [Gently, concerned.] You barely said anything about what happened at Summerholt.
Clark: [Sadly.] Don't worry, Mom. My secret's still safe.
Martha: [Sighs.] Well, I'll be in the house if, uh, if you want to talk.
Martha starts to leave. Clark watches her quietly for a long moment.
Clark: Lara... [Martha turns around.] ...is my biological mother's real name.
Clark stands up and walks toward Martha.
Martha: How did you know that?
Clark: When I was in the t*nk, I saw my earliest memory. She was putting me in the ship. Her only fear was that no one would love me.
Martha: [Amazed.] I can't imagine the agony of putting my son in a lifeboat and sending him across the stars.
Clark: Because of Jor-El, I always thought that my biological parents were monsters, but she wasn't. I just can't believe I forgot about her.
Martha: You didn't, Clark. Your first word was Lara. (Martha smiles.) Your father and I could never figure out what it meant. Now we know.
Clark smiles in return.
Clark: I wish she could've met you. To see what a great mom I have.
Martha: She knows, Clark. A mother's love never dies.
Martha and Clark embrace. Clark smiles slightly as they hold each other in the dying sunlight.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x19 - Memoria"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on May 5th, 2004
Joseph Willowbrook enters the underground caves with Jeremiah Holdsclaw, a young Native American man wearing glasses. Day. The caves are still filled with Lionel's lights and equipment.
Jeremiah: [Unhappy.] Professor, why do we let Luthor do this? Look at this place. He's done nothing but defile our holy ground.
Joseph: History has taught us to walk among our enemies.
Jeremiah: While they walk all over us?
Joseph: [Putting a hand on Jeremiah's shoulder.] I understand your anger, Jeremiah. But we have no access to these caves without his permission.
Joseph and Jeremiah walk to where Lionel is standing with some of his workers and bodyguards.
Lionel: Mr. Willowbrook, thank you for coming on such short notice. [Shakes Joseph's hand and notices Jeremiah.] I, um, I didn't realize you'd be bringing someone with you, though.
Joseph: This is Jeremiah Holdsclaw, future leader of the Kawatche people, and one of my brightest graduate students.
Lionel: Ah.
Joseph: He may be able to help identify the artifact.
Lionel holds out his hand to Jeremiah to shake.
Lionel: Jeremiah, it's an honor to meet you.
Jeremiah looks down at Lionel's hand coldly, refusing to shake. Lionel takes his hand back, surprised at Jeremiah's rudeness and looks at Joseph. Joseph speaks quickly, embarrassed at Jeremiah's behavior.
Joseph: Perhaps you can show us what you found.
Lionel: Yes, of course. [To one of his workers.] Miriam.
A woman walks up to Lionel and hands him a tray with an ancient stone on it. The stone is about the length of a loaf of bread and a handle shape has been fashioned into the end. Joseph picks it up to examine it.
Lionel: What do you, uh... What do you make of this, Professor?
Jeremiah: [Awed.] Incredible. Palac.
Lionel: Palac. What is Palac?
Joseph: [Covering for Jeremiah's reaction.] Ancient traditional cookware.
Lionel: [Skeptical.] Cookware?
Joseph: A beautiful example.
Lionel: Jeremiah? What do you think it is?
Jeremiah: [Realizing that Joseph is trying to hide the stone's true nature.] Uh, I think the professor is right, uh... But I think we should take it back to the museum to properly study it.
Lionel: Oh, no. It can't leave the cave. Not until I've had it thoroughly analyzed. Miriam.
Before Miriam can take the stone back, Jeremiah grabs it out of Joseph's hands and backs away.
Jeremiah: [To Lionel.] If you are the friend of the Kawatches that you claim to be, then why won't you let us take it now?
Lionel: [To Joseph.] Professor, would you give me the artifact, please?
Joseph: Jeremiah, you're embarrassing me.
Jeremiah: Professor, this is ancient Kawatche soil. [He picks up a nearby stone from the ground.] Everything in here belongs to us.
Jeremiah lifts the stone into the air to crash it against the artifact.
Lionel: No! No!
Jeremiah crushes the artifact and a golden shimmering light shines from inside. Jeremiah screams as if he is being electrocuted.
Jeremiah: Aah! Ah! Aah!
Jeremiah holds what is left of the artifact over his head. It is now a dagger with a stone handle and a golden glowing blade. His screams turn into growls. The blade has Kawatche symbols on it. Jeremiah brings the blade down to look at it and the golden power sh**t from the dagger to his body. His glasses have fallen off and he suddenly looks strong and dangerous.
Lionel: [Walking toward Jeremiah slowly.] Give it to me. Give me the Kn*fe, Jeremiah.
Lionel reaches for it, and Jeremiah punches him across the face sending him flying backwards where he lands against his bodyguards and falls to the ground. Three guards pull out their g*n and sh**t at Jeremiah again and again. Jeremiah reflexively crouches down.
When the f*ring ceases, Lionel starts to get up, and everyone is astonished to see that Jeremiah is completely unharmed. He rises to his feet with a small triumphant smile. Then he runs from the cave with super speed. Lionel stands up, out of breath.
Lionel: Find him! And bring me that Kn*fe!
Joseph looks around at the cave walls and notices the painting of the creature with two heads, one attacking the other.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent barn. Day. In the loft, Clark walks up the stairs flipping through the pages of a magazine. He gets to the upper floor and realizes he is being watched. He turns around and Joseph is standing there.
Clark: Professor Willowbrook?
Joseph: [Coming forward.] Those are a lot of steps for an old man to climb.
Clark: Yeah. I'm sorry I haven't seen you lately. Between the farm and school, I...
Joseph: No need to make excuses, Naman. [Clark makes a reluctant face at the name.] Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me.
Clark: I'm not Naman. It's just a story on a cave wall.
Joseph: Until last night, I believed that too.
Clark: What happened last night?
Joseph: Your destiny was revealed.
In the Kent kitchen, Clark shows Jonathan a drawing of the Kawatche blade in a book. Day.
Clark: It's called Palac. The Starblade. It's been missing for 500 years.
Jonathan: Until Lionel Luthor unearthed it.
Clark: It's supposed to shine a light on the true Segeeth so Naman can identify and destroy his greatest enemy.
Jonathan: And Willowbrook came to you because he thinks you're Naman.
Clark: But, Dad, you should've seen the way he looked at me. It was kind of overwhelming.
Jonathan: Clark, he thinks you're the savior of his people. That's a lot to shoulder, even... even for you.
Clark: Yeah, but I'm not. I mean, I can barely take care of myself.
Jonathan pulls up a stool at the counter.
Jonathan: Sit down. [Clark sits.] You can't allow yourself to get all tied up in prophecies on a cave wall.
Clark: Except some of the prophecies are starting to come true.
Jonathan: What?
Clark: One of Willowbrook's students somehow got a hold of the blade, and it's given him powers.
Jonathan: What exactly are we talking about here, Clark?
Clark: So far, strength, speed, and he's bulletproof.
Jonathan: How is that possible?
Clark: The Kawatche were charged with the blade's safekeeping. If one of them is holding it, they're given the power to protect it until they can deliver it to the true Naman.
Jonathan: Clark, I had your abilities only for a short time, but believe me, having all that power was very intoxicating.
Clark: You don't think Jeremiah's gonna give it back.
Jonathan: No. Clark, you got to find him and stop him before Lionel Luthor gets a hold of it.
Clark looks down at the picture of Palac in the book.
Pete is talking on the phone in the Torch office as Chloe enters. Day. Pete is very angry.
Pete: Why won't you listen to me? I told you I don't want to talk about it!
Pete slams the phone into its cradle.
Chloe: [Joking.] Note to self: Forward all telemarketing calls to Pete. You want to tell me what that was about?
Pete: [Quiet.] It was nothing.
Chloe: [Putting down her books, she looks at Pete's clothes.] Did you pull an all-nighter or do you just find changing clothes every day a little too cliche?
Pete: I was a little laundry-impaired this morning.
Chloe: How Bohemian of you. Hey, do you want to cover the gymnastics tryouts?
Pete: Oh, I'm sorry, can you find someone else?
Chloe: Pete Ross passing up the opportunity to ogle Smallville High's women in spandex?
Pete: Look, I just can't do it, okay? [The bell rings.] I gotta get to class.
Chloe: Well, hang on a second, and I'll walk with you.
Chloe puts down her coffee cup and Pete leaves without responding.
Chloe: [Confused.] Or not.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Day. In an exam room, Lionel is having his ribs bandaged. Lex enters.
Lex: Dad, I came as soon as I heard.
Lionel: Lex.
Lex: Are you all right?
Lionel: Yeah. [To the nurse.] Would you, uh, excuse us, please? [To Lex.] Yeah, I'm fine, son. I just, uh, bruised a few ribs, that's all.
The nurse leaves the room. Lionel gets off the exam table and starts to put his shirt back on. Lex helps him.
Lex: There are rumors floating around that the person who att*cked you was holding an ancient Kawatche artifact that supposedly gave him superhuman strength and speed.
Lionel: [Laughs.] Well, if that were true, wouldn't that be a prize? [Pause.] Is that why you've come?
Lex: I don't live in the past anymore, Dad. Someone told me it was a weakness. Given your recent mishaps in the cave, maybe you should start following your own advice.
Lex helps Lionel put on his jacket. Lionel doesn't respond.
Lex: Dad, why don't you let me use some of my law enforcement relationships to track this guy down?
Lionel: Considering what you and I have been going through recently, this filial concern of yours is... is touching and a little surprising. Who are you, Lex?
Lex: [Heartfelt.] Dad, no matter what our differences, I'm always going to be concerned about your well-being.
Lionel: You know, Lex, the only thing more bruised than my ribs is my ego. Any more publicity would only embarrass me. So, the cave. What do you say? Let's let the matter drop, all right?
Lionel leaves the room. Lex seems let down about being refused.
Lana reads a letter from the Paris School of the Arts at the Talon. Day. She is standing behind the bar and Chloe stands across from her. They both have small excited smiles on their faces. Lana reads the letter, and her smile fades.
Chloe: You didn't get in?
Lana: No, um, no, I got accepted. They turned down my financial aid, which means I can't go.
Upset, Lana walks to the cash register and opens it, dropping the letter under the cash tray. Chloe walks around to Lana's side of the bar.
Chloe: Well, wait a minute. Before you commit yourself to pouring lattes in the Sunflower State, why don't you talk to Lex?
Lana: Chloe, I'm not asking Lex for a loan.
Chloe: Why not? You know he would happily lend it to you.
Lana: But I wanted to do this on my own.
Chloe: Well, selfishly, I would be glad if you decided to stay. But if Lex were in your shoes, do you honestly think that he would let one bump in the road deter him from pursuing his dreams? Call him.
Lana considers it.
Clark walks up the front stairs of Central A&M Kansas, a college. Day. Inside, he goes to a glass door labeled "Jeremiah Holdsclaw, Teaching Assistant." He enters the office to find it ransacked. Papers are all over the floor and chairs are turned over. Shelves have been tipped and the drawers pulled out of a filing cabinet. Lex stands at the window, and Clark looks at him, shocked.
Lex: Here for the prospective students tour, Clark?
Clark: Did you do this?
Lex: What possible reason would I have to ransack the office of an obscure teaching assistant?
Clark: Then tell me why you're here.
Lex: You first.
Clark: [Pause.] Jeremiah was gonna help me with a term paper.
Lex: [Disbelieving.] Term paper. So your visit doesn't have anything to do with the fact that he went ballistic in the caves last night and absconded with a sacred Kawatche artifact.
Clark: I didn't know.
Lex: I'm surprised. I mean, you usually keep such a close eye on everything that happens in the caves... for those term papers you're always writing.
Clark: You still haven't told me why you're here.
Lex: Well, according to the legend of Naman and Segeeth, this missing artifact bestows extraordinary abilities on whoever possesses it.
Clark: You don't really believe that.
Lex: I like to keep my mind open to extreme possibilities.
Lex walks toward a bookshelf.
Clark: You're starting to sound like your father.
Lex: I guess I should be offended, but, uh... but it looks like he's beaten us both to the punch.
Lex goes to the windows and starts to close the blinds. There is light brown paint smeared on the blinds in some kind of formation. We can't see the whole symbol.
Lex: Tell me something, Clark. Do you have any idea what this might be?
Clark looks at the blinds, too startled to speak. Lex starts to leave.
Lex: Oh, if you find your friend, tell him I'd like to meet him. [Cold.] And good luck with your term paper.
Lex leaves. Clark remains and stares at the symbol which we now see is a tribal-looking symbol composed of two circles and several intersecting lines.
Joseph and Lionel walk down the front steps of Kansas A&M Central. Day.
Joseph: Even if I knew where he was, what makes you think he'd listen to me?
Lionel: But as I understand it, you're not only his academic advisor, but you're his spiritual counselor as well, yes? So why not just explain to him that the starblade isn't his to keep.
At the bottom of the stairs, they get to a walkway and continue to walk.
Joseph: What do you know about it?
Lionel: I've read your writings, Professor.
Joseph: Well, it doesn't belong to you either.
Lionel: You know, I have a considerable amount of influence around here, yes?
Joseph: Is that a thr*at?
Lionel: No, of course not. But I'm fascinated by your work. I'm thinking about giving your department a sizable grant so you can continue your research.
Joseph: Don't tell me an educated man like you puts stock in old Indian legend.
Lionel stops walking and faces Joseph.
Lionel: Look, Professor, you and I both saw what Jeremiah did in the cave. I've suspected for some time that there are special human beings who are capable of feats like that. Now I know I'm right.
Joseph: If you've read my work, you also know that the blade will crumble if the wrong person touches it.
Lionel: [Becoming darkly excited.] Yes. Segeeth. Who is he?
Joseph: According to legend, he's the bearer of darkness.
Joseph looks past Lionel. Lionel turns around and sees Clark approaching.
Lionel: Clark! Well, this is a coincidence. Nice to see you.
Clark doesn't respond, but looks at Joseph.
Lionel: [Making his exit.] Professor.
Lionel walks away.
Clark: What did he want?
Joseph: The same thing you do, Naman.
Clark: Professor, please stop calling me that.
Joseph: One who denies his destiny can bring about as much pain and suffering as his greatest enemy.
Clark: Please, Professor, I'm just here to help. I don't want Jeremiah to hurt anyone, including himself. [Clark unfolds a piece of paper and shows it to Joseph.] This mural was painted on the blinds in his office. I tried drawing it.
The symbol is drawn on the paper. Joseph looks at it.
Joseph: Clark, that's the slumbering place, the ground where the ancient Kawatche used to perform death rituals. Jeremiah is writing his dissertation about it.
Clark: Does it still exist?
Jeremiah is at the slumbering place. Night. It is in a clearing in the woods. The ground is dirt, but the symbol drawn on Jeremiah's office blinds is there in the shrubs. There are several torches lit all around, and Jeremiah stands in the middle of one of the circles on a large flat stone set up as an altar. He is holding the blade and performs some kind of ritual movement.
We hear car doors slamming, and Joseph and Clark walk into the clearing.
Joseph: Jeremiah!
Jeremiah turns around.
Jeremiah: Jeremiah doesn't exist anymore, Professor.
Joseph: You can't allow the power of the blade to cloud your judgment.
Jeremiah: [Looking at the blade.] It's made things very clear.
Joseph: Your duty is to protect the blade for Naman. [Pointing to Clark.] He's Naman.
Jeremiah: [Angry.] Him? He's not even Kawatche.
Clark: [Stepping forward.] Look, it doesn't really matter who I am. The blade is dangerous, Jeremiah.
Jeremiah: It's given me the strength of ten men. I can sh**t f*re from my eyes. Don't you see, Professor? I am Naman!
Joseph: You're misinterpreting the prophecy, Jeremiah.
Jeremiah squats down, getting closer to Joseph's level.
Jeremiah: All these years I've listened to you, but now I can see you've held me back. You're afraid that I've become more powerful than you.
Clark: Jeremiah, it's the blade. It's corrupting you. Just put it down.
Jeremiah: I don't take orders from anyone. I will be the savior of my people. I will bring Segeeth here and k*ll him!
Clark: You don't even know who Segeeth is. You could k*ll an innocent person.
Jeremiah rises to his feet and holds the Kn*fe up into the air.
Jeremiah: The man I want is far from innocent.
Clark sh**t his heat vision at the blade in an attempt to burn Jeremiah's hand and cause him to drop it. The blade turns red hot, but it has no effect on Jeremiah. Jeremiah turns to Clark with a smile and grips the hot metal with his bare hand, showing that it doesn't hurt him. Clark and Joseph are both shocked.
Joseph: Stay out of my way, false prophet.
Jeremiah's eyes begin to glow, and he sh**t heat vision at the truck that Clark and Joseph arrived in, causing it to catch f*re and explode, flipping into the air and landing with a crash. Clark and Joseph both fall to the ground from the blast, and Jeremiah speeds away.
Clark looks around, frightened.
Fade to black.
Clark and Martha are seated at the dining room table. Night. Jonathan pours a cup of tea in the kitchen and joins them.
Jonathan: Clark, do you have any idea where he went?
Clark: I'm pretty sure he's going after Lionel Luthor.
Jonathan: Because he thinks Lionel is Segeeth.
Martha: I remember when you first learned about all of this from Kyla. She said... [Jonathan puts the tea down in front of Martha.] Thanks. She said Segeeth was supposed to start out as one of the good guys.
Clark: But the prophecy isn't written down. It's part of an oral tradition, so it's open to a million different interpretations.
Martha: What's your interpretation?
Clark: I don't know. Professor Willowbrook thinks that I'm Naman. Jor-El wants me to be some sort of Kryptonian warrior. I just want to be Clark Kent.
Jonathan sits at the table.
Jonathan: Well, you are Clark Kent, and like it or not, you're the only who can stop this kid.
Clark: We need to warn Lionel.
Jonathan: No.
Martha: Jonathan, you just said ...
Jonathan: I don't want to give Lionel any information that can help him find this w*apon before Clark does. Son, what you need to do is you need to find Jeremiah before he kills Lionel.
Clark: Dad, even if I do find Jeremiah, I don't know how to get the Kn*fe away from him.
Jonathan: Well, if he does have all of your abilities, there's a good chance that he has your weakness too.
Clark looks thoughtful about this.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. A real estate enters with a man. She talks as if she is trying to sell the Talon to him. Lana and Chloe sit at a nearby table and hear what's going on.
Woman: Now, I know what you're going to say. This faux Egyptian decor is terribly tacky, so I'm gonna need you to just use your imagination, and you will see the potential, okay? And keep in mind location, location, location.
Lana stands up and walks to the woman.
Lana: Hi, can I help you?
Woman: Yes, earl gray, please, and whatever my client wants.
The man and woman walk past Lana and continue to look around.
Woman: Take a look. Up on the second floor, there's a very nice living space, office.
They start to walk up the stairs to the second floor, and Lana follows them.
Lana: I think there's been a misunderstanding. The Talon's not for sale.
Woman: Well, it is, dear. Lex Luthor hired me to sell it.
Lana: [Becoming upset.] Excuse me. I'm part owner. He can't just ...
Woman: [Trying to avoid a scene in front of her client.] Take it up with him.
The woman continues to lead the man upstairs.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Inside, Lana talks to Lex angrily.
Lana: You can't just sell the Talon without consulting me.
Lex: I thought that's what you wanted so you could afford to go to Paris.
Lana: No, I asked you to buy me out of my share. I didn't ask you to sell the building.
Lex: Either way you get the money.
Lana: I put my heart and soul into that place, Lex. My friends hang out there. It's a sanctuary for them. I do not want it turned into a Kinko's!
Lex: Lana, this may come as a shock to you, but the Talon's not exactly a cash cow. And personally, I have no interest in the coffee business. It's much more profitable to sell the building.
Lana: If the Talon is such a terrible investment, then why did you keep it this long?
Lex: I thought that was obvious. I did it for you. I spend so much time swimming with Wall Street sharks and boardroom barracudas, that it's been nice to come up for air every so often with someone as honest and pure-hearted as you. In some ways, you're the best partner I've ever had.
Lana: [Touched.] Thank you, Lex.
Lex: But you're leaving, and you're irreplaceable. So why hang on to something that's over?
Lex starts to walk away down the hall.
Lex: Unless, of course, this is really about you having second thoughts.
Lana: What? No. I ...
Lex: Because you've got to ask yourself, Lana. Who are you? Are you a small town girl content to spend her days gossiping in a coffee shop with her friends? Or are you the girl who goes to Paris?
Lana looks at Lex seriously. Lex walks away.
Clark enters the loft where Lionel is waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Night. Clark sees him.
Clark: What do you want?
Lionel: The same thing as you. To ensure the well-being of the Kawatche people.
Clark: Then stop pillaging their caves.
Lionel: But who rightfully owns the cave, Clark Your family? They seem to believe they do.
Clark: That's funny. I could say the same thing about you.
Lionel: You want me to leave the Kawatche alone. Deliver a message for me. Tell them to return the stolen artifact.
Clark: Well, I'd be careful if I were you. They say that artifact is dangerous.
Lionel: Acquiring anything valuable always involves a certain amount of risk, and I believe that that Kn*fe is valuable in more ways than one.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Lionel: We'll have to run tests, of course, to be sure, but I believe that starblade is forged from the same metal as the octagonal key. It might be possible to use the metal from the Kn*fe to create a duplicate.
Clark: I thought the original was still in the cave wall.
Lionel: My scientists haven't been able to find it.
Clark: You honestly believe that I'd help you.
Lionel: Why are we playing games, Clark? You're as eager as I am to unlock the mystery of the cave.
Clark: Even if I wanted to help you, the Kawatche don't take orders from me.
Lionel: Don't be modest. I'm sure they believe as I do, you're a very special young man. They'll believe you. [Seeing that his tactic isn't working.] You can also tell the professor that I can turn from being a loyal ally to his very formidable nemesis in a heartbeat.
Clark: [A sudden realization.] A friend who becomes the enemy.
Lionel: I beg your pardon?
Clark: Mr. Luthor, those caves may not belong to my family, but this barn does. So get out.
With a small grin, Lionel leaves the barn.
Clark enters Kansas Central's Native American museum where Joseph is working after hours. Night.
Clark: Professor.
Joseph: Have you found Jeremiah?
Clark: Not yet, but I have an idea. I need your help.
Joseph: I'm at your service, Naman.
Clark: I know you want to believe it, but I'm not your savior. I mean, did you ever think that Jeremiah really is Naman? He has all the abilities foretold in the prophecy, and he's gonna try and k*ll Segeeth.
Joseph: True. But he did not fall from the sky in a rain of f*re. Jeremiah's desperate to be someone he's not. And you are desperate not be someone you are.
Clark: Professor, I may be confused about who I am, but one thing I'm not is a k*ller.
Joseph: You'd be surprised what you're capable of when the time comes. Now, how can I help you?
Clark: Well, if I can't find Jeremiah, maybe I can get him to come to me. Do you have any way to contact him?
Joseph: I could try to pass him a message through other members of the tribe. But after last night, I doubt he'll listen to me.
Clark: That depends on the message.
Clark picks up Joseph's book from his desk in the loft. Night. He checks his watch and goes over to the couch to sit down. He opens the book to the page with the drawing of the blade and grabs a small box from the coffee table which he holds in his hand. Suddenly, Jeremiah is standing right in front of him. Clark stands up.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Jeremiah: Professor Willowbrook sent me a message. He told me that after he saw what I could do, he knew he was wrong. I'm the true Naman.
Clark: I never claimed to be Naman.
Jeremiah: Liar. Willowbrook says you're a false prophet, that before I k*ll Segeeth, I have to k*ll you.
Clark drops the book and opens the box, revealing a rock of Kryptonite. He hold the box out to Jeremiah. The green glow shines on Jeremiah's face, but appears to have no effect on him. He lifts the rock from the box as Clark watches in horror.
Jeremiah: [Smiling.] What's this?
Jeremiah throws the rock across the loft. Clark super speeds toward him, trying to take the Kn*fe which is sheathed in a strap around Jeremiah's back. We see it happen in slow motion. Before Clark can get to the Kn*fe, Jeremiah unsheathes it plunges it into Clark's chest. Clark grunts and looks startled as the Kn*fe breaks his skin. He grunts again when Jeremiah shoves the Kn*fe in deeper, then pulls it out. Clark falls to the floor, and Jeremiah starts to leave. He holds the bloody Kn*fe in front of Clark's face, then sticks it back in its sheath and leaves the loft.
Clark remains where he is, shuddering in pain.
Fade to black.
Clark stumbles into the Kent kitchen, leaning on the door for support. Night. He reaches for the phone on the counter and knocks it off, falling to the ground with it.
Cut to Lionel riding down the road in the back of his limo. The limo pulls over on the side of the road and comes to a stop.
Lionel: [To his driver.] Danny, what's ... what's happening? Danny, why have we stopped?
The driver's door opens and a booted foot steps out. The person walks slowly toward Lionel's door, clutching the starblade in his hand.
Lionel: Danny?
Outside Lionel's tinted window, we see Jeremiah standing with the Kn*fe brandished. Lionel notices him.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Inside, Chloe is exiting the Torch office and locking the door. She sees Pete in the hallway at his open locker. He is holding a rolled up sleeping bag in his hand and doesn't notice Chloe until she speaks. Then he quickly stuffs the sleeping bag into his locker before she can see it.
Chloe: [Surprised to see him.] Hey. I thought I held the monopoly on burning the candle at both ends.
Pete: [Laughing. He closes his locker.] Actually I was just heading to the Torch to print out my term paper.
Chloe: Oh, yeah. What good are extracurriculars if you can't milk them for office supplies? [She unlocks the Torch office and opens the door for Pete.] Just, um, lock up when you're done and try to turn everything off, okay?
Pete: Okay.
Chloe: Oh, hey! I saw your mom at the courthouse. You didn't tell me she was up for federal judgeship.
Pete: Actually, she doesn't have the job yet.
Chloe: Oh, but, I mean, with her record, she's a shoo-in. I was talking to a couple of people ...
Pete: [Suddenly furious.] You don't stop until you get your scoop, do you?!
Chloe: [Startled.] I was just trying to show a little interest in your life. I'm your friend, Pete, I'm not just some random reporter.
Pete: You see, that ... that's the problem. You're both. And it's pretty obvious which one comes first.
Pete walks past Chloe, entering the office.
Chloe: What's with you, Pete?
Pete: Not everything is public domain, Chloe! Now I understand why Clark gets so mad at you for trying to bust into his private life.
Chloe: [Hurt, she holds out the key to the office.] Here.
Pete takes the key, and Chloe walks away. Pete looks apologetic, but he doesn't know what to say.
Jonathan and Martha come home through the front door. Night. Jonathan helps Martha take off her coat.
Martha: Clark?
Jonathan: Clark?
Martha sees Clark unconscious on the floor and runs to him.
Martha: [Gasps.] Clark!
Jonathan runs to Clark, and he and Martha both kneel down on either side of him. Martha feels Clark's neck.
Martha: Jonathan, he barely has a pulse.
Jonathan: Help me get him over.
They turn Clark over onto his back.
Martha: Sweetie, oh, God...
Martha gasps as she sees Clark's bloodstained shirt.
Jonathan: Martha, why don't you go get something to help stop the bleeding, sweetheart.
Martha goes into the kitchen. She loses her footing slightly as she slips in a puddle of Clark's blood on the floor and looks at it in terror. She gets a towel from the kitchen and runs it under the water as Jonathan rips open Clark's shirt, finding the large s*ab wound.
Jonathan: You better ... you better hurry, sweetheart. [To Clark.] Come on, Clark.
Jonathan puts his hands over Clark's wound to stop the bleeding. To Jonathan's surprise, a golden light starts to shine from under his hands. Martha comes to look as the glow fills the room with its light for several moments. Then, just as suddenly as it came, the glow disappears, and Clark's wound is healed. Jonathan looks at his bloodstained hands in wonder. Martha kneels next to him.
Martha: Jonathan, how did you...
Jonathan: I have no idea.
Jonathan takes the towel from Martha and starts to wipe the blood away from Clark's chest.
Outside sh*t of the Kent Farm. Day. Inside, Clark is still unconscious on the floor, wrapped in a blanket. Martha and Jonathan sit next to him. They have been there all night. Clark suddenly wakes up.
Clark: Mom? Dad?
Martha: Oh, sweetheart. Thank God.
Clark: [Trying to sit up.] What happened?
Martha: We found you bleeding to death.
Clark pulls the blanket away from his chest, and there is a small mark where the Kn*fe s*ab him, but the wound is completely healed.
Clark: The blade must've been made Kryptonian metal. I guess my body healed itself.
Martha: Actually, your father did it.
Clark: How?
Jonathan: I have no idea, Clark. One minute, I was over you trying to stop the blood, and the next minute you were healed.
Clark: You saved my life.
Jonathan: I didn't save your life, son. I was just the vessel.
Clark: For Jor-El?
Martha: However it happened, we should be grateful.
Clark: He's not done with either of us, is he?
Jonathan: Clark, Lex called last night. Jeremiah has Lionel.
Jonathan holds Clark's jacket out to him. Clark nods and takes his jacket.
Clark: I know where they are. I'll go.
Martha: Clark, Jeremiah tried to k*ll you.
Jonathan: Martha. Let him go.
Clark stands up and lets the red blanket around his shoulders drop to the ground as he leaves. Martha puts her hand against the side of her head, exasperated.
Jeremiah is at the slumbering place in the clearing of the woods. Day. He walks around the stone altar in the middle of the clearing. Lionel is tied to the altar and has a blindfold over his eyes. His shirt hangs open and the tribal symbol has been painted on his chest.
Jeremiah climbs up the rock and pulls the blade from its sheath, holding it thr*at above Lionel.
Jeremiah: Now, Segeeth. You will bring no more darkness to my people.
Lionel's breathing quickens in fear. Jeremiah holds the Kn*fe above Lionel, ready to strike. But before he can, Clark runs into the clearing and jumps at Jeremiah, knocking him off the altar. They both roll to the ground, then Jeremiah stands and pulls Clark to his feet.
Jeremiah: I don't know how you survived!
Jeremiah throws Clark at a tree trunk, knocking the entire tree over. Jeremiah then super speeds to Clark and crouches over him, holding up the Kn*fe to s*ab him. Clark catches Jeremiah's arm and holds it back.
Jeremiah: But you won't do it twice.
Jeremiah pushes on his own arm with his other hand, and Clark pushes against Jeremiah with both hands to stop the Kn*fe from hitting its mark. They struggle against each other for a moment, and when Clark's strength starts to wear out, he knocks his own head against Jeremiah's, which causes Jeremiah to fall backwards.
Clark then gets to his feet and picks up the fallen tree trunk. Jeremiah stands up and Clark swings the tree trunk through the air, hitting Jeremiah and sending him flying across the clearing. The tree trunk breaks in half with the impact.
Lex runs into the clearing and toward his father on the stone.
Lex: Dad!
Lex begins to untie Lionel's bonds.
Lionel: [Weak.] Lex... Jeremiah... Where's ... where's Jeremiah?
Lex: I don't know, Dad. But I'm gonna get you out of here before he comes back.
Jeremiah shakes off his dizziness from the fall, and leaps to his feet. He growls at Clark, waving the Kn*fe in the air angrily, and they charge toward each other with super speed. They collide head on, causing a flash of gold light, and the Kn*fe flies into the air. Jeremiah goes limp, and Clark catches him, letting him down to the ground slowly.
At the altar, Lex finishes untying Lionel. The Kn*fe is plummeting straight toward Lionel's head. Lionel is still blindfolded, and Lex doesn't notice the Kn*fe.
Lex: Come on.
The Kn*fe barely misses Lionel's head as he sits up just before it hits. The tip of the blade lands in the altar, sticking straight up.
Lionel rips off his blindfold and turns around. Both he and Lex stare at the Kn*fe in awe. The blade begins to glow with a blinding gold. Clark super speeds up behind the stone and sees Lionel and Lex looking at the Kn*fe. They don't see him.
Lionel and Lex both reach for the Kn*fe and grab it at the same time. The Kn*fe crumbles into dust, leaving both of them bewildered.
Clark sees this happen and super speeds away.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent fields. Day. Martha, Jonathan, and Clark sit at the dining room table talking.
Clark: [Unhappy.] According to Chloe's sources, the doctors at Belle Reve think that Jeremiah may never come out of his coma. I guess having all those abilities really took a toll on his body.
Jonathan: Well, son, at least we know that the Kn*fe won't ever hurt you or anybody else again.
Clark: It also means the prophecy came true.
Martha and Jonathan look at Clark questioningly.
Clark: The blade glowed and disintegrated when they touched it, which means either Lionel or Lex is my greatest enemy.
Martha: Did you see which one grabbed it first?
Clark: [Shakes his head.] No. But I don't need a blade to tell me that Lionel Luthor is a bad person.
Martha: If you're going to believe this legend, you have to face the possibility that it could be Lex.
Jonathan looks at Martha, worried. Clark lowers his eyes.
Clark: I'm not ready to do that.
Jonathan: Clark, the Kawatche think that you're a savior. Jor-El wants you to be a conqueror. Now, Kn*fe or not, you can't let other people tell you what to be.
Clark: Who do you think I'll become?
Jonathan: I don't know. You can be the world's greatest hero or its most mild-mannered citizen, but the only person who can write your story... is you.
Martha looks from Jonathan to Clark, agreeing. Clark nods, unsure.
Lana is at the bar of the Talon looking over a packet of papers. Day. Lex enters.
Lex: Is this where they're holding the partnership meeting?
Lana hands the paper to Lex.
Lana: We got another offer. Chloe and her dad.
Lex: [Chuckles.] I never would've predicted that one.
Lana: They want to keep the place exactly as it is and let me stay on as part owner, so, uh, I can go back to work when I get home from school in Paris.
Lex: Sounds too good to pass up.
Lana: I turned them down.
Lex: Without consulting me?
Lana: I don't think Chloe was ever really interested in running the place anyway. I think she was just having some trouble letting go of the past. But, um, I don't want anything pulling me back to Smallville. I thought about what you said, Lex, about who I am, and, um, I decided. I'm the girl who goes to Paris.
Lana walks away to take a customer's order. Lex remains thoughtful at the bar.
Chloe enters the Torch office. Day. The blinds are closed, darkening the office. Chloe turns on her desk lamp, revealing Pete sleeping on the couch in his sleeping bag. The light wakes him and he sits up.
Pete: Chloe, what are you doing here?
Chloe: I think I should be asking you that.
Pete: Give me a minute, and I'll get out of your way.
Pete gets up from the couch and puts on his shirt. Chloe sits on the couch.
Chloe: You know, when my parents split, I hid out in the garage. I didn't have my driver's license yet.
Pete remains with his back to Chloe.
Chloe: Your mom called today. She asked me if I'd seen you, and I said I hadn't. She tried to brush it off. She said you were probably hanging out with Clark. But you weren't.
Pete: [Turning around.] Mystery solved.
Chloe: Yeah. I'm guessing that you didn't tell me about your mom's job offer because it wasn't a good thing, is it?
Pete: I thought she'd turn it down right away. But it doesn't look like that's gonna happen.
Pete sits down on the couch next to Chloe. She looks at him for a moment, then looks at the floor.
Chloe: Well, having been through my own version of divorce court, I know how difficult it can be. Do you think there's any chance that they'll work it out?
Pete: My dad's helping her move to Wichita. I guess I just didn't realize how bad it was between them. This just seems like an excuse for her to leave. It just feels like it's somebody else's life and not mine.
Chloe puts her arm around Pete's shoulder and strokes the back of his head. Then she pulls him into and embrace which he returns thankfully. Chloe rubs her hand up and down his back.
Clark is in the loft reading Joseph's book. Night. He is looking at a drawing of the two-headed creature, Naman and Segeeth. Lex enters.
Lex: Surprise.
Clark looks at Lex but doesn't say anything. Lex takes a few steps toward Clark.
Lex: [Motioning to the book.] You know, I've been thinking a lot about this prophecy. I've got a new interpretation. Want to hear it?
Clark: Sure.
Lex: May I?
Clark hands the book to Lex, and he looks at the drawing. As he speaks, he walks away from the couch with his back to Clark.
Lex: This Naman guy is supposed to come from the stars, have the power of ten men, and sh**t f*re from his eyes, right?
Clark: [Standing up.] It's just an allegory, Lex.
Lex: [Without turning around.] I know. But if one person could do all that, he would be a formidable enemy. He could conquer the world. [He turns and faces Clark.] He could become a tyrant if nobody kept him in check.
Clark doesn't answer. He is listening intently.
Lex: So I've been thinking. Anybody who'd be willing to fight him would have to be pretty brave. [Walking toward Clark.] Clark, did it ever occur to you that maybe the hero of the story... is Segeeth?
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x20 - Talisman"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on May 12th, 2004
Lana and Lex sit next to each other on the couch next to the fireplace in Lex's study. Night. From the coffee table in front of them, Lana picks up one of two books on Paris that Lex has given her as going away presents.
Lana: [Flipping through the pages with a smile.] Thanks. Let's see how far two semesters of French gets me. [She laughs.]
Lex: Just remember, a smile goes a long way. Even in Paris. And to smooth the transition...
Lex picks up an airplane ticket and shows it to Lana.
Lana: [Refusing.] Lex, I already have a ticket.
Lex: I know. I just got you a little upgrade. [Lana takes the ticket.] It's open-ended for whenever you're ready to say goodbye to Smallville.
Lana: [Looking at the ticket.] This is first class. I can't accept this.
Lex: You have to. It's a gift. Trust me, this is gonna be a year you'll never forget.
Clark enters and is surprised to see Lana.
Lex: Clark.
Clark: I didn't mean to interrupt. [To Lana.] I didn't know you were here.
Lana: Um, no, Lex was just giving me some last-minute travel tips.
Clark: When is the big day?
Lana: Saturday.
Clark and Lana look at each other sadly. Lex watches Clark.
Lana: I-I should probably go. [She takes her books. To Lex.] Thanks.
Lana leaves the room, and Clark watches her.
Lex: Clark, you need to let her go.
Clark: I suppose I don't have much of a choice.
Lex: She's the one who wanted to leave. [Lex stands up and walks toward Clark.] And if there's anybody who set that ball in motion, it's you. Clark, all Lana's ever wanted is for you to be honest with her. If you're not willing to step up, you need to move aside and let her get on with her life.
Clark doesn't respond.
Cut to a girl flipping through a photo album. There are pictures of Lana as a child with her childhood friend Emily Dinsmore, the girl who fell off a bridge and into the river, subsequently drowning. She was later brought back to life when her father cloned her in the Season Two episode Accelerate.
We see that the Emily is the one looking through the photo album, sitting in her bed with her stuffed bunny next to her. Her room is like a child's nursery, but due to the accelerated growth of her cloned cells, she is now a young woman the same age as Lana. A man's voice is heard over a loudspeaker.
Man: Time for lights out. Good night, Emily.
The voice came from a man in a booth who is watching Emily through the two-way mirror that separates her bedroom from the office. The man wears a white lab coat and sits at a desk in the dark office with several computers in front of him.
Emily: Good night.
Emily turns off the lamp next to her bed and lies down, cuddling with her bunny. The man pushes a button on the computer and speaks into it.
Man: Logging off at 2115 hours.
He gets up from his desk and leaves the room. In her bed, Emily's eyes open, and she pushes the covers down, revealing that she is fully dressed. She picks up a notebook and walks toward the two-way mirror. Her whole body becomes blurry as she walks right through the mirror, then comes back into focus when she is on the other side.
Cut to an outside sh*t of the Talon after hours. Night. The marquee says "Burrito Ole Coming Soon". Inside, the new owner MR. KERNS is drinking a cup of coffee and looking around. The tables and chairs are covered with white cloth and several cans of paint sit on the bar, ready for a renovation of the building. Mr. Kerns puts down his coffee at the bar walks to one of the tables where a set of blueprints is sitting. He doesn't notice Emily standing behind him in the shadows.
Mr. Kerns grabs his coat and starts to leave. He stands still when a sudden wind blows through the Talon, rustling the pages of the blueprints. He looks around, confused, but doesn't see anything out of the ordinary. Just as he is about to leave again, one of the paint cans tips off of the bar and clatters to the ground. Mr. Kerns looks at the paint can with a growing uneasiness on his face. He walks toward the bar.
Mr. Kerns: Hello?
There is no answer. Slowly, he picks up the can and puts it back on the bar. When he turns around, Emily is suddenly standing right in front of him. He jumps backwards slightly, startled.
Emily: You're ruining it. It's perfect, and you're ruining it.
Mr. Kerns: You must be Lana.
Emily: This place doesn't belong to you.
Mr. Kerns: [Slightly annoyed.] Miss Lang, I know you put a lot of work into this coffee shop, but, uh, you signed the papers.
Emily doesn't respond. She looks at Mr. Kerns coldly for a long moment. Then, with super speed, she reaches out her arm and plunges her hand inside his chest. He gasps and pants. When Emily pulls her hand back, Mr. Kerns falls to the ground d*ad. Emily's hand is covered with blood.
Emily: [A childish tone.] It belongs to Lana.
Outside, the lights on the marquee flicker and go out.
[Opening credits]
Pete and Clark are playing basketball outside Clark's barn. Day. Clark passes the ball to Pete who makes a sh*t, sinking the ball into the hoop. Clark tries to grab the ball on its way down, and Pete takes it first, dribbling and jogging away from the hoop.
Clark: Get out there and take your sh*t.
Pete dribbles in place a couple of times, and takes his sh*t. He misses.
Pete: Yeah, she's moving to Wichita.
Clark catches the ball.
Clark: Wichita?
Pete: Yeah, she got the federal judgeship.
Pete jogs to Clark and takes the ball out of his hands, taking another sh*t and making it.
Pete: She starts work on Monday.
Clark: That was fast. What about your dad?
Pete catches the ball on its way down and walks away from the hoop again, dribbling.
Pete: He's staying in Smallville. [Makes another sh*t.]
Clark: I guess that means they're going through with the divorce. I'm really sorry, Pete.
Pete: I've been avoiding the whole thing. But I knew when I finally told you, it'd definitely sink in. I guess you're the last man standing in a nuclear family zone.
Pete passes the ball to Clark.
Clark: Pete, you're not losing your family. It's just changing. Trust me, I know how hard it can be when you find out your parents are hiding things from you.
Pete: Well, it's just so weird when you realize that the people you thought had all the answers are... just human like everybody else.
Clark: So what are you gonna do?
Pete: [Grabbing the ball back from Clark with a smile.] I didn't go through three years of high school just to miss out on senior year.
Pete makes another sh*t.
Clark: I wish Lana felt that way.
Pete: I'm gonna say this once, and then it falls into the "None of My Business" category. The whole yo-yo thing with you and Lana has gotta stop.
Pete passes the ball to Clark.
Clark: You sound like Lex. He thinks I'm the reason Lana's leaving.
Pete: Well, I hate to agree with Uncle Fester, but I don't think Lana's going to Paris just to see the Mona Lisa.
Clark: [Serious.] Do you ever wish I never told you about me?
Pete knocks the ball out of Clark's hands and tosses it from hand to hand.
Pete: It's rough at times covering with Chloe and everybody, but the truth is, no one's ever put that much trust in me before.
Clark becomes thoughtful, and Pete realizes what Clark is thinking.
Pete: You're not thinking about coming clean with Lana, are you?
Clark: It might be the only way to stop her from getting on that plane.
Lana is standing outside her open locker between classes at Smallville High School. Day. A newspaper article is taped to the inside of her locker with the title "Talon Theater Re-Opens as a Coffee Shop". Lana takes the article off the door and looks at it sadly. Clark enters the hallway and watches Lana at her locker nervously. He takes a deep breath and walks to her.
Clark: Looks like you could use a garage sale.
Lana: Yeah, you'd think I was...
Clark: Moving halfway around the world? You know, I think that's pretty brave.
Lana looks into her locker with a strange expression.
Clark: Did you lose something?
Lana: Yeah, my mom's bracelet.
Lana kneels down on the floor to look in the bottom of the locker. Clark kneels down next to her.
Clark: Lana, I know you're busy with the move and everything, but I was wondering if you'd want to have dinner with me. Tonight.
Lana: [Standing up.] I don't know if that's such a great idea, Clark.
Clark stands up.
Clark: There's something I should've told you. I should've told you a long time ago.
Lana: Is everything okay?
Clark: I hope it will be.
Lana looks unsurely into Clark's eyes. He raises his eyebrows awaiting her answer.
Lana: [With a sigh.] Yeah, of course. Of course I'll be there.
Lana smiles at Clark, and he smiles back. Then he walks away. When he's gone, Lana looks uneasy.
In the office next to Emily's bedroom, Lionel is standing with Emily's father in front of one of the computers. Day. He pushes a button on the keyboard and a picture of Emily as a child appears on the screen.
Lionel: This is Emily eleven months ago.
Lionel pushes more buttons, and another picture of Emily appears, as we have just seen her.
Lionel: This is Emily now.
Mr. Dinsmore leans over the desk, staring at the computer screen in wonder.
Mr. Dinsmore: She looks just like her mother.
Lionel: Yeah, well, I bet her mother can't move through a brick wall. She didn't go out the door, Mr. Dinsmore, she went through the door. You created her. How'd she do it?
Mr. Dinsmore: That would mean her molecules are vibrating so fast they can be absorbed through matter.
Lionel: [Chuckling.] Well, that's a little detail that my ex-project director failed to discover. Where do you think she's going, Mr. Dinsmore?
Mr. Dinsmore: Last time she left, she went straight to, uh, her best childhood friend.
Lionel: [Becoming angry.] Yes, Lana Lang, and that meeting ended with Miss Lang near death at the bottom of a river.
Mr. Dinsmore: [Defensive.] You can't blame her for that.
Lionel: [Scoffing.] Oh.
Mr. Dinsmore: No matter what age Emily appears to be, her emotional development is that of a child.
Lionel: Well, she's not a child. She's a failed experiment and a colossal liability. [Walking closer to Mr. Dinsmore.] Mr. Dinsmore, it is imperative that I find her before anyone else. All right, I'm going to do one of two things. I'm gonna either send out a team that would do whatever it takes to retrieve her, or I will send you. Her father.
Mr. Dinsmore looks at Lionel seriously, thinking it over.
Chloe and Lana enter the empty Talon. Day.
Chloe: I guess you're not gonna miss the 5 AM pastry deliveries.
Lana: It's weird. All I was trying to do was save this place from being torn down. Next thing I know, it kind of took over my life.
They walk to the center of the room and see that the furniture has been cleaned, and the Talon looks just like it was before.
Chloe: Whoa.
Lana: Yeah.
Chloe: I thought they were turning the Talon into a house of heartburn.
Emily: [From the top of the stairs.] Why would I do that?
Lana and Chloe look up at Emily. She comes down the stairs with an excited smile and walks to Lana.
Emily: You must be Lana.
Lana doesn't recognize Emily.
Lana: Yeah, but I thought I was meeting Mr. Kerns.
Emily: He's... my dad.
Lana: Oh, I didn't realize.
Emily: Yeah, he sent me to set everything up. I'm Emma.
Emily and Lana shake hands.
Lana: Hi.
Lana looks at Emily strangely.
Lana: Have we met before? You seem really familiar.
Emily: [Shaking her head.] Everybody says that.
Lana: [Gesturing to Chloe.] This is Chloe. She'll be one of your frequent caffeinators.
Emily laughs.
Chloe: Hi.
Emily: Hi.
Chloe: Just out of curiosity, what's going on with the burrito bar?
Emily: Oh, it was all wrong. Everything is perfect just the way it is. Lana, would you mind staying around a little while and showing me the ropes?
Lana: No, no, it's the least I could do. Oh, and I wanted to give you these. [Lana pulls some keys out of her purse and hands them to Emily.] I found an extra set of keys. Wow, I sort of feel like I'm handing over half of my life to you.
Emily: Don't worry. It's in good hands.
Emily smiles warmly at Lana, and Lana smiles back.
Martha takes several loaves of bread out of the oven in the Kent kitchen. Day. She sets them down on the counter as Clark enters with a grocery bag.
Martha: Hi.
Clark: Hey, Mom.
Clark puts the bag down on the counter and starts taking food out of it.
Martha: Ooh. Does this mean I'm off the hook for dinner?
Clark: I invited Lana over.
Martha: [Sympathetic.] It must be hard to say goodbye.
Clark: [Brightly.] Well, if this works, I won't have to.
Clark walks to the fridge to put the food away.
Martha: Clark, do you think it's fair to keep doing this to her?
Clark: No. That's why I've decided to tell her tonight.
Martha: [Confused.] Tell her?
Clark: Everything.
Martha walks around the counter toward Clark.
Martha: Clark. Asking someone to keep your secret is a big responsibility. You know, look at Pete. It hasn't been easy for him.
Clark: I know. Pete has had some close calls. But I'm still glad I told him, and so is he. It's made us better friends.
Martha: Are you sure Lana's ready?
Clark: She keeps asking me to be honest. I owe her the chance to decide for herself.
Martha takes Clark's hand.
Martha: I guess it's not fair to raise you as one of us and then try to keep you from experiencing one of the best parts of life.
Clark: So you're okay with this?
Martha: I trust you to make your own decision.
Clark smiles. Martha nods at him a little nervously.
Lana and Emily are at the bar of the Talon. Day. Lana is looking through a notebook and teaching Emily the Talon protocols as Emily takes notes.
Lana: I told you about the delivery truck, right?
Emily: Tuesday mornings at 6.
Lana: Yeah. [She glances at the notebook one more time, then closes it.] Well, I, uh, guess that's everything.
Emily: It was fun having you around today. Are you sure you want to leave all this? I mean, everything you know is here.
Emily smiles at Lana hopefully.
Lana: Yeah, well, you know, that's exactly why I need to go.
Lana comes out from behind the bar and starts walking toward the door. Emily follows her.
Emily: That's too bad. I thought we could've been friends. Maybe even best friends.
Lana looks at Emily awkwardly.
Lana: Uh, well, I'm sorry we won't get a chance to know each other better.
Emily: We already do, silly. I'll show you.
Emily smiles and Lana nods, confused and a little unnerved. Emily turns around and runs up the stairs. Lana starts to back away toward the door, and then turns and starts to run, but she bumps into Mr. Dinsmore who is standing in her way, startling her.
Lana: Mr. Dinsmore?
Mr. Dinsmore: Is she here?
Lana: Who?
Mr. Dinsmore: Emily.
Lana shakes her head and looks up the stairs, realizing what is going on.
Lana: Oh, my God.
Mr. Dinsmore: I knew she would come to you, Lana. I have to get her back to LuthorCorp. You know how dangerous she is.
Lana: What does she want?
There is a loud thump from behind Mr. Dinsmore, and he opens his mouth in a grimace of pain. He starts to lean, then falls to the ground, revealing Emily standing behind him with her hand covered in blood. Lana is terrified.
Emily: You have to forgive me. I forgave you. That's what friends do.
Lana runs toward the door, but Emily is already there, standing in her way. Emily pushes Lana and it sends Lana flying backwards and knocking into a table. She remains on the floor unconscious, and Emily stands over her.
Emily: I'm sorry, Lana.
Cut to Lana lying unconscious on a large bed. She opens her eyes with a start and sits up. Next to the bed is a night table and a dresser. The entire room is enclosed in glass. One of the glass panes has a ventilation tube hooked up to it. Lana runs to the door and shakes it, trying to get out, but it is locked.
Lana: Emily!
Angry, Lana grabs a stool and throws it at the glass, but the stool just bounces off. Panicking, Lana runs to the glass and pounds on it.
Lana: Help! Help me! Somebody help me! Is anybody here? Help! Help!
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Lionel is sitting at the couch in his office with a glass of water. He grimaces as he puts his hand against his forehead as if he has a headache. Lex enters.
Lex: That's not exactly the face of someone who just secured another government contract. [Lionel laughs quietly.] Everything okay?
Lionel: [Standing up.] Fine. Everything is just fine. [He pulls his jacket closed and buttons it.] I, um, asked you here because I, um, I need your help, son. I have an executive who has proven himself in so many ways, and, uh, I want to reward his efforts or his accomplishments with a... I don't know, a promotion.
Lex: I'm missing the dilemma.
Lionel: The dilemma is that I have a feeling he's not trustworthy. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you give him a chance to, uh, 'fess up? To confess to any disloyal behavior he's guilty of?
Lex: Maybe the same ruthless qualities that make you question his trust would make him a valuable asset when it comes to running a company.
Lionel: Or maybe they'd just make him...
Lionel reaches out and rips Lex's shirt open revealing the microphone taped to his chest. He takes the microphone and holds it up in front of Lex's face.
Lionel: ...a disloyal son.
Lex: Dad...
Lionel: You betrayed me. Your own father.
Lex: I protected myself just like you taught me to.
Lionel: Lex, whatever problems we have, keep them within the walls of our own house. Don't stoop to this level!
Lex: Spare me the lecture, Dad! I had nothing to do with the m*rder of Dr. Teng and her team at the Metron lab. You're the one who sold me out to the cops for your inexplicable blood experiments.
Lionel: I did it to make you stronger.
Lex: The hell you did! You can't keep hiding every deceitful thing you've done to me under the guise of mentorship! You brought this on yourself.
Lionel turns away from Lex and goes back to the couch to sit down.
Lex: You've gotten careless. Why is that, Dad? Why would you risk everything on all these obscure projects? What could be that important?
Lionel: If you had given me any reason to trust you, you wouldn't have to ask that question. Get out.
Lex slowly turns and leaves the room. The phone on Lionel's desk rings. He answers it.
Lionel: What?
On the other end of the line is the FBI agent Loder who is working with Lex.
Loder: Yeah, it's Loder. Your kid hasn't found anything. If he does, believe me, I'll make sure it stays buried.
Lionel: Good. And our other... situation?
Loder: I'm looking into the Ross kid.
Lionel: All right. Go talk to him.
Loder: I'm working on it.
Agent Loder hangs up his cellular phone and turns to his desk. He opens a file with several forms inside and a picture of Clark.
Clark sits in a chair next to his telescope in the loft. Night. He is dressed nicely for his dinner with Lana, but Lana isn't there. Clark looks down at the floor unhappily. Jonathan enters and knocks on the railing to announce his presence. Clark looks at him.
Jonathan: Your mother told me you were up here.
Clark: Don't worry, Dad. Lana stood me up. The secret's still safe.
Jonathan: You know, there could be a hundred different reasons why Lana didn't show up here tonight. None of them might have anything to do with you.
Clark: I've given Lana so many reasons not to trust me. But I'm not gonna give up.
Jonathan: There's no way I can talk you out of this, right?
Clark looks up at his father determinedly. Jonathan sits down at the chair across from Clark.
Jonathan: Clark, sometimes a person can hold on too tight for too long.
Clark: Dad, I've loved Lana since the first time I saw her. You know that. That's not gonna change.
Jonathan: I'm not talking about you. I'm talking about me. You see, a father is supposed to help his son build a life, not try to hold him back from one.
Clark: But you still think it's a bad idea.
Jonathan: Yeah. I do. But honestly, Clark, I don't trust my instincts the way I used to. I just hope you can trust yours.
Clark nods.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, the coffee shop is back in business and the Talon is full of customers. Emily is pouring a cup of coffee at the bar and looks at the door uneasily when she sees Clark enter. She turns away from him as he walks to the bar.
Clark: Excuse me.
Emily turns around with a smile.
Emily: Can I help you?
Clark: I'm Clark Kent. I'm a friend of Lana's.
Emily: Oh, then the first cup of coffee is free.
Clark: Actually, I'm just looking for her. She was supposed to meet me last night. Chloe said the last time she saw her, she was here with you.
Emily: Oh. She didn't tell you? Lana's gone. She already left for Paris.
Clark: She wasn't supposed to leave for two more days.
Emily: Maybe she changed her mind.
Clark: She wouldn't just leave like that, not without saying goodbye to anyone.
Emily: I heard her say something about hating goodbyes.
Clark thinks about this for a moment, then turns away from the bar and leaves.
Outside sh*t of an old barn. Day. Inside, Lana is still being held prisoner in the glass room. She is sitting on the bed quietly. Emily walks up outside the glass with a tray of food. She enters the glass room with a childlike smile.
Emily: I made us TV dinners. They're our favorite. With the brownie.
Emily puts the tray down on a table. When Lana speaks, she tries to keep her voice calm and hide her fear. She speaks to Emily as if speaking to a child. Emily sits in the chair next to the table.
Lana: Emily, um, I'm sure that you've been through a lot, and I know that you were probably very lonely. But we can still be friends without you keeping me in here.
Emily: How can we be best friends if you go away?
Lana: We'll write each other letters, you know, and you can come visit me. [Lana stands.] Wouldn't you like to see Paris?
Emily: No. I don't want you to go either. Things are better this way. You'll see. We'll have so much fun. And then one day if you're good, we can run the Talon together.
Lana walks to the other side of the table and sits in the chair across from Emily.
Lana: Emily, you can't just force someone to be your friend. It's something that happens over time when you trust each other.
Emily: I know what a friend is. A friend is someone who would stand up for you and protect you. [Emily stands, becoming upset.] A friend is someone who would jump in a river to save you from drowning, even if it meant they had to give up their own life for you. You don't need to tell me what it means to be a friend.
Lana: Then you know that a friend would never keep me locked up in here.
Emily: Get used to it. I did.
Lana lowers her eyes, discouraged. Emily sits back down at the table.
Lana: People are going to come looking for me.
Emily: No. They won't. [She smiles.] They think you already went to Paris.
Lana looks at Emily with growing fear and starts to cry.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex and Clark talk in the study.
Lex: My father found the wire, Clark. The FBI's dropping the case unless I can find something incriminating.
Clark: With everything your father's done, that shouldn't be too hard.
Lex: Well, my father's sort of mastered the art of covering his tracks. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?
Clark: [Annoyed.] You mean like hiding things from your best friend? You tell me, Lex.
Lex: Look, I'm a little under the g*n. If I did something to upset you, you're gonna have to be more specific.
Clark: Lana's ticket. Why didn't you tell me you changed it?
Lex: Well, I didn't think I needed your permission. If anything, I thought I was buying you more time. Clark, it's an open-ended ticket so she can leave whenever she wants.
Lex sits down at his desk.
Clark: She didn't say goodbye to you either?
Lex: What's going on?
Clark: According to the daughter of the new Talon owner, "whenever she wants" was today. Lana's gone.
Lex: Clark, the new owner doesn't have a daughter.
Clark is taken off guard.
Emily is outside the Talon locking the door. Night. She starts to leave and Clark is in the alley waiting for her.
Emily: Sorry, we're closed.
Clark: Why did you tell me Lana left? My friend pulled some strings and checked. She never got on any plane.
Emily: Like you care. You weren't a very good friend if you were gonna let her go away.
Clark: What did you do to her?
Emily: She doesn't need you anymore.
Emily starts to leave, but Clark stands in her way.
Clark: You tell me where she is!
Emily: You were nicer to me when I was little. You told me you were different too. [She starts to back away.] So you know what it's like to be left alone without anybody.
Emily turns around and runs away with super speed. She gets to a brick wall at the end of the alley and runs through it. Clark super speeds after her and touches the wall, finding it solid.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Chloe is in the Torch office working. Lionel enters the room.
Lionel: Good evening, Miss Sullivan.
Chloe: Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the hallways.
Lionel: All right, you can cut the sarcasm. I'm only here because I need your help.
Chloe: With all your resources, Mr. Luthor, what could you possibly want from me?
Lionel: Your friendship. With Lana Lang. A young woman in my care, the daughter of a friend is missing. We can't locate her.
Chloe: I'll congratulate her when I see her. I don't know what this has to do with Lana, but ...
Lionel: Her father was looking for her. He's disappeared as well.
Lionel reaches into his jacket and pulls out a picture of Emily which he hands to Chloe.
Lionel: She, uh, was Lana's best friend when they were children. So it's possible she might show up here in Smallville. The girl is sick. Very sick. She needs treatment. If she is here in Smallville, I'm sure you'll find out about it. I'll expect a call from you.
Lionel leaves the room, not giving Chloe a chance to respond. Chloe takes a closer look at the picture of Emily.
Lana stands next to one of the glass panes of her prison, staring out dismally. Day. Emily is behind her sitting at the table.
Emily: Lana. You tea's gonna get cold.
Lana turns around and walks to the table with a sweet smile on her face. She picks up the teapot from the table.
Lana: Would you like some more tea, Emily?
Emily smiles and nods. Lana bends over to pour the tea into Emily's cup, and instead bashes the pot against Emily's head. The teapot shatters and Emily falls to the floor unconscious. Lana grabs Emily's keys from the table and runs to the door. She unlocks it and runs out of the room and through the barn. She gets to another section of the barn full of empty horse stalls and runs through it. She stops and screams when she sees two d*ad bodies wrapped in plastic lying on the floor.
After a moment, she continues to run. When she is almost to the door of the barn, Emily is suddenly standing in front of her.
Emily: [thr*at.] You're not my friend anymore.
Lana looks at her, breathless and afraid.
Chloe shows the picture of Emily to Clark in the Torch office. Day.
Clark: It's Emily Dinsmore. They found her father's car abandoned outside of the Talon.
Chloe: Lionel must've nabbed her last year after she pushed Lana off the bridge. And in the meantime, she's picked up a bad habit of walking through walls.
Clark: At least we know why Lionel's trying so hard to get her back. We can't let Lex find her first.
Chloe: [Confused.] Wait a minute, when did Lex enter the equation?
Clark: Chloe, Lex has been working with the FBI to try to take down his father.
Chloe: Clark, if you knew Lex was looking for dirt on Lionel, why didn't you tell him about his grandparents?
Clark: Because we never had hard evidence before about what Lionel was doing. Besides, the last time I confronted him about it, it almost got him k*lled.
Chloe: But if we found Emily, then we could prove that Lionel's been illegally cloning people.
Clark nods.
Chloe: The thing I don't get is if Emily could've escaped at any time, why did she wait till now for the sudden encore appearance?
Clark: Maybe she found out she was gonna lose Lana forever.
Chloe: Then the question is, what would you do to keep someone from leaving?
Clark thinks about it.
Clark: I'd try to make things go back to the way they were before.
Clark goes to the desk and sits down in front of the computer. Chloe follows him.
Chloe: You mean when they were kids?
Clark: Emily still thinks Lana's her best friend and everything can be like it was when they used to play together.
Chloe: Well, you lived next door to Lana. Do you remember seeing them?
Clark: No. They spent most of their time at Emily's. What we need to do is figure out where that is.
Clark types "Dinsmore" into the search engine and clicks "Go".
Emily walks away from the bed in the glass prison. Day. Lana is tied to the bed.
Emily: Goodbye, Lana.
Lana: Emily, please don't do this!
Emily leaves the room and closes the door.
Lana: Emily, please!
Outside the glass is a large t*nk of toxic chlorine gas. A pipe connected to the t*nk has been shoved through the vent into the room, and Emily turns a valve, causing gas to billow through the vent. Lana starts to choke.
Outside the barn, Clark super speeds into the field. He looks around with his X-ray vision and sees Lana tied to the bed and the gas t*nk outside the glass. He super speeds into the barn and breaks through one of the glass panes. Lana has lost consciousness on the bed.
Clark goes over to the pipe and bends it, stopping the gas flow. Emily watches him coldly. Clark runs back to the bed, unties Lana, and lifts her up. Emily super speeds away.
Cut to Clark lying Lana down on the ground outside the barn, resting her head against a bale of hay.
Clark: Lana.
Lana coughs and regains consciousness.
Lana: [Weak.] Clark.
Lana passes out again. Clark looks around and sees Emily watching him from inside the barn. She super speeds through the horse stalls and Clark super speeds after her. He chases her out of the barn and down the dirt road toward a large water t*nk.
In slow motion, we see Clark sh**t small bolts of heat at the water t*nk's legs, causing it to topple over. The water pours out at Emily. She is able to continue running against the force of the water for only a moment. Then she falls backwards onto the ground unconscious. Clark goes to Emily and kneels down next to her. He sees that she is breathing.
Pete is driving along a quiet foggy road. Night. A police car drives up behind him with its lights flashing and the siren blares, signaling for Pete to pull over. Pete parks along the side of the road and the police car parks behind him. An officer steps out of the car and walks up to Pete's window, shining his flashlight at Pete's face.
Pete: Was I speeding?
We see that the officer is Agent Loder.
Loder: No, kid, but I'm gonna have to ask you to step out of the car. [He shows Pete his badge.] FBI. I just have a few questions for you. It won't take long.
Pete steps out of the car.
Pete: I'm pretty sure you got the wrong guy.
Loder: You Pete Ross?
Pete: Is this about my mom?
Loder: Federal judges gotta go through a routine security check. I've just got a few questions to ask you.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex talks to Chloe in the study.
Lex: So you have information that could put my father in prison.
Chloe: So did you before he obliterated those seven weeks of your memory at Belle Reve.
Lex: You know what he was trying to hide?
Chloe: Lex, your father m*rder his parents. In a tenement f*re. He hired a crime lord named Morgan Edge to do the dirty work. You got Edge's confession on videotape, but Daddy Dearest destroyed it.
Lex: Then there's no proof.
Lex walks away from Chloe unhappily.
Chloe: [With a sly grin.] Only the voicemail confession of Lionel Luthor himself. He tried to scrub it out, but erased voicemails are like deleted computer files, and someone with enough pull and the right password can resurrect them from the cyber graveyard.
Lex: Why didn't you come to me sooner?
Chloe: Your psychiatrist didn't accidentally wrap her car around a tree. You showed me the investigator's body on a slab in the morgue. Luthor family politics can get a little grim.
Lex: Chloe. It means a lot you're willing to do this for me. But if you come forward, you're putting yourself between my father and the FBI. That's not a very safe place to be.
Chloe: [Honestly afraid.] I know. But I can't get out from under your father's grip by myself. Besides, I know you won't let anything happen to me.
Chloe smiles brightly, but there is fear in her eyes. Lex does his best to appear confident for her.
Pete is lying on the pier next to the river. Day. He has a bloody nose and is bleeding from the side of his head, but he is still conscious. Agent Loder grabs his arm roughly and nearly drags Pete to his feet. Pete's hands are cuffed together.
Loder: Get up!
Loder walks Pete toward the edge of the pier.
Loder: You know how to swim, Pete?
Pete: [Trying to pull out of Loder's grip.] Get off me, man!
Loder: Huh?
Pete: What are you doing?!
Loder: I'm losing my patience with you!
Loder throws Pete down to the pier right next to the edge.
Pete: You're crazy!
Pete pushes himself up onto his knees.
Pete: I don't know anything about his secret.
Loder: You're just his best friend.
Loder bends over to Pete.
Loder: You know, you can continue to play the hero if you want, but are the skeletons in this kid's closet worth your life?
We hear a car pulling up in the background.
Pete: [Determined.] I'm not tell you anything.
Loder: Oh, I think you will.
Loder pulls his fist back, about to punch Pete in the face. Lex yells from behind Loder.
Lex: Loder!
Loder stops.
Lex: Pete, you okay?
Pete: [Standing up.] You're the one who's got this guy after Clark?
Lex: No, but I have a feeling my father did. [To Loder.] Didn't he? He found out you were working with me and paid you off. No wonder you were so anxious to drop the case against him.
Loder walks to Lex.
Loder: You know, I really don't want a morality lesson from someone willing to rat out their own father.
Lex: So how much did he toss in to do legwork on Clark?
Loder: You know, if I was you, I'd be worried less about this farm kid, and worried more about the homicide charges you're gonna be facing when I throw you back to Metropolis P.D.
Lex: Somehow, I'm not too concerned. I bet your, uh, supervisors would be very interested to know about your unique interrogation methods.
Lex glances over at Pete.
Loder: What is it you want, Luthor?
Lex: I want you to get back to the case you were assigned.
Lex pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket.
Lex: That's all the evidence you'll need on my father.
Loder looks at the paper. It is a transcript of Chloe's conversation with Lionel recorded on her voicemail. Lionel's full confession about k*lling his parents is there.
Loder: You're making a mistake, Lex.
Loder folds up the paper and puts it in his jacket pocket. He walks toward Pete.
Loder: [To Lex.] This kid is sitting on something bigger than you, or even your dad. [To Pete.] Isn't that right, Pete?
Pete doesn't answer. Tossing the keys to the handcuffs to Lex, Loder walks away from the pier. Lex goes to Pete.
Lex: You sure you're all right?
Pete nods and Lex starts to unlock the handcuffs.
Lex: Clark was probably right confiding in you instead of me. [Lex puts a hand on Pete's shoulder.] He couldn't ask for a better friend. Come on.
Lex puts a hand on Pete's back and walks him off the pier.
Pete: I thought that guy was gonna k*ll me. I guess I owe you a thanks.
Lex: I'm sure when the time comes, you'll do the same for me.
Clark stands next to a fence outside his house. Day. Pete drives up and gets out of his car.
Clark: [Walking toward Pete.] Hey, Pete.
Clark sees Pete's bruises.
Clark: What happened to you?
Pete: FBI agent decided to go off payroll, wanted to know about you. Don't worry, I didn't tell him anything.
Clark: [Guilty.] I should have been there.
Pete: That's just it. You can't always be there. I gotta look out for myself. I just thought you should know they're onto you.
Clark: Thanks for the warning.
Pete: Clark, the FBI isn't who I'm really warning you about. Lex was there. He's the one who pulled the Fed off me.
Clark is startled, but comes to Lex's defense.
Clark: He's-he's investigating his father, not me.
Pete: That doesn't matter. He knows. Now, I'm not exactly sure how much, but he's not gonna stop until he's got everything. Clark you've got to keep an eye on him. Look out for yourself.
Pete pats Clark on the shoulder and starts walking back toward his car.
Clark: Pete. [Pete stops.] Why are you talking like that?
Pete: I'm moving to Wichita with my mom.
Clark: No, Pete. I thought that... What about senior year? [Pete doesn't answer.] Pete ... Pete, you can't do this because of me.
Pete: I know that I told you keeping your secret wasn't hard. But I lied. I walk around every day afraid that I'm gonna slip up.
Clark: Well, why didn't you tell me sooner?
Pete: Because you needed a friend. And so did I.
Clark: [Desperate to change Pete's mind.] You don't have to move away. You don't have to change your whole life. There's got to be a way. No one even has to know we're friends.
Pete: There's a lot of things that I can handle. But I could never live with myself if I betrayed you.
Clark: Pete...
Pete starts to cry.
Pete: I'll see you around, Clark.
Pete hugs Clark. Clark's face is stunned. When Pete pulls out of the hug, he looks into Clark's eyes and pats him on the shoulder. Then he turns away and walks to his car. Clark remains where he is as Pete gets in his car and drives away for the last time.
Clark is in the loft watching the sun go down. Day. Lana enters.
Lana: Hi.
Clark: Lana.
Lana: I heard that Emily disappeared from Belle Reve as soon as she was admitted.
Clark: Yeah, even under heavy sedation.
Lana: Do you think she's going to come back?
Clark: No. I think Lionel Luthor will make sure of that. (Lana lowers her eyes.) You okay?
Lana: Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.
Lana looks over at the coffee table with two place settings from the dinner she missed with Clark.
Lana: I'm just sorry that I ruined dinner.
Clark: That's okay. I'm sure I've racked up more than a few IOUs.
Lana: Well, I was really looking forward to it.
Clark: [Smiling.] So was I.
Lana: So, um, there's something that you wanted to tell me. What was it?
Clark steps closer to Lana.
Clark: I just wanted to tell you...
A long pause as they look into each other's eyes. Lana seems nervous. Finally, Clark leans down and kisses Lana gently on the cheek. She closes her eyes and leans into the kiss.
Clark: Have a great time in Paris. I hope you've found what you're looking for.
Lana nods, a little disappointed. Her eyes fill with tears.
Lana: [Almost a whisper.] Goodbye, Clark.
Clark smiles in response. Lana turns around and leaves the loft. Clark is left in the golden light of the setting sun and complete silence.
Lionel turns on some classical music in his office at LuthorCorp. Night. He sits at his desk and waves his hand in the air to the rhythm of the music. He takes a deep breath, thoughtful. Lex enters and walks toward Lionel's desk slowly. Lionel chuckles.
Lionel: "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Is that what you expect from me? Forgiveness?
Lex: Don't try to make me out as your own personal Judas. I didn't come here for forgiveness. I came here to congratulate you on sweeping another mishap under the rug. Emily Dinsmore.
Lionel: Ah, yes, Emily Dinsmore. I should've remembered. You should've warned them. [He laughs.] Belle Reve has a habit of misplacing its patients. The details. I've always tried to teach you, Lex. The devil is in the details. If you don't pay attention to the details, [whispered] he'll win.
Lex: Then it's a good thing I'm a fast learner. You went through all the trouble of having your own son committed to an asylum and sh**ting 600 volts of electricity through his body just to cover up your trespasses. But like I said, Dad, you've gotten careless.
Lex stares at his father coldly. Agent Loder along with two other agents enters the office. Lionel stands up, confused.
Lionel: Loder, why are you here?
Loder: Lionel Luthor, you're under arrest.
Lionel looks at Lex, who looks back at him steadily.
Lionel: On what charge?
Loder: The m*rder of your parents Lachlan and Eliza Luthor.
Loder walks around the desk and turns Lionel around, handcuffing his hands behind his back.
Loder: Let's go.
Loder leads Lionel toward the door. On the way, Lionel stops next to Lex and whispers into his ear.
Lionel: [Menacing.] Be careful, son. Don't forget. Judas hung himself with his own rope.
Lex remains expressionless. Lionel and the agents leave the office, and Lex remains where he is. His eyes close.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "03x21 - Forsaken"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on September 22nd, 2004
Screen Text: Three Months Later
As these words appear on a black background, we hear Chloe's voice. It sounds slightly muffled as though listening to a recording.
Chloe: I don't even know where to start. I know you must have a million questions, but I don't know how many answers I can give you.
Chloe appears on the screen. We see that it is a video recording of her being played on the computer screen in the Torch office at Smallville High School. Night. Over the next lines, the sh*t slowly widens to show us the back of a young woman with long brown hair seated at the desk watching the computer screen.
Chloe: If you're watching this, it means I'm probably d*ad. You were always the one good thing in my life, and if I didn't tell you enough, I care about you more than you'll ever know. Please find out who did this, Clark. You're the only one who can.
The woman seated at Chloe's desk, Lois Lane, looks at the computer screen with a wrinkled brow displaying her growing concern. On the video recording, Chloe reaches for the camera and turns it off. The computer screen is suddenly filled with static. Lois blinks and lowers her eyes as if not sure what to do next.
Cut to Lois driving down a dark and bare country road in Smallville in her SUV. The road is wet from a recent rain storm and the sky is still filled with clouds and lightning flashing in the distance. Lois is talking on her cell phone, clearly annoyed.
Lois: [Spelling out the name.] K-E-N-T. Kent. It's a farm. Do they even have addresses?
Lois balances the phone between her ear and her shoulder and reaches for her coffee cup, taking a short sip.
Lois: [Shaking her head.] Mm-mm-mm. Look, the last super genius I had on the line told me to turn right on Route 31. Now I'm totally lost. [Pause.] Oh, about a billion stalks of corn.
Lightning strikes the cornfield to the right of the road. We see it through Lois's passenger window.
Lois: Aah!
Lois pulls the phone away from her ear as it goes d*ad. She closes the phone and puts it down.
Lois: [Exasperated.] That's just great.
She pulls down the visor above her seat revealing a mirror and a cigarette strapped onto the visor. She grabs the cigarette and looks at herself in the mirror.
Lois: Okay, if you smoke this, you are gonna spend the rest of the night hating yourself.
She drops the cigarette and reaches into her bag for a piece of gum. Just as she takes her eyes off the road, lightning strikes the ground right in front of her car causing a small expl*si*n of sparks and a cloud of smoke. Lois swerves to the right to avoid the lightning.
Lois: Aah!
She loses control of the car and drives off the side of the road into a corn field. She drives through several yards of cornstalks taller than her car until she finally manages to come to a stop, unharmed. She takes a deep breath. Then she looks up into the cloudy sky. She is startled as three bolts of lightning sh**t out of the clouds from three separate places. Halfway to the ground, they converge into one bolt and strike the ground not far from Lois's car creating a shimmering white ball of energy that expands and then sh**t itself at her car.
Lois: [Ducking down.] Aah!
After the energy dissipates, there is a huge circle of flattened cornstalks in front of Lois's car and several small fires are burning in random locations in the circle. Orange bolts of energy sh**t from f*re to f*re creating half-realized patterns before disappearing again. Lois slowly raises her eyes above the dashboard and peeks through her windshield cautiously.
She then steps out of the car and looks into the crop circle, awe-struck. The headlights on her car reveal a heavily muscled naked man lying with his back to Lois. She walks toward him.
Lois: Oh, my God.
We see the unconscious man's face, and it is Clark Kent. His eyes open and he plants a hand on the ground, pushing himself to a standing position with his back still to Lois. He looks around slowly.
Lois: Are you ... are you okay?
Clark doesn't respond.
Lois: What's your name?
Lois walks toward Clark slowly. Clark responds without turning around.
Clark: I don't know.
Lois: I need to get you to a hospital.
Clark: [Mechanical, almost robotic.] I am fine.
Lois: You've just been h*t by lightning, you're stark naked, and, uh, you don't even remember your own name. You have a fairly loose definition of "fine."
Clark finally turns to face Lois, and she struggles to keep her eyes averted.
Lois: [To herself.] Look at his face...
Despite her efforts, Lois's eyes lower slightly. Clark is completely unabashed, staring at Lois as if he can't understand her discomfort.
Lois: I have a blanket in the trunk. Don't move. I'll be right back.
She starts to walk away.
Clark: Wait. [She stops.] Who are you?
Lois: Lois. Lois Lane.
Lois turns and goes to the car. Clark watches her blankly.
[Opening credits]
A middle-aged Arab man opens a small hole in the wall of what appears to be an ancient tomb. Day. He exclaims something in Arabic and several other men, archaeologists, rush to his side to see what he has found. They all reach into the hole and pull handfuls of dirt out of the way. The first man finally pulls out a small ancient statue of a man with a bird's face wearing a headdress and loin cloth that appear to be of Egyptian origin.
Man: [Holding the statue above his head triumphantly.] Allah Ho Akbar! Allah Ho Akbar!
All of the other men start shouting the name with him, excited.
Lex Luthor runs into the tomb dressed in a white shirt, white pants, and white jacket. They are obviously in a warm climate.
Speaking in Arabic, the man kneels before Lex and presents the statue to him. Lex takes the statue, handling it with the utmost care. He turns the statue around and looks closely at the back. He wipes the dust away, and we see two vertical rows of Kryptonian symbols written on the back of the statue. Lex stares at the symbols with excitedly.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, an elevator door opens revealing Lois and Clark. Clark is now wrapped in a red blanket. Lois steps off the elevator impatiently, and Clark stays where he is. Lois realizes he isn't following her and reaches for his arm, urging him out of the elevator. Clark's face and voice are completely emotionless.
Lois: Try and keep up.
Clark: Why are we here?
Lois: To get you checked out.
Clark: I am fine.
Lois: [Still holding onto Clark's arm, she walks him down the hall.] Do you know how many people are struck by lightning every year? Hardly any. You know how many survive? Even less. And the number who get picked up by lost drivers? Zero. So far, you're three for three, so how about a little less complaining and a little more forward motion.
They arrive at a receptionist booth and Lois speaks to the man standing behind the booth.
Lois: Excuse me. Got a guy here who needs immediate attention.
Orderly: [Putting some papers down on the desk.] Fill out these admission forms and include proof of insurance.
Clark wanders away from Lois into the lobby.
Lois: Slight problem. I don't know who he is and... neither does he. He's got amnesia, so I'm turning him over to you. [The orderly looks at Lois disbelievingly.] You can keep the blanket.
Lois starts to leave and the orderly comes out of the booth, stopping her.
Orderly: Whoa, whoa. Does this look like an animal shelter? Now, you have to stay with him until we find someone who can I.D. him. It's hospital policy.
Clark walks toward a framed picture on the wall and looks at his reflection in the glass. Then he turns to his right and walks a few paces to one of the hospital's stained glass windows in front of which is a small statue of a cherub.
Lois: Look, I did the good Samaritan thing. But I can't be responsible for this guy.
Orderly: You already are. Now, I have to call a deputy to get your statement.
Clark reaches out to touch the statue, letting go of his blanket and it falls to the ground. An elderly female patient is walking down the hall and gasps at Clark's naked backside. Lois and the orderly look at Clark. Lois grins as the orderly becomes even more irritated.
Lois: I think you might want to get him some clothes first.
The orderly nods at Lois sarcastically. The old woman is now smiling as she looks at Clark.
A sh*t of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Day. The sh*t moves down to a small street crowded with cars, pedestrians, and shops up and down both sides of the street. Lana Lang walks down the sidewalk, holds up a professional-looking camera, and kneels down to take a picture of two young Parisian children, a boy and girl. They smile for the picture.
Lana: Merci.
The children smile at her and then walk away. Behind Lana, posted to a bulletin, is an enlarged copy of the cover of Forbes magazine with a picture of Lex on it. She looks at it briefly as she walks by. Two young men walking in the opposite direction whistle at Lana and smile. She smiles back and keeps walking, nearly running into another young man who grabs her by the shoulders, startling her. He is Jason Teague.
Jason: [In an American dialect.] Oh, sorry. You're American, right?
Lana: Yes.
Jason: Great. Can I ask you a big favor?
Lana: [Cautious.] Sure... as long as it doesn't get me arrested.
Jason: No, I'm supposed to meet my, uh, my girlfriend here. Well, she's not really my girlfriend, even though we spend every waking moment together. See, we met two moths ago today on this exact street corner, and I bought her something to mark the occasion. I wanted to get your opinion.
Lana: All right.
Jason: Okay.
Jason unzips his bag and pulls out a black biking helmet.
Lana: Well, I think that would probably be the last thing she would be expecting.
Jason: It doesn't really scream "romance" does it? But, see, the first time we met, I was driving by on my Vespa, and I clipped her. She thought I was gonna steal her purse so she kicked me off my bike. I messed up an old football injury and then she spent five hours with me at the hospital and we just clicked.
Lana: Well, it sounds like love at first crash.
Jason: Yeah. Well, for me it was anyway, but I'm just an impulsive kind of guy.
Lana: Well, how does she feel?
Jason: I don't know. She doesn't really talk about it. I think she, uh, I think she got hurt by somebody, but maybe she needs to talk about it.
Jason looks at Lana seriously. She returns the look and then smiles. They seem to be playing a game.
Lana: Well, uh, nothing says "I love you" like a motorcycle helmet.
Jason: Yeah. It's for a weekend trip to Nice if she's... if she's interested.
Jason looks at Lana hopefully. She seems taken aback.
Lana: If a guy did something that romantic for me, I think I'd have to kiss him.
Jason: Yeah?
Lana: [Softly.] Yeah.
Lana puts her hand on Jason's shoulder and they kiss slowly. She rubs her other hand down the side of his face. She pulls back smiling.
Lana: I'd love to go to Nice with you, Jason.
Jason: Happy anniversary, Lana.
She smiles and they kiss again.
Martha Kent is in a patient room at the Smallville Medical Center. Night. She is seated by the bed reading aloud from a book.
Martha: "After breakfast, I wanted to talk about the d*ad man and guess how he come to be k*lled, but Jim didn't want to. He said it would fetch bad luck, and besides, he said, he might come back to haunt us."
As she is reading, the sh*t slowly widens and we see Jonathan lying in the bed unconscious. He is hooked up to several machines and a ventilator tube is hanging from his mouth, breathing for him. A female doctor enters the room behind Martha, and Martha turns around with a smile.
Martha: "Huck Finn." Jonathan's favorite.
The doctor smiles.
Doctor: Martha, I wanted to know if you thought about what we discussed.
Martha: [Quickly.] I'm not pulling the plug on my husband.
Doctor: It's been three months, and there's been no change. [Martha turns to look at Jonathan.] Jonathan is brain d*ad. Your insurance is already capped out. You need to think about the future.
Martha: [Determined.] My future is lying in that bed. I will not give up on him.
Martha turns around and goes back to her seat at Jonathan's side.
Cut to Lois in another hospital room. She is sitting in a chair next to the door looking through her bag. She looks up at Clark who is now wearing scrubs and sitting on the bed staring at her. Lois looks as if she is about to say something, then decides against it and goes back to her bag. Clark stands up and starts walking toward the open door. Lois stands up quickly, dropping her bag on the chair and putting a hand on Clark's chest to stop him.
Lois: Okay, we need to stay in the room.
Clark: I'm not supposed to be here.
Lois: Yeah, well, that makes two of us.
Lois pushes Clark back to the bed and sits him down.
Lois: Stay. Good. [Leaning over her bag to keep looking through it.] I came to Smallville to investigate my cousin's death. Her name is Chloe Sullivan. Heard of her?
Clark looks at her blankly.
Lois: Of course you haven't.
Lois pulls a pack of gum out of her bag. Clark looks at it curiously.
Lois: [Explaining.] Nicorette.
She puts a piece in her mouth then walks toward the window and looks out. She is moving and talking quickly, full of nervous energy.
Lois: I've given up smoking. These are the only things that get me through the day. I started when I was 15. It's my father's fault. He said if he ever caught me smoking, he'd k*ll me, so in a fit of teenage rebellion, I started, then I couldn't stop. Now I've got a gum addiction.
Lois circles around the bed and comes to a stop in front of Clark where she started.
Clark: You talk a lot.
Lois: Well, I'm just not very comfortable with uncomfortable silence, and you're not exactly keeping up with your end of the conversation.
Lois smiles curtly at Clark and then pulls her cellular phone out of her bag. She gasps when she sees the time and checks the clock on the wall to see if it's right.
Lois: 45 minutes and still no doctor? You know, if this isn't an indictment of small town medicine, I don't know what is.
Clark stands up and starts to walk to the door again. Lois stands in his way.
Lois: Whoa! Where are you going?
Clark: I'm leaving.
Lois: [Folding her arms confidently.] Well, you're gonna have to go through me first.
Clark grabs Lois by the shoulders and lifts her up easily, putting her down out of the way of the door. She is startled, and then grins slightly. Clark leaves the room.
Cut to Martha getting a cup of coffee from the vending machine in the hallway. She hears Lois who is following Clark as he walks away.
Lois: [To Clark.] Hey!
Clark keeps walking. Martha takes a sip of her coffee and then looks in Clark's direction, seeing him as he turns the corner. She is completely still with shock for a moment, then puts down her coffee cup and runs after Clark.
Martha: Wait! Wait! Wait, Clark!
Lois succeeds in stopping Clark.
Lois: Okay, stop! [Pointing at Martha.] What was that?
Martha catches up to them and grabs Clark's shoulders turning him around to face her.
Martha: It is you! [She embraces him.] Oh, God! I thought I'd lost you forever!
Clark: Who are you?
Martha: [Startled.] It's me, Mom.
Clark stares at Martha, not recognizing her.
Lois: [To Martha.] Don't take it personally. He doesn't even remember his own name. [Lois shakes Martha's hand.] Lois Lane. I found him lying in a field near Route 31.
Martha: Thank you for helping him.
Lois: I guess I'm a sucker for stray dogs and naked guys.
Martha looks confused.
Lois: Okay, that didn't come out right. It's been a long night, and I am nicotine deprived.
Martha: [To Clark.] Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you home.
Clark: I'm waiting for the sign.
Lois: I think you should have a doctor take a look at him. I'm starting to think the lightning fried his brain.
Martha: Um... Lois? I'm so grateful, but this is a family matter.
Lois: [Taking the hint.] Okay. Here's me backing away.
Lois walks away.
Martha: I don't know what's going on, but you need to come home with me right now.
Clark looks away from Martha, not responding. Martha takes his chin in her hand and turns his face back to her, speaking to him in terms he will understand.
Martha: [Urgently.] I can help you find the sign, but I need to get you out of here, okay? Come on.
Clark allows himself to be led to the elevator. Down the hall, Lois comes out of the hospital room with her bag over her shoulder just as the orderly is walking by. He looks at her questioningly.
Lois: [Pointing at Clark and Martha as they get on the elevator.] I passed amnesia boy off to his mother. I didn't catch her name.
Orderly: Yeah, Martha Kent. She's in here all the time.
Lois: Kent? As in Clark Kent?
Lois runs to the elevator as the door is closing.
Lois: Wait a minute! I have to talk to...
The door closes.
Lois: ...you.
She exhales in frustration.
A car is driving through a sandy desert. Day. Next to the road is a sign with Arabic writing on it. Beneath the Arabic is the word Airport. Lex is riding in the back of the car with a briefcase on his lap. He looks tired and out of breath, and he checks his watch as the rough road bounces him up and down. An Arab man sitting in the front of the car turns around.
Man: Heat too much for you, Mr. Luthor?
Lex: I don't want any record that I was here. Bury everything.
Lex hands the man an envelope full of American money. The man looks at the money eagerly.
Man: We will be like footprints in the sand.
Lex doesn't respond. He grimaces as if he is in pain. The car turns a corner and stops right next to a private jet.
Cut to the inside of the jet. Lex steps on board where an American female doctor, Dr. Vaughn, is waiting for him as he takes off his jacket and walks toward the back of the plane.
Dr. Vaughn: [Stern.] You're two hours late.
Lex: I'm well aware of my tardiness, Doctor. But some things are worth the risk.
Dr. Vaughn: What's more important than your life?
Lex: The truth.
They get to the back of the jet which is set up like a small hospital room. There is a reclining table with two IV bags of blood suspended above it. Lex unbuttons his shirt and takes it off and sits back on the table, even more out of breath than before. He has two small circular devices attached to his chest.
Dr. Vaughn: Your body survived a massive chemical onslaught that would've k*lled 99.9% of people. That in itself is a miracle.
Lex: Spare me the lecture.
Dr. Vaughn: I told you, if your blood isn't purified every 72 hours, your internal organs will start to shut down.
Dr. Vaughn connects a tube to one of the circles on his chest and another to his arm.
Dr. Vaughn: You're living on borrowed time, Lex. Stop trying to borrow more.
Lex tries to catch his breath as his blood runs slowly up through the tubes.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Day. Inside, Clark and Martha walk up the stairs to the upper level.
Clark: [Looking around.] What is this place?
Martha: Well, your dad calls it your fortress of solitude. It's where you come to think and look at the stars.
Martha gestures to the telescope next to the window.
Clark ignores the telescope and walks to a globe sitting next to the wall. He touches it, studying it. Martha grabs two framed pictures from the desk.
Martha: Well, here's some pictures. Maybe they'll jog your memory.
Clark takes the pictures. The first is of Chloe and Lana.
Clark: Who are these people?
Martha: People who love you. Do you remember anything about where you were before you showed up in that field?
Clark: I was in a place that felt like home.
Martha: [Turning Clark to her.] No, Clark. This is your home.
Clark looks at the other picture in his hand. It is a picture of Jonathan.
Clark: I recognize this man.
Martha: [Smiling.] Good. That's your dad. You're starting to remember.
Clark: He's not my father. He tried to prevent me from being reborn.
Martha: No, Clark. He loves you. He tried to save you from Jor-El.
At the mention of Jor-El, Clark looks from the picture to Martha thr*at, intimidating her. Martha doesn't say anything else.
Clark: Either way, he's d*ad.
Clark lets the picture frame drop to the ground, shattering the glass on the wood floor. Then he walks away from Martha and down the stairs, leaving her alone.
Cut to a sh*t of Lex's private jet soaring through the sky. Inside, Lex is still resting on the table with the tubes running into his chest and arm. He holds the statue in his hands, studying it. He turns it over and again looks at the Kryptonian symbols on the back. From the cockpit, the pilot speaks over the intercom.
Pilot: Better buckle up, Dr. Vaughn. We're about to h*t some turbulence.
Dr. Vaughn is on her way to sit down when the plane shakes violently. Lex loses his grip on the statue and it falls to the floor shattering.
Lex: Oh, no!
Lex starts to reach for it, but Dr. Vaughn stops him.
Dr. Vaughn: Lex, no, wait! I'll get it for you! I'll get it for you! Sit down!
Lex sits back, and Dr. Vaughn kneels down over the pieces of the shattered statue. Among the pieces, there is a clear crystal that had clearly been inside the statue. She picks it up and looks at it curiously, noticing the Kryptonian symbol drawn onto it. Lex takes the crystal from her and looks at it as it glows with a brilliant white light.
Cut to Clark walking away from the barn as Martha follows him.
Martha: Clark!
Clark suddenly hears a high-pitched screeching sound. He reaches for his ears and falls to his knees in pain, grunting.
Clark: Aah!
Martha kneels down next to him, putting her hands on his arms, trying to find out what is happening. The noise stops. Clark turns away from Martha and looks into the sky with an expression of certainty and determination. He rises to his feet. Martha stands up with him and looks into his eyes.
Clark: [Looking at Martha.] I am Kal-El of Krypton. [Raising his eyes to the sky.] It is time to fulfill my destiny.
Martha: [Horrified.] Destiny?! [She shakes him by the shoulders.] That's Jor-El talking! He did this to you! [Martha continues shaking him and starts beating him on the chest desperately.] I want my son back! Give me my son back!
Clark grabs Martha's hands and stops her from hitting him.
Clark: Clark Kent is d*ad.
Clark pushes Martha out of the way. As she falls to the ground in slow motion, Clark bends his knees until he is almost squatting. A circle of air begins to gather around him in waves, and when Clark straightens his legs, he takes off into the sky, soaring away from the ground at super speed.
Martha falls to the ground and looks up into the sky with disbelief as she watches Clark fly away into the distance.
In the sky, Clark flies through a puffy white cloud, disturbing its peacefulness as he goes. He flies high above the clouds until he is so far into space that we can see the stars behind him, his face a solid cold mask of purpose. Then he flies back toward the blue Earth below.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of a huge old church in Paris. Day. Inside, Lana walks down the hallway at the rear of the chapel as a bell chimes in the distance. There are other tourists around, and Lana walks past a nun who is walking in the other direction. When Lana gets to the end of the hallway, Jason reaches out and grabs her, pulling her around the corner. She gasps with surprise. Jason pushes her against the wall and kisses her passionately. She finally pulls away.
They are in a small corner of the church. On two of the walls, there are stained glass windows. The sun filters through them, filling the room with a musty yellow light. There is an altar below one of the windows, and below the other are two stands full of prayer candles burning softly. Tall iron candelabras with burning white tapers stand in various parts of the room.
Lana: Jason, stop it. We are in a church, and I have an art history project to finish.
Jason: Okay, my girlfriend invites me to some old crypt for some brass rubbing. I thought it was code for something else.
Lana: Mr. Teague, you have a dirty mind.
Jason: But I have a pure heart.
Jason leans down to kiss her again, but she turns away. He grabs her arm.
Jason: Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Come on, I've already scoped out our victim.
Jason leads Lana to the wall next to the altar. In front of the altar on the ground is an engraving of a female warrior fashioned out of brass. The woman is wearing a regal dress. She holds a sword in one hand and a shield in the other.
Jason: Meet your art project. Countess Margaret Isabelle Theroux. It says here she was a warrior princess who kicked a lot of ass and broke a lot of hearts.
Lana: [Smiling.] Is that a direct translation?
Jason: [Smiling back.] No, I just, I figured you guys have a lot in common, you know, you're both, uh, you're both strong, and, uh, you're both uncompromising, both beautiful.
Lana laughs.
Lana: We should get to work. The church closes in an hour.
Jason: Not me. I have a hot date to plan for tomorrow.
Jason smiles and starts to walk away. Lana watches him, confused.
Jason: Somebody failed to mention it was their birthday.
Lana: [Surprised.] Who told you?
Jason: Sources at the highest level of government. [Lana looks at him skeptically.] All right, I slipped the admissions clerk 20 euros.
Lana: Look, Jason, I don't expect ...
Jason holds up his hands, cutting her off. He points to the engraving on the floor.
Jason: Stop talking. Start rubbing. By the way, festivities begin at 10 AM tomorrow at the Cafe de Fleurie.
He says the name of the restaurant in a loud French accent, and we hear someone from the next room say "Ssh!" Jason looks in the direction of the sound, then rushes out of the church dramatically. Lana laughs.
Lana: All right.
She turns to the engraving on the floor and kneels down next to it. She puts her bag down on the floor. In her hands she is holding a tube from which she removes the lid and pulls out a roll of blank white paper. She unrolls the paper over the top half of the engraving and then takes a box of charcoal from her back. She then rubs a piece of charcoal over the paper, and an image of the engraving begins to appear on the page starting with the warrior princess's face.
When the face is complete, Lana stops rubbing for a moment and looks at it strangely. There is something about the face that unsettles her, though she clearly can't put her finger on what it is. Deciding to dismiss it, she resumes rubbing. More of the image is revealed including the warrior's shield. On the shield is a symbol consisting of two wavy lines with circles on each side.
Lana is inexplicably mesmerized by the symbol, and she reaches down to touch it. As her fingers near the paper, the symbol begins to glow whitish gold. When she touches it, beams of white light shine from the symbol and a howling wind surrounds her causing her to toss her head back. She looks down at the symbol again as the light shines and glimmers like a powerful flame and the wind blows her hair in every direction. The screen fades to white.
From the white, we fade to Clark who is still flying at light speed through the clouds.
Martha is in the Kent kitchen, talking agitatedly on the phone. Day.
Martha: No, it can't wait a couple of days. I need to speak with him now. Look, just tell him it's-it's regarding my son, Clark Kent.
Martha hangs up the phone angrily. We see Lois standing in the doorway behind her.
Lois: Hey.
Martha turns around, startled.
Lois: [Brightly.] I tried calling earlier, but I kept getting a busy signal. I don't know how you survive without call waiting.
Martha is unsure of how to respond.
Lois: Where's Clark?
Martha: [Pause.] Upstairs.
Lois: Great!
Lois jogs toward the stairs, but Martha gets to the stairs first and stands in her way.
Martha: Um, sleeping.
Lois spots the coffeemaker on the counter.
Lois: Is that fresh coffee? I have been waiting for a cup all day. [She goes to the counter.] I can't believe this is the town that Starbucks forgot.
Lois picks up a mug and pours some coffee into it. Martha follows her, surprised by her forwardness.
Lois: I heard the only decent coffee shop in town closed down. The Falcon or something?
Lois drinks her coffee.
Martha: Uh, Lois, I-I really appreciate everything you did for Clark, and I don't mean to be rude, but ...
Lois: [Sitting down at a stool.] Look, I didn't come here fishing for thanks. I think Clark might know something about my cousin Chloe's death.
Martha: [Sincere.] I'm so sorry for your loss.
Lois: Yeah. [Lois goes back to pour more coffee.] Were she and Clark ever an item?
Martha: Oh, I think for a minute, but ...
Lois: It's funny, I never thought she'd fall for the farm boy type.
Martha: Trust me, that can happen to the best of us.
Lois: Not me. Give me a nerd with glasses any day of the week.
Martha: Clark has many sides.
Lois: Yeah, I've seen several of them already. [She walks to the stairs.] Speaking of Clark, do you think he'll be up any time soon?
Martha: I-I doubt it.
Lois turns to Martha.
Lois: Right now, he is my only chance to get justice for Chloe. The FBI inquest closed last week. They've ruled the expl*si*n an accident. I mean, how many gas leaks do you know of in safe houses?
Martha looks stunned.
Lois: And in two weeks, Lionel Luthor is going to walk free. And Chloe's death... it will have been for nothing.
Martha: I'll have Clark call you if he remembers anything.
Lois: [Nods.] You know, Chloe said in her notes that you used to work for Lionel, and I'm trying to get in to see him, but he keeps refusing me. Any advice?
Martha: [Nods.] Stay away. You don't want to get pulled into Lionel's web.
Lois: How did you escape unscathed?
Martha: I didn't.
Lois blinks, becoming nervous. Martha takes the coffee cup out of Lois's hands.
Martha: [Gently.] Goodbye, Lois.
Lois: Bye.
Lois leaves.
A sh*t of Lex's private jet still flying through the air. Day. Onboard, Lex is no longer connected to the tubes and he is sitting upright on the table studying the crystal. His shirt is on but unbuttoned. In the cockpit, the co-pilot looks at his radar screen and sees something flying toward the jet with great speed.
Co-Pilot: [To the pilot.] Check this out.
Pilot: What is it?
The co-pilot shakes his head, mystified.
Pilot: A bird? A plane?
Clark flies through several clouds on his way to the plane until he is right outside the door. He grabs the door and rips it off of the plane causing a gust of window to rip through the inside. Lex falls off the table with a gasp and Dr. Vaughn falls to the ground behind him. An emergency alarm sounds and oxygen masks dangle down from the ceiling. Lex has to hold onto the leg of the table which is connected to the floor so that he isn't swept away in the wind.
Clark steps onto the plane. Lex and Clark are separated by a closed door and cannot see each other, but Clark reaches his hand out toward the back of the plane, knowing exactly where the crystal is. Lex has dropped the crystal and it lies on the floor next to him. He reaches for it, but it suddenly rises into the air and flings itself at the closed door, crashing through it and into Clark's waiting hand. Clark closes his fist around the crystal and super speeds off of the plane just as Lex gets to his knees to look through the hole left in the door.
But Clark is already gone.
Fade to black.
Martha is kneeling in the loft sweeping up the broken glass from the picture of Jonathan that Clark dropped. Day. A woman, Bridgette Crosby, is standing on the steps behind her. Martha is startled when Bridgette speaks.
Bridgette: I'm afraid that the answers that you're searching for won't be found in this barn.
Martha stands up. Bridgette walks toward her, holding out her hand to shake.
Bridgette: I'm Bridgette Crosby. Dr. Swann sent me.
Martha: You'll have to forgive me. I was ...
Bridgette: You were expecting to speak with Dr. Swann personally.
Martha: The matter I need to discuss with him can't exactly be relayed through someone else.
Bridgette: I can understand your hesitancy, discussing Kal-El with a complete stranger.
Martha: [Angry.] Dr. Swann promised Clark that no one else knew.
Bridgette: [Holding up her hands, encouraging Martha to stay calm.] He promised that your son's secret would not leave the confines of the foundation and it hasn't.
Martha walks a few steps away from Bridgette, upset.
Martha: This was a mistake. I never should've called. I wish that Clark hadn't contacted Dr. Swann in the first place.
Bridgette: Your son's destiny was set in motion long before their paths crossed.
Martha: You don't know anything about my son!
Bridgette: [Long pause.] You're right. You're right, I don't. But I do know what it's like to love someone whose calling is greater than your own. [She walks toward Martha.]
Martha: [Quieter.] You and Dr. Swann?
Bridgette: [She nods.] In a different lifetime. [She touches Martha's arm.] Martha, I can help you if you'll let me. Now, where's your son?
Martha: I don't know. [Pause. She leans forward as if telling a secret.] He flew. He flew away.
Bridgette: [Surprised.] So he's ... He has completely embraced his Kryptonian destiny.
Martha: Do you know what that destiny is?
Bridgette: No, but the symbol b*rned into your field three months ago? That's the Kryptonian symbol for "Crusade."
Martha: I don't know what Jor-El did to him, but I know deep down that Clark is still in there.
Bridgette: Martha, the only challenge to a father's will... is a mother's love.
Martha: I... I can't possibly face Clark alone.
Bridgette: You don't have to. Look.
Bridgette is holding a small box which she opens revealing a black stone.
Bridgette: It's black kryptonite. You're his only hope.
Martha looks from the kryptonite to Bridgette doubtfully.
Outside sh*t of a U.S. Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Lex is admitted to the room of Lionel's cell. Lionel, within his cage, is doing pushups with his feet on his bed and his hands on two stacks of books. He is wearing a white t*nk top and orange prison pants. He looks very muscular.
Lex: [Unfriendly.] Wow, Dad, you are in great shape.
Lionel: [Still doing pushups.] Lex, I've been reading about you. Interesting article.
Lionel leaps to his feet and grabs a towel, a magazine, and a pair of reading glasses from his bed. He puts on his glasses and walks toward the edge of the cell chuckling, holding up a copy of Forbes with Lex on the cover. The headline says "Savior of LuthorCorp."
Lionel: You know, they, uh, they dubbed Mussolini a savior. And look what happened to him.
Lex: Dad if you want to blame someone for LuthorCorp's woes, why don't you look in the mirror? [Lionel laughs.] A CEO on trial for m*rder usually erodes consumer confidence.
Lionel: Yeah... To go gallivanting around the world on a fool's errand ain't gonna win any points with shareholders either. [Lionel takes off his glasses.] I'm in a cage, Lex. I'm not d*ad. [Lex grins coldly.] Think I haven't been keeping tabs on you?
Lionel sits on a stack of books with his back to Lex.
Lex: Then how'd you do it?
Lionel: Do what? [He drinks from a water bottle.]
Lex: Break into my jet at 20,000 feet?
Lionel turns to look at Lex strangely.
Lionel: You look pale, Lex. Are you all right?
Lex: [Refusing to let it go.] Where is it?
Lionel: Honestly, Lex, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Lex: Then perhaps I can refresh your memory. Three relics hidden around the world by scientifically advanced ancient cultures. Legend has it that when united, they point the way to a treasury of knowledge that puts the Library of Alexandria to shame.
Lex holds out his hands expectantly, waiting for a reaction. Lionel smiles.
Lionel: You're chasing a fairytale, Lex.
Lex: A fairytale you believed in enough to finance six expeditions over the last two years.
Lionel: I funded several educational digs through the LuthorCorp Foundation. So?
Lex: So. So they all focused on sites that unearthed the same symbols, those on the cave wall. [Pause. Lionel lowers his eyes.] You think those artifacts can save your life, Dad?
Lionel shakes his head and laughs.
Lionel: I don't have time for foolishness, Lex. I'm about to stand trial for m*rder. [He stands.] And when I'm cleared, those responsible for putting me here will certainly feel my wrath.
Lex: Like Chloe did.
Lionel puts his reading glasses back on and picks up a newspaper.
Lionel: Chloe Sullivan was k*lled in a tragic accident. She didn't deserve to die.
Lex: But I did? Is that why you poisoned my brandy?
Lionel: [Losing his temper.] Oh, what kind of a monster do you think I am? bl*wing up houses, poisoning brandy?!
Lex speaks over Lionel with his next line, beginning when Lionel says "bl*wing up houses." Lionel yanks off his glasses angrily.
Lex: I lay there for ten minutes before the paramedics came, Dad! Ten minutes. They said that dosage would k*ll an ordinary man, but apparently I'm not ordinary.
Lionel: No you're not. You're my son.
Lex: [Whispered.] God help me. [He turns to leave.] You shouldn't wound what you can't k*ll, Dad.
He leaves.
The Kawatche caves. Day. We see the wall painting of Naman and Segeeth. Clark enters the cave holding the crystal and walks to the wall with the octagonal groove in it. He presses his palm to the groove and it lights up, causing all the symbols around it to light up and rotate. He touches three different symbols causing them to turn blue, red, and yellow. Then the graduated circles of symbols rotate in alternating directions until the three symbols he touched are lined up to the left of the octagonal groove, causing one of the cave walls to Clark's left to open up emitting a blinding white light. Clark steps inside the hidden chamber.
Inside is what looks like an octagonal stone altar with a bright circle of white in the middle. There are Kryptonian symbols within the circle. Clark holds up the crystal he took from Lex's plane to look at it, then places it in the center of the altar where it fits perfectly into the corner of a triangular groove, filling up exactly one third of the groove. The crystal shines brilliantly and we fade to white.
Cut to Lana lying in her bed in Paris. Day. She is startled awake by a pounding on the door. Her hair is matted and messy and she is breathless and sweating. The knocking continues, persistent and frightening. Lana is naked and pulls the sheet over herself nervously as the wind bl*wing in through her windows causes the drapes to wave like flags.
On an easel across the room stands Lana's charcoal rubbing of the Countess Theroux. Lana finally stands up, holding the sheet loosely around herself as the pounding goes on. She walks slowly to the door and, keeping the chain in place, she unlocks the deadbolt and cautiously opens the door. Jason is standing there.
Jason: [Confused.] What's going on? You were supposed to meet me at 10. It's now 12. Are you okay?
Lana tries unsuccessfully to brush her hair out of her face. Her hand shakes and she is out of breath.
Lana: [Nervous, almost fearful.] Yeah, I don't know how I got here. I must've passed out. I'll meet you downstairs.
Jason looks like he is about to argue, but Lana closes the door. She turns around and looks at her room strangely.
Cut to Clark exiting the secret chamber in the cave. He watches the wall close. Then when he turns around to leave, Martha is standing in front of him, holding the small box in front of her.
Clark: You shouldn't have come here, Martha Kent.
Without a word, Martha opens the box and grabs the black kryptonite, slamming it against Clark's chest.
Clark: Ah!
The rock begins to glow a shimmering purplish blue.
Martha: Clark. If you're still in there... I love you.
Clark steps back awkwardly and is bathed in a blue light as Martha keeps her arm steady holding the rock toward him. Clark gasps and there is a blast of light that removes Clark's shirt revealing the Kryptonian symbol that was b*rned onto his chest in the Season 2 episode Exodus. Clark's upper body waves around and seems to become two of itself, one angry and possessive, Kal-El and the other desperate and afraid, Clark.
Kal-El: [Vicious.] No!
Clark: [Afraid.] Mom!
Martha: Clark! [She gasps.]
The two versions of Clark become more clearly defined. We see that Kal-El has the symbol on his chest but Clark doesn't. Kal-El punches Clark in the face.
Clark: Mom?
Kal-El grabs Clark by the throat, smiling sadistically as he chokes Clark.
Kal-El: Humanity has made you weak
Martha: Clark!
Unable to respond or even breath, Clark looks over at Martha. She tosses the black kryptonite to him, and he catches it. He holds it in his fist as he punches Kal-El in the chest, pushing a hole all the way through to his back. Light comes out of both sides of the hole. Clark and Kal-El struggle with each other until Kal-El is consumed in a burst of white light and energy that sends Martha flying backwards where she slams up against the cave wall and falls to the ground.
Cut to Jonathan sitting up in his hospital bed with a gasp, fully conscious. A nurse runs into the room.
Cut to Clark lying on the cave floor with his eyes closed. He starts to open his eyes as Martha crawls to his side.
Martha: Clark...
Martha puts Clark's head in her lap and rubs her fingers through his hair.
Martha: Clark?
Clark: It's me, Mom. I'm back.
Martha: [Whispered.] Oh, Clark.
Martha holds her son gently on the floor of the cave, and he receives her affection thankfully.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Day. In Jonathan's hospital room, Jonathan is sitting up in his bed, dressed in his regular clothes. He and Martha are kissing passionately as Clark enters the room. Clark clears his throat and they stop kissing, slightly embarrassed.
Clark: What'd the doctor say?
Jonathan: Well, she said that your father is a walking, breathing miracle.
Martha kisses him again.
Jonathan: [To Clark.] And that's thanks to you.
Clark: The real hero's Mom. If it wasn't for her, I'd still be Kal-El.
Clark looks at Martha guiltily.
Jonathan: Son... do you remember anything that happened after you got pulled into that wall?
Clark: I just remember the last couple of days. Even that's a little jumbled.
Jonathan: Clark, your mother tells me you... can fly?
Clark: Kal-El can fly. Clark Kent is still earthbound.
Jonathan: How did that feel?
Clark: Amazing. And scary... because if I can do that, maybe I'm capable of anything.
Martha: You are.
Clark: No, that's you, Mom. 'Cause I don't know if I would've had the strength to hold on for three months not knowing where I was and if Dad would pull through.
Martha: Well, my father used to tell me that life asks of you what it thinks you can handle. There were days when I thought it had asked too much. But then I would think about this family and all the things we've endured and the good things ahead of us. And I found the strength to keep going because... I knew the three of us would be together again.
Martha and Jonathan embrace each other. Clark steps forward and hugs them both.
Lana stands in her shower. Day. She turns the water on and lets it fall on her face, pushing her hair back on her head. She closes her eyes, savoring the water as the steam rises around her and she takes a deep breath.
Outside the shower curtain, we see her silhouette as she rocks back and forth on her feet, one arm holding onto the curtain rod.
Inside, she continues to stand with her head under the falling water, brushing her hair out of her face and seeming extremely uneasy. Then she turns off the water and steps out of the shower holding a towel up to her chest. She steps past her mirror and something she sees there catches her attention.
In the mirror, she is looking at her bare back. On her lower back, there is a black tattoo of the symbol that we saw on Countess Theroux's shield. Lana is stunned to see it on her skin.
Lionel is in his cell, looking at a mirror that he holds in his hand as he rubs his other hand over his extremely short hair. The door to the outside room opens behind him, and in the mirror he sees Lois. He doesn't turn around to look at her.
Lionel: You're not Martha Kent.
Lois: [Walking toward the cell.] Would you have seen me if they said it was Lois Lane?
Lionel: Lois Lane. Yes.
Lionel stands up and walks toward the edge of the cage.
Lionel: You're Chloe Sullivan's cousin.
Lois comes closer to the cage and puts her hands on the metal, not intimidated.
Lionel: What a loss. [Lionel touches one of Lois's fingers, looking at it.] You bite your nails. Bad girl. But getting through the door doesn't mean I'll talk to you. [To the guard.] Guard?
Lionel walks back to his bed where he sits down, puts on his glasses, and picks up a book.
Lois: I don't believe that safe house expl*si*n was an accident.
Lionel: Of course you don't. You believe I'm responsible.
Lois: No. A stunt like that is... thuggish and obvious. It smacks of desperation. All the things you aren't.
Lionel takes off his glasses.
Lionel: All right, Miss Lane, you have my attention. What's your theory?
Lois: [Smiling.] I don't have one.
Lionel: [Laughs.] Then why are you here?
Lois: [Suddenly serious.] Because I wanted to look into the face of the son of a bitch who's responsible for my cousin's death. [Lionel turns away.] You may not have blown her up, but you're the reason she's gone.
Lionel: Before you begin to anoint her for sainthood, let's get some of the facts straight, all right? The simple truth is, I made her an offer. She took it. I kept my end of the bargain. She didn't. She's d*ad as a result of her own actions. I had nothing to do with it. And the next time you come at me with accusations, try to have a little more than righteous indignation.
Lionel puts his glasses back on and picks up his book. He looks at Lois who is still watching him.
Lionel: Zoo hours are over, Miss Lane. Good day.
Lois turns toward the door, then stops before she gets there and turns back.
Lois: You know... [She walks back to the cage, smiling, toying with him.] It must k*ll you that somebody has given you this gift. And you don't know who, and you don't know why, but without Chloe's testimony, you're probably gonna walk out of here a free man. [Lionel ignores her.] Or are you being set up?
Lois doesn't wait for a response. She walks to the door and knocks on it as Lionel takes off his glasses and turns to look at her. Lois gives him one last smile as the door opens. Then she leaves.
A graveyard. Day. We see Chloe's tombstone. It says "Chloe Sullivan, 1987-2004, Beloved Daughter." Lois puts down a small bunch of flowers on the ground in front of the stone. She kneels down and talks to the tombstone.
Lois: I have a confession to make. I didn't go to your funeral. I hate funerals. [She sighs.] Dad says everybody does, but it's a way of paying tribute to a life well-led.
She starts to cry. She fights to hold back her tears, then laughs at herself sadly.
Lois: I hate myself for being weak. I just knew that the moment I came here, it would make it real. I promise I'll find out who did this to you. Even if I have to do it alone.
Clark: [From behind Lois.] You're not alone.
Lois turns around, annoyed, to see Clark holding a bunch of flowers.
Lois: A fact you could've shared before you were breathing down my neck.
Clark: I'm sorry, Lois, I didn't know you were out here.
Lois takes another deep breath and stands up, facing Clark. She looks at his apparel.
Lois: I'm glad to see we've moved beyond the "clothing optional" stage of our relationship. I'm surprised you even remember who I am.
Clark: Chloe's cousin. [He walks toward her.] Nicorette addiction, can't stand uncomfortable silences.
Lois: I guess this means your synapses are all f*ring again.
Clark: Look, I can't explain my actions over the past few days. But Chloe was my best friend. You're not the only one who misses her. [Clark looks at the tombstone sadly.]
Lois: I'm just the only one doing something about it.
Clark: I get the feeling you like to do things yourself.
Lois: My dad raised me to be independent and self-sufficient.
Clark: [Slightly stinging, but friendly.] That would be one way to describe you.
Lois: You know, the only think I like about you at the moment is your mom. You can't possibly be as weird as I think you are with a mom that cool.
Clark: [Smiles.] Look, why don't you let me help you find out who did this to Chloe? Come on, you can stay at our house while you're in town. [Lois hesitates.] It beats living out of your car.
Lois: [Accepting.] Thanks. But you should know I don't pay attention to curfews and I never make my bed. I'll give you some time alone.
Lois walks away and with a sigh, Clark turns to the tombstone. He stares at it for a moment, then his eyes move to the grass in front of the tombstone. A thought occurs to him, and he hesitates. Then he focuses his eyes on the grass and looks into the ground with his X-ray vision.
He sees the coffin in the ground, then looks through the lid of the coffin. It's empty.
Clark: Lois!
Lois turns around.
Clark: Chloe's still alive.
Fade to black.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x01 - Crusade"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on September 29th, 2004
Clark and Lois walk up a grassy hill overlooking a field of cornstalks. Day. The sky is filled with light gray clouds.
Clark: I know you find it hard to believe, but trust me. Chloe's not buried in that grave.
Lois: How do you know that? Look, I want her back more than anyone, but don't you think your hunch is a rung on the whole grief ladder?
Clark: None of this would've happened if I had been there.
Lois: Okay, Commando, I don't get you. Half the time, you're all meek "Yes, Ma" and "Yes, Pa", and the other half, you are the most overconfident guy I've ever met.
Clark: It doesn't happen to you much, does it? Not being able to peg someone right away?
Lois: Oh, get over yourself. You are not that complicated.
Clark and Lois get to the top of the hill and find an area surrounded by yellow police tape. In the center of the site is a large pile of burnt rubble including a burnt car. There are a few wooden beams still standing haphazardly.
Lois: [Quiet, shocked.] This is Chloe's safe house?
Clark: You mean what's left of it.
They stop walking and stare at the mess in awe.
Lois: Oh, my God, Chloe. What did they do to you?
Clark lifts up the police tape to enter the site, and Lois follows. They walk slowly through the rubble of the house.
Lois: What exactly do you expect to find here?
Clark: I don't know, but the FBI sealed the case, even the autopsy reports. Doesn't that sound a little odd?
Lois looks around at the wreckage becoming more and more uneasy.
Lois: Remind me if I'm ever a witness not to put my life in the hands of the FBI.
Clark: Well, maybe she got out before the expl*si*n.
Lois: They said she walked inside, Clark. I don't know how anyone could survive this. Look, you may be in denial thinking Chloe's alive, but I'm gonna find out who did this to her.
Thunder rumbles softly in the distance.
Lois: Let's get out of here, Clark. This place gives me the creeps.
Clark and Lois hear another rumbling that isn't thunder. Suddenly, a black helicopter flies into view from behind a nearby cluster of trees, so close that its propeller sends a sharp wind at Clark and Lois. Surprised, they both look up at it. The helicopter comes to a stop in the air and two men dressed in black combat suits jump out of either side of the helicopter and lower themselves to the ground, suspended by cables. They both wear helmets and have large g*n strapped to their backs.
Clark: [To Lois.] Run!
Lois dashes out of the safe house and toward the hill that she and Clark just ascended. The two men land on the ground and disconnect their wires, and the helicopter flies after Lois.
One of the men jumps into the safe house holding his g*n pointed at Clark. Clark knocks the g*n out of the man's hand with his forearm and throws the man across the site. The man flies high into the air and lands on top of the burnt car, unconscious.
Lois continues to run down the grassy hill, but the helicopter is gaining on her. There is another man in black hanging out of the door of the helicopter. They fly so low that Lois finally has to duck and roll to avoid being h*t. She comes out of her somersault and gets to her feet as the helicopter keeps flying beyond her toward the cornfield where it starts to turn around.
Seeing everything that is going on, Clark runs toward Lois on the hill but is stopped by the other man in black. He attempts to f*re his g*n at Clark, which fires bolts of electricity rather than b*ll*ts, but Clark catches the g*n and pushes the man backwards where he crashes into a standing woodwork frame.
Lois has made it to the cornfield and is running down one of the narrow aisles. The helicopter follows her. She comes to a stop and watches as the helicopter keeps flying, then changes direction, running sideways through the field and pushing her way through narrow gaps between cornstalks.
She gets to a dirt road to the side of the cornfield only to find that the helicopter is already there waiting for her only several feet above the ground. The man holding onto the door jumps to the ground and rushes toward Lois. Clark super speeds to the edge of the hill to see what is happening. He watches the man in black accosting Lois. The man tries to h*t Lois in the face, but she blocks his arm and chops the man in the face instead. Clark sends several bolts of heat vision at the helicopter causing it to lose its s*ab. Lois continues to fight with the man, eventually throwing him to the ground with the skill and agility of a trained professional.
The man gets back to his feet as the helicopter sinks to the ground, skidding along the dirt road. Lois kicks the man on the top of his helmet and he falls onto his back unconscious. Clark super speeds onto the dirt road behind Lois.
Clark: Lois!
Lois turns around, smiling slightly.
Lois: Well, don't just stand there. Come on.
Lois runs toward Clark and grabs his arm, forcing him to run with her away from the helicopter.
From the helicopter steps a general, SAM, dressed in fatigues and sunglasses with an unlit cigar hanging from his mouth. He rips off his sunglasses angrily as he watches Lois and Clark running away. Another man in black runs up to Sam. They have to shout to be heard over the propeller.
Man: We lost them, sir!
Sam: [Taking the cigar out of his mouth.] Find them!
Man: Yes, sir!
Sam puts the cigar back in his mouth as the man in black runs away.
[Opening credits]
The Kent bathroom. Day. We see Clark's silhouette through the shower curtain as he washes himself. Lois enters the room. She is wearing one of Clark's flannel shirts and has slightly damp hair. A towel hangs over her shoulder, and she stands in front of the mirror as she continues to dry her hair.
Lois: Nothing like a little North by Northwest action to get the blood pumping, huh?
Clark jumps at the sound of Lois's voice, shocked that she is in the room while he is showering. He pulls the shower curtain open just enough to peek out and sees Lois wearing nothing but a shirt. He closes the curtain.
Clark: [Embarrassed.] Um... we usually take turns in the bathroom.
Lois: Oh, don't start with me, Smallville. You're the one taking the marathon shower. [Pulling a brush through her hair.] Besides, my delicate feminine sensibilities weren't offended the first time I got a glimpse of, uh, Clark Junior.
Clark: My parents kind of missed the whole Woodstock phase. [Clark turns off the water.] Besides, they freaked out the last time they caught me in a co-ed situation.
Clark peeks out from the behind the curtain again to make sure that Lois isn't watching him. Then he reaches out and yanks a towel off the rack.
Lois: [Intrigued.] Last time? So the eagle scout does have a few secrets in the closet.
Clark drapes the towel around his waist and comes out of the shower.
Clark: Just forget it, all right? [Noticing the flannel shirt.] That's my shirt.
Lois: It's the only thing I could find that was clean.
Irritated, Clark starts to step past Lois to the door and she stands in his way.
Lois: Hey, let's keep this morning's game of chopper tag a secret, okay?
Clark: Right. [Sarcastic.] Because I'm the one who can't keep my mouth shut.
Clark opens the door to leave the room and finds Martha standing in the hallway with an arm full of clean towels. Martha doesn't see Lois who is now behind the door.
Clark: Mom.
Clark jerks the door closed to his shoulder, making sure Lois is out of sight.
Martha: [Brightly.] Hi.
Clark: You're home.
Martha nods, smiling. Lois steps behind Clark and stands on her tiptoes to see Martha over Clark's shoulder.
Lois: [With a big smile.] Hi, Mrs. Kent.
Martha's jaw drops as she looks from Lois to Clark. Lois continues to smile as Clark stares at Martha awkwardly. He is at a complete loss for words.
A sh*t of the base of the Eiffel Tower. Day. Inside her apartment, Lana is looking through some pictures on her laptop computer. She is wearing a shirt that ties in the back, revealing much of her bare skin including the symbol tattooed onto her lower back. There are several pictures taken in Smallville on her computer screen. She clicks on a picture of Clark and it zooms forward, filling the screen.
In the picture, Clark is standing in front of a stone wall in the Kawatche caves. Upon closer inspection, Lana sees a symbol painted onto the wall behind Clark. It is the same symbol that is now on her back. She stands up and goes to a mirror, looking at her lower back with growing worry.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farmhouse. Day. Inside, Clark and Lois stand side by side in the kitchen facing Jonathan and Martha who are also standing side by side. Clark is fully dressed. Lois is still wearing Clark's flannel shirt and a pair of jeans. Martha and Jonathan are staring at Clark and Lois disapprovingly.
Lois: I don't understand what the big deal is here. We just took a shower.
Clark: [Emphasizing the plural.] Showers. We took separate showers.
Martha: [Skeptical.] At noon?
Lois: [Prepared to lie.] We were just ...
Clark: [Blurting out the truth.] We went to Chloe's safe house.
Lois sh**t an annoyed look at Clark.
Clark: These guys showed up and chased us into a field, and there was all this dirt.
Jonathan: [Stepping forward, reproaching.] Clark, that is a federal crime scene. And the last thing that we want is for you two kids to get involved with the FBI.
Lois: Whoever it was, we don't need to worry 'cause their chopper is face first in the middle of the field.
Clark closes his eyes exasperatedly, now annoyed at Lois for blurting out the truth. Jonathan and Martha look at each other seriously.
Lois: Your non-verbals are k*lling me, and this seems like it's a family matter, so... I'm just gonna get out of the way.
Lois picks up her bag and walks toward the stairs, whispering to Clark as she passes.
Lois: Way to go.
Clark gives Lois an irritated look, wanting to argue but staying silent as she jogs up the stairs. Jonathan steps even closer to Clark.
Jonathan: [Quiet and stern.] Please tell me that you did not crash that helicopter.
Clark looks at Jonathan guiltily.
Outside sh*t of the U.S. Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Lionel is in his cage standing in front of a full length mirror wearing a half-finished suit. A tailor is in the cage with him, taking measurements and marking the suit with a piece of chalk. Lex enters the room behind Lionel. We see both of them in the mirror.
Lex: Waste of a new suit, isn't it, Dad?
Lionel: Well, I don't think so, son. Even if Miss Sullivan were alive and testified against me, you and I both know the jury would still find me not guilty. [He turns around to face Lex.] But I am sorry, Lex.
Lex: Sorry that you k*lled a bright young woman just because she stood in your way?
Lionel: My apology concerns you and me. I'm sorry that you couldn't foresee the consequences of your actions when you betrayed me.
Lex: [Raising his voice slightly.] You can save the thr*at, Dad. I'm not as easy a target as you seem to think.
Lionel walks away from the tailor and toward Lex.
Lionel: All those tests, all those trials have made you strong. But this time it's different.
Lionel is standing so close to the cage that his face almost touches the bars. His voice is quiet and full of menace.
Lionel: You'll never know when it will happen, but it will happen. Each swallow of wine you take, every key you turn, every... friend you make. You'll never have another moment's peace.
Lex is silent. His lips twitch slightly with nervousness, but he walks closer to the cage, refusing to back down. Lionel turns away from him and goes back to the mirror, smiling pleasantly at the tailor. Lex stands their and watches him.
Lex pours a goblet of red wine in his study. Day. He holds it up and looks at it as if hearing Lionel's words in his head. Someone enters the study behind him and he turns around seeing that it's Lana. He puts down his glass and Lana walks toward him with a smile.
Lex: You look great.
Lana: [With a smile.] Thank you.
They hug.
Lex: Hey.
Lana: Hey.
Lex: So from your message, I didn't quite get if this is a stopover or if you're back for good.
Lana: For a while. I guess Paris just wasn't for me.
Lex: Yeah. [He walks toward the sofa. His tone is teasing.] Museums, late night jazz clubs, walks along the Seine. I see how that can all get boring.
Lana follows Lex to the sofa where they sit next to each other.
Lana: Let's just say that I felt as though something was calling me home.
Lex: A little cryptic, but I'll take it. Well, you picked a good day for homecoming. You know, Clark just resurfaced, too. Interesting timing.
Lana: [Dismissive.] Funny, I don't remember asking about Clark. [Changing the subject.] Actually, uh, I came by because I saw the Talon was boarded up. I thought you would've sold it by now.
Lex: Yeah, well, I had a little trouble letting it go. [Lana squints at Lex inquisitively.] Why, are you in the market for a partner?
Lana: [She smiles.] No. Um... no. I want to rent the apartment.
Lex nods, smiling in return.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Inside, Clark is sleeping on the couch in the living room. He lies on his stomach with no shirt on, covered by a blue blanket. His face is buried in the pillow.
Dressed in her own clothes, Lois creeps down the front stairs and glances in the living room at Clark. He stirs slightly but doesn't wake up. Lois then exits through the front door closing it gently behind her. Clark stirs a second time and again stays asleep.
Cut to Chloe's tombstone. We hear Lois breathing heavily and we see that she is digging up the grave. She is already waist deep in the earth. She stops digging and looks around, revealing that her face is sweaty and covered with dirt. Then she turns back to the tombstone and plants the shovel in the dirt next to her with determination.
Lois: I hope that Clark is right. Otherwise, this is gonna get really ugly, Chlo.
Lois toss the shovel to the side of the grave, then takes a deep breath, motivating herself.
Lois: Okay.
She kneels down in the grave and brushes the remaining dirt off of the top half of Chloe's coffin. Once the lid of the coffin is in view, she hesitates. Then she closes her eyes and pulls the coffin open slowly. When it is open, Lois slowly opens her eyes and is visibly startled.
The coffin is empty.
Lois: [Smiling.] He was right.
Lois closes the coffin and stands up. A young man, TRENT, stands next to a tree several meters behind Lois.
Trent: Where's Chloe Sullivan?
Lois: [Turning around.] Who the hell are you?
Trent: [thr*at.] You'd better tell me where she is.
Trent walks toward Lois. His head is shaved almost down to the skin. He wears a black shirt and black pants and a brown trench coat. Lois jumps out of the grave and reaches into her bag, pulling out a can of pepper spray. She hides it behind her back as she walks toward Trent.
Lois: What? The posse couldn't get to me the first time, so the boss sent you? You can both kiss my ass.
Lois and Trent are now standing face to face. Trent holds his right hand behind his back and it turns silver, morphing into a large metal blade. Then he brings his arm forward, swinging the blade at Lois. She tries to spray Trent in the eyes, but he knocks her to the ground, causing her to lose her grip on the pepper spray which lands next to her shovel.
Trent swings at Lois again and she backs away. Trent's blade connects with a nearby tombstone, breaking off a large chunk.
Somebody picks up the shovel and pepper spray, though we can't see who it is.
Trent leans over Lois and pulls his arm back, preparing to run her through with the blade, when he is suddenly bashed on the back of the head by the shovel. He turns around and sees Lana who sh**t the pepper spray into his eyes.
Trent: Aah!
Trent grabs his eyes and falls to the ground. Lana drops the shovel and goes to Lois, helping her to her feet.
Lana: Are you okay?
They both look toward where Trent was lying. He is gone.
Lois: Where the hell did he go? Medieval psychopath.
Lana: [Seeing Chloe's grave.] I guess you'd have to be in order to dig up a grave in the middle of the day.
Lois: Actually, that was me. [Lana looks at Lois strangely.] It's my cousin's grave. [Offers her hand.] Lois Lane.
Lana shakes her hand.
Lana: Lana Lang.
Clark is in front of the farmhouse working on the tractor. Day. Lana's car drives up the road and stops outside the Kent yard. Clark puts down his wrench and walks toward the car, smiling cautiously as Lana steps out of the car. She looks less than thrilled to be there.
Clark: Lana. You're back.
Lana: [Awkwardly.] Hi. Hi, Clark.
Clark is surprised as Lois steps out of the passenger seat.
Clark: Lois. How did you two ...
Lana: We just met. I, uh, stopped by the cemetery to pay my respects to Chloe.
Lois: [To Lana.] I think you're forgetting about the part where you saved my life. [To Clark.] Some Ginsu boy came after us at Chloe's grave.
Lana: Look, Clark, if you really think that Chloe's alive, I want to help find her.
Clark: Uh, Lana... Look, I don't want to get your hopes up, but we don't know anything for sure.
Lana: Okay.
Clark: You're back from Paris. You must've found what you were looking for.
Lois: [Cutting in.] I'll say! Who wouldn't want a hot summer fling in the most romantic city on Earth?
Lana glances at Lois then at Clark, embarrassed. Clark looks at Lana questioningly.
Lana: [To Clark.] I was going to tell you.
Clark: [Hurt.] It's okay.
Lois looks at them both, catching on.
Lois: Really? You two?
Clark: We never...
Lana: Not really.
Clark: ...had a thing.
Lana: It's complicated.
Lois: [She has heard enough.] A complicated thing. Never mind.
Lana and Clark share another long look.
Lana: Well, um, I'm gonna go.
Lana laughs uncomfortably and walks back to her car.
Lois: The awkward tension's just getting started.
Clark doesn't respond. Lois looks back at Lana.
Lois: I really crashed and b*rned on that one.
Clark: Must be a daily ritual for you.
Lois: Only when I'm barreling into a train wreck.
Lois glances back at Lana as she drives away, then walks toward the house. Clark stays where he is.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. The moon is a sliver in the starry sky. Inside, Lois follows Clark up the stairs to the upper level.
Lois: Listen, I really think we're onto something here. I did my research, and it turns out LuthorCorp paid for Chloe's funeral. Why would they do that? It doesn't make any sense.
Clark doesn't respond. They continue to climb the stairs.
Lois: I guess the real question to ask would be, why would somebody bury an empty casket for nothing? Right, Clark?
They get to the top of the stairs, and Clark remains silent, lost in his own thoughts.
Lois: Clark?
Clark turns to Lois, looking at her blankly.
Lois: Wow, she didn't take any prisoners, did she? [Clark doesn't understand.] Lana? Cute, smart, gutsy... and way too much for you to handle. I can see why you're in love with her.
Clark: Look, you're really not the person I want to talk to about this.
Lois: Suit yourself.
Lois goes to the couch and sits down, pulling her laptop out of her bag and opening it. Clark keeps his back to Lois, eventually realizing that he does in fact want to talk about it.
Clark: It's just... I knew she'd be dating other people.
Lois: But?
Clark: [Turning to look at Lois.] I just don't understand how you could feel like you know someone so completely, like you know everything about them, and then just all of a sudden...
Lois: You don't even know what continent they're on.
Clark: [Frustrated.] Do you always have to finish people's thoughts?
Lois: Well, am I right?
Clark lowers his eyes, revealing that Lois is right. Before they can say anymore, a whirring of a helicopter is heard outside the loft. A blinding searchlight shines in through the window and the wind from the propeller sends debris flying into the loft. Clark runs to the window to see what is going on.
Lois: [Grabbing Clark's arm.] Come on! We gotta go!
They run to the stairs, but just as they get there, Sam the general is walking up the stairs toward them. He stares at Clark coldly. Then he turns his eyes to Lois.
Lois: [Unafraid.] Hi, Daddy.
Clark jerks his head to Lois, surprised. Lois smiles at him.
Fade to black.
Sam and Lois walk out of the loft. Night. Sam is still holding his unlit cigar.
Sam: I thought we had an understanding. You were to stay away from that crime scene.
Lois: And you were supposed to be at the Pentagon.
Sam: Ha. They sent me out to Fort Ryan to oversee some maneuvers.
Lois: To keep an eye on me. Is that it, Boss?
Sam: [He stops walking.] Drop it, Lo.
Lois: Why? I'm obviously onto something here. You wouldn't be calling out the birds if I was late for dinner.
Lois walks toward the house, and Sam follows her.
Cut to Martha setting the dining room table for dinner as Jonathan takes a tray out of the oven. Clark stands next to Martha.
Clark: [Disbelievingly.] You didn't seriously invite him to dinner.
Jonathan: Clark, Mr. Lane is a three-star general. I think he deserves a little respect.
Clark: [Trying to fight it.] Mom. Mom...
Sam and Lois enter the kitchen.
Sam: [Friendly.] This is some place you got here Mr. and Mrs. Kent. And again I'd like to thank you for keeping an eye on my little Lo.
Martha smiles. Sam addresses Jonathan, holding up a cigar.
Sam: Can I offer you a Chavelo? Hand rolled with some of the finest tobacco in the U.S. of A.
Jonathan reaches out to take the cigar, then stops himself.
Jonathan: No, I, uh... My heart isn't exactly what it used to be.
Sam: [To Martha.] I'm gonna have to take a rain check on your hospitality, Mrs. Kent.
Martha: You're welcome any time. [She shakes Sam's hand.]
Sam: Thank you. [To Lois.] Let's double-time it, Lo.
Lois walks to Clark and gives him a hug goodbye. He seems confused by the warm gesture. She whispers into his ear.
Lois: This is about Chloe. Clark, find the connection to LuthorCorp.
Lois steps away from Clark and smiles at him inconspicuously. She exits.
Sam: Good night now.
Jonathan: Good night.
Sam leaves. Jonathan looks at Clark who is still startled by Lois's words.
Lex is in his study with a man, Agent Stocker. Day. There is a screen set up on which they are watching a projection of a computer simulation of the door being pulled off of Lex's private jet in midair.
Stocker: I was assigned to the accident in Jakarta and the shuttle disaster.
Lex: Impressive.
Lex walks toward the screen and gestures to the door of the plane.
Lex: Then maybe you could help explain to me how a door rips off a jet at 20,000 feet.
Stocker: We found no traces of expl*sive residue. Now, all evidence suggests that the door was extricated from outside the aircraft... by manual force.
Lex: [Doubtful.] I'm sorry, are you trying to tell me someone did this from outside my plane?
They hear the door open and Clark steps into the room. Lex is surprised to see him.
Lex: Agent Stocker, will you excuse us?
Using the remote control in his hand, Lex turns off the projection of the airplane as Agent Stocker leaves the room. Clark remains near the door, staring at Lex.
Lex: Does this mean you're talking to me again?
Clark: [Cold.] Only because I don't have a choice.
Lex: Relegated from friend to last resort. [Sad.] I guess I'll have to accept it if it's my only chance to prove myself.
Clark: Good. 'Cause I want you to help me find Chloe.
Lex: Look, I'd like to set things straight between us, Clark, but don't you think raising someone from the grave is setting the bar a little high?
Clark: Lex, Chloe's not in her grave.
Lex looks away. Clark walks toward him slowly.
Clark: She was the linchpin in your father's trial. You would've had investigators crawling all over that area. What'd they find?
Lex: I pulled some strings and asked the FBI not to release all the morbid details. The fact is, that expl*si*n took out an entire acre, and the reason Chloe's casket is empty is... It's because there wasn't anything left.
Clark lowers his eyes, shocked. His gaze wanders toward Lex's desk. He sees the butt of a Chavelo cigar stubbed out in an ash tray. Clark looks back to Lex, a new idea forming in his mind. Lex doesn't appear to notice the change.
Lex: I'm sorry, Clark.
Without responding, Clark turns around and leaves.
From above, we see Lionel in the prison showers standing under the steaming flow of water. Day. The sh*t comes down as Lionel scrubs himself and lets the water fall down over his face, clearly enjoying himself. He glances to the side of the room where a guard is standing by, waiting for him.
Lionel grabs a bar of soap and begins to rub it through his hair and over his body. He looks again in the direction of the guard, but the guard is now gone. Lionel looks around, confused, but sees no one.
Then another prisoner comes up behind Lionel and grabs him around the neck with one arm. The man is younger than Lionel. He has a shaved head and a very muscular body with several tattoos on his arms. He wears a white towel around his waist. Lionel's mouth flies open in surprise when the man grabs him.
The man says something inaudible into Lionel's ear, then with his left hand, holds a Kn*fe to Lionel's ribs and s*ab him. Lionel flinches, then stumbles to the ground slowly as the man takes his Kn*fe and runs away. Lionel's mouth is still a perfect O, and he touches the side of his torso gently, feeling the blood dripping from his wound. He remains on the ground, gasping.
Outside sh*t of a military base. Day. Inside, we see the top of a desk in an office. Sitting on the desk is a box of Chavelo cigars. Next to the box is a file folder. Somebody opens the folder and looks through the papers inside, but we can't see who. The name plate on the desk says "Gen. Sam Lane". Next to the name plate is a picture of Sam, his wife, and Lois as a little girl.
We see that the person in Sam's office is Lois. She opens a file cabinet and continues to snoop. When she doesn't find anything of use there, she goes to a bookshelf and pulls out a large log book, thumbing through the pages. The door to the office opens behind her, bathing her in light from the outlying hallway, and she turns around, startled.
Clark enters and closes the door behind him.
Clark: Considering your father has a yard full of t*nk out there, I don't think you should be in his office rifling through his files.
Lois: That didn't seem to slow you down any. I gotta say I'm impressed, Smallville, that you could sneak on a military base undetected. What are you doing here?
Clark: I'm looking for you. I think your father's working with Lex Luthor. I saw one of his cigars in his library.
Lois: I knew it. You're right. What do you know? My dad and the king of the trust fund kids.
Lois goes back to Sam's desk and sets down the log book to keep looking through it.
Clark: They're trying to cover up something to do with Chloe, and if he finds us here ...
Lois: I can handle him, Clark. Besides, if you think that chopper recital was something, you should've seen the escort I had for prom.
Clark: Wow, and I thought my father was overprotective.
Lois: [Grinning slightly.] I guess when he lost my mom, he kind of cracked, and... ever since, he's been scared of losing me too.
Clark lowers his eyes apologetically and sees the picture on Sam's desk.
Lois: [Amused by Clark's sympathy.] I can actually talk about it. She died when I was six.
Clark: [Pause.] I'm sorry.
Lois: Don't be. Unless you're the one that got her hooked on cigarettes behind the gym during high school.
Lois picks up another log book and hands it to Clark.
Lois: Make yourself useful.
She takes another book for herself and begins to flip through its pages. Clark skims through his book. There is a list of names and Clark stops at one that catches his eye.
Clark: Nellie Blye?
Lois: I know. Can you believe after 15 years, my dad is finally getting some action? I'm kind of happy for the old geezer.
Clark: She died nearly 80 years ago.
Lois: [Looking in Sam's day planner.] But it says in his calendar that he's been taking R & R with her at least once a week.
Clark: She was one of the first undercover female reporters. She was Chloe's hero.
Lois is stunned. She sits down at the desk to continue looking at the planner.
Lois: It says here that she is at... 2348 Walnut Street.
We hear a burst of air, and when Lois looks up from the planner, Clark is gone.
Lois: Clark?
Cut to Clark super speeding down the street. He gets to an old country house and finds the front door partially open. He steps inside and hears pop music playing on the radio. Right inside the door is a desk with an open laptop computer sitting on it. As Clark enters, he sees the back door at the end of the hallway, bouncing on its hinges as if someone has just left.
Clark looks around and sees a collage of pictures on the wall, very similar to Chloe's Wall of Weird in the Torch office.
Clark: [Yelling.] Chloe?
Clark walks closer to the pictures and studies them. Then he turns to the laptop on the desk. From there, he looks to the ground and sees a smear of blood, and another on the door leading into the next room. Clark rushes to the door and bursts through it, finding two d*ad officers in the room. One is slumped against the wall and the other is hunched over a chair. Clark rushes to the chair to check the man's pulse. Then he looks up at the door he just came through and sees Lex standing there.
They share an intense stare and Lex looks away.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the U.S. Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Lionel lies in a bed in the prison infirmary with bandaging around his midsection. He is shirtless and hooked up to a IV bag. His eyes are closed.
Trent enters the room, and Lionel's eyes open when he speaks.
Trent: You were right, Mr. Luthor. Lex's men led me right to her.
Lionel: It's done? You did what I asked?
Trent: No. I've kind of had a change of heart. I had to k*ll two men. The price is doubled.
Lionel: That was a very foolish decision, Trent. Yes, you have an extraordinary gift. I know that. But wasn't it your pride in that gift that first landed you in Belle Reve?
Trent: [Furious.] Don't think you understand! You don't!
Trent holds a finger to Lionel's face, and the finger morphs into a blade. Lionel pushes Trent's hand away slowly.
Lionel: Believe me, I couldn't begin to imagine what it must have been like for you.
Trent's finger goes back to normal.
Lionel: But, Trent, very few people in your life will ever accept you for the man you are. Why would you turn against the one person who would never, never judge you?
Trent is silent for a moment. Lionel's words are affecting him.
Trent: I don't care.
Lionel: But you do care. It's what you want, Trent... to be normal. Isn't it?
Trent's face scrunches with emotion.
Lionel: And I want to help. But I can't. I won't be free. Not if Chloe Sullivan testifies tomorrow.
Trent looks at Lionel seriously, understanding what Lionel is asking of him. Lionel gives Trent a fatherly smile.
Clark and Lex are in the country house. Day. Clark is standing next to the collage of pictures on the wall as Lex talks angrily on his cellular phone.
Lex: How long does it take to locate her? [Pause.] Well, do it!
He hangs up his phone and turns to Clark.
Lex: Clark, I was trying to protect her.
Clark: You had a tracking bracelet on her wrist. You couldn't have thought she was that safe.
Lex: I tried to take every precaution.
Clark walks to Lex, angry.
Clark: You looked me straight in the eye and told me she was d*ad.
Lex: Look, sometimes you have to do the right thing no matter what the cost.
Clark: Even if that cost is Chloe's life.
Lex: Clark, if it wasn't for me, Chloe would've died in that expl*si*n.
Over the next few lines, we see a flashback of Chloe and her father Gabe walking into the safe house just before the expl*si*n.
Lex: I felt responsible for Chloe, so I had the investigators watching her. They found a detonating device in the safe house. My father had hired someone to make sure Chloe never made it to the witness stand.
In the safe house, two men in black combat suits and helmets jump out and grab Chloe and Gabe. They push Chloe and Gabe into a closet. A trap door in the floor of the closet has been opened revealing a staircase to the underground. Chloe and Gabe are pushed down the stairs.
Lex: The only think I could do was b*at him to it. The house was built on tunnels left from the underground railroad. Seconds after Chloe and her dad entered, we rushed them underneath the house. The expl*si*n was rigged to cave in the tunnel behind them.
Chloe and Gabe cling to each other fearfully as they walk through the narrow and dimly-lit tunnel. The safe house explodes.
Back to the present.
Lex: The cops never found it.
Clark: And Sam Lane?
Lex: I didn't trust the FBI. I needed someone who could engineer the rescue.
Lex gets a message on his PDA. He looks at it.
Lex: She's at the old foundry. Don't worry, Clark, I'll have people over there in minutes.
Lex dials a number on his cell phone and holds it to his ear. Again, we hear a rush of air as Clark leaves the room at super speed.
Lex: [On the phone.] Give me General Lane.
He turns to the front door and sees it partially open. Clark is nowhere to be seen.
Cut to an outside sh*t of the foundry. It is a mass of pipes rising high into the air and emitting white steam and smoke.
Inside, in what seems to be an enormous boiler room, a hook hangs from a long cable. We see the hands of somebody hanging from the hook, tied to it with rope around the wrists. The sh*t lowers, and we see that it is Chloe. She is bleeding from the side of her head and her mouth is covered with electrical tape. She struggles to get free.
Clark super speeds toward the foundry.
Chloe kicks her legs in the air, knocking her feet against a nearby steel beam. She swings back and then forward again and this time, wraps her legs around the beam. Beneath her feet is a button and she kicks the button with her foot. The cable she is suspended from begins to lower slowly until Chloe is finally standing on the ground. She takes her arms down from the hook and rips the tape off of her mouth.
She then starts to make her way through the boiler room, turning around constantly to see if anyone is following her. There is steam rising and sparks flying in several places. She runs through a wall of steam and continues to look around. Suddenly she runs into Trent who wraps one hand around her throat. He grimaces viciously.
Chloe gasps for air as Trent's hand turns into a metal vice. She holds onto the vice, trying to pull it away, but it won't move. Then Trent sees a reflection of Clark standing behind him in the metal. He turns around startled, and Clark grabs him, tossing him into the air. He crashes against two pipes held in place by opposing walls, and knocks both of the pipes to the ground as he falls. Clark strides toward Trent furiously as Trent is standing up. He turns to Clark and morphs his arm into a large blade, swinging it at Clark.
Clark blocks the swing with his own arm and sparks fly from the collision. Trent spins around for his next swing, which Clark blocks with both arms. Trent swings one more time, and Clark crosses his arms to block the impact, then pushes Trent backwards. Clark tries to punch Trent in to the chest, but Trent's whole body becomes a mass of liquid metal and Clark falls right through him, landing behind him on the ground right in front of a vat of red hot liquid metal.
Clark turns over onto his back and sees Trent standing over him, preparing to swing. Suddenly, Trent's body is covered with an electrical current. He turns around to see Lois standing behind him, sh**ting him with an electric ray g*n. Clark sh**t his heat vision at Trent's body until Trent finally explodes into thousands of tiny drops of liquid metal that plop into the steaming vat.
Lois: What the hell was that?
Clark stands up, not responding.
Lois: Chloe always told me this town was weird. I don't know how you ever survived without me.
She grins at Clark who turns away and runs back to Chloe.
Clark: [To Lois.] How'd you get here, anyway?
Lois: [Following him.] What do you mean how did I get here? How did you get here?
Clark: [Calling out.] Chloe?
He finds Chloe unconscious on the ground and kneels down next to her, untying her hands.
Clark: Chloe, are you okay? Chloe?
Chloe's eyes open, and she laughs with happiness and relief when she sees Clark. She sits up and they hug each other tightly.
Clark: Chloe. I was afraid I'd lost you.
Chloe is too overcome with emotion to respond. Clark helps her to her feet as she gasps through tears of joy. She laughs again and touches Clark's shoulders and face as if to make sure he's really there. Then she sees Lois standing behind Clark.
Chloe: [Surprised.] Lois? Lois, what are you doing here? Lois!
They hug.
Lois: Putting the worst two months of my life behind me.
They pull out of the hug to look at each other, and Chloe laughs happily.
Lois: I am so glad I found you.
Clark: "I"?
Clark and Lois share a slightly annoyed glance.
Chloe: If you guys don't mind, I'd really like to get out of here.
Clark: Yeah.
Lois: Yeah.
Clark and Lois stand on either side of Chloe, each putting an arm around her, and they all walk out of the foundry.
Clark: Let's get you out of here, Chloe.
Lois: Before Lionel throws anymore creeps at you.
Chloe: Yeah. Because tomorrow morning in court, I'm gonna kick Lionel Luthor's butt.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farmhouse. Night. Inside, Jonathan sits at the dining room table looking at the latest issue of The Daily Planet. A headline in huge bold letters says "GUILTY!" There is a picture of Lionel Luthor in handcuffs, and below the picture in smaller print are the words: "Jury Returns Verdict in High Profile Case." Martha stands next to Jonathan, and Clark is also seated at the table eating dinner.
Jonathan: It's good to see that there are some things even Lionel Luthor can't buy his way out of.
Clark: Thanks to Chloe.
Jonathan: [Putting down the newspaper.] Clark, as much as I hate to admit this, Lex had a hand in this too. He did make good on his promise to protect Chloe.
Clark: And look what he got out of it. Control of LuthorCorp.
Jonathan stands and goes into the kitchen and Clark follows.
Clark: Look, I'm sorry, but it's gonna take a lot more than that for me to get to trust him again.
Martha follows them both to the kitchen.
Martha: Ever since he met you, he's been surrounded by things he can't explain. We can't really blame him for trying to find the truth.
Clark puts his dishes in the sink.
Clark: The truth is, he's been lying to me from day one. The legend on the cave wall says I'm destined to have an enemy. All this time, I've been worried about Lionel. But I'm beginning to think that the real thr*at was right in front of me. I think it's Lex.
Lana is in the Kawatche caves. Night. She shines a flashlight along the walls looking at the different paintings. Clark enters behind her with his own flashlight.
Clark: Lana.
Lana turns around, not sure how to explain herself.
Clark: What are you doing down here?
Lana: Probably the same thing you are. [Clark waits for her to go on.] It's peaceful.
Clark: You're two for two. You keep showing up when I least expect to see you.
Lana: I'm not trying to surprise you, Clark.
Clark: I know. It's just when you left, I wasn't sure when I'd see you again.
Lana: It's funny, isn't it. After everything we've been through, I thought it would take us longer to get over it.
Clark: [Not understanding.] Us?
Lana: You and Lois.
Clark: Lois?
Clark realizes what Lana is implying. He tries to deny it.
Clark: She's bossy.
Lana smiles, seeing through Clark's negative words. Clark continues, trying to prove his point.
Clark: She's stuck up, she's rude. I can't stand her.
Lana smiles and nods.
Lana: The best ones always start that way.
Clark looks at Lana, not responding. Lana looks past Clark and sees the symbol she's been looking for on the wall, the one that is on her back.
Lana: Do you believe in destiny?
Lana goes to the wall and shines her flashlight on the symbol.
Clark: I don't want to.
Lana: But you can't escape it, can you? Even if you don't know what it is yet?
Lana is standing with her back to Clark. Her back is now covered so Clark can't see the tattoo.
Clark: Lana, what is it you're not telling me? Does it have something to do with this guy you met?
Lana: No, no. Um, no it doesn't. [She turns to him.] But I'm sorry that you found out the way you did. I should go.
Lana leaves. Clark looks around unhappily, and his eyes land on the painting of Naman and Sageeth.
Outside sh*t of a prison. Night. There is a buzzing within and the door to a cell block opens. Lionel is escorted by a guard into a small antechamber surrounded by bars. He is dressed in an orange jumpsuit and holds a folded blanket in one hand and a couple of books in the other. Lex is standing behind him outside the bars.
Lionel: Well done, Lex. [He turns to Lex.] But wasn't it you who warned me don't wound what you cannot k*ll?
Lex merely smirks in reply. Lionel turns back to the bars in front of him that lead the way to the main cell block.
Lex: Oh, and Dad...
The main gate is opened and Lionel starts to step through. He stops and turns his head slightly, waiting for Lex to speak.
Lex: [With a small smile.] I wouldn't have missed this for the world.
Lionel doesn't look at Lex or respond. He goes through the gate which closes behind him. Along the hallway of the cell block are dozens of dangerous-looking men, also in orange jumpsuits who eye Lionel menacingly. Lex's smile grows.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside the empty building, Lana is at the top of the stairs outside the apartment. She tosses an empty cardboard box over the railing where it lands next to several others. She walks back to the apartment and stops when she hears the door open downstairs. She goes to the railing and looks down with shock.
Jason Teague is looking up at her with a bouquet of flowers.
Jason: [Quietly.] Hi.
Lana is still too stunned to respond.
Jason: I'm freaking you out with the whole Cary Grant moment, aren't I?
Lana laughs breathlessly and comes down the stairs.
Lana: What are you doing here?
Jason: Giving you time.
He hands her the bouquet.
Lana: They're beautiful.
Jason pulls a note out of his pocket and unfolds it.
Jason: I, uh, found this. [He reads.] "Jason, I had to go back home. I wish I had time to explain." So now you do.
Lana smiles.
Lana: I'm sorry, Jason, I, uh... I don't know what to say.
Jason: It's okay. It's all right. You know, I kept trying to convince myself that this wasn't about me, but... you can't really put that in a note, can you?
Lana doesn't answer, and Jason takes that as a cue to leave. He turns away and walks toward the door.
Lana: Wait.
Jason stops and turns around.
Lana: Jason, I'm not sorry to see you. You know, it's just, you came all this way, and I-I wish I had a better explanation for you.
Jason: For why you left Paris or why you left me?
Lana: You know how I feel about you. That hasn't changed. But I can't go back.
Jason: Lana, I didn't come here to get you. I came here to be with you.
Lana smiles thankfully at Jason. He leans down to her and they kiss slowly and warmly.
Fade to black.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x02 - Gone"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 6th, 2004
The football field at Smallville High School. Day. At the edge of the field is a large square-shaped banner that says "Smallville High, Home of the Crows, 2001. As students stand all around the field and cheer at a pep rally, the football players, all wearing letterman's jackets and football jerseys, crash through the paper banner and run out into the field with Whitney Fordman at the lead.
Screen Text: Freshman Year 2001
Clark stands at the edge of the field clapping and looking wistfully at the excited football players who make their way to a small stage that has been set up. Once on the stage, Whitney shouts into a megaphone. The rest of the players and the crowd stay on the ground and continue to cheer.
Whitney: Are we going to state this year?
Crowd: Yeah!
Whitney: I can't hear ya! Who's gonna be the state champions?
Crowd: The Crows!
Whitney: I need a brave freshman to step up.
Whitney walks down the stage stairs to the ground to look through the crowd.
Whitney: All right, which one of you studs thinks you're a better quarterback than me?
He looks in Clark's direction, and Clark lowers his eyes.
Whitney: [Lowering the megaphone.] Kent! How about it?
Clark: Huh? [Whitney walks toward him. Clark shakes his head nervously.] That's okay.
Whitney: [With a smug grin.] You're too busy milking cows to come and try out for the team. The least you can do is show some school spirit.
He tosses a football to Clark who catches it. Then Whitney turns back to the crowd and raises the megaphone to his lips.
Whitney: Am I right?
Everyone yells excitedly.
Whitney: Come on, Kent. You want to take a sh*t at the hottest freshman in Smallville High?
Clark looks across the field where a dunk t*nk has been set up. Lana is sitting on the platform above the t*nk of water in a Crows T-shirt. To her left is a large circle with an X in the middle of it which Clark will have to h*t with the football to dunk Lana.
Lana: [Enthusiastic.] Come on, Clark!
Clark smiles at Lana shyly. Then he looks down from her face to the glowing Kryptonite necklace she is wearing. She is too far away for the necklace to affect Clark, but his attraction to Lana makes him even more nervous, and he clutches the football tightly as his hands start to shake. Whitney and another football player laugh at Clark.
Lana: [Sincere.] Just take your time. Come on, Clark, you can do it.
Clark pulls back his arm, preparing to throw the ball, when he is interrupted by a female student, Abby Fine. She runs onto the field dressed as a Crow, the school mascot. Her face is covered in a large mask and she jumps around while she makes crow noises.
Abby: Caw! Caw! Support the team! Caw! Caw! Whoo!
The crowd cheers for the mascot as she runs into the field between Clark and Lana.
Abby: Yeah, go Crows! Woo-hoo!
Whitney: [Into the megaphone, walking toward Abby.] Hey, it's the Crow! Who's the lucky freshman this year?
Another football player, Brett Anderson, walks toward Abby as well.
Brett: [Cruelly.] Probably the biggest loser like every year. [Gesturing to the mask.] Come on, take it off. Take it off. Let me see your face.
Clark: Hey, leave her alone.
Abby: Guys, just leave me alone, all right?
Another player holds Abby's arm, preventing her from running away.
Brett: [To Clark.] What? We always t*rture the mascot. It's a tradition.
Abby: Leave me alone. Leave me alone! [Brett takes off Abby's mask.] Stop it!
The mask is removed, revealing a girl with messy blond hair, thick-rimmed glasses, and horrible acne. The whole crowd gasps and starts to laugh.
Brett: Scabby Abby. Hey, it's Scabby Abby!
He turns to the crowd and waves the crow mask over his head as he chants the nickname. The crowd joins in.
Brett: Scabby Abby! Scabby Abby!
Crowd: Scabby Abby! Scabby Abby! Scabby Abby! Scabby Abby! Scabby Abby!
The chanting continues. Clark stands silently, unsure of what to do. Abby looks around at the crowd becoming more and more humiliated and starts to cry. She finally turns around and runs away.
Brett: [Holding the mask over his head.] Put your mask back on, Scabster!
Whitney turns back to the crowd.
Whitney: All right, who's next? Who's gonna step up and dunk her?
Clark lowers his eyes unhappily.
Abby runs to the parking lot and leans with her back against a parked truck sobbing. She takes off her glasses and wipes her eyes. Then she turns around and sees her reflection in the truck's window. We hear a woman's voice as we come to the present day.
Fade to a three-dimensional computer simulation of Abby's face.
Woman: Poor Abby. It's taken three years, but you finally let Mommy help you.
The simulation fades to Abby's actual face as she lies on a table in a lab covered by two metallic straps across her chest and pelvis. The woman speaking is her mother, Dr. Fine, an attractive woman who stands next to the table wearing rubber gloves and a lab coat. She strokes Abby's hair lovingly.
Dr. Fine: Don't worry, sweetheart. I won't let you waste your senior year like you did all the others.
Abby: You promise people will like me?
Dr. Fine: They will. I promise. Just like they did me.
Abby smiles. Dr. Fine walks to the wall and pushes a button. A buzzing is heard over the lab table.
Dr. Fine: Everyone will love you when they see the real you, the one that's been inside all along.
A large hard covering begins to lower toward the lab table. Its outline resembles a human body, not unlike the top of a sarcophagus except that it is made of transparent plastic, and Abby trembles in fear as it comes closer to her. We see it from her point of view, and the inside of the covering has dozens of needles pointing directly at Abby. The needles are spaced only inches apart from each other.
Dr. Fine: You're going to have a senior year no one will ever forget.
The cover continues to lower until the needles touch Abby's face and begin to break the skin. Small drops of blood pour down her cheek.
[Opening credits]
A sh*t of a football resting on the grass as a crowd is heard cheering. Day. We hear the voice of a male announcer.
Announcer: What a ball game! It's all tied up! With five seconds left, it's a brother here at Metro Stadium!
Clark, dressed in blue jeans and a flannel shirt, picks up the ball.
Announcer: Clark Kent, the young phenom from Smallville has led M.U.'s incredible comeback.
Clark holds the ball in his hands, looking at it intensely and turning it over. He is in the middle of an empty field in Smallville.
Announcer: Kent takes the step from his own ten-yard line. It's Hail Mary time. He fades back. Here's the pass.
Clark runs backwards a few paces and then chucks the ball into the air.
Announcer: A b*llet deep downfield! Way past his own receiver!
As the ball continues to fly across the field toward the Kent barn, Clark super speeds toward it.
Announcer: Wait! Kent's now flying down the field. He's going to catch his own pass!
Clark jumps into the air and catches the football.
Announcer: Touchdown! The Meteors win! Kent is unbelievable!
Clark smiles, pleased with himself. The cheering and the voice of the announcer in Clark's imagination fade away. Clark notices a tire swing hanging from a nearby tree and tosses the football at it, easily sinking the ball through the hole of the tire. He doesn't notice that Lois has parked her car behind him and is now walking toward him.
Lois: Nice arm, farm boy.
Clark turns around, startled.
Lois: When's the first game?
Clark: [Uneasy.] I'm not on the team.
Lois: Why not? An arm like that is a "Get out of geek free" pass.
Clark: Well, even if I wanted to play ...
Lois: Which obviously you do.
Clark: That wouldn't be the reason. Thanks, I don't really consider myself a geek.
Clark starts to walk away, and Lois walks with him.
Lois: So... what do you see yourself as?
Clark: I don't know. An outsider, I guess.
Lois: [She laughs.] That's a recipe for wedgies if I've ever heard one.
Clark: [Annoyed.] Have I told you how much I'm gonna miss you?
They stop walking as Lois's dad, General Sam Lane, drives up and steps out of his car.
Lois: [Not pleased to see him.] Daddy. Don't you have three thousand guys to babysit? Do you really need to keep checking up on me?
Sam: It would appear that way.
Lois: I know that I'm late. But I can still make it to campus for orientation.
Sam: Save yourself a trip. Met U just yanked your acceptance.
Lois: What? They can't do that.
Sam: They can if you don't have enough credits to finish high school.
Lois: Look, I know I missed a few classes, but...
Sam: Lo, you failed the last semester.
Clark laughs with delight. Sam looks sharply at Clark, and he stops laughing.
Sam: Not to worry, though. I'm sure that Clark will be happy to show you around.
Clark & Lois: [Worried.] Around where?
Sam turns his back to Lois and Clark and begins to walk back to his car.
Sam: Bright and early tomorrow morning. [He turns back to them.] You start Smallville High.
Smiling, Sam continues to walk to his car. Clark's eyes close in exasperation and his chin drops to his chest. Lois sighs heavily.
Lois: Great.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. A banner over the front door says "Welcome Back!" Lois and Chloe drive into the parking lot in Lois's car and find a parking spot.
Chloe: You know, socially divisive cliques and hall passes aside, this place really isn't all that bad.
Lois: It's the varsity version of Dante's seventh ring.
Chloe laughs as she gets out of the car.
Chloe: Come on, do you know how many people would k*ll to relive their senior year in high school?
Lois: [Getting out of the car.] Make that semester. Five more credits and I am out of this cow pile.
They walk toward the school.
Chloe: Wait a minute. Five credits in one semester? Lois, the only way you're gonna do that is if you add an extracurricular to your class list. [With a bright smile.] Like, say, maybe... writing for the Torch.
Lois: Uh, no hard feelings here, cuz, but unlike you, the last thing I want to be is a reporter.
Chloe: Yeah, God. What could be worse than, you know, uncovering the truth and protecting the public?
Lois: And sticking your nose in other people's business.
Chloe: Like I said. You'd be perfect. Come on, let's go!
Lois shakes her head at Chloe's remark, and Chloe puts her arm around Lois's shoulder as they enter the school.
Chloe: It's gonna be great having you here.
Cut to the inside hallway of Smallville High crowded with students. Clark comes down the stairway and stops when he notices a poster on the wall that says "Football Tryouts This Week." He is clearly interested.
Behind him he hears a wolf whistle and turns around to see what is going on.
Male Student: Check it out. The new girl!
A sexy girl with blond hair, a pink dress, and a provocative smile walks down the hallway. A group of football players including Brett Anderson smiles at her. She smiles at all the guys who are checking her out, one of whom is Clark. The girl is Abby Fine.
Abby: Hi, Clark.
She goes to her locker. Clark realizes who she is.
Clark: [Surprised.] Abby?
Abby: It's actually Abigail now.
Clark: You know, I almost didn't recognize you.
Abby: After an entire summer in recovery... good. [She opens her locker.] With any luck, this old locker will be the only thing that stays the same this year.
Clark: [He laughs.] Yeah, um, that shouldn't be a problem. So, uh... Why the, uh...
Clark looks Abby up and down timidly.
Abby: Change? I guess just one day you realize you can spend another year being resentful of what everybody else has, or you can do something about it. It's our senior year, Clark. This is my last chance.
We see Brett who is still talking to his buddies and smiling at Abby. Lois and Chloe walk around the corner and pass Clark.
Chloe: Good morning, Clark. Hey... Abby.
Chloe and Lois keep walking.
Chloe: Whoa. Either she spent an entire summer at a silicon farm, or I am shopping at the wrong makeup counter.
Lois: How old is she, 17? That's like messing with the batter before the cookies are even baked.
Chloe: Don't tell me that the world isn't nicer to prettier people. [Chloe opens her locker.] Besides, you know, I mean it's her body and if it makes her feel better, then it's none of our business.
Lois looks at Chloe in surprise.
Chloe: What?
Lois: I'm just stunned that Miss "Letter to the Editor" doesn't find it one bit disgusting that a girl would get nipped and tucked to transform into some plastic pod person.
Clark approaches.
Clark: I think she looks great.
Lois: What a shocker. [Chloe laughs.] Look, that's the problem with high school. It's all a facade. Everyone's hiding who they really are and trying to be something they're not.
Chloe: Well, it sounds like you've got your first article. See you in the Torch.
Chloe and Clark start to walk away and Clark shrugs at Lois.
Lois: [Following them.] Okay, I'll write for you, but you better get me extra credit.
Cut to Lana walking down the hallway holding a folded up piece of paper with her name written on it. She smiles excitedly as she stops outside the coach's office. She opens the door and goes inside where she finds Jason putting books on a shelf. She laughs and closes the door behind her.
Lana: Hey.
They kiss. When they finish, Lana holds up the note.
Lana: A note through the vent of my locker. Very creative.
Jason: Well, I pride myself on being able to revert back to the fourth grade.
Lana: What are you doing here? If we get caught, I could get detention.
Jason: I could get fired.
Lana looks at him strangely. Before he can explain, there is a knock on the door and they step away from each other as Clark enters the office.
Clark: [To Jason.] Coach Teague.
Lana looks at Jason disbelievingly.
Clark: I'm Clark Kent.
They shake hands.
Jason: Hi.
Clark: [Noticing Lana.] Lana. What are you doing here?
Lana: Um, I, uh ...
Jason: The principal asked this young lady to give me the grand tour.
Clark looks at Jason as Lana tries to hold back her laughter at Jason's lie.
Jason: It's good to meet you, Clark.
Clark: You know, they didn't tell me you were Jason Teague. [To Lana.] This guy threw a passing record his freshman year at Metropolis University. He could've gone pro.
Jason: Yeah, well, now I'm just a transfer to Central Kansas A & M. It's amazing how quickly you fall off a recruiter's list when you tear your rotator cuff.
Lana: Well, then, I, uh, I guess we're lucky to have you here, coach.
Jason: Assistant coach... Miss Lang.
Lana mouths the words "Miss Lang" trying not to let Clark see how strange that sounds coming from Jason.
Jason: [To Clark.] Um, Quigley's still gonna be calling the plays for you guys.
Clark: Well, actually, I'm not on the team. [He glances at Lana.] I was hoping I could try out.
Jason: You look big enough. Sure.
Lana looks at Clark, surprised.
Jonathan and Martha stand next to the tractor on the farm. Day.
Jonathan: The Talon?
Martha: Lex, uh, agreed to let me manage it.
Jonathan looks unenthusiastic about the idea.
Martha: I was lucky to find a job at all, Jonathan. It's not like I have a full resume these days.
Jonathan: Sweetheart, if we're so worried about money, then why don't we just go through the books again? We'll find some other place to cut.
Martha: Like where? We've been over it every week for two months. There's no way we can get out from under these hospital bills.
Jonathan walks past her, upset. She stops him.
Martha: I'm not blaming you. I just... I just don't want to keep waiting and risk losing the farm. You've worked too hard.
Jonathan: Yeah, so that you wouldn't have to.
Martha: It's not so bad right now. You have the farm and Clark is gonna go off to college next year. I need something of my own.
Jonathan: But why does it have to be with the Luthors?
Martha: I'll be selling espressos, Jonathan, not masterminding hostile takeovers.
Jonathan: Well... I've always known that you wanted to have more than just this old farm. I'm not gonna be the one to stand in your way.
Martha smiles and they hug each other.
Martha: Thank you, sweetheart.
Jonathan: You're welcome. [He laughs.] You're welcome.
Clark is getting dressed in his football uniform in the boys' locker room. Day. There are several other guys in the room, and Jason enters with a clipboard.
Jason: Hey, Kent. I need your permission slip, bud.
Clark pulls a yellow slip of paper from his backpack and hands it to Jason. He smiles somewhat nervously.
Jason: What positions have you played?
Clark: None, actually. I've never been on a team before. My father wasn't too keen on the whole idea.
Jason: Your dad doesn't know you're here, does he? [Clark becomes more nervous.] When it comes to defying fathers, I'm kind of a pro.
Clark: I'm not doing this for him.
Jason: You know, I've seen a lot of guys join the team just so they can walk around in a letterman's jacket, because they want people to look at them differently. But football's just a game. If you want to change, you gotta do that yourself.
Clark: That's why I'm here.
They look at each other for a moment.
Jason: All right. Let's see what you got.
Jason leaves the locker room. Clark smiles triumphantly and slams his locker shut.
Cut to the football field where one of the team hopefuls does a tire run across the field, his feet landing perfectly through the holes of a line of tires laid out on the grass. When he successfully gets to the end, he slaps the hand of one of the other players who is watching. A whistle blows.
Coach Quigley tosses a football to Clark.
Quigley: All right, Kent. Prove something to us.
Clark tosses the ball to Jason and puts on his helmet. He looks at Jason with some trepidation, and Jason gestures to the field, encouraging Clark. Clark then walks over to a group of guys and they get into position to play. One guy bends over in front of Clark, holding the ball to the ground, and Clark stands behind him, ready to receive it.
Guy: All right, guys! On two!
Clark: Hut! Hut!
The guy in front of Clark passes the ball to him, and Clark throws it across the field with so much force that the guy who catches it is knocked to the ground. Both Jason and Clark smile. Jason goes to Clark.
Jason: All right. That'll work. [He pats Clark on the chest.] Line up again, guys.
Nearby, another group of players stands on the field talking. Among them is Brett. They watch Abby jogging on the track around the field.
Guy: Check out Scabby Abby.
Guy #2: [Referring to her chest.] They're fake, you know.
Guy #3: Who cares?
There are several wolf whistles, and Brett takes off his helmet to look at Abby dreamily.
Brett: Are you kidding me? Man, is she hot.
Abby stops running for a moment, making eye contact with Brett. Then she starts to jog away as the guys continue to call after her.
Abby opens her locker in the empty hallway of Smallville High after finishing her jog. Day. The first thing she sees is a mirror, and she smiles at it, adjusting her hair. Brett walks up to her and she jumps slightly with a gasp, then laughs when she recognizes him.
Brett: I didn't mean to scare you. I can't stop thinking about you.
Abby: You mean the girl you nicknamed Scabby Abby?
Brett: Yeah, I totally deserved that. Maybe if I'd been more patient, I would've seen who you really are. The most beautiful girl in school.
Brett touches her face gently and she smiles. He smiles in return. Abby is distracted as Lana walks by with an armful of books. Lana looks at them both, a little surprised at their intimacy, but keeps walking.
Brett: I have a lot to apologize for. What do you say we go someplace a little more quiet?
He continues to stroke Abby's face, and her smile grows as she thinks about it. She finally gives in and closes her locker. Brett leads her down the hall.
Abby: So where're we going?
Cut to the boys' locker room. Brett and Abby stand in the showers facing each other. Brett takes off his jersey. Smiling, Abby takes her hair out of the ponytail and takes off her own shirt. They embrace as Brett begins to kiss her neck and walk her slowly back toward the wall. She runs into the shower handle with her lower back and the shower turns on, pouring down over both of them. They smile in surprise, then Brett continues to kiss her neck and her shoulder.
Abby's eyes close with pleasure as Brett runs his hand along her back, then up her neck, fingering the necklace she is wearing. She doesn't notice as the necklace comes undone and falls to the floor. She runs her hand down Brett's arm and he pulls his head back so they are facing each other.
The water runs down both of their faces as they kiss breathlessly. As they kiss, a dark green mist comes from Abby's mouth and into Brett's. She pulls away.
Brett: What are you doing?
Abby: You didn't feel that?
Brett: Of course I did.
He leans in to kiss her again, but she stops him, suddenly uneasy.
Abby: No. I should ... I should go.
She picks up her shirt from the floor and holds it in front of her chest as she exits the shower.
Brett: What's going on? Abigail, wait. Oh, I get it. New face, same old boring scabby.
Abby puts her shirt on as Brett turns off the shower and follows her into the locker room. He stands behind her.
Brett: Hey!
Abby turns around to face him, and he notices the mirror on the wall behind her. With a look of fear, he pushes her out of the way and looks into the mirror.
Brett: Oh, my God.
Abby: Brett?
Brett: What's happening?
He raises trembling hands to his face, though nothing appears to be wrong with it.
Abby: What's wrong?
Brett: [More desperate.] Oh, my God. My face!
We finally see Brett's reflection in the mirror. His face looks as if it is rotting away. Red veins spread across his cheeks and his teeth turn yellow.
Brett: What did you do to me?!
Abby looks at Brett. Outside of his reflection in the mirror, he looks completely normal, and Abby can't see anything wrong with him.
Brett: No! My face!
Brett runs from the locker room.
Cut to the parking lot of Smallville High. Lois is driving extremely fast through the parking lot as she talks angrily into her cell phone.
Lois: Admissions office? Look, I'm in the nation's cream corn capital retaking calculus! No, don't put me on hold! [To herself.] Could this day be any worse?
She lowers her eyes to hang up her phone. When she looks up again, she screams as Brett, wearing only his football pants, darts in front of her car.
Lois: Aah!
She slams on her brakes as Brett slams against her windshield, cracking it, then rolls off the hood of the car and onto the pavement, unconscious.
Fade to black.
Lying on his back on a gurney with an oxygen mask strapped to his face, Brett is wheeled into an ambulance outside Smallville High. Day. He has dried blood along the side of his neck. A police officer writing in his notepad finishes taking Lois's statement as they stand next to the ambulance. The area is surrounded by police cars and spectators who are held back by police tape.
Lois: [Slightly dazed.] No, that's everything.
Officer: Thank you.
Abby watches from several meters away as Lois starts to walk back to her car. Clark approaches Lois.
Clark: Lois, what's going on?
Lois: He just ran right out in front of me. I don't know. They said he's gonna be okay. Physically, anyway. The cops think he kind of lost it.
Clark: Who, Brett? [Lois nods.] I just saw him at practice an hour ago. He was fine.
Lois: Are you sure about that?
Clark: Yeah.
Lois: Think about it, Clark. It's the start of a new season, scholarships, the entire town counting on you to be their hero. Who knows what kind of neuroses are hiding behind that "Big Man on Campus" mask?
Clark: No way. If anything, Brett was too overconfident. He probably just didn't see you.
Lois: Yeah, that might explain the broken windshield, but do you want to tell me why he was running around half naked, soaking wet? Who would do that?
Abby, who still has wet hair and is wearing her revealing jogging clothes, walks away from the scene anxiously.
Clark enters the boys' locker room. Day. There are several guys wearing only towels, changing after their showers. Lois walks into the locker room, following Clark, not intimidated in the least. Clark tries to stop her from going any farther.
Clark: Hey, hey! The last time I checked, you were missing a few prerequisites for being in here.
Lois: [Smug.] So you have been checking me out.
Some of the guys laugh in surprise when they see Lois.
Clark: Lois, just wait outside.
Lois: Are you kidding? Tortured senior can't keep up the hometown hero act and buckles? This is as juicy as my teen cosmetic surgery article.
Lois walks over to a group of shirtless guys standing by the lockers.
Lois: [With a friendly smile.] Excuse me. How well did you know Brett Anderson?
One of the guys looks Lois up and down, checking her out.
Guy: [Smiling.] Not as well as I'd like to know you.
Lois: Charming. Look, Brett ran in front of my car. Do any of you guys know what that was all about?
Lois and the guys continue to talk as Clark walks farther into the room to look through the next row of lockers. He goes to the showers and finds Brett's jersey on the floor. Then he notices Abby's necklace resting on the drain in the floor. He picks it up and looks at it closely. The pendant is a fancy bejeweled letter A.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. The marquee says "Closed." Inside, Lex opens a cardboard box and pushes aside the bubble wrapping to reveal a book called "The Hieroglyphs of Meso-America." Lana comes down the stairs behind him.
Lana: Do you make a habit of going through other people's mail?
Lex: Sorry, the box was addressed to the Talon. [He shows her the book.] Something tells me this isn't a book of the month selection.
He pulls another book out of the box that is written in a foreign language.
Lex: What's with this fascination with ancient writings?
Lana: [Pause.] School project.
Lex drops the books back into the box.
Lex: Must be the same project Clark's always working on. [He turns and walks toward the bar.] For two people so different, you have remarkably similar interests.
Lana picks up another book from the box and the cover features the symbol that has been mysteriously tattooed onto her lower back. Lex's back is to Lana, and he doesn't notice her surprise. He looks around at the empty coffee house as Lana puts the book back in the box.
Lex: It still amazes me what you did with this place. You saw promise in something everyone else thought was beyond redemption.
Lana: Huh. This is a side of Lex Luthor I've never seen before. [Walking toward Lex with a smile.] You're coming dangerous close to being nostalgic.
Lex looks at Lana with a small smile.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark walks up the stairs to the front porch where his father is waiting, looking out at the yard quietly.
Jonathan: Congratulations are in order. Coach Quigley called. You made the football team.
Clark: You don't have to worry, Dad. I'm not gonna hurt anyone. [Clark walks past Jonathan toward the door.] I know how to control my abilities.
Jonathan: The person I'm worried about you hurting, Clark, is yourself.
Clark stops walking but keeps his back to Jonathan.
Jonathan: You're gonna be tempted to run just a little bit faster, to throw the ball just far enough to win every game.
Clark turns to Jonathan, becoming angry.
Clark: You think I'm gonna cheat? I won't cross that line.
Jonathan: [With an exasperated laugh.] You won't even know where that line is, Clark. Come on, think about it. You're out there, your friends are giving it their all. You're gonna do whatever it takes to win. That's football, son. And with you, it's never gonna be a fair competition.
Clark: [Hurt.] Well, let's talk about what's fair. What's the first thing you remember about high school when you think back?
Jonathan: [Trying not to let Clark change the subject.] No, no, no.
Clark: Don't tell me it's not football. [Jonathan can't answer.] I want that, too, Dad, and I'm sick of begging for the same chances that you just had. I want my own life.
Clark leaves Jonathan and enters the house. Jonathan remains on the porch, staring sadly at the ground.
Lana is lying on her stomach on the table in Dr. Fine's office. Day. Her shirt is lifted up just far enough so that her tattoo is exposed and Dr. Fine is using a blade to take a small scraping of skin. Lana grimaces slightly.
Dr. Fine: You're not the first person to walk through that door with tattoo remorse. But you're the first one to do it without ink.
Dr. Fine puts the skin sample in a dish and walks to the counter. Confused, Lana sits up.
Lana: What?
Dr. Fine: Whatever this pigment is, it's almost as though the symbol were branded underneath your skin. Someone wanted to leave a mark you wouldn't easily forget.
Lana: But you can still remove it, right?
Dr. Fine: Well, I'll have to send this tissue sample up to the lab, but I am guessing removal won't be possible without a complete skin graft.
Lana sighs unhappily.
Dr. Fine: But we'll see.
Dr. Fine walks back to Lana who is still sitting up on the table.
Dr. Fine: You go to school with my daughter, don't you? I never forget a face. Especially a perfect one like yours.
Dr. Fine walks closer to Lana and touches her face, inspecting it with fascination.
Dr. Fine: It must get you anything you want, hmm?
Lana is uncomfortable and slightly pulls away from Dr. Fine's touch. Abby enters the room looking flustered. She stops at the door when she sees Lana.
Lana: [Smiling.] Abby. How's Brett? I saw you two in the hall.
Abby: [Quickly.] I don't know what you're talking about.
Abby looks intensely at her mother, and Lana can sense the tension.
Lana: I'll talk to you later. [To Dr. Fine.] Thank you. Um, bye, Dr. Fine.
Lana leaves the room. When she is gone Abby whispers angrily to Dr. Fine.
Abby: What did you do to me? I kissed this guy and he freaked out. It was like ... It was like he went insane or something, and I ...
Dr. Fine: [Calming.] You were my first trial at this, Abigail. I mean, there's always potential for complication.
Abby: Complication? Brett's at the hospital because of me!
Dr. Fine: Brett? Isn't that the boy who named you Scabby Abby? Maybe he got exactly what he deserved. And Lana should too.
Dr. Fine walks toward the door to make sure no one is listening, and Abby follows her.
Abby: Lana? But Lana never did anything to me.
Dr. Fine: Lana saw the two of you together. She's already asking questions.
Abby: You think she knows?
Dr. Fine: This is a very serious problem, Abigail. If Lana says anything to anyone about what's happened between you and this boy, they'll take all of this away from me. And without your treatments, you're gonna revert back exactly the way you used to be. Is that really what you want?
Abby: [With tears in her eyes.] No.
Dr. Fine: I have done everything for you. And now I need you to do something for me.
Abby listens silently.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Inside, Jason leads Lana by the hand into a dark room and closes the door behind them. The only light comes through the translucent window in the door, and even that isn't very bright.
Jason: Yeah. Okay.
He flips on the lights revealing a large room with all types of costumes hanging along each wall. There is a spinning mirror ball in the middle of the ceiling reflecting little spots of light that chase each other around the room. There are also several antique chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. In the middle of the room are several full length mirrors.
Jason: It's the old drama room.
Lana: [Amazed.] Wow. [She laughs.] This is an interesting detour from the coach's office.
Jason: Mm-hmm.
Lana: I didn't even know this room existed.
Lana walks farther into the room and starts to look around at all the elaborate costumes and set pieces.
Jason: Yep. Neither does anyone else, hopefully.
Lana: I still can't believe that you have a job at my school.
Jason: I know. I guess I'm gonna have to get used to my guys drooling over you.
Lana: I don't think you have anything to worry about.
Jason: Yeah? What about Clark Kent?
Lana doesn't respond right away. Jason raises his eyebrows as he waits for an answer.
Lana: I thought that you said you had a surprise for me. How did this become about Clark?
Jason: It was strange. He kind of opened up to me today.
Lana walks toward Jason who is now standing in the middle of the room.
Lana: You have no idea how strange that really is.
Jason: Really?
Lana: Yeah.
Jason sits down on a closed costume chest and Lana sits on the floor at his feet, resting her arms in his lap.
Jason: Well, the thing is, you know, running the drills and putting together a good team is one thing, but having guys like Clark come to me for advice? It's not gonna be so easy when these guys are looking at me like I'm an adult and I still feel like I'm part of the team.
Lana looks at him warmly.
Jason: But this moment isn't about me.
Lana: No?
Jason: Mnh-mnh.
Lana: Mmm.
Jason reaches into his back pocket.
Jason: Hold on.
Lana: Okay.
Jason pulls out a red piece of cloth.
Jason: It's about this.
Lana: Oh, dear. That would be a blindfold.
Jason: [Standing up, teasing.] Yes, it would.
Lana: [Nervous.] Okay.
Jason kneels behind Lana and puts the blindfold over her eyes.
Lana: So, what do you think you're gonna get out of this?
Jason: Oh, nothing. We never really got to celebrate somebody's birthday.
Lana: Right.
Jason: So... you stay right here.
Lana: [Reluctant, but giving in.] Okay.
Jason: Okay.
Jason stands up and starts to leave the room.
Jason: Don't peek.
Lana moves her head around as if to prove that she can't see. Then Jason leaves the room and the door closes after him. For a moment, Lana sits in the middle of the large room in silence. Then she hears the door open again.
Lana: Jason?
We see a shadow cross the floor as someone enters the room.
Lana: Hello?
There is a long silence. Then we see that Abby has entered the room and is standing right in front of Lana.
Lana: Jason, what are you do ...
Abby steps forward quietly and kisses Lana on the lips. The kiss isn't passionate, but it does last several seconds and Lana responds to it, thinking that she is kissing Jason. The dark green mist passes from Abby's mouth to Lana's. When Abby backs away, Lana pulls the blindfold away from her eyes and sees Abby.
Lana: Abby?
Abby: [Getting to her feet.] I'm sorry, Lana.
Abby backs away slowly as Lana gets to her feet and looks into one of the nearby mirrors. She starts to gasp as her reflection shows her face appearing to rot. But again, the image is only in Lana's perception of herself in the mirror. Lana's face actually appears normal.
Frightened, she turns away from her reflection and ends up face to face with another mirror, revealing that the rotting is already getting worse with black and gold veins spreading across her face. Abby starts to cry and runs out of the room as Lana trips and falls to the floor, bumping the bottom of another mirror.
We hear the hinges of the mirror creak as it tilts toward her. Lana stands up and screams at her hideous reflection as the mirror tips toward her.
Lana: Aah!
Lana crouches on the ground and the mirror crashes on top of her, shattering the glass and cutting her face. She remains within the frame of the broken mirror, shivering and only partly conscious.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, Lana is lying unconscious in a hospital bed and Jason sits on the edge of the bed speaking to her.
Jason: I don't know if you can even hear me, Lana... but if you knew how much you meant to me...
We see that Lex is standing in the doorway to the hospital room behind Jason.
Lex: Well, I guess the polite thing to do is cough and let you know I'm standing here, but that always seems so forced, doesn't it?
Jason watches as Lex walks into the room.
Lex: How is she?
Jason: Well, they don't know what's wrong with her so it's... it's kind of hard to say.
Lex: Lex Luthor.
Jason: Jason Teague. I, uh, I work at the school. I'm the new assistant football coach.
Lex: Teague. As in Marion, Teague, & Weisman?
Jason: [Nodding.] That's my father's firm.
Lex: [Understanding.] And you decided to get as far away from the family business as possible. Smart move.
Jason: [He smiles.] It didn't exactly go down like that. He, uh, he cut me off.
Lex: Well, what better place to kick-start a new career than Smallville High?
Jason: Yeah.
Lex: Certainly responsible of the school to send over a representative to check in on her.
Jason realizes that Lex sees the strangeness of the situation.
Jason: [Trying to cover.] Oh, um, yeah, I just ... I thought I'd stop by on the way home. It was nothing.
Lex sees the way that Jason looks at Lana.
Lex: I doubt that.
Jason turns to look at Lex, speechless. Lex looks from Lana to Jason, and then turns to walk toward the door. He stops and turns back.
Lex: Lana deserves the best. I hope you're it.
Jason doesn't respond and Lex leaves the room.
Lois is seated at the computer in the Torch office. Night. She is on the website of Beechwood, the cosmetic clinic belonging to Dr. Fine. At the top of the screen we see the words, "You are one procedure away from perfection."
Lois clicks the page with her mouse and the line at the top of the screen is replaced with another that says "Do you want to make an appointment?" There is a yes button next to a no button. Lois clicks yes.
Lana is still unconscious in the hospital bed. Night. Clark stands in the hallway looking in at her through the window. Chloe comes down the hallway and walks to Clark.
Chloe: Hey. How's she doing?
Clark: She's pretty cut up. They gave her a sedative, but she keeps saying, "Don't let him see me" over and over again.
Chloe: It's like some kind of breakdown.
Clark: When they brought Brett in, he was acting the same way. The only thing they could find in common is a spike in their serotonin levels.
Chloe: Serotonin?
Clark: It's a brain chemical ...
Chloe: That LSD and hallucinogens mimic. It's also the word that Lois misspelled three times in her slander piece on extreme makeovers...
Clark: Yeah, but Lana and Brett are hardly candidates for plastic surgery.
Chloe: Yeah, but Abby was. Didn't Lana say she saw Brett with Abby right before he went crazy? Maybe this procedure made her more beast than beauty.
Pondering this, Clark looks through the window at Lana again.
Lois is in an office at Beechwood, seated across the desk from Dr. Fine. Day.
Lois: My parents don't understand. They say I'm too young for plastic surgery.
Dr. Fine: Well, some parents don't remember what it was like. When I was your age, I wasn't exactly homecoming queen. I worked harder than all the pretty girls only to watch everything get handed to them. Seven surgeries and two years changed all that.
Dr. Fine spreads her hands in a gesture of presenting herself, showing Lois how beautiful she is now compared to her memory of herself in high school. Lois smiles breathlessly, pretending to be impressed.
Lois: You know, I was actually interested in that new procedure you used on Abby. It is really true that you only have to come in once?
Dr. Fine: [Nodding.] That's why I developed the process. I didn't want to watch my daughter go through the pain that I endured only to have what other girls are lucky enough to be born with. [Lois smiles and nods.] So let's get you scheduled here.
Dr. Fine starts to schedule Lois on the computer.
Lois: Yes, please.
From Lois's purse, which is sitting on the desk, there is a high pitched chattering noise like a tape recorder malfunctioning. Dr. Fine looks at the purse suspiciously. Lois stands up and reaches for her purse.
Lois: You know, I'm actually running a little late.
Dr. Fine: [Angry.] Are you recording this?
Dr. Fine stands up and grabs the purse. She opens it up and pulls out a small tape recorder. Lois takes the recorder away from Dr. Fine.
Lois: I'm going to expose you.
Lois walks toward the door and Dr. Fine follows her.
Dr. Fine: Who are you to stop people from being their best?
Lois: Call me crazy, but I've always been a firm believer that beauty... It's on the inside.
Lois turns to leave, and Dr. Fine grabs her by the hair.
Lois: Ah!
Dr. Fine turns Lois around and injects her in the neck with a syringe. Lois falls to the ground.
Dr. Fine: The people that say that are the ones who already have it on the outside.
Chloe and Clark enter the Torch office. Day.
Chloe: Okay.
Clark looks around at the office. It is a mess.
Clark: Wow. You kind of let the inner slob out, huh?
Chloe: Yeah, and her name is Lois. She's been pulling these articles that Abby's mom published on this new breakthrough insta-makeover technique, but, uh, Dr. Fine ran into one snag. [She picks up an article and looks at it.] It's sending the patients' serotonin levels into overdrive.
Chloe hands the article to Clark.
Clark: It says here Dr. Fine was working on a suppression medication called Serythro to keep the serotonin levels in check. Maybe it worked. Maybe Abby was a trial run.
Chloe: Only Abby's seismic surgery didn't come without aftershocks. She's passing something to people that's super-boosting their serotonin.
Clark: That makes sense if she kisses Brett, but what about Lana?
Chloe: I don't know. All I do know is that Abby's not hallucinating, so maybe all Lana and Brett need is a dose of that Serythro medication.
Chloe notices Lois's day planner sitting open on the desk. She picks it up and looks at it, seeing a note that says "Dr. Fine, appointment Sat 10:30 A.M."
Chloe: It looks like Lois is one step ahead of us.
Lois regains consciousness and finds herself strapped to the table in Dr. Fine's office. Day. Dr. Fine is looking down at her.
Lois: [Weakly.] What are you doing?
Dr. Fine: Giving you the inside scoop. You really want to know what it was like for Abigail all of those years? Hmm? [Grabbing Lois's face viciously.] Well, you're gonna find out.
Dr. Fine lets go of Lois's face and walks over to the switch on the wall. She flips it, and the body-shaped cover starts to lower down to Lois. She starts to breathe heavily in fear as she sees the large needles coming toward her.
Dr. Fine: And without the suppressant to balance out your serotonin levels, you'll be filing your story from the psych ward. [She smiles sadistically.]
There are tubes on the outside of the cover that fill up with a green liquid. Lois struggles against the straps that are holding her down looking nervously from Dr. Fine to the needles coming toward her.
Cut to Clark entering the outer office. There is nobody inside, but the computer at Dr. Fine's desk is turned on. He looks at the screen and a live image of Lois appears as the needles come within inches of her face.
Clark super speeds to the procedure room and crashes through the glass door. He grabs the cover and pulls it off the table before it is completely lowered.
Lois: Clark?
Green smoke starts to rise from the tubes and fill the room. Clark is suddenly weakened and begins to gasp as he stumbles away from the table. Dr. Fine walks up to Clark and hits him across the face with a large metal object. He falls to the ground. Dr. Fine then walks toward the table where Lois kicks her in the face, knocking her off her feet. Lois unfastens the straps holding her down and slides of the table. She sees Clark struggling on the floor.
Lois: Clark! Are you okay?
Clark: Get me out of here.
Lois: Okay.
Lois grabs Clark arm and helps him stand up. Behind them, Dr. Fine grabs a scalpel that has fallen to the floor next to her and picks it up. She stands up and comes after Lois and Clark with it, but before she can do any harm, Lois turns around and kicks her in the chest, sending her back to the floor.
Lois: Bitch.
Lois helps Clark out of the office.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside the upstairs apartment, Lana talks to Jason. The cuts on her face are starting to heal.
Lana: I don't know how to tell you this without sounding really stuck up.
Jason: [Joking.] I already know you're stuck up. In fact, I wanted to talk to you about that.
Lana: You're funny.
Jason: Yeah, and cute, huh?
Lana: [Pause.] Okay, Jason, look I'm being serious.
Jason: All right.
Lana: Back in freshman year, I, uh, made the cheerleading squad, and that was my whole identity. Putting on the face that I thought everyone wanted to see.
Lana looks at Jason waiting for a reaction. He waits for her to go on. She turns away from him and speaks again.
Lana: I keep thinking of all the times that you've told me that I'm beautiful, and, um... I can't help but wonder how much of me you really see.
Jason walks around Lana so he can look at her face.
Jason: Lana, I tell you you're beautiful because of who you are, not because of what I see. I mean, you're the girl I flew halfway across the world to be with. The girl who kicks the crap out of me at XBox and thinks it's hysterical.
Lana laughs.
Jason: I mean, I have seen you with the stomach flu where your eyes were puffy and your nose was running, you're yakking ...
Lana: Okay, okay. I get the picture.
Jason: All I'm saying is the reasons I love you... it's not something you can see in a mirror.
Lana looks at Jason seriously, touched.
Jason: That's good. I'm gonna write that down and use that later.
Lana laughs and they hug.
Clark drives up outside the farm where Jonathan is unloading bales of hay from the tractor. Day. Clark gets out of the truck.
Jonathan: I guess practice ran late, huh?
Clark takes his football and gym bag from the back of the truck and walks to Jonathan.
Clark: Dad, I'm sorry I disappointed you. But I'm staying on the team. I'm tired of living my life on the sidelines.
Jonathan: I realize that, Clark. I also realize that you're a senior in high school, and from now on, you're gonna be making a lot of your own decisions. But if you want to be seen as an adult in this family, then you have to start acting like one.
Clark smiles slightly as Jonathan continues to unload the bales of hay.
Jonathan: Adults in this family don't run off and do things without discussing them first.
Jonathan takes off his gloves and drops them on a bale of hay. Clark puts down his gym bag and keeps the football in his hand.
Clark: I know. That's why I have just one question for you. You gonna let some assistant coach from Metropolis teach your boy how to play football?
Clark holds up the football. Jonathan looks at Clark hesitantly. Clark glances at the football playfully, egging Jonathan on. Finally, Jonathan takes the ball.
Jonathan: Go deep.
Clark smiles at Jonathan, then runs with excitement toward the barn. Jonathan throws the ball to Clark and Clark catches it. Clark then runs to the basketball hoop on the side of the barn and dunks the ball in.
Jonathan: [Raising his arms in the air.] Yeah!
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Lois stands against the wall in the crowded hallway looking proudly at the front page of the Torch. There is a picture of her next to an article she wrote called "Skin Deep." Chloe comes down the stairs and walks to Lois smiling.
Chloe: Admiring the genius within, huh?
Lois: [Lying to cover up her pride.] It had a typo.
They walk together.
Chloe: Oh, nice try. So I followed up on the Abby storyline, and it looks like Mother Makeover is gonna be playing "mirror, mirror" on the psych ward wall from now on.
Lois: Is Abby gonna be okay?
Chloe: Yeah, she'll be back next week. So are you excited for your first pep rally?
Lois: Hmm, not exactly the Friday night I've been dreaming of.
Chloe: Oh, come on, it's your debut as Smallville's newest celeb.
Lois: Yeah, right. One plastics 'r' us piece, and they're gonna be holding tables all over town for me.
Chloe: You'd be surprised. I mean, not that I'm ceding my stance on a woman's right to choose rhinoplasty, but... [She hands Lois several pieces of paper.] ...you've got fan mail. Looks like your little exposé struck a couple chords.
Lois: I didn't even expect anybody to read this, let alone have a... [Reading from one of the letters.] "A life-changing experience"? Please.
Chloe: Whatever. Say what you want, but I know inside, it's getting to you. Welcome to the bullpen, Miss Lane. [She starts to walk away.] Now, I'm off to see Clark Kent in a wet T-shirt. Care to join me?
Lois: [Following her.] Like I've never seen that before.
Cut to the pep rally on the football field outside the school. Lois throws a football at the target of the dunk t*nk and misses. Clark, who is sitting above the t*nk in a T-shirt and shorts, smiles at Lois teasingly. Jason tosses another football to Lois who is standing next to Chloe. A large group of students watches excitedly.
Jason: Keep your eye on the target.
Clark: Come on, Lois! Didn't those guys on the base teach you anything?
Lois: Wouldn't you like to know?
Chloe laughs. Clark gestures at the target, urging Lois to take her sh*t.
Lois: Doesn't matter 'cause you are going down.
Clark: That'll be the day.
The students watching all start to chant.
Everyone: Dunk! Dunk! Dunk! Dunk! Dunk! Dunk!
Lois pulls back her arm and chucks the football at the target, hitting it d*ad center. Clark drops into the water t*nk with a splash. Lois throws up her arms and cheers.
Lois: Whoo!
Chloe laughs as she and the rest of the students cheer and clap. Lois runs to the t*nk as Clark stands up, soaking wet, with a huge smile on his face.
Lois reaches out musses his wet hair, then turns and starts to walk back to Chloe.
(manque la partie fin, si vous l'avez, merci de complèter) | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x03 - Facade"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 13th, 2004
Football practice at Smallville High School. Day. The team is split in two with one half wearing red jerseys and the other half wearing yellow jerseys. The two halves face each other as they bend over on the field, about to play.
Player: Ready! Down! Set! Blue-47! Blue-47!
The cheerleaders scream in excitement on the sidelines.
Player: Hut!
The play begins. The ball is passed from one member of the red team to another who then throws it to another red across the field. The player catches it. Jason walks along the side of the field watching.
Jason: Nice one, Cormier! Way to find your man!
One of the cheerleaders, Mandy, cheers to one of the players, Dan Cormier. Dan is Mandy's boyfriend.
Mandy: Woo! All right, Dan! Looking good, baby!
Jason walks over to Clark who is sitting on the bench at the side of the field in his football uniform, turning over a ball in his hands and looking disappointed.
Jason: Hey, Clark. How you holding up?
Clark: Just enjoying the view. From the bench.
Jason: [Kneeling next to Clark.] Right, listen, I, uh, talked to Coach Quigley about you. But you know him. He's old school. He already feels like he's got a squad for the season. But just, uh, hang in there for me, all right?
Clark nods halfheartedly. He lets out a small sigh as Jason walks away. Jason blows his whistle and talks to the players on the field.
Jason: Go on in, guys. Grab a drink.
Dan and another player Nate grab hands and bump each other in congratulations.
Dan: Nice catch, buddy.
Nate: It's all about you and me this year, bro.
Mandy runs up to Dan excitedly and tries to kiss him. He pulls away slightly, impatient with her.
Dan: All right, cut it out, Mandy. Just cut it out.
Dan keeps walking toward the drink table and Mandy follows him, holding a squeeze bottle of green punch. Her manner is clingy and somewhat desperate.
Mandy: Sorry. So what are we doing Saturday night?
Dan: Uh, we aren't doing anything. I'm hanging out with Nate and the boys. Didn't I mention that to you before?
Dan picks up a towel and wipes the sweat off of his face.
Mandy: It's okay. I just want to make you happy.
Dan: All right.
Mandy: I got you a drink.
Mandy hands the squeeze bottle to Dan. She glances over at a group of cheerleaders who are watching her. Each one of them is also holding a bottle of green punch. They smile and nod at Mandy mischievously.
Dan opens the bottle and squirts some punch into his mouth. We follow the green liquid down his esophagus toward his heart which starts to b*at faster. Then we go up into his brain and out through his eye where we see Mandy framed in white light and looking beautiful. Dan blinks several times as if seeing Mandy differently.
Dan: You know what? [He walks toward her smiling.] Screw the guys. [He kisses her.] I want to hang out with you on Saturday night.
Mandy: Why wait till Saturday when we can go shopping now?
Dan: Whatever you want, baby. I'm gonna go h*t the showers.
Dan smiles warmly at Mandy again, then walks toward the school. Mandy looks over at the group of cheerleaders again and gives them a thumbs up and a smile. They smile in return and wave. Jason stops Dan.
Jason: Where you going, bud? The field's this way.
Dan: I'm going shopping with Mandy.
Jason: You're what?
Mandy walks between them.
Mandy: [To Dan.] I'll be in the car, baby.
Dan: See ya.
Mandy walks away and Jason watches her go with a bewildered expression.
Dan: [Suddenly angry.] You checking out my girlfriend, buddy?
Jason: What are you talking about?
Dan glares at Jason for a moment, then leaves for the school.
Jason: [Calling after him.] Danny, you walk off this field, you're riding the bench Friday.
Dan: [Without turning around.] Yeah, bite me, dude.
Jason turns to Clark who is still on the bench.
Jason: Clark! Looks like a spot just opened up. Why don't you hop in there?
Clark stands up and grabs his helmet, walking happily toward the field.
Jason: Go get 'em. Clark. [Clark stops.] You're gonna need one of these.
Jason picks up a football and tosses it to Clark who catches it in one hand. When Clark turns back toward the field, he finds himself face to face with several of the other team members.
Player: Don't get too comfortable out there, Clark.
Player #2: Danny's this team's quarterback.
Clark ignores them and keeps walking, but two of them knock his shoulder with their own as he tries to pass. When he is gone, the players turn toward the field.
Player: Let's get him, boys.
Player #2: Yeah.
Cut to the next play about to begin. Clark is wearing his helmet and is behind another player about to receive the ball. He reaches between the player's legs.
Clark: Blue 19!
Player: Not the center, jerk!
Clark pulls away as Jason shakes his head impatiently. Clark tries again hesitantly.
Clark: Blue 19!
Player: Hike!
The guy passes the ball through his legs to Clark and Clark backs up, getting ready to throw. He dodges one of the yellow players who tries to tackle him and throws the ball across the field. It soars high into the air and is then caught by another red player.
Jason: Nice throw, Kent! Keep it up!
Clark: [Pleased.] All right!
Cut to the boys' locker room which is empty except for Jason who is seated on a bench tying his shoe as he gets ready to leave. He hears something behind him and turns around to see what it is.
Someone holds out a g*n from behind one of the rows of lockers and points it at Jason. All we see of the person holding the g*n is his arms. Jason sees the g*n and darts off the bench and lands on the floor just as the sh**t begins f*ring. The first sh*t misses.
Jason scuttles to his feet and runs out of the way as the sh**t cocks the g*n and fires again taking out a chunk of the wall but missing Jason a second time. Jason runs down an aisle of lockers, dodging a third sh*t which hits one of the fluorescent lights on the ceiling. With a shower of sparks, one end of the light swings down into the room.
Jason makes it to the door and tries to get out, but the door is locked. He turns around and we see that the sh**t is wearing a football uniform. Jason dives to the floor with his hands covering his head as he is sh*t at again. This time, the b*llet hits a mirror on the wall which shatters all over Jason on the floor. He stands up and holds out his hands at the sh**t who he realizes is Dan. Dan is still pointing the g*n at him.
Jason: Whoa! Whoa! Danny, put the g*n down, man. Let's talk about this.
Clark enters the locker room and sees what is happening.
Dan: It's too late, coach. [He cocks the g*n.] You shouldn't have h*t on my girl.
Dan fires the g*n, and in slow motion we see a small cluster of steel beads launch from the barrel. Clark runs to Jason with super speed and pushes him out of the way and to the floor. The beads fly over Clark and Jason to another mirror on the wall which shatters on impact.
From the floor, Clark looks up at Dan who cocks the g*n and is about to f*re again. Clark uses his heat vision on the g*n, warming the metal until it is so hot that Dan gets b*rned and cries out, dropping it.
Dan: Ah!
The metal part of the g*n glows red hot as it clatters to the floor. Dan falls down next to the g*n, bathed in the cold flicker of the dangling fluorescent light. Clark looks at him wide eyed.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside Lana's apartment, Lana pours some antiseptic into a rag and walks over to Jason who takes off his shirt and sits down with a sigh. Lana brings the rag close to the wound on Jason's shoulder.
Jason: Ow, ow, ow.
Lana: I haven't even touched it yet.
Jason: I'm just practicing.
Lana: Good, because it's really deep.
Lana dabs the wound with the rag and Jason grunts from the pain. Then she puts a bandage on it.
Jason: Well, I guess it could've been a lot worse if Clark hadn't tackled me out of the way. I've never seen anybody move that fast. I gotta get him off the bench. Of course, that shouldn't be hard now. [With a smile.] Do they still expel students for taking potshots at coaches?
Lana: This isn't funny, Jason.
Jason: [Removing his smile immediately.] Right.
Lana: [Walking away from him.] Imagine being your girlfriend and finding out about this from Chloe. I felt faint and I wanted to scream, but I couldn't. Because why would Lana be freaking out over the new assistant coach?
Jason stands up and puts his shirt back on as he walks toward Lana.
Jason: You know, this is usually the part where I would buy you a massive bouquet of flowers and take you out to a really nice dinner. But I can't 'cause my dad has cut me off because I decided to follow my heart instead of the big bucks at business school.
Lana lowers her eyes, understanding but unhappy.
Jason: Hey. I need this job, okay? I mean, it's something I love, you know, and it works well with my college schedule. It allows me to be close to you. I know the only downside is that we have to fly under the radar, but... I'm sorry for that.
Lana looks warmly at Jason, touched. Then she comes toward him and they kiss softly.
Lana: It's just I've never been happier, and to not be able to share that is frustrating.
Jason: Well, you know you can always take your frustration out on me.
Lana smiles, and they kiss again.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Dozens of students file in the front doors. Inside, Lois walks through the hall as she talks on her cell phone.
Lois: [Angry.] Well, can you please tell the dean there's been an egregious error? I belong at Metropolis University, not walking the halls of Podunk High. [Pause.] Well, yes, I'm sure that we could work this all out if you could just get him to call me back. Thank you!
Lois slams her cell phone shut, walking right by Clark at his locker without noticing him. He is wearing a letterman's jacket. He shuts his locker.
Clark: You know... [Lois stops walking.] If you spent as much time studying as you did trying to leave, you'd be in college already.
Lois: [Turning to face him.] And where'd you get that pearl of wisdom, the Farmer's Almanac?
Clark laughs mockingly, then tugs on his jacket, showing it off.
Clark: So, what do you think?
Lois: They're not really your colors.
Lois starts to walk away and Clark follows.
Clark: They're the school's colors.
Lois: I'm glad you made the team, Clark, but why be a conformist? At least with the whole farm boy plaid thing, as lame as it is, it completely belongs to you.
Clark: [Annoyed.] In the future, let's restrict our conversations to "hello" and "goodbye."
Two cheerleaders walk past Clark and Lois and we hear part of their conversation.
Girl #1: I can't believe she even tried out.
Girl #2: I know. Did you see what she was wearing?
Girl #1: And those thighs? One, two, three...
Both girls: No!
They both laugh as they keep walking and Lois and Clark watch them strangely, paying attention to the fact that the cheerleaders' boyfriends, both football players in letterman's jackets, are following behind them, obediently carrying the girls' pom-poms, purses, and backpacks.
Lois and Clark keep walking and pass two more cheerleaders at their lockers. One is loading her boyfriend's arms with a stack of books, and the other gives her boyfriend her sweater to fold for her. Again, both guys are football players. Lois and Clark stare in confusion but keep walking.
Girl #3: Yeah, so the party's gonna be way kick.
Guy: Yeah, pool party! Great!
Lois and Clark pass one more couple. The football player is holding up a mirror so that the cheerleader can apply her lipstick.
Lois: Where are we, some kind of freakish feminist parallel universe?
Clark and Lois enter the Torch office where Chloe is working.
Lois: Hey, Chloe, have you seen the way these football players are acting?
Chloe: [Not looking up from her work.] Yeah, and I noticed one of them unloaded a g*n in the boys' locker room. I was thinking about maybe doing an article on it, but the only two reporters I have are late again. [She finally looks at Clark and Lois. With mock surprise.] Oh! Hi. It's you.
Lois: I'm sorry. I was storming the gates of Metropolis U. trying to get them to change their admissions policy.
Clark: And I had to pick up my new jacket. What do you think?
Chloe: Not exactly your colors.
Lois clears her throat loudly, pleased.
Clark: It's the school colors.
Chloe: Whatever. Anyway, Lois, I need you to go to the Smallville Medical Center. Apparently our g*n-toting ex-quarterback woke up this morning and he's the feeling the sting of his second-degree burns. He's been apologizing nonstop, so...
Lois: I'm sure he doesn't love the prospect of playing tight end for the Kansas State Boys' Home.
Lois's phone rings, and she answers it.
Lois: Hello? Yes, I will hold of for the dean. [To Chloe.] I've got to go.
Lois rushes out of the office.
Chloe: All right, I guess I'll go to Smallville Medical Center. Clark, I need to you to talk to Coach Teague. After all, you were there. Nice save, by the way.
Clark: [Pause.] Actually, Chloe, with this whole football thing, I'm gonna have to dial back my time at the Torch.
Chloe looks at Clark, surprised.
Chloe: Oh. I guess I've got my work cut out for me.
Clark: I'm sorry. You know, my priorities...
Chloe: [Smiling, covering her hurt feelings.] You know what? Don't worry about it. This has got to be a pretty big deal for you. I mean, you're the new starting quarterback, right? It's got to be pretty exciting.
Clark: It is, but... I'm just not sure the other guys want me around.
Chloe: They've been playing together for three years. You're on the team for two weeks, and all of a sudden you're starting. What did you expect, hugs and kisses?
Clark shrugs.
The boys' locker room. Day. The football team is in the locker room opening boxes full of brand new uniforms. One player pulls out a helmet.
Player: Nice.
He tosses it to another guy. The other players also comment on the new uniform as Clark enters.
Clark: What's going on?
Another player presses a jersey to Clark's chest that says "Kent" on the back.
Guy: You owe me one, Clark. I saved it from the toilet.
Clark: Thanks.
Another player glares thr*at at Clark as Jason enters the room.
Jason: All right, ladies. Listen up. You've obviously found the new jerseys. I want to introduce you to the man responsible for them. Lex Luthor!
All the guys except for Clark clap and cheer as Lex, dressed in a suit, enters the locker room, passing Clark to get to the center of the circle formed by the players. The applause dies down. Lex's back is to Clark.
Lex: The coaches tell me this is going to be a rebuilding season. And I want to encourage you to keep at it.
He turns around, facing in Clark's direction, but speaking to everyone.
Lex: In my life, I've learned that you can never give up on something that means a lot to you, even when you're coming off a losing season. You keep trying. Because sometimes you just need a fresh start.
Lex looks at Jason who nods. Lex then looks at Clark who looks back coldly.
Lex: So please, enjoy the new uniforms.
Jason: All right! All right!
Everyone applauds again and Lex starts to leave, passing Clark.
Clark: I know what you're doing. [Lex looks at Clark.] But you can't buy back my friendship.
Lex looks at Clark sadly without responding. Clark walks away.
The players are beginning practice on the field outside the school. Day. Chloe catches up with Jason.
Chloe: Coach Teague. Hey.
Jason: Hey.
Chloe: I'm, uh, doing a story on the Torch on Dan Cormier and I was just wondering if I could talk to you for a little bit.
Jason: Can it wait? I'm in the middle of practice.
Chloe: It's only gonna take, like, two seconds, I promise.
Jason: I'll do it later.
Chloe: [Unsure.] Okay.
Jason: I will.
Chloe: Okay.
Chloe stops walking and Jason walks away. Nearby, a group of four cheerleaders including Mandy walks toward the drinks table. Two of the cheerleaders hold several squeeze bottles of green punch, and the other two carry a large cooler and stack of plastic cups which they place on the table. Jason walks up to them and takes a cup.
Jason: Hey, ladies.
Jason fills the cup with green punch from the cooler.
Mandy: [Flirtatious.] Gee, Coach Teague, I sure hope you have someone special in your life.
Jason: [Laughing uncomfortably.] Well, Mandy, I don't think that's any of your business.
Jason drains the cup in one gulp, then looks back at Mandy who smiles at him.
Jason: But yeah, I do have somebody.
He walks away from the table and out to the field where the guys are practicing.
Jason: Guys! You gotta give your quarterback some protection. You gotta hold the pocket! Hey, Carlsen! You gotta move around, pal!
Chloe watches this from the drinks table. Clark comes toward her in his football uniform.
Chloe: Hey, Clark! Hi. I know you're not exactly journalistically inclined right now, but I was just ...
Clark: This isn't a good time, Chloe.
Clark keeps going toward the field.
Chloe: Right. [To herself.] Priorities.
Chloe drops her notepad on top of the cooler and grabs a plastic cup which she feels with the green punch. She takes a sip and watches Clark on the field beginning a play.
Clark: [Hunched behind another player.] Blue-23! Blue-23!
Chloe: [Softly, with a bright smile.] Clark...
Clark: Hut!
Cut to Chloe entering the Torch office where Lois is just hanging up the phone.
Chloe: Hello! Uh, look, I'm gonna need you to run with that psycho quarterback story. You might want to interview his girlfriend Mandy. She's a cheerleader.
Chloe hands her notepad to Lois.
Lois: Hi, I'm busy trying to get out of Mayberry.
Chloe: That's fine. Do whatever you want. You're in charge now. [With a smile.] I'm quitting the Torch.
Lois: Whoa! Wait. Quitting? Why?
Chloe: I finally understand why it never worked with Clark.
Lois: Okay, I'll bite.
Chloe: Because I was never there for him! I was always here buried in this stupid school newspaper. I wasn't devoted to him. But that's all gonna change now.
Chloe walks toward the Wall of Weird and starts taking down pictures.
Lois: Please stop with your crazy talk! You can't quit because, seriously, I need the credit, and how many anvils are you gonna let this guy drop on you?
Chloe: [Walking to Lois, angry.] You know what's crazy? I actually thought you'd be happy for me. Now that Lana and Clark are finally a thing of the past, I may actually have a sh*t at this. Why are you getting in my way?
Lois: [Giving up.] Fine. Looks like I'm gonna be covering the pom-pom b*at.
Chloe: Thank you.
Lois leaves the room.
Cut to Lois turning a corner in the hallway of Smallville High where she sees Mandy talking to three other cheerleaders.
Rhonda: Seriously, Mandy, the 24-hour mourning period is over. You need a new boyfriend to take to our pool party.
Mandy: Okay, I'm not taking a step down from Dan and dating some wide receiver, Rhonda.
Girl #3: Well, Clark Kent's the new quarterback.
Girl #4: And he's hot.
The other girls laugh and nod.
Mandy: No decisions. I'll scope him out.
Rhonda notices that Lois is listening, and gestures to her to let the other girls know. Lois walks toward them and talks to Mandy.
Lois: Mandy, right? I'm Lois Lane. I'm doing an article for the Torch about what happened to your boyfriend.
Rhonda: She doesn't want to talk about it.
Lois: I don't want to write the article either, but my cousin dumped it on me and I need the credit, so let's ...
Mandy: I wouldn't give that geek rag a quote if it were the last paper on earth.
Lois: Darn. And I thought it was gonna be so insightful.
They all glare at Lois.
Lois: Oh, look. Your valets are here. [Three of the football players walk up to them. To Mandy.] Except you don't have one anymore, do you?
Mandy: I could have another boyfriend like that. [She snaps her fingers.]
Lois: It's amazing what a short skirt and the ability to rhyme will get ya.
Rhonda is at her locker and hands one of her folders to her boyfriend. He drops it on the floor, and Lois picks it up. She opens it and the front page is titled "The Love Molecule." There is a picture of a molecule called phenylethylamine.
Lois: Oh, advanced chem. How many cheerleaders does it take to draw a double helix?
Mandy: You want a quote?
Lois: Yeah.
Mandy: Back off, bitch.
Lois smiles as the cheerleaders push past her and walk away. They wave goodbye mockingly.
Lois: Just got my headline.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Inside, Clark walks up the stairs and sees Chloe sitting on the couch.
Clark: Chloe. [Pause.] What's going on?
We see that Chloe is dressed only in Clark's football jersey. She pats the couch inviting him to sit down. Clark takes off his backpack nervously and drops it to the floor. He sits down as far away from Chloe as he can get.
Chloe: So, do you remember that conversation we had this morning about your priorities? Well, I've been thinking about my priorities, and I think they're a little screwed up. Who needs the Torch? Especially if you're not gonna be there.
Chloe moves closer to Clark.
Clark: Right. But that still doesn't answer why you're only wearing... my football jersey.
Chloe: I want to make you my number one priority. [Clark stares at her in confusion. She comes closer.] I would do anything for you. Things that Lana would never do. Things to help relieve your stress.
Chloe puts a hand on Clark's chest.
Clark: [Apprehensive.] Like what?
Chloe smiles as she starts running her hand down Clark's chest to his stomach.
Clark: Chloe...
Her hand keeps lowering until Clark stops it.
Clark: Chloe! Hey, Chloe! [He takes her hand away from his body and pats it.] Are you feeling okay?
Chloe: I've never felt happier. [She straddles Clark's lap.] Clark...
Clark: [Even more uncomfortable.] Uh ...
Chloe: Can't you see? I'm devoted to you. I love you, Clark.
Chloe kisses Clark heavily on the lips and his hands rise into the air with surprise.
Fade to black.
Clark comes down the stairs of the Kent house carrying his backpack. Day. He enters the kitchen and puts the backpack down on a chair. Martha puts a pie down on the counter and starts to wrap it with plastic wrap. Next to her on the counter is a large gym back and a football.
Martha: Clark, I got all your football gear together, but I can't find your jersey.
Clark: It's, uh, in the barn. I forgot it up there. I'll, uh, I'll get it later.
Clark goes to the fridge and takes out a container of milk.
Clark: Hey, Mom, can I talk to you for a second?
Martha: Of course, honey. What's up?
Clark: It's about Chloe. Um, she came on to me last night, pretty strong. I'm worried about her. Don't worry, nothing happened.
Martha: I thought you two agreed to be friends.
Clark: We did, and then she pulled a 180 on me.
Martha: Maybe Chloe's decided life's too short to bury her feelings anymore. How do you feel about her?
Clark: The problem is, I'm not over Lana yet. [Sadly.] Sometimes I think I never will be.
Martha: [Consoling.] Oh, sweetheart. There's somebody out there for you. I know it.
Clark: So, what do I do about Chloe?
Martha: If you don't feel the same way, just be honest.
Clark nods as Jonathan enters from outside.
Jonathan: Hello!
Martha: Hi. Oh, I gotta get to the Talon. Okay, um, I'll see you too later. Bye.
Jonathan: Bye. So, Clark. Tell me, how's football practice going?
Clark: It's actually not going so good. Some of the guys have been giving me a hard time since they found out I was starting. Missing my passes...
Jonathan: Nobody said it was gonna be easy.
Clark: The frustrating part is, I could score every time.
Jonathan: Clark, we talked about that whole thing, remember? The football field is not a place for you to be using your powers to save the day.
Clark: I just said it was frustrating.
Jonathan: Look, son, if you're gonna be the quarterback, then you have to be the leader. Of course a bunch of the guys are gonna want to challenge that, especially if they don't think you deserve it. Same thing happened to me.
Clark: I thought your team worshipped the ground you walked on.
Jonathan: Well, not when I was a h*m*, they didn't. See, the coach made me starting quarterback. A bunch of the seniors didn't like that very much.
Clark: What'd you do?
Jonathan: I earned their respect.
Clark thinks about this, then nods.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Lana walks down an empty hallway holding a note in her hand. She finds Jason who is walking toward her.
Lana: [Concerned.] Hey, is everything okay?
Jason: Yeah. It is now.
Jason kisses her, and she pulls away looking around to see if anyone is watching.
Lana: Hey, what are you doing?
Jason: It's called kissing my girlfriend.
Lana: No, I was talking more in the "big picture" sense. [She holds up the note.] The lady from the attendance office announced to my entire advanced lit class that Coach Teague needed to see me.
Jason touches her face, and she pulls away again.
Lana: I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but this sudden, spontaneous outburst ... It's a little strange. Even for you.
Jason: Mm.
Lana: You have sacrificed an incredible amount to be with me. I will not cost you your job.
Jason: My job doesn't matter, okay? You do. I want to make you happy.
Lana: I know. And I love that. I just think that we should discuss this later.
Jason: Okay, but will you promise me something?
Lana: Depends...
Jason: Come by practice after school. Just stand on the sideline for, like, ten minutes. But I just want to see you.
Lana smiles.
The cheerleaders are practicing their cheers on the football field as the football players do jumping jacks. Day. Jason blows his whistle.
Jason: All right, guys. Let's grab a drink before scrimmage.
The guys all jog over to the drink table. On his way over, Clark notices Lana sitting on the bleachers.
Clark: Lana? [He takes off his helmet and walks over to her.] What are you doing here?
Lana: I-I heard that Clark Kent was our new starting quarterback, and I had to see it for myself.
Clark: Really? You came out here to watch me practice? That means a lot.
Lana smiles awkwardly in response. Jason sees Clark talking to Lana.
Jason: [Unfriendly.] Hey, Kent! Do you want to join us or what?
Clark: [To Lana.] I better go.
Lana: Seems like our new assistant coach is working you pretty hard.
Jason takes a swig of green punch from a bottle as he watches Clark and Lana.
Clark: No, he's, uh, actually pretty cool. [Lana nods. Clark looks at her for another moment.] I'll see ya.
Lana: See ya.
Clark walks away from the bleachers toward the drinks table. Lois catches up with him.
Lois: Hey. What did you do to my cousin? She's freaking me out.
Clark: Nothing. She's hitting on me.
Lois: Well, obviously you sent some kind of signal that you were interested.
Clark: Look, Lois, I got a big game coming up, and I'm trying to make a good impression here, all right? So could we talk about this later?
Chloe is running, nearly skipping, toward Clark and Lois. She is wearing a Smallville High cheerleading outfit and waving pom-poms in the air. She is deliriously excited.
Chloe: Hey! Hey, Clark! Hi!
Lois: Oh, my God.
Chloe: Hi, Clark! Hi! [She laughs excitedly.] Ta-da! Hi!
Clark: Chloe. W-what's up with the cheerleader outfit?
Chloe: I found it in the storage locker. I thought, you know, what better way to support my new favorite starting quarterback than to join the cheerleading squad? We can be together all the time!
Clark: [Unenthused.] Yeah.
Lois looks at Chloe strangely. Chloe looks from Clark to Lois and her smile fades.
Chloe: What is she doing here?
Jason calls to Clark from the field where he is talking to the other players.
Jason: Hey, Kent! Some time today!
Chloe: Good luck! Bye!
Chloe blows Clark a kiss and runs to the sideline.
Lois: Oh, my God. She's taken the fast train to Stepford.
Clark: I need you to keep her away from me.
Lois: With what? A tranquilizer g*n?
Clark: There's obviously something wrong. I just need some time to figure it out, okay?
Lois: Okay.
Lois walks away, and Clark goes to the drinks table, pouring a glass of green punch. He downs the whole cup and almost immediately bends over in pain, gagging. Jason walks up to him.
Jason: Kent. What's wrong with you?
Clark: [Breathless.] Coach, I'm not feeling very good. I think I better leave.
Jason: You're gonna walk away because you don't feel well. You know, maybe I was wrong about you, Kent.
Clark: Coach, I ...
Jason: You know, your team's waiting for you out there. Are you a leader or not?
Clark gives in, stumbling toward the field for practice. Nate starts to walk toward the field and Jason stops him.
Jason: Tell the rest of the guys they got a green light on Kent. I've been too easy on him.
Nate smiles and runs toward the field excitedly. Jason takes another long drink of the punch.
Cut to a play beginning. Clark is jogging backwards preparing to throw the ball when three players tackle him viciously. Chloe is waving her pom-poms on the sidelines cheering for him.
Chloe: It's okay, Clark! It's okay! Just shake it off!
Nate looks down at Clark who is lying on his back.
Nate: How's it taste?
He laughs cruelly as Clark weakly tries to get up. Jason watches him angrily from the sidelines. The cheerleaders are standing in neat rows nearby practicing a cheer as Chloe runs around the field wildly, cheering off the top of her head.
Chloe: Clark Kent! Come on! Give me a K! Give me an E! Give me an N! Give me a T!
Clark is hunched over behind another player, beginning the next play.
Clark: Blue-37! Hike!
The ball is hiked to Clark, and almost immediately, another player throws himself at Clark's back, knocking him to the ground. Then two other players pounce on him. Chloe gasps.
Chloe: Oh! Keep going, baby!
Another play starts.
Clark: Hike!
Clark passes the ball to another player and starts running toward the yellow players. Two of the yellow players standing side by side hold out their arms, knocking Clark in the chest and toppling him onto his back.
Player: Need a hand?
The player grabs Clark by the face mask of his helmet and pulls him up. Clark grunts in pain.
Chloe: Let's hear it for the number one quarterback! Yeah!
We see Clark toss the football and then get tackled from behind by two players. Then at the beginning of the next play, Clark pulls on his helmet and hits it a couple of times, trying to clear his head.
Clark: Blue-17! Hut!
Before Clark can even move with the ball, two more players pull him to the ground.
Chloe: Oh! Uh... It's okay! It's okay! It's just a bruise!
Nate: [Laughing.] Atta boy, Kent! How's that feel, Kent?
Chloe: Go, Clark! You can do it! You can do it! Defense! Go defense! All right!
Clark is still on the ground the whole time Chloe is cheering, and he watches as Mandy and another cheerleader take the cooler from the drinks table and carry it back to the school.
Chloe: Whoo! Yeah! Go, Clark!
Clark adjusts his helmet and lowers his eyes, confused and unhappy.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Dusk. In the loft, Clark is seated at his desk with his shirt unbuttoned. He holds an icepack to his ribs and gasps breathlessly at the cold. He hears somebody enter.
Clark: Chloe, if that's you, I'm not feeling very well right now.
Clark stands up with some difficulty and sees Jason walk into the loft wearing a black jacket with the hood over his head.
Clark: Hey, Coach Teague.
Jason: [Walking up the stairs.] Clark, we need to talk.
Clark: [Buttoning his shirt.] Look, I know this is gonna sound weird, but I think there's something in that drink cooler.
Clark comes down the stairs meeting Jason halfway.
Jason: Yeah, you should've stayed away from my girlfriend.
Clark: What are you talking about?
Jason punches Clark hard in the stomach. In his weakened condition, Clark feels the pain clearly and he gasps, doubling over. Jason then elbows Clark in the back, sending him tumbling to a lower level of the loft where he lands near several haystacks.
Jason comes down the stairs and grabs Clark by the shirt, holding him up with one hand and punching him in the face repeatedly with the other. After three punches, Jason pulls Clark to his feet and throws him at the railing. Clark hits the railing with his stomach, his torso leaning over the edge. Then he straightens up, realizing with surprise that his nose is bleeding. He turns around to Jason, and Jason punches him again in the face with enough force to send him crashing through the railing and plummeting to the ground.
Clark whimpers on the ground, nearly unconscious. Jason comes down the stairs watching Clark thr*at the whole time. Clark looks up at him, unable to move, and just as Jason is raising his arm to take another swing, Lex walks up behind him and knocks him on the back of the head. Lex then throws him against a beam. Jason knocks his head, then gets to his feet and runs from the loft. Lex leans down over Clark, holding his shoulder.
Lex: [Concerned.] Clark.
Clark: [Surprised.] Lex.
Lex: Are you okay? Who was that?
Breathless, Clark doesn't answer.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Kent farm. Night. Inside, Clark is seated and Lex is standing near by.
Lex: Are you sure you don't want to call the police?
Clark: Yeah. It's not like either of us got a good look at him anyway.
Lex turns away from Clark and walks toward a table where there is a first aid kit. A drop of green liquid drips from Clark nose and lands on the floor. Clark touches his nose, then glances over at Lex. When he sees Lex's back is still turned, he opens his shirt and sees the bruises on his chest disappear before his eyes. The cut that was on his forehead moments ago has disappeared.
When Lex turns back to Clark and walks toward him, Clark closes his shirt and wipes his nose with a tissue, not making eye contact with Lex.
Lex: That's odd.
Clark: What?
Lex: I could've sworn you had a cut above your eye.
Clark: Actually, I'm feeling a lot better all of a sudden.
Lex: Yeah, well, I still think you should have a doctor take a look at you.
Clark: I guess I was lucky you were here.
Clark stands up and walks past Lex to the table.
Clark: Why are you here?
Lex: I wanted to give you something.
Lex picks something up and when Clark turns to face him, he tosses a blue LuthorCorp file to Clark.
Lex: It's every file I ever had on you.
Clark: How do I know you don't have a copy?
Lex: You don't. But it's the truth.
Clark: Lex, if this friendship was so important, why'd you lie to me for so long?
Lex: I don't know, Clark.
Clark lowers his eyes, and Lex walks toward him.
Lex: There's a darkness in me that I can't always control. I'm starting to think that's my curse, why every relationship I have ends badly.
Clark: We all have a dark side, Lex.
Lex: Yeah. But I can feel mine creeping over the corners. Your friendship helps keep it at bay. It reminds me that there are truly good people in the world. I'm not willing to give up on that.
Clark looks back at Lex cautiously.
Lex: Good night, Clark.
Lex leaves the loft. Clark lowers his eyes silently.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Night. Inside, Lois and Clark walk through the empty hallway.
Clark: I'm looking for Coach Teague. He just att*cked me in my loft.
Lois: After that performance on the field today, I'm not surprised.
Clark stops walking to look at Lois.
Lois: I'm kidding.
Clark: Look, the cheerleaders are spiking the water cooler at practice. That's why Chloe and the players are acting so weird.
Lois: Nice work, Smallville. You want to know what they're using?
Clark: You actually did some investigative reporting?
Lois leads Clark into the Torch office.
Lois: My cousin goes Martha Stewart without the jail time? Yeah. Suddenly, the power of the press interests me. [She picks up a file and shows it to Clark.] Look what I found.
Clark: [Looking at it.] Mandy and Rhonda did a science fair project together. So?
Lois: So that's our smoking g*n. According to the chemistry teacher, they researched a hormone called phenylethylamine.
Clark: Phenylethylamine? [Lois hands him the file and he reads it.] "The love molecule."
Lois: Exactly.
Clark: So it's a love potion?
Lois: Yeah, but it didn't work.
Clark: Until they added the meteor rock.
Lois: [Not understanding.] Whatever.
Clark: We have to find a way to reverse the effect.
Lois: Well, it must wear off at some point. Otherwise they wouldn't keep juicing the football players.
Clark: We don't have enough time. What if another player goes into a jealous rage and hurts someone?
Lois: Wait a minute. You drank some of it, too. I saw you. How come you're not going all love sl*ve?
Clark: [Pause.] I don't know. What's your point?
Lois: That science report's in Mandy's faux Prada bag. Presumably it can tell us how to reverse this, right? And presumably, you're infected. [Clark thinks about this. Lois becomes teasingly flirtatious.] The cheerleaders are having a pool party tonight. How do you look in a swimsuit, Clark?
Clark looks at Lois, shaking his head, about to refuse her. She smiles at him, refusing to let him say no.
The swimming pool at Smallville High School. Night. The whole room is decorated for the party and there are football players and cheerleaders everywhere. Some of them are sitting in the pool on inflatable furniture while others stand around the pool socializing. One of the football players jumps into the pool with a big splash. There are flashing lights and loud music.
A muscular guy wearing only a pair of shorts walks along the edge of the pool with a tray of cocktails. Mandy stands near the edge of the pool and when the guy passes her, she takes one of the cocktails and sips it with a look of boredom on her face.
Some of the other students are gathered beyond the pool where three football players are wearing grass skirts and coconut bikini tops and dancing the hula. Clark and Lois enter. Clark is wearing a swimsuit and a T-shirt and has a towel draped over his shoulder. They first notice the men dancing the hula, then Lois notices a purse on a table near Mandy. Mandy has her back to Lois and Clark.
Lois: Okay, Clark. Faux Prada bag, folder, show time.
Clark: [Apprehensive.] Lois, I don't think ...
Lois: [Pushing him forward.] Go.
Clark: Lois ...
Lois gives Clark one last shove and he gives in.
Clark: Okay.
Clark continues walking toward Mandy and looks back at Lois nervously. She gestures for him to keep going, and he does. He walks in front of Mandy.
Clark: [Forced brightness.] Hi, Mandy.
Mandy: [Pleased to see him.] Hey, Clark. [She puts her drink down on the table.] Welcome to the party.
There is an awkward silence and Clark glances over Mandy's shoulder to Lois. Mandy starts to turn around to see what Clark is looking at, and to prevent her from seeing Lois, Clark quickly takes Mandy by the shoulders and leans in to kiss her. Lois starts to creep toward them. Clark ends the kiss, surprised at himself, and Mandy is smiling.
Clark: I'm devoted to you.
Mandy looks him over, lifts up the front of his shirt and looks at his tight stomach.
Mandy: Yeah, I can work with this.
Mandy takes Clark by the hand, grabs her purse from the table, and leads Clark away from the swimming pool. Lois turns away so that Mandy doesn't see her. As Mandy and Clark are leaving the room, Clark turns back to Lois.
Clark: [Desperate whisper.] Lois!
Lois gestures to Clark to stay with Mandy. Mandy leads him into the empty locker room where she immediately starts kissing him. Without ever breaking the kiss, she leads him to a weight machine and pushes him against it. When Mandy's back is to the entrance, Lois enters the room and grimaces when she sees Clark and Mandy kissing. Lois goes to another weight machine and watches from behind it.
Mandy: Oh, you're so strong.
Clark: Y-You're so beautiful.
Lois: [To herself quietly.] I'm so grossed out.
Mandy and Clark continue to kiss and Mandy takes the towel off Clark's shoulder and throws it behind her where it hits Lois in the face. Mandy leads Clark to a bench and sits him down on it, then straddles his lap. Her purse is still over her shoulder.
Mandy: So, tell me. If you like me so much, what are you gonna do for me?
Clark: I'll buy you dinner.
Mandy kisses Clark again. He glances over Mandy's shoulder at Lois who seems less than impressed by Clark's answer.
Clark: [Trying again.] I'll cook. I'll cook you dinner.
Mandy: Oh, that is so hot!
Mandy att*cks Clark's neck with her kisses. Clark carefully slips the bag off of her shoulder and tosses it to the floor, pointing at it wildly for Lois to pick it up.
Mandy: You seem distracted.
Clark: Um, I'm just nervous.
Mandy: Why?
Clark: I've, um, never done what I think we're about to do before.
Lois sneaks around the edge of the room, coming closer to the bag. Mandy smiles at Clark and begins kissing him again. Lois is inches away from grabbing the bag when suddenly Mandy stands up and backs up toward the bag. Lois scampers away and hides under the coach's desk as Mandy picks up the bag and drags Clark over to the desk. Mandy lies down on her back on the desk and pulls Clark down over her to kiss him.
Clark succeeds in getting the bag a second time and drops it off the desk where it lands on Lois's head.
Lois: Ow.
Mandy: What?
Clark: [Making pleasure noises.] Oh! Oooh!
Mandy: [Mimicking him, having fun.] Oh! Oooh! [She laughs. They kiss.]
Mandy starts to lift Clark's shirt. Lois is on the floor opening the bag when Clark's shirt lands on her head. She pulls it off, disgusted and annoyed and gets out from under the desk with the bag in hand. Mandy is too busy with Clark to see Lois go. Lois leaves the room and goes into a boiler room next door. She hears Mandy laugh.
Lois: Gross.
Lois opens the bag and pulls out the folder.
Lois: All right.
She opens the folder and starts to read. Suddenly, Chloe comes up behind her and hits her on the back with a wrench. Lois turns around startled.
Lois: Ow! Chloe, what the hell?
Chloe: [Furious.] I know what you're up to. [She swings and Lois blocks it.] I went through this with Lana, and I'm not gonna go through it with you!
Chloe swings and Lois blocks it again.
Lois: Do what?!
Chloe: Steal Clark!
Cut to Mandy straddling Clark on the desk in the locker room.
Mandy: Are you getting bored?
Clark: No.
Mandy: Good. Because I'm just getting started.
She kisses Clark again.
Cut to Lois doing a somersault down the hallway of the boiler room as she runs away from Chloe. Chloe runs after her with the wrench screaming in her rage.
Lois: [Dodging more swings.] Chloe, this is stupid!
Chloe swings again and Lois catches her arm.
Lois: I don't want to hurt you!
Lois throws Chloe to the ground.
Chloe: Too late. You already did.
Chloe gets to her feet and prepares to swing the wrench. Lois does a spin kick and knocks the wrench out of Chloe's hand. Chloe turns around, thrown off balance, and lands with her face and hands against a hot pipe. She screams as the pipe sizzles against her skin and then she falls to the ground.
Lois: [Kneeling next to her.] Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry! Are you okay, Chloe?
Chloe: [Confused.] Yeah. What happened? What's going on?
Chloe looks around the room in a disoriented manner. Lois's eyes light up with an idea as she looks at the hot pipe that pulled Chloe out of her rage.
Cut to Mandy still straddling Clark as she unties his swimsuit.
Mandy: So, how far do you want to go here?
Clark: Um...
Lois and Chloe enter.
Lois: Right about there would be great, thanks.
Annoyed, Mandy gets off of Clark. He hurries off the desk, grabs his shirt, and runs to Lois and Chloe.
Clark: Chloe, you okay?
Chloe: Yeah, fine.
Mandy: I can't believe you, Clark.
Lois: Oh, please! Do you know how pathetic it is that you had to resort to chemicals to control your boyfriend?
Mandy: I'm sick of being a distant second to a football.
Lois: So you created a bunch of psycho nut-jobs. [To Chloe.] No offense.
Chloe: None taken.
Clark: [Putting his shirt on.] What, uh, what took you so long?
Chloe: Oh, she was att*cked by a, uh, crazy plumber.
Lois: Yeah.
Clark: [To Lois.] Did you find the cure?
Lois: Yeah, we worked out our own little experiment. [Clark doesn't understand.] I accidentally b*rned her on the furnace in the boiler room and she snapped out of it.
Clark: Just like Dan snapped out of it when the g*n heated up.
Chloe & Lois: Exactly.
Clark: So it's the heat.
Lois: Yeah.
Chloe turns around.
Chloe: Uh, you guys, where's Mandy?
Mandy is gone.
Lois: [Blaming.] Oh, nice, Clark. You know, you only had one thing to do.
Clark: Me? You're closer to the door.
Lois: Okay, so it's automatically my fault?
Mandy walks back into the room.
Chloe: [Quieting them.] Uh, guys, guys, guys, guys, guys.
Lois: [To Mandy.] Oh, hey. We were just talking about you.
Mandy: Yeah? Well, now you're gonna wish you never crossed me.
Lois: Yeah? What are you gonna do, cheer us to death?
Several large football players, including Nate, enter the room wielding baseball bats.
Lois: Oh, great. Here comes the love squad.
The players stare at Clark, Lois, and Chloe thr*at.
Clark: Let's get out of here. Come on, Lois.
Clark and Chloe start to leave, but Lois stays where she is, staring at Mandy.
Lois: Bring it on, hotshot.
Nate steps forward and swings his bat at Lois. She ducks to dodge it, then kicks Nate in the stomach, sending him falling back against the other football players.
Clark: Lois, what are you doing?
Lois: Hey, Clark, do you got any expl*si*n up your sleeve?
Lois is looking at the ceiling above the players. Clark follows her gaze and sees that she is looking at a pipe that says "Caution Hot".
Nate: You're gonna pay, bitch!
Nate gets back to his feet. Clark uses his heat vision on the pipe, heating it up until it bursts and a cloud of steam jets down onto the players, knocking them and Mandy to the floor.
Lois: Okay, what the hell was that?
Clark: I guess the pipe must've broken or something. Pretty lucky, huh?
Lois: Yeah. You better hope for that kind of luck tomorrow on the field.
Clark rolls his eyes at Lois's insult.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Inside, Clark is escorted into a room by a servant. The room is the place where Lex had all of his research on Clark stored. Lex is in the room waiting for him.
Lex: When they told me Clark Kent was downstairs, I couldn't believe it. I wanted you to see for yourself that the investigation is over.
Clark: [Looking beyond Lex.] What's that?
The sh*t widens and we see that the large room is completely empty except for a small cube of compacted metal.
Lex: The Porsche you pulled me out of the day we met.
Clark: Why is it still here?
Lex: [Walking toward the metal.] To remind me of what I almost lost. [He turns to Clark.] It's over, Clark. It really is.
Clark doesn't respond.
Lex: Look, I'm willing to give this friendship another sh*t if you are.
Clark is silent for a moment, then nods in agreement. Lex smiles.
Clark: In the spirit of friendship, I was wondering if you could help me with a problem.
Lex: Absolutely. What is it?
Clark: Well, it's a who. Lois Lane.
Lex nods.
Clark is dressed in his football uniform in the locker room. Day. He takes his helmet off the locker as Jason walks up to him.
Jason: Clark. I don't know what to say, man. I mean, you saved my life, and I practically tried to k*ll you. It's not the best way to get this coach-player relationship off the ground.
Clark: It's okay.
Jason: If you want to bring this to the school's attention, I totally understand.
Clark: No, coach. You weren't yourself. I'm just glad it wore off.
Jason: Yeah. You're gonna do great out there today. I think after all that's happened, the guys are finally behind you.
Clark: [He nods.] Thanks. [Jason starts to leave.] Hey, coach? When you were in my loft, you told me to stay away from your girl. Who were you talking about?
Jason: Honestly... I have no idea. I mean, like you said, I guess I wasn't myself. Good luck today, Clark. I'll see you out there.
Clark smiles.
The football field outside Smallville High. Day. The scoreboard shows that the score is 28 for the Crows and 31 for the guests with the clock stopped at 7 seconds left of the fourth quarter.
Announcer: The Crows are behind 31 to 28 with 7 seconds remaining. Fourth down on their own 40-yard line.
Lois, Chloe, and Lana are sitting together in front of Martha and Jonathan in the bleachers as the players get ready for the last seconds of the game. The girls talk to each other excitedly. Two rows ahead of them, Lex is sitting quite still, watching the field anxiously.
On the field, Clark is talking to the players.
Clark: Nate, I need you to get open in the end zone.
Nate: Are you serious? Can you throw that far?
Clark: Can you run that fast?
Nate: Hell yeah.
Clark smiles and nods.
Nate: Let's do it!
Clark: All right, guys. Hail Mary on one.
Guys: Hey! [They all clap their hands once and break the huddle.]
As the players run onto the field, the crowd stands up and claps. Lana stands up, and Chloe stands up, somewhat unsure of herself, but following the example.
Clark: 42! 42! 29! Hut!
Announcer: Unbelievable! The Crows win! The Crows win!
Guys: All right, Kent!
Clark: Whoo!
Chloe: Wow. So ... 60-yard pass to win the big game at the last second. You're gonna be like some superhero around here. I just might have to do an article on you.
Clark: Does that mean you're back at the Torch?
Chloe: Yeah. Since I'm not very good at ignoring 500-pound elephants, I am really sorry that I made things so ridiculously awkward between us.
Clark: You know, I thought you made a great cheerleader.
Chloe: Yeah, let's never talk about that again, okay? Look, Clark, as much as I'd like to blame the pom-pom juice for this, I obviously still have those feelings in me somewhere.
Clark: Chloe ... I wish I felt the same way, but I don't. At least not right now.
Chloe: I know that. And I accept it. I just hope that we can keep our friendship. Except now you're gonna be, like, big man on campus.
Clark: Well, I'm hoping my new editor will keep me in line. I'm gonna make time for the Torch.
Chloe: Wow. Superhero and journalist. What are the odds? Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow.
Lois: If you break her heart, I'll come back and I'll break your legs.
Clark: What do you mean come back?
Lois: Apparently the dean got a call from a very prominent benefactor with the initials L.L. They did the white man power dance and shazam. I'm officially a freshman.
Clark: Wow, that's great!
Lois: Don't pretend you had nothing to do with it. Why would Lex call out of the blue on my behalf?
Clark: Look, the important thing is you got in and you're leaving. Because that's what you wanted, right?
Lois: Yeah, yeah, don't get all broken up about it. You know, if I could describe my time here in one word, it would be "weird." I look forward to the relative normalcy of the big city. But don't worry. I'll visit.
Clark: Is that a promise or a thr*at?
Lois: See you around ... Smallville. | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x04 - Devoted"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 20th, 2004
Two men, Mr. Hanison and his bodyguard, stand in an abandoned car garage in Metropolis. Day. The daylight shines into the dusty room through ceiling windows as Hanison paces impatiently near his parked car and checks his watch.
Hanison: I'm not waiting around for some damn kid. He's late.
Hanison walks toward his car and suddenly there is a young man standing behind him. The young man is wearing a red shirt and backpack with a yellow lightning bolt on it. His name is Bart Allen. Hanison turns around, startled.
Bart: Your watch is fast. If there's one thing I am, it's never late. I say I'm gonna be somewhere, I'll be there like a flash.
Bart looks through the window of Hanison's car to the seats inside.
Bart: Nice car, man. What is this, real leather?
Hanison: [Impatient.] I got places to be, small fry. What do you got for me?
Bart: [Confident.] Oh, I got some great stuff for you, Mr. Hanison. I'm talking top of the line.
Bart walks over to a cart nearby with a hubcap sitting on it. He tosses the hubcap aside and takes off his backpack. He opens the backpack and dumps its contents out onto the cart. The bag is full of wallets and expensive-looking jewelry and watches.
Hanison: [Unimpressed.] Well, you've been busy.
Bart: Well, you know, idle hands... empty pockets. So, what do you think?
Hanison: I'll give you $200 for the lot.
Bart: It's worth like ten times that much!
Hanison: [Counting his money.] And I told you I don't handle this nickel-dime crap anymore. You land a real score, you come talk to me. Until then, you take what I give you.
Hanison drops $200 on the cart.
Bart: [Picking up the money.] Maybe I should just take it all. [He gestures to the merchandise on the cart.]
Hanison: That isn't a thr*at is it, kid?
Hanison's bodyguard pulls a g*n out of his jacket and stares at Bart thr*at. On the other side of the garage, a cat runs through, knocking over a pipe and causing a loud thud. The bodyguard reflexively points his g*n in the direction of the noise. While he and Hanison are looking in the other direction they hear a burst of air, and when they turn back, Bart is gone. They both look around but don't see him anywhere.
Cut to Jonathan and Clark walking away from the Metropolis Day Clinic. They make their way toward the sidewalk and to their truck. Jonathan looks at a slip of paper in his hand.
Jonathan: Ah, jeez.
Clark: The doctor said you're doing great.
Jonathan: Yeah, right before he gave me this new prescription. Red ones. At least they'll go nicely with my pink, blue, and green ones I'm already taking.
Clark: I'd rather have more colors in the medicine cabinet than not have you around.
Jonathan: I just didn't want to have to worry your mother with anymore of this stuff. That's all.
Clark: Dad, we both worry about you. What Jor-El did to you because of me...
Jonathan: [Stopping Clark.] Wait a minute. I knew what the risks were, Clark. And I'd take them again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe. [He pulls two tickets out of his pocket.] Don't you and I have a game to catch?
Clark: Metropolis Sharks, 50-yard line. Lex really came through this time.
They resume walking.
Jonathan: Look, son, I understand what that friendship means to you, but please don't forget he had you investigated. Be careful.
Clark: I'm not going into this with my eyes closed. He wants another chance to prove he's changed.
They stop at the corner of an intersection.
Jonathan: Clark ...
Clark: Dad, this is my senior year. I don't want to have to worry about Lex or Jor-El or any of that. I just want to live a normal life, hang out with my friends, and play football.
Jonathan: [Chuckling.] All right. Why don't you go get the truck? We don't want to miss the kickoff.
Jonathan hands the keys to Clark. Clark walks around the corner as Jonathan picks up a magazine from a stand next to him and starts to browse through it.
About a block away, a large man in an old truck drives toward the intersection. He is drinking from a bottle in a brown paper bag and beginning to fall asleep. He wakes up with a jerk, realizes how fast he is going, and slams on his brakes as he is headed straight for the corner that Jonathan is standing on. Behind him Bart runs into the street with super speed, his legs glowing with a red aura until he stops. We see Bart in the truck's rearview mirror as it comes closer to the sidewalk. The man's tires screech against the street, but he is going too fast for his brakes to be effective. Jonathan looks at the truck with surprise when it is only a few feet away from him.
Suddenly everything seems to freeze in position as, around the corner, Clark goes into super speed perception. The truck has halted where it is and a nearby skateboarder is standing in air above his board in the middle of a jump. With a slight ripple of air, Clark turns around and sees Jonathan about to be h*t. Clark super speeds toward the corner leaving bluish-white ripples in the air behind him, but before he can get to Jonathan, Bart gets there first, running even faster than Clark and leaving behind red ripples of air.
Bart pulls Jonathan out of the way just as the truck gets to the magazine stand and crashes into it, easily plowing it over. The truck finally comes to a stop on the sidewalk. With normal speed, Clark runs to Jonathan who is now lying down on the street.
Clark: [Helping him up.] Dad! Dad, you okay?
Jonathan: [Breathless.] Yeah. Yeah, I think so. Your mother would be visiting me in the hospital again if you hadn't pushed me out of the way.
Clark: Dad, it wasn't me. I saw someone who can move like I can. I couldn't believe it. He saved you.
Jonathan is shocked. He puts his hand in his back pocket and finds that it is empty.
Jonathan: Whoever it is, not only did he save my life, Clark. He also stole my wallet.
Jonathan and Clark both look around, but Bart is nowhere in sight.
[Opening credits]
Jonathan and Clark drive up outside the Kent Farm. Day. They get out of the truck and walk toward Martha who is on her way to her own car to go to work.
Martha: [Surprised.] Hey. Aren't you two supposed to be at the game?
Jonathan: Well, the tickets to the game were in my wallet.
Clark: Which was stolen. Some kid swiped it outside the medical building.
Martha: [Touching Jonathan's shoulder.] Oh, my God, you were robbed? Are you all right? Did he have a g*n?
Jonathan: Yes, no, he had a very fast pair of sneakers. But I'm gonna call the credit card company and report it stolen.
Jonathan starts walking toward the house.
Clark: Hey, Dad, wait. This kid, he was as fast as I am. I should find out who he is. Just let me talk to Chloe. Maybe she can track down where he's been using your card. [Jonathan looks hesitant.] Come on, Dad, if I don't find anything by the end of the day, then make the call.
Jonathan: All right, but I want you to be careful, Clark. We don't know anything about this kid.
Clark: That's why I have to find out who he is.
Clark leaves.
Martha: Are you sure you're okay?
Jonathan: Sweetheart, I'm fine. I wish you wouldn't worry about me all the time.
Martha: You were in a coma for three months, Jonathan. It's hard not to worry when you've been through so much.
Jonathan: With a little help from modern medicine, I plan on going through a whole lot more. [He smiles.] Starting with a romantic evening with my beautiful wife. [Putting his arm around Martha.] I thought maybe we could have a little dinner and then drive on down to the lake.
Martha: I'd love that, sweetheart, but I... I might have to work late again tonight. [Apologetic.] Running the Talon is a lot more involved than I thought it would be. But I'll call you later, okay?
Martha kisses Jonathan and leaves. He looks disappointed.
Outside sh*t of an apartment building in Smallville. Day. Inside, we see a sh*t of a bed with a pile of schoolbooks strewn across it. There is a fireplace on the wall with a Crows gym bag sitting in front of it, and near the fireplace, Lana and Jason stand in the middle of the room kissing passionately. When the kiss ends, they hold each other closely. Jason lifts up the back of her shirt slightly and notices the tattoo on her back in the mirror across the room.
Jason: What is that?
Lana pulls away and covers her back with her shirt.
Lana: Um, it's nothing.
Jason: It looks like a very large tattoo hovering over a very provocative spot. When did you get that?
Lana: Um, I-I got it, uh... before I came back from Paris. [She turns away from Jason to hide her anxiety.]
Jason: Really? Why didn't you tell me? I could've come with you and gotten a mermaid or an anchor or a mermaid holding an anchor.
He starts to lift her shirt to peak at the tattoo again. She slaps his hand away and turns around abruptly.
Jason: What?
Lana: I didn't plan on getting it, all right? It kind of just happened.
Jason: Tattoos don't just kind of happen. There's usually some ink and a fair amount of pain involved.
Lana: [Defensive.] Well, what was I supposed to do, ask you for permission to get it?
Jason: Whoa, hey. That's not what I meant. Why are you biting my head off right now?
Lana: I'm not.
Jason: Yes, you are.
Lana: Look, I just... I don't want you making a big deal out of this.
Jason: I don't care about the tattoo, okay? But what bothers me is the fact that, for some weird reason, you felt like you had to hide it from me. [Lana lowers her eyes.] I've seen what keeping secrets has done to my parents. I'm not gonna end up like that.
Lana: Jason, the last thing I ever want to do is hurt you, but there are some things that I am just ... I'm not comfortable sharing with you yet. I'm sorry.
Lana kisses him softly on the cheek and leaves.
Lex is in his study at the mansion. Day. He is prying open a wooden shipping crate with a crowbar. The crate has printing on it in a foreign language. Lex succeeds in removing the lid of the box and he pulls the packing straw out of the way revealing an old framed page with writing in the same foreign language and what looks like a drawing from a fairytale of a knight riding a white horse. Lex smiles.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Inside a hotel, Clark opens a door to one of the guest rooms. The door chain is connected, and Clark breaks it with a quick chop of his hand. He enters the room. He can hear a shower running and music coming from the bathroom. The bathroom door is open only a few inches and Clark sees steam rising from the room. He creeps past the bathroom and goes into the living area of the hotel suite.
The room itself is tastefully furnished and obviously expensive. On the couch are several new shirts, still folded, and the coffee table is covered with snack foods and comic books. On the nightstand next to the bed there are a couple of shoe boxes with new shoes near them. On the bed, Clark sees Bart's backpack with the lightning bolt on it. Clark picks up the bag and opens it, emptying it onto the coffee table.
He looks through the wallets and watches but doesn't find what he's looking for. Then he sees a stack of ID cards held together with a rubber band. He removes the rubber band and looks at the IDs. They are all from different states, New York, California, and Kansas, and they all have Bart's picture on them. Shaking his head, Clark continues to look through the items. Bart comes into the room with wet hair and wearing a bathrobe.
Bart: Dude. [Clark stands up quickly.] You lost? You know, because I guess you must be, because this is my room.
Clark: Technically it's my dad's since you used his credit cards to pay for it.
Bart: I didn't take anything from anybody.
Clark: You can save the innocent act. I had a friend trace all the charges you're trying to stick on him after you stole his wallet.
Bart: [Noticing his backpack, becoming more angry.] And you went through my backpack. Man, that's an invasion with privacy, messing with my stuff.
Clark: Your stuff? You stole all this.
There is a burst of air and Bart is suddenly standing behind Clark, fully clothed and with dry hair. Clark turns around.
Bart: Yeah? Prove it.
Clark: I saw you save my dad from that truck this morning.
Bart: [Slightly taken aback.] Man, nobody sees me when I'm doing my thing.
Clark: Maybe you're not the only one who can move like that... [Reading names from the ID cards.] Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, whatever your name really is.
Bart: It's Bart. Well, not that that matters because I'll be a thousand miles away before you can even blink.
Clark: [Challenging.] I don't know. I can blink pretty fast.
Bart: Who are you, man?
Clark: I'm gonna get my dad's wallet, and then you and I are gonna sit down for a long talk.
Clark turns around to the coffee table, but Bart is already there wearing his backpack and holding the ID cards in his hands.
Bart: I'm not big on the chit-chat, dude. Smell you later.
Bart super speeds out of the room, and Clark super speeds after him. Through the window, we see them speed down the street below and around the corner. They run through a park toward a lake. Bart is still ahead of Clark, but Clark reaches out to grab him. Before Clark reaches him, Bart jumps an enormous distance toward the lake and lands on top of the water, not sinking in. He runs across the lake at blinding speed. Clark watches him with awe.
Outside sh*t of the Kent Farm. Day. Clark super speeds into the house where Jonathan is setting the dining room table.
Clark: Dad, I found the kid who stole your wallet, but I lost him down at the docks. He just took off across the water.
Jonathan: Uh, son.
Jonathan looks in the direction of the kitchen and Clark looks in that direction too. He sees Bart sitting at the kitchen counter eating a meal.
Bart: Hey, Clark. [He takes a drink of milk.] What took you so long?
Clark raises his eyebrows.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the barn on the Kent Farm. Day. Clark and Bart enter the barn.
Bart: [Excited, rambling.] Dude, I didn't think anybody else could move like that except me! Because, hey, I'm the fastest man alive, right? [Clark doesn't answer.] Yeah.
Bart gives Clark a friendly slap on the back. Annoyed, Clark keeps walking through the barn and Bart follows.
Bart: You were right on my butt, man. You know, I've always wondered if there was anyone out there like me, and it turns out to be you, Jimmy Crack Corn fresh from the farm.
Clark: [Finally stopping at the bottom of the stairs.] What kind of story did you spin to con my dad out of a free meal and a bed on the couch?
Bart: No story, Clark, just the truth.
Clark: And what's that?
Bart: All right, well, a couple of years ago there was, like, this accident, right? There was this huge flash of light, and my body went into overdrive.
Clark: And this happened in Smallville.
Bart: No. Man, this is my first time here, and no offense, dude, but hopefully the last.
Clark is surprised. He walks up the stairs to the loft and Bart follows.
Clark: I've never met anyone with powers like yours that wasn't from around here.
Bart: Yeah, well, maybe you should get out more. So, how'd you get so fast? You in an accident too, or...
They stop on the landing.
Clark: I was kind of born this way. Why are you living on the streets, Bart? What happened to your parents?
Bart: Their son got zapped into a human lightning bolt. That's what happened. I mean, they made this whole big deal that everything was gonna be okay and that... [Pause. Clark looks at Bart with sympathy.] I don't know, man, you should've seen the way they looked at me, you know? I could tell that nothing was gonna be the same.
Clark: So you ran away?
Bart: I... [He goes up the rest of the stairs and looks around.] I just didn't fit in. But, man, I guess you don't have that problem.
Clark: [Coming up the stairs.] Oh, you'd be surprised. I ran away once, too.
Bart: Why'd you come back, man? Mow the lawn? Milk the cows? Dude, you should be out there with me tearing it up.
Clark: You mean stealing everything in sight.
Bart: It's not like I ever really hurt anybody. [He sits on the couch.] I mean I usually just swipe a little bling from the stiff upper crust whenever I need some cash. I'm what you'd call a have-not, Clark. I take from the haves.
Clark: Like my dad?
Bart: Look, man, don't even sweat it, okay? They don't charge you if your card's stolen.
Clark: Oh, and that makes it all right.
Bart: [He stands, becoming aggravated.] Look, man, my friends down in the su1c1de Slums, they shortchanged me. So I had to boost your dad's card in order to get a room. I don't like spending the night out in the streets, okay? Stuff happens there. When I'm asleep, I'm just as slow as everybody else.
Clark looks concerned, wondering what Bart is alluding to.
Bart: [Defensive.] Don't you make the big cow eyes there, stretch, okay? I can always take care of myself.
Clark: [Sarcastic.] Yeah, you've done a great job so far.
Bart: [Laughing.] You know what, man? Enough about poor little street urchin, all right? Let's take a closer look at the mysterious Clark Kent.
Bart super speeds around the room and comes back to Clark holding several of Clark's things. He holds up a book.
Bart: You like to study Native American mythology. [He drops the book and holds up a notebook.] You've scrawled the name "Lana" on your notebooks, and you have one of the most boring hobbies known to man. Rock collecting.
Clark: I don't collect r ...
Bart opens a small lead box revealing a chunk of kryptonite. The rock glows green and Clark is immediately weakened. He gasps and backs away, stumbling downward. Bart looks from Clark to the rock, confused.
Bart: Dude, are you okay?
Clark: [Crouching against a table.] Put that away. I'm allergic.
Bart closes the box and Clark's pain ceases.
Bart: Man, I've heard of people sneezing around cats and dogs and stuff, but never getting all weak in the knees over a rock.
Clark: [Standing up.] It's a long story.
Bart: Which is one I'm sure I would love to hear... [He rolls up his sleeves.] ...after we get back.
Clark: Get back from where?
Bart: Anywhere we want. I mean, dude, we are two super-powered studs here. Why else do you think I came to Smellyville looking for you, man? Let's go crank it up, go have some fun!
Clark begins to smile, tempted.
Bart: You ever seen Florida?
Bart super speeds out of the loft. Clark thinks about it for a moment, then shakes his head as if he can't believe what he is about to do. Then he super speeds out of the barn after Bart.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. The marquee says "Grand Re-Opening." Inside, the room is filled with customers buying coffee, talking, and having a good time. Clark and Bart enter and walk toward the bar.
Bart: Dude, that girl in the black bikini was totally checking you out.
Clark: [Embarrassed.] No, she wasn't.
Bart: Look, the girl was eyeing you like you were a sno-cone, dude. You should've got her number.
Clark: I can't just walk up to a girl on the beach and get her phone number.
Bart: Yeah, well lucky for you... [Bart slaps a piece of paper against Clark's chest.] ...I can. [Clark takes the paper.] She says to call her next time you're in Miami.
Clark: Sshh! [Looking around to see if anyone heard.] I can't just go run back down to Miami.
Bart: Why not?
Clark: Because it's ...
Bart: It's what? Too much fun, Clark? Come on, dude, nobody's ever died from it.
There is a burst of air and suddenly Bart is standing on the other side of Clark holding a large cookie that he has already taken a bite of.
Clark: What are you doing?
Bart: I'm eating a cookie, dude, I'm starving.
Clark: [Taking the cookie away from Bart.] You can't just take whatever you want. My mom runs this place.
Clark tosses the cookie onto the bar. Chloe enters the Talon and walks toward Clark and Bart.
Bart: Look, man. [Gesturing to the line of people at the bar.] There's a line. I don't do lines.
Chloe: What's up, Kent? I thought you'd still be in Metropolis playing detective.
Clark: [Directed at Bart.] I thought I'd leave that one up to the authorities.
Bart: [Retorting.] Never would've caught him, anyway.
Chloe glances at Bart.
Clark: Chloe, this is my friend Bart. He's from...
Bart: The future.
Chloe: [Skeptical but intrigued.] Really?
Bart: Yeah. [Turning on the charm.] I ran all the way back in time to tell you that we're still in love a hundred years from now.
Chloe laughs out loud, delighted.
Clark: [Shaking his head.] Bart...
Bart: [To Chloe.] What's your favorite kind of flower, Chloe?
Chloe: Uh, tulips.
Chloe grins at Clark. While her head is turned, Bart super speeds away and then back, holding an orange tulip. Chloe looks at Bart in astonishment.
Chloe: How did you do that?
Bart: Magic. [He gives her the flower.]
Chloe: Wow.
Bart: You want to see some more?
Chloe looks from the flower to Bart with wonder.
Martha comes out of the backroom with a tray full of food and sees Clark.
Martha: Clark.
Clark walks between Chloe and Bart on his way to Martha. He pats Bart on the shoulder in a friendly manner but looks at Bart sternly.
Clark: Knock it off.
Clark walks over to his mother, quickly stuffing the piece of paper with the phone number into his shirt pocket.
Martha: Your dad called. [Looking at Bart.] Is that the boy who robbed him?
Clark: Yeah. His name's Bart Allen.
Martha: Why is he here?
Clark: I think he's lonely, wants to be my friend.
Martha: Good. Maybe you can talk some sense into him.
Clark: I'm trying.
Martha: Oh, um, Lex is looking for you, sweetheart. He asked if you'd stop by the mansion. He said it's important.
Clark: Okay, but I probably shouldn't leave Bart alone.
Martha looks at Bart who is seated at a table with Chloe engaged in a lively conversation.
Martha: I really don't think he'll notice you're gone.
Martha walks away and Clark looks over at Bart and Chloe. He laughs disbelievingly.
Clark and Lex stand side by side in Lex's study looking at the old page with the foreign writing on it. Night. Lex has it framed in a glass box on a steel pedestal in the center of the room. There is a light shining directly onto the page from above.
Lex: I purchased this from a private collector in St. Petersburg. Convincing him to part with it required quite a few glasses of vodka and a small fortune, but it was worth it.
Clark: [Smiling.] It's very nice.
Lex: Take a closer look at the border design.
Clark steps closer to the pedestal.
Lex: Embedded glyphs similar to the Kawatche symbols found in the cave.
We see that the border is lined with Kryptonian symbols.
Lex: And no one's spent more time down there than you.
Lex walks around Clark to stand on his other side. Clark looks slightly shaken, but he covers it well.
Lex: Any idea what they mean?
Clark: No. But I thought you weren't interested in this stuff anymore.
Lex: Oh, I'm still interested, Clark, just not obsessed. Which is why I'm not keeping this from you. I'd like it if we could work on this mystery together.
Clark: I'd like that. [They smile at each other tensely for a moment. Clark turns back to the frame.] So what is it?
Lex: It's the last surviving page from a 14th century manuscript.
Lex walks away from the pedestal and sits down at his desk.
Lex: It depicts the Grand Prince Danskoy's victory over his mortal enemy Mamaya at the Battle of Kulacova. Legend has it that this was the only object adorning the walls of Rasputin's chamber while he studied at the Verkhoture Monastery.
Clark uses his X-ray vision to look through the page and sees a deeper layer that has what appears to be a map and more Kryptonian symbols.
Lex: He believed this page would reveal a path to unimaginable power. Rasputin would stare at it for days at a time, attempting to penetrate its secrets.
Clark: It's incredible.
Clark reaches for the frame.
Lex: Don't. [Clark stops.] I've had state of the art security installed to protect it. I'm keeping it at the mansion for a few days before it goes into the vault at LuthorCorp.
Clark looks from the page to Lex anxiously. Lex's watch starts to beep.
Lex: I'm sorry, Clark, I have an appointment. Why don't you swing by tomorrow and we'll, uh, roll up our sleeves?
Lex stands up and puts on his jacket.
Clark: [Smiling to hide his uneasiness.] Yeah.
Clark leaves the study. He walks down the hallway and with a burst of wind, Bart is suddenly standing right in front of him.
Bart: [Excited.] Dude, you know Lex Luthor?
Clark: What are you doing here?
Bart: Well, Chloe sh*t me down, but, you know, her loss. Man, this place is awesome! [Gesturing to a room down the hall.] I mean, have you seen all the cool stuff?
Clark: You were just in there?
Bart: Yeah, I just took a quick spin. Don't worry, man, he won't have a clue.
Clark: You gotta get out of here.
Lex walks into the hallway behind Clark.
Lex: Clark.
Clark turns around and we hear Bart super speed away behind him.
Lex: Who are you talking to?
Clark turns around and sees that Bart is gone. Shaken, he turns back to Lex who is still waiting for a response. Clark continues to look at Lex awkwardly, completely at a loss for words.
Clark enters the Kent house, popping the door open loudly. Night. Jonathan is in the living room.
Clark: Dad!
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. You're just in time, son. Your mom's working late again, so I thought maybe we'd have guys' night. You know, catch up on the highlights of the game we missed?
Clark: I saw something at Lex's, Dad. It was a page from an old manuscript and it had Kryptonian symbols on it.
Jonathan: Kryptonian symbols? Were you able to read them?
Clark: It had a message repeated over and over. "Look deeper." I used my X-ray vision, and I saw a map hidden underneath.
Jonathan: A map? A map to what?
Clark: I don't know, Dad, but I think it has something to do with Jor-El and what he sent me after when he was controlling me.
Jonathan: I want you to leave this alone, Clark.
Clark: No, Dad ...
Jonathan: Son, you were just telling me how you want to have a normal senior year, right? Well, how does traipsing around the globe on Jor-El's crusade fit in with that?
Clark: It doesn't. But hanging out with Bart reminded me that I'm not normal, Dad. Maybe it's time I stopped running from who I really am.
Jonathan: [Putting his hands on Clark's shoulders.] What you really are is a 17-year-old boy. Now sit down.
Clark sits on the living room couch. Jonathan sits next to him.
Clark: Dad, it doesn't matter how old I am. Whatever Jor-El sent me to find, I have a feeling it's very powerful and dangerous. Especially if it falls into the wrong hands, and I'm the only one who can stop that from happening.
Jonathan: How? By stealing this manuscript from Lex?
Clark: No. He has no idea what he has. All I have to do is sneak back in there and get a better look at it.
Jonathan: Clark, it's a bad idea. He could see you.
Clark: I'll be in and out before he even knows I'm there.
Cut to Clark tearing a sheet of paper from his notebook in the loft. He starts to leave and Bart super speeds in.
Bart: Dude! Lex's place was sweet! I mean, that guy's got like 20 cars, man! There's no way you get that rich playing it straight. Man, I gotta step it up a notch, because that is definitely how I want to live.
Clark: Listen, Bart, there's something I've got to take care of, all right?
Clark tries to step around Bart, and Bart stands in his way.
Bart: Can I come?
Clark: No. Um, it's personal. But maybe we'll hang out when I get back.
Clark starts to leave again, and Bart follows him down the stairs.
Bart: Oh, dude, there's this midnight showing of "Speed" at the Mann's Chinese Theater. The best popcorn, and Keanu rules in that one. So do you want to go?
Clark: You know, it sounds great, but, uh, just don't mention it to my dad, okay?
Bart: Okay. [Pause.] Clark. [Clark turns around.] Man, it's been really cool hanging out with somebody like me, you know? So I got you something just to say thanks for everything.
Bart takes off his backpack and opens it, pulling out a package.
Bart: It's an MP3 player. That way you can download all your favorites tunes and listen to them wherever you go.
Clark takes the gift, smiling. Then a thought occurs to him.
Clark: Where'd you get this?
Bart: I got it for you, Clark. It doesn't matter where I got it.
Clark: Yes, it does, Bart. [Bart looks at Clark blankly.] You haven't been listening to anything I've said to you. You can't go around stealing whatever you want.
Bart: Why not?
Clark: Because there are laws.
Bart: For normal people. And, dude, why do you treat your abilities like a curse? They're not, man. They're a gift. I'm gonna use them.
Clark: I'm not saying you shouldn't. Just use them to help people, not hurt them.
Bart: Who am I hurting, the store that I swiped this from? Because they're insured.
Clark: [Raising his voice.] That doesn't make it right.
Bart: Whatever, dude. I'm not sticking around for another lecture.
Bart starts to walk away.
Clark: What are you gonna do, run away again? You're not gonna solve all your problems like that, Bart.
Bart: [Turning back to Clark.] Look, I'm not running away, Clark. I'm running towards something. I'm gonna have everything that I've ever dreamed of one way or another.
Clark: Bart ...
Bart: [Angry.] Look, I thought you and I were the same, but I was wrong. You are nothing like me.
Bart super speeds out of the barn. Clark looks at the ground, discouraged.
Cut to Lex's study. The room is empty. We hear the sound of rushing air as Clark super speeds into the room and stops in front of the pedestal. He leans over and looks at the page closely.
Suddenly, we hear another rush of air, and a blur of red energy ripples through the room, past the pedestal, and out the door. When the blur is gone, the glass box that was holding the manuscript is empty and white lights start flashing all over the room as a deafening alarm starts to shriek. Clark looks around, panicked.
Clark: [To himself.] Bart.
Lex enters with a security guard who has his g*n pointed at Clark.
Guard: Don't move!
Lex: Clark?
Lex walks toward Clark and sees the empty pedestal.
Lex: What the hell are you doing here?
Clark's eyes shift nervously.
Fade to black.
Two security guards leave Lex's study, and Lex closes the door behind them. Night. Clark is still standing next to the pedestal in the center of the room. The alarm and flashing lights have been shut off.
Lex: Would you like to explain what happened here?
Clark: I just came by to say hello. The next thing I know, all these alarms and lights were going off.
Lex: [Disbelieving.] It's a little late for a, uh, social call, Clark.
Clark: Yeah, I just ... I should've called, but I just figured you'd be up.
Lex: Are you sure you didn't see anyone else when you came in?
Clark: No, I-I didn't see anyone.
Lex: Then you don't know who did this.
Lex walks past Clark to his desk. Clark is silent for a moment.
Clark: No, I don't.
Lex: [Without looking at Clark.] I believe you. I know a real friend would never lie to me.
Lex turns back to Clark and looks him straight in the eye, as if waiting for Clark to say something more. Clark returns Lex's gaze for a moment, then looks away guiltily.
Clark: I better go and let you take care of this.
Clark starts to go.
Lex: I'll let you in on a secret. [Clark stops but doesn't turn around.] I'm not that worried.
Clark: [Turning to face Lex.] You said this manuscript page was worth a fortune.
Lex: It is. [Walking toward Clark.] And there aren't that many fences in Metropolis that can move such a high-end item. If I put the word out, I'm sure some fiscally challenged citizen will point me in the right direction.
Clark: You really think that'll work?
Lex: Don't worry, Clark. Our thief is gonna learn that there's nowhere on earth he can run from Lex Luthor.
Clark nods with a nervous smile.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Inside, Martha is seated at a table after hours working on the bookkeeping. She is on the phone with Jonathan.
Martha: I'd like that too, Jonathan, but I can't. [Pause.] Because I still have all this work to do. I'll be home as soon as I can. That's the best I can do. [Pause.] Okay, bye.
She hangs up the phone and puts it down on the table. She brings her hand to her forehead with an expression of exhaustion. Lana enters behind her.
Lana: You're working late.
Martha: Oh, God. It's like this never stops. I don't know how you managed all this and went to school too, Lana.
Lana: It wasn't easy. But I don't remember staying this late after closing every night.
Martha: Well, it's easier to do this here than at home.
Lana: Is everything all right, Mrs. Kent?
Lana sits down at the table.
Martha: Oh, Jonathan thinks the only reason I took this job is to help out with our finances. [Lana nods. Martha pauses, becoming emotional.] I love him so much. But after everything that's happened, all his health problems, the only time I'm not worried about losing him is when I'm here working.
Lana: But if you're here all the time, then, um, you don't see him anyway. Isn't that like you've lost him already?
Martha: [Smiling.] A summer in Paris has really given you some insight, Lana. [Lana smiles in return.] Thank you for reminding me.
Lana: Reminding you of what?
Martha: That it's easier to deal with your fears if you can share them with someone you love.
Lana nods thoughtfully, affected by Martha's words.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Mr. Hanison is talking on his cellular phone in the old car garage.
Hanison: Sure, however you want to handle it. [He laughs.] No problem, and it's my pleasure.
Hanison hangs up the phone and walks over to where his bodyguard and Bart are standing.
Bart: Well, it's about time.
Hanison: Oh, I had some things to take care of. Maybe when you grow up, you'll understand how men do business.
Bart takes off his backpack and unzips it. He pulls out the manuscript page rolled up and hands it to Hanison.
Bart: This grown up enough for you?
Hanison unrolls the page and looks at it.
Hanison: It's a start.
A large black SUV drives up outside the garage, and Bart turns away from Hanison and the bodyguard to see who it is. Then the bodyguard strikes Bart in the back of the neck with the butt of his g*n, knocking him unconscious. Lex steps out of the SUV and comes into the garage.
Hanison: [Holding the rolled page.] Mr. Luthor, I believe I have something that belongs to you.
Lex looks at Hanison silently, then steps past him to where Bart is unconscious on the ground.
Lex: Is this the dangerous criminal you warned me about?
Hanison: Hey, he's not your problem. Come on, let's talk about that finder's fee.
Lex: He's just a kid. Let him go.
Hanison: No. You have no idea what that freak is capable of.
Lex: If I were you, I'd be more concerned about the police right now, Hanison.
Hanison walks toward Lex slowly.
Hanison: What did you do?
Lex: In about five minutes, this place will be swarming with Metropolis P.D.
Hanison: [Nodding.] Well, okay, then I guess we better hurry this up, huh? [To his bodyguard.] Tony.
Tony points his g*n at Lex, ready to f*re. But Lex grabs Tony's arm and punches him in the stomach. Then he knocks his own head against Tony's and kicks him in the stomach, sending Tony to his knees. Lex kicks Tony in the face, sending him all the way to the ground, unconscious.
Hanison: Aah!
Hanison hits Lex across the face with a g*n, knocking Lex unconscious. Then he walks over to Bart. Hanison is still holding the manuscript. He kicks Bart's unconscious body furiously.
Hanison: Look at the mess you made, kid!
Bart regains consciousness and sits up, staring at Hanison angrily. Hanison points his g*n at Bart.
Hanison: Let's see if you're faster than a speeding b*llet.
As Hanison is starting to pull the trigger, Clark super speeds into the garage and grabs the g*n out of Hanison's hand, throwing it out of his reach. Then he grabs Hanison by the jacket and throws him through the roof of the building. He lands on an old trailer outside. Tony regains consciousness as this is happening.
Clark: [To Tony.] You don't want to be here!
Tony runs away.
Clark: [To Bart.] You still think what you do never hurts anyone?
Holding the manuscript, Clark walks over to Lex and turns him onto his back. He is bleeding from the side of his head. Clark checks Lex's neck for his pulse.
Clark: Lex. [No response.] Lex?
Bart: [Getting to his feet.] I am sorry, Clark.
Bart is holding a small box which he opens, revealing a kryptonite rock. Clark feels the effects and tries to stand up. He stumbles over to a tool chest and falls against it, sinking to the floor.
Bart: This doesn't change anything.
Bart kneels down next to Clark and takes the manuscript away from him.
Clark: No, you don't understand. It'll k*ll me.
Bart puts the box down next to Clark and backs away.
Clark: [Weakly.] You're not a m*rder! That's not who you are!
Bart: You don't know who I am!
Clark: Yes, I do. Bart, I saw you save my dad. I've seen the good in you. Bart, you've got to stop running, or in the end you'll just be alone. You don't want that. I know you don't. I know because down deep, we're the same.
Clark gasps in pain as Bart turns around and walks slowly back to him, kneeling down.
Bart: I wish that was true, Clark.
Bart looks down at the box for a moment, then closes it. Clark lets out a relieved breath. Bart looks at Clark for another moment, then super speeds away.
Fade to black.
Clark waits on the ground next to the fence while Jonathan climbs down the ladder of the windmill on the Kent Farm. Day.
Jonathan: You have no idea where Bart could be?
Clark: Lex was unconscious. I stayed with him until I heard the police sirens. Then I went after Bart. By then, he could've been halfway around the world.
Jonathan reaches the ground and he walks with Clark toward the house.
Jonathan: Well, I think it could be for the best, Clark.
Clark: But, Dad ...
Jonathan: Now, look, I know how much you wanted to help him out, but you can't force people to change no matter how strong you are.
Clark: He's not a bad kid, Dad, he's just different. At least he's willing to accept that.
Jonathan: Clark, embracing your abilities and flaunting them are two entirely different things.
Clark: I know. It's just sometimes there's a part of me that wishes I could be more like him. [They stop walking.] I mean, I spend so much time trying to hide who I really am, I'm starting to feel like two separate people.
Jonathan: Clark, I think you'd be really surprised to find out how many normal people feel exactly the same way. Son, everybody has secrets. Yours are just ... just bigger than most.
Clark: Well, I better go check on Lex.
Jonathan: All right. You want to use the truck?
Clark: No, I, um, I kind of want to stretch my legs.
Jonathan nods understandingly and Clark super speeds away just as Martha pulls up. She gets out of the car as Jonathan walks toward her.
Jonathan: Hey. I thought you'd be at work all day.
Martha: Well, that's one of the benefits of being the boss. I promoted Linda to assistant manager so I could take a break and spend some time with a ruggedly handsome farmer.
Jonathan: Well, you're in luck. There just happens to be one sweating in your driveway right now.
Martha: [Flirtatious.] Maybe I should get the hose and a bucket of soap.
Jonathan smiles and walks closer to Martha, putting his hands on her face.
Jonathan: I've really missed you.
Martha: Me too.
They kiss and then embrace. Martha closes her eyes happily as she leans her face against Jonathan's chest.
The Kawatche caves. Day. The sh*t starts on the painting of Naman and Sageeth. As the sh*t lowers, we see Jason and Lana enter the caves. Jason looks around in wonder, shining his flashlight on the walls.
Jason: This is amazing.
Lana: When Clark first found these caves, I had no idea why he was so obsessed with them. I always felt like he was keeping secrets from me because he was afraid of how I was going to react. I don't want to live like that. I don't want to be afraid all the time.
Jason: You don't have to be. Not with me. That's what I've been trying to tell you.
Lana: Okay.
Nervously, Lana walks past Jason.
Lana: Do you remember the church we went to in Paris?
Jason: Yeah, and I had to leave early to make arrangements for your birthday.
Lana: Right. Well, after you left, I noticed something strange on the tomb of Countess Theroux. There were these symbols etched into the rock like the ones in this cave.
Jason: [Looking at the walls.] How is that possible?
Lana: [Turning to look at him.] I don't know. [She walks past him again, keeping her back to him.] And when I touched them, there was this blinding light and then pain. And all I remember is waking up the next morning to you knocking on my door. And I had this.
Lana pulls up the back of her shirt and shows Jason the tattoo. He looks at it for a long moment, having a hard time accepting the story.
Jason: Okay, wait a second. So you're saying that some strange symbols on the tomb of a d*ad countess gave you a tattoo?
Lana: I know how it sounds. Why do you think I didn't want to tell you?
Jason: [Beginning to understand.] That's why you left Paris.
Lana: I had to come back to these caves. I had to find out why I was missing 12 hours of my life. But all I found were more questions.
Lana points over Jason's shoulder at the wall. He turns around and sees a wall painting of the symbol tattooed on Lana's back. He shines his flashlight on it.
Jason: It's the same as yours. What does the symbol mean?
Lana: [Afraid.] I don't know. Jason, I don't know what's happening to me.
Jason: Hey, hey. Whatever it is, we'll figure it out together, okay?
Lana: [Whispered.] Okay.
Jason holds Lana close. She rests her chin on his shoulder as he stares at the wall painting warily.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is seated at his desk in the study working at his laptop. Clark enters and Lex closes the laptop. Lex has a red bruise next to his left eye.
Lex: Clark. Good to see you keeping normal hours.
Clark: I just came by to see if you were all right. I heard you had some trouble in Metropolis.
Lex: News travels fast.
Clark: Curse of a small town. So what happened?
Lex: I decided to play cowboy and got my spurs handed to me. To be honest, I don't know why I'm not d*ad.
Clark: There must be someone watching over you.
Lex: [Smiling.] In more ways than one.
Lex looks toward the center of the room. Clark looks too and sees that the manuscript page has been returned to its pedestal. Clark walks over to it.
Clark: How'd you get this back?
Lex: I didn't. [Lex walks to the pedestal.] It was sitting on my desk when I returned from the hospital. Whoever took it must've had a change of heart.
Clark: I guess he did.
The tone in Clark's voice is proud, suggesting to Lex that Clark knows who took the page. Lex notices this, but doesn't comment on it.
Lex: Look, we'll have plenty of time to study this later. Right now I'm still nursing a bit of a headache.
Lex walks back to his desk.
Clark: I'm just glad you're feeling better.
Clark focuses his eyes on the manuscript and uses his X-ray vision to look through it, once again seeing the map and the hidden symbols. He smiles with relief and starts to leave.
Lex: Clark. [Clark turns to Lex.] I thought you'd like to know I had the manuscript page examined by a team of experts as soon as it turned up.
Lex opens his laptop and we see an image of the manuscript on the screen. Clark is on the other side of the desk and can't see the image.
Lex: Do you know what they discovered?
Clark stares at Lex nervously, waiting for an answer.
Lex: That I paid too much for it.
Clark shows a second relieved smile.
Lex: Thanks for checking in on me.
Clark nods and leaves the room. When he is gone, Lex hits a button on the laptop and the image of the manuscript page changes, revealing the map and symbols underneath. Lex smiles at the screen.
Clark sits outside the farm on a bale of hay drawing the map from the manuscript in his notebook. Day. We hear a burst of air and Bart is standing behind him, looking over his shoulder at the notebook.
Bart: Dude, your drawing sucks. Stick to the hero thing.
Bart drops his backpack on a bale of hay and walks around Clark to face him as Clark closes his notebook.
Clark: You mean like returning a priceless artifact to its owner?
Bart: Carrying all that money around would've just slowed me down anyway.
Clark: To a d*ad stop if I hadn't found you.
Bart: Yeah, how did you do that? What are you, fast, strong, and psychic?
Clark: [Smiling.] I wish. [Clark holds up the MP3 player Bart gave him.] I spent a whole night down in su1c1de Slums trying to convince someone that I had a thousand of these to fence. A few guys pointed me in the direction of Hanison.
Bart: Well, look at you. Channeling your inner criminal.
Clark: So, um, what are you gonna do now?
Bart: I don't know. I mean, it's a big world. I figure I'd check it out, see if there's anyone else out there like us. Maybe start, like, a club or a league or something.
Bart puts on his backpack as Clark nods a little disappointedly.
Bart: You know, you could come with me.
Clark: Or you could stay.
Bart: You have a great life, Clark. But it's not mine. I have no reason to stay in Smallville.
Clark: [Hopeful.] You have me.
Bart: [He smiles, but refuses.] Thanks for being my friend.
Bart turns to go.
Clark: Are you sure there's nothing I can do to change your mind?
Bart: [Turning back to Clark.] Tell you what. If you can catch me... I'll think about it.
Without waiting for an answer, Bart super speeds away from the farm and onto the road. Clark super speeds after him, chasing him down a road lined with corn and catching up slowly. In slow motion, we see Clark gaining on Bart as the scenery blurs past. Bart looks back at him. Smiling, he turns around so that he's running backwards. Clark smiles in return.
Then Bart waves his hand goodbye, and gains even more speed. His body flashes red and he runs out of sight, too fast for even Clark to keep up. Clark comes to a stop in the middle of the road, amazed at Bart's speed. He looks in the direction that Bart went with a smile.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x05 - Run"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on October 27th, 2004
Clark is practicing football by himself outside the Kent farm. Day. He is bent over holding the football against the ground. He stands across from a line of grazing cows that strangely resembles a line of football players crouched down and about to play.
Clark: 31! 42!
One of the cows moos at Clark.
Clark: Hut!
Clark picks up the ball and turns away from the line of cows, running toward the fence in the other direction. He fakes to the left, then turns around to face the cows again, clutching the ball in his right hand and chucking it across the field. The ball slams into a hanging wooden bucket of water, and the bucket explodes into pieces, splashing the water everywhere. The cow moos again, more loudly. Clark throws his arms up.
Clark: And the Crows take the state championship! Ha ha ha!
Jason and Jonathan walk up behind Clark smiling. Jason applauds.
Jason: I knew you were talented. I didn't know you could see the future.
Clark turns around, his smile fading.
Clark: [Embarrassed.] I was just practicing.
Jason: That's good. It's good to visualize game-winning plays, especially when the coach from Metropolis University is coming to the game on Friday night to check out the new star quarterback.
Clark: [Excited.] Are you kidding me?
Jason: I don't kid about football.
Clark: That's great. I'm ...
A high-pitched screeching suddenly fills Clark's ears and he grabs his head in pain. Jason and Jonathan don't hear anything.
Jason: You okay?
Clark walks away grunting and holding his ears.
Jonathan: [Worried.] Coach, I'll take care of him. Thanks for stopping by. That's great news.
Jason watches with confusion as Jonathan catches up to Clark.
Jonathan: Clark!
Jason leaves.
Jonathan: Clark. What's the matter, son?
Clark: I hear a ringing.
Jonathan: Can you tell me where it's coming from?
Clark: [Still in pain.] I have to go.
Clark super speeds away.
Jonathan: Clark!
Cut to an outside sh*t of the Kansas State Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Lex is seated at a table in the visiting area. Nearby, Lionel who is wearing an orange jumpsuit is escorted down the stairs by a guard. The guard then leaves Lionel's side, and Lionel clears his throat as he walks slowly to the table pulling out the seat across from Lex. Lionel is moving very slowly and weakly. His face is pale.
Lex: [Flat, uncaring.] You don't look well, Dad. Forget to take your vitamins?
Lionel: [Softly.] I know how deeply angry you are, Lex. [He sits down.] You let them put me in this godforsaken place because of that anger. But it's too late to change anything now.
Lex: So I've heard. A month left before your liver gives up on you for good. [Lionel shakes his head unhappily.] What, you didn't think I'd trek all the way out here without having a chat with your doctor?
Lionel: I wanted to see you, Lex, to say goodbye. Face to face.
Lex smiles coldly and lowers his eyes.
Lionel: I have done many things in my life that I have come to regret. But there is one thing I'll never forgive myself...
Lex looks Lionel in the eye.
Lionel: I never... said... I love you.
Lex's face is without emotion. Lionel has tears in his eyes as he holds his hand across the table, offering it to Lex.
Outside the penitentiary, we see Clark super speed onto the grounds and into the building.
Inside, Lionel is still holding out his hand. Lex looks at it doubtfully.
Lionel: Please.
Lex's mouth twitches and his eyelids flicker as his resolve begins to weaken. Clark enters the visiting area, still hearing the screeching noise. He looks around and notices Lionel and Lex seated across the table from each other, Lionel with his hand held out. Lionel's other hand is resting under the table in his lap, and Clark focuses on the hand, using his X-ray vision to look through it. He sees that Lionel is holding a small stone with a symbol engraved in it, the same symbol that was b*rned onto Lana's back.
At this point, Lex finally gives in and lifts his arm up to take his father's hand.
Clark: Lex, no!
Clark runs to Lex and tips the table over before Lex can take Lionel's hand. Lex falls to the floor. Clark then grabs Lionel by the shirt and pulls him out of his seat, holding him tightly by the lapels. We see the stone in Lionel's hand and the symbol gives off a golden glow as he touches the back of Clark's hand with the stone.
Shimmering energy swirls around Clark and Lionel as they remain in that position, unable to move. Then a white energy flies up from Clark's body as a green energy flies up from Lionel's body. The energies switch places and the green enters Clark as the white enters Lionel. For a split second, both of their faces change. Clark's face ages and Lionel's face becomes younger. But just as quickly, their faces go back to normal and they are blown apart. The swirling energy disappears.
Both Lionel and Clark look around, confused. Lex is still kneeling next to the fallen table. He is just as confused as Clark and Lionel.
Lex: Clark?
Lionel turns around to face Lex, responding to Clark's name.
Lionel: [Panicked.] Wha ...
He looks at the stone in his hand, then at Clark, realizing that the stone caused a body switch. He is Clark in Lionel's body, and Lionel is in Clark's body. Two guards grab Lionel and start to pull him away.
Lionel: Wha ...
A small awestruck smile begins to form on Clark's face as he realizes that the body switch worked. The men continue to drag Lionel away.
Lionel: [Terrified.] What are you doing? What are you doing? Wait ...
Lionel sees himself in a mirror and is shocked at the face looking back at him. He struggles even more.
Lionel: Let me go. Let go of me! Lex! Lex!
Guard: Come on!
Lionel: Let go of me!
Lionel is pulled away. Two more guards are holding Clark by the arms as Lex finally gets to his feet and walks toward him.
Lex: [Angry.] What the hell are you doing here?
Clark pauses, coming up with a story.
Clark: Your father, he... he wanted to see me.
Lex: Did he ask you to tackle me to the floor while you're at it?
Clark: [Lying as fast as he can.] He had something sharp, Lex... A Kn*fe.
Lex: [To the guards.] Let him go.
The guards let go of Clark and step away. Clark looks at the guards as if surprised that they actually let go of him. He leans toward Lex, becoming excited.
Clark: Let's get out of here, Lex. [Lex looks at him strangely.] Now.
Lex walks past Clark toward the door, and Clark follows. On the way, he sees his young reflection in the mirror and slows down long enough to stare at himself in fascination.
[Opening credits]
Clark and Lex arrive outside Clark's house in Lex's car. Day. Lex parks the car near the barn.
Lex: Clark, you don't seem like your usual self. You barely said a word the entire ride home.
Clark: [Flat.] Sorry. Being in that prison... I guess it upset me.
Lex: Yeah, well, it isn't exactly the happiest place on earth.
Clark: No, it isn't, Lex. [b*at.] Do you ever feel guilty? Sending your father to prison, I mean.
Lex: Why would I? The man m*rder his parents. I did society a favor.
Clark: [Toying with Lex.] And that blood relationship, it doesn't mean anything to you?
Lex: Clark, since when did you become president of my father's fan club?
Clark: You're right. Of course.
Clark gets out of the car with a faint smile, and leans over next to the window to look at Lex.
Clark: He's only your father. Why should you feel anything?
Lex looks back at Clark, visibly jarred. Then Clark walks away from the car and Lex backs out of the driveway. Jonathan is nearby kneeling next to the tractor which he is fixing.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark.
Clark: [Awkwardly.] Dad.
Jonathan: Yeah, come on over here, son. I'm glad you're back. Your mother and I were really getting worried about you. Are you feeling all right?
Clark: I feel fine.
Jonathan: Well, that's a relief. [He stands up.] You know, it's never a good sign when people around here start hearing strange noises. Look, since you're here, why don't you give me a hand? Lift it on up. [He motions to the tractor.]
Clark: [Confused.] Lift? Lift what?
Jonathan: The tractor. It's been giving me trouble all week. I need to check out the rear end. Come on, lift it up.
Clark looks at the tractor strangely, then smiles at Jonathan, shaking his head.
Clark: How would I do that?
Jonathan: You're very funny, Clark, but I don't have all day. Lift up the tractor, please. Come on.
Clark remains still, looking at the tractor with growing interest.
Jonathan: Let's go!
Jonathan walks to the side of the tractor as Clark walks to the front end. Clark takes the end of the tractor in his hands and slowly lifts it into the air. His jaw drops with wonder as he pulls the front of the tractor off the ground easily.
Jonathan: [Growing impatient.] That's really nice, but I'm not 5 foot 4. Lift it up over your head. I need to get under the back.
Clark nods and adjusts his grip, lifting the entire tractor into the air above his head. His expression is one of pure shock.
Jonathan: All right, that ought to do it.
Jonathan steps underneath the tractor to look at it as Clark begins to understand.
Clark: [To himself.] Of course, yeah. It all makes sense now.
Jonathan: What's that?
Clark: Oh... It's just... Boy, is it dirty under here.
Jonathan: Are you sure you're all right?
Clark: [With an odd grin.] I've never felt better in my life.
Outside sh*t of the penitentiary. Night. Inside his prison cell, Lionel [who is actually Clark] is looking at the cell wall which is covered with pictures of Kryptonian symbols. He is holding the black rock used in the body switch and comparing it to the pictures on the wall, looking for a symbol that matches. He finds a picture of the same symbol taken in the Kawatche caves.
The cell door opens behind him, and another prisoner enters the room. His name is Edgar. He is a small man wearing glasses and carrying a small stack of books. He mutters to himself as he enters the room, then stops when he sees Lionel staring at him blankly.
Edgar: Oh. You must be Lex.
Lionel: Lex? No, I'm not Lex. I'm Clark Kent.
Edgar: Oh, Houston, we have a problem. That stone was meant for Lex. Oh...
Edgar walks over to the bunk bed nervously and puts the books down on the top bunk. Lionel looks at the stone he is holding, then back to Edgar.
Lionel: Where did Lionel get this?
Edgar: Um... Uh... I-I-I don't know.
Lionel: Please. You have to tell me.
Edgar looks in the direction of the cell door, then tries to move inconspicuously to the wall covered with pictures. Lionel looks around to see if anyone is watching as Edgar lifts one of the pictures revealing a hidden hole in the wall. He pulls out a small statue.
Edgar: It came from this Mayan rain god statue. One of this teams found it in an underwater ruin off the coast of Honduras.
Edgar shows the statue to Lionel.
Lionel: How did he know to search there?
Edgar: Oh, he's scouring the globe. Yeah. [Putting the statue back in the wall.] These ancient symbols, they've, uh, shown up in Egypt, Central America, even a, uh, sacred Indian cave right here in Kansas.
Lionel turns away from Edgar, becoming more uneasy.
Lionel: These symbols, they look like they mean something.
Edgar: Well, you'd better believe it. [He chuckles.] The, uh, the mark on your stone right there, that, uh, that means "water." That's the element of, you know, transformation... you know.
Lionel: How do you know that?
Edgar: Oh, you know, I've always kind of had a thing for pattern recognition. You know, codes and ciphers, that sort of thing. [Pointing to two other pictures.] Uh, that one means "f*re," and the one up there, that's "air." Take the three and put them together... [He holds his fingers in the shape of a triangle.] Mayan legend says it leads you to a trove of knowledge beyond your wildest dreams.
Lionel gains a look of understanding. Edgar doesn't notice.
Edgar: I didn't believe any of this myself until 58 minutes and 14 seconds ago when a myth about body jumping suddenly became, uh... real.
Edgar taps Lionel on the chest and giggles excitedly.
Edgar: Well, here you are. It's hard to argue with it now. Stranger things have happened.
Lionel: What did you do to end up in here?
Edgar: If you ask the D.A., I embezzled 14 million dollars from the Princeton University pension fund.
Lionel: Did you do it?
Edgar: I'm a mathematician, you know. I'm looking for patterns in the d*ad Sea scrolls. No, money doesn't really mean a lot to me. [He walks to the bunk bed.] You know what happened? I was framed.
Lionel: [Disbelieving.] And you just happened to end up in this prison in Lionel Luthor's cell?
Edgar: Yeah. Yeah, that was pretty lucky, huh? [Walking back and forth between the wall and the bed.] All I have to do is get my hands on a couple of these symbols and, um, he set me up with his lawyers. They're still trying to get me out of here. I just hope he lasts long enough.
Lionel's attention is piqued.
Lionel: What do you mean?
Edgar: He's dying. Yeah, that's ... Yeah, he's dying.
Edgar turns his attention to the pictures on the wall. Lionel turns to the mirror and looks at himself as Edgar continues to mutter.
Edgar: Mathematically speaking, it's, uh, it's happening.
Lionel: [Touching the mirror.] If he's dying, then... that means... I'm gonna die.
He stares at his reflection in fear.
Clark is in the loft as he talks on the phone. Night. He isn't wearing a shirt as he looks through a chest of clothes. He throws several plaid shirts out of the way before finding a more formal shirt.
Clark: Oui, mademoiselle. Parlez-vous anglais?
The woman on the phone responds in English with a French accent.
Woman: How may I help you sir?
Clark: This...
He carries the shirt over to the mirror and notices his reflection, surprised at the muscularity of his body.
Clark: This is Lionel Luthor. [He turns from side to side, admiring his physique.] Account number 434690. I'd like to liquidate my account, my entire account and purchase... [He smiles.] ...bearer bonds.
Woman: Mother's maiden name, Mr. Luthor.
Clark picks up a football that is sitting nearby and holds it above his head, flexing his biceps as he continues to look in the mirror.
Clark: Meehan.
Woman: And what is your... [Pause.] Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor. There seems to be a problem with your voice verification.
Clark crushes the football in his hand easily.
Clark: What?
Martha enters the loft on the ground floor and calls out.
Martha: Clark!
Clark hangs up the phone and turns around as Martha comes up the stairs.
Clark: [Fondly.] Martha.
Martha: I know you're practically a grown man, Clark, but please call me "Mom" no matter how old you are.
Clark: Sure. Sure.
On the second "sure", Clark changes his inflection slightly to sound more like Clark and less like Lionel.
Martha: Dinner's ready, but the way you're dressed... Are you going out?
Clark: [Putting on his shirt.] Um... No, no. I just wanted a change. I'm bored with plaid.
Martha: [She laughs.] Well, I'll see you inside.
Martha turns to go and Clark super speeds ahead of her, coming to a stop as he nearly knocks over a lamp. He has a surprised expression on his face showing that he used the super speed on accident.
Martha: Clark, what are you doing?
Clark: [Turning to Martha.] Well, I... I just...
He can't think of anything to say, and Martha looks at him strangely.
Clark: I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look today... Mom.
Martha: [Staring.] Something is not right. I can see it in your eyes. Is it because of that ringing your heard?
Clark: I don't know. [Clark thinks about it, then puts out his arms and takes on an exaggeratedly vulnerable voice.] I need a hug.
Martha: [Smiling.] Oh.
Clark hugs Martha and she rubs her hand up and down his back soothingly. Clark closes his eyes and smells Martha's hair lustfully. When he opens his eyes, they are red and he sh**t several bolts of heat vision through the window of the loft, starting a f*re in the field below.
Martha: [Gasping.] Clark!
Martha turns to the window and looks at the f*re. The cows moo excitedly.
Martha: What's gotten into you?
Clark: [Even more confused.] I-I don't know.
Martha: Well, jump down there and put it out.
Clark: [Walking to the window.] Put it out? How?
Martha: [As if answering a silly question.] With your hands.
Martha leaves the loft and Clark stares down at the f*re he started with fascination.
Later the same night. Clark comes inside after putting out the f*re. His shirt is slightly dirty from the smoke. Martha is in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Clark: Hey, Mom.
He chuckles and picks up a washcloth to wipe off his hands.
Martha: Hey! Hey, go up stairs and clean up.
Martha takes the cloth away from him. Jonathan enters with Jason.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. Look who came to check up on you.
Jason: Hey.
Clark smiles at Jason politely, not recognizing him. Jonathan walks away to let them talk, and pats Clark on the back as he passes by. Unsure of how to respond, Clark pats Jonathan on the back in return. Jonathan looks at Clark strangely, then continues into the kitchen, leaving Clark and Jason alone in the living room.
Jason: How you feeling? It's good to see you up and around.
Clark: I feel fine.
Jason: You sure? 'Cause you're looking at me like you have absolutely no idea who I am.
Clark: No, I know you are. You're my... coach.
Clark pokes Jason in the chest, pointing to the word Coach on Jason's Smallville High jacket. Clark leaves the living room and starts to walk up the stairs. Jason follows him into the entryway.
Jason: All right. Well, I guess I'll see you at practice tomorrow.
Clark: [Turning around.] You know, uh, I'm not gonna be able to make it.
Clark starts to go up the stairs again.
Jason: It's pretty important... [Clark stops and turns around, becoming impatient.] ...considering you could clinch a scholarship on Friday.
Clark comes down the stairs and escorts Jason toward the door.
Clark: Coach, I just, um, I need to rethink my priorities. I have no interest in football whatsoever.
Clark tries to push Jason out the door, but stops when Jason keeps talking.
Jason: Whoa, Clark, hey. You realize that every player on that roster would k*ll to be in your position? I mean, you get a free ride to a college of your choice. You just want to quit the team?
Clark: Precisely.
Clark closes the door in Jason's face. Jason stands there confused for a moment, then leaves.
Lionel walks down the stairs into the commons area of the prison. Night. He steps out of the way of an extremely tall and muscular prisoner and meets Edgar who is also walking down the stairs. The area is full of prisoners who are talking, playing cards, and lifting weights.
Lionel: Edgar. I've got to make a call. How do I do that?
Edgar: Well, once a week, you get a turn unless you know how to work the system, which of course I do.
Lionel: Edgar.
Edgar: Hmm?
Lionel: Please. I need you to help me.
Edgar: What's in it for me?
Lionel: I can get you out of here.
Edgar: Come on, if the real Lionel Luthor can't do it, what are you going to do? I mean, you have no money. You have no power.
Lionel: [Speaking quietly.] I have a lot more power than you think.
Another prisoner enters the commons area. He is a large man with long dark hair, a goatee, and tattoos on both arms. His orange jumpsuit is pulled down to his waist and he is wearing a white t*nk top. He has one blue eye and one brown eye.
Man: [Loudly.] Time to play "Who Wants to b*at a Billionaire?"
A rumble of excitement is heard among the other prisoners. Edgar looks at Lionel with fear, then runs away as the large prisoner walks toward Lionel. Several other intimidating prisoners form a circle around Lionel as the large man walks toward him.
Man: You got my five large?
Lionel: What?
Lionel looks around for a guard and sees that the only one present is leaving on the elevator.
Lionel: What are you talking about?
Man: That senile act isn't gonna work, Trump. Payment's past due.
Lionel: Things have changed. I don't have any money. You have to ...
The man swings a punch at Lionel's face. Lionel ducks, dodging it, and then swings at the man's face. The man grabs Lionel's fist and squeezes it tightly, pushing him to the ground. Lionel grimaces with pain.
Man: Don't play me, Trump. I'm doing three life terms for m*rder. What's one more?
The man punches Lionel in the face, sending him to the floor. He kicks Lionel in the back for good measure and several of the other prisoners shout with excitement.
Man: You got till tomorrow.
The man smiles and walks away as the circle of prisoners begins to disband. Lionel remains on the floor, bleeding slightly from the side of his head.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Clark is seated at the computer in the Torch office. He enters a username name and password to log on to the LuthorCorp intranet. The password is denied. Clark angrily pounds on the corner of the desk and a chunk of the wood breaks off.
Clark: Lex changed the password.
Chloe enters the office and turns on the light surprised to see Clark.
Chloe: [Noticing Clark's dress shirt.] What, is flannel too five minutes ago?
Chloe comes toward Clark and puts down her bag. She notices the broken corner of the desk.
Chloe: Whoa. Who pulled a Paul Bunyon on the desk?
Clark: It was that way when I got here.
Chloe: Weird.
Clark: You know, Chloe, I'm concerned about your well-being.
Chloe: Oh, yeah? Why's that?
Chloe goes over to the other desk. Clark twirls around in his chair to look at her.
Clark: If Lionel Luthor managed somehow to get out of prison, what do you suppose he'd do? About you, I mean.
Chloe: Why? Has the Lionel Luthor alert suddenly been elevated to orange? [Clark looks at her mysteriously.] Do you know something I don't?
Clark kicks off against the desk and wheels his chair over to Chloe.
Clark: No. But it always pays to be cautious.
Chloe: Well, I'm not exactly shaking in my sneakers. I mean, he won't be eligible for parole until he's, like, 112 so...
Clark: [Standing up.] You never know. He could get out sooner than you think.
Clark starts walking toward Chloe flirtatiously, and she backs away laughing.
Chloe: Yeah, well, I think maybe our quarterback has been sacked one too many times.
Clark: Maybe.
Chloe goes back to the broken desk looking at a file with her back to Clark. Clark walks toward her slowly.
Clark: I do feel as though I'm looking through a different pair of eyes. I certainly see you in a whole new light.
Chloe: [Turning to face him.] What exactly is that supposed to mean?
Clark: [Standing very close to Chloe.] I have to confess that I... I find you absolutely fascinating. It's that twinkle in your eye... [He looks at her lips, touching her chin gently with his finger.] ...your wonderfully sexy smile... and your skin is...
Clark leans in as if to kiss her, and Chloe pulls her head back.
Chloe: Clark, what are you doing?
Clark: [A seductive whisper.] What I've wanted to do for a very... very long time.
Clark leans in again, closing his eyes. Chloe turns her face up and closes her eyes, ready to accept the kiss. They stand with their lips almost touching for a moment, and then Clark takes a breath and pulls away. Chloe opens her eyes to see what happened. Clark looks at her coldly.
Clark: Don't you wish. [Making his exit.] Miss Sullivan.
There are tears of shock and disbelief in Chloe's eyes as she watches Clark leave.
Lana and Jason are in Jason's office at the high school. Later the same night. Jason is looking at a file that Lana gave him.
Lana: I did some research on the Countess Theroux. It turns out that we have a lot more in common than I thought.
Jason: Don't tell me the countess ran a coffee shop.
Lana: No, she's from this village in France. Castelnois de Montmiral. The same village that my mom's ancestors came from.
Jason: Really? What do you think it all means?
Lana: I don't know. It's all really strange. She was buried as a martyr, but, um... She was b*rned as a witch.
Jason puts down the file and goes to Lana who is becoming upset.
Jason: Hey. We will figure this out. I promise.
Jason takes Lana into his arms and she holds onto him gratefully.
Cut to the hallway where two cheerleaders come out of the locker room and walk down the hall. Clark walks between them in the opposite direction.
Clark: [Charming.] Ladies.
The cheerleaders smile at him and keep walking. Clark's super hearing suddenly comes into focus, and he hears Jason talking to Lana.
Jason: You are my main concern, Lana. We'll get through this countess thing together.
Cut to Jason and Lana. He is still holding her and they kiss. Clark walks into the office, and Lana quickly pulls out of Jason's arms.
Clark: Oh, please, don't stop on my account.
Lana: [Defensive.] Clark, it's ...
Jason: Lana.
Clark: Oh, you don't have to explain yourself to me... Lana. You're young, vital. You have... needs. [To Jason, taunting.] Right, coach?
Clark leaves the office with a smug grin, shutting the door behind him. Jason looks at Lana who puts her hand over her mouth with worry.
Outside sh*t of the Kansas State Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Clark is admitted into the visitor's area where Lionel is seated at one of the tables. We can see a hint of the cut on Lionel's head from the night before, and he has a black eye. Clark spreads his arms, presenting himself to Lionel.
Clark: What do you think? I wanted to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule, Mr. Luthor. [He leans down, resting his hands on the back of the chair across the table from Lionel.] I understand how time-consuming making license plates can be.
Clark notices that Lionel has one hand on top of the table and the other in his lap beneath the table. He uses his X-ray vision and sees that Lionel is holding the stone.
Clark: You're not gonna touch me with that rock in your hand. You won't get near me, not with my... speed.
Lionel: You're never gonna get away with this.
Clark: Oh, but I am. [He sits down.] With my mind and your body, the sky's the limit, Clark.
Lionel: [Folding his arms defensively.] I don't know what you're talking about.
Clark: You know, it's becoming clear to me why you're so secretive. You understand that true power... [He holds a hand to his chest.] ...is better left concealed.
Lionel: [More desperate.] No matter how hard you try, you'll never be me. My parents, my friends, they'll see right through you.
Clark: I'm not so sure. They haven't so far, have they? I need you to do something for me. [Clark pulls out a piece of paper and a small tape recorder.] Say the name "Meehan" and these numbers. [He holds the tape recorder toward Lionel.]
Lionel: Why?
Clark: Because if you don't, your good friend Lex will very shortly be d*ad. An unfortunate accident.
Lionel: [Shaking his head in horror.] But he's your son. Your only child.
Clark: And I'm his only father, but that didn't stop him from putting me in prison and robbing me of everything I had. Now speak the words into this recorder, or you will be directly responsible for your friend's death.
Clark turns on the recorder as Lionel stares at him with tears in his eyes.
Clark is in the loft talking on his cell phone. Day. He is holding the tape recorder near the phone as he talks to a woman.
Woman: Your account number, please.
Clark turns on the recorder.
Lionel's voice: 434690.
Woman: May I please have your mother's maiden name?
Lionel's voice: Meehan.
Woman: Voice verification complete. Account balance is two dollars and fifty-nine cents.
Clark: No. No, no, there was 57 million U.S. dollars in that account.
Woman: A withdrawal for that amount was made two months ago.
Clark: The day I was convicted.
Woman: Sir?
Clark crushes the phone in his hand furiously.
Clark: Lex. Of course.
Lana enters behind him.
Lana: Clark?
Clark turns to look at Lana, then turns away again, exasperated.
Clark: [To himself, about Lana.] This one.
Lana: About last night, um, I'm sorry that you found out about me and Jason the way that you did.
Clark: You'll get over it.
Clark throws the remains of the phone onto the table and walks away from Lana, still upset about the phone call and not really paying attention to Lana.
Lana: We didn't just meet. He was in Paris over the summer, and we sort of spent a lot of time together.
Clark: [Flat.] How romantic. A lovers' meeting, the first kiss shared on the banks of the river Seine.
Lana is confused by Clark's coldness.
Lana: He moved to Smallville to be with me, Clark. It's kind of serious.
Clark: Well, I'm not surprised.
Clark walks to Lana, suddenly seductive.
Clark: A man would travel around the world to... pluck your succulent fruit.
Lana: [Angry.] Don't talk to me like that.
Lana walks toward the door as Clark chuckles.
Clark: I can't help it. Sorry.
Lana: [Turning back to Clark.] Clark, I need you to promise me something.
Clark: Whatever you want.
Lana: Don't tell anyone about me and Jason.
Clark: I don't understand why you're so interested in this high school football coach. Think a minute. Do you have any idea what I have to offer you? [He walks slowly to her again.]
Lana: Yeah. Yeah, I think I do. Lies and secrecy and a whole lot of confusion. You were the one that broke up with me, remember?
Clark: Well, that was a mistake. I was... I was too young to know what I was doing. I'm older now, more mature.
Lana: Well, I'm not so sure.
Clark: Oh, Lana, I'm very different. Let me show you.
Clark grabs Lana by the shoulders and kisses her forcefully on the lips. She jerks away from him and slaps him across the face.
Lana: Who the hell do you think you are?!
Lana storms out of the loft leaving Clark with a satisfied smile on his face.
Clark: Clark Kent. Of course.
He touches his face where Lana slapped him.
Fade to black.
Martha enters the visiting area of the prison. Day.
Guard: Step in, please. Five minutes.
Martha nods at the guard, then walks past him to the table where Lionel is seated. She walks toward him slowly with a cold and skeptical expression on her face. Lionel looks at her with growing hope as she sits down across from him.
Lionel: I'm glad you came.
Martha: I'm only here because you told me it involved the safety of my son.
Lionel: I know this is hard to believe, but I swear, it's the truth.
[Pause.] It's me, Mom. It's Clark.
Martha: [Disgusted.] You're sick, Lionel. You need help.
Martha gets up to leave.
Lionel: Mom, you have to believe me.
Martha: I'm leaving!
Lionel: Mom, Mom, no! [Martha stops with her back to Lionel. He speaks in a rush of words.] Mom, remember when I was six and I was playing tag with Dad, and all of a sudden I started running faster than I'd ever run before, and I was in the middle of Palmer woods completely lost. [Martha turns to him, shocked.] And you and Dad had to call Sheriff Ethan, and when you saw me, you started crying. And I thought something was wrong with me, and you said no, there wasn't. [Martha's eyes widen with emotion.] And then you held me in your arms and you told me I was just special. I'm your special boy, you said.
Martha: [At the same time as Lionel.] Special boy. [Martha rushes to the seat across from Lionel.] Oh, Clark! How?
Lionel: The ringing I heard, it came from a stone. It was in Lionel's hand and it had a Kryptonian symbol on it, and it was glowing.
Martha: Oh, my God.
Lionel: And I thought it was gonna hurt Lex, so I got in between them, and the next thing I know, I was... Lionel. I was in Lionel's body.
Martha: And he knows about your powers. [She gets up to leave.]
Lionel: [Taking her hand.] No. Mom, be careful. Lionel could be anywhere.
Clark strides in through the double doors of Lex's study where Lex is seated at the desk. Day. Clark is dressed in black slacks and a black dress shirt.
Clark: Crunching numbers? Or spinning day dreams?
Clark walks over to the bar and picks up decanter of liquor, taking off the lid and smelling it with pleasure.
Lex: I don't remember you being a scotch drinker.
Clark: [Pouring a glass.] It's very difficult to resist a 29-year-old Highland. [Lex smiles.] You know, I had a feeling you'd pillage your father's collection of single malts.
Lex: Now, how do you know it's from my dad?
Clark: Isn't it all your dad's? This castle, LuthorCorp, the cars, the jets, everything. The very cufflinks in your sleeves.
Lex: Clark, I know you well enough to realize this isn't you talking.
Clark: You're absolutely right, I'm not myself. [Clark downs the scotch in one gulp.] I'm under stress. Lex, I need to get my hands on 57 million dollars.
Lex: That's an interesting dollar amount.
Clark: It's not your money. You stole it. Now I want it back.
Lex looks at Clark for a moment. Then he gets up quickly from his chair and opens a small box next to the desk. He pulls a g*n out of the box and points it at Clark. Clark super speeds to Lex and grabs him by the throat, cutting off his air. Lex gags and drops the g*n, grabbing onto Clark's arms as Clark walks him around the desk.
Clark: [Calmly.] Now, get on the phone, tell the bank to wire the money, or I'll snap your larynx like a twig. [He slams Lex's face down onto the desk.] All right?
Lex: [Choked.] Go ahead. k*ll me.
Clark: All I wanted was the best for you. And you destroyed me.
Lex: Dad?
Clark suddenly becomes weak and falls to the ground. When he falls, we see that Martha is standing behind him holding a piece of kryptonite. Lex chokes and also falls to the floor. Martha kneels next to him.
Martha: Lex.
We hear a rush of air, and when Martha turns around, Clark is gone. She looks around the room, panicked.
Cut to Jonathan entering the Kent kitchen from outside as the phone rings. He answers it.
Jonathan: Hello?
Martha: I've been trying to reach you! Where have you been?
Jonathan: Hi, sweetheart. I was at the mechanic's. The tractor, I'm afraid it's sh*t.
Martha: [Interrupting.] Jonathan, Jonathan, listen to me. You've got to go to the closet and get a meteor rock.
Jonathan: What are you talking about, Martha?
Martha: Lionel is in Clark's body!
Clark is suddenly in the room with Jonathan. He takes the phone out of Jonathan's hand and grabs Jonathan by the shirt.
Clark: I thought I was invulnerable now. But I was wrong.
Martha: Jonathan!
Clark: [thr*at.] Tell me what weakens me. What is it?
Jonathan: I have no idea what you're talking about.
With one hand, Clark throws Jonathan across the kitchen. He slams into the glass doors of the cupboard above the fridge and falls to the ground in a pile of broken glass. Clark walks slowly to him and grabs him by the neck, lifting him into the air.
Clark: Tell me what it is, Jonathan.
The phone rings, and Jonathan looks at it.
Clark: No, no, Martha can't help you now. Tell me what it is.
The answering machine picks up.
Martha's voice: Hi, you've reached the Kents. Leave a message. [Beep.]
Edgar's voice: Hey, uh, does this thing work? Hello. I'm calling for someone named Clark. [Clark drops Jonathan to the floor and turns to the phone.] Uh, Houston, we have a problem. I've done some more reading and, uh, it's not good. So I hope you're getting this because you should come see me A.S.A.P.
Clark super speeds out of the house.
Outside sh*t of the prison grounds. Day. Clark enters the visitor area where Edgar is seated at a table. Clark sits down across from him.
Edgar: Is that really you in there, Lionel?
Clark: No, it's the Easter bunny. What did you find? What did the rest of the code say?
Edgar: It turns out, the, uh, transference is eventually going to come to an end. You will revert back to your original bodies eventually.
Clark: When?
Edgar: I suppose it could happen at any time. Yeah, I thought you'd want to know that.
Clark: There must be some way to make it permanent.
Edgar: Well, no, none that I see, uh... save m*rder. I mean, theoretically speaking, if you were to, you know, k*ll the other you, then there would be no you for you to revert back to. So, you know, I suppose you could be Clark Kent for the rest of your life. His life. Your life. Well, really the difference is nil at that point, isn't it?
Clark: The artifact. Where is it?
Edgar: Oh, yeah. The guards took it from me. Yeah, they thought it was a w*apon. [He laughs.]
Cut to Lionel walking through the commons area. He passes several prisoners lifting weights. A large hand lands on his back, and he turns around finding himself face to face with the prisoner who b*at him up the other day.
Man: Time's up, Trump. You got something for me?
Lionel: I'm ... Yeah, I'm still working on it. Just give me a few more days.
Man: Do you think this is some kind of game? There's no overtime here. [He pulls out a sharpened Kn*fe handle.] But there is sudden death.
Lionel turns around and tries to run away, but two other prisoners block his path. He turns around again and runs up the stairs, but two more men get in his way. Several of the men in the commons area laugh menacingly. Lionel runs down the stairs and to his right is another man blocking his escape. The large man runs toward Lionel's left, holding his arm in a flexed position, ready to s*ab Lionel. But Lionel steps out of the way, grabs the man's arm, and slams it down on the railing. He slams it a second time, and the man drops the blade. All of the prisoners start to shout.
The man pulls his hand out of Lionel's grasp and punches Lionel in the stomach. Then he punches Lionel in the face, sending Lionel spinning around and falling down on the stairs.
Prisoner: Get him!
The large man holds out his hand, and another prisoner gives him back the blade. He comes at Lionel with it, attempting to s*ab him in the throat, but Lionel grabs the man's arms holding him back. Lionel strains against the man's strength, and when he can't hold him back any longer, he twists his arms and elbows the man in the face and kicks him in the chest. The man falls backwards into the railing. Lionel stands up and punches the man across the face, then slams his face against the railing. A guard's voice is heard over the loudspeaker.
Guard: This is a lockdown. I repeat. This is a lockdown. Return to your cells immediately.
Lionel slams the man's head against the lower rung of the railing, and the man falls to the floor unconscious. Lionel looks shocked at his own v*olence. All of the prisoners become wild, shouting at the guard and refusing to leave.
Prisoners: [Chanting.] No! No! No! No! No!
Guards run into the commons area holding nightsticks. One of the prisoners holds out his arm as a guard runs by, and his arm hits the guard in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Another prisoner tackles a guard to the floor.
Cut to the visitors area where Edgar and Clark are still seated at the table. A red light begins to flash as an alarm sounds.
Edgar: Oh. That's never good. Listen, your lawyers, um, they haven't been call ... [Clark gets up and walks away.] So, uh, should I call you?
Cut to the commons area. On the upper level, a large prisoner with blood running down his face from his nose is carrying a guard over his shoulders. He walks to the railing and throws the guard over it to the first floor far below. The whole commons area is in chaos. The area is filled with prisoners fighting each other and the guards. The floor is covered with toilet paper which is being thrown everywhere. A guard comes up behind the prisoner who just threw the other guard over the railing and knocks him on the head with a nightstick. The prisoner falls down unconscious.
Below him on the ground floor, two prisoners pound on the cage surrounding the area, then begin to fight each other, rolling over reach other on the ground next to an unconscious guard. Another guard falls down nearby and gets back to his feet, swinging his nightstick at a prisoner. The prisoner pushes him back to the ground, only to be whacked by another guard. Another prisoner comes up and att*cks that guard, but the guard beats him to the ground.
Amid the v*olence, Lionel walks through the commons area looking around. Along the periphery of the room, Lionel sees a small glimpse of Clark's eyes as he walks behind a group of prisoners. Lionel fixes his gaze in that direction and soon sees Clark clearly, walking outside the cage of the commons area and keeping his eyes coldly fixed on Lionel.
Clark super speeds to the middle of the room where he is standing only several feet away from Lionel.
Lionel: What happened to concealing your powers?
Lionel walks toward Clark and Clark grabs him by the throat, lifting him into the air.
Clark: Sorry. Only one Clark allowed.
Lionel: [Breathless.] What are you gonna do, go to high school and stack hay for the rest of your life?
Clark: A farm boy? I don't think so. I have big plans for this Clark Kent.
Lionel straighten his right arm and holds his hand out. The black stone falls down from his armpit, and he catches it in his hand. It glows as he slowly brings it up to Clark's hand at his neck and touches Clark with it. The room darkens and again the energy rises from their bodies. White energy from Lionel and green energy from Clark. They trade places in the air and fall back into the correct bodies with a burst that sends them sliding across the floor in opposite directions.
Lionel, now in his own body, looks down at his hand with shock as a group of guards enters wearing gas masks and shields and carrying nightsticks. Clark looks down at his hand, relieved.
The guards throw several smoke b*mb into the room, filling the area with tear gas. We see the black stone resting on the floor, but someone walks by, and it is suddenly gone. Clark gets to his feet as the guards run into the room and start to overpower the prisoners. Still on the floor, Lionel looks up into the smoke filled room, his eyes watering from the gas, and sees a silhouette of Clark standing before him. Lionel squints to get a clearer look, but Clark super speeds away. Lionel remains on the floor, breathless.
Fade to black.
Clark, now dressed in his traditional flannel, helps Martha and Jonathan clean up the mess Lionel made of the Kent kitchen. Day. Jonathan is measuring the cupboard above the fridge to put in new doors as Clark sweeps broken glass into a dustpan.
Clark: What else did Lionel do?
Jonathan: Well, for starters, you quit the football team.
Clark: I better call Coach Teague. [He grabs the phone.]
Martha: He's not the only one. Lana and Chloe came by to see you, and they both looked pretty upset.
Clark: [Putting the phone down.] Before I do any of that, I gotta get that artifact.
Jonathan: Clark, I don't want you going anywhere near that prison, son.
Clark: If I don't find it, Lionel could.
Martha: You can't risk having the same thing happen to you all over again.
Clark: Look, this isn't the first time I heard the ringing sound. When I was Kal-El, I heard the same sound, and it led me to an artifact with a Kryptonian symbol on it in Lex's jet.
Jonathan: Where's the artifact now, Clark?
Clark: I put it in a chamber in the cave wall. There's a slot for two more. Lionel's artifact matches one of them. I don't know where the other one is.
Martha: Why didn't you tell us about this earlier?
Clark: With everything we've been through with Jor-El, I just wanted to close that chapter in my life. I guess it doesn't matter what I want. Look, these artifacts, I think they're somehow meant for me.
Jonathan: And I think Lionel Luthor would disagree with that, don't you?
Martha: And now that he knows about your powers, he's more dangerous than ever.
Clark: Not for long.
Jonathan: Clark, what are you talking about?
Clark: Lionel Luthor is dying, Dad.
Outside sh*t of the penitentiary. Night. Inside, Lionel is in the infirmary sitting on an examination table with his shirt off. The doctor is behind him looking at a clipboard of lab results.
Doctor: [Shocked.] It couldn't be.
Lionel: Doctor, please. Just tell me.
Doctor: [Walking around to face Lionel.] Mr. Luthor, your liver is entirely disease free.
Lionel looks at the doctor, surprised. Then he laughs with disbelief.
Lionel: How can that be possible?
Doctor: I have no idea. It's the closest thing to a miracle I've ever seen. Have you been taking any unregulated meds, supplements?
Lionel: No. Not that I know of. You must understand, I have no recollection of the past few days, Doctor. I just know that something here, something... inside of me has changed. Profoundly. [There are tears in Lionel's eyes.] I'm not the same man.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High as students enter the school. Day. Chloe walks through the hallway. When Clark speaks to her, she keeps walking, and he follows.
Clark: Chloe. Listen, I'm not really sure what I did to you.
Chloe: Another convenient case of amnesia, huh?
Clark: No, but whatever it is, I'm really sorry.
Chloe: [Facing him.] Clark, you know what? It's a really valiant effort, but you've used up your lifetime allotment of apologies. Look, I'm only saying this to you because I care about you, but I think you should go and look for help. [Clark doesn't understand.] Some psychological help.
Clark: Chloe, I totally appreciate your looking out for me, but I really don't think I need to talk to anyone.
Chloe: Well, then how are you gonna explain all of this? Clark Kent, crackhead?
She walks away. He follows.
Clark: Chloe, I don't do drugs. Look, it wasn't me.
Chloe: Yeah, but, see, Clark, it was you. Now, a lot of people in this town have pulled a Jeckyll and Hyde, but deep down, they're still the same person.
Lana walks up behind Clark. Chloe sees her.
Chloe: Lana. He's all yours. [Chloe leaves.]
Lana: Have you said anything to anyone?
Clark: [Confused.] What?
Lana: Don't play games with me, Clark.
Clark: Seriously, Lana, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Lana takes Clark by the arm and leads him over to the side of the hallway, away from the other students.
Lana: This isn't about you and me, all right? This is about Jason losing his job.
Clark: Why would Jason lose his job?
Lana: Why do you think? If anyone had the slightest inkling that we were a couple, he'd be fired in a heartbeat.
Clark is visibly shaken.
Clark: You and Jason?
Lana: We're both adults, and we're not hurting anybody. But the school has its rules. He needs this job, Clark. [Clark nods.] Please, you know, after everything that you've put me through, can you at least keep this a secret? It seems to be the one thing you were good at.
Clark: [Hurt, but agreeing.] Yeah.
Lana walks away, leaving Clark stunned and unhappy.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. In his study, Lex opens a bottle of scotch and starts to pour a glass as Clark comes into the room.
Clark: Lex!
Lex picks up a g*n and points it at Clark.
Lex: Stay where you are!
Clark: [Holding still.] Lex, it's me, Clark. I need to talk to you.
Lex: [Walking toward Clark.] After I drove my Porsche into the river and you fished me out, I asked your dad if there was any way I could repay him. What did he say that we always joke about?
Clark: Lex, what is this, a pop quiz?
Lex: Answer the question!
Clark: He told you to drive slower.
Lex lowers the g*n.
Lex: Welcome back. [He goes to Clark and they hug.]
Clark: So you know what happened.
Lex: Well, it was a bit of a giveaway when you asked for 57 million dollars.
Clark: Lex, my mom told me what I did. I'm sorry.
Lex: Clark, if you didn't come between me and my father in that visiting room, it would've been me sitting behind bars. I should be thanking you.
Clark: I didn't do anything you wouldn't have done for me.
Lex smiles and pats Clark on the shoulder. Then he walks back to the bar and puts down the g*n.
Lex: So how did my father do it?
Clark: I-I don't know.
Lex: And that strength you had. It was incredible. Where did it come from?
Clark: Um, it must've been a side effect of the transference.
Lex: Well, whatever happened, I'm just glad it wore off.
Clark: Lex, I have a favor to ask.
Lex: Name it.
Clark: Well, it has to do with your father's cellmate. He's actually the one that helped me through this whole ordeal. He saved my life. He swears he was framed.
Lex: Clark, a lot of convicts swear they've been framed.
Clark: But I believe him. And I promised him that if I got out, I'd do everything in my power to help him. And Lex, you're the only one I know with the resources that might be able to help.
Lex: Well, if I can manage to put a guilty man in prison, maybe I can get an innocent man out.
Clark nods and smiles thankfully. Lex smiles in return.
The gates at the front of the Kansas State Penitentiary open and Edgar steps outdoors holding his suitcase and a bag. Day. He looks around excitedly, then his expression darkens when he sees a black limousine waiting next to the curb. He goes to the limo and opens the back door, peeking inside. Dr. Swann's assistant Bridgette Crosby is seated in the limo, and she gestures for Edgar to come in. He gets in awkwardly, stuttering.
Edgar: Uh, I wasn't told it-it was gonna be ...
Bridgette: Edgar.
Edgar: Yeah. Yes.
Bridgette: Do you have what we asked you for?
Edgar: Oh. Uh...
Edgar gives Bridgette a small rusty tin box.
Bridgette: Thank you.
She opens the box and looks inside, extremely pleased with what she sees. Edgar looks around the limo, tapping the window.
Edgar: It's a nice car.
Bridgette looks from Edgar to the tin box, which holds the black stone with the Kryptonian symbol on it. Bridgette shuts the box.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x06 - Transference"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 3rd, 2004
The football rests in its cradle in the middle of the Smallville High School football field. Day. The bleachers are full of cheering fans as the game is beginning. A whistle is blown and the ball is kicked out of its cradle and soars toward the goalpost. Behind the cradle, we see Clark sitting on the bench with several other players on his team. Jason is standing near them, watching the game, as is Coach Quigley.
Announcer: Here's the kickoff! The winner of today's game will move on to the state championship one week from today.
A player on Smallville's team catches the ball and runs toward the opposite end of the field. He is tackled by a player from the other team. The whistle blows.
Quigley: [To the guys on the bench.] Get in there!
All the players on the bench stand up and walk toward the field. Jason pats Clark on the back as he passes.
Jason: Play a good game, buddy.
Quigley: Let's go. Good hustle, fellas.
Cut to the basement of the school. The announcer and the people cheering in the bleachers can still distantly be heard. Chloe walks down the dark hallway and stops in an even darker corner where an attractive young man is leaning against the wall, waiting for her in the shadows. His name is Mikhail Mxyzptlk.
Chloe: So. Are you the guy?
Mikhail: [In a foreign accent.] Well, I guess that depends on what you're looking for.
Chloe: [Having trouble pronouncing his name.] Um, Mikhail Mik-Mixl-Ptglix?
Mikhail: [Pronouncing it slowly, sounding it out.] Mix-il-pitilik. Let me guess. You want to buy a vowel.
Chloe: [Laughing nervously.] No, I just would like to put 80 on the game.
Mikhail: What, you mean the game that's started already? Well, I'm sorry. I can't take bets after kickoff.
Chloe looks disappointed.
Mikhail: [Charming.] Rookie, huh? Well, maybe in your case, I'll make an exception.
Chloe smiles and hands him some cash.
Chloe: Thanks. Can you, uh, put me down for Smallville to win?
Mikhail: You sure about that? I have a funny feeling about the quarterback today.
Chloe: Yeah, well, as much as I hate to admit it, I never bet against Clark Kent.
Mikhail: Mm. Well, suit yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you. Rule number one: A bet is a bet.
Chloe walks away from Mikhail and toward the outdoors.
Cut to a sh*t of the scoreboard on the football field. The Crows are 21 and the guests are 24. The clock is stopped.
Announcer: Twenty seconds left in the fourth quarter. It's fourth and one.
The announcer continues to speak as Coach Quigley gives the players a pep talk.
Quigley: This is it boys! This is what we've been working for!
Martha and Jonathan sit together in the bleachers. Martha is clapping and smiling excitedly as Jonathan takes a nervous breath. The team huddles break, and the players get into position. Chloe and Lana are now sitting next to each other in the bleachers and clapping as the play is about to begin. Chloe glances a few seats to her left where Mikhail is now seated. He is watching the field quietly. Clark gets into position behind the crouched player.
Clark: All right, guys, here we go. Ready? Blue-72! Blue-72! Hut!
The ball is passed to Clark and he starts to run with it. He fakes a pass to another member of his team who then pretends like he is running with the ball in his arms, but the ball is still with Clark. The player who faked the catch is intercepted by a member of the other team and gets flipped over the guy's back and lands on the ground.
Clark then tosses the ball to another Crows player running next to him who catches it and runs nearly the length of the field. Chloe and Lana watch closely, clapping their hands. Mikhail is still motionless as he watches the game.
Mikhail: [Quietly.] Fumble.
The player loses his grip on the ball and it falls to the ground, bouncing several times. But before the ball even loses any momentum, Clark runs up behind it and picks it up, running steadily to the goal post. Martha and Jonathan stand up along with everyone else in the crowd, and Martha squeals with excitement.
Mikhail: Trip.
Clark loses his footing and begins to stumble. There is a player from the other team standing in his way, ready to take him down before he gets the touchdown. But as Clark is losing his balance, he ends up ramming into the other player's chest with his head and they both fall down at the end of the field. The referee blows his whistle.
Announcer: Touchdown! Clark Kent! The Crows win again! What a victory!
Lana and Chloe jump to their feet screaming. Jason cheers from the sidelines. Martha throws her arms around Jonathan who now looks concerned. Mikhail looks around angrily and stands up. All of the Crows come to Clark to congratulate him, while the players from the other team surround the guy that Clark knocked down. He is still lying on the ground groaning in pain. Clark takes off his helmet and looks at the player. Martha and Jonathan exchange a worried look. One of the players kneeling next to the injured team member glares at Clark angrily.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Night. The injured football player is sitting in a hospital room having a sling put onto his arm. Jason and Coach Quigley stand outside the room watching through the open door. Clark gets off the elevator nearby.
Clark: Is he okay?
Jason: His collarbone's broke in two places. I can't figure out how you could pummel a guy that outweighs you by 100 pounds and shatter his collarbone.
Clark: I'm sorry. It must've been an accident. I mean, I got a surge of adrenaline.
Jason: Adrenaline doesn't explain the fact that you went from chucking bales of hay to chucking 60-yard passes overnight.
Clark: I guess I'm a fast learner. I mean, you said yourself I was a natural.
Jason: Yeah, a natural who adamantly refuses to see a doctor after he collapsed a couple weeks ago.
Clark: What are you trying to say?
Jason: Coach Quigley thinks your on some kind of performance-enhancing drug.
Clark: [Stunned.] Like steroids? [Jason nods.] What do you think?
Jason: Well, I put myself on the line and said there's no way that Clark Kent would do something like that.
Clark: [Pause.] I'm not on drugs.
Jason: I hope not. Because if it comes out that you're not on the same playing field as these guys, let's just say it's gonna be pretty disappointing to have to forfeit an entire championship season. [Clark looks away.] And a college career.
Clark returns his gaze to Jason, and Jason walks away. Clark then looks through the window into the patient room.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Lex is seated at his desk in the study. Mikhail is seated across from him.
Lex: I can't imagine what it must've been like to grow up in a w*r-torn country.
Mikhail: [Looking around at the room.] Obviously, I mean, I guess this is as far as you can get from scavenging the streets, but growing up hand-to-mouth, uh, does tend to make you resourceful.
Lex: Resourceful enough to get the attention of my father's LuthorCorp foreign exchange scholarship. [Mikhail nods proudly.] So how do you like Smallville High?
Mikhail: I think it is the perfect place to make my American dream. There are many opportunities, and the girls are pretty.
Lex: Well, I hope the classes aren't too difficult for you. I reviewed your application. I must say, I was surprised by your poor test scores and grades.
Mikhail smirks at Lex, waiting for him to continue. Lex stands up and walks to the bar to make a drink. He puts several ice cubes into a glass.
Lex: Look, Mikhail, I'm just curious why my father would award a scholarship historically earmarked for future Nobel prize winners to a perennial "C" student.
Mikhail: You want to send me back?
Lex: No. I'd just like to know what you're really doing here. What potential did my father see in you, Mikhail?
Lex takes a lime from the fruit bowl and starts to slice it with a sharp Kn*fe.
Mikhail: [Quietly.] Cut.
Lex's Kn*fe slips and he cuts his finger, drawing blood. He gasps quietly and brings the wound to his mouth. He doesn't seem to have heard Mikhail's jinx.
Mikhail: [Smiling.] Potential you do not see on a report card, Mr. Luthor.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Day. Chloe is in the Torch office typing on the computer. Mikhail stands silently in the open doorway behind her for a few moments, then knocks on the door. Chloe turns around.
Chloe: Oh, hey. I didn't realize bookies made house calls, especially after hours.
Chloe closes her document on the computer, picks up a stack of files, and takes them to the other desk as Mikhail walks into the room.
Mikhail: Well, I guess I just walked right into the lion's mouth, hmm?
Chloe: What are you talking about?
Mikhail: Well, you know, you're a first timer, and you show up at the end of the season. I have some questions. And, uh, I don't think it is coincidence that you are also Smallville's most notorious whistle blower.
Smiling, Chloe walks back to the desk that Mikhail is standing next to and sits on it.
Chloe: Notorious, huh? I like the sound of that.
Mikhail: So, uh, this bet was just research for the article.
Chloe: Front page if you play your cards right.
Mikhail: Well, I don't suppose that being a local celebrity is going to be good for business.
Chloe: I think maybe you should, uh, change professions.
Mikhail: You just found my Achilles' heel.
Chloe: What, greed?
Mikhail: No, uh, pretty girls with infectious smiles.
Chloe: [Grinning.] I'm still writing the article.
Chloe sits down at her computer. Mikhail takes the chair from the other desk and sits down next to her.
Mikhail: If you don't even know when to place a bet, I don't think you have the inside scoop you are looking for. Promise not to mention my name, and I'll let you shadow me. I'll be your personal escort through the seedier parts of Smallville.
Chloe: [Intrigued.] If I cut you a break, I expect a full behind the scenes tour.
Mikhail: Of course. And the first stop is the winner's circle.
Mikhail pulls a thick wad of cash out of his pocket and starts counting it. He hands a small stack of 20-dollar bills to Chloe. She takes the money reluctantly.
Mikhail: So, what are you going to do with the money?
Chloe: Uh, textbooks.
Mikhail: [Unimpressed.] Ooh, don't go too crazy, huh?
Chloe: Yeah, well, my dad's on unemployment, so my college fund sort of took a massive h*t this year.
Mikhail: [He nods.] How would you like to make enough money to pay for an entire semester's tuition before tomorrow morning? I have to go to the Sharks game in Metropolis tonight, Sharks 8 to 1. [Chloe doesn't respond.] Chloe, if you want the big article, you have to get inside the mind of a gambler. You have to be ready to raise the stakes. [Challenging.] That is, uh, if you aren't scared.
Chloe: Count me in.
Chloe gives the money back to Mikhail with a coy smile, and he leaves the office.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark is seated in the kitchen, staring downward unhappily. Jonathan is standing near him pouring a cup of coffee.
Jonathan: There's more to life than championships, Clark.
Clark: I bet it's easier to say that when you have one. Dad, when I put on that uniform, it's like I forget who I am. But at the same time, I've never known myself better. It's more than just a game.
Jonathan: Clark, I allowed you to join the football team because I thought you understood your responsibility not to let anybody get hurt out there.
Clark: And I accepted that responsibility because I know I can control my abilities.
Jonathan: Then why don't you explain to me why there's a kid lying in a hospital bed right now?
Clark: Have you ever seen me trip? Ever? [Jonathan can't respond.] Something happened out on the field. It was like I couldn't control my own legs.
Jonathan: Just because you are strong does not mean you can't get rattled out there just like anybody else. Now, I'm sorry, but the last place you need to be right now is out on that football field, and you know it. [Clark refuses to make eye contact.] Coach Quigley is likely to be at the victory party tonight. Now, I'll give him a call and I'll be the bad guy.
Clark: [Standing up.] No, Dad. Like you said, it's my responsibility.
They look at each other for a moment, then Clark walks away.
The Talon is full of high school students talking and dancing to loud music at the victory party. Day. There are decorations up for the party including a banner that says "Go Crows." There is a small group of cheerleaders standing around the punch bowl. Martha passes by them with a tray of pastries which she sets on the bar next to where Jason is standing. She smiles at him and touches him on the shoulder as she walks by. Clark enters wearing his letterman jacket and walks to Jason.
Clark: Hey, coach, can I talk to you for a second?
Jason: What's up?
Another player walks up and interrupts and slaps Clark on the chest happily.
Guy: Kent, Kent! Huge save today! Oh, man what a play! You put us in the championship!
The guy pulls Clark away from Jason and another player walks up to congratulate Clark.
Clark: No, the team put us in the championship.
Guy: I can see the ring on my finger already.
Guy #2: I can see the scholarships already
Guy: Oh yeah! Whoo!
Clark looks at Jason apologetically. A cheerleaders comes over to Clark.
Cheerleader: Hey, Clark, you're here! Ta-da!
Two other cheerleaders walk out carrying a huge cake that looks like a football field with sparkling candles on it. They set the cake on the bar and everyone applauds for Clark. A young man standing nearby pulls the "Go Crows" banner down from the ceiling puts it around Clark's shoulders like a cape.
Guy: [Breaking up the applause.] Whoa, whoa, whoa. Coach!
All the football player start to chant.
Players: Coach! Coach! Coach! Coach!
Coach Quigley walks to the center of the team.
Quigley: All right! All right! [Everyone quiets down.] Topeka West may have three titles under its belt, but I know we have a real sh*t at the championship, and this year we got it all! An impenetrable defense, an aggressive offense, [He looks at Clark.] and a golden arm!
Everyone starts to cheer again and a few guys pat Clark on the back. He accepts the praise reluctantly.
Quigley: Let's go take the title home!
The whole crowd cheers with enthusiasm and they start to chant.
Crowd: Crows! Crows! Crows! Crows!
Clark looks at Jason who is still standing next to the bar. Jason looks back at Clark seriously.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Day. Chloe enters the Torch office wearing an expensive-looking pair of sunglasses, a new jacket, and carrying a couple of shopping bags. She puts the bags down on the desk and doesn't see that Mikhail is seated at the other desk behind her.
Mikhail: I like the new textbooks.
Chloe: [Startled, but pleased to see him.] Hi. Don't worry, I just took 10 percent off the top for fun. The rest of my winnings are tucked safely away for college tuition.
Mikhail: Hmm. Well, I'm glad that my tip paid off for you.
Chloe: [Putting her bags on the floor.] Are you kidding me? The game was awesome! I haven't had that much fun on a couch since Johnny Rosenblatt in fifth grade. I mean, all of those painted beer bellies and foam hands suddenly make sense when you have something riding on the game.
She turns on her computer.
Mikhail: Well, now, see? Why would you want to go and spoil all the fun by writing that article?
Chloe: Because it just keeps getting juicier by the minute.
Mikhail: Are you sure about that?
Chloe: What, are you going to do something to change my mind?
Mikhail walks up to her and stares at her flirtatiously.
Chloe: Nice try. You're very cute. But I already gave you anonymity, and it's going to press tonight.
Mikhail: [Walking closer.] But you're only just starting to scratch the surface and I can give you so much more dirt.
Chloe: You're just trying to stall the article, aren't you?
Mikhail: I don't think you understand me, Chloe. [Almost a whisper.] I always get what I want.
Chloe: [Jokingly.] On looks, apparently because your charm just ran out.
Chloe starts to walk past him.
Mikhail: Stop.
Chloe stops moving immediately, staring at him with surprise.
Mikhail: Kiss me.
Clearly against her will, Chloe kisses Mikhail slowly on the lips. He breaks the kiss and puts his mouth to her ear.
Mikhail: This is me asking you nicely. Now, you are going to drop that article whether you want to or not.
Mikhail steps away from Chloe and looks at her silently. She looks back at him with fear and confusion. He leaves the office.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the barn on the Kent farm. Day. Inside Clark is standing on the ground floor with a football in his hand. There are several more footballs sitting next to him on a table. He tosses the football at a tire swing that is hanging several feet away, and the football goes straight through the middle of the tire. He picks up another ball and repeats the process, making it through the tire again.
Then he walks to another table where there is a small lead box. He opens the box revealing a tiny piece of kryptonite. His head shakes slightly with the pain, but he fights it as he picks up the rock and holds it in his hand. He closes his fingers around it and walks slowly back to the footballs to pick up another one.
Holding the kryptonite in his left fist, he throws the football with his right hand, completely missing the tire. Martha enters behind him.
Martha: I've never seen you miss before. [Clark doesn't turn around.] I've also never seen you shrink away from responsibility, no matter how difficult.
Clark: You saw the look on those guys' faces. I couldn't let them down. I just thought I could find a way to play like everyone else.
Martha walks around him to see his face. She notices his clenched fist.
Martha: Clark. Open your hand.
Clark opens his hand and shows her the glowing kryptonite.
Martha: What are you doing? [She grabs the rock away from him.] You know how dangerous kryptonite is.
She puts it in the box and closes the lid.
Clark: Well, I always get better after it's gone. And so what if I'm playing sick? Other guys play injured. [He walks over to the tire swing and picks up the football from the ground.]And if Dad knows I don't have my abilities and I can't hurt anyone ...
Martha: [Stern.] You are not taking meteor rocks out on that field. I know this is hard, but you can't make yourself sick.
Clark: And I can't quit, either.
Martha: Clark, the answer is no. You asked your father if we'd ever seen you trip before. Never. Not without kryptonite. I was so excited to see you get a chance to be like everyone else that I guess I forgot for a moment that you aren't. I didn't think anything of it when you tripped, but you've never had mishaps like other kids. [Clark turns to look at her.] Something happened to you out there, and if you really want to play in the game on Saturday, you need to find out what it was.
Clark nods. Martha touches his shoulder and smiles at him lovingly.
Clark is in the Torch office. Day. He is watching a videotape of the game from the other day. He rewinds it over and over and watches the part where he tripped. Chloe enters and Clark stands up as if to leave.
Chloe: It's all right, Clark. You can stay.
Clark: I thought you had some self-imposed restraining order against me. Does this mean you're talking to me again?
Chloe: No, this just means that I'm willing to take a chance on getting your Dr. Jekyll side today. [Noticing the paused video.] What's up with the self flogging?
Clark: I'm watching the sports editor's tape of the game, trying to figure out what happened, but... It's like I had no control, like my mind was sending one message, but ...
Chloe: But your body was getting another.
Clark: Yeah.
Chloe: It's Mikhail.
Clark: The foreign exchange kid? Mix-uh
Chloe: Mxyzptlk. Say that three times fast. He's our new resident puppet master. This is kind of embarrassing, but he made me kiss him.
Clark: [Slightly doubtful.] Made you.
Chloe: Yeah. It was just like how you explained your trip. It was like someone else was controlling me.
Clark: Okay, but why would he want me to throw the game?
Chloe: Clark, he is the biggest bookie in the school. [She sits down at her computer.]
Clark: The power to control the odds.
Chloe: Let me do a search on his name.
Chloe types Mxyzptlk into the search engine. Nothing comes up.
Chloe: I guess I shouldn't be surprised that Mxyzptlk didn't bring anything up.
Clark: [Pointing to the screen.] What's that?
Under the search bar, it says "Did you mean Kltpzyxm?"
Chloe: It's Mikhail's name backwards.
She clicks Yes. A painting appears on the screen. In the background there is a burning village and to the left and the right are townspeople running around in distress. Down a pathway in the center of the painting walks a black cat.
Clark: It looks like a nursery rhyme gone bad.
Chloe: Yeah. [Reading.] It's some legend from the Piatore region in the Balkans. That's near where Mikhail's from.
Chloe stands up and goes to the other desk. Clark sits down at the computer.
Clark: It says the region has been terrorized for centuries by a bloodline of people who have ... who can control the hand of luck.
Chloe: It's not exactly luck if they're controlling people. What does it say about the backwards name?
Clark: The family changed their name a century ago and fled the area to escape the stigma after the village mysteriously b*rned to the ground.
Chloe: Looks like Mikhail's still running from his heritage. [She comes back to the computer.] It doesn't exactly say how to stop the kissing bandit, does it? [Noticing something on the screen.] Oh, here. According to the legend, the only thing that stopped them was a plague of locusts.
Clark: There may be one other force they didn't count on. Think about it. Who brought him here in the first place?
Lex is playing pool as he talks to Clark in his study. Day.
Lex: You want me to deport a LuthorCorp exchange student?
Clark: Gambling on Crows games isn't a sanctioned extracurricular.
Lex: I'm surprised you care so much about some half-rate bookie. Or is there something else about Mikhail you're not telling me?
Clark: Lex, you sponsored him. I just thought you might want to do something about it.
Lex: Of course I'll look into it. But I'm surprised you didn't go to the principal first or Coach Teague. But then I can see how that could be more complicated than it sounds.
Clark: [Pause.] Why would it be more complicated?
Lex: Come on. I can't be the only one who's picked up on Lana's fondness for quarterbacks. Even retired ones.
Clark: Yeah, to be honest, it has been hard to see her with someone else.
Lex: Don't worry. Paris can have a magical effect on people, but the enchantment has a funny way of waning the longer you're gone.
Clark: I know Lana. She's never been this serious about anyone.
Lex: You sound awfully concerned about that for someone who let her walk out of his life.
Clark: Yeah, I guess the whole "If you love them set them free" thing kind of backfired.
Lex: It's not about love, Clark. It's about what you're willing to do for it. On that field, you'll do whatever it takes to win, but if you're not willing to do the same for Lana, maybe she doesn't mean as much to you as you think.
Lex watches Clark for a response. Clark merely thinks about what Lex said.
Lana is in her apartment above the Talon talking to Jason. Day.
Lana: Clark on steroids. It's a little hard to picture.
Jason: It happens to a lot of guys. You want so badly to outperform everyone, before you know it, all you care about is winning, no matter what the cost.
Lana: [Sympathetic.] You're not responsible for Clark.
Jason: Actually, I am. Coach Quigley asked me to give him a drug test, and I never mentioned it to Clark, so I lied and said he came back clean.
Lana: Why would you do that?
Jason: I don't know. Because I believe in Clark. And because he knows about us. I didn't want to stir the waters. If he wanted to get back at me, all he's gotta do is tell somebody at the school and I lose my job.
Lana: Clark wouldn't make it personal.
Jason: Why not? I mean, I can't imagine what I would do if somebody tried to take you away from me.
Lana: Nobody took me away from Clark. I left.
Jason: Right.
Lana: Clark's a big part of the reason why I took off for Paris in the first place.
Jason: Oh, well, that must be from the book of things you never want to hear about your girlfriend's ex.
Lana: Look, Jason, I'm with you now, and I couldn't be happier. And I know, I know, Clark can be unpredictable, but he knows that you need this job to stay in college.
Jason: I know it's hard because you've been so close to him, but are you sure you really know him?
Lana can't respond.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Mikhail is seated near the desk in the study and Lex is standing.
Lex: [Angry.] Don't get me wrong, Mikhail, I appreciate your entrepreneurial ingenuity, but importing bookies tends to reflect poorly on a company.
Mikhail: These are just fun games.
Lex: The I.N.S. isn't exactly renowned for their good sportsmanship. They're revoking your student fees and sending you back home.
Mikhail: But a man like you can pull strings to keep me here, yes?
Lex: If I wanted to. But whatever talents my father saw in you, they're not worth the embarrassment you bring to me and my company. I've made the arrangements. You'll be halfway over the Atlantic by morning.
Lex starts to leave.
Mikhail: You don't really want that.
Lex stops and Mikhail stands up, coming toward him.
Mikhail: You want to know why your dad brought me here.
Lex: Not that badly.
Mikhail: What if we make a wager?
Lex: Now, why would I take a bet when I can just have you thrown out of here?
Mikhail: Because I know gamblers better than anybody. You're the caviar kind. See, when you hold everything in your hand, the only thing that can give you a thrill is putting your chips on the one thing that can slip through your fingers.
Lex is silent for a moment, then laughs softly.
Lex: And, uh... what would that one thing be, Mikhail?
Mikhail: Well, in this case, me. How much do you believe in this quarterback friend of yours Clark Kent?
Lex: The championship game? [Mikhail nods.] What's the wager?
Mikhail: If the Crows lose, you arrange citizenship for me and one million dollars to start anew again.
Lex: [Putting his hands on Mikhail's shoulders.] And if the Crows win? I have a hard time believing you can cover that bet.
Mikhail: I can't. But the reason your father brought me here was far more valuable than just money.
Lex looks at Mikhail inquisitively.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Clark enters the loft and puts down his schoolbooks, sitting down on the desk. Mikhail enters.
Mikhail: [Sarcastic.] Oh, look. A real live American football superhero.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Mikhail: I came here to thank you for ratting me out to Lex. It wasn't hard to figure out. I knew Chloe would squeal, just not to him. She's too proud. You seem to be the common denominator, so you forget games are my business. So if you don't know the players, you cannot guess the outcome.
Clark: I thought you'd be halfway back to the Village of the Damned by now.
Mikhail: [He smiles.] I'm not cursed, Clark. I am lucky. And on Saturday, the championship game, I'm going to be very lucky.
Clark: If you think I'm gonna throw that game for you ...
Mikhail: If? When there is an "if" there are odds, and I always win the odds.
Clark opens his mouth to argue further.
Mikhail: Choke.
Clark's breath suddenly cuts off and he begins to choke, falling to his knees and holding his throat. Mikhail kneels next to him.
Mikhail: For example, the odds in the championship are based on your playing. If you don't go out on the field, then my profit margin takes an unfortunate turn.
Clark continues to gag silently. The veins in his forehead are starting to bulge with his lack of oxygen.
Mikhail: That is why you're not going to tell anyone else about me and you are going to be on that field... unless you want to see more of your buddies in the hospital.
Mikhail gets up to leave. Clark remains on the floor choking as Mikhail starts down the stairs. About halfway down, he turns back to Clark.
Mikhail: Breathe.
Clark is immediately able to breathe again. He takes several large gasps of air as Mikhail leaves.
Fade to black.
Chloe steps out of the Torch office with a file in her hands. Day. She seems to be looking for someone. Clark comes up behind her wearing his letterman jacket. The hall is full of students.
Clark: Chloe.
Chloe: Hey.
Jason walks up.
Jason: Clark, warm up in 15 minutes.
He walks away. Chloe and Clark walk side by side as they talk.
Clark: I sure hope you had better luck with the locusts than I did with Lex.
Chloe: The last time I checked, they weren't selling biblical plagues on Amazon, but since every legend is born in the seed of truth, I did look up our favorite apocalyptic critters.
Clark: Besides eating crops in a single bound, what else can they do?
Chloe: [Handing the file to Clark.] Well, when locusts swarm, they emit an energy wave to avoid crashing into each other. Maybe Mikhail's commands operate on a similar frequency, you know, like a radio signal.
Clark: Or a dog whistle. The sound travels, but the human ear doesn't pick it up.
Chloe: Yeah. Now, what's interesting is that once locusts' signals are jammed, they can't fly anymore without running into each other. It's permanent.
Clark: Well, maybe all we have to do is find something that will jam Mikhail's frequency for good.
Chloe: And I think I know just where to find that. So now we just have to find him.
Clark: Well, in his quest for the great American dream, he's got a lot of bets riding on this game. He'll be here.
Chloe: Okay.
Clark: I gotta go. [He hands her the file.]
Chloe: Good luck.
Clark: Thanks.
Clark walks away.
Clark sits alone in the dark boys' locker room. Day. He is in deep concentration and we can hear the announcer of the game that is about to begin as the crowd cheers outside.
Announcer: Greetings, football fans, and welcome to the championship game between the Topeka Valley Huskies and your Smallville Crows!
Clark picks up his shoulder pads from where they are sitting next to him on the bench and puts them over his shoulders. He pulls the straps tight then tugs lightly on the shoulder pads to make sure they are secure. Then he stands up and goes to his locker, taking his shoes out of the locker and placing them on the bench next to his helmet.
After lacing up his shoes, he sits down on the bench and pulls his jersey down slowly over his head, staring forward with determination. He stands up again and looks toward the door, ment*lly preparing himself to go out onto the field.
Cut to the basement of the school. The other members of the team are running toward the field led by Coach Quigley. Jonathan is standing nearby waiting for Clark. Quigley shouts at the team energetically.
Quigley: All right, let's go! All right! Let's go, let's go! Come on, come on!
Clark finally comes into view and almost runs past Jonathan without seeing him.
Jonathan: Clark.
Clark turns around to face Jonathan as the rest of the team keeps running.
Jonathan: [Disappointed.] What are you doing?
Clark: You know what Mikhail said. He'd hurt those guys if I wasn't out there.
Jonathan: A bunch of 250-pound guys banging into each other on a football field is one thing. But getting h*t by you is like getting run over by a freight train. It's a big difference, son.
Clark: I hope that doesn't happen. I think Chloe and I found a way to stop Mikhail.
Jonathan: Chloe and you think you've found a way to stop him? Well, I'm sorry, son. Thinking is not good enough.
Clark: Dad, I know you don't agree with me. But sometimes taking responsibility means having faith in yourself to make the hard choices.
Jonathan: And it also means being willing to accept the consequences.
Clark: Every handshake, every hug, every time I'm out on that field, I make a conscious decision to fall when those guys h*t me so they don't get hurt. No matter how hard you try, you can't understand that. That's why it's my decision, not yours.
Jonathan is silent for a long moment. Then he takes a deep breath and smiles.
Jonathan: You're starting to sound more and more like your father.
Clark smiles in return.
Clark: I hope so, Dad.
Clark turns away and jogs toward the exit. Jonathan watches him go proudly.
Cut to the football field. The cheerleaders are standing in two parallel rows facing each other and waving their pom-poms in the air as the crowd screams with excitement. The Crows run between the rows of cheerleaders and onto the field.
Announcer: Now taking the field, your Smallville Crows! Today's Crows captains are seniors Cameron Jiff, Jay Crozer, Austin Thompson, and Clark Kent!
Clark Kent puts on his helmet as he runs onto the field.
Announcer: The Crows are undefeated in 13 contests this season. They are lead by third-year head coach Blaine Quigley. We'd like to thank today's sponsors the Smallville Ledger, LuthorCorp, D.D. Davenport's Autobody Shop, and Old Spice Red Zone.
Cut to Chloe walking through the basement of the school. She walks into the sound control room which is full of electronic equipment. She is the only one in the room, and there is a window on the far wall from which we can see the football field.
Chloe looks around the room and finds what she is looking for; an electronic box with several cables connected to it. She puts her small briefcase down on top of the box and disconnects one of the cables. Then she opens her briefcase which has a transistor radio in it and connects a wire from the radio to the box. She turns on the radio and we hear a high-frequency pitch that gets higher and higher as Chloe turns up the dial.
Outside, the sound is projected from the loudspeakers, but it doesn't block out the sound of the announcer's voice. In the bleachers, Mikhail suddenly covers his ears as the frequency is obviously causing him pain. Nobody else notices the sound.
On the field, both teams are just breaking up their huddles as Jason and Coach Quigley watch anxiously on the sidelines. The teams get into position facing each other with Clark standing behind another member of his team who is bent over and holding the ball.
Clark: Iowa 80! Iowa 80! Set! Hut! Hut!
The ball is passed to Clark and he backs up, preparing to throw it to another player.
Mikhail: Trip.
Clark is unaffected. He throws the ball to another Crow who catches it. The referee blows his whistle and the play ends.
Mikhail can still hear the frequency, and he covers his ears, confused and frustrated. Clark looks around, relieved that the play went well.
Chloe turns up the dial on the radio which increases the frequency, and Mikhail starts to squint against the pain. The players get into position again.
Clark: Iowa 80! Iowa 80! Set! Hut!
The ball is passed to Clark and the two teams charge at each other, colliding in the middle. Clark runs past another Crow and swiftly hands the ball to him. That player then starts his run toward the end of the field.
Mikhail: Fumble.
Again, there is no effect. The player continues his effortless run toward his goal. He even leaps over a fallen player from the other team without breaking rhythm. As he is nearing the end of the field, he decreases his speed happily, knowing that he is going to make it.
Announcer: Touchdown!
The Crows cheer, as does the crowd.
Clark: Yeah!
Coach Quigley claps and shouts enthusiastically.
A sh*t of the scoreboard shows that the score is Crows 7 and Huskies 0. We see a rapid sequence of clips from different plays.
In the first one, a new play starts and one of the Crows is running with the ball. A member of the opposing team tries to tackle him, but he pushes the player out of the way and keeps running. The Crows sitting on the bench cheer.
A sh*t of a Husky running with the ball in his arm, jumping over a fallen Crow and then a sh*t of the ball flying across the field and landing in a Crow's arms who is then tackled by a Husky.
A sh*t of the Crows kicking off and Jason standing on the sidelines with his arm raised triumphantly in the air. Mikhail stares downward in the bleachers, defeated.
A sh*t of a Husky making it to the end of the field with the football and scoring a touchdown. A sh*t of the Huskies standing in a circle on the field between plays doing their own type of cheer. The ball is tossed into the air, and when it lands in the middle of the circle, they all fall backwards onto the ground as if being blown back by an expl*si*n. They all grunt loudly when they h*t the ground.
A sh*t of a Crow hurling the ball across the field to where another Crow catches it. He dodges one tackle, then gets taken down by another one. Mikhail is becoming more aggravated.
A sh*t of Clark tossing the ball to another Crow who then tumbles over a heap of fallen players.
A sh*t of the fans in the bleachers standing up and cheering. In the middle of the crowd we see Jonathan and Martha.
A sh*t of the scoreboard shows that Crows are 17 and Huskies are 21.
Chloe is still in the sound room holding the transistor radio. In the bleachers, Mikhail touches his ears, then looks at his hands and sees blood on his fingers. He looks around and realizes that the frequency is coming from the loudspeaker. He gets up from his seat and walks away.
Cut to Mikhail making his way through the basement of the school toward the sound room holding his ears. He gets there and finds Chloe holding the radio. She looks up at him, startled.
Mikhail: Fancy toy!
He rips the wire out of the radio and the noise stops. Chloe pulls back her arm as if to punch Mikhail in the face.
Mikhail: Stop.
Chloe punches him.
Chloe: Looks like someone's been broken. Kind of sucks when you have to play fair, doesn't it?
Mikhail grabs her by the coat furiously and pushes her against the wall.
Mikhail: Yes, well, in my country, you do not survive if you cannot adapt to the unexpected.
He pulls out a switchblade and pops it open next to Chloe's face. She stares at the Kn*fe, frightened.
Cut to Jason taking a deep breath on the side of the field as the clock ticks down from 20 seconds to 19.
On the field, a group of Crows takes down a Husky with the ball.
Announcer: The Crows regain possession!
Jason becomes excited and sends the Crows sitting on the bench out onto the field as the crowd applauds.
Announcer: The Crows immediately call their last time out.
Clark is standing near the edge of the field and Mikhail is standing behind him.
Mikhail: Clark.
Clark turns around and walks to him.
Clark: What are you doing here?
Mikhail: [Holding up Chloe's press pass.] Here's how the last play in my game works. If the Crows score another touchdown, Chloe's d*ad. If you don't go back out on the field right now and lose the game, Chloe's d*ad.
Mikhail walks away as Jason walks up to Clark. Clark listens to Jason but his expression is distant and worried.
Jason: Kent. Let's go. [Putting his hand on Clark's shoulder.] All right. We're gonna do an ace back Montana post. This is it. This is for the title.
Jason pats Clark on the shoulder and Clark runs out onto the field.
Announcer: The Crows have first and ten on the 50-yard line. Five seconds remaining on the clock. Smallville has time for one more play. The season all comes down to this.
As the announcer is speaking, the team huddles are breaking up.
Clark: All right, guys, let's do it!
They all clap their hands once and run out to the middle of the field and get into position, hunched down across from the other team.
Clark: Blue 32!
Martha and Jonathan watch nervously.
Clark: Blue 32!
Clark looks at the bottom of the bleachers and uses his X-ray vision to look through the concrete wall. He sees Mikhail holding Chloe by the hair as he holds the Kn*fe near her throat.
Clark: Set! Hut!
As the time ticks down from 5 to 4 seconds, the ball is passed to Clark and he runs backward as the rest of the two teams run at each other. Another Crow is already running in the opposite direction, waiting for Clark to throw him the ball. Clark throws the ball high into the air toward the other player and the entire crowd is riveted. Jason and Coach Quigley are completely silent as they watch the ball fly through the air.
A Husky runs to Clark, about to tackle him, and Clark suddenly goes into super speed and runs off the field. We see him moving at normal speed while everyone around him seems to be frozen in time.
He runs into the basement of the school where we see two janitors in the process of mopping and sweeping the floor, but again, they are completely still. Clark takes off his helmet as he runs toward the sound control room where he finds Mikhail and Chloe facing each other.
Chloe's hands are handcuffed together and she holds them up in front of her trying to ward Mikhail off. Mikhail is holding the Kn*fe pointed at her as if about to s*ab her. Clark slaps the Kn*fe out of Mikhail's hand and pushes him away from Chloe. Then he rips the chain off of Chloe's handcuffs. Mikhail and Chloe stay frozen in their new position and Clark puts on his helmet as he runs out of the sound room and back onto the field.
He gets in front of the Husky who was just about to tackle him and he goes back into normal speed, raising his arm into the air as if he had just thrown the ball. The Husky knocks into Clark's chest, and Clark allows himself to be taken down.
In the sound room, the momentum of Clark's push sends Mikhail flying backwards and crashing into the wall. Chloe looks over at him, unsure of what has just happened.
On the field, the Crow that Clark threw the ball to is still running toward the goal post with his neck craned up to see the ball coming toward him. Jason mouths the words "Come on" and Martha and Jonathan watch the football coming toward the earth.
The Crow jumps into the air and reaches out, catching the football and then falling to the ground just as the clock reaches 0.
Announcer: Touchdown! The Crows win! Can you believe that?!
Martha and Jonathan scream with joy. Jason throws his arms into the air. The roar of the crowd is deafening. The Crow who caught the ball gets back to his feet and holds the ball high above his head.
Announcer: Clark Kent makes another unbelievable play!
In the sound control room, Chloe looks down at the broken chain of her handcuffs, then over at Mikhail who is unconscious on the floor. She cannot figure out what has happened.
Clark is still lying on the field after being tackled. Another member of his team takes his hand and helps him to his feet and holds Clark's head to his own in a half hug as he laughs hysterically.
Player: Yeah! Come on, man! We'll miss the party! Ow! Whoo!
He pulls a smiling Clark toward the other players. Martha and Jonathan hug ecstatically. The players and cheerleaders all converge at the end of the field and lift Clark onto their shoulders.
Clark: Yeah! Whoo!
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farmhouse. Night. Jonathan and Martha are in the kitchen. Jonathan is holding a tray of tea and Martha puts a note next to a plate of cookies and a glass of milk on the counter. Clark enters in his letterman jacket and smiles when he sees the cookies.
Jonathan: Oh, looks like championship quarterbacks no long have a curfew, huh?
Clark: [His smile fades.] I'm late. Sorry.
Martha: [Quietly.] Jonathan.
Jonathan: Clark. Your mother and I know that Mikhail was arrested. Now, when I was out on that same field, all I had to worry about was completing the next pass or whether or not I was gonna get sacked. But we're very proud of you.
Martha: For everything.
Clark smiles again.
Martha: [To Jonathan.] Hey, you. Come on. [To Clark.] Good night.
Jonathan: Good night.
Jonathan and Martha leave the room as Chloe knocks on the door and enters.
Chloe: I don't know what it is with you, but no matter how many times I put you in the penalty box, it never sticks. I hear you're quite the hero tonight, Clark Kent.
Clark: Yeah, well, if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have won the game.
Chloe: Yeah, well, you can thank Uncle Sam for that. [Clark doesn't understand.] My Uncle Sam. It's amazing the access a three-star general has to cool toys. And you never know when a jamming device for stealth fighters will come in handy at a football game.
Clark: Because of that jamming device, Mikhail can't control anyone anymore.
Chloe: Awesome. [She sits on the counter.] But what I don't understand is how I miraculously came untied.
Clark: [Avoiding the subject.] And what I don't understand is how you get sucked into anything besides anonymous tips.
Chloe: Well, we all have our weaknesses, I guess. Except for you of course.
Chloe and Clark look at each other silently.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Day. Lex and Mikhail stand outside an elevator door in the LuthorCorp office.
Lex: I think you'll find your new accommodations a lot more comfortable than the county lockup.
The elevator opens and they step inside.
Mikhail: And, uh, where are you taking me?
Lex: Don't worry.
Lex holds his LuthorCorp identification badge in front of a screen on the wall, and a small square appears on the screen. Lex presses his thumb to the square so that the computer can identify his thumbprint. The print is accepted and the screen says "Lex Luthor."
Lex: You're gonna have a lot of company. [The elevator starts to ascend.]
Mikhail: I'm not worried. I have the feeling I can learn a lot from you. But I'm just sorry we can't make good on our agreement.
Lex: [He laughs.] You underestimate the value of my winnings.
Mikhail: I told you, Mr. Luthor. I've lost my talent.
Lex: Mikhail, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that anything lost can be found again.
Mikhail: If you knew I had a special talent, then why did you bet against me?
Lex: I didn't. I bet on Clark Kent.
The elevator stops on the floor 33.1 and the door slides open. They step off the elevator and Mikhail looks around slowly in awe, though we don't see what he is looking at.
Lex: Like I said. You're not alone.
Mikhail nods slowly.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High as students enter the building. Day. In the hallway, Lana is at her locker. Clark walks over to her.
Clark: Lana. Hey, where's Jason? I've been looking for him. I actually left him three messages.
Lana: [Keeping her back to Clark.] Yeah, I know.
Clark: Well, I thought he'd want to know that Metropolis University offered me a scholarship.
Lana: [Unenthusiastic.] That's great, Clark.
Clark: One of the scouts he called saw me in the game. I wanted to thank him for trusting me.
Lana: [Shutting her locker.] Well, it's too bad that you couldn't return the favor. [She turns to him.] Jason was fired this morning.
Lana walks away angrily and Clark watches her with surprise.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Lex pokes at the f*re in his study with a f*re poker. Clark stands behind him.
Lex: It's good to know the local football star still has time for his friends.
Clark: [Cold.] I wouldn't put it like that.
Lex: [Facing Clark.] Wild guess. You're not talking about the football star part. [He puts down the poker.]
Clark: Maybe I wasn't clear. But what you and I talk about is supposed to stay between us.
Lex: I see.
Lex walks to the bar and opens a bottle of water. Clark follows.
Lex: So today I'm taking the role of the despicable, untrustworthy friend, and as usual, our hero is making the fatal flaw of jumping to conclusions.
Clark: Are you gonna tell me you're not the one who got Jason fired?
Lex: A teacher-student liaison is a taboo that's pretty hard to come back from.
Clark: Oh, you're gonna take the moral high ground on this.
Lex: Clark, I'd hate to see Lana's infatuation earn her a scarlet letter around town.
Clark: Well, she has you to thank for that. Because you and I were the only two who knew about it. Now everybody's talking. You didn't do this to protect her.
Lex: [Stepping closer.] You know Lana isn't meant to be with Jason.
Lex walks toward the fireplace, his back to Clark.
Clark: Maybe a year ago, I would've believed that you got him fired out of some twisted loyalty from being my friend. But you didn't do this for me. Why did you do it?
Lex turns to face Clark and looks at him with a small ambiguous smile.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x07 - Jinx"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 10, 2004
Screen text: France 1604.
Three women, Madeline Evans, Briana Withridge, And Isobel Theroux are locked in a cage being pulled on a carriage by a horse. Night. Briana tries to loosen the chains holding the cage shut without success. Briana and Madeline are both afraid. The cage is covered with a tarp preventing them from seeing outside.
Madeline: We must escape before we reach the pyres. Isobel?
Isobel is wearing a red hooded cape. The hood is over her face and all we can see are her lips. She speaks calmly although she is somewhat impatient.
Isobel: They've taken the book and with it our powers. What would you have me do?
Briana: Anything. We're running out of time.
Isobel: Time is the one thing we do have. If we fall this night, I promise you, we will rise again to finish out quest.
Briana and Madeline gasp as the carriage comes to a halt. The tarp is lifted away from the door to the cage revealing an angry mob of people holding torches and shouting at the women in the cage. They are dressed appropriately for the time period.
A man in a black hooded robe pulls the women out of the cage and sends them on to another man who takes hold of them and drags them toward the pyre. Briana and Madeline both whimper and cry, begging the mob for mercy. The hooded man then grabs Isobel and takes her out of the cage, putting her down on the ground and forcing her toward the pyre. Another man pulls her red hood off of her head and she whips her face around glaring at the mob thr*at. She looks exactly like Lana Lang.
She is pushed toward the large piles of wood where Madeline and Briana are already being tied to the stakes. A well dressed man comes forward and looks Isobel in the eye as the crowd waves pitchforks and axes at her in their rage. Isobel returns the man's gaze.
Isobel: [Unafraid.] Magistrate Wilkins. Come to enjoy your handiwork?
Wilkins slaps her across the face roughly, and she falls back against the hooded guard.
Wilkins: Tell me of the three stones of power, Countess. You may yet escape the pyre's flames.
Isobel: In my book. There's a page marked.
Another man hands Isobel's spell book to Wilkins and he opens it to a page that is marked with a feather. On the page there is a picture of the symbol Lana has on her lower back. He shows it to Isobel.
Wilkins: What means this?
Isobel: It means that the stones of power shall be mine and once I possess them, you shall tremble at my feet and never again persecute my kind.
Wilkins stares at Isobel fearfully. Then she spits blood onto the page which lands on the symbol.
Isobel: Animum remitto.
We move from a sh*t of the bloodstained symbol in the book to Isobel's exposed lower back. The same symbol materializes into her skin.
Wilkins: Demon. Join your confederates.
Isobel laughs cruelly as the hooded guard drags her toward the pyre. Madeline and Briana are already tied up and terrified for their lives. The both speak quietly.
Briana: Please.
Madeline: Have mercy.
They become more frantic as Isobel is walked up the pile of wood and tied to the stake. Several people in the mob yell excitedly.
Madeline: No, no, please! Have mercy!
Wilkins: Madeline Evans. Briana Withridge. Countess Marguerite Isobel Theroux.
Isobel laughs mockingly.
Wilkins: You have been found guilty of committing the darkest art, witchcraft. For this affront against God, I hereby condemn you to burn in the fires of Hell of which you so eagerly seek communion.
Isobel smirks at Wilkins, a small trail of blood still lingering at the corner of her mouth. Wilkins nods at the hooded guard who is now holding a lighted torch. The guard holds the flame to different points at the bottom of the pyres, setting the beginning of the bonfire that will destroy the witches. Madeline and Briana whimper fearfully, but Isobel remains composed, even gleeful.
Isobel: You think this ends with a lick of flame? I sleep but a while. And when the time is appointed, my heir will awaken me and I will have vengeance!
Isobel throws her head back and cackles at the night sky, frightening the crowd of villagers. She continues to laugh maniacally even as the flames engulf her and the other woman who are both screaming.
Eventually, all we can see is flame. The f*re becomes blurry for a moment, and when it comes back into focus, it is a small f*re burning in a fireplace. Lana steps in front of the f*re and we see the tattoo on her back because of the style of shirt she is wearing which covers the front of her torso but laces up on the middle of her back, exposing the rest.
The fireplace is in her apartment. She sits down on the floor next to Jason. She is holding a mailed package that she puts down on the floor in front of them.
Jason: So you found it on Ebay?
Lana: Yeah, this old guy in Nice was auctioning it off. I had to max out my entire credit card to get it, but I couldn't resist. It was like it was calling to me.
Lana opens the box excitedly and pulls the bubble wrap out of the way, revealing Isobel's spell book. The book is clearly very old and worn around the edges. Lana takes it out of the box and shows it to Jason.
Lana: The spell book of Countess Isobel Marguerite Theroux.
Jason points to the engravings on the leather cover of the book.
Jason: Those look like the same symbols in the cave.
Lana: Yeah. Maybe it will help explain what happened in Paris when I touched Isobel's tomb.
Jason: Yeah, and the tattoo and the missing 12 hours.
Lana opens the book and looks through it slowly.
Lana: Hmm. So, uh, how's your Latin?
Jason: About as good as my Italian which... I don't speak.
Lana looks at Jason then back at the book. She turns another page and comes to the page with Isobel's blood spattered on the symbol. The f*re in the fireplace goes out, significantly darkening the room. Jason looks at the f*re curiously.
Jason: I'll get it.
He gets up to rekindle the f*re as Lana stares at the page.
Lana: Oh, my God.
Jason: What?
Lana: This is the symbol from Isobel's tomb.
Jason: That's kind of spooky.
Jason lights a match and holds it inside the fireplace. Lana reaches out to the bloodstained page and touches the symbol. The symbol begins to glow pink, and the tattoo on Lana's back is illuminated with the same color. A surge of energy goes through Lana causing her to roll her head back just as the fireplace roars back to life with a small expl*si*n of flame that throws Jason backwards onto the floor. Wind rushes through the room and Lana's eyes glow the same shade of pink for a moment. Then a serene but dangerous smile forms on her lips. Jason stands up, grunting. The f*re in the fireplace is burning normally again.
Jason: You okay?
Lana stands up slowly holding the book in one hand. She looks at Jason strangely without answering, then looks down at her body, lightly touching her stomach as if to make sure she's really there.
Lana: [Eerily calm.] Never been better.
Jason stares at Lana warily, seeing that something has changed. Lana smiles.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. The sky is covered with dark gray clouds. Clark puts a bale of hay down near the barn as Lois Lane pulls into the driveway behind him and gets out of her car. He turns around and walks toward her.
Clark: Hey, Lois. What are you doing here? Why aren't you at school?
Lois: We're having a surprise party for Chloe's 18th birthday in your barn, remember?
Lois opens the back door of her car and pulls out a cardboard box full of party decorations.
Clark: No. I remember telling you you couldn't have it here.
Lois: [Handing the box to Clark.] Too late now. Everyone's already been invited, and you really don't want it getting back to Chloe that you rained on her shindig. That would hurt her feelings.
Lois pulls out another box and stacks it on top of the box that Clark is already holding.
Clark: [Incredulous.] What?
Lois: Then I'd have to hurt you.
Lois pulls the third and final box out of her car and closes the door. She walks toward the barn and Clark follows her.
Clark: Listen, Lois, I don't want ...
Lois: Can you give me a hand with these? I have to get the wheels back to my dad before he notices them missing.
Clark: Lois, we can't do this tonight. The guy from Princeton's coming to meet me. Besides, my parents are out of town.
Lois: Relax, Smallville. It's just gonna be a couple of people standing around singing Happy Birthday. It's not gonna be Sodom and Gomorrah. Mr. Ivy League won't even know we're here. Trust me.
Lois enters the barn, leaving Clark unable to argue further.
Lana is in the kitchen of her apartment. Day. The counter is covered with candles, herbs, bowls of steaming liquid, and jars of mysterious potions. Lana is mashing some ingredients in a stone bowl. When she finishes, she looks at a list of ingredients sitting next to the bowl on the counter. Some of the ingredients have already been crossed off.
Lana: [Reading.] Hair of two virgins.
She plucks a strand of hair from her own head and looks at it with a smile.
Lana: Ah. We've been a good little girl, haven't we?
She laughs to herself and puts the hair in the bowl. There is a knock at the door, and Chloe and Lois enter. Lana covers the spell book with a washcloth.
Chloe: Hello.
Lois: Oh, you are home. I've been calling, but no one answered.
Chloe looks confused at Lana's paraphernalia.
Lana: Well, I've been kind of preoccupied. Science project.
Chloe: From what century?
Lana: It's a whole retro thing. I'm trying to recreate some of the stuff they did back in the 1600s.
Chloe: Oh.
Lana looks at them both thoughtfully.
Lana: I really think you two are going to like it.
Lois: [To Chloe.] Damn. I left my phone in your car. Do you mind?
Chloe: Oh, no. No worries. This whole smell of science is making me crave an aromatic latte anyway, so I'll just meet you downstairs with your cell phone. [To Lana.] Bye.
Lana: Bye.
Lois: Thanks.
Chloe leaves. Lois turns to Lana.
Lois: What's the matter with you? You were supposed to take Chloe shopping so that I could finish everything with the party.
Lana: Right. Must've slipped my mind.
Lois: Well, get some traction. Little Miss Reporter there, she can smell a ruse a mile away. [Turning toward the door and facing away from Lana.] I'm going to need some serious help to keep her from ferreting out whatever it is we're planning tonight.
Lana reaches up and plucks a strand of hair from Lois's head.
Lois: Ow!
Lois turns to face Lana, glaring at her questioningly.
Lana: [Staring at the hair she plucked.] Oh, no, no. That's no good.
Lois: Well, yeah, not since you pulled it out.
Lana: [Making an excuse.] It was gray.
Lois: I don't have gray hair. [Lana looks at her as if to disagree. Lois starts to second guess herself.] I'm just gonna use your bathroom for a second.
Lois rushes into the bathroom. Lana squints at the strand of hair disappointedly. Then an idea comes to her. She leaves the apartment. The last thing we see is a sh*t of the list of ingredients, the top of the list saying "hair of two virgins."
Outside sh*t of the Kent house. Day. In the kitchen, Clark is working on a project of his own. The table is covered with shreds of blue wrapping paper, blue and red bows and ribbon, scissors, and tape. He has clumsily wrapped a large box in the blue paper and is now fidgeting with a large red ribbon, trying to tie it around the box. He finally settles on a simple shoelace-type bow and slaps it, satisfied. Then he picks up one of the pre-made red bows and slaps that on top of the ribbon. He sits down and turns the gift around, inspecting it as Lana enters behind him. Her manner is coy and mysterious.
Lana: [Seeing the present.] Maybe you need a woman's touch.
Clark stands up and turns around to look at her, surprised to see her.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: Hello, Clark. It's a big box.
Clark: It's, um, it's a gift for Chloe. Lois and I got it for her.
Lana: Well, I'm sure that she'll love it. Especially if it's from you.
Clark: Look, um, I'm glad you're here. I wanted to talk to you about what happened with Jason.
Lana: Oh, well, don't worry about it. It's water under a very... tall bridge.
Lana walks slowly toward Clark, smiling up at him as she drags out the word "tall." We see that she is holding the pair of scissors from the table behind her back.
Clark: Are you, uh, feeling okay? You seem a little, uh... [Clark plops down on the stool as Lana continues to advance on him.] ...different.
Lana: Well, maybe it's the company.
Lana puts a hand on Clark's face and drags it down his cheek softly.
Clark: Jason's my friend.
Lana: [With her face extremely close to Clark's.] Well, he doesn't think so.
She closes in on him, about to kiss him. Clark's eyes close as their lips touch lightly and Lana brings the scissors up behind his head to cut off a lock of his hair. But when she tries to cut the hair, the scissors break into two pieces. Clark stands up, backing away.
Clark: Hey, what's ... what are you doing?
Lana: I need a lock of your hair for a scrapbook I'm making for Chloe's birthday.
Clark: [Slightly annoyed.] Well, all you had to do was ask.
Lana: [Smiling.] Well, where's the fun in that?
Clark stares at Lana, trying to figure out what's wrong with her. Lana holds up the two pieces of the scissors.
Lana: What happened to these?
Clark: [Taking the scissors away from her.] They were broken already.
Clark reaches up to his head and pulls a strand of hair from his head. He hands the hair to Lana.
Clark: Here. Is that enough?
Lana holds up the hair and looks at it closely. She smiles with satisfaction.
Lana: It's perfect. Thanks, handsome.
She walks out of the house happily. Clark watches her go, then looks at the broken scissors.
Lex is in his study at the mansion playing the grand piano. Night. He is playing a very complex classical piece with impressive skill. His right hand rapidly dances over the keys, hitting each note flawlessly and his left hand accompanies. He hardly has to look at the written music that rests on the piano before him. Lana enters the study and Lex stops playing.
Lana: You play beautifully.
Lex: Thanks, but I'm afraid I'm a little rusty.
Lana: Well, I hate to interrupt. But I wanted to ask you for a favor.
Lex: Have I ever been able to refuse Lana Lang?
Lex smiles at her and gets up from the piano walking toward the center of the room. Lana follows him.
Lex: What do you need?
Lana: Oh, a good bottle of wine for Chloe's birthday.
Lex: Well, the last time I checked, she wasn't turning 21 yet.
Lana: I know, but I thought it'd be nice to raise a glass with her and Lois to celebrate. [Lex looks reluctant.] I promise I won't tell anyone where I got it from. [Almost a whisper.] It'll be our little secret.
Lana stares temptingly into Lex's eyes, weakening his resolve.
Lex: Well, I think I might have a light Riesling that won't do too much damage.
Lana smiles and Lex starts to leave on his way to the wine cellar.
Lana: Actually, I was looking more for a vintage Merlot from the south of France. Something from a vineyard in the Languedoc or possibly the Deldonia. That should do in a pinch.
Lex: [From the next room.] Well, your tastes have certainly matured from a summer in Paris. Just give me a second.
Lana looks around the room, then notices the old manuscript page that Lex still has displayed in the glass box on the pedestal. She suddenly becomes very serious and walks toward it slowly, obviously recognizing it. Lex returns to the study with a bottle of wine.
Lex: 1902 from the Sallier vineyards in Languedoc. It should make quite the birthday present.
Lana: [Still looking at the page.] What is this?
Lex: Just a little something I picked up in St. Petersburg. It's an illuminated manuscript depicting the ancient ...
Lana: You're lying.
Lex: [Startled.] What?
Lana: [Turning to him.] You know it's true nature, but the map was not meant for you.
Lex: Lana, how did you know there's a map hidden under the page?
Lana: Because...
She looks at Lex coldly for a long moment. He looks back at her, confused and a little uneasy. Lana then turns back to the manuscript page and points at it with her index and small fingers. When she points, a small ball of pink energy hovers above her hand.
Lana: Venis e! [Come out!]
The manuscript evaporates from the box on the pedestal. Lex walks toward it, stunned.
Lex: Lana, what did you do?
Lana: [Pointing her fingers at Lex.] Finis! [End!]
Lex stops mid stride, unable to move.
Lana: You seek the stones, don't you? [She takes the wine bottle out of Lex's hands.] Well, we can't have that. [She walks behind him.] I think that you're right, Alexander. You do need more practice. Keep playing. Infinitas. [Forever]
Lana leaves the study. Lex then walks robotically over to the piano and sits down on the bench. He begins to play the same piece he was playing when Lana came in. As he plays, he looks around helplessly, unable to stop, his hands caught in Lana's spell.
Lana is standing in the woods softly shaking a decanter of dark liquid and chanting in Latin. Night.
Lana: Per lunam et mare. Redi e aquae sublatus sunt. Per lunam et mare. Redi e aquae sublatus sunt. Per lunam et mare. Redi e aquae sublatus sunt. [Through moon and sea. Return, having been raised out of the water]
As she chants, the potion turns an incandescent pink and pink steam rises from the bottle. On the ground before her are three Kryptonian symbols, one of which is the symbol from her back. They glow on the dirt, then slowly disappear as the potion also stops glowing. Lois comes up behind Lana.
Lana: Per lunam et mare. Redi e aquae sublatus ...
Lois: Okay, what are we doing in the woods? Chloe's right behind me, and the moonlight nature hike? It's making her a little suspicious.
Lana: I thought it'd be nice to get together with my girls before the party.
Chloe runs up to them.
Chloe: What party?
Lois: [To Lana.] Way to ruin the surprise.
Chloe: [Laughing.] Oh, you mean the party that you've been planning for the last month?
Lois: You know about that?
Chloe: Oh, hello. Investigative reporter. Nothing gets past me. Except why we're playing wood nymph when there's a party waiting for me with my name on it.
Lana: Then we'd better hurry.
Lana picks up three goblets from a picnic basket and hands one to Chloe and one to Lois.
Lana: A toast, in honor of this special night.
Lois: [Smiling.] All right. This is getting better.
Lana fills their glasses with the potion, and pours some for herself too.
Lana: No matter how much time passes, old friends are never forgotten.
Chloe: I'll drink to that.
Lana: Cheers.
Chloe & Lois: Cheers.
They clink their glasses together and Lana holds her glass near her mouth without drinking. She watches with quiet excitement as both Chloe and Lois drink.
Several loud thunderclaps are heard as lightning flashes and a strong wind starts to blow. Lois looks at her glass strangely. Then just as their eyes start turning pink, Lois and Chloe both throw their heads back roughly, looking toward the sky and gasping. When they return to their normal upright positions, the wind and thunder stop. Lois and Chloe look around as if unsure of where they are.
Lana: [To Chloe.] Madeline. [To Lois.] Briana. Welcome to the 21st century.
Chloe: [Excited.] How did we come to be here?
Lana: The last spell I cast before Wilkins condemned me to the pyre. My blood entwined with the symbol in the book which called to my heir. [Lois smiles.] And when she touched it, I gained possession of her body and brought you back.
Lois: I'm gorgeous! [Touching her chest and laughing.] Look at these!
Lana: [Uninterested.] Yes. They're very nice.
Chloe: [Breathing deeply.] Ah, the woods of France. I'd know them anywhere.
Lana: We're in Kansas, Madeline.
Lois: Where?
Lana: The Americas. I am unsure as to why I was resurrected here. It was not of my intention, but ...
Chloe: The book! Do you have it?
Lana smiles and looks at the picnic basket sitting nearby on the ground. In the basket we see the wine bottle and the spell book.
Lana: It is ours once again. And with it, our magics. Now we may continue our quest for the stones of ...
Chloe: Oh, uh... Is that the same quest that got us b*rned at the stake?
Lois: That was not pleasant.
Lana: A small toll to travel the road of ultimate power. [Lois and Chloe look hesitant.] You have your hosts' memories. Use them to navigate this world and help us to seize the power.
Lois and Chloe smile at Lana and she smiles in return.
Clark's barn. Night. A large banner is hanging that says "Happy Birthday Chloe." The whole place is decorated and music plays as the guests mingle. A lot of people are there, but the party is calm. Clark is trying to call someone on his cell phone, but no one answers and he hangs up his phone, frustrated. He sees Jason looking around and checking his watch. Clark goes to him.
Clark: Hey, Jason, do you know where the girls are? They were supposed to be here an hour ago.
Jason: [Dismissive.] No, sorry.
Jason walks away. Clark follows.
Clark: Look, Jason ...
Jason: Clark, I'm only here because Lana wants me to be here. Because I'm her boyfriend, whether you like it or not.
With a loud clank, the double doors at the front of the barn slide open and we see Lana, Lois, and Chloe standing there, silhouetted in blue moonlight. They enter the barn purposefully, walking in perfect stride with each other. All three of them are wearing tight and provocative black clothing and black high-heeled boots. Everyone applauds for Chloe. She smiles brightly.
Guests: Surprise!
Clark and Jason both look at the girls strangely.
Lana: [Impatient.] We don't have time for this.
Chloe: Time is the only thing we do have. Isn't that what you said right before the angry mob set us on f*re?
Lana: You're really not gonna let that go, are you?
Chloe goes to greet the guests and Clark pulls Lois aside.
Clark: The guy from Princeton's gonna be here any minute. Why are you so late?
Lois: I took the scenic route. [Looking Clark up and down lustfully.] Love the view.
Clark: [Uncomfortable.] Have you been drinking?
Lois merely smiles in response. Jason goes to Lana.
Jason: Hey, so, I don't want to be rude, but I think I'm just gonna tell Chloe happy birthday and take off.
Lana: Well, you're a big boy. You can do what you want.
Jason: You're the one who wanted me here.
Lana: Well, things change.
Jason: Why are you acting like this? And why are you dressed like that?
Lana: Because it makes me feel sexy. [Rudely.] Weren't you leaving?
Lana walks away from Jason to where Chloe is standing at the refreshment table. Jason looks at Lana for a long time, then leaves.
Chloe: [With her mouth full.] The food is so good in this century!
Lana: And the men actually bathe.
Lois joins them, checking out a passing guy.
Lois: And their bodies are so hard!
Lana takes both of them by the hand and starts leading them to the door.
Lana: But we have definitely had better celebrations. This is appalling.
Chloe: We could change that.
Chloe smiles mischievously at Lana. Lana looks from Chloe to Lois, thinking it over.
Lana: Well, it has been 400 years. Perhaps a little fun before we continue our quest.
All three of them turn around and point at the guests of the party with their index and small fingers. They each have a small ball of pink energy hovering above their hands and wind starts to blow through the barn as the lights dim.
Lana: Liberate bestia! [Set free the wild animal!]
The pink energy above their hands explodes and fills the room. When it fades away, dance music is playing loudly and everybody in the room is dancing manically. Several guests, both men and women, are in nothing but their underwear.
A man dressed in a suit and carrying a briefcase enters. He is Mr. Jacobson, the man Clark has been waiting for from Princeton University. He steps through a beaded doorway and jumps out of the way of a shirtless young man and woman who run by him. He looks around the room, taken aback, and starts to make his way through the half naked dancers.
Jacobson: Pardon me.
He taps a young man on the shoulder.
Jacobson: Where's Clark Kent?
The young man points to the stairs to the loft. Mr. Jacobson looks up and sees Clark in his boxers dancing with reckless abandon next to Lana and Chloe.
Jacobson: Clark!
Clark looks down to see who called his name.
Jacobson: Clark!
Clark smiles down at him, still dancing.
Jacobson: Mr. Jacobson, Princeton University.
Clark: Hey, come on in! Join the party! Whoo!
Jacobson looks around as if he can't believe his eyes and ears. Clark continues to dance.
Clark: Whoo!
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Inside the barn, party decorations from the night before are strewn all over the ground. The guests are all gone. A cell phone starts to ring, and Clark sits up behind several bales of hay where he had been sleeping. He looks at the caller ID on his phone, has a brief moment of panic, then answers the phone.
Clark: [Brightly.] Hey, Mom. Yeah, how's Metropolis? Really? I'm glad you're having a great time.
Clark tugs at his pants which are lying next to him but seem to be stuck under something. We realize they are stuck under a young man and woman who are also sleeping nearby. They both get up and run out of the barn.
Clark: [Standing up.] What? Oh, yeah, the guy ... the guy from Princeton. Yeah, I met him last night. I, um... Don't worry. I-I think I made an impression.
Clark looks at a dangling line of strung lights miserably.
Clark enters Lex's study. Day. We can still hear Lex playing the piano. Clark walks into the room and Lex keeps playing as Clark is talking. Clark doesn't actually look in Lex's direction while he speaks.
Clark: Lex, can I talk to you for a second? I got a big problem. I was supposed to meet this alumni from Princeton last night, but then Lois wanted to throw a party for Chloe in the barn. Well, the party kind of got out of hand, and the guy from Princeton showed up and I think I kind of blew it.
Clark walks past the piano, still not looking at Lex. We see Lex from the back. His head sways exhaustedly.
Clark: Look, um, I hate to ask you this, but do you have any connections at Princeton?
Clark finally looks at Lex who continues to play without answering.
Clark: Lex?
He walks closer and looks down at Lex's hands. Lex's fingers are bleeding and there is blood all over the keys of the piano.
Clark: Lex, what are you doing?
Lex looks up at Clark. His eyes are desperate, watery, and tired, but he plays on. Clark kneels down next to him and grabs his arms.
Clark: Stop. Stop it!
Lex: I can't.
Clark pushes the piano with one hand, and it wheels away from them. Then he holds Lex's arms tightly to keep him seated.
Clark: Lex, what happened?
Lex: [Weakly.] Lana.
Breathless, Lex lets his head slump down and his eyes close.
Jason is in Lana's apartment looking at the cover of the spell book. Night. A f*re lights itself in the f*re place and Jason looks at it as Lana enters behind him.
Lana: You really shouldn't play with that. You might hurt yourself.
Jason: I heard you and the girls were the life of the party last night.
Lana: One last fling before I finish what I started a long time ago.
[Jason walks to her slowly.] You don't want to get in my way.
Jason: Who are you?
Lana: Qui est-ce que vous pensez? [What do you think?]
Jason: [Quietly.] Isobel?
Lana: In the new flesh. [She laughs.]
Jason: What did you do with Lana?
Lana: She's in here somewhere.
Jason: Could you let her out?
Lana: [Laughing loudly.] Now, why on earth would I ever do that?
Jason: [Looking at the spell book.] You know, all this started when Lana found this book.
He picks up a kitchen lighter and clicks the flame to life, holding it above the book.
Jason: So, I'm guessing if anything happens to this book...
Lana wiggles her finger as if saying "Come here" to the spell book, and it is suddenly out of Jason's arms and in hers.
Lana: You have no idea what you're dealing with, little man. [She points to the wall.] Porta! [Carry!]
Jason flies across the room and crashes against the wall, falling to the floor.
Lana: [Pointing at him.] Suus summum. [His highest!]
Jason rises against the wall until the side of his face is pressing against the ceiling, bending his neck dangerously.
Lana: So now you begin to understand. You are not but an insect in my path to be crushed on the journey toward greater things.
Lana holds her hand out and pink energy floats above it. She laughs as Jason struggles against the force that is holding him to the wall. Clark enters and sees what is going on.
Clark: Lana, no!
Lana looks at Clark, then whips her hand in the direction of the window. Jason flies across the room and crashes through the glass. Clark super speeds out of the apartment and down to the street outside, catching Jason.
Clark: Jason! Are you okay?
Jason is too weak to answer. His face is cut up from the broken glass. Clark's face is suddenly lit by a fiery glow, and he looks at the side of the building where he sees the words "The barn midnight" written in flame.
Cut to Clark entering his barn. He looks around and doesn't see anyone. Lana speaks from the loft and Clark turns around to see her standing on the upper level with Chloe and Lois.
Lana: You're early. You're not planning something devious, are you, Clark?
Clark: What did you do to Lex and Jason?
Lana: Nothing compared to what we're going to do to you.
Lois: Surgite! [Rise!]
Lois points at a large wooden wagon wheel, and it rises into the air and flies at Clark, knocking him across the barn. He lands on the ground, and the girls come down the stairs as Clark stands back up, unharmed.
Clark: I don't know what's going on, but this needs to stop before it gets out of hand.
Lana: So you're more than just fast. Well, that'll make this a whole lot more exciting.
Chloe smiles at Lana, then steps forward holding her arms out to both sides and then bringing them together.
Chloe: Incede! [March!]
Several tools rise into the air including pliers, a wrench, and a blade from an electric saw. They come together in front of Chloe, then fly at Clark one by one. He sh**t bolts of heat vision at each tool, knocking them all out of the air. All three women watch him, astounded.
Clark: I don't want to hurt anyone.
Lana: Your magics are impressive.
Clark: Magic?
Lana: But so are mine. Evertere! [Overturn!]
Lana points at Clark and he rises high into the air, convulsing.
Lana: We have traveled through the ages to complete our quest, outwitting death itself! We will not be outdone by some farm boy with a few tricks.
Lana lowers her hand and Clark drops to the floor. Chloe and Lois both kneel down next to him.
Chloe: He's not what he seems, Isobel.
Lois: I can feel his power.
Lana: Then perhaps we should rid him of it.
Clark looks up at them with bruises on his face and blood dripping from his lip.
Clark: Chloe. You gotta help. I know you're in there.
Chloe: [Looking into his eyes, seriously.] Clark?
Clark: [He nods.] Listen to me. You gotta help me.
Chloe looks distressfully from Clark to Lois. Then she breaks into hysterical laughter, revealing that she was only pretending to be affected by Clark's words. Lois laughs too. Then Lana kneels down over Clark and rips his shirt open, putting her hands on his bare chest. She chants in Latin quietly.
A bright light begins to shine out of Clark's chest and a long purple-white string of energy flies from Clark and out of the barn.
Lana: It is done. His powers are gone.
The girls stand up and back away from Clark who is now unconscious. They smile down at him triumphantly.
Fade to black.
Clark's hands are chained to a wooden railing above him in the barn. Day. He struggles to get free but can't. Lois, Lana, and Chloe watch him. Clark has bruises all over his face and blood trailing from his nose and lips.
Lois: He awakens.
Clark: What have you done to me?
Chloe: We made sure you were no longer a thr*at, sorcerer.
Clark: I'm not a sorcerer.
Chloe: You're not? You sure?
Lana: No. He's something else. Something special. [To Clark.] I could sense it when the magics were ripped from your body. I can taste it on you. [Pause.] The three stones of power. You know of them, don't you?
Clark: I've never heard of them.
Chloe and Lois walk to Clark slowly.
Chloe: You've done more than hear of them. You've touched them.
Lois: We can feel it.
Lana: There's more. You know where one of them is hidden.
Chloe: Tell us where it is, Clark.
Chloe runs her hand gently down Clark's chest.
Lois: Please tell us.
Clark: I don't know what you're talking about.
Chloe: Let me cut it out of you.
Chloe claws her fingernails down Clark's chest, drawing blood.
Clark: Ah!
Lana: No!
Chloe stops hurting Clark, looking at Lana questioningly.
Lana: There are easier ways to get what we want.
Lois and Chloe back away from Clark. Chloe licks the blood off of one of her fingers. Lana comes toward Clark very slowly.
Lana: This body I inhabit. You have desires for it, don't you? Well, it desires you too, Clark. Very, very much.
Lana kisses Clark softly on the lips.
Lana: [Whispered.] Demonstra. [Point out.]
Lana kisses Clark again, slowly and sensuously, and Clark returns the kiss. When Lana finally pulls away, a pink mist comes from Clark's mouth and surrounds Lana as she steps back from him. Though Clark's mouth doesn't move, we hear the sound of his whispering voice coming from the mist.
Clark: [Slowly, whispered.] The cave...
Clark looks at Lana, startled by what he has just heard. Lana smiles.
Lana: Thank you, Clark. You've been very helpful. [She holds up her right hand.] Abige! [Drive away!]
A blinding pink light flashes in the barn and the three women are suddenly gone. Clark struggles against the chains binding him, but he still can't get free. Jason enters.
Jason: Clark?
Jason runs to Clark and helps him get free.
Jason: Are you all right? What happened?
Jason releases the chains and Clark falls to the ground. Jason kneels next to him.
Jason: Did Lana do this to you? Take it easy, take it easy. Where is she? I need to find her.
Clark: She's with Lois. And Chloe. But they're different. They're not themselves. It's like their bodies have been taken over.
Jason: They have. In fact, this is gonna sound kind of out there. Let's get you up. [He helps Clark stand.] Lana has been researching a 17th century witch. She tracked down her spell book, and when she touched her hand to the page ...
Clark: Wait a second. Lana's been possessed by the spirit of an evil witch?
Jason: Yes. Isobel got into Lana by using the book. So we've got to find her and destroy the book. Any idea where they went?
Clark: Uh, I'm not sure. Um, why don't you check the school? I'll go to the Talon.
Jason: All right. Clark, call my cell if you find them, okay? Don't ... don't try anything alone. Just be careful, okay?
Jason leaves.
Lana, Chloe, and Lois are in the Kawatche caves. Day. Lana touches her special symbol on the stone wall with one hand as she holds her spell book in the other.
Lana: It begins to make sense. Why I was resurrected here in this time a thousand miles from my home. It was destiny.
All three women walk to the wall which hides the secret chamber for the stones of power. They stare at the wall lustily.
Lana: Can you feel it? Calling to us. The first stone of power lies behind this wall. And with it, our magic shall increase tenfold. And when we possess all the stones, we shall walk on earth as gods among men. Reach out and seize what was meant to be.
Lana opens the spell book to a page with three symbols on it. They are the same symbols that were glowing on the ground in the woods just before she transformed Lois and Chloe. She takes a deep breath and points at the wall.
Lana: Murus scinde! [Tear the wall.]
The wall begins to open and a white lights shines out of the chamber. Lana, Lois, and Chloe all begin to chant as they walk toward the opening.
All: Volutus vita nostra est. Volutus vita nostra est. Volutus vita nostra est. Volutus vista nostra est. [Our life has been turned.]
Inside the chamber, they look at the altar where rests the first stone of power that Clark took from Lex's jet.
Lana: All of our suffering, all of our pain and persecution. It ends tonight.
Lois: And our future begins.
Chloe: Take it, Isobel. Lead us to glory.
Lana: The first stone. How I've dreamed of this moment. And at last, it has arrived.
Lana reaches for the stone slowly, but just before her hand reaches it, we hear a g*n cocking.
Clark: Not quite.
Lana looks across the altar and sees Clark standing there with a g*n. He is now wearing a shirt. His bruises are still present.
Lana: [Smiling.] You shouldn't have come, Clark.
Chloe: Silly boy.
Lana: We owe you a debt for revealing this chamber to us. We were going to let you live.
Clark: I'm sorry, Lana, but I can't let you do this.
Lois: You don't have a choice!
Lois points to Clark's g*n and whips her arm to the side, causing the g*n to fly out of Clark's hands and across the room.
Lana: Bear witness, Clark Kent, to the dawn of a new age.
Lana grabs the stone off of the altar. Almost immediately, it starts to glow white and burn her hand. She screams and drops it. Clark catches it before it hits the ground, and then he stands up slowly. The light from the rock begins to trail into his chest. When the light is gone, Clark's face is healed and he stares at the women strongly.
Lois: [Confused.] His powers are restored.
Chloe: How?
Clark: I'm not from around here.
Lana: It doesn't matter. We took them from you once before. Do you really believe that this time will be any different?
Clark: I'm counting on it.
Clark's eyes turn orange-red and he sh**t his heat vision at the spell book in Lana's hand. Lana looks down at the page and the symbol representing Isobel begins to glow white.
Lana: No!
White energy sh**t upward from the open book.
Fade to black.
Lana, Chloe, Lois, and Clark all lie unconscious on the floor of the Kawatche cave. Day. Clark wakes up and looks around. He stands up as the girls awaken.
Lois: Why are we lying in the dirt?
Chloe: And what the hell are we wearing?
Clark: [To Lana, helping her up.] Are you okay?
Lana: Clark, what happened?
Clark: Well, let's just say that you haven't been yourself lately.
Lana folds her arms over her chest, embarrassed by her clothing. Clark smiles at her.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Inside, Clark comes down the stairs to where Martha is in the kitchen slicing fruit on the cutting board.
Martha: Well, look who's finally awake.
Clark: Mom. When did you guys get home?
Martha: This morning. Your dad is out there doing your chores.
Clark: Sorry. I guess I overslept.
Clark gets a pitcher of juice from the fridge and pours a glass. Jonathan enters.
Clark: Hey, Dad.
Jonathan: Hey, Clark. Son, is there maybe a little something you'd like to tell your mother and me?
Jonathan holds up a sexy red and black bra.
Martha: [Quietly.] Where did that come from?
Jonathan: From out in the barn. In the hay.
Martha: [Shocked.] Clark...
Clark: [Quickly.] It was magic.
Martha: I'm sure it was.
Clark: No, I mean it really was. Look, I should not have thrown this party without talking to you guys. I know that. But it's the way things spun out of control. It was Lana. Well, it wasn't Lana exactly. She was possessed by a witch who then cast a spell on us, and... that's how that happened.
Jonathan: Son, I realize that, after all, this is Smallville. But witches and spells and... [He holds up the bra.] ...magic?
Clark: Dad, magic exists. I saw it. And worse, it can hurt me.
Jonathan and Martha share a concerned glance.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Lana is in her apartment, cleaning up some broken glass from the countertop. Lex enters.
Lex: You leave quite a path of destruction.
Lana: Lex. I was going to come see you.
Lex: Preemptive strike. Just in case there was any evil d*ad action still brewing.
Lana: Well, apparently I have been exorcised. I didn't do anything to you, did I?
Lex looks at one of his hands.
Lex: Oh, nothing permanent, but you did display some intriguing abilities.
Lana: Yeah, I don't remember anything. I don't think I really want to.
Lex: Well, I'm just glad you're all right.
Lana: Thanks to Clark. I don't remember what he did, but Isobel's back to being history.
Lex: I guess we all owe Clark our gratitude.
Lana: Yeah. You know, I really don't understand him. He can be so selfless, risking his life for his friends, and... you know, and then he turns around and gets Jason fired. Because, what, you know, he's jealous?
Lana goes toward the living room. Lex hesitates for a moment.
Lex: Lana. [Lana turns to face him.] Clark didn't get Jason fired. I did.
Lana: [Softly.] You what?
Lex: Look, no matter how mature you may think you are, the fact is you're still in high school, and I wasn't gonna sit idle while someone in a position of authority coerced you into a relationship.
Lana: [Angry, but still quiet.] What are you doing, Lex?
Lex: I'm trying to protect you.
Lana: Do you really think that's what I need?
Lex: Lana, I know you're upset, but I only had your best interests at heart.
Lana: My interests are none of your concern, Lex. I'm old enough to decide who I want in my life. [Pointedly.] And who I don't.
Lana leaves the apartment. With a hurt expression, Lex watches her go.
Clark is cleaning up the rest of the party decorations in the loft. Day. He picks up a pair of red women's underwear and stares at it uncomfortably. Lana enters behind him, seeing the underwear.
Lana: At least those aren't mine.
Clark quickly drops the underwear into the garbage.
Clark: Hey, Lana.
Lana: [Coming up the stairs.] I wanted to thank you. Once again, you managed to come to my rescue.
Clark: Well, it's good to have the old Lana back. Isobel was, um... aggressively sexy.
Lana: [Smiling, embarrassed.] Oh, great. Possessed by an evil slut.
Lana looks at Clark silently as if she has more to say. Clark waits for her to go on.
Lana: Um, look, I found out that Lex was the one that got Jason fired. I should've known that you would never do anything like that.
Clark: I wasn't thrilled when I heard about you and Jason. But I realized that the way I acted when we were together didn't make you happy.
Lana: You know, I always resented you for keeping secrets from me. And I don't want to do the same thing to you. Clark, there's a reason I came back to Smallville. When I was in Paris, I touched Isobel's tomb, and then there was this flash of light and the next thing I remember is waking up in my apartment. And I had this.
Lana turns around and lifts up her jacket, showing Clark the tattoo. Clark reaches out to touch it, but doesn't.
Clark: I've seen this before. On the cave wall.
Lana: I should've told you this months ago, but I was too scared. Clark, you know those caves better than anyone else. Do you know what this symbol means?
Clark: [Wanting to say yes.] No. I'm sorry.
Lana looks into Clark's eyes pleadingly, as if knowing that he isn't telling the truth. Clark looks back at her guiltily.
Cut to the symbol on the cave wall. A flashlights shines on it. We see that the person holding the flashlight is Lex. He stares at the symbol very seriously.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x08 - Spell"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on November 17, 2004
We see a sh*t of the enormously high ceiling of an opera house outside the theater. Night. There are windows in the ceiling giving us a small glimpse of the night sky, and surrounding the windows are white lights that shine down. The sh*t moves down from the ceiling to an opera after party that is going on. The open architecture of the building allows us to see that the party is taking place on several floors. Men and women dressed in tuxedos and gowns mingle and drink champagne as servers walk around with trays of hors d'oeuvres.
The sh*t closes in on a lower level of the building and travels toward Lex who is standing alone drinking champagne. He checks his watch, looking somewhat bored. Then he walks to the edge of the floor and stands next to the railing where he is able to see the ground floor below him and the high ceiling above.
A few meters away, also standing next to the railing, is a beautiful woman with long brown hair and a red dress. She takes a sip from her glass as she and Lex make eye contact. She smiles at him temptingly. Lex smiles back. Another guest of the party walks in front of the woman, and when the guest passes, the woman seems to have disappeared. Lex walks toward where she was standing but doesn't see her.
Then he goes back to the railing and looks down at one of the lower floors where he sees the woman at the bottom of the stairs. She looks up at him for a moment, then starts to walk away. Lex comes down the stairs, following her. When he gets to the floor she is on, he turns a full circle, looking for her, then finally finds her standing at another railing and looking out a window at the city.
The woman has a far away look on her face as Lex comes up behind her. He looks over her shoulder and sees that she is holding an MP3 player in her hand. She turns her head slightly toward Lex, sensing his presence. He comes up next to her and we see the player's ear buds in her ears. She faces Lex.
Lex: What are you listening to?
Woman: My favorite song.
She takes one of the buds out of her ear and hands it to Lex. We hear soft dance music coming from the bud as Lex takes it and puts it in his ear. Because the buds are connected to each other with a wire, Lex has to lean in very close to the woman's face to listen. She touches his face softly.
Lex: [Whispered.] What's your name?
Woman: Does it really matter?
Satisfied with this answer, Lex hands the ear bud back to her.
Fade to a spiraling sh*t of Metropolis from above. The sh*t spins slowly and the buildings seem to twirl around each other. This fades to an overhead sh*t of Lex and the woman in an elevator, similarly swirling. They begin to kiss and Lex reaches to push a button on the wall. He pushes 40 which is the highest floor.
He moves down from her lips to kiss her neck and his hand slides from her arm to the side of her torso as her arms encircle his shoulders. They kiss on the lips again.
From the elevator security camera, we see them kissing as Lex has her pushed up against the wall of the elevator. Then she pushes him to another wall, continuing the kiss.
Her eyes close with pleasure as he trails kisses along her ear and down her neck.
Fade to the two of them entering a hotel room with the woman in the lead. Before the door is even completely shut behind them, Lex whips her around to face him and they kiss again even more passionately. She pulls Lex's tuxedo jacket off of him.
Fade to the woman sitting on Lex's lap in the bed. He watches her as she unzips her dress and pulls it off.
Fade to Lex and the woman making love. They roll around in the bed together touching and kissing hungrily.
The sh*t leaves them and comes to rest on a table where there is an open bottle of champagne sitting next to two partially filled glasses. We stay on the bottle and glasses as the sh*t fades to morning and daylight fills the room.
From there, the sh*t travels along the floor where we see the clothes of both Lex and the woman strewn about carelessly. We finally come to the bed where Lex is sleeping. A hotel maid calls from outside the room.
Maid: Housekeeping.
Lex remains asleep, and the maid enters with a bundle of clean towels. She looks at the bed and drops the towels, screaming at the top of her lungs. Lex immediately awakens and sits up with a start. He sees the maid who continues to scream and runs from the room. Then Lex turns and looks at the bed next to him.
There he sees the woman he brought back with him the night before. Her hands are tied above her head and she is covered in blood. She is d*ad. Terrified, Lex looks at his hands and sees that they have blood on them also.
[Opening credits]
Lex and his lawyer, Corinne Harper, rush down the front stairs of the courthouse in Metropolis. Day. Reporters and photographers swarm around them shouting questions and flashing pictures.
Corinne: Mr. Luthor has no comment. [Quietly, to Lex.] Don't say anything.
The reporters continue to shout.
Corinne: Look, people, I told you my client has no comment, all right?
Cut to Lex and Corinne in Lex's study where they are watching footage of the preceding scene on the news. The caption at the bottom of the screen says "Billionaire Bloodbath." A female reporter's voice can be heard.
Reporter: Billionaire Lex Luthor was released today on five million dollars bail. But we're told he is still the only suspect in the grisly slaying early this morning of a young woman whose body has not yet been identified. The police investiga ...
Corinne turns off the television. Lex keeps looking at the screen, thoughtful.
Corinne: So, you want to tell me how you wound up lying naked, covered in blood, next to a d*ad girl you hardly knew?
Lex: I didn't k*ll her.
Corinne: I didn't ask. Lex, you're paying me to get you off, not to prove you're innocent. But you're gonna have to be straight with me. Were you drinking last night?
Lex: Yes. At the fundraiser in the hotel. We had champagne.
Corinne: Is it possible that you were drugged?
Lex: Well, it wouldn't be the first time.
Corinne: Well, if you were drugged, it'll show up in the blood test I had you take. In the meantime, you're gonna have to try and remember anything you can about this girl.
Lex: I can't. [He thinks about it.] She had a pink MP3 player. We listened to it together.
Corinne: Well, that wasn't on the evidence list. Are you sure that she had it with her at the hotel?
There is a knock at the door and one of the mansion's guards enters with Corinne's assistant Shannon who is holding a cell phone.
Shannon: Uh, excuse me, Corinne. It's the DA.
Corinne: Thank you, Shannon. I'll be right there. [Shannon leaves. To Lex.] You stay put. It's a media circus out there, and I don't want you saying anything stupid.
Lex: Your bedside manner needs work.
Clark enters behind Corinne.
Corinne: I'm not here to hold your hand, Lex. You want a hug, call your mother.
Lex shakes his head unhappily. Corinne glances at Clark, then leaves the room with the guard as Clark walks to Lex.
Clark: Lex.
Lex: Clark. I take it you saw my walk of shame on the news?
Clark: How are you holding up?
Lex: Not so great, actually. I trust you're here as a friend.
Clark: Just tell me you didn't do this.
Lex puts his hands on Clark's shoulders.
Lex: I met a girl at the opera. I took her to a hotel. I didn't k*ll her.
Clark: [He nods, believing.] Who is she?
Lex: I don't know.
Clark: [Shocked.] Wait, you slept with her, but you didn't know her name?
Lex: It's one of those nights that never happens. You meet somebody and you just get caught up in the moment. I'm guilty of that, but I'm not a m*rder. It was my father. He's framing me.
Clark: Your father's in prison.
Lex: You really think that matters? Go home, Clark. You don't want to be involved in this. Trust me.
Lex leaves Clark alone in the study.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Lana is asleep in her apartment. Her brow is wrinkled and she breathes heavily as she jerks her head around. She is having a nightmare.
In her dream, we first only see a shaky sh*t of her right eye. Then the sh*t backs up abruptly and we see her whole face. Her hair is disheveled and blood is trailing from her mouth. She is Isobel Theroux tied to the stake and about to be b*rned. A series of images flash before us quickly.
We see the mob yelling at her angrily. Then a brief sh*t of Lana rubbing charcoal over the symbol on Isobel's tomb in Paris. Then we see Isobel tied to the stake again, smiling strangely. A quick sh*t of a burning f*re and then Isobel speaks in French.
Isobel: Je vais dormait seulement un peu.
A sh*t of Magistrate Wilkins standing at the foot of the pyre. The images continue to flash by at blinding speed as Wilkins speaks the following line in a slightly distorted voice.
Wilkins: Countess Marguerite Isobel Theroux. You have been found guilty of practicing the darkest art. Witchcraft. I hereby condemn you to burn in the fires of Hell.
A sh*t of the charcoal rubbing of Isobel's face from her tomb. The face bears a strong resemblance to Lana.
Several of the townspeople from 17th century France standing around the pyre, looking silently at Isobel. A sh*t of Isobel's face as she looks down at them.
A sh*t of the blood from Isobel's mouth splattering on the symbol in her spell book. Another townsperson watching the burning.
A sh*t of Lana in her hotel room in Paris noticing the symbol on her back in the mirror for the first time
Another sh*t of Magistrate Wilkins standing at the head of the crowd which stands at the foot of the pyre. A woman steps out of the crowd, coming to the front.
A sh*t of one of the guards holding his ax and staring at Isobel angrily. A sh*t of the tattoo on Lana's back. A sh*t of an old man watching the burning and then a close up of Wilkins' face as he says the word "Witchcraft."
A zooming close up of Isobel's eye, and then a sh*t of the cover of her spell book. Another sh*t of Wilkins' face and then a return to Isobel's eye, backing up to see her whole face.
A sh*t of the tattoo on Isobel's lower back as she struggles against the ropes holding her to the stake.
A townsperson holding his hand to his head in distress as another man stands next to him, indifferent.
A sh*t of Isobel tied to the stake, then a quick cut to the burning pyre.
Close up of Wilkins as he says "Fires of Hell."
A sh*t of Lana kneeling over Isobel's tomb in the Paris church at the first moment that the white energy of Isobel's power overtook her.
The woman who walked to the front of the angry mob speaks to Isobel in French.
Woman: Tu m'as trahis Isobel, maintenant tu vas mourir. [You have betrayed me Isobel, so now you are going to die]
A sh*t of Lana touching the symbol on Isobel's tomb and throwing her head back in pain.
A sh*t of the guard lighting the pyre. As the flames begin to surround her, Isobel smiles at the woman who just spoke to her. The woman gazes back at Isobel with a lopsided smile, and when she blinks, her eyes turn an enchanted shade of pink.
Another quaking sh*t of Isobel's face as she strains against the ropes. A sh*t of the burning pyre, and then a reddened sh*t of Isobel's eye. All is then engulfed in an expl*si*n of flame.
Cut to Lana jolting upright in bed with a gasp. She is breathless and covered in sweat.
Outside sh*t of Kansas State Penitentiary. Day. Inside, Clark enters the visiting area and looks at the upper floor where Lionel is standing. Lionel smiles down at him and comes down the stairs.
Lionel: Clark, thank you for coming. It's good to see you.
He offers his hand to Clark. Clark doesn't shake it, and Lionel nods to show that he understands. He gestures to the table and they sit on opposite sides of it.
Lionel: How's Lex? I've been trying to contact him since I heard, but he won't speak to me.
Clark: He thinks you're trying to frame him. Are you?
Lionel: No, Clark.
Clark: Why should I believe you?
Lionel: There's no reason you should.
Lionel tiredly covers his face with his hands and sighs.
Lionel: Listen to me. I was ill, Clark. The liver disease I had was a death sentence. And something happened. I can't explain it. I woke up on the floor. There was a riot. I... I felt as if... a different kind of energy had been... inside me. Something strong and... good. I was changed. [He laughs quietly.] And my liver had healed.
Clark: [Nervous.] What was it?
Lionel: I don't know. All I can say was... it was miraculous. I could see the darkness, the destructive power that had always been inside me. I can see it in Lex now. I have to help him, Clark.
Clark: Do you think he did it?
Lionel: No. This was a crime of passion. Or it was an elaborate frame. The girl, did she have a car?
Clark: Lex told the police that he took her to the hotel in his Ferrari.
Lionel: Then they'll look for her car at the opera house. They won't find it there. Lex has patterns. He would've had the girl drive her own car back to the hotel so he could slip away in the morning and wouldn't have to worry about taking her home. The patterns ... The girl, she had brown hair, yes? [Clark nods.] She reminded him of Lillian. It's his mother. You have to help him, Clark.
Clark: [Hesitant.] If I find this car...
Lionel: Anything you find, bring it to me. I can help you.
Clark: I'll see where it leads. [He stands up to leave.] But I still don't trust you.
Lionel: I know. But you will be back. Won't you?
Clark looks at Lionel without answering, then leaves.
Martha is trying to use the cappuccino machine in the Talon. Day. She is having trouble with it as Lana walks up to the bar behind her.
Martha: Stupid, stupid.
Lana: I swear, one time, that thing actually bit me.
Martha: Oh, hi, Lana. It does take a certain touch. [Martha turns to face Lana.] Are you feeling all right? You look a little pale.
Lana: I just had this really weird dream last night. I can't seem to shake it.
Martha: Oh, I'm sorry, Lana. You have a visitor.
Martha gestures beyond Lana to a woman who is standing with her back to them. The woman is well dressed and very elegant.
Lana: [Disbelievingly.] She's here for me? [Martha nods.]
Lana looks at the woman again, then walks toward her.
Lana: Excuse me.
The woman turns around and we see that she is the same woman who spoke French to Isobel in Lana's dream. Her name is Geneniève Teague. She speaks in a British dialect.
Genevieve: Lana.
Lana recognizes her from the dream and looks very startled.
Genevieve: It's wonderful to finally meet you. You are beautiful.
Lana: I'm sorry. Do I know you?
Genevieve: I'm Jason's mother.
Lana makes a soft noise with her voice, exhaling sharply as her unease grows.
Genevieve: [Apologetic.] Did I catch you off guard?
Lana: [Quickly.] No, no. [Pause.] Yeah, actually. Um, you have a little. I just didn't know that he was expecting you.
Genevieve: Well, he isn't. Could we sit?
Lana: Sure. [Leading Genevieve to a table.] Would you like some tea?
Genevieve: Um, no thank you. [They sit.] I know this may sound impossibly British, but I just can't bring myself to drink tea from a mug. [She laughs.] Is that terrible?
Lana: No, of course not.
Genevieve: How's Jason? I haven't spoken to him since he left Paris, and he won't answer any of my calls. I'm afraid that, um, I'm afraid he thinks I'm angry with him.
Lana: You're not?
Genevieve: [Shaking her head.] I simply want to see him again.
Lana: Mrs. Teague, I... I've wanted to meet you. But if Jason isn't ready to be a part of your life, I don't think that I can either. Not behind his back.
Genevieve: [She nods, disappointed.] Well, the last thing in the world I want to do is to put you in the middle of all this, but... if you could just tell him that I'm here and that I'm staying at the Smallville Inn. Tell him I want to see him.
Lana: Sure.
Genevieve: Thanks.
Genevieve stands up to go. Lana stands too, and then Genevieve turns to her.
Genevieve: You know, it's interesting. A moment ago, when I first met you, you looked at me as though you recognized me. [Lana doesn't answer.] How can that be?
Lana shakes her head with a nervous smile. Genevieve smiles.
Genevieve: Goodbye, Lana. You must come and visit me in Metropolis. [She kisses Lana on the cheek.] You are so beautiful. I see now why he had to be with you.
Lana smiles and nods uncomfortably as Genevieve touches her shoulder, then leaves. When she is gone, Lana lets her smile go as she takes a deep breath.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. The bell rings as students go inside. Chloe walks through the hallway and into the Torch office where Clark is seated at the computer.
Chloe: Where have you been all afternoon?
Clark: I went to go see Lionel at the prison.
Chloe: Why? Are you backlogged with your community service hours or something?
Clark: No. Look, um, I know this is gonna sound crazy, but Lionel gave me a lead in Lex's case. He said that I could probably find the girl's car at the hotel, and I think I did. Check this out. [Clark hands Chloe a piece of paper.] There were 22 cars that were checked into the hotel valet that night after 10 PM when Lex said he left the opera. Now, of those cars, all but three were hotel guests, and of those three, two belonged to guys who had too much to drink at the hotel bar.
Chloe: Leaving one.
Clark: Exactly, but I haven't been able to trace her name or address.
Chloe: [Teasingly.] Why am I not surprised? Let me try.
Clark stands up and Chloe takes his seat at the computer.
Clark: You know what the weird thing is? The police aren't even looking into this.
Chloe: Well, of course not, Clark, they think that Lex is guilty and they've already got their man. But don't you think it's possible that this is all just a set up? I mean, Lionel Luthor goes all Hannibal Lector and tells you what to look for and where to find it?
Clark: I don't think so. Look, I can't explain this, but something happened to Lionel in prison. I think it changed him.
Chloe: [Skeptical.] Clark...
Clark: And what if he really can help?
Chloe: Clark, he's the master manipulator. You cannot trust him, okay? And besides, Lex is in great hands. I mean, he's got Corinne Harper leading his defense. They call her "The Barracuda." What he really needs is a good publicist. Have you seen this?
She hands Clark a newspaper with a headline that says "Luthor Sex Scandal Expands!"
Chloe: The police have interviewed over 13 women that have slept with Lex in the last year.
Clark looks hurt.
Chloe: What's wrong?
Clark: Lex told me that this little one night stand was something that never happens.
Chloe: And you believed him?
Clark: I gotta believe somebody, Chloe. [Clark notices something come up on the computer screen.] There it is.
Chloe turns around to face the screen and Clark kneels down next to her.
Chloe: [Reading.] Eve Andrews, age 28. Lives in Metropolis.
Cut to Clark super speeding down a sidewalk in Metropolis and coming to a stop outside a house. He enters through the front door which is unlocked.
Inside, we see dozens of pictures of Lex Luthor sitting on a counter. A hand covered by a black glove picks up one of the pictures and places it in a f*re that is burning in the sink over the ashes of several pictures that have already been b*rned. We see that the person burning the pictures is Lex. Clark enters the kitchen behind him.
Clark: Lex. [Lex whips around.] What are you doing?
Lex: I'm saving my ass, Clark. What the hell are you doing here?
They hear police sirens approaching outside.
Lex: You've got to help me, please.
Clark is silent.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Clark and Lex walk through the hallway toward Lex's study.
Clark: You were burning evidence, Lex. Not exactly actions of an innocent man.
Lex: [Turning to face Clark.] Come on, Clark! Think about it. If I k*lled that girl, why would I take a nap next to her body? So the maid could find me? It doesn't make any sense.
Clark: Neither does breaking into her house, but you did that. You better be honest with me, because right now, I'm an accomplice.
Lex: I didn't ask you to show up. How did you even know to go there?
Lex turns away from Clark and enters the study. Clark follows.
Clark: I tracked down her car.
Lex: Did you call the cops too?
Clark: No.
Lex: Because this is gonna be all over the six o'clock news now.
Clark: Why'd you go there, Lex?
Lex: I got a call from Corinne's office saying they had a lead on an address. I thought maybe I could find out who she was. I had no idea what I was walking into. [He starts to make a drink.]
Clark: What did you find out?
Lex: Her name's Eve Andrews. And as you could tell from the stack of photos, she's been stalking me for some time.
Clark: So you did know her.
Lex: No. Only by name, which she failed to tell me at the fundraiser. So how was I supposed to know? Clark, you know I didn't do this. It's my father trying to get back at me. He knows about all these stalkers. LuthorCorp's lawyers compiled a database of them last year. My father knew Eve would be the perfect victim to make it look like I had motive.
Clark: I don't think it's your father, Lex. I went to see him. He wants to help.
Lex is silent for a moment in disbelief.
Lex: He was the one who sent you looking for her car, wasn't he?
Clark: Yes.
Lex: You're playing right into his hands.
Clark: [Arguing.] Lex ...
Lex: [Angry.] You can't straddle the fence on this one, Clark! My father and I are enemies. You have to decide who you really trust.
Startled, Clark stares at Lex, unable to answer.
Chloe and Clark are in the Torch office. Night.
Chloe: She was stalking him, and he didn't know what she looked like?
Clark: He said he'd never seen her before. Lex lied about a lot of things. He lied about all those women. Do you think he could've done it?
Chloe: I'd have to say the whole f*re starter thing doesn't exactly scream innocence, but there's something really strange about this. Look at this.
Chloe leads Clark to her computer and clicks the mouse, starting the video taken by the elevator security camera of Lex and the woman kissing.
Clark: Wait, I thought Lex's attorneys would have all this under lock and key.
Chloe: Yeah, well, she may know people at the top, but I know people at the bottom, and they work for tips. Check this out. See?
Chloe pauses the video at a point where Lex is kissing the woman's neck and her face is turned up toward the camera with both of her ears in sight.
Chloe: [Pointing to the screen.] She's wearing two diamond earrings. See that?
Clark: Yeah.
Chloe: Okay, now, we're gonna skip through all this gross Zalman King stuff.
Clark smiles at Chloe's comment as she speeds up the video through all the kissing.
Chloe: Just before they get out of the elevator onto the penthouse floor, and look.
She pauses the video and zooms in again. She points to the screen and we see one of the woman's ears is bare.
Clark: She lost an earring.
Chloe: Exactly. Now, the police report said that the d*ad woman was wearing two diamond earrings. So either she found it, or ...
Clark: Lex was with two different women.
Chloe nods.
Lex and his lawyer Corinne are in Lex's study. Night. Corinne is talking on her cell phone and Lex sits on a sofa next to the fireplace.
Corinne: Thank you, Shannon.
She hangs up the phone and walks around the sofa as she talks to Lex.
Corinne: That was my assistant. Your tox screen came back negative, Lex. There were no drugs in your system.
Lex: So it left my system or the test was altered. That's certainly not beyond my father's capability.
Corinne: They've got you lying next to the body covered in blood, and now that they've IDed the victim, they also have motive.
Lex: Why, because she was stalking me?
Corinne: Yes! Do you even know why she was stalking you, Lex? Because you slept with her 18 months ago. And then you sent her a pair of diamond earrings as a consolation prize. How could you not remember her?
Lex is shocked.
Lex: [Guiltily.] I don't always get their names or remember their faces.
Corinne: I suppose it doesn't help that we all look alike, does it? I was your type too, Lex, or don't you remember that either?
Lex: [He stands.] I remember, Corinne.
Corinne: [Sarcastic.] Ooh. Goodie for me.
Lex: [Aggravated.] You know, you must be enjoying this on some level, seeing me pay for my indiscretions.
Corinne: Yeah, I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a certain amount of satisfaction seeing you hoisted on your own petard.
Lex: On the plus side, the view from up here is exceedingly clear. You see, I've been thinking that whoever did this would need to have access to my legal files to know Eve was stalking me. [Accusatory.] I thought it was my dad, but maybe I was wrong.
Corinne rolls her eyes dismissively. He walks toward her, not letting the issue drop.
Lex: That database was your project, wasn't it?
Corinne: You know what? I knew there might be a conflict of interest when I took this case. But I'd hoped we got past all that. Apparently, I was wrong.
Corinne walks to the coffee table where her open briefcase is sitting. She slams it shut and picks it up.
Corinne: I'm removing myself as your attorney.
She leaves the study. Lex's agitation increases.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis. Night. Clark and Chloe are in the hotel where Lex took the mystery woman before she was k*lled. They walk toward the bank of elevators and Chloe pushes the button.
Chloe: So the police still haven't picked up on the missing earring thing, and according to the people at the front desk, they haven't found anything yet. So that's where we're at.
A soft ding is heard as an elevator arrives and the door slides open. Clark and Chloe step inside the empty elevator and Chloe pushes a button inside.
Clark: [Looking around.] Well, if I were an earring...
The door slides shut and the car starts to ascend.
Chloe: Let's re-enact the event, okay? [Gesturing to the side of the elevator.] So Lex had Eve up against this wall right here, so...
Chloe stand up against the wall as if she is Eve, and waits for Clark to join her. Clark looks at her awkwardly.
Chloe: Okay, come on, big boy, it's for the cause of truth and justice. Now, push me up against the wall.
Clark: I don't ...
Chloe takes Clark by the hand and pulls him back toward the wall. He bumps into her intimately, looking extremely uncomfortable. Chloe doesn't acknowledge his discomfort and keeps talking in a businesslike manner.
Chloe: And her hand was like this... [Chloe puts her right hand on Clark's shoulder.] ...and I think his hand was like this.
She takes Clark's right hand and puts it on her face.
Chloe: And they were...
With her free hand, Chloe feels up and down Clark's back trying to find the right position. Clark becomes even more embarrassed.
Clark: Maybe he knocked the earring off accidentally.
Chloe: Yeah. Yeah, and then she pushed him up against this wall over here like this.
Chloe pushes Clark across the elevator and up against another wall. When she and Clark are again standing face to face, she finally seems to notice their closeness, and her attraction to him comes out.
Chloe: [Quietly.] Hi.
They stand with their faces very close for a long moment, looking into each other's eyes timidly. Then the elevator dings and the door slides open. Standing outside is a woman with her young twin daughters.
Woman: Oh, my.
Clark: [Pulling away from Chloe quickly.] It's okay. You can come in.
Woman: Um, no, that's fine. We'll just, uh, take the stairs.
The woman starts hurriedly escorting her girls toward the stairs. Chloe steps out of the elevator to speak to the woman.
Chloe: No, but nothing was happening! We weren't doing anything, really!
The woman looks at Chloe one more time, and pushes her daughters around the corner. Chloe steps back onto the elevator, but remaining in the doorway so that the door cannot shut. She looks down at the threshold between the elevator car and the level they are on and a thought occurs to her. She kneels down.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. What if the earring fell down this crack?
Clark looks through the floor of the elevator with his X-ray vision. His sight zooms all the way down the elevator shaft to the ground floor where he sees a single diamond earring on the ground.
Clark and Lionel are visiting at the prison. Day. Lionel is holding the diamond earring and looking at it closely.
Lionel: I'm glad you came back, Clark. But why did you bring me this?
Clark: I didn't think Lex would tell me the truth.
Lionel: And you believe that I will?
Clark: Well, you wanted to help. I'm trusting you. That belonged to the girl who Lex met at the opera.
Lionel: Eve Andrews, yes?
Clark: Well, that's the thing. Eve Andrews was wearing two earrings when she died. I think there's two girls, and I think the girl in the elevator is still alive. I just don't know how to find her.
Lionel is silent as he studies the diamond earring again. He realizes something.
Lionel: Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. When I was younger, and I wanted to get rid of a woman, I would send her a pair of diamond earrings delivered by courier. No messy farewells. It was my signature. My son, it seems, is carrying on the tradition. The girl on the elevator is a former lover of Lex's. [He gives the earring back to Clark.] She's the k*ller.
Clark's eyes widen as he looks at Lionel.
A mini tape recorder is playing on the desk in Corinne's office. Night. The tape is of a man's voice reading off facts from legal cases. Corinne is seated in her swivel chair which is turned away from the desk. All we see is the back of her head peeking up over the top of the chair. It is after hours in the office and no one else is around. Lex comes in to the building and enters the double glass doors that lead to a small reception area outside Corinne's office. He looks through the window next to Corinne's office door and knocks, then steps inside.
Lex: Okay, Corinne, I'm here. What's this new evidence you want to talk about? [She doesn't turn around.] First you quit, now you're back. Look, I came along way. What do you want?
Lex walks toward the desk and Corinne doesn't answer.
Lex: Come on.
Lex impatiently grabs her chair and turns it around, finding that blood is smeared down Corinne's front from her throat which has been cut. Lex backs away with a start.
As he walks toward the door to the office and out into the reception area, he pulls his cell phone out of his coat pocket and dials. A woman picks up. Lex paces frantically as he talks, looking around the office in a panic.
Woman: 911 Emergency.
Lex: Yeah, uh, someone's been k*lled.
Woman: I'm sorry, all lines are busy at the moment. Please hold for the first emergency operator.
Lex looks down at a table next to the wall and sees the pink MP3 player sitting there. It is turned on and he can faintly hear music coming from the ear buds, the same song the woman played for him before they slept together.
Shocked, he touches the player lightly with one finger. Then he picks up one of the ear buds and holds it to his ear. Then the sh*t circles around Lex and we see that a woman is standing in front of him pointing a g*n at him. It is Shannon, Corinne's assistant. She gestures with the g*n for Lex to hang up his cell phone. He does.
Lex: What are you doing?
Shannon: What's wrong, Lex? Don't you recognize me?
Shannon's hair is pulled up tightly behind her head and she is wearing glasses. She lets her hair down and takes off her glasses revealing that she is the woman Lex took back to the hotel. She strikes Lex across the face with the butt of her g*n and he falls to the floor, unconscious. Shannon stares down at him with a sadistic grin.
Fade to black.
Lex is unconscious and tied to a chair which is sitting in the middle of the floor of his study at the mansion. Night. There is a square of electrical tape placed over his mouth, and he slowly regains consciousness. Shannon is standing near him, pointing the g*n at his face.
Shannon: Promise to be quiet?
Lex nods and Shannon rips the tape off of his mouth.
Shannon: Welcome home.
Lex: How'd you get past my security?
Shannon: I work for your law firm, Lex. I told them that you'd been drinking in Metropolis and you needed a ride home. [She laughs quietly.] They helped me carry you up here.
Lex: Why here? Why are you doing this?
Shannon: Because this is where it all happened. This is where I earned my earrings... the first time. You see, you remember the other night, but you don't remember the first time. I do. [She puts the g*n down on a table.] I had a fiance, but you didn't know that. I cheated on him with you because I thought that you loved me. [She kneels next to Lex.] And when I broke it off with him, I called to tell you that, but you wouldn't take my call.
Lex: I'm sorry. If I had known ...
Shannon: [Becoming more upset.] But you didn't. And then three months later, I bump into your outside of Corinne's office and you don't even recognize me. It was like I never happened to you.
She stands up and walks behind Lex, touching his shoulder.
Shannon: And so I started going through your files. It turns out I wasn't the only one.
Lex: Eve Andrews.
Shannon: Among others. She was such a fan. I told her that you wanted to make amends, and she agreed to come to the hotel. And then I slipped a little something into your champagne after we made love. It's funny your blood test didn't pick that up.
Lex: You rigged the test.
Shannon: I just switched out the results.
Lex: You were the one who sent me to her place. You called the police.
Shannon: You were supposed to get caught. But you didn't. And so here we are.
Lex struggles against his bindings, angrily trying to get free.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Lana is sitting on the couch in her apartment staring at the fireplace distantly. Jason kneels down in front of her.
Jason: Hey. What's wrong? You haven't said anything all night. [Lana doesn't respond.] Talk to me.
Lana: [Softly.] I met your mom.
Jason: Where?
Lana: Here. She, um, she said that you weren't returning her calls, so she came to see me. She's staying at the Smallville Inn, wants you stop by.
Jason: Why didn't you tell me earlier?
Lana: I don't know. I guess, um... Maybe I don't want to be the one passing notes between you and your mother.
She stands up and walks away from Jason toward the f*re.
Jason: I wouldn't have asked you to do that. She had no right to come here. Sorry.
Lana: She seemed really worried about you.
Jason: [Spiteful.] I'll bet she did. I'll be she seemed sad and heartbroken. But she's not. She's manipulative. And all my life, she's tried to control me.
Lana looks upset.
Jason: What, is there something else?
Lana: [Fearful.] I dreamed about her. I mean, I was dreaming about Isobel Theroux. She was being b*rned at the stake. And suddenly, your mom was there.
Jason: Well, it's probably not that unusual to dream about someone you just met.
Lana: Jason... I dreamt about her before I met her.
Jason looks at Lana disbelievingly.
Clark and Chloe are looking at the diamond earring through a microscope in the Torch office. Night. They are looking at a series of numbers and letters engraved on the diamond, too small for the human eye to see.
Clark: There it is. Just like he said.
Chloe: How do they get the serial number so small? It's Lilliputian.
Clark: Lasers. Lionel said all the high-end diamond dealers do it. In case it ever gets lost or stolen, you can track it down.
Chloe: Or it can track you down. [The FAX machine starts printing a page.] Oh. [She goes to it.] I still can't believe that Lionel actually called his old jewelry guy and had him send over the purchase orders.
Chloe picks up the FAX pages and looks at them.
Chloe: All right, give me the numbers.
Clark: [Reading from the diamond serial number.] 7-2-2-D-J-S-3-9-7-0.
Chloe finds a matching number on the page.
Chloe: Here we go. Two diamond earrings. Wow, very expensive. Couriered to Miss Shannon Bell.
Clark: Shannon Bell. How do I know that name?
Chloe: Well, according to this, she works in Lex's law firm.
Clark: We have to warn him.
Chloe: I'll call the police.
Just as Chloe turns away from Clark to grab her phone from the desk, we hear Clark super speed away. Chloe dials the police and turns around, seeing that Clark is gone. She makes a small annoyed sound, but does not look at all surprised.
Shannon and Lex at the mansion. Night. Lex is still tied to the chair, and Shannon walks toward him with two open bottles of alcohol, one in each hand. She has replaced the electrical tape on Lex's mouth.
Shannon: You know you could've stopped all this, Lex. All you had to do was recognize me outside of the opera. [She splashes a little of the liquor into Lex's lap, and he moans angrily.] Just say, "Hi, Shannon. It's nice to see you." But you didn't.
She circles him, pouring the liquor all over him.
Shannon: I was wearing the earrings that you bought me. We had sex again and you still didn't recognize me!
Shannon walks back to the table and picks up another bottle of liquor. She pulls out the cork and pours it all over the floor in a circle around Lex.
Shannon: I had a life, Lex. I had a fiancé. [Hurt laughter.] You ruined my life, and you didn't even know who I was. And you do this all the time.
After making a full circle, she puts the empty liquor bottle back on the table. Then she picks up a lit taper candle and walks toward Lex. He becomes even more fearful when he realizes what she is about to do. He tries to speak, but his words are muffled by the tape. She ignores him as he tries to beg for his life and walks a good distance past him, until she is standing behind him and outside the circle of alcohol. She starts to tip the candle.
Shannon: It has to stop.
She lets the candle fall from her hand and it lands on the wet floor, immediately starting the alcohol on f*re. The f*re quickly spreads in a circle, surrounding Lex, blazing almost as high as his face.
Clark super speeds into the room and sees what is happening. Both Lex and Shannon are facing away from him and don't see him enter. He super speeds toward Shannon and pushes her away from the flames. Then we see Clark move in slow motion as everything around him seems to stop. Shannon is in mid flight toward the wall. Lex is seated in the middle of the unmoving flames. Clark takes off his jacket starts to wave it above his head like a propeller.
The wind caused by his jacket sweeps all of the flames toward him until they leave the ground completely and distinguish themselves in the air. Then he super speeds out of the room.
Shannon finishes her descent to the ground and the impact knocks her unconscious. Lex is still in the chair breathing heavily with his eyes shut tightly, still anticipating the f*re. He finally opens his eyes and looks around with surprise. The f*re is gone and all that remains are several thin clouds of smoke and a burnt black ring around him on the floor.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Jonathan is in the kitchen reading the front page of the Daily Planet. There is a picture of Lex and a headline that says, "Luthor Acquitted of Double Homicide." Martha is pouring a cup of coffee, and Clark is in the kitchen also.
Jonathan: I'm glad Lex was found innocent, but I sure wish you would've come to us before you got yourself involved.
Clark: Well, at first, Dad, I just wanted to help. Then I had to figure out if I could trust him or not.
Martha: What did you decide?
Martha hands the cup of coffee and a bottle of honey over the counter to Jonathan.
Clark: [Sad.] I haven't. I mean, the way he treated those women... It showed me a side of Lex I hadn't seen before. I mean, how could you just not care that you hurt someone?
Jonathan: He's just following what he's learned, son. That's all.
Clark: There's something else you should know. I went to see Lionel.
Martha: What?
Clark: He wanted to help Lex, and he did. I couldn't have done it without him.
Jonathan: Clark. You know how dangerous that man is to you.
Clark: But, Dad, that's the thing. I think he's changed. And his liver's healed.
Martha: I thought his condition was terminal.
Clark: I think something in me actually healed him.
Jonathan: [Stunned.] Clark, does Lionel know about this?
Clark: No. He actually thinks it's a miracle.
Martha: It is.
Clark: Look, I know this sounds crazy, but I really think he has changed. I could see it in his eyes.
Jonathan: Clark, as far as I'm concerned, Lionel Luthor is never gonna change, and neither is Lex. Now, we're just gonna have to accept that.
Clark looks from Jonathan to Martha noncommittally.
Lex enters the visiting area of the prison. Day. Lionel is waiting for him at the table with his back turned. Lex walks to the table.
Lex: I understand you helped vindicate me, Dad. [Lionel turns around.] There's just no telling the influence you seem to have from behind these bars.
Lionel: I pointed your friend Clark in the right direction. That's all I did. You still believe I had something to do with this, don't you?
Lex: No. I just assume you must want something in return.
Lionel: Yes. [He smiles.] Yes, I do.
Lex: [Coldly.] I'm not helping you get released.
Lionel: No, you don't understand. I know that I deserve to be here, in this terrible place. I have no one to blame but myself.
Lex finally sits down across from Lionel with a heavy sigh. He smiles to himself as if he doesn't believe what he is about to say.
Lex: I'm in a generous mood, Dad. So let's say I believe that. [He leans forward.] What do you want from me?
Lionel: I want to be your father, Lex. If you'll let me.
Lex: [Lowering his eyes.] You've got your health, Dad. Don't expect another miracle.
Lex says these last words while looking straight into Lionel's eyes, and he holds that gaze for another moment as if to let the sting set in. Then he gets up from the table and starts to go. He stops and turns around.
He looks at Lionel for a long time, wanting to say something. Lionel looks up at him silently, hoping.
One more b*at, and the moment is gone. Lex turns away from his father and leaves the prison. Lionel clasps his hands together in front of his mouth sadly and lowers his head onto his knuckles. The harsh clanging noise made by the opening and closing of cell doors is all that is left.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Clark stands at the open window and stares out with his arms folded over his chest. He hears someone entering behind him and turns to see Lex coming up the stairs. Then he turns away from Lex and back to the stars. Lex remains at the top of the stairs.
Lex: I wanted to say thank you. And I'm sorry. I know you were only trying to help me.
Clark: [Turning back to Lex.] How long is this gonna continue, Lex?
Lex: I don't know. What do you want me to tell you?
Lex walks to Clark's side and looks forlornly out the window.
Clark: [Quietly angry, hurt.] I don't want you to tell me anything. I want you to change.
Lex: I don't know if I can.
Clark: You know, it seems the only person you care about is yourself. There's a whole side of you that I don't know about, Lex. And what else don't I know about you?
Lex: You don't know that every day, I wonder why I keep going. Why I do the things I do. You know, Shannon might have been crazy, but she was right about me. I treated those women terribly, Clark. People died, and I could've stopped it. I see that now.
Clark: Well, that's a start.
Lex: You know, there was a moment the other night when that f*re she set was coming towards me. I thought, good. It would save the world a lot of grief. But somehow, the f*re went out. And she was lying on the floor. And suddenly, I had a second chance.
Clark: The last few days, Lex, I... I thought your father was being more honest with me than you were. And I hated that feeling. I felt like we were enemies.
Lex: [Looking into Clark's eyes pleadingly.] Don't give up on me yet.
Clark returns his gaze.
Jason comes out of the Talon through the backdoor into the alley. Night. The rain is pouring down. In the alley, there is a chauffeur standing under an umbrella next to a parked car. Jason comes to the car and the man opens the back door for him. Jason gets inside and sits down next to his mother, Genevieve. She smiles at him.
Jason: What are you doing here, Mother?
Genevieve: I know you don't want to talk to me, Jason. But every mother has a right to see her own son.
There is a thunderclap and flash of lightning. The light reflects off of Genevieve's red coat and casts a strange red glow onto Jason's face that is gone almost immediately.
Jason: You didn't come here to see me.
Genevieve: Is it so terrible to want to meet your girlfriend?
Jason: It's the way you go about it. But I'm not gonna let you do it this time. Because it's different. [Another flash of lightning.] I will come see you when I'm ready.
Genevieve: When will that be?
Jason: I don't know. But you can't come back here.
Genevieve: I just want you to know, Jason, that I'm really glad that you're happy. I mean, Lana is... an enchanting girl. I can see why you moved to the middle of nowhere to be with her. I mean, she's... She's special.
A third lightning flash makes Genevieve's face impossibly pale for only an instant.
Genevieve: I knew you'd meet someone like her one day.
Jason looks at Genevieve for a few seconds, processing what she just said.
Jason: Did I meet her by accident, or not? [Lightning.]
Genevieve: [Laughing.] What on earth are you implying? Of course you did, Jason. How else could you meet her?
Genevieve leans across the seat and kisses Jason on the cheek, dismissing his question. He remains very still, unconvinced that her answer is the truth.
Genevieve: I'll wait to hear from you.
The lightning holds a fairly steady rhythm as mother and son share a last look, and then Jason gets out of the car. He walks a few feet away, then turns back as the chauffeur gets into the driver's seat and starts the engine.
Even as the car drives away, Jason remains in the middle of the alleyway in the pouring rain.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x09 - Bound"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on December 1, 2004
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Inside, Lana walks up the stairs of the loft in red high heels. Clark is seated on the upper level reading a book and looks up as Lana comes to the top of the stairs. She is wearing a red skirt and red sweater. Her outfit is attractive but modest.
Clark: [Slightly surprised.] Lana.
Lana: I was hoping that you were up.
Clark: Is everything all right?
Lana: [Pause.] It's about Jason. I think I've made a horrible mistake.
Clark: Jason.
Clark puts down his book next to him on the couch and stands up looking uncomfortable.
Clark: Lana, I'm not sure I'm the one you should be talking to about this.
Lana: Actually, I think that you're exactly who I should be talking to. [Walking closer to Clark.] I've been thinking about it. The way we met, the way he followed me here, the way he got a job at my school. I think that everything that Jason has told me has been a lie. I'm starting to wonder if there's another reason why he came to Smallville besides me.
Clark: Like what?
Lana: I don't know. But he's really starting to scare me.
Lana looks up at Clark with fearful, pleading eyes.
Clark: Don't worry, Lana. I'd never let anything happen to you.
Lana: [Grateful.] I know. And it's made one thing very clear. I never should've given up on us. I can lie to myself as much as I want, but I've always been in love with you.
They lean into each other and kiss on the lips, lightly at first and then more intensely. Lana puts her arms around Clark as the kiss becomes more passionate. Clark moves her toward the couch and lays her down on it, lying down on top of her as they continue to kiss. Clark's shirt rises slightly exposing his stomach, and Lana touches the bare skin of his abdomen.
A hand suddenly grabs Clark by the shoulder and pulls him away from Lana. We see that it is Jason. Jason throws Clark down the first flight of stairs and Clark tumbles down to the first landing with a thud.
Jason: [Furious.] I knew I couldn't trust you, Clark.
Lana gets to her feet behind Jason.
Lana: Jason, no!
Jason walks down to Clark on the landing as Clark is just getting up onto his knees. Jason pulls Clark to his feet, and then Clark pushes Jason forcefully against the railing with a grunt.
Clark: Haven't you hurt her enough already?
Jason pushes Clark against a support beam, holding him by his shirt. He punches Clark in the face and then knocks his own head into Clark's face. Then he punches Clark across the other side of his face, knocking him to the floor.
Lana: Jason!
Jason looks down at Clark who now has blood trickling from his nose. Clark loses consciousness. Jason then turns around to look at Lana who is still at the top of the stairs. She is staring at him quietly.
Jason: Clark can't protect you from me. Nobody can.
Lana walks down the stairs to the landing until she is standing face to face with Jason. Lana's arm jerks toward Jason and we hear a slicing noise as Jason grunts in pain. Jason looks down at his stomach where there is a bloody hole in the front of his shirt and Lana is holding a pair of scissors with which she has just s*ab him.
She continues to make eye contact with him coldly as Jason stares back at her in disbelief. He backs slowly toward the railing, becoming weaker until he finally crashes into the railing, breaking it and falling toward the barn floor far below.
As he falls, his surroundings suddenly change, and instead of falling toward the floor of the barn, he is falling toward the floor of the Talon. He crashes into a table and it shatters beneath his weight. He is knocked unconscious.
Customers of the Talon scream as they see Jason on the floor. Lana runs out of her apartment above and sees Jason. She is now wearing a different outfit.
Lana: Jason!
She runs down the stairs and kneels at Jason's side, placing her hand on his chest.
Lana: Someone call an ambulance! [Quietly.] Jason. Jason, can you hear me?
Jason is unresponsive.
[Opening credits]
Jason is unconscious in a hospital bed at Smallville Medical Center. Day. Lana is sitting next to him touching his hand and stroking his face. Tears run down her face as she cries silently. Jason's heart is being monitored on a screen next to the bed. Clark and Chloe enter the room.
Chloe: Hey. How's he doing?
Lana: [Wiping her tears.] The doctors don't know. His heart's beating a mile a minute, and they can't get his blood pressure down.
Chloe: That's a little bit odd for someone who's unconscious, isn't it?
Lana: They said he's in some sort of a panic mode, like he's having a severe nightmare.
Clark: What happened?
Lana: He, um, came by the Talon to pick me up for lunch, and I ran upstairs to grab a jacket.
Chloe: And?
Lana: And I heard a crash. That's it. [Becoming more emotional.] He's been ... he's been perfectly healthy, but the doctors say that if they can't get his heart rate down that he could have a heart att*ck.
Clark: They must have some idea of what caused this.
Lana: I wish I could help them. But he was just studying all morning before he came to the apartment. The first time I saw him, he was lying on the Talon floor.
Chloe: Well, let us know if there's anything we can do to help, okay?
Lana: [She nods.] They need his insurance card. It's, um, it's in my apartment. Could you guys go get it for me? I don't want to leave his side.
Chloe: Yeah, okay.
Chloe touches Clark's arm and starts to leave the room. Clark looks back at Lana sympathetically for another moment, then follows Chloe. Lana gazes at Jason lovingly.
Clark and Chloe are in Lana's apartment. Day. Clark picks up a framed picture of Jason and Lana and looks at it quietly.
Chloe: Clark, I don't mean to go all Dr. Phil on you, but don't you think that you should, uh, admit that they're in a relationship?
Clark: Come on, Chloe. I'm past that. [He puts down the picture.]
Chloe: Yeah, I should've known by that crippling stare on your face ever since you walked in the apartment.
Clark: I just could've used more time to ease into it, you know?
Chloe: Clark, you were in love with her. That's not something you just ease out of.
Clark: It's just by the time I found out, they were already this serious thing.
Chloe: Yeah. But we all keep secrets for our own reasons. I don't think I have to tell you that.
Clark doesn't respond. Chloe walks to a chair where Jason's book bag is resting. She unzips the bag and looks through it.
Clark: I don't think going through Jason's personal things falls under your snoop jurisdiction.
Chloe: Well, I'll take my chances with the jury on this one.
Chloe finds Jason's PDA and pulls it out of the bag.
Chloe: I think maybe if we backtrack through Jason's last couple of days, it might help. [She pushes several buttons on the PDA.] Ooh. Jason had a meeting at LuthorCorp this morning.
Clark: [Surprised.] Why didn't Lana say something?
Chloe: Maybe she didn't know.
Chloe and Clark walk up outside LuthorCorp. Day. They walk toward the gate that leads onto the company grounds. Nobody else is around.
Clark: [Looking around.] This place seems d*ad.
Chloe: Yeah. My dad used to work the overtime shifts on Saturdays. This lot should be full by now.
Chloe pulls a security card out of her pocket and swipes it through a slot outside the gate. She then pushes the gate open and they walk onto the grounds.
Clark: Where do you think everybody is?
Chloe: I don't know. But while you're talking to Lex, I'm gonna give myself a little backstage tour.
They split up. Chloe keeps walking forward and Clark veers off to the left.
Cut to the inside of LuthorCorp. Lex is walking down a hallway with pipes lining the ceiling. Clark turns a corner and walks into the hallway in front of Lex. Lex is clearly in a hurry and seems very on edge.
Lex: [Angry.] Clark? How the hell did you get in here?
Clark: The, uh, the gate was open.
Lex keeps walking and Clark follows him.
Clark: Your security seems a little MIA lately.
Lex: That's obvious, but this is a restricted area.
Clark: This'll only take a second. Lex stops next to a security phone on the wall. He picks up the receiver and speaks into it.
Lex: I need someone to escort a guest out. [He hangs up the phone.] Look, Clark, I'm sorry, but I just got in from Metropolis. I got a lot to do.
Lex starts walking again and Clark follows him.
Clark: Just now? I thought you had a meeting with Jason this morning.
Lex: Not with me. He was meeting with the head of my HR department.
Clark: You giving him a job?
Lex stops walking and turns to face Clark.
Lex: Just some leads. I felt guilty for getting Jason fired from the school. He didn't even want Lana to know about it. I'm surprised he told you.
Clark: He didn't. Jason's lying unconscious at the hospital, some sort of neurological stress.
Lex: Do they know what happened?
Clark: No. But your HR guy might have been the last person to talk to him.
Lex: Look, I'll track him down, but Clark, there could be a lot of reasons for Jason's condition.
Lex starts to walk away.
Clark: There could also be a lot of reasons why this place is deserted halfway through a Saturday shift.
Lex: [Turning back.] I'll call in a specialist from Metropolis to take a look at him. Assure Lana I'm doing everything I can for him.
Clark watches Lex walk away as a security officer drives up behind Clark in a small cart.
Cut to Chloe walking down a dark set of stairs elsewhere in the plant. A clanking sound is heard as the electricity surges, and the small amount of light on the stairs goes out, leaving Chloe in almost complete darkness. Slightly startled, Chloe squints her eyes to see better and keeps going down the stairs. There is soft blue light coming from a room around the corner from the bottom of the stairs. The light colors Chloe's face as she walks very slowly to the open doorway to look inside.
Chloe peeks into the room anxiously. She sees a woman with short disheveled hair sitting hunched over in a chair with her back to Chloe staring at a dark window. The floor is black and white checkered. Chloe blinks several times in confusion and then enters the room, walking toward the woman slowly. Upon closer inspection, we see that the woman is wearing a straitjacket. Her head is bent over and we can't see her face. She whispers hauntingly.
Woman: I've been waiting for you, Chloe.
Chloe: [Quietly.] Mom?
Woman: You can't escape this, Chloe. None of the women in our family ever have.
Chloe continues walking toward the woman until she is standing right behind her. After a long moment of terrified stillness, Chloe reaches out her hand as if to touch the woman's shoulder. When she is about to touch it, she pulls her hand away fearfully. Then after thinking about it some more, she reaches out again and rests her hand on the woman's shoulder.
Suddenly the chair whips around to face Chloe, and Chloe jumps back with a start. We see the face of the woman in the straitjacket and it is a dark and frightening version of Chloe with large black eyes and dry crusty lips. The real Chloe starts to scream hysterically.
Chloe: Aaah! Aaaah!
Insane Chloe looks up at her quietly and opens her mouth wide. The sh*t goes into the darkness of her mouth as the real Chloe continues to scream, suddenly finding herself also bound in a straitjacket.
Chloe: No! No!
She runs from the room, struggling against the straitjacket.
Cut to Chloe running out into a main hallway. She is still screaming and struggling as if wearing a straitjacket, but it is no longer there.
Chloe: No! No! Aah!
She keeps screaming as Clark and the security guard come driving toward her in the guard's cart. The guard stops his cart and starts to stand up looking at Chloe strangely. Clark then taps the guard on the back of the head, knocking him unconscious. Then he runs to Chloe and catches her in his arms just as she passes out.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of LuthorCorp. Day. Inside, Lex enters a room where several workers, some wearing suits and others wearing lab coats, are busy working on computers and at lab tables. Lex enters an inner office where there are more people working and looks through the window at the room beyond where there are several people lying down on cots and being taken care of by workers in sterile suits and masks. He talks to a man standing nearby in a suit, Dr. Ford.
Lex: With all our safety precautions, how the hell does a lab explode?
Ford: [Nervously.] Well, when you're dealing with meteor rocks, it's very difficult to predict how our chemicals will react. Mr. Luthor, we're doing everything we can. After the alarm sounded, we sealed the room. All affected personnel have been quarantined, and we're trying to fix the damaged pipes.
Lex: [Looking at the man incredulously.] You mean the bacteria is still leaking out?
Ford: Only in that room.
Lex: Once the situation is under control, I want the project dismantled. [He starts to leave.]
Ford: But Mr. Luthor, your father negotiated this contract with the military. We stand to make a lot if we can ever market the compound.
Lex: And exactly what is the market for toxins that invoke a person's worst nightmare before they fall unconscious, Dr. Ford?
Ford: Think of the good. I mean, we could disable the enemy without ever using v*olence. We have statistics to prove ...
Lex: Statistics aren't lying in those beds! My employees are. And I'm afraid they're not the only ones.
Ford: What do you mean?
Lex: Someone who was visiting the plant this morning is at the hospital right now with the same symptoms. Is he contagious?
Ford: Oh, no, sir. I mean, the bacteria can't be transferred from one person to another. It has to be inhaled directly.
Lex: Then there's no need to call the CDC and panic the entire town. [Ford nods.] Where are we with the antidote?
Ford walks to a incubator sitting on a lab table with several vials of dark fluid visible through the glass door. He points to it.
Ford: This will clarify when it reaches 1000 degrees Kelvin, and then we can test it.
Lex: What's the ETA?
Ford: [After a long pause.] Another five hours.
Lex looks at Ford disbelievingly.
Clark hangs up the phone as he walks into the Kent kitchen to talk to Jonathan and Martha. Day.
Clark: Eight other people have just come down with the condition that Jason and Chloe have.
Martha: The doctors haven't found anything in common?
Jonathan: Didn't you say that Jason and Chloe were both at LuthorCorp today?
Clark: Yeah, but half the victims at the hospital weren't. Whatever this is seems to strike completely at random. There's no way to tell who's gonna be next.
Jonathan: Well, it sounds contagious. In the air or the water?
Clark: Maybe it'll show up in some environmental quality report.
There is a knock on the door and they see Lana through the screen.
Clark: Lana.
Jonathan: Come on in.
Jonathan opens the door for her and she enters.
Lana: Um, sorry to show up like this. I just didn't know where else to go.
Martha: Clark told us about Jason. Has something happened?
Lana: One of the other infected people just died.
Martha looks at Lana sadly.
Jonathan: Lana, do the doctors have any idea at all what's going on?
Lana: [With tears in her eyes.] Just that a person's body can only sustain a level of panic for so long before their heart gives out. [Becoming more emotional.] I can't...I can't just sit in that hospital anymore just... just watching Chloe and Jason die. I want to help.
Clark looks at Lana seriously.
Outside sh*t of the Kansas Penitentiary. Day. Inside, a woman, Warden Stall, and a guard walk toward the entrance to the prisoners' commons area. The door buzzes and two guards open it from inside. Lionel steps out of the room and walks to the Warden Stall.
Stall: I hope I didn't separate you from your flock.
Lionel: [Chuckling.] I understand your cynicism, Warden Stall, but I assure you I truly am a changed man.
Stall: [Skeptical.] Oh. Or just a smart one. You know, ever since you proclaimed this sudden conversion to our resident St. Paul, there hasn't been a single attempt on your life.
Lionel: I want only to be of help to others. What is the value of my sinful life unless I use it as an example to shepherd fellow sinners, to lead them away from the allure of hedonism, mistrust, and greed? To follow a better way?
Stall: [She laughs.] Uh-huh. Well, I'm afraid you're going to have to change congregations.
She holds out her hand toward the guard standing behind her, and he hands her a file.
Lionel: What do you mean?
Stall: The appellate court overturned your conviction.
Lionel: [Stunned.] Overturned? My appeal doesn't come up for months. That's not possible.
Stall: Oh, you'd be surprised what's possible in this judicial system.
Lionel laughs again and steps closer to Stall.
Lionel: You know, I've done everything to work this system. I hired the best lawyers in the world. I tried to pay off everyone from the bailiff to the President of the United States, and I was told categorically I was never gonna see life outside these walls again.
Stall: You do not want to be telling me things of this nature.
Lionel: Yes, I do. I'm guilty. Not of the crime I've been imprisoned for, but... so many other crimes which should've landed me in here years ago.
Stall looks at Lionel closely, surprised by his honesty.
Lionel: This is where I belong. It's where I can do the most good.
Stall: [Unbelieving.] You... You want to stay in prison?
Lionel: Yes, I do. I've found my... [He laughs.] ...my mission in life.
Stall: Contrary to your deluded point of view, this is not the Ritz Carlton where you can check in and check out at your leisure. Somebody did you a favor by getting you out of this place. I'd say be grateful.
Lionel: But who? Who could do that?
Stall: Obviously someone more powerful than you. [Lionel considers it.] As soon as this paper work is finished, you're a free man.
Warden Stall and the guard walk away, leaving Lionel alone in the hallway.
Lana and Clark are in the Torch office. Day. Clark is sitting at the computer looking at an environmental quality report for Kansas on the screen.
Lana: We know that Jason was in town by nine o'clock.
Clark: Well, according to the hourly satellite images, we had clear skies all morning.
Lana leans over next to Clark to look at the screen.
Lana: Hourly? Can we get a bit more specific than that?
Clark: I'll try.
Clark begins to type.
Lana: You know, I just don't understand why Jason wouldn't tell me that he had a meeting at LuthorCorp.
Clark: It might've been a blow to his pride, accepting Lex's offer.
Lana: Well, maybe that's what all of this has been about. [Clark looks at her.] I've been getting this feeling lately that there's something he hasn't been telling me.
Clark: Maybe he thought you'd see him differently if you found out.
Lana: [Stricken.] Do you really think that I'm that shallow, Clark?
Clark: It might take him a while to get to know you as well as I do.
Lana looks at Clark, seeming to accept his answer. There is a beep from the computer and Lana looks at the screen.
Lana: Look at that.
On the screen, there is a simulation of a cloud forming rapidly over Kansas.
Clark: It looks like that cloud came out of nowhere.
Lana: And then it's completely gone five minutes later.
Clark: It covered two miles before it dissipated.
Lana: Why would a cloud just appear like that?
Clark: Maybe it's not a cloud. Maybe it's pollution or smoke or something.
Lana: Well, if that's the county line, then Chloe's house was right in the middle of it.
Clark: So is LuthorCorp.
Clark gets up from the computer and walks away. He doesn't notice that Lana suddenly starts to feel weak and has to brace herself against the desk to keep from falling. She turns toward the window as the daylight darkens and a white light flashes at her in an uneven rhythm.
The sh*t closes in on Lana's face as she holds her hands up in front of her to block the light. She keeps moving her hands in front of her face as if she is trying to move something out of her way.
Then we see things from her point of view. She is pushing at a dirty plastic sheet, trying to get it out of her face. She is lying in a dark empty morgue on a metal table covered under the sheet from head to toe. The sheet suddenly pulls itself down her body and off of her face. Her eyes open with a start.
The dim fluorescent light above her continues to flash eerily as Lana turns her head to the left, and her jaw drops at what she sees. As she sits up, she sees a row of similar metal tables with d*ad bodies on them, all covered by the same plastic sheets.
Lana gets off of the table and walks slowly toward the table next to her. The sheet covering the body pulls itself down and we see the d*ad body of Lara Lang. Lana gasps.
Lana: [Horrified.] Mom...
She touches her mother's face softly as the sheet on the next table is pulled down to reveal a d*ad Lewis Lang.
Lana: Dad!
Lana keeps walking to the next table in the row, and the sheet pulls away to reveal Chloe, pale and motionless. Lana gasps again and her breathing becomes loud and raspy as she begins to panic. She walks to the next table and stands next to it, almost as if waiting for the sheet to remove itself. It does, and we see Jason. Lana leans over him.
Lana: [A desperate sob.] Jason.
She reaches out and rubs her hands over Jason's pale face. Then she hears a woman's voice speaking from behind her.
Woman: [Taunting.] Lana. Lana.
Lana turns around and at the end of the room, there is one more sheet-covered body lying on a table. She walks to the table and stands next to it, resting her hand on the edge. A hand suddenly reaches out from beneath the sheet and grabs Lana's wrist. Her eyes go wide with fright and she gasps.
The body on the table sits up and it is another version of Lana. Her hair is wild and her skin is whitish-green and spotty. Her teeth are tinted a green color and her lips are deep green as if she has been d*ad and rotting for a long time. Her eyes are glazed over and white with black circles around them.
d*ad Lana: They're all going to leave you. And there's nothing you can do about it.
Lana begins to scream.
Cut to Lana standing in the Torch office screaming at the top of her lungs.
Clark comes to her side just as she passes out.
Clark: Lana!
He holds her up.
In the LuthorCorp office, we see a monitor that shows the patients' blood pressures elevating to enormous heights. Day. Next to that, there is a monitor of one of the patients struggling in panic on his cot as a man in a protective suit tries to restrain him.
Man: [To a guard.] I can't control him! Get over here!
Guard: Yes, sir!
A guard comes over to help retrain the patient. Lex watches all of this through the window. Once the patient is under control, Lex walks away from the window. Dr. Ford opens the incubator wearing a pair of rubber gloves. He removes one of the vials and puts it in the top of a medical g*n with a syringe at the end to inject the antidote.
Ford: Mr. Luthor, we have never tested this antidote. I urge you to try it on one of our lab animals first.
Lex: One of my employees is about to die. Do you see any other options for us right now?
Ford: No, sir, I don't. But please remember, this is like a flu inoculation. It contains traces of the infectious element.
Lex: Is that your way of telling me the patient's gonna get worse before he gets better?
Ford: Assuming it works. [He nods slightly.]
Lex looks down at the monitor, seeing the patient being forcibly restrained. Then Lex goes to the wall and pulls one of the protective suits off of a hook where it is hanging.
Ford: Mr. Luthor, you can't go in there! You must keep the exposure to the toxin to a minimum!
Lex: I'm responsible for this plant and everyone who works here. I'm going with you.
Cut to Lex and Dr. Ford, now wearing protective suits, standing in the chamber between the office and the patient room. They are showered in white steam, and then the glass door to the patient room slides open. Dr. Ford is holding a small tray with the injection g*n and two other vials of the antidote. He and Lex walk over the patient who is still clearly distressed, but does not need to be restrained anymore.
Lex sits down on one side of the patient as Dr. Ford goes to the other side, preparing the man's arm for the injection. He sticks the needle into the man's arm, and the vial quickly drains. There is a short pause as they wait for a reaction, and then the heart monitor starts to beep at frightening speed as the man's eyes open wide and he grunts painfully. He sits up, wildly reaching for Lex, and Lex stands up, backing away and knocking his arm against a table. The heart monitor flatlines, and the man falls back against his pillow, d*ad.
Lex glances down at his arm where he h*t the table and sees a small tear in his protective suit.
Fade to black.
Lex enters the Smallville Medical Center. Day. The hallways are full of patients, some standing and some unconscious on gurneys. Lex walks to Dr. Scanlan who is standing over a gurney near the waiting area.
Lex: Dr. Scanlan, I understand you're treating a patient named Jason Teague.
Scanlan: Lex, I've got my hands full right now. We're watching Mr. Teague along with all the others in his condition.
Dr. Scanlan starts to walk away and Lex follows him.
Lex: The others? Are you telling me all these people have the same symptoms?
They stop at another patient who is unconscious on a gurney in the hallway.
Scanlan: Unfortunately. We have no idea what we're dealing with.
Scanlan looks at the heart monitor and then keeps walking.
Lex: It's a synthetic toxin.
Scanlan stops and turns back to Lex.
Lex: [Lowering his voice.] A pressure t*nk exploded this morning at my plant. We thought we had it contained, but the toxin must have escaped into the atmosphere. It's possible all these people were exposed at the time
Scanlan: And you're just telling me this now? I have to call the Center for Disease Control.
Lex: [Following Scanlan.] I don't know how much they can do, but there's an antidote my project manager's been modifying as we speak.
Scanlan: How close is it?
Lex: The first trial was unsuccessful, but I assure you we'll have the situation under control.
Scanlan: It's too late for that.
Clark enters the hallway carrying Lana.
Clark: I need a doctor! I need a doctor!
Clark walks toward Dr. Scanlan and Lex. Dr. Scanlan motions to an empty patient bed next to the wall and Clark puts Lana down on it. An orderly wheels the bed away and Dr. Scanlan follows. Clark goes to Lex, grabbing him roughly by the shoulder.
Clark: Did you know about this when I talked to you earlier today?
Lex: Clark, other than Jason, I had no idea anyone outside of LuthorCorp was exposed. You have to believe me.
Clark: What is this stuff?
Before Lex can answer, there is a loud zooming noise and then a large expl*si*n by the window in the waiting area as a flaming meteor crashes into the medical center. Clark turns to the waiting area as it fills up with smoke and several more meteors crash through the wall, knocking a man to the floor and flipping an empty patient bed upside down.
Clark runs down the hallway to Lana's hospital room, where Lana is now sitting up in her bed and wearing a hospital gown. She looks fearfully toward the window where we can hear several car alarms going off. Clark runs to the window and pulls up the blinds. Several meteors with fiery orange heads and long tails of black smoke sh**t out of the sky and into the parking lot where they crash into the cars and send them doing flips into the air. Two more meteors crash into the pavement leaving large black craters in the ground.
Then Clark looks up into the sky and sees a meteor headed straight for the window where he is standing. He runs over to Lana's bed and hunches over her, standing between her and the window as the meteor hits. The wall explodes and dozens of kryptonite rocks hurtle themselves at Clark's back, but he successfully protects Lana from getting h*t as she holds her arms over her head.
As she uncovers her head and looks up at Clark, the kryptonite all over the room weakens him and he falls to the floor with a grunt. There is now a huge hole in the wall and a ray of sunlight comes into the room through it. Lana gets up from her bed and walks to Clark slowly. The lights in the room surge noisily and sparks fly from exposed wires in the hole in the wall. Lana looks at Clark intensely.
Lana: It all makes sense.
There is a flash of light and a pop from a bulb behind Lana. She jumps slightly and turns to look at it, then turns back to Clark.
Clark: [Painful whisper.] Lana... Help me.
Lana: [Quietly, in shock.] The meteor shower. You came the same day. How could I be so stupid?
Clark: The meteor shower's the reason I'm here. I'm from a planet called Krypton.
Lana stares at Clark as he struggles to remain conscious.
Clark: Lana, I wanted to tell you. [He grimaces with pain.] I didn't think you'd accept me.
Lana bends over and picks up a long piece of glowing kryptonite.
Lana: You're not even human?
Clark: [He groans.] Please. That stuff makes me sick.
Lana: [Near tears.] My parents are gone because of you, and I'm never gonna see them again. [A whisper.] You k*lled my parents.
Clark looks up at Lana pleadingly. She lowers her eyes to the kryptonite in her hand, and then she rushes toward Clark, holding the kryptonite above her head, ready to s*ab him. Just before the kryptonite hits Clark in the chest,
Cut to Clark waking up in a hospital bed with a jolt. His bed is in the hallway and he looks around, seeing that the hall is still full of patients and doctors, but the meteor shower was just a dream. A thought occurs to him.
Clark: Mom.
Clark gets off the bed and starts to walk down the hall hurriedly looking at all the unconscious patients. Dr. Scanlan sees Clark and follows him.
Scanlan: [Surprised.] Clark?
Clark: I need to find my parents! Where are they?
Scanlan: They haven't been admitted. Clark, you're the first patient to come out of this. I think you'd better sit down.
Clark: No, I feel fine.
Scanlan: Clark ...
Before Dr. Scanlan can say anymore, Clark runs out of the hallway.
Cut to Clark super speeding onto the Kent farm. He comes inside through the kitchen door and finds Jonathan unconscious on the floor near some broken glass.
Clark: Dad?
Clark kneels next to Jonathan and touches his shoulder, but Jonathan is unresponsive. Clark continues to look around and he can hear the phone beep signifying that the phone is off the hook. He follows the sound and sees Martha unconscious next to the kitchen counter with the phone and a broken lamp lying on the floor next to her.
Clark: Mom! [He goes to her.] Mom?
He turns her gently onto her back and her body remains limp. Clark super speeds from the room.
Cut to LuthorCorp where Lex is talking on his cell phone in the office outside the quarantined patient room. The doctors in protective suits are still administering to the patients. Dr. Ford is in the office with Lex and is already very anxious. Clark runs into the office.
Clark: Lex!
Lex: [On the phone.] I'll keep you updated. [He hangs up his phone.]
Clark: You're running out of time.
Ford: How did you get past security?
Lex: It's okay. [To Clark.] I don't understand. I left you in the hospital. What happened?
Clark: My parents are in there now.
Lex: [Taking a moment to digest the news.] Clark ...
Clark: Lana, Chloe, Jason ... they're all gonna die if you don't do something!
Lex: What do you suggest I do?
Clark thinks about it, noticing the vials of liquid in the incubator. Then he thinks of something.
Clark: Use me.
Ford looks at Lex, confused.
Clark: I want you to use me. Look, I came out of this panic state. Maybe there's something in me that can help. I'll give you whatever samples you need.
Ford: Well, even if your immune system could offer us some sort of insight, I don't know, those kind of tests take months, years to analyze. No, no.
Lex walks toward the incubator holding his hand to his head pensively. There are beads of sweat forming all over his scalp. He turns back to Clark.
Lex: He's right, Clark. We have a new antidote that we can test in a few hours.
Clark: There's no time.
Lex: The antidote needs to be heated to 1000 degrees Kelvin until it clears. Otherwise, it's useless.
Ford: [To Lex.] This time we're gonna test it first.
Lex: People's lives are at stake. We're running out of time!
Ford: [Pointing to the window.] Look at them, Mr. Luthor. Look at them. Are you going to point the finger and decide which one of them is going to take the potentially lethal injection? Whoever it is, you could be k*lling them.
Lex goes to the window and looks through it, caught in an impossible decision. When he and Ford have their backs to Clark, Clark uses his heat vision on the incubator, raising the temperature to 1000 degrees in seconds. The dark solution in the vials becomes clear and the incubator beeps. Both Lex and Ford turn to look at the incubator in disbelief.
Then Lex walks toward the counter, grabbing an injection g*n on his way, and opens the incubator, pulling out a vial and sticking it into the top of the g*n. Both Ford and Clark look at him expectantly, unsure of what he is going to do. Without a word, Lex sticks the needle into his own wrist and injects himself with the antidote. Clark's mouth opens in shock.
Ford: Mr. Luthor, no!
Lex eyes roll back in his head. There is a flash of white and suddenly we see Lex, dressed all in white, standing behind the desk in the White House in Washington, D.C. Then we see a sh*t of a field in Kansas with a farm house and a couple of barns in the background. Far off in the distance, several m*ssile soar straight into the air leaving long white tails of smoke behind.
Lex steps away from the desk and walks toward a door at the side of the office that leads to the outdoors. He opens the door and the sun shines brightly on him as he looks out. He sees one of the m*ssile land and cause a massive expl*si*n that covers nearly everything in sight.
Cut to Lex standing in the middle of the field.
Then we see a sh*t of Earth from space as m*ssile are launched from many different locations, arcing miles over the land and crashing with devastating expl*si*n, leaving huge circles of fiery destruction all over the planet.
Another sh*t of Lex standing in the field, but now the ground is nothing but dirt and human bones. He looks around with a dark smile as the sky fills with blood red clouds. (Cassandra had this same vision back in episode 106 "Hourglass" when she touched Lex's hand)
Cut to Lex jolting awake in the office at LuthorCorp. He sees Clark kneeling next to him.
Lex: [Breathless.] Clark?
Ford: Thank God it worked. I'm gonna get the antidote to the hospital.
Clark: Lex, you're gonna be okay.
Clark smiles at Lex proudly.
Fade to black.
Lionel steps out of the Kansas State Penitentiary. Day. He is dressed in a white leisure suit, and walks toward the curb where a black limousine is waiting for him. When he gets to the limo, he bends over and looks in through the open back window. A smile slowly forms on his face.
Then he throws his bag in through the window and opens the door, getting inside. He looks at the person sitting next to him in the limo who we are unable to see and chuckles.
Lionel: I should've known.
The limo drives away.
Clark, Martha, and Jonathan enter their house. Day. Jonathan stops to hang his coat up, and Martha and Clark walk to the kitchen.
Martha: [With a relieved sigh.] Home.
Jonathan follows them. Clark stops when he gets to the kitchen entrance and looks around uncomfortably.
Jonathan: Clark. Is something bothering you, son?
Clark: No, it'll just take a few days before I can walk into that room... and not get a flash of the two of you unconscious on the floor.
Martha: Well, thanks for cleaning everything up.
Clark: Yeah, somebody really did a number on that lamp back there. Must've been some nightmare you had.
Jonathan: And we woke up to find it had almost come true.
Martha: Clark, you walked right into Lex's office and almost gave up your secret. Who knows what they would've done to you?
Jonathan gets a pitcher from the fridge and three glasses from the cupboard.
Clark: I didn't see any other choice. It's funny because lately I've been thinking I've gotten closer to being able to tell someone the truth about me. Now I'm convinced more than ever that I can't tell anyone. Especially not Lana.
Martha: I know how much it would mean to you to be able to share your secret with her.
Clark: [Nodding.] As far apart as we've grown, I think about it every day.
Martha: I-I hope our own fears haven't gotten in your way. I would hate for you to look back and regret not telling the people closest to you. I mean, there is a chance Lana would understand.
Clark: There is. But what if she didn't?
Martha looks at Clark sympathetically.
Jonathan: Clark, look, I'm not sure that it's Lana, but I am sure that someday there'll be someone you can tell.
Clark smiles slightly, trying to accept the encouragement.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside, Jason is packing his bags as Lana enters with a bag of food.
Lana: Egg fu yang to the rescue!
Her smile fades when she sees what Jason is doing. She closes the door.
Lana: So. If I had waited around for the Peking duck, you'd have what, been gone?
Jason: No, I would've been here, trying to figure out what to say.
Lana: [Coming toward him.] I don't understand. Is this because of your mom? You've been different ever since I met her.
Jason: No, I've been different ever since I came to Smallville. I mean, six months ago, I would've never gone to someone like Lex and groveled for a job that I don't even want. I guess the worst part is I was too embarrassed to even tell you about it.
Lana: Since when have you ever been embarrassed around me?
Jason: Exactly. I don't like this person that I'm becoming, Lana, and I don't want to wait around for you to resent me as much as I resent myself, so...
Lana gazes at Jason as if studying him.
Lana: That's not why you're leaving. The one thing I learned from my relationship with Clark is when someone isn't being honest with me.
Jason makes eye contact with Lana, thinking about whether or not to answer. Then he lowers his eyes.
Lana: Jason, just tell me the truth.
Jason looks at her again and they share a long silent moment. Then Jason zips up his bag and picks it up walking around the bed toward Lana. He stops when he gets to her, looking at her for another few seconds, then kisses her on the cheek.
Jason: Be careful.
Lana grimaces sadly as she realizes that Jason isn't going to tell her anymore. She watches him as he leaves, shutting the door behind him.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Chloe is in the Torch office holding her cell phone to her ear, looking stressed. Clark comes in and she hangs up the phone.
Chloe: [Raving and pacing circles around the desk.] I can't get a statement from LuthorCorp. I mean, a huge chemical expl*si*n causes everybody to relive their worst nightmares? What is that?! And then there's no sign of a lawsuit. I mean, it's like this whole thing is just being completely forgotten about!
Clark looks at her strangely.
Chloe: What! What?! What?
Clark: [Putting down his bag.] I've seen you worked up before, but this is more than amped, even for you.
Chloe: [Calming down.] I guess it's just displaced anxiety.
Clark waits for her to continue.
Chloe: I found my mom, Clark.
Silence. Then Clark walks around the desk to Chloe.
Clark: Wow. That's... Chloe, that's great.
Chloe: Yeah, I mean I put my feelers out for years, and something, three months ago, finally came through, so... um, it turns out she's, um... not exactly MIA, so to speak. [She starts to cry.] She's in a mental institution.
Clark: I'm sorry.
Chloe: [She nods.] The real kicker is it's hereditary.
Clark: [Soothingly.] Listen, hey. [He puts his hands on her arms.] If there's one thing that I've learned it's that you're not destined to follow in your parents footsteps, all right?
Chloe nods wiping her eyes.
Chloe: Yeah, thanks. [She pulls away.] So, popular question of the day. What is Clark Kent's worst nightmare?
Clark: When I woke up. [He sits on the desk.] Everyone that I knew was gone. I was completely alone.
Chloe: I wish I could say that I'll always be there for you, but somehow I get the feeling that may not be a promise I can keep.
She goes to Clark and sits next to him on the desk.
Chloe: You were the only one who came out of it, Clark, and I don't think it's because you've been taking your vitamins.
Clark: Chloe ...
Chloe: Look, you know what? You don't have to tell me. I know that I gave you my word that I was going to stop all this prying but... In these last few months, I really got a taste of what it was like to keep my mom's secret, and I've never felt more alone.
Clark: [Nodding thoughtfully.] It's weird when people think they're so close to you but have no idea what you're really going through.
Chloe: Yeah. I'd hate to live my whole life like this. But after ‘fessing up, it's amazing how quickly that feeling of loneliness disappears. I mean, if you can't tell your best friend, who can you tell? Right, Clark?
Clark looks at Chloe for a long time, trying to decide what to do. Chloe returns his gaze steadily.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x10 - Scare"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on January 26, 2005
A waitress picks up a tray of drinks from the bar at the Talon and walks through the crowded coffee shop toward a table. Night. The room is full of young men and women from Smallville High School talking and laughing. Loud music is playing. Clark is seated at a table alone drinking coffee and working on his homework. Two very attractive young women approach him. One girl is a brunette and the other is a blond.
Brunette: Hey, Clark. What are you doing?
The girls sit at his table.
Clark: Hey, um, I'm just trying to figure out some of this trig homework.
Blonde: What for? Don't you already have a scholarship to Met U?
Clark: [Smiling.] Yes, for football. But they're still gonna be looking at my final GPA.
Brunette: Well, when you're done playing with your protractor, there's a party over at Katie's house.
Blonde: Her parents have a hot tub.
Clark: [Tempted.] Really?
Brunette: Yeah.
The girls both smile at each other and then at Clark, nodding.
Clark: Um, thanks, but I still got a lot of work to do here.
Their smiles fade.
Brunette: Okay. Well, why don't you drop by later if you finish?
Clark nods.
Blonde: See ya.
Brunette: Bye, Clark.
The girls stand up and walk away, leaving Clark looking disappointed. He stands up and walks toward the bar as the girls go up to two other guys who are standing nearby.
Blonde: Hey, there's a party over at Katie's house.
Martha is standing behind the bar when Clark gets there. He sits down on a stool.
Martha: She was cute.
Clark: Which one?
Martha: Both. Thinking of asking one of them out?
Clark: Yeah, so that I could ruin it just when we're getting close by having to lie about who I really am? Like I did with Lana?
Martha: Clark, there is someone out there for you.
Clark: Who? Mom, a girl would have to be crazy to get in a relationship with me.
Martha looks at Clark sadly.
Cut to two male orderlies and a doctor walking down a dark hallway at Belle Reve, the mental institution. The man is Dr. William McBride. They walk very quickly.
Orderly: I can't believe you're thinking about letting that psycho go.
McBride: [Curt.] That is what generally happens when a patient is cured.
They get to a large dark window at the end of the hallway and stop. Dr. McBride flips a switch on the wall and lights turn on beyond the window revealing a small nearly empty room. A bed near the center of the room is illuminated by a spotlight shining down on it and a woman is sitting upright on the bed, perfectly framed in the circle of light. Dr. McBride talks to her through the intercom.
McBride: Alicia. It's time. You can go home now.
The girl on the bed turns toward the window and the light falls eerily on her eyes as she looks out through the tangled blond hair that hangs in front of her face. We see that it is Alicia Baker from the season 3 episode Obsession.
[Opening credits]
Clark enters the loft and walks up the stairs with his backpack over his shoulder and several books in his hand. Night. He gets to the top level and puts his things down on the desk. Alicia comes out of the shadows behind him.
Alicia: So what's Smallville's star quarterback doing up here alone on a Saturday night?
Clark: [Recognizing her voice and turning around.] Alicia.
Alicia: I'm kind of surprised you remembered my name.
Clark: How could I forget? You tried to k*ll me. And Lana. I'd ask how you escaped, but I guess that's pretty obvious.
Alicia: I didn't escape. They let me out. The doctors say I'm cured.
Clark: [Nodding skeptically.] You could've called instead of teleporting into my loft.
Alicia: Actually, I borrowed my mom's car and I drove.
Alicia holds up her left arm and shows Clark a thick black bracelet around her left wrist.
Alicia: It's a little something my doctor came up with. Trace amounts of lead are released into my blood stream, and it keeps me from using my powers.
Clark: [Slightly surprised.] I'm glad they think you're better. That doesn't change what happened between us.
Alicia: I know that, Clark. I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am for everything I put you through. [Walking toward him.] You're the last person on earth that I ever wanted to hurt.
Clark nods and lowers his eyes.
Alicia: But you didn't answer my question. Why are you up here alone on a Saturday night?
Clark: Maybe I prefer to be alone.
Alicia: ‘Cause of your secret? [Clark looks nervous.] Don't worry. I didn't tell anyone. I promised you that I wouldn't.
Clark: Alicia ...
Alicia: The whole time that I was in Belle Reve, just the thought that there was someone out there like me, who knew what it was like to be different, gave me hope. In my darkest moment, you gave me hope, Clark.
Clark is touched but doesn't know what to say. Alicia turns and starts to go down the stairs.
Alicia: Bye.
Clark lowers his eyes unhappily when she leaves.
Martha pours a glass of orange juice at the dining room table as Jonathan and Clark enter the room. Day.
Jonathan: [With disbelief.] So they just let Alicia teleport out of Belle Reve.
Clark: No, they gave her some sort of lead bracelet that stops her from using her powers, and she doesn't seem as dangerous anymore.
Martha: Her powers aren't the only thing that made her dangerous, Clark. She's obsessed with you.
Jonathan: [Sitting at the table.] And she knows your secret.
Clark: Which she kept for over a year. Whatever they did to her in Belle Reve, maybe it worked.
Martha: [Pouring Clark's orange juice.] We know how much you want to be with someone you don't have to lie to, sweetheart, but Alicia isn't the one.
Clark: So what should I do, just wait for the next cute girl with special abilities to knock on my door?
Martha sits at the table.
Jonathan: Clark, you know what she did. Alicia needs to be in an institution.
Clark: Then why'd they let her out Belle Reve? What if she really is better?
Martha: And what if she isn't?
Clark and Chloe are in the Torch office. Day. Chloe pulls up a file on Alicia on the computer.
Chloe: Damn, I'm good. All right, Alicia Baker. "Suffering from a histrionic personality disorder causing emotional instability resulting in psychotic episodes." Yeah, that's our girl.
Chloe pulls up another page with a picture of William McBride.
Clark: Who's that guy?
Chloe: It's Alicia's psychiatrist, Dr. William McBride. Yeah, I've heard of him. He graduated from Harvard in two years with more degrees than a thermometer.
Clark: What's he say about Alicia?
Chloe: [Reading the file.] Wow. Well, according to Dr. McBride, Alicia really is cured.
Clark: [Thoughtful.] She was telling the truth.
Chloe looks at Clark with an inquisitive smile.
Chloe: And that, I take it, is exactly what our young Mr. Kent wanted to hear.
Clark returns the smile.
Lana walks up the stairs outdoors on the Central A&M Kansas college campus. Day. She looks apprehensive as Jason walks down the stairs toward her. He is surprised to see her.
Jason: What are you doing here?
Lana: It's nice to see you too.
Jason: Sorry, I just didn't expect you to show up on campus.
Lana: Like I didn't expect you to say that you needed space right before you walked out on me? Jason, what's really going on here?
Jason: Where this is heading with us, I just don't think you're ready. I don't think you're ready for a relationship like that.
Lana: Relationship like what?
Jason: Can we not talk about this right now? I don't want ... Look, Lana, I have to go.
Jason walks away, leaving Lana alone on the stairs.
A woman spins gracefully on one foot on the ice of a hockey rink. Night. The rink is full of people skating in long circles and music plays as they go. Three small boys skate speedily past Clark, who is skating awkwardly, holding his arms out for balance. Alicia skates up next to him effortlessly.
Alicia: Super powers can't save you now, Clark Kent.
Clark: [Uneasy.] No, I'm good. I'm-I'm good.
Alicia: Okay, come on.
Alicia is in front of Clark skating backwards, and she holds out her hands. He takes them and she pulls him along, coaching him.
Alicia: Relax your knees. Just glide.
She skates back to his side, holding onto his hand and they continue to skate.
Alicia: I'm really glad that you called me. I didn't think that you would after what happened last time we went out on a date.
Clark: Well, you were sick then, and I understand now.
Alicia: I don't. [She does a quick, spin and continues to skate.] I mean, I remember feeling angry and alone and doing all those things, but I don't know, when I think about it now, it's like... it's like watching a movie, like it wasn't even really me.
Clark: Maybe it wasn't. Maybe this is the real you.
Alicia looks at Clark, smiling at him shyly. Suddenly, Clark loses his balance and falls backwards onto the ice. Alicia lands on top of him and they both laugh.
Alicia: Good thing you've got buns of steel.
Clark touches her face affectionately as if about to kiss her. Alicia glances up toward the higher level of the hockey rink and she sees Dr. McBride standing there watching her.
Alicia: [To Clark.] Um, you might be impervious to the cold, but I'm turning into a Popsicle. [She starts to stand up and helps Clark to his feet.]
Clark: [Jokingly.] Well, I do have heat vision.
Alicia: I think I'd settle for some hot chocolate.
Clark: Okay.
Alicia: I'm just gonna go freshen up first. I'll meet you over there.
Clark: Okay.
Alicia leaves Clark's side, and goes up the stairs to meet Dr. McBride. She doesn't see him when she gets there, but he walks up behind her.
McBride: Enjoying your freedom?
Alicia: [Startled.] Oh, Dr. McBride. What are you doing here?
McBride: Checking up on my favorite patient.
[He takes her arm and looks at the bracelet.] This does more than just keep you in place, Alicia.
Alicia: You lojacked me?
McBride: I have to know where you are so that you don't do anything to jeopardize your release. Like associating with Clark Kent.
Alicia: What I do with Clark is my own business.
McBride: Clark was the object of your obsession, Alicia. Your feelings for him are what precipitated your psychotic break. You really want to risk an incident like that again?
Alicia: But you said that I was better.
McBride: And I want you to stay that way. Perhaps more sessions together outside of the office would be beneficial. [Alicia looks at him noncommittally.] You are such a bright, beautiful young girl.
McBride touches her face and she pulls away slightly. He holds onto her hair gently.
McBride: It'd be a shame to see you end up back in Belle Reve. Stop seeing Clark Kent before someone gets hurt.
He walks away leaving Alicia with a heartbroken expression on her face.
Cut to Alicia walking back to Clark who is now sitting on a bench inside the rink with two cups of hot chocolate. He smiles when he sees her.
Clark: There you are. I thought I'd lost you.
Alicia: [Sitting next to him.] Oh, you're not getting rid of me that easily.
She takes her hot chocolate from him and drinks it.
Alicia: Oh, I let it get cold. Would you mind?
She holds the cup toward Clark. He looks around hesitantly, then sh**t his heat vision into the cup until the hot chocolate is steaming again.
Alicia: Thanks.
Clark smiles and puts his arm around Alicia.
Clark: So what do you want to do next?
Alicia: Um, you want to go for a drive?
Clark: Sure. Where do you want to go?
Alicia: [Thinking about it.] Have you ever been to California?
Clark: California? [He laughs.] Sure, let's jump in the truck and we'll go to California right now.
Clark laughs, but Alicia just looks at him, biting the edge of her cup slyly.
Clark: Are you serious? [She nods.] Alicia, going to California would be ...
Alicia: Crazy?
Clark: I wasn't gonna say that.
Alicia: No, I know that it sounds crazy. I just... I just want to go somewhere where nobody knows me or what I did. And I want you to come with me.
Clark: I can't. I mean, as much as I'd want to be with you... [Alicia lowers her eyes, disappointed.] Is everything okay?
Alicia: Yeah. Um, I actually have to go. I'll call you later.
Alicia stands up and walks away quickly. Clark remains seated, looking confused.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Night. Alicia enters the Torch office and closes the door behind her, looking around. She walks to one of the desks and opens all of the drawers, rummaging through them, looking for something. She doesn't find what she wants and goes to the file cabinet in the corner of the room, pulling open the top two drawers and peeking inside. She goes over to the second desk and opens the drawers there.
Then she sees another chest of drawers next to the wall and opens a drawer, finding a circular pink box. She opens the box and pulls out a Smallville High class ring with red kryptonite in place of a ruby. She brings the ring over to the desk and sets it down. Then she grabs a decorative glass ball sitting on the desk and slams it down onto the ring, crushing the metal holding the kryptonite.
She picks up the kryptonite and looks at it closely with a nervous expression on her face.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Lex is in the study fencing with a partner. They are both dressed in full fencing gear including masks. Lionel enters and Lex becomes distracted, causing him to lose his grip on his sword and his partner stops with the tip of her sword pressed against his chest, bending slightly under the pressure. Both Lex and his partner take off their masks. The woman has long blond hair and is very attractive.
Lex: Well, the prodigal father returns.
Lionel: I've been trying to reach you but you're always somehow... unavailable. Too busy playing with your sword to speak to your father?
Lex: Actually, I've been preoccupied by your court papers, trying to unravel how you managed to get your conviction overturned.
Lionel: Well, I don't think you'll find the answers in a stack of legal documents.
Lex kisses his fencing partner quickly on the lips and she leaves.
Lionel: It was a, uh... miracle. There's no other way to explain it. And I must use that freedom I was given towards a... a greater purpose.
Lex: Well, I hope that purpose doesn't include returning to LuthorCorp because you won't be walking through the door to the executive suite or raiding the coffers to line your pockets any time soon.
Lionel: I'm not here for money, Lex. I don't want to take LuthorCorp away from you. Corporate maneuvering doesn't interest me anymore.
Lex: So, what, now trying to k*ll me is gonna be a full time job?
Lex sits at his desk.
Lionel: I know, I know where you're coming from. It's a place of anger and mistrust. But it's not too late. It's not. There's still time to get off the path that can only lead to darkness.
Lex: Come on, Dad. What are you really up to?
Lionel: I am trying to make the world a better place. I'm going to create a charitable foundation, not just to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. [Lex smiles scornfully.] I want to really help people, try inspire the human spirit. I wish everyone on the face of the earth could be as blessed as I am!
Lex: [Pause. He leans across the desk.] So now you're the messiah?
Lionel: No. Lex, no, I'm just ... I'm... I'm a man who has a dream.
Lex looks at Lionel doubtfully. Lionel looks back at him, wide-eyed and excited.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Night. Inside, Clark puts down a box full of birdhouses when Alicia runs up behind him and covers his eyes.
Alicia: [Giggling.] Guess who!
Clark: [Pleasantly surprised.] I was starting to think you were on your way to California already.
Alicia: Well, my bags are in the car.
Clark: What's going on?
Alicia: Uh, Dr. McBride my psychiatrist, he was at the ice rink. He said that if I keep seeing you, he's going to send me back to Belle Reve.
Clark: Why would he do that?
Alicia: Maybe because he's jealous. I think, in his mind, he thought that if I was out, he could be with me.
Clark: Well, go to the review board at Belle Reve and tell them about McBride.
Alicia: I can't risk them revoking my probation.
Clark: What do you think they're gonna do if you run?
Alicia: As long as I'm free, I don't care. [She puts her arms around Clark's shoulders.] Come with me, Clark.
Clark: I want to. But running is not the answer. Trust me, I know.
Alicia: I wish I was as strong as you are. But... I'm not. Um... I made something for you in Belle Reve for when I got out.
She goes to her bag and reaches into it.
Clark: Alicia...
Alicia: I guess now it's a goodbye present.
She pulls a necklace out of the bag with several pieces of red kryptonite beaded into it. She unclasps the necklace as she shows it to Clark.
Alicia: Would you mind wearing it, so I can see it on you just once?
Alicia walks toward Clark and kisses him on the cheek as she fastens the necklace around his neck. Then she steps back to watch what happens.
Clark's eyes begin to glow red and a mischievous smirk forms on his lips.
Chloe is seated at her computer in the Torch office when Lana enters. Night.
Lana: Hey.
Chloe: Hey. I missed you in A.P. Lit today. What happened? You decide you just couldn't face the love songs of J. Alfred Prufrock?
Lana smiles.
Lana: No, um, I went to go see Jason.
Chloe: Sounds like it didn't go so well. [Lana looks surprised.] I'm sorry, but um, poker face isn't exactly your strong suit. What's up?
Lana: I think I finally figured out why he's been so cryptic. He doesn't think that I'm ready for that kind of a relationship.
Chloe: What? What kind?
Lana looks at Chloe uncomfortably.
Chloe: [Catching on.] Oh, that kind. Oh, okay.
Lana clears her throat awkwardly.
Chloe: Wow. That answers a question I've been dying to ask you all semester.
Lana: Does everybody think that we've ...
Chloe: [Standing up.] Lana, you were alone with him for three months in Paris.
Lana: Right. Um... Well, we haven't. But I'm starting to think that I'm ready.
Lana sits down and Chloe sits next to her.
Chloe: First off, don't do this just because you're afraid to lose him if you don't.
Lana: It's not that. It's just Jason's in college, and I think that he's used to relationships that are... that are a little more adult.
Chloe: Okay, well, at the risk of going "after school special" on you, two-thirds of all people under the age of 18 regret doing it too soon. [Lana nods.] And on behalf of that two-thirds, just be sure that you're really ready.
Lana: Wait a minute. Are you saying that you've ...
Chloe: Yeah. During my internship at the Daily Planet. His name was Jimmy. He was very cute in a bow tie kind of way. You know, I mean, it was ... it was a summer infatuation that I thought was the really thing.
Lana: Do you wish you hadn't done it?
Chloe: Sometimes. I mean, it wasn't awful by any means. But it just wasn't special, and as cliche as it sounds, it only happens once. So just make sure Jason's the guy that you want to remember forever.
Lana lowers her eyes, distressed.
Discarded clothing litters the floor of the loft. Night. Clark and Alicia are making out on the couch. Clark is wearing his jeans and no shirt, and Alicia is in her skirt and her bra. The necklace is still around Clark's neck as they kiss heavily.
Alicia: Okay, can we just slow down? I want this to last forever.
Clark: I'm not sure that's one of my abilities, but I'll do my best.
He begins kissing her neck.
Alicia: Okay, just one second.
Alicia pushes him back and sits up.
Clark: What?
Alicia lifts her hair away from her neck to cool off and touches the back of her hand to her face.
Alicia: Uh...
Clark: What is it?
Alicia: [Embarrassed.] I'm a virgin.
Clark: [Laughing, excited.] That's great. So am I.
He starts to kiss her again. She pushes him away.
Alicia: Really?
Clark: What?
Alicia: It's just, well, we don't have any kind of commitment or anything.
Clark: Oh, baby, no one is more committed to making this happen than me.
Clark pushes her onto her back and lies on top of her.
Clark: You are the most beautiful, amazing, sexiest girl I've ever met, and there's no way I'm letting you get away.
Alicia: [Excited.] Does that mean, like, you want me to be your girlfriend?
Clark: No. I want you to be my wife.
Alicia: [Whispering, shocked.] Are you serious?
Clark gets off of her and kneels down next to her on the floor, taking her hand.
Clark: We were meant to be together. We could be in Vegas tonight and wake up Mr. and Mrs. in the morning.
Alicia: Oh, my God!
Alicia laughs and leaps into Clark's lap, kissing him again. He lays her back onto the couch and his hand trails down her arm toward her lead bracelet. He breaks it and drops it onto the floor. There is a flash of light as they teleport away.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Las Vegas. Night. Inside a chapel tackily decorated with lighted garlands, sparkling hearts, and gold cupids, Clark and Alicia stand in front of a minister. Clark is wearing a tuxedo and Alicia is in a white wedding dress. A woman in a white wig plays the Wedding March on the organ.
Minister: We are gathered here to join this happy couple in holy matrimony. Marriage, as you know, is a union that should not be entered into lightly.
Clark: Yeah, yeah, skip to the good stuff, Pops.
Alicia smiles.
Minister: Oh, all right, um... [He pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket.] Do you, Clark Kent, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?
Clark puts a ring on Alicia's finger.
Clark: Hell, yes.
Minister: And do you, Alicia Baker, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Alicia: I do.
Minister: Well, you may kiss the ...
Clark kisses Alicia.
Minister: Oh, I see you're already doing that. Well, by the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you man and wife.
The woman playing the organ smiles. Clark picks up Alicia and super speeds out of the chapel with her. The woman at the organ throws confetti as they pass by.
Cut to Clark and Alicia entering their suite. It is large and gaudy and full of red lighting. A huge bed waits for them across the room. Clark puts Alicia down and when she sees the room she runs through it, spinning around and laughing with excitement.
Alicia: My head is swimming!
Clark: Don't drown just yet.
Clark takes off his jacket. Alicia kicks off her shoes and stands on the bed, jumping up and down.
Alicia: Oh, my God! I can't believe this! I'm Mrs. Clark Kent.
Clark: [Walking toward the bed.] Let's make it official.
Alicia shrieks with happiness.
Lana is in her apartment above the Talon. Night. She is wearing only a nightshirt and lighting a row of candles. She blows out the match just as Jason knocks on the door and enters. We see that the whole room is full of lit candles and there is a f*re in the fireplace.
Lana: Jason. You're early.
Jason: Well, I got your message. It sounded like an emergency, so I came as soon as I could.
Lana: This isn't exactly how I planned it.
Jason closes the door and walks toward Lana, waiting for her to speak.
Lana: I need you to look me in the eye and tell me that you don't love me.
She sees that Jason can't say it.
Lana: Then there's no good reason why we shouldn't be together.
Lana starts to unbutton her nightshirt nervously. Jason realizes what is going on and takes her hands.
Jason: Okay, I'm gonna stop you. Um, not that I wouldn't love for this to happen, but it can't. I mean, not like this.
Lana: [Becoming upset.] I don't understand. Um, I thought that you broke up with me because...
Jason: Okay, all right, um... I haven't been completely honest with you.
Jason walks to the fireplace, facing away from Lana.
Lana: [Afraid.] There's someone else.
Jason: [Turning back to her.] No. Um, no.
Lana: Then what is it, Jason? Why did you just walk out on this relationship?
Jason: Because I don't think we met by accident. I think that my mother arranged it.
Lana: How is that even possible?
Jason: My mother was the one who convinced me to go to Paris in the first place. She said that I would meet someone special, and I did. And then everything started happening, that tattoo, and Isobel's tomb, and the spell book. None of it made any sense. Until you saw my mother in your nightmare about Isobel being b*rned at the stake.
Lana: No, that was just a bad dream, that's all.
Jason: Well, maybe it was your subconscious connecting the dots. Either way, I didn't want my mother to use me to get close to you, so, uh...
Lana: [Holding his face.] Jason, whatever's going on, it doesn't change the way that I feel about you.
Jason: Yeah.
The embrace, both with fear in their eyes.
Alicia runs away from Clark playfully in their suite. Night. She giggles as he walks toward a table that has a bucket of rose petals and a dish of fruit on it. He knocks everything off the table and picks up Alicia, setting her down on the table. They kiss passionately and Clark smiles as he sees himself in the mirror behind Alicia. He grabs the back of her dress and rips it open. Then she holds out a foot against his stomach and pushes him backwards where he falls into a chair behind him. She stands up straight and the dress falls off of her completely revealing white lingerie beneath.
Alicia runs to Clark and jumps into his lap, kissing him again. She stands up and backs away from the chair, moving toward a beam and she leans back against it as Clark follows her slowly. He gets to her and they kiss again as he rips off the top part of her lingerie. She is wearing a bra underneath.
He stops kissing her for a moment and just looks at her hungrily. Then he goes in for another kiss and she teleports away. He turns around and she is now sitting on the bed, waving at him flirtatiously from behind a leopard skin pillow. Clark dives for the bed and she screams delightedly. They kiss.
Alicia: Oh, God, I love you so much.
Clark: I know how you feel.
They kiss again.
Alicia: Wait.
Clark: Wait? We don't have to wait. We're married.
Alicia: No. I just want this to be right. [She starts to unclasp his necklace.] I want all of you.
She unfastens the necklace and pulls it off of Clark, dropping it next to the bed where the glowing red kryptonite flickers and goes out. Clark's eyes turn red for a moment as the effects wear off. He looks at Alicia, mortified.
Clark: What'd you do to me?
Alicia: Okay, don't be mad.
Clark: [Sitting up.] How'd you know about the red kryptonite?
Alicia: Because I know everything about you, Clark. We were meant to be together, remember? Just like you said.
Clark: You drugged me.
Clark stands up, running his hands through his hair and looking around the room in disbelief.
Alicia: [Standing up, pleading.] No, it's not ... I just didn't know what else to do because I couldn't stay, and I couldn't leave without you so I just... I just thought you could listen to your heart instead of your head for once.
Clark: Look, you don't even see what you did was wrong! What's the matter with you?
Clark picks up his shirt.
Alicia: I just ... Clark you could've hooked up with any girl you wanted and you chose me. Why do you think that is?
Clark: You dosed me with red kryptonite! It makes me do things I don't want to do!
Clark puts on his shirt.
Alicia: No, I don't think that rock forces you to do anything, Clark! Maybe it dampens your inhibitions, but Clark Kent got himself into this situation, okay? Clark Kent asked me to marry him. Clark Kent brought me up to this hotel room to make love to me.
Clark: Well, maybe Clark Kent made a mistake.
Alicia: No. I did.
She teleports away.
Clark: Alicia, no!
Clark reaches out for her, but she is already gone.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark is talking on the phone in the loft.
Clark: Her mom hasn't heard anything either. [Pause.] Okay. Call me if you hear anything, okay Chloe?
Clark realizes that Dr. McBride is in the loft watching.
McBride: I warned Alicia to stay away from you.
Clark: Dr. McBride. Where is she?
McBride: She called me from her cell phone, hysterical, crying that maybe she wasn't better, that maybe she belonged back at Belle Reve.
Clark: Just where you thr*at to send her if she didn't stop seeing me.
McBride: Alicia is my greatest achievement. When she came to me, her mind was fractured and broken. I made her whole again. Now look what you've done to her.
Clark: What I've done? You're the reason she wanted to run away.
McBride: No, you stalked her. You kidnapped her. You forced her to marry you.
Clark: That's not what happened.
McBride pulls a g*n out of his coat.
McBride: Well, that is what the police will believe when I take you in.
Clark: What are you doing?
McBride: [Pointing the g*n at Clark.] To help Alicia, I had to understand her obsession so I studied you. It wasn't hard. The sheriff's files are filled with your unexplained appearances at violent crime scenes. The classic earmarks of a troubled teen. Don't worry, they don't send kids like you to jail. They send them to me... at Belle Reve.
There is a flash of light as Alicia teleports into the loft behind Dr. McBride. McBride turns around.
Alicia: Clark didn't do anything.
McBride: What are you doing here?
Clark: Alicia, get out of here.
McBride: Don't tell her what to do!
Alicia: Clark, I know I made a huge mistake. You're the only person who's ever really known me.
McBride: [Hurt.] Alicia ...
Alicia: [Still to Clark.] And when I'm with you, I feel normal. I'll always love you for that.
McBride: No! I'm not gonna let him keep hurting you!
Alicia: You don't know what you're talking about!
McBride: This stops now!
Dr. McBride turns back to Clark and pulls the trigger. The b*llet comes out of the g*n in slow motion and Alicia teleports away from where she is standing. We see from her view as she flies through the air and stops in front of Clark where she rematerializes, the b*llet headed straight for her and hitting her in the chest.
She screams with the impact and lands in Clark's arms. He looks down at the growing red blood stain on her shirt, then lowers her to the ground.
McBride: Alicia!
He runs to Alicia's side, but Clark pushes him away with one hand, sending him flying through the wall of the barn. Clark cradles Alicia's head.
Alicia: [Weak.] We should probably get to a hospital, don't you think?
Clark: Alicia, why'd you do that? You know I could've caught that b*llet.
Alicia: Because I promised you that I'd always protect your secret. I promised.
Her eyes close.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Day. Inside, Clark enters a patient room where Alicia is lying in a bed with her arm in a sling. She opens her eyes and looks at him.
Clark: Hey.
Alicia: Hey.
Clark: How are you feeling?
Alicia: Like I just teleported in front of a b*llet. [She laughs softly, then grimaces with pain.] Ow.
Clark sits next to the bed.
Clark: The doctor said you could be released today. You might want to hold the jokes until then.
Alicia: What happened to Dr. McBride?
Clark: They're holding him for observation at Belle Reve for trying to k*ll one of his patients.
Alicia: I'm so sorry about what I did to you, Clark. I guess... I just didn't want to lose the one good thing in my life.
Clark: I'm not so sure that drugging me was the best way to preserve the relationship.
Alicia doesn't respond. Clark takes her hand.
Clark: I wanted you with or without that rock.
Alicia: [Sadly.] Past tense noted.
Clark: Get some rest, okay?
Clark stands up to go, although he clearly doesn't want to. Alicia doesn't let go of his hand until the last possible second, but she does finally let go.
Alicia: Clark? [Clark turns around.] I really am sorry. You know that, right?
Clark: Yeah, I know.
Clark turns unhappily away from her and looks at something that he is holding in his hand. He puts it down on the table and we see that it is Alicia's broken lead bracelet. Clark leaves.
Lex is seated in front of the fireplace in his study when Lionel enters. Night.
Lionel: Oh, a warm f*re on a cold night. There's nothing like it, is there?
Lex: Thanks for coming by, Dad. I know how busy you are with saving the world.
Lionel: I was, uh, hoping that your call was an olive branch, that we could reconcile, but obviously I was wrong.
Lionel turns to leave and Lex stands up.
Lex: Where are you going, Dad? Back to the motel out by the interstate? [Looks at his watch.] Or, hey, it's almost dinnertime. You might still be able to make it to the mission for your evening bowl of soup.
Lionel: They also serve a surprisingly tasty Salisbury steak.
Lex points at Lionel with the f*re poker, smiling at Lionel's joke. Then Lex puts the poker down.
Lex: You know, I gotta hand it to you, Dad. When you throw yourself into a role, you really commit.
Lex sits down on the sofa. Lionel sits down on the other sofa across from Lex.
Lionel: This is not an act, Lex, you should know that by now. You've been having me followed since I was released.
Lex: Which you knew I would.
Lionel: [He chuckles.] I'm not playing at some elaborate game, Lex. This is my life now. You've stripped me of every penny I once hand, and I'm making the best of it. And you're right. It's, uh, it's about time for my evening bowl of soup.
Lionel stands up and starts to leave again.
Lex: Dad.
Lionel turns around.
Lex: You can stay in the guesthouse.
Lionel: Thanks. [He opens the door.] It'll be much easier keeping an eye on me.
Lex: Good night, Dad.
Lionel nods and leaves the study.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Inside, Martha comes down the stairs slowly to where Clark is seated at the kitchen counter.
Clark: [Cautious.] Is Dad still upset?
Martha: [Cold.] What do you think?
Martha walks to Clark's side.
Clark: How about you?
Martha: I'm upset. But more than that, I'm disappointed.
Clark: [Quietly.] I was on red kryptonite, Mom.
Martha: My God, you ran off with a girl you barely know and got married.
Clark: It wasn't legal.
Martha: [Becoming angrier.] That's not even the point. Marriage is sacred, Clark. It's about two people who trust each other and are willing to go through life together no matter how difficult it gets. I thought we had taught you that!
Clark turns away from Martha with tears in his eyes.
Martha: You're an amazing young man, Clark. You make life and death decisions every day. But then you turn around and ... and you do this. Why did you do it?
A tear falls down Clark's cheek when he speaks.
Clark: Mom, there's a part of me that never feels freer than when I'm with Alicia. She makes me feel normal and special at the same time.
Martha: I know how badly you want to be with somebody. I want that for you too. I guess I just expected you to use better judgment.
Martha leaves the room.
Clark stands alone on the upper level of the loft. Day. Alicia enters, still wearing her sling.
Alicia: I guess I know why you're alone.
Clark: [Happy to see her.] Hey. Alicia.
Clark starts to come down the stairs as Alicia comes up and they meet halfway.
Clark: I see you're wearing the lead bracelet again.
Alicia holds up her left arm, displaying the bracelet.
Alicia: It keeps me grounded. Anyway, I just wanted to say thank you.
Clark: For what?
Alicia: For helping me be a better person.
Clark: I have faith in you.
Alicia: Look, I know that we can never be together after what I did. But it doesn't change how I feel. And I just wanted you to know that for as long as I live, I'm never gonna reveal your secret.
Clark smiles tightly, trying to remain in control of his emotions. Alicia looks at him for a moment as if waiting for a response, but nothing comes.
Alicia: I love you.
Alicia turns away from Clark and walks down the stairs, holding back her tears. Clark watches her go for moment, then springs into action.
Clark: Alicia, wait.
He comes down the stairs and walks up behind her, touching her shoulder to turn her around. She turns to face him and starts to sob. Clark embraces her tightly and she cries into his chest.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x11 - Unsafe"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 2, 2005
The Talon. Night. Lana, Jason, and dozens of other people fill the Talon and watch Chloe and Lois on a small stage enthusiastically singing karaoke. Both Chloe and Lois dance in place as they sing loudly into their microphones. Everyone is cheering and having fun.
Lois & Chloe: [Singing.] I love rock and roll, so put another dime in the jukebox, baby! I love rock and roll, so come and take your time and dance with me.
Chloe: [Screaming like a rockstar into the microphone.] Whoa!
Lana laughs with delighted disbelief. Lois laughs at Chloe.
Lois & Chloe: [Singing.] He smiled, so I got up and asked for his name.
Lois steps off the stage and points to a good-looking young man seated at the table next to Lana and Jason. His name is TIM.
Lois: [Flirtatious.] You, right there.
Tim smiles a little uncomfortably.
Lois & Chloe: [Singing.] He said it doesn't matter ‘cause it's all the same. I said, can I take you home where we can be alo-woe-wone? And then we were movin' on and he was with me. Yeah, me.
Lana looks in Tim's direction, smiling. He continues to smile, but still seems a little embarrassed.
Lois & Chloe: [Singing.] Next we're movin' on and he was with me, yeah, me singin' I love rock and roll! So put another dime in the jukebox, baby! I love rock and roll, so come and take your time and dance with me!
Clark and Alicia enter the Talon holding hands. Lana turns to the entrance and sees them come in. A look of shock comes over her face. Lois and Chloe notice too, and stop singing, but the karaoke music continues playing in the background. Lois turns to Chloe and speaks, not realizing that she is talking directly into her microphone.
Lois: First he married the girl, now he's dating her?
Lois's microphone squeaks slightly as her comment is heard throughout the Talon. Alicia lowers her eyes uncomfortably.
Chloe: That was subtle, Lois.
Lois: [Embarrassed.] Right.
Chloe: Good.
The music has stopped and everyone in the Talon has gone silent as they stare at Alicia and Clark. Clark glares up at Lois as Alicia looks to Clark imploringly. Lana looks around for a moment, then turns to Jason.
Lana: [Disgusted.] I think I've seen enough for one night.
Lana stands up, leaving Jason at the table and walks towards the stairs to her apartment. Alicia follows her.
Alicia: Lana, wait.
Lana turns to face Alicia.
Alicia: I just want to apologize.
Lana: [Laughing angrily.] For what? Trying to k*ll me or not succeeding?
Alicia: Look, all I want is a chance to prove to you who I really am.
Lana: You already have.
Lana goes up the stairs. Jason and Clark follow and stop when they get to Alicia.
Jason: [To Clark.] I can't believe you brought her here.
Clark: Jason, listen ...
Jason: Listen to what? Another apology?
Alicia turns and walks out of the Talon.
Jason: You think just ‘cause she says she's better that everything's gonna be okay? Come on, man.
Jason goes up the stairs.
Cut to an outside sh*t of the Talon, later the same night.
Lana is upstairs in her apartment, wearing a bathrobe and lighting candles in the bathroom. She blows out the match and goes to the door, locking it as she turns down the lights. The soft glow of the candles is the only light left as she turns on the shower.
Jason is seated at a table in the living room working on his homework.
In the bathroom, Lana stands in the shower behind the translucent plastic curtain, washing her hair. Then, we see into the bathroom through the view of someone who is peeking in through the keyhole in the door. We see Lana's silhouette through the curtain.
What appears to be a swirling swarm of dust particles flies into the bathroom through the keyhole, creating a soft whooshing sound. A wind accompanies the sound and causes the burning candles to flicker slightly, but not go out. Lana notices the sound, but shortly dismisses it.
She leans her face into the stream of water coming from the showerhead and pushes her hair out of her face when suddenly the curtain is pulled from the rod and wrapped tightly around her face, cutting off her air. She tries to scream, but her voice is quickly stifled as she gasps against the curtain. Finally, she passes out and falls down in the tub.
Jason, having heard the crash, is trying to open the locked door from the outside.
Jason: Lana?
When Lana doesn't answer, Jason kicks the door open and walks into the room. He sees Lana lying in the bathtub, wrapped in the shower curtain. The water is still running.
Jason: Lana?
He runs to the bathtub and kneels down next to it, turning off the water. He leans into the bathtub and pulls Lana into a seated position. Her head is now exposed, but she is unconscious.
Jason: [Panicked.] Lana? Hey, can you hear me?
The swarm of dust flies out the bathroom door behind Jason, unnoticed.
Jason: Lana? Lana. Lana, look at me.
Outside sh*t of Smallville Medical Center. Night. Inside, we see Lana dressed in a hospital gown sitting upright on a bed in one of the patient rooms. Jason is at her side and a nurse who has just finished checking Lana's vitals is leaving the room. As the nurse leaves, a doctor who is also in the room walks towards Lana to examine her. Lois and Chloe wait in the hallway. Clark comes around the corner and walks toward them.
Clark: [Breathless and concerned.] How's Lana? Is she okay?
Without waiting for a response, Clark walks past Chloe and Lois and straight to the window to look in at Lana where he sees the doctor shining a small flashlight into Lana's eyes.
Chloe: Hey, Clark. Yeah, she's-she's fine. I mean, lucky for her, Jason pulled a T.J. Hooker and broke the bathroom door down.
Lois: Only to discover Lana's mystery assailant had somehow flown the coop. So, have they arrested your arm ornament yet?
Clark: [Confused.] What?
Chloe: Sheriff Adams was just here, and she spent a lot of time focusing on the "att*cked inside a locked room" scenario.
Lois: And the name Alicia Baker came up more than once in a bunny boiler kind of way.
Clark: Alicia didn't do this.
Lois and Chloe look at Clark doubtfully.
Clark: Ever since she was released from Belle Reve, she's been wearing her lead bracelet. It prevents her from using her abilities.
Lois: [Disbelieving.] And did she also happen to be wearing anything low-cut when she spun you that tale, ‘cause I'm not sure you're thinking with you "big" brain here.
Chloe: Clark, just because Alicia says that the bracelet keeps her from teleporting doesn't mean that it's the truth.
Clark: She was with me when Lana got att*cked. I was saying good night in Grandville.
Chloe: Yeah, but every second? You have to admit that she can transport easier than Captain Kirk.
Lois: And she did try to carve herself a Jack-O-Lana before, cut and dry. Emphasis on the "cut."
Clark: I'm telling you Alicia couldn't have done this. I know her.
Clark walks away from Chloe and Lois and back to the window to look in at Lana. Jason comes out of the room and stands face to face with Clark, looking annoyed.
Jason: Clark. Lana doesn't want to see you.
Clark looks past Jason and into the window where Lana is still talking to the doctor.
Sheriff Adams is writing in her notepad as she talks to Clark, Martha, and Jonathan in the Kent kitchen. Day.
Adams: I'm getting a funny sense of deja vu here, Mr. Kent. Haven't we acted out this particular charade before?
Clark: This is different, Sheriff. Alicia did not att*ck Lana. She was with me.
Adams: [thr*at.] I better not find out you're covering for that girlfriend of yours, Mr. Kent. Having you as an alibi is the only thing keeping me from tossing her tail in jail.
Sheriff Adams nods her head at Clark for emphasis, then glances at Jonathan and Martha as she turns to leave. Jonathan opens the door for her and she exits.
Clark: [Exasperated.] Sheriff Adams already has Alicia tried and convicted.
Jonathan: Sheriff Adams has a point, Clark.
Martha: First Las Vegas and now an as*ault charge. What are you doing with this girl, Clark?
Clark: Alicia didn't do this.
Jonathan: Son, your girlfriend has problems and this relationship is not healthy. Why can't you see that?
Clark: You always told me to look for the good in people, to believe in them. And Alicia deserves a second chance.
Jonathan takes a breath as if to respond, but Martha cuts him off.
Martha: What I don't understand is why do you continue to see her, knowing how we feel?
Clark: [Losing his temper.] She kept my secret. She got sh*t protecting me. What else does she have to do to prove herself?
Martha: What if she did this, Clark? What if she att*cked Lana the way she did before?
Clark is silent, worried.
Chloe and Lois are in the Torch office. Day. The bell rings as Chloe slings her bag over her shoulder.
Lois: Ever thought about getting out more?
Chloe: This coming from the hotshot college student who ran away from college this weekend.
Chloe leaves the office and Lois follows. They walk side by side down the hall.
Lois: It's Greek Week.
Chloe: So?
Lois: So, they're wearing their letters on their shirts, they sing group songs...
Chloe: [With mock sympathy.] Oh.
Lois: The fraternities are having a power puking contest.
Chloe: [Grossed out.] Oh, okay, enough said. I don't understand why you came out to Smallville, though.
Lois: Well, believe it or not, I like spending time with you, little cousin. Although that doesn't mean I'm ready to buy into your "meteors make freaks" theory.
They arrive at Chloe's locker. Chloe opens it.
Chloe: It's not just a theory, Lois. Alicia Baker tried to k*ll my best friend twice, and it was because of her meteor-induced abilities that she was able to do that.
Chloe puts some books in her locker and closes it.
Chloe: Did you know that Lana's bathroom door was locked? Who else could've gotten in? Or out for that matter?
Clark walks up.
Clark: That's what I want to know. Chloe, we need to find out if there's anybody else in Smallville who has abilities similar to Alicia's.
Chloe: Clark, I'm sorry, but even if there was someone else like Alicia, what would they have against Lana?
Tim, the guy from the Talon walks up.
Tim: Hey, I finished that op-ed piece, Chloe.
Chloe: Great.
Tim: Hey, Lois.
Lois: Hey.
Tim: [Suddenly shy.] I had a feeling I'd-I'd bump into you here.
Chloe smiles, realizing what is going on.
Tim: Um, I was wondering if, uh, you'd-you'd like to maybe have a cup of coffee or something with me, maybe.
Lois: [Surprised.] Coffee?
Clark smiles at Lois, delighted with her discomfort.
Chloe: [To Tim.] You know, Lois was just saying she needs to get out more.
Lois: [Trying to resist.] I ... I... Look...
Tim: Excellent. It's a date.
Tim hands a file folder to Chloe. She opens it and reads the headline of his article.
Chloe: "Smallville's Glory Days."
Beneath the main headline, the subheading says "Historical Society Opens Exhibition."
Chloe: Sounds interesting.
Tim: [To Lois.] I think it is, and I'll tell you about it over coffee.
Tim starts to walk away and Lois glares at Chloe angrily. Chloe smiles in return.
Clark: Hey, Tim. [Tim turns back.] Um, you were at the Talon last night. Did you see anything suspicious?
Tim: Um, no, nothing out of the ordinary. But your mother, she was there. She was cleaning up, and the blond girl that you were with was in the alley. Maybe they saw something.
Tim walks away, leaving Clark looking concerned.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Night. Inside Clark's loft, Clark and Alicia are on the upper level. Alicia stands, leaning against the railing as Clark paces anxiously.
Alicia: You look like a big cat in a small cage. [Clark doesn't answer.] You all right?
Clark: No. [He stops pacing.] Someone saw a blond girl in the alley behind the Talon when Lana was att*cked.
Alicia: [Pause.] Then somebody saw another blond girl in the alley, because it wasn't me. There's bound to be suspicion, Clark. People think I did it
Clark: [Trying to convince himself.] Besides, you couldn't have done it because you were with me. And you were wearing your bracelet.
Clark takes Alicia's hand and lifts up her sleeve to look at her bracelet. The bracelet isn't there. Clark takes a step back, shocked.
Alicia: [Defensive.] Clark...
Clark: You lied to me.
Alicia: I didn't ... I didn't lie. I mean... I didn't think that I needed it. [Clark's frightened expression remains.] You don't understand. I couldn't give up my powers again. It was worse than being in prison. What would you do if somebody told you that you couldn't use your abilities?
Clark: I don't know. But I would give them away in a second before I'd use them to hurt someone.
Alicia: Yeah, so would I. I'm better now, Clark, you know that. I just want people to accept me for who I am. I think if you're honest with yourself, you'll realize that deep down inside you want that too. Look, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you about the bracelet. But I didn't do anything to hurt Lana. I swear. [More quietly.] I swear.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Lana and Jason stand next to the bar inside talking. Martha is several feet away, within earshot, cleaning up. The Talon is closed. Lana and Jason's conversation is serious, but somewhat playful.
Lana: Jason, don't be ridiculous. I'll be fine for a few hours.
Jason: You do realize that you were att*cked in your own apartment behind a locked door. You want me to just leave you alone and spend an evening digging through the university's microfiche? No.
Lana: Well, I am not going not let you flunk history.
Clark walks in, hearing Lana's last line and picking up on the affection between her and Jason. He pretends not to notice.
Clark: Mom, ready to go?
Martha: [To Jason.] Why don't Clark and I stay with Lana?
Clark and Lana share an awkward look and Jason looks doubtfully at Clark.
Lana: I think that that is a great idea. [Handing Jason his jacket.] Go. I'll be fine.
Jason: All right. I won't be long.
Jason looks at Clark coldly for another moment, then leaves.
Cut to the alley behind the Talon where Jason is walking to his car. He pulls his key ring out of his pocket and disarms the car alarm, then gets inside the car, closing the door. He glances absently at the rearview mirror, then sticks his key into the ignition. When he looks up at the mirror again, it is crooked, and the dice hanging from it are swaying back and forth.
Jason straightens the mirror, confused but not overly concerned. He reaches to turn the key in the ignition when suddenly a green scarf is thrown over his head and wraps tightly around his neck, choking him.
He gasps and reaches for the scarf, but it is pulled around his neck too tightly for him to breath. He pulls at the scarf with one hand and with the other he starts frantically honking the car horn over and over.
Unseen by Jason, Clark super speeds into the alley and tries to open the passenger door but it is locked. Clark punches the window, shattering it, and the scarf immediately goes limp around Jason's neck, allowing him to breath again. Jason looks around but doesn't see anyone else in the car. He holds his neck as he catches his breath. Clark looks closely at the scarf, clearly recognizing it.
From beneath Jason's seat, the same dust we saw in Lana's apartment swirls out of the car. Neither Jason nor Clark see it.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Medical Center. Night. Jason is just finishing getting dressed in a patient room as his mother Genevieve rushes into the room breathlessly and holds his face.
Jason: Mom, what are you doing here?
Genevieve: I had to come to make sure my son was all right. [She hugs him.] I phoned Dr. Martin on the way here. He can see you today.
Annoyed, Jason pulls away from her.
Jason: I'm fine. I've been hurt worse in football.
Genevieve: Well, it never hurts to get a second opinion from a real doctor.
Jason: Let it go, Mom.
Jason picks up his watch from the table and puts it on his wrist.
Genevieve: It's just hard to see you suffering here by yourself. You'd at least think your girlfriend would be here.
Jason: You really want to play that game?
Genevieve: This is not a game, Jason. This is your life. And I'm worried about the path you're heading down.
Jason: Oh, you mean the path you sent me down?
Genevieve: What are you talking about?
Jason: Lana. The girl you made sure I met in Paris.
Genevieve: Are you serious? I mean, how could anyone maneuver two people meeting and falling in love in Paris?
Lana enters.
Lana: Mrs. Teague. Um, I didn't know you were here.
Genevieve: Well, come in, Lana. We were just talking about you. Did, uh, Jason share his matchmaking theory with you?
Lana: [Quietly.] Yeah, he did.
Genevieve: And what did you think? That I had somehow used my mysterious powers to coerce you into going to Paris at exactly the same time that my son was there?
Lana lowers her eyes from Genevieve, then looks to Jason for help.
Jason: You don't have to answer that.
Genevieve: I think she already has. [Stepping closer.] Lana, I'm not a perfect mother. I can be overprotective and sometimes overbearing, especially when it comes to the women in my son's life.
Jason: [Trying to stop her.] Mom...
Genevieve: I had nothing to do with getting the two of your together as you can probably realize from my reaction to it. And why my son feels the need to blame me for meeting you is something you should be asking yourself.
There is a pause as Lana looks somewhat fearfully at Genevieve.
Genevieve: [To Jason.] If you change your mind about the doctor, let me know. [She touches Jason's face.] Feel better.
Genevieve leaves the room.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Clark enters the barn with a tackle box which he puts down on the table and opens. The box is full of different types of fishing lures. In one compartment, the lures all look like small silver fish. He takes one of these and pulls the hook out of it, then begins to smash it flat between his hands. He then picks up another one and smashes it into the first, connecting them end to end. Alicia enters behind him.
Alicia: It won't work. The one that they made me at Belle Reve was special. It had to be able to release trace amounts of lead into my blood stream to dampen my abilities, remember? [Clark keeps working.] I guess it's the thought that counts. [She looks at Clark's attempt at a bracelet.] It's a pretty ugly thought.
Clark: Where were you last night?
Alicia: I was wondering if you were ever gonna call me again. Why?
Clark closed the tackle box and puts it away.
Clark: Lana's boyfriend was att*cked. I was the one who saved him, and I found this in his car. [He holds up the green scarf.]
Alicia: [Stunned.] Okay, I didn't do it, Clark. I don't know how that got there, but I... it wasn't me.
Clark: Alicia, you have to turn yourself in.
Alicia: [Hurt.] You don't believe me.
Clark: I want to. I really do. But I need to stop who's doing this.
Alicia: Okay, well, then find out who really did it.
Clark: Everybody thinks it's you.
Alicia: Why, because of my powers? Because I'm a freak? You know what, Clark? Maybe if everybody knew your secret, you'd be a suspect too.
Clark: No, Alicia, this is not about your abilities.
Alicia: That's really easy for you to say, Clark. Everybody thinks that you're normal. How do you think your friends would react if they found out that you were exactly like me?
Clark: We'll just go to the sheriff. We'll tell her what happened. We'll explain everything. She'll understand, and it'll all work out. [Alicia thinks about it.] Just explain it to her.
Alicia: All right, I'll go with you... [Clark sighs with relief.] ...if you tell her about your powers too.
Clark: I can't do that.
Alicia: Why not, Clark? Don't you understand that once people know the truth about us, then they'll have to accept us for who we really are?
Clark: I'm sorry.
Alicia: Yeah, I'm sorry too. Letting people know about us is the only way that we're ever gonna be free, Clark. Don't hate me for wanting that.
She walks a few feet away from him.
Alicia: Goodbye, Clark.
She teleports away.
Clark: Alicia!
Clark reaches for her, but he is too late.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Clark enters the Talon holding Alicia's green scarf. He walks toward the bar where Sheriff Adams is drinking a cup of coffee.
Adams: Mr. Kent. Didn't see you there. Did you come to help your mother? [Taking a sip of coffee.] Mm. She has almost got that latte machine down.
Clark: [Sullen.] No, Sheriff, I came here to see you. [He shows her the scarf.] I found this in the car when Jason was att*cked. It belongs to Alicia.
Adams: [Taking the scarf.] You flip-flop more than a politician, Mr. Kent. So now you think your girlfriend's guilty, huh?
Clark: Maybe.
Adams: Well, I hate to disappointment you, Mr. Kent, but I've already been down that road. Despite your claim that Miss Baker was with you at the time of the first incident, I yanked her in for a little dog-and-pony. The scarf may have been there, but your girlfriend wasn't. Alicia Baker was locked in an interrogation room with me at the time the second victim was att*cked. There's no way she could've done it.
Adams gives the scarf back to Clark and leaves. Clark looks down at the scarf with surprise.
Chloe is typing in the Torch. Night. Alicia enters the office, noticing several articles about herself posted on Chloe's wall. Chloe doesn't see her.
Alicia: [Reading an article title.] "Can Any Cell Hold Her?"
Chloe stands up and turns to face Alicia, startled.
Alicia: Probably not.
Chloe: [Afraid.] Alicia, what are you doing here?
Alicia: Chloe Sullivan, ace reporter. You write all these articles about the people you call freaks and you don't even realize that someone close to you is one of them. Why are you ignoring what's right in front of your face, Chloe? Don't you want to know the truth about Clark Kent?
Chloe: [Doubtful.] Everyone knows you're crazy. Why should I believe you?
Alicia: You don't have to. I'm gonna prove it. And then you can write the story of a lifetime.
Alicia grabs Chloe by the arm and teleports them both out of the Torch.
Cut to the inside of Alicia's car where they both reappear, Alicia in the driver's seat.
Chloe: Where are we? What are you doing?
Alicia: Giving you your next headline. And making things better for Clark.
Alicia opens her cell phone and dials a number. Then she cradles the phone between her ear and her shoulder as she starts the car and speeds into the night, tires screeching as she goes. Chloe looks around fearfully.
Alicia: [On the phone, feigning terror.] Clark!
We hear Clark's muffled voice through the phone.
Clark: Alicia, what is it?
Alicia: I'm on Old Blossom Road and there's something really wrong with the car! It won't stop!
Clark: Hang on!
Alicia: Hurry! [She hangs up the phone, then speaks to Chloe.] Once you see this, you'll understand and Clark can be who he really is. And you can use that poison pen of yours to enlighten Smallville for a change.
The car continues to pick up speed as they drive down the road, heading straight for a construction site where the road is blocked by cones and barricades. Before they get there, Alicia touches Chloe's shoulder and teleports them both out of the car. Clark super speeds to the site. The construction equipment stands between him and the car that is now coming toward him.
Alicia and Chloe reappear several yards away to the side of the road, watching Clark from behind more barricades. Clark can't see or hear them. Chloe sees Clark standing in the path of the oncoming car.
Chloe: [Quietly, terrified.] Clark, what are you ...
Alicia: Don't worry, Chloe.
Chloe watches with tears of panic in her eyes as the car gets to the construction site and rides up a ramp, flipping sideways into the air and making a nosedive straight for Clark. Clark catches the car by the tip of the hood, holding it easily in the air. Then he slowly turns it upright and lowers it softly to the ground. When he stands up straight again, he notices that the car is empty. Clark seems confused for a moment, and then he super speeds away.
Having seen all of this, Chloe's jaw drops.
Chloe: Oh, my God.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Smallville Historical Museum. Day. Inside, Tim and Lois look at a miniature model of Smallville set up on a table.
Tim: Voila, Smallville circa 1988 before the meteor shower. After that, everything changed. My father used to say that the meteor shower infected Smallville somehow. It brought an evil to our town.
Lois: [Jokingly.] Sounds like something from the Sci-Fi channel.
Tim: Yeah. I'm sorry, I get a little carried away by the past sometimes. I don't have many memories of my father. You know, he passed away when I was young.
They walk past a few more models of Smallville.
Lois: I know what it's like to lose a parent. My mom died when I was little. I cherish the memories I have of her.
Tim: Yeah. My favorites are when my father used to talk about Smallville and the way things used to be. I mean, look at it now. Nobody ... nobody cares about right or wrong or morality, like that football coach dating a student. It's not right.
Lois: They're both over 18.
Tim looks at Lois seriously for a moment, then laughs.
Tim: Lois, it doesn't make it right. No. I mean, rules... rules are there for a reason. If those two got away with it, then other people would try, you see? It's a good thing that they were punished.
Lois: So you think they were att*cked because someone thought their relationship was immoral?
Tim: Um, I think that they got exactly what they deserved.
Lois raises her eyebrows, realizing that Tim is a little unbalanced. Tim nods at her, seeing absolutely nothing wrong with his statement. She looks at her watch, finding a reason to leave. A male voice is heard over the PA system.
Man: Smallville Historical Museum will be closing in two minutes.
Lois: Wow. Just look at the time. I better get back to the Torch. I have some... studying to do.
Lois exits the museum, leaving Tim alone. He is the only one left in the room. He steps away from the model and his body becomes hazy as he dissolves into a cloud of dust and swirls away.
Chloe is sitting at the bar in the Talon. Night. She is holding a cup of coffee but she isn't drinking it. She is staring into space, lost in thought. Lois enters in a hurry.
Lois: Chloe, have you seen Clark?
Chloe: [Startled.] What? Have I seen Clark do what? [Lois stares at Chloe, confused.] What ... Uh, oh, yeah, I've seen him.
Lois: Where?
Chloe: Why? Did something happen?
Lois: Bad date. I'm starting to think maybe Alicia isn't our resident psycho k*ller. I need to find Clark.
Chloe: [More to herself than Lois.] He's probably zipping around looking for Alicia.
Lois: Are you all right?
Chloe: [Quickly.] Fine. Yeah, fine. Uh... He's probably out at Alicia's house.
Lois: I'll swing by, see if he's there. Can you give me a call if he shows up here?
Chloe: Okay.
Lois: Okay.
Lois leaves.
Tim is in Alicia's barn looking through a chest of clothes. Night. Alicia enters behind him.
Tim: I'm glad you're finally home.
Alicia: What are you doing?
Tim: Oh, I'm just looking for evidence to leave at the next m*rder.
Alicia: It was you. Everyone thinks that I'm guilty because of you.
Tim: You are guilty. I mean, this-this really used to be such a nice little town.
Alicia: [Walking toward him.] You don't understand what you've done. Even Clark thinks that I'm guilty. [She grabs his arm.] You're not gonna ...
Tim pulls his arm out of Alicia's grip and yanks her toward him, holding a handkerchief tightly over her mouth and nose. She screams and tries to break free, but he holds her tightly. A horse neighs with fright in the background.
Tim: I already have.
Alicia loses consciousness and falls to the ground. Tim puts the handkerchief in his jacket pocket.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Night. Lex pours a drink in his study and takes a sip of it. Genevieve enters behind him and he turns around to face her.
Genevieve: You certainly have grown.
Lex: Forgive me, but you'll have to refresh my memory, Mrs. Teague. I wasn't aware that we'd met before.
Genevieve: No, please, Lex, call me Genevieve. I served on numerous committees with your father and your late mother. I used to see you with them often. [She smiles.] A bored young boy at the opera always getting into trouble.
Lex: Some of my finer moments, I'm sure. Can I get you something, Genevieve? I assure you, my tastes have matured.
He pours another drink and hands it to Genevieve.
Genevieve: I'm sure you've developed a taste for quite a lot of things, Lex. [She sips from her glass.] I understand you have a relationship with Lana Lang.
Lex: Care to tell me where this is going?
Genevieve: My son is young, Lex, young and headstrong like that boy at the opera. He can't always see what's best for him.
Lex: And you can.
Genevieve: With the wisdom of age, yes, I can. And what I see is that he's throwing his future away, as is your friend. Surely you know they're in a relationship that will never work.
Lex: I don't usually involve myself in other people's affairs of the heart, Genevieve.
Genevieve: But you did intervene at the high school.
Lex: That was a civic matter. Look, I'm not a family therapist, but I would suggest that you talk to your son.
Genevieve: Oh, I've tried, Lex. But as is often the way with young men, they don't listen particularly to their mothers. I was hoping I could persuade you to help me.
Lex: As I said, I don't interfere in other ...
Genevieve: In other people's affairs of the heart, I know. Perhaps you should look at the bigger picture, Lex. Helping me could work to your advantage. I recently came across some information about how your father managed to overturn his conviction and get out prison. Information you might find very interesting.
Lex looks at Genevieve for a few seconds, the gives her a small smile.
Clark walks toward Alicia's barn next to her house. Night. Alicia's dog is tied to the fence and barking frantically as Clark passes by.
Clark: Alicia!
There is no answer and Clark keeps walking. His eyes go wide with fright when he looks inside the barn and sees Alicia hanging from a noose. Her eyes are closed and she is limp. Clark runs to her and lifts her up to take the pressure of the rope off of her neck. Then he sh**t his heat vision across the barn to where the rope is tied, causing the rope to break and release Alicia.
Still holding Alicia, he gets to his knees, looking at her face.
Clark: No. Please, no.
Alicia's face is pale and she is unresponsive.
Clark: [Starting to cry.] Please, please. No, no. [Screaming.] NO! No!
Alicia's head leans involuntarily against Clark's chest.
Clark: No!
Lois enters behind him.
Lois: Clark! [She sees Alicia.] Oh, my God. Clark, what happened? [Clark doesn't respond.] I think I know who did this. And where we can find him.
Clark's face becomes a cold mask of fury.
Cut to Clark running into the Smallville Historical Museum after hours where he finds Tim. He throws Tim onto the ground and kneels over him, pushing his hand against Tim's face. Tim dissolves into dust, and Clark's hand falls to the floor. Tim rematerializes behind Clark.
Tim: Even you thought she was guilty, didn't you? Huh?
Clark stands up, preparing to h*t Tim, but Tim punches Clark first, sending him flying across the room.
Tim: Try not to feel too bad. I mean, hey, she did try to k*ll your girlfriend last year.
Clark stands up with tears of rage in his eyes.
Clark: You tried to k*ll Lana. What does that make you?
Tim: No, try to understand, Clark. I did what's right for Smallville. I have to make things right.
Clark: You k*lled Alicia. I loved her, and you took that away from me.
Clark lunges at Tim, but Tim dissolves again and the dust swarms around Clark, choking him. Clark falls to his knees, holding his throat. He finally sh**t his heat vision at the dust until Tim rematerializes on the floor, screaming in pain. Clark grabs him pulls him to his feet, slamming him up against a support beam. Tim's face is red and burnt from the heat vision.
Clark: You k*lled her!
Clark's hands find Tim's throat and cut off his air.
Clark: All she wanted was a chance.
Lois runs into the museum and toward Clark and Tim.
Lois: Clark, stop!
Clark: [Not paying attention.] You k*lled her.
Lois gets to Clark's side.
Lois: Stop, Clark. Clark, you're k*lling him.
Clark continues to choke Tim who is whimpering for air.
Lois: [Pleading.] Stop. Let him go.
Clark finally lets go of Tim's neck, and Tim falls to the floor. Lois takes Clark's arm as Clark stares breathlessly down at Tim. A tear runs down Clark's cheek.
Lois: It's gonna be okay. Clark, it's gonna be okay.
Clark cries as he stares down at Tim furiously.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Jason enters the study where Lex is seated at his desk.
Jason: Now, why would Lex Luthor want to see me? Let me take a s*ab at it. ‘Cause you want to lecture me on the evils of a part-time coach dating an 18-year-old high school student.
Jason leans over the desk impatiently.
Lex: I took a hard line about the school rules, Jason, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the individuals involved. I'm sorry I cost you your job, and I'd like to make it up to you.
Lex stands up and walks away from the desk.
Jason: [Skeptical.] Really? I mean, you still haven't rescheduled my meeting with your H.R. guy over at LuthorCorp.
Lex: I have a position you might find more appealing. A position that pays a hundred thousand dollars a year.
Jason: [Sarcastic.] Because I'm obviously qualified for a hundred thousand dollar a year job. My mother put you up to this, didn't she? She is trying her best to get between Lana and me.
Lex: She's trying to do a lot more than that, Jason. That's why I want to work together. To find out what she's really up to.
Jason: [Almost laughing.] You want to team up against my mother?
Lex: The enemy of my enemy.
Jason: And how do I know I can trust you?
Lex: You don't. But what other choice do you have?
Lex pats Jason on the shoulder and walks away from him.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Day. Inside, Clark is sitting on the floor in front of the couch, repeatedly bouncing a ball against the wall and catching it. Martha and Jonathan enter and come up the stairs.
Martha: Clark? [No response.] Honey, you've been up here for two days.
Jonathan sits on the couch next to Clark. Martha sits at the top of the stairs. Clark continues bouncing the ball throughout the conversation.
Jonathan: What happened to Alicia... it wasn't your fault.
Clark: [Flat.] If I had believed her, she wouldn't be d*ad.
Jonathan: Clark, she was framed. There's... there's no way you could've known that.
Clark: I could've trusted her. Do you know that Alicia wanted me to go to the sheriff with her and tell her everything? Alicia thought that if people knew the truth about me and what I can do, they wouldn't be so quick to judge her. But I didn't go. I was too afraid of what people might think, how they would react. What if she was right? Because if people knew what I can do and who I really am... maybe she'd still be alive. And I just can't forgive myself for that.
Martha lowers her eyes sadly. Clark chucks the ball despondently, letting it bounce away.
Outside sh*t of Smallville High. Day. Chloe is seated at her desk in the Torch staring at her Wall of Weird. Lois enters.
Lois: I'm headed back to school. I have an eight o'clock class tomorrow.
Slightly startled, Chloe stands up and starts putting papers in her bag.
Lois: Looking for clues about Tim's ability? Things we should've seen before blaming Alicia?
Chloe: I think maybe I've seen too much already. I've spent the last four years ferreting out meteor freaks, trying to expose them. I never should've started this wall.
Lois: Chloe, you're a reporter. You investigate and expose. That's who you are.
Chloe: Yeah, well, then I guess sometimes it sucks being me. [Pause.] Lois, if you found out something, something someone didn't want you to know about them, would you tell them?
Lois: That depends. Is that person someone you care about?
Chloe: Yeah.
Lois: And does keeping the secret hurt anyone?
Chloe thinks about it.
Chloe: No.
Lois: Then my answer is no. If I really cared about that person, I wouldn't tell them that I knew. But I would go out of my way to be supportive of them so that hopefully, one day, they would be comfortable enough to tell me themselves.
Chloe: No offense, Lois, but that's the last thing I expected to hear from you.
Lois: I've learned the hard way that people keep secrets for a reason, even from the people they're closest to. [Chloe looks thoughtful and sad.] Chloe is there something you want to tell me? Are you the one with the secret?
Chloe: No. No, it's not me.
Lois: Okay. I'll see you in a couple of weeks or so.
Chloe: Yeah.
Lois: I'm sure whoever it is that you're talking about will tell you when they're ready.
Chloe: [Nods.] Thanks.
They hug.
Lois: Bye.
Chloe: Bye. Have a safe drive home.
Lois: Okay.
Lois leaves the Torch. Chloe turns back to the Wall of Weird and focuses on a section that has several articles featuring Clark.
Chloe: Clark. Why didn't you just tell me?
She takes the pins out of the articles and removes the articles from the wall. She looks down at one of the articles now in her hands and it has a picture of Clark and a headline that says "Local Teen Discovers Indian Caves." She stares at Clark's picture sadly.
Clark is kneeling in front of Alicia's grave in the cemetery. Day. The day is overcast and gray and Clark holds a red rose in his hand, its color shocking against the dismal surroundings. Chloe walks up behind him as he puts the rose on Alicia's tombstone. Chloe kneels down next to him.
Chloe: [Quiet, almost reverent.] Hey, Clark. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for everything.
Clark doesn't answer.
Chloe: It must've been so hard being so different, having everyone judge you before they even know you, knowing that there's some people that might never accept you.
Clark continues to stare at the tombstone.
Chloe: I just... I want you to know that I'm here for you... if you ever need to talk.
Chloe puts a hand on Clark's shoulder.
Clark: Thanks, Chloe. I appreciate that.
Chloe stands up and walks away, leaving Clark alone in front of Alicia's grave.
Fade to black.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x12 - Pariah"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 9, 2005
Outside sh*t of the University of Metropolis. Night. Inside a fraternity house on campus, there is a roaring party going on. The whole house is filled with young men and women talking and laughing, and loud music is playing as a guy sloppily pours a row of tequila sh*ts on the bar. On the upper level of the house, people are dancing while on the lower level, three fraternity brothers are sitting side by side at a table having a tequila sh**ting contest. A large group of people stands around them cheering them on.
Group: Chug! Chug! Chug!
The three guys take a sh*t. There are several more sh*ts of tequila sitting on the table in front of them, and they have obviously already been drinking for a long time. The guy seated in the middle finally passes out and tips backwards in his chair.
Then we see that seated across the table from the guys is Lois Lane, taking her own sh*t of tequila. She too has obviously been drinking for a while, but she is still going strong. She puts down her empty sh*t glass and smiles at the guys triumphantly. Two other young men come and help the fallen brother to his feet and walk him away.
Lois: [Mockingly.] You guys okay? You want a cr*cker to help keep it down?
One of the young men looks at Lois somewhat nervously. The other one, Dave Cooper who is sweating and drunk, remains competitive.
Dave: Come on. Let's go, let's go. Drink! Now.
All three of them pick up their next sh*t and swallow it down. Lois puts down her sh*t glass and looks steadily at the nervous young man who looks like he is starting to feel queasy. His breathing picks up speed, and he brings his hand to his mouth as if he is about to throw up. Then he stands up and runs from the table to the bathroom. Everyone watching hollers excitedly. Now only Lois and Dave remain.
Lois: Now do you believe me? This isn't Suzy Sorority you're playing with. I've drunk vodka with Russian generals, black and tans with British battalion troops ...
Dave: Stop talking, start drinking!
More sh*ts are placed on the table in front of them. They both lift up their glasses.
Another young man, Geoff Johns walks up to Dave and touches him on the shoulder.
Geoff: What are you doing, man?
Dave: [Defiantly.] Drinking.
Geoff: We've got physicals coming up.
Dave: Ask me if I give a rat's ass.
Lois: Stop stalling and let's go. Drink up or pay up.
Geoff takes Dave's sh*t glass out of his hand and puts it down on the table.
Geoff: All right. Let's get everybody out of here, all right? I got to wake up brutally early tomorrow. The recruit's coming.
Ignoring him, Dave picks up his sh*t glass and signals to Lois to drink.
Geoff: [Seriously.] Dude, you've had enough.
Dave: I'm not even tipsy, asswipe.
Dave's hand becomes shaky and he starts to sway in his seat, near passing out. Finally, he drops the glass, spilling the tequila all over the table, and falls off his chair. Everyone in the room cheers as Lois rolls her eyes and takes her last sh*t. Geoff helps Dave to his feet.
Geoff: Come on, let's get you into bed.
Dave: [Weakly.] Leave me alone, Johns.
Lois smiles and stands up.
Cut to Lois walking away from the fraternity house. She is wearing pajamas and bunny slippers and walking very slowly.
Lois: Deep breaths, fresh air. The world is not spinning.
Dave staggers up behind her.
Dave: Hey, wait up.
Lois turns around.
Lois: Shouldn't you be in pink elephant land right about now?
Dave: I got another game for you. Only this time, we both win. [He smiles and takes a step closer.] Come on, baby, give me some.
Lois: [Pushing him away.] I've got a game for you, Football. It's called hide and go seek. You go hide, and I'll count to a billion. Ready, set, go.
Lois turns around and walks away.
Dave: Oh, come on! Don't be like that!
Lois: You got a girlfriend, bonehead, go bug her.
He comes up to her and grabs her by the shoulder, turning her around roughly.
Dave: Come on!
Lois kicks him in the stomach, sending him to the ground. He groans as he holds his stomach.
Lois: Now, don't you think hide and seek would've been a little more fun?
Dave: Hey, that hurt!
Lois: Nighty-night, party boy.
Lois walks away.
Cut to Lois's dorm room the next morning. The sun shines brightly into the room as she sleeps upside down on her bed with her feet resting on her pillows. There is a loud insistent knocking at the door. Lois turns over.
Lois: Go away! [More quietly.] Please, God...
The knocking continues, even louder. Lois stands up and walks to the door.
Lois: Whoever is pounding on a dorm room at 7 in the morning should be committed to ...
She opens the door. There are two police officers.
Officer: Lois Lane?
Lois: [Touching her head.] Do you mind not talking so loud?
Officer: There's been a report that you had an altercation last night with Dave Cooper.
Lois: If altercation is defined as, "jock att*cks and I knock the wind out of him," yeah, I confess.
Officer: The boy is paralyzed. You're under arrest.
Lois looks at the officer seriously as the other officer walks into the room and cuffs Lois's hands behind her back.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Jonathan helps Clark pack his bag in the loft. Clark is wearing his letterman's jacket.
Jonathan: I realize I already gave you my blessing on this, Clark, but I don't want to lie to you. This whole thing makes me feel uneasy.
Clark: Dad, we've been watching Met U football games since I can remember. Now they're knocking on my door.
Jonathan zips the bag shut and carries it toward the stairs. He and Clark go down to the bottom floor.
Jonathan: I know that, and I'm-I'm proud of you for it.
Clark: Then why can't I have a sh*t at what every other high school kid dreams of?
Jonathan: Because you're not like every other high school kid, Clark.
Clark: On that field, I am. I'm not even using my abilities, and I can be the new starting quarterback for the Metropolis Bulldogs.
Jonathan: There's gonna be millions of eyes on you. You're gonna be under a magnifying glass.
Clark: I have pulled it off before.
Jonathan: Clark, Met U is not like Smallville High. It's a much bigger stage. There's gonna be much bigger problems.
Clark: You always told me not to walk away from something just because it's a challenge.
Jonathan nods, admitting that Clark is right.
Clark: Dad, I can do this.
Jonathan: I know that you can handle it. I also know you'll behave yourself this weekend. Stay clear of the beer kegs.
Clark: Don't worry. Alcohol can't affect me, remember?
Jonathan: That's not the point. You're still underage. Look, son, I just don't want you to get booted out before you get in. All right?
Clark: [Nodding.] Okay.
Jonathan: Now, there's one more thing. It's very important. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Have a great time.
Clark smiles. Geoff Johns enters the barn wearing a letterman's jacket from Metropolis University.
Geoff: Clark Kent? Future Met U Hall of Famer?
Clark looks at Geoff with awe.
Jonathan: Hey! What's the Teflon Tailback doing back in town?
Geoff: Hey, Mr. Kent. [They shake hands.] Coach Callaway wanted to surprise Clark, send a local boy to pick him up.
Clark: Well, it definitely worked. I would've never expected to see the Bulldogs' all time leading rusher in my barn.
Geoff: [Patting Clark on the shoulder.] Hey, I'm no different than you, Clark. I'm just a farm boy who happens to be a decent football player.
Jonathan: Decent football player? You're on your way to the NFL, and you're quite the legend at Smallville High.
Geoff: Yeah, well, your boy broke my record for single season T.D.s.
Jonathan: [Proudly.] Yeah.
Geoff: You got what it takes, Clark.
Clark: You really think so?
Geoff: I know so. You got a heck of a ride ahead of you. But the thing that's gonna keep you level-headed is remembering where you come from. Like Smallville High. You want to go say hey to Coach Quigley?
Clark: Sure.
Jonathan hands Clark his bag and Clark smiles excitedly.
Lois and Chloe walk through the hall at Smallville High School. Day. Lois is wearing dark sunglasses.
Lois: He was no Prince Charming, but nobody deserves to have that happen to them. He can't even speak. I feel terrible.
Chloe: Lois, it doesn't take an M.D. to know that a kick to the gut is not gonna cause head-to-toe paralysis.
Lois: [Taking off her glasses.] I hope the judge agrees. Otherwise, I'm gonna be the star of my very own woman in prison movie.
Chloe: How did you post bail?
Lois: Four very good friends of mine. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Chloe, I didn't know where else to go.
Chloe: No, lucky for you, I'm on my way to Met U for my financial aid pitch. Why don't we just, um, round trip together and we'll figure this thing out.
Clark walks up.
Clark: Lois, I heard what happened.
Lois: I see news travels fast.
Clark: The guy that you put in the hospital, it's Geoff's roommate.
Clark gestures to Geoff who is standing down the hallway talking to a group of high school kids.
Lois: Clark, I swear to God, all I did was knock the wind out of him. I couldn't have paralyzed him.
Clark: You were drinking, right?
Lois: Those days are over. No more alcohol. And that includes cough syrup and rum cakes.
The bell rings, and Lois touches her head in pain.
Lois: Aspirin, anyone?
Chloe: [Smiling.] Torch, desk drawer on the left-hand side.
Lois walks to the Torch office.
Clark: Listen, Chloe, I know that we were supposed to drive to Met U today, but since Geoff is here, I was just gonna ...
Chloe: [Jokingly.] Yeah. No, I understand. Star quarterback, you don't want to ride with the common folk.
Clark: You know it's not like that.
Chloe: It's fine, Clark.
Clark turns to walk back to Geoff, but Chloe stops him.
Chloe: Hey, uh, Clark, I'm actually kind of surprised that you took the football route.
Clark: Why?
Chloe: Well... I don't know, it just seems like you have kind of an unfair advantage.
Clark looks at Chloe strangely for a long moment, then takes a step closer.
Clark: What do you mean?
Chloe: Well, it's just you have all of these truly amazing talents... um, you know, on the field...
She looks at him hopefully.
Clark: Well, you know, that's the way it is in sports. Some people are better than others.
Chloe: [Disappointed.] Right. I guess I just don't understand as much as I thought I did.
Clark looks at her questioningly.
Chloe: About football.
Clark: Chloe ...
Geoff walks up and interrupts, putting his arm around Clark.
Geoff: Let's go, C.K. The festivities are about to begin.
Clark smiles and walks off with Geoff. As he goes, he looks back at Chloe briefly.
Jason enters Lex's study. Day. Lex is seated at the desk.
Lex: I take it you contemplated my job offer.
Jason: It wasn't a hard decision to make.
Lex: I forgot to mention, a company car is included as well as a generous expense account.
Jason: I'm not gonna work for somebody whose mission it is to break me and my girlfriend up.
Lex stands up and walks toward Jason.
Lex: Jason, my only concern is Lana's welfare. But you're not the thr*at I'm worried about. It's your mother. Did you ever find it strange that every summer as a child, she took you on treks to the far reaches of the globe? Destinations where there wasn't even running water.
Jason: My mother likes to travel. She always has.
Lex: Those weren't vacations, Jason. They were research trips, investigating a woman who was b*rned at the stake 400 years ago.
Jason: Marguerite Isobel Theroux?
Lex: The countess whose spirit possessed your girlfriend. And the fact that it happened soon after you and your mother came into Lana's life? Well, that bothers me. That bothers me a lot.
Jason: I had nothing to do with that. I would never put Lana in jeopardy.
Lex: And I believe you, or I wouldn't offer you this job.
Jason: What exactly is it you want me to do?
Lex: I have deep pockets, Jason, vast resources. But the one thing I don't have is access. Two women in your life are somehow intimately connected to Marguerite Isobel Theroux. I want you to find out everything they know.
Jason: So what, you want me to spy on them?
Lex: How you get the information is up to you. Now, I need an answer.
Jason looks contemplatively at Lex.
Outside sh*t of a hospital in Metropolis. Day. Inside, Lois and Chloe are in Dave's hospital room where he is lying on the bed motionless with his eyes open. He is connected to a heart monitor and has an oxygen tube under his nose.
Lois: Coop? Can you hear me? It's Lois, your, um, drinking buddy. I'm so sorry this happened to you, but I swear to God I didn't do it.
No response.
Lois: [To Chloe.] Last night, I would've given anything to shut him up. And now...
Chloe: Come on, Lois. We gotta get out of here before someone sees you.
Lois notices something on the table.
Lois: Maybe someone close to Coop knows something we don't.
We see that the table is covered with flowers and get-well cards. Chloe and Lois go to the table and start reading the cards.
Chloe: Lois, I... [Looking at a card.] I don't think that Grandma Betty from Topeka is gonna have the answer.
Lois: [Looking at another card.] But his girlfriend Monique might.
Chloe: How do you know it's his girlfriend?
Lois: When the card ends with "I'll love you forever and ever," it's a bit of a giveaway.
The printing on the inside of the card says, "The girls of Alpha Alpha Alpha hope you get well soon!"
Clark and Geoff drive down a street in Metropolis in Geoff's large black SUV. Day.
Clark: This truck looks like it can do everything but take off and fly.
Geoff: Hey, check it out.
Geoff points to an electronic navigation system embedded in the dashboard.
Geoff: You h*t this button, the operator's there to help you out with whatever you need. ATM locations, movie times, you name it.
Clark: [Impressed.] That's pretty cool.
Geoff: Yeah, I hear next year's model is even sweeter. Unless you want something sportier.
Clark: What, you're saying I get a truck like this if I come here and play?
Geoff: Let's just say certain alumni are nice enough to loan their athletes rides.
Clark looks at Geoff in disbelief.
Geoff: Clark, college football is a big business. I mean, you get a lot, but they expect a lot in return. You have to be better than good. [Smiling.] You have to be a hero out there.
Clark is slightly unnerved by this statement, but he quickly becomes excited and smiles. He looks out the window.
Geoff: Yeah, I thought you might want to see where you're gonna be spending your Saturdays.
They drive up outside the Met U stadium and Geoff pulls into the parking garage.
Cut to Clark and Geoff entering the indoor football stadium. The entire marching band is standing in the middle of the field playing and the Metropolis Bulldog cheerleaders stand in a group chanting.
Cheerleaders: Clark Kent, quarterback! He's a Bulldog, that's a fact! Clark Kent, quarterback! He's a Bulldog, that's a fact!
Even the Bulldog mascot is there, a man dressed in a large bulldog suit clapping his hands. Clark and Geoff walk past the cheerleaders and the marching band to where the football team is waiting, all wearing their jerseys. A man's voice is heard making an announcement over the PA system.
Man: Ladies and gentlemen, playing quarterback for your Metropolis Bulldogs, from Smallville, Kansas! Number 8, Clark Kent!
Clark looks around, surprised. Behind him, high above the field on the jumbo screen are the words "Welcome No. 8 Clark Kent."
Geoff: It's pretty cool, huh?
Clark: [Almost speechless.] That's an understatement.
Geoff: Get used to it, buddy. [He pats Clark on the back.] It's just the beginning.
Beyond the football team are the men of the coaching faculty. The coach shakes Clark's hand.
Coach: The golden arm of Kansas has arrived. It's a pleasure to meet you, son.
Clark: Coach, it's a pleasure to meet you.
Coach: Now, I know a lot of other schools are coming at you, Clark. But you go with Met U, and you're gonna win a national championship.
Clark: [Smiling.] Sounds good to me.
Coach: Try this on for size.
The coach unfolds a blue Bulldog jersey that says Kent and the number 8 on the back.
Clark: [Taking the jersey.] Coach, thanks!
Coach: I know you're gonna make the right decision, son.
Another man walks up, dressed in a suit. He is Gary Bergen.
Gary: [Shaking Clark's hand.] Clark. Gary Bergen, Metro Motors. On behalf of the Bulldog Booster Club, welcome to Met U. If there is anything that you need, you know who to call.
He hands Clark his card. Everyone applauds.
Geoff: Everybody wants a winning team, Clark. It's guys like me and you that make that happen.
Clark: Wow. This is amazing.
Geoff: Dude, you ain't seen nothing yet.
Clark and Geoff arrive at the Alpha Alpha Alpha sorority house. Day. The house is decorated for Clark's arrival with banners. All the girls run to the door excitedly as Clark and Geoff enter.
Girls: Hi, Clark!
Clark smiles.
Geoff: The tri-Alphas are big footballs fans.
Clark: Yeah?
A very attractive young woman speaks to Clark flirtatiously.
Girl: So, we did a little detective work and found out that your favorite flavor was chocolate. So we made you a cake.
She takes Clark by the hand and leads him to a table were there is a large chocolate cake that looks like a football field complete with green frosting for the turf, white frosting for the yard lines, and two plastic goal posts on either end. There is also a life-size white football sitting on top of the cake with the word "Bulldogs!" on it. Along the side of the cake, icing letters say "We Want You Clark!"
Clark: Oh, you didn't have to go through all that trouble.
Girl: Anything we can do to help you commit to Met U, Clark.
Her suggestive tone speaks of something other than chocolate cake, and Clark looks at her questioningly.
Girl: How about a tour of the house?
Clark: Uh... sure.
Before Clark has even finished answering, the girl has already taken him by the hand again and is leading him up the stairs. Another girl follows them.
Geoff: Go ahead, C.K. Take your time.
Clark looks back at Geoff worriedly, realizing that Geoff is leaving him alone.
Geoff: [Smiling.] I'll see you back at the dorm.
The girls continue to pull Clark up the stairs. On the second floor, they enter a bedroom and close the door.
Clark: Are you two roommates?
Girl: Um... no. My roommate's on her way to visit Coop at the hospital. He's her boyfriend.
Clark: Oh.
The second girl is standing close at Clark's side, touching his arm. After the first girl closes the door, she comes to Clark's other side.
Girl #2: Clark. From what we hear, not only do you have an incredible arm... you have great hands.
Both girls start closing in, the first one about to kiss Clark's neck. He backs away from them uneasily.
Clark: Really? Somebody said that to you about me?
Girl: Clark...
She puts her hands around Clark's neck and tries to kiss them on the lips. He turns away quickly and notices the window.
Clark: Um, you've got a great view out this window.
Girl: Yeah, if you like brick walls.
She pushes Clark onto the bed.
Girl: Let me show you an even better view.
Both girls unbutton their shirts.
Clark: [Even more uncomfortable.] I meant the ivy.
Both girls giggle and lean in towards Clark. They stop when they hear a sound behind them coming from the closet.
Girl: What was that?
Clark uses his X-ray vision on the closet door and sees that there is someone hiding inside, holding an open book.
Clark: Let me go check it out.
Clark stands up and walks toward the closet door. He opens it with his back to the two girls, so that they can't see inside. Lois is hiding in the closet and she puts a finger to her mouth, indicating to Clark to be quiet. Clark closes the door and turns around.
Clark: Uh, some sweaters fell down... in there. [He clears his throat.] Um, could I-could I get something to drink?
Girl: Uh, yeah sure.
Slightly confused, the girl buttons her shirt and leaves the room. The second girl remains, gazing at Clark temptingly.
Clark: And maybe something to eat?
Girl #2 sighs and leaves the room. Clark turns around and opens the closet door.
Clark: Lois, what are you doing here?
Lois walks into the room.
Lois: I could ask you the same question, but it seems fairly obvious, hef.
Clark: What, you just break into people's places now?
Lois: Coop's girlfriend wasn't here so I thought I'd take a look around.
Lois holds up a book that looks like a girl's diary.
Lois: Real page-turner. [She opens the diary and reads.] "I gained two pounds. From now on, it's no carbs." She's no Hemingway, but still ...
Clark: I don't have time for this.
Lois: [Turning a few pages.] Here it is. [Reading.] "Coop is meeting with a newspaper reporter and being super secretive. It has something to do with the football team, but I don't know what it is."
They hear the two girls giggling in the hallway, on their way to the bedroom. Clark pushes Lois back towards the closet.
Clark: Go, go, go, go, go!
Lois: I'm going!
Lois runs back into the closet, and Clark closes the door.
The two girls enter the room with three more girls. They have a large piece of the chocolate cake, the part that says "Clark" on it, and a glass of lemonade.
Girl: [Suggestively.] Clark, would you like a piece of this?
Clark: I...
Dave's hospital room in Metropolis. Night. We see his hand resting on the bed next to him, his finger connected to the heart monitor. His fingers twitch.
We move up to his face and see him blinking. Geoff enters.
Geoff: Hey, buddy. Feeling better?
Dave looks directly at Geoff, but he is unable to speak.
Geoff: I see it's starting to wear off.
Dave makes an unintelligible noise with his voice. Geoff walks closer to the bed.
Geoff: Eventually you're gonna be able to talk. And when you do, you're gonna tell the world about me. Like you were gonna do before I stopped you.
Dave opens his mouth and tries to speak, but all that comes out are several short gasps and more nonsense sounds.
Geoff: Shh.
Geoff touches Dave's shoulder with the tips of his fingers. His fingers turn red as he sh**t some kind of energy into Dave's body, causing Dave's face and body to spasm for a moment, then fall limp. Once Dave is completely paralyzed again, Geoff picks up a pillow from the bed, looking down at Dave sadly.
Geoff: I'm sorry, Coop.
Geoff puts the pillow over Dave's face. We hear the heart monitor flat line.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of Metropolis University. Night. Clark and Lois walk down a deserted hallway inside the football dorm.
Clark: I thought I told you to wait outside.
Lois: I don't do well with waiting, especially when I'm awaiting trial. I want to hear what Geoff knows. Speaking of Geoff...
Geoff walks toward them. He looks tired, and his eyes are red as if he has been crying.
Clark: Hey. You've, uh, met my friend Lois.
Clark notices the state Geoff is in and looks at him, concerned.
Geoff: Coach just called. Coop's d*ad, Clark.
Lois: Oh, my God.
Clark: When?
Geoff: An hour ago. His vitals were getting better, and then the doctor said he just stopped breathing.
Lois: Look, Geoff, we know Coop was going to the newspaper about something involving the football team.
Geoff looks at Lois dangerously. Clark mistakes the expression for grief.
Clark: Lois, I don't think this is the best time.
Lois: And when would be the best time, Clark, when I'm on the chain g*ng?
Clark: [To Geoff.] I'm sorry. She's under a lot of stress lately.
Lois: No. Stress is when you're stuck in traffic or you have a midterm for a class you've never been to. I'm out on bail and looking to be locked up for manslaughter.
Geoff: Clark, can I talk to you for a second?
Lois: Look, I'm sorry about Coop. I really am. But if you have something to say about me, say it to my face, ‘cause I have this little pet peeve about people talking about me behind my back.
Clark: Lois, please. I'll catch up with you later.
Lois gives in, and walks away.
Geoff: I can't tell you how to pick your friends, Clark, but that chick seems like trouble.
Clark: I'm starting to figure that out.
Geoff: Yeah, it's probably best if you tell her not to come around here. She's done enough damage already.
Geoff walks away.
Lana and Jason are talking in Lana's apartment. Night. Lana carries her dinner to the table and sits down.
Lana: [Angry.] I can't believe that you would even consider working for him.
Jason: It's not that black and white.
Lana: I think it is. Investigating the Countess Theroux? It's all a ruse.
Jason: Lana, the more Lex uses me, the more I get to use him and find out what he really knows.
Lana stands up and walks towards Jason heatedly.
Lana: Okay, but that's just more secrets and more lies and at some point, it's all gonna blow up in our faces.
Jason: Well, unfortunately when dealing with people like Lex and my mother, honesty isn't necessarily the way to go.
Lana: It doesn't matter. I am done lying. I can't go along with this.
Jason: We've h*t a brick wall. Our research with the countess is going nowhere. This might be our way of breaking through.
Lana: Or their way of breaking us up.
Jason: I'm not gonna let that happen. Trust me.
Lana: How can I trust someone who's willing to lie for a living? As far as I'm concerned if you think that Lex knows something, then there's only one way to find out.
[/i]
Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Lana walks down the hall toward Lex. Then they walk together.
Lana: Who the hell do you think you are?
Lex: Something bothering you, Lana?
Lana: You want to know something about me, Lex, ask. Don't go recruiting my boyfriend to conduct some covert investigation.
They arrive in the study and Lex puts down his briefcase.
Lex: Contrary to what you may think, I'm on your side.
Lana: And how would I know that? You know, with you, everything seems like it's a secret.
Lex: What you may perceive as secrecy, I see as precautions.
Lana: I'm a big girl, Lex. I don't need precautions. I need the truth.
Lex: Sometimes we think we want the truth until we actually get it. Lana, if you want me to be honest with you, I will. But you're not gonna like it.
Lana: If you're gonna feed me some story about Jason, I'm not interested.
Lex: Look, I understand he means a lot to you. But when you're ready to talk, let me know. You can let yourself out.
Lex walks away from her.
Outside sh*t of the Met U football stadium. Day. Inside, a group of people stand in the booth above the stadium, dressed up in black and drinking champagne. There is a picture of Dave Cooper. Geoff stands next to the picture as he speaks on behalf of Dave.
Geoff: Coop was more than just a great football player. He was a great guy. He cared a lot about what was right and what was wrong. Well, to Coop.
Everyone: Coop.
They all raise their glasses and drink. All of the football players are drinking from beer cans as a tribute to Coop. Clark is among the group.
Geoff: Well, he would've wanted a party so... let's give him a party.
The guests start to mingle and Geoff walks over to Clark.
Geoff: You're not drinking? What's the matter, you never had a beer before?
Clark: Sure I have.
Geoff: Yeah, right. I know where you're coming from, C.K. [He opens a beer and places it next to Clark.] But all that's gonna change.
Geoff chugs the rest of his own beer and opens another one.
Clark: Don't you think you should slow down a little bit?
Geoff looks at Clark for a long time, then takes a deep breath.
Geoff: Kent, you're from the same town as me, so... I'm gonna be straight with you. Being a Bulldog is a dream come true, but you're in the pressure cooker now. All they want is a winner. It takes a toll on you.
Geoff touches Clark softly on the shoulder and smiles. Then he looks past Clark and sees a man enter. The man's presence makes Geoff nervous.
Geoff: Um, sit tight. I'll be right back.
Geoff walks away from Clark and escorts the newcomer out of the room and onto the deck that overlooks the field.
Geoff: What the hell are you doing here?
Once the door closes, Clark uses his super hearing to listen to the conversation. He watches them through the window.
Geoff: I told you before, Marcus, you and me, we meet in private.
Marcus: I thought I'd bring the urine sample by.
Geoff: [Annoyed.] Oh, that's a great idea. Bring it to my buddy's wake.
Marcus: Well, you said you were gonna pay me today.
Geoff: I told you never come to me. I come to you. We'll meet tomorrow.
Marcus: [Getting angry.] You said you'd pay me today, man. I need my money.
Clark watches as Geoff touches Marcus on the shoulder and Marcus immediately falls to the ground. When he gets back up, Geoff pushes him back into the room.
Geoff: Just get out of here.
Marcus: What just happened to me?
Geoff: [Loud, so everyone can hear.] I don't know, man. You fell over or something. I don't know. Don't worry about it.
Marcus leaves. Geoff walks back to Clark.
Geoff: Drink up, Kent. To Coop.
Clark and Geoff clink their beer cans together and Clark drinks some of it, grimacing at the taste.
Chloe and Lois are in Lois's dorm room. Day. Chloe is sitting at the desk filling out an application for financial aid.
Lois: Chloe, if you're trying to milk any money out of this university, you may not want to be seen within 100 feet of me.
Chloe: Lois, if you're innocent, then this autopsy is more than likely gonna prove that.
Lois: [Looking at the application.] Your father's birth city? What, are you applying for financial aid or for the CIA?
Chloe: [Laughing.] I know.
There is a knock at the door and Clark enters.
Lois: Hey, Clark. Something wrong?
Clark: I think Geoff Johns paralyzed Coop.
Lois: What?
Clark: He's passing his physicals by using another student's urine samples.
Lois: Black market pee? What's he trying to cover up? Drugs?
Clark: I, uh, I don't think so. I think it's something else. I just saw him touch this kid and he put him straight to the ground like he h*t him with a stun g*n. And the linebackers, they always say when they get stiff-armed by Geoff Johns, they don't know what h*t them. They go down to the turf every time. I think he has a meteor power.
Lois: Using your powers on the field to cheat, it's pathetic but it's not paralyzing someone.
Clark: What if he can control the intensity when he stuns someone?
Lois: Well, if that's true, you're gonna have to find a way to prove it because nobody outside the Smallville city limits is gonna believe the Bulldog superstar has superhuman powers.
Chloe: The pee peddler might know the truth about Geoff.
Clark: Can you track him down?
Chloe: Yeah.
Clark: I'm gonna go to the football dorm. I'm gonna try to find Jeff before he can hurt someone else.
Marcus is chaining up his bike outside the university. Day. Lois and Chloe walk toward him.
Lois: Time to see what Mr. Peebody knows.
Chloe: [She nods.] I'm gonna go door to door in the dorm and see if I can get any insight into the real Geoff Johns.
Chloe jogs away from Lois and towards the dorms. Lois keeps walking until she gets to Marcus.
Lois: Excuse me. Do you know where a person can get some clean number one around here?
Marcus: [Slightly nervous.] I don't know what you're talking about.
Lois: Don't play dumb with me, Pee-Wee. Either you tell me everything you know about Geoff Johns, or I'm gonna have to ...
Geoff suddenly speaks from behind Lois. She turns around.
Geoff: You want to know about me? Ask away. Get lost, Marcus.
Marcus walks away.
Lois: [Suddenly nervous.] Um, I'm just curious. Do you think you're gonna be drafted to the Sharks? ‘Cause I'm a huge fan.
Geoff: So why are you talking to Marcus? What do you really want to know?
Lois: [Hurried.] Nothing, I swear. Just what I asked you. I guess I'm gonna have to wait and see like everyone else. Bye.
Lois turns away from him and starts to walk away very quickly. Geoff walks after her and grabs her shoulder. His fingertips turn red as he pumps energy into Lois's body, causing the veins in her neck and face to turn red for an instant and her face twitches as she becomes paralyzed. She falls back toward Geoff and he holds her up.
Geoff: Look, I never wanted to use my powers. In high school, I played ball fair and square. But now, there's just... too much pressure to win.
Geoff looks around for a moment, then holding Lois under the arms, drags her into his car, not noticing that Lois has dropped her sunglasses on the ground nearby. He gets in the car after her and drives away. Chloe comes out of the dorm, calling for Lois.
Chloe: Lois! I need your pass to get in the dorm! Lois?
Chloe sees Geoff's car speeding away. She sees the world "Teflon" on his license plate and immediately knows who he is.
Chloe: [Looking around.] Lois!
Chloe finds Lois's broken sunglasses on the ground and picks them up.
Chloe: [Fearful.] Lois.
Fade to black.
Clark comes out of the university and Chloe runs up to him. Day.
Chloe: Clark. Clark, I think Geoff has Lois.
Clark: Where?
Chloe: I don't know. But we were in the parking lot and the next I thing I knew, Geoff Johns' car is flying by and Lois is gone. I tried to talk to the campus police but they weren't any help. I mean, to them, Geoff is like a hero. They worship the ground he walks on. Lois could be anywhere by now, Clark.
Clark: No, if they're in his car there might be a way to track them down.
They start to walk toward the street.
Chloe: I hate to break it to you, but this is a little bit bigger city than Smallville.
Clark: He got his car from Booster Metropolis Motors. It's got a Trip Star system in it. If we can get the PIN number, we can use you cell phone and computer and maybe hack in and find out where they are.
They stop walking
Chloe: Okay, that's doable, but then how are we gonna get the PIN? I mean they keep those things under lock and key at the dealership. What are you gonna do, break in and rip open the safe?
Clark: Of course not.
Chloe regards Clark doubtfully.
Outside sh*t of a Metropolis street. Day. Geoff carries Lois down a long underground hallway of the sewer. There are pipes along the walls. The hallway ends in a small, damp room and Geoff puts Lois down on the ground. She is still completely limp, but her eyes are open.
Geoff walks to a large pipe that sticks out of the ground and rises toward the ceiling. It has a release wheel on it. He looks down at Lois.
Geoff: Don't worry. It'll be quick.
Lois looks at Geoff. Nothing moves but her eyes.
Geoff: I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone. But I don't have a choice.
Lois's eyes are large and afraid as Geoff turns the wheel, causing a heavy flow of water to splash down from another pipe coming out of the ceiling. The water hits the floor and begins rushing toward Lois.
Geoff leaves the room and closes the barred door behind him.
Chloe is typing on her laptop in Lois's dorm room. Day. Clark sits next to her on the bed with a cell phone.
Clark: Are we in yet?
Chloe: Yeah. All we got to do is dial up, use the code, and do our best impression of Geoff Johns.
Chloe has the Trip Star web site on her laptop screen. Clark dials Trip Star on the cell phone and waits for them to pick up.
Chloe: You know, that was a pretty quick errand, Clark. I mean, Metro Motors is all the way on the other side of the city.
Clark: [Without looking at Chloe.] I hurried.
Chloe doesn't believe him, but she keeps quiet. A female voice picks up on the line.
Woman: Hello, Mr. Johns. How may I help you?
Clark: [In a deeper voice.] Hello. Hi, um, I'm driving in Metropolis and I seem to have made a wrong turn. There's no street signs and my map screen is broken. Could you tell me where I am?
Woman: No problem, sir. One moment.
A map appears on the laptop screen.
Woman: You're at 3rd and Grant. Have a nice day.
Clark: Thank you.
Clark hangs up the phone and gives it to Chloe.
Chloe: Great. All right. Let's go. I'll drive.
Chloe closes her laptop an starts to get her things together. While her head is turned, there is a whoosh, and when she turns back, Clark is gone.
Chloe: Clark?
She smiles exasperatedly, not at all surprised.
Lois is still lying on the ground in the sewer. Day. The falling water is starting to flood the room and it is now up past her ears.
Cut to Geoff above ground, closing the grated sewer entrance in the ground and walking toward his car. He gets in the car and starts to put on his seatbelt as Clark super speeds up behind him. Clark grabs him by the jacket and pulls him out of the car through the open window, pushing him up against the car roughly.
Geoff grabs Clark's arm and tries to paralyze him. Clark pushes Geoff's hand away.
Geoff: Why isn't it working?
Clark: [Slamming him against the car again.] Tell me where she is!
Geoff: [Upset.] It was never supposed to be like this, Clark.
Clark: Where is she?!
Geoff: I never even used my powers in high school, but when I came to college I had to win so bad. I started. I couldn't stop!
Clark: Geoff, listen to me. You have to tell me where she is. You don't want to m*rder another person.
Geoff: Coop was gonna tell the world the Teflon Tailback was some kind of freak cheating his way into the record books. I couldn't let him do that.
Clark: Tell me where she is. Please.
Geoff thinks about it for a moment, then finally gives in.
Geoff: [Pointing to the sewer grate.] She's down there.
Cut to Lois in the flooded room. The water is now covering her face. Her eyes are still open and bubbles come from her nose and mouth as she exhales.
Clark jumps into the sewer from the hole in the ground and runs down the hallway.
Clark: Lois!
He gets to the end of the hall and sees the flooded room through the barred door. Then he sees Lois under the water. He sh**t his heat vision at the iron door and it falls down. He runs into the room and grabs Lois, pulling her head out of the water.
Clark: Lois! Lois! Lois. [Holding her close to him.] Lois, can you hear me?
No response.
Clark: Lois?
Lois: [Faintly.] Clark.
Clark: It's okay. You're gonna be okay.
Fade to black.
Clark talks to Jonathan and Martha in the Kent kitchen. Day.
Martha: Is Lois gonna be okay?
Clark: Luckily the paralysis wears off. She's already been released from the hospital.
Jonathan: Who would've thought that... Geoff Johns seemed like such a nice kid.
Clark: I know. If I take this football scholarship, I'm gonna be in the same situation as Geoff. I'm gonna have to lie on every physical, rig every test. I'm gonna have to do anything I can to protect my secret. I want to believe that I can go out there and play football like any normal college kid, but the fact is, I have powers that no other athlete has. Coop was right. It's not fair that Geoff was out there on that field, just like it's not fair when I'm out there competing. [Pause.] So I've decided to give up football.
Martha: [Shocked.] Clark... I know how difficult it is to give up something you love.
Jonathan: But this decision you've made son, it shows integrity well beyond your years.
Clark: [Sadly.] Then why don't I feel good about it?
Jonathan looks down at his bills on the counter, then back at Clark.
Jonathan: Look at me, Clark. If you have your heart set on going to Met U or any other school, somehow, someway, your mother and I will make sure you get to go. Is that understood?
Clark nods and smiles.
Clark: Yeah.
Jonathan: Good.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. In Lana's apartment, Lex opens his briefcase and takes out a photograph. He hands it to Lana.
Lex: This photograph of Jason and his mother was taken in Paris a day before he met you.
Lana looks at the picture.
Lana: No, that can't be. His mom was in the Hamptons.
Lex: Look, Lana, I'm not gonna be so presumptuous as to judge Jason's integrity, but I'll lay out a few facts. Genevieve Teague has been researching the countess since before Jason was born. He grew up in a house full of ancient artifacts and reams of research material about Marguerite Isobel Theroux.
Lana: He never told me that.
Lex: Contrary to what you may think, Jason has been aware of the countess since he was a child.
Lana shakes her head, hurt.
Lana: No. No, I don't believe that.
Lex: You have to ask yourself, Lana. How well do you really know Jason Teague?
Lana looks at the photograph again.
Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Day. Clark sits in the loft looking out the window. Lois comes in behind him.
Lois: Knock, knock. [Clark turns around.] You should think about putting up a door or something. I don't know, maybe it's a city thing, but where I come from, we like to have a little privacy.
Clark: [Smiling.] Lois, who would've thought I'd be relieved to hear your voice?
Lois: Look, Clark, I don't know how you did it, but if it weren't for you, I'd be at the bottom of the Mississippi right about now. Thanks.
Clark: I'm just glad you're okay and going back to school.
Lois: That's not exactly true. I kind of got punted out of the university.
Clark: I thought you were cleared of all charges.
Lois: Oh, I was but... See, the thing is, I am still busted for the booze, and well... that wasn't the first time I've been invited to the disciplinary board's kangaroo court.
Clark: Why am I not surprised? You heading to the barracks?
Lois: Not an option. My dad's trying out the tough love approach with an emphasis on "tough."
Clark: So what're you gonna do? Are you gonna go stay with Chloe?
Lois: They've got a tiny one-bedroom apartment. I can't do that to them. It's fine, really, I'm just gonna check into a motel and when the money runs out, I can always sleep in my car. The backseat's not too bad if you bend your knees and avoid the drive train and ...
Clark: Lois ...
Lois: And then, you know, if I have to sell my car for food, that's okay too. I've always dreamed of being a hobo, riding the rails, cooking beans over roadside fires...
Clark: [Pause.] If you want, I guess you can stay with us.
Lois: You're a lifesaver! God, am I in need of a hot shower!
Lois starts to leave then turns back.
Lois: Don't worry, Smallville. I'll try to keep it under a half hour.
She leaves.
Clark: What just happened?
Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Chloe comes down the stairs and catches up with Clark who is walking down the hall.
Chloe: [Happily.] Hey! Looks like you've got a carpool buddy for weekenders back to Smallville.
Clark: You got into Met U?
Chloe: The financial aid guy said that it's pretty much a lock. Can you believe it? Now I don't actually have to rob banks.
Clark: Oh, Chloe, congratulations. You deserve it.
Chloe: Thank you. You just have to promise me one thing, that once you're everybody's all-American, you will still remember your old high school buddy. I mean, you'll still say hi to me on campus and stuff.
Chloe smiles at him teasingly.
Clark: Yeah, um, well, I'm not going to Met U.
They stop walking.
Chloe: What? What happened? Did another school sweep down and give you the keys to the kingdom?
Clark: I'm not playing football anymore. I turned down my scholarship.
Chloe: Let me get this straight. You were offered a full ride with chrome wheels to play the game that you love, and you said "Thanks, but no thanks?"
Clark: I don't know. I'm just not sure that football's my calling.
Chloe looks at Clark for a moment, realizing what is really going on.
Chloe: I'm proud of you, Clark.
Clark: You're proud of me? Why?
Chloe: I just have a feeling that you're destined to do a lot more in this world than just score touchdowns.
Clark: Chloe, you've been saying a lot of weird things to me lately. What makes you think I'm destined to do anything?
Chloe: [Smiling.] Just a hunch.
Clark stands alone in the middle of Metropolis University football stadium. Day. He looks around at the huge stadium sadly, almost as if saying goodbye.
Then he lowers his head and walks toward the exit.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x13 - Recruit"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 16, 2005
Two young men, Josh AND Zack, drive up to Smallville Co-Op in a large truck. Night. They park outside and Josh turns to Zack.
Josh: Let's do this.
They get out of the truck.
Cut to the inside of the market where the man who works there opens a safe behind the counter and puts in a money bag. The doors to the market open behind him, causing the welcome bell to ring.
Man: [Without turning around.] Be right with you.
He closes the safe and stands up. But when he turns around, he doesn't see anybody in the market.
Man: Hello?
He hears something to the side of the counter and walks over to see what it is. When he looks over the counter, he sees two dogs looking up at him, one gold and one black.
Man: Hey, fellas.
The black dog suddenly jumps onto the counter barking ferociously at the man. The man backs away, afraid. While the black dog keeps the man frozen in place, the gold dog runs behind the counter and grabs onto the handle of the safe with its mouth. It pulls until the door of the safe actually breaks off and clatters onto the floor. Then the dog grabs the money bag in its mouth and runs toward the exit.
The man grabs his g*n from behind the counter and aims it at the gold dog, but the black dog att*cks the man, biting the g*n as if trying to pry it out of his hands. The man yells in fright and falls to the ground, holding onto the g*n. The dog finally gets the g*n away from him, biting it in half in the process, and the man gets to his feet and runs to the backroom of the store. He slides the heavy steel door shut, separating himself from the dog.
But the dog pounds on the door with its paws, putting large dents in the steel. The man backs toward the wall slowly as the dog continues to pound, finally beating an opening between the door and the wall wide enough to stick its nose and mouth through, growling angrily.
Then the dog pulls out and the man hears it running away. Seconds later, the man hears it running back toward the door, and with one final pound, the door falls to the floor. The dog growls at the man and runs toward him, jumping on him and attacking him. The man falls to the floor screaming.
Outside, Zack blows on his dog whistle.
The dog hears the sound from inside the store, where the boxes behind him are now spattered with blood. We hear the man groaning as the dog runs out of the store and out to the truck. Zack calls the dog toward him.
Zack: Hercules!
Zack touches Hercules's fur and finds blood there. He shows it to Josh.
Zack: What happened in there?
Josh: I don't know. Get him inside.
Zack opens the double doors at the back of the truck, revealing two dog cages side by side.
Zack: [To Hercules.] Load up!
Hercules jumps into one of the open cages and Zack pushes a button next to the cage that causes the cage door to close.
Zack: Where the hell's Einstein?
Josh: [Handing Zack another dog whistle.] Call him back.
Zack blows on the whistle.
Cut to Lois driving down the street as she talks on her cell phone. Over the phone, we hear Chloe's voicemail picking up.
Chloe's voice: Hey, this is Chloe. I'm not in right now, so leave a message and I'll get right back to you.
Lois: Hey, Chloe, it's Lo. I'm officially out of the dorm and on my way back to the Kents'. But I realized I'm still getting my mail at your place. Can you bring it by in the morning? Okay, thanks. Bye.
Lois hangs up the phone, taking her eyes off the road for a moment to put it down on the seat next to her. She looks at the road again just in time to see Einstein the gold dog run in front of her car.
Lois: Aah!
She slams on her breaks. Once the car is stopped, Lois turns around and sees the dog lying on the road behind her.
Lois: Oh, my God. What have I done?
She gets out of her car and jogs back to the motionless dog, kneeling down next to it. It whimpers softly.
Lois: Oh, my God. Okay. I didn't see you, okay? We're gonna get you out of here.
Lois picks up Einstein and carries him back to the car.
Lois: Okay. You're gonna be fine. I know you're gonna be fine. Everyone I've ever h*t was all right.
She sneezes.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Night. Inside, Clark is asleep in jeans and a sweater, tangled up in a red blanket on the couch in the living room. He hears clattering coming from the kitchen and wakes up. He sits up just as Jonathan comes into the living room from the front stairs.
Jonathan: Shh. Clark stands up and follows Jonathan to the kitchen where they find Einstein who has spilled some food on the floor and is licking it up. He has a broken chain hanging from his neck. Lois enters.
Lois: Hey. I was just getting in. What are you guys doing?
Jonathan: We seem to have a visitor. A hungry visitor.
Lois: [Noticing Einstein.] Hey, he's supposed to be tied up in... the barn. I chained him to a post for a second so that I could get my stuff out of the car and well... [She clears her throat.] Yeah.
Einstein licks his lips and belches.
Cut to the barn. Lois, Clark, and Jonathan enter with Einstein. They see a broken support beam next to the stairs.
Lois: [Confused.] I had him chained right there. Okay, that's just bad wood. That's not my fault. How'd that post break?
Lois kneels down next to Einstein and sneezes.
Lois: Oh, my allergies...
Jonathan: Where did you say you found him?
Lois: Actually, I kind of... h*t him.
Clark: You h*t him? With your car?
Lois: [Sarcastic.] No, with my fist. I was gonna call the vet, but when I got in just now, he seemed fine.
Jonathan: I think you need to make some fliers in the morning. That way, maybe we can figure out who he belongs to. He's got a collar. I'm sure somebody's missing him.
Einstein whines.
Lois: Fine with me. [She sneezes.]
Clark: Actually, it might be fun to have a dog around.
Lois glares at Clark. He smiles back at her teasingly and leans down next to Einstein. He scratches the dog's face.
Clark: Maybe if we can't find out who owns him, we can keep him.
Jonathan: Why don't we just see what happens tomorrow, Clark?
Lois: Yeah, don't get too attached. I'm going to bed.
Lois leaves.
Jonathan: We should all get some sleep.
Clark: You know, I'm gonna do my chores.
Jonathan: It's three o'clock in the morning.
Clark: Dad, since Lois is staying here, if I'm gonna do my work at super speed, I have to do it when she's not looking.
Jonathan: [He nods.] All right, then why don't you start with that? [He points to the post.] Come on.
Jonathan smiles and leaves the barn. Clark goes to the post and pulls the remainder of it out of the ceiling. He takes the broken pieces and super speeds away, then super speeds back with a new piece of wood. He measures the space between the ceiling and the floor with a measuring tape, then with super speed he saws the wood into the appropriately sized pieces, puts the pieces together, and slams the beam in place. Einstein watches the whole thing.
When Clark is finished he turns to Einstein who licks his lips.
Clark: Well, at least I don't have to hide anything from you.
Einstein whines softly, looking slightly confused.
Outside sh*t of the Kent Farm. Day. Chloe drives up to the farmhouse and parks her car outside the barn. Clark walks up to her car as she gets out.
Clark: Hey, Chloe.
Chloe: Hey. Lois, uh, had her mail forwarded to my apartment. Is she around?
Clark: Yeah, she's probably still in the, uh...
Einstein runs out of the barn toward Chloe with another broken chain hanging around his neck. Chloe kneels down to pet him excitedly.
Chloe: [To Einstein, giggling.] Hi!
Clark: ...shower.
Chloe: Who's the puppy?
Clark: We don't know his name. Lois found him.
Chloe: She's bringing home strays now, huh? [Chloe gets back to her feet.] How is the new tenant?
Clark: Lois? Well, she, uh, re-recorded our answering machine, uses all the hot water, oh, and she took over my bedroom. She's doing great.
Chloe: Okay. How are you?
Clark: I don't know. It's just kind of hard to be myself with her around.
Einstein whines and Chloe scratches his head.
Chloe: Yeah, but now you got this guy. You can be yourself around him, right?
Clark smiles.
Chloe: And I'm always around. [Clark doesn't respond. Chloe shivers.] Ooh, it's cold. I'm gonna go see if I can find her.
Clark: All right. I'll be right in.
Chloe: Okay.
Chloe goes toward the house. Clark picks up Einstein's chain.
Clark: Come on.
Clark leads Einstein to the tractor which is parked near Chloe's car and kneels down to tie the chain onto the tractor's grill.
Clark: We'll see if this'll hold you.
When Clark is finished, he pats Einstein on the back and walks away.
Clark: Good boy.
Clark walks toward the house and Einstein barks at him insistently.
Clark: Stay.
Einstein continues to bark. When Clark enters the house, he hears a rumbling coming from outside. He goes back out and sees that the tractor is now sitting in the middle of the front lawn, having just plowed through the fence. Einstein, still chained to the grill, sits in front of the tractor staring up at Clark innocently.
Clark: Holy...
Clark runs to Einstein and kneels down next to him.
Clark: Hey. Looks like you got a secret too. [He laughs.] Where are you from? [Einstein whines.] Good boy.
Clark scratches Einstein's neck playfully just under the collar. Then he feels something under the skin. He uses his X-ray vision to look into Einstein and sees a tiny microchip. Lois and Chloe come out of the house and stop when they see the tractor.
Lois: What did you do?
Clark: What? Oh, I, um... it must have rolled.
Lois: Through a fence?
Lois and Chloe come down the stairs.
Clark: Yeah, weird, huh?
Lois: Yeah.
Chloe: Yeah, weird. [Then, helping Clark cover.] But, I mean, it happens, you know? The emergency brake must've slipped or something. It's old, you know? It's an old tractor.
Clark: [Picking up the excuse.] It is old.
Lois looks at Clark and Chloe strangely.
Chloe: Anyway, I'm gonna get going. I'll see you guys around.
Lois: Bye.
Chloe leaves. Lois turns her strange look to Clark.
Clark: Just playing with Skippy here.
Lois: We're not gonna call him Skippy.
Clark: Okay, Lois, what would you like to call him?
Lois: Let's see. He's annoying, and I can't seem to get within ten feet of him without getting sick... I think we should call him Clarkie. [To Einstein.] Come here, Clarkie! Come here, boy! I made him some fliers. He can be somebody else's allergy now.
Clark: You know what? I don't think we're gonna have to use those. I found one of those microchip ID tags under his skin. I think they can scan it at the animal shelter.
Lois: I spent all morning on these.
Lois holds up the fliers she made. They have a color picture of Einstein and the flier says "Found dog."
Clark: I'll be right back. I have to tell my parents something.
Clark goes inside. Einstein looks up at Lois sadly.
Lois: Don't give me that look. [Einstein whines.] Clarkie.
Lois laughs at the name. Einstein lifts his paw to his face in a gesture of exasperation.
Lois and Clark enter the animal shelter with Einstein. Day. Lois holds Einstein's chain.
Lois: We should probably get your mom a new pot roast while we're out. Sit, Clarkie.
The dog sits.
Lois: Good dog.
Clark rings the bell on the front desk and Zack comes in from the back room. When Einstein sees him, he lowers his head and growls softly. Zack recognizes Einstein. Einstein starts to bark at him.
Lois: [To Einstein.] Hey, shh.
Zack: Hi. How can I help you guys?
Clark: We found this dog.
Lois: Actually, uh, I found him. Well, h*t him actually. [Zack looks at Einstein, concerned.] Not hard. We call him Clarkie.
Clark: [Annoyed.] We don't call him Clarkie.
Lois: Is it the "ie" part you don't like? Because we could always just make it Clark. But then that would get really confusing, and hey, maybe you should consider changing your name. You could be Skipper.
Clark: [To Zack.] Anyway, uh, we think he might have an ID chip. We were wondering if you could scan it for us. If it's not too much trouble.
Zack: Um, well, sure, I guess.
Zack picks up the scanner g*n from the desk and bends over to scan Einstein's chip. Einstein barks at him. Zack backs away.
Zack: Whoa! Easy, boy.
Lois: Yeah. He doesn't seem to have a lot of love for you.
Clark: Maybe I should do that.
Clark takes the g*n from Zack and scans Einstein's chip. Lois sneezes.
Zack: Bless you.
Lois: Thanks.
After Clark scans the chip, the word LuthorCorp appears on the computer screen at the desk.
Clark: LuthorCorp?
Lois: You're kidding.
Zack: Huh. It must be one of those lab dogs or something.
Clark: Lab dogs?
Zack: I'd be happy to take him off your hands and return him for you.
Clark: Actually, you know what? Um, that's okay. We'll take care of it. Thanks.
Clark and Lois start to leave. Zack wants to stop them, but isn't sure what to do.
Clark: Come on, boy. Come on.
Zack: I should probably get your name and address, though, in case someone from LuthorCorp calls. It's policy.
Clark: [To Lois.] Would you mind taking him back to the farm? I'm gonna go talk to Lex.
Lois: [Unenthused.] Terrific. [To Einstein, taking his chain.] Come on. Let's go sneeze a while. Heel, Clarkie.
Lois smiles as she leaves the shelter. A short look of annoyance crosses Clark's face as he goes back to the desk. Zack hands him a clipboard and pen to write down his address.
Clark: Thanks.
Clark begins to write.
Cut to the backroom of the animal shelter where Josh stands over a table. On the desk are several vials of green fluid. Josh is looking at some papers when Zack comes back.
Zack: Hey, Josh! Guess who just showed up? Einstein. [Josh looks at Zack, surprised.] Yeah. Some guy named Clark Kent's keeping him out on his farm.
Josh: [He laughs.] That's good news little brother. [He picks up a wooden stick and walks toward a cage.] ‘Cause I was thinking that we were gonna have to rob that truck tomorrow with just this dummy.
Hercules is in the cage, and Josh starts to rattle the stick through the bars, teasing him. Hercules barks frantically.
Zack: [Angry.] Why do you have to do that?
Josh: What do you care? It's just a dog.
Josh walks past Zack to the table and puts down the stick. He picks up a syringe g*n and loads it with one of the vials of green fluid.
Zack: How's he doing, anyway?
Josh: He's got a couple hours left in him, long enough to help us get Einstein back. And then we can sh**t them both up and get their strength back for tomorrow.
Zack: So how come you guys couldn't get the effect to last longer anyway?
Josh: [thr*at.] I don't know, Zack. I was just a trainer.
Zack nods. Josh laughs.
Josh: The plan's back on, little brother. Let's close up shop, huh?
Zack: Yeah sure.
Zack starts to clean up the papers on the desk. He closes an open binder and we see that it is labeled LuthorCorp Security Manual.
Fade to black.
Genevieve Teague is escorted into Lex's study by a servant. Day. The servant leaves, and Genevieve walks to Lex who is standing in front of his desk.
Lex: Genevieve. What a surprise. If you're looking for Jason, I sent him to Metropolis on a business errand.
Genevieve: Actually, I came here to see you, Lex.
Lex: Oh, I didn't realize we had any more business to discuss. Drink?
Genevieve nods. Lex goes to the bar and pours two drinks. Genevieve takes off her coat and puts it down on the couch.
Genevieve: I take it my son has proven to be a good hire.
Lex: Excellent. He's taken a real passion for the project I've given him.
Genevieve: I gather this project does not require him to relocate out of Smallville.
Lex: Highly doubtful.
He hands the drink to Genevieve.
Genevieve: I underestimated you, Lex. [She drinks.]
Lex: Well, that's a common mistake. [He drinks.]
Genevieve: [Circling Lex slowly.] But not one I usually make. Seems that headstrong young men have become my blind spot. Ask Jason. And now you.
Lex: You asked me to give Jason a position at LuthorCorp. I'm not sure I understand your problem.
Genevieve: You know exactly why I wanted you to hire Jason. Get him away from Lana Lang. But instead, you decided to co-opt him for your own purposes.
Lex: Genevieve, paranoia is not a very attractive quality in a woman.
Genevieve: I'm just trying to protect my son.
Lex: Well, maybe you should get together with my father and write a parenting book. I bet it'd be a bestseller.
Lex goes to his desk and sits down.
Genevieve: Then you're no longer interested in how your father was released from prison?
Lex: I've chosen to believe my father truly is reformed. Therefore, the question of his guilt or innocence no longer bothers me. But it's great seeing you again, Genevieve.
She walks to the desk and puts down her drink.
Genevieve: And you too, Lex. Give my best to Jason. [She puts on her coat.] It's a shame he won't be able to help you find what you're looking for.
Genevieve looks back at Lex slyly for a moment. Lex looks back with a blank stare. She leaves. When she is gone, Lex pushes a button on the keyboard of his laptop which brings up the ancient map on his screen.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Night. Jonathan and Martha are preparing dinner in the kitchen. Einstein watches.
Martha: It's hard to believe he's as strong as Clark says he is. He certainly is a beautiful dog.
Einstein turns around and notices the meat already on the dining room table. He leaves the kitchen unnoticed.
Jonathan: Wait a minute, wait a minute. I know what you're thinking.
Martha: Well, it might be nice for Clark to have a dog. It's been kind of a lonely year for him.
Jonathan: Well, wait a minute. What happens when Clark goes off to college next year, huh? Who winds up having to take care of that dog? Me.
Martha: [Calling up the stairs.] Lois, it's time for dinner!
They hear a crash from the dining room and go out to see that Einstein has broken the dining room table in half and is eating the meat. Martha gasps.
Jonathan: Hey, hey, hey, hey! [To Martha.] You see?
Martha: Well, remember when Clark did that? He was only three.
Jonathan: It's not funny. [To Einstein.] Hey!
Jonathan goes to Einstein. Lois comes down the stairs and stands next to Martha as Jonathan fights with the dog.
Jonathan: Would you ... would you ... Hey!
Lois: [To Martha.] What happened?
Jonathan: That's my T-bone!
Martha shrugs, trying not to laugh.
Jonathan finally pries the steak from Einstein's mouth and nothing is left but the bone.
Jonathan: Oh, bad dog.
Lex is about to start a game of pool when Clark enters the study. Night.
Lex: Clark. Grab a stick. I was just about to break.
Clark: Lex, is LuthorCorp doing experiments on dogs?
Lex: I'm not really sure that's any of your business.
Clark: Lois found a stray dog. It has a LuthorCorp ID tag. Are you?
Lex: Clark, when I took over the company, I found quite a few irregular experiments being conducted at my father's request. One of them involved animal testing.
Lex sh**t the ball.
Clark: What were they doing?
Lex: If I remember correctly, they were mixing meteor rock with a steroid to enhance canine strength.
Clark: Why would your dad be interested in making super-powered dogs?
Lex: [sh**ting again.] If I understood my father's insanity, Clark, I'd be a much happier man. But I suppose in this case, there were military applications. I guess I'll never really know for sure. The results were inconclusive. I had animal rights activists picketing the site so I closed it down. I was told the dogs were destroyed.
Clark: Evidently not all of them.
Lex: Is it exhibiting any problems?
Clark: [Suspiciously.] Is that your way of asking me if it has super strength?
Lex: No. No, I assume you'd tell me that because I'd have quite a liability on my hands if he did.
Clark: [He thinks about it.] The dog's perfectly healthy.
Lex: Well, then I'm sure the Kent farm will be a perfect home for him.
Clark nods.
Outside sh*t of the Kent house. Night. Einstein lies nearby as Martha and Lois clean up the broken glass in the dining room.
Martha: Sorry about dinner. I guess it's just sandwiches tonight.
Einstein sits up as if he hears something.
Outside, Jonathan puts a bag of trash into the can, then walks toward the house. He stops when he hears a branch snap nearby. He looks around but doesn't see anything that could have made the noise. Then Hercules runs toward him and knocks him to the ground, biting on his arm. Jonathan screams.
Inside, Einstein immediately gets to his feet and starts running toward the door. Seconds later, Martha and Lois hear Jonathan scream.
Martha: Jonathan?
Einstein jumps through the window of the kitchen door, shattering it and landing on his feet outside. He runs to where Jonathan is still on the ground and bears his teeth growling at Hercules. Hercules steps away from Jonathan and growls back. Lois and Martha come outside.
Martha: Jonathan!
Jonathan: Stay back!
Martha: Jonathan! [Running toward him.] Oh, my God, Jonathan!
Jonathan: Stay back!
Martha picks up a piece of wood from the broken fence.
Jonathan: Martha!
Martha: [To Hercules, shaking the stick.] Get away!
Jonathan: [To Martha.] No!
Martha: Get away! Get away from him.
Jonathan: Get back.
Martha thr*at Hercules with the stick.
Lois: Martha, don't!
Hercules barks angrily at Martha. Then Einstein growls at Hercules again. They have another growling match until Hercules hears a dog whistle bl*wing in the distance and runs away. Einstein runs after him. Martha goes to help Jonathan up.
Martha: [Breathless.] Sweetheart.
Lois: Are you all right?
Jonathan nods, but he groans as he holds his arm. Einstein comes back and looks at the three of them.
Martha: Lois, get the car keys. We have to take him to the hospital.
Lois runs back to the house.
Einstein hears another dog whistle and runs away.
Fade to black.
We see Jonathan through the window of a hospital room at the Smallville Medical Center. Night. Jonathan's arm is in a sling and he is talking to a doctor. When he finishes, he comes out into the hallway where Clark, Martha, and Lois are waiting.
Clark: Dad, what'd they say?
Jonathan: Well, the doctor said he'd never seen a dog that could bite clean through bone before.
Martha: [Handing Jonathan a newspaper.] Look at this.
The headline says "Man Mauled in Bizarre Break-In."
Clark: The store owner's in a coma. He was att*cked by something that could pulverize a steel door. Now, the police think it's a bear, but...
Jonathan: You think it was the dogs.
Clark: Someone's obviously controlling these dogs and using them.
Lois: Look, the only people that knew we had the dog were Lex and that guy at the animal shelter, and since the boy billionaire probably doesn't go around robbing convenience stores...
Clark: We should check it out.
Jonathan: Well, let's do that first thing in the morning, all right? Um, Clark, would you give me a hand signing out, would you?
Jonathan and Clark walk away from Martha and Lois.
Jonathan: Look, son, I know that you're really attached to this dog, but I'm worried he could be dangerous, even to you.
Clark: I know, that's why I have to find out who's doing this and stop them.
Jonathan: No, Clark, son, it won't make any difference. If they had anything to do with putting that man in a coma, then they're gonna have to be put down.
Clark: Dad, when you and mom found a super-powered boy in a cornfield, you didn't give up on me just because I might be dangerous. You raised me. You gave me a chance. He's a good dog, Dad. Someone's just using him to do bad things. We should give him a chance.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. It is closed. Jason and Genevieve sit inside talking.
Genevieve: I want you to leave here with me tonight.
Jason: Why? Because of Countess Marguerite Isobel Theroux?
Genevieve looks away.
Jason: You know that name, don't you?
Genevieve: Is this what Lex has you doing? Researching 17th century witches?
Jason: You're incapable of giving a straight answer, you know that? So apparently when Isobel was condemned to die, she vowed to rise again through one of her descendents. You knew that that was Lana, didn't you? That's why you had me bring her to Isobel's tomb in Paris because you knew that if she received the mark then she was the one. Which means it's ... it's my fault that everything's happening to her.
Genevieve puts her hand on Jason's.
Genevieve: You can't blame yourself.
Jason pulls away and stands up.
Jason: How could you use me like that?
He turns away. Genevieve walks toward him.
Genevieve: Look, it's not safe for you to stay here.
Jason: Well, I'm not leaving Lana.
Genevieve: Well, perhaps you'll change your mind when you hear the rest of the story. Isobel was condemned by a woman named Gertrude. Isobel vowed that when she rose from the d*ad, that she would wipe out all of Gertrude's heirs. We're Gertrude's ancestors, Jason.
Jason: So you think that Lana is going to k*ll you?
Genevieve: No. But Isobel will, and who knows when she'll return?
Jason: Mother, I walked out on Lana once before. I'm not gonna do it again.
Genevieve: Then you're in love with a girl that may k*ll our entire family.
Jason lowers his head in frustration. Unbeknownst to either of them, Lana is standing at the top of the stairs watching them. She goes into her apartment.
Lois and Clark walk up outside the closed animal shelter. Day. There is a sign that says "No Trespassing, Private Property, Violators Will Be Prosecuted." Clark climbs over the chain link fence and Lois follows.
Lois: What is this an obstacle course?
While Lois is climbing the fence, Clark walks up to another gate that is locked with a padlock. Lois doesn't see him crush the lock in his hand and open the gate. When Lois lands on the ground, she looks down at what she has just landed in.
Lois: Oh, crap!
Clark smiles and goes inside. Lois scrapes her feet on the ground and follows. Inside, there are several dogs in cages.
Lois: You see him anywhere? Come here, Clarkie! Come here, boy!
There is no response, and Lois sneezes.
Lois: Wow. Could the dander get any thicker in here? You know, I've been thinking. Clarkie might've had something to do with what happened at that convenience store, but I don't think he hurt that guy. There wasn't any blood on him when I found him.
Clark: We're not gonna call him Clarkie, okay? We're gonna call him Bear or Bandit or something.
Lois: Uh, no and no.
Clark notices two employee lockers next to the wall and uses his X-ray vision to look inside one of them. He sees the LuthorCorp security manual. Again, while Lois is looking elsewhere, Clark breaks the combination lock off of the locker and opens it, pulling out the security manual and looking through it. Lois comes over to him.
Lois: What is all this?
Clark: It's LuthorCorp payroll. They're gonna h*t an armored truck. [He looks at the clock on the wall.] And it's happening right now. Lois, call the police. I'm gonna see if I can catch up with these guys.
Clark takes a map from the binder and starts to leave.
Lois: Hold on there, Forrest Gump. What are you gonna do, run? We brought my car, remember?
Clark: Lois, look ...
Lois: Unh-unh. We can call the cops on the way. You are so weird sometimes.
Lois takes the map and leads Clark to the car. Clark follows anxiously.
Cut to Clark and Lois driving down the road in Lois's car. Clark looks at the speedometer which says they are only going 36 miles per hour. He sighs.
Clark: You know, can you go a little bit faster?
Lois: Hey, you were gonna be hoofing it about ten minutes ago. Besides, I don't want to h*t anything.
Clark looks at the map and then looks out the window.
Clark: It should be right here.
Lois: Well, it's not.
Clark uses his super hearing and hears a dog barking. Then he hears Josh's voice.
Josh: Let's go, let's go, come on! Get the money. Grab the money, come on!
Zack: Stop yelling at me. I dropped the bag, okay?
Clark: Wait, turn left, turn left.
Lois: Why?
Clark: Just do it!
Lois turns left on a small dirt road.
Lois: What is this, another one of your famous hunches, or are we just on a little scenic route here?
Clark: Okay, stop here.
Lois: Wha ... where?
Clark: Here ! Stop here!
Lois: Okay!
Lois stops the car and Clark gets out. Lois gets out and they look around. They hear Josh and Zack yelling over a nearby hill and they run over the hill.
Josh and Zack are taking money bags from an armored truck and putting it into their own truck. They are both wearing masks and they don't notice Clark and Lois.
Josh: Grab the bags, come on!
Zack: I am.
Josh: Come on, faster!
Zack: Those guys back there don't look so good.
Josh: Get the money. Let's go!
Clark and Lois hide behind stacked wooden crates and watch. They notice the two men who were driving the armored truck are lying on the ground unconscious. Zack and Josh finish taking the money and close the back of their own truck.
Clark: All right. Come on.
Clark and Lois run over the hill toward the truck after Zack and Josh are inside. They stand out of sight behind the truck.
Josh: Buckle up, little brother. Come on.
Clark: [To Lois.] Can you go see if you can help those guys?
Lois runs over to the two unconscious men. When she is gone, Clark opens the back of the truck and climbs in. He finds Einstein and Hercules locked in their cages. They both bark at him. The wall between the back of the truck and the cab prevent Josh and Zack from realizing that Clark has entered.
Clark: [To Einstein.] It's all right, buddy. We'll get you out of here.
Clark pushes one of the buttons, opening Einstein's cage. But on top of the cage are several more vials of the green fluid, and when the cage opens, the vials fall to the floor of the truck and shatter, weakening Clark. He falls back against the side of the truck with a gasp as Einstein leaves the truck. Einstein barks at Clark who is unable to move. The truck starts to drive away with Clark inside. Einstein runs after it.
Lois is kneeling next to the two men, and when she hears the truck driving away she stands up and looks around for Clark.
Lois: Clark?
As the glow of the green liquid fills the truck, Clark collapses, almost falling flat on his face. Einstein continues to chase the truck, running toward the open back door. But the truck takes a sharp curve in the road and the door slams shut.
Fade to black.
Zack and Josh are still driving in their truck. Day. They turn into the driveway of their house and the truck stops. Clark is still weakened in the back and Hercules is barking at him.
Josh and Zack get out of the truck and hear Hercules.
Zack: What's he barking about?
Josh: I don't know, but in five minutes it won't matter. We burn the truck, the dogs, everything. All the evidence.
Zack: [Unbelieving.] What ...
Josh: We're gonna be in the Keys before anyone knows we're gone.
They walk around to the back of the truck and Josh opens the door on the right. They see that Einstein's cage is empty.
Zack: Where's Einstein?
Josh: What the hell?
Josh pulls open the left door and they find Clark sitting next to Hercules' cage, barely conscious.
Zack: It's that guy from the animal shelter.
Josh: Well, well, well. Looks like someone has some explaining to do.
Cut to Einstein running through the woods toward Josh and Zack's house. He sees Zack moving money bags from the truck to a smaller car. Unseen, Einstein runs toward the house.
As Zack is transferring the money bags, Josh is covering the truck in gasoline. Einstein watches from behind the house.
Josh puts down his gas can inside the back of the truck and looks at Clark who is now locked in Einstein's cage.
Josh: Well, you just had to be a hero, didn't you? Sometimes heroes get b*rned.
As Zack walks up, Josh pours what is left of the gasoline inside the truck and drops the can. Josh walks away and Hercules whimpers at Zack. Clark merely looks at him, breathing heavily. Zack picks up some more money bags and catches up with Josh.
Zack: Are you sure about this?
Josh: He saw our faces. We can't let him walk.
Zack: This wasn't part of the plan.
Josh: The plan is working, okay? We got the money and we're almost out of here. [Putting a hand on Zack's shoulder.] You're not gonna chicken out on me now, are you? Huh?
Zack is quiet for a long time.
Zack: No.
Josh: [A small smile.] I didn't think so. Come on.
They walk toward the car and Einstein comes out of his hiding place and walks toward the truck. He stops for a moment to make sure that Zack and Josh have their backs turned, then runs to the truck and jumps inside. He goes to the cage Clark is in and barks at Clark. Then he turns around and sees the buttons to release the cages. He pushes a button with his nose and the door to Clark's cage opens. Clark collapses to the floor.
Einstein grabs Clark's jacket in his mouth and pulls him toward the door of the truck until Clark falls on the ground outside. Clark gets to his feet weakly and runs to the side of the truck, falling to the ground again. Einstein licks his face affectionately.
On the other side of the truck, Josh pulls a flare out of the trunk of his car and ignites it. Zack is at his side, watching the orange flame of the flare with awe.
Josh: Make a wish, little brother.
Josh throws the flare at the truck, igniting a f*re on the truck's side. They hear Hercules howling from inside as the f*re quickly spreads. Einstein sits outside the truck barking. Josh and Zack turn to go and Clark is suddenly standing in front of them.
Clark: Going somewhere?
He grabs them both by the jackets and throws them behind him against the side of the house.
Clark doesn't see Einstein jump through the flames and back into the truck, pushing the button to open Hercules's cage. Hercules jumps out of the truck. Just as Einstein is about to jump out, the flames rise, trapping him inside. Hercules turns to Clark and barks to get his attention.
Clark turns around and super speeds to the back of the truck. He sees Einstein trapped inside and super speeds in through the flames, picking up Einstein and jumping out. He super speeds away from the truck and kneels on the ground, covering Einstein with his body as the truck explodes, engulfing them in flames. When the flames die down, they are both unharmed. Clark sits down next to Einstein and Einstein licks his face. Clark laughs.
Fade to black.
Clark and Einstein are in Clark's barn with a veterinarian, Dr. Klein. Day. Dr. Klein is listening to Einstein's heart with a stethoscope.
Klein: This guy's quite a hero from what I understand.
Clark: Yeah, I hope my dad lets me keep him. Doctor, you didn't notice anything unusual about any tests you ran on him, did you?
Klein: Like what?
Clark: Well, he just seems really strong sometimes and he likes to get into things.
Klein: Well, if anything, I'd say his strength is a little below average. You've got a perfectly normal, healthy dog here. You thought of a name yet?
Clark: I was thinking of calling him Krypto.
Lex arrives at the door.
Lex: Interesting name.
Klein: Well, I better be going.
Clark: Thanks, Dr. Klein.
Klein: You're welcome.
Dr. Klein leaves and Lex enters the barn.
Lex: Krypto. What does it mean?
Einstein growls softly at Lex.
Lex: Friendly.
Clark: It's because his background is so... cryptic.
Lex: Speaking of his background, I went out to the scene of the robbery and saw my armored truck. From the look of the back doors, I can only assume it was the handiwork of some very strong dogs.
Clark: Lex, you told me I could keep him back when you thought he was a failed experiment.
Lex: But Clark, if the experiment didn't fail, this dog could be dangerous.
Clark: But he's not dangerous now. He saved my life. I'll take my chances on his loyalty.
Lex looks at Clark doubtfully. Einstein licks Clark's face.
In her apartment, Lana pours a cup of coffee for Chloe and one for herself. Day.
Chloe: So do you mind telling my why I was up until two in the morning researching Jason's family tree? I mean, not that it wasn't, you know, halfway interesting, it's just you definitely got your place in the Guinness Book of Strangest Last-Minute Requests.
They walk toward the living room.
Lana: I, uh, saw him downstairs talking to his mom. It was obviously a heated discussion, but uh... when he came up to the apartment, he didn't even mention it to me.
Chloe: Well, did you hear what they were talking about?
Lana: No. But it clearly rattled him. Chloe, he's keeping something from me. You know, I don't even know who I can trust anymore.
They sit down on the couch.
Lana: Did you find anything?
Chloe: Not much. [Chloe opens her file folder.] I mean, I can only go back as far as his mom's grandmother. After that, it's like someone just chopped off a part of his family tree. There's nothing there. I can tell you that she comes from a town called Castelnois de Montmiral. [She hands Lana a piece of paper from the file.] That's all I know. Well, except that...
She stops when she sees the look on Lana's face as she stares at the page.
Chloe: Lana, are you okay?
Lana: [Fearful.] Chloe, this is the town that my ancestors come from. And Isobel Theroux.
Chloe: Well, on a scale of weird to ten... Genevieve's grandmother is the one who moved Isobel's tomb into that church in Paris.
Lana: Why would anyone move a witch's tomb into a church?
Chloe: I think that's something you need to ask Jason.
Lana looks away from Chloe pensively.
Jason enters Lex's study. Day. Lionel is seated on the couch reading the newspaper.
Lionel: If you're looking for my son, he's not here.
Jason puts a folder down on Lex's desk.
Jason: I'm just returning something.
Lionel: Yes, yes. How's the research coming?
Jason: I'm not sure I know what you mean.
Lionel: Yes, you do. I mean Isobel.
Jason is shocked into silence. Lionel finally looks up from his newspaper and chuckles.
Lionel: I understand your hesitation. When I found out that you'd been hired by my son, I put a few of the pieces together and saw a connection. You, um, you're Genevieve Teague's boy.
Lionel stands up and walks toward Jason, looking up him and down.
Lionel: Yes. Of course.
Lionel laughs softly again. Jason stares back at him nervously.
Lionel: You can't trust her, Jason. [Jason nods.] Of course, you can't trust my son either, but I think you know that.
Jason: And I suppose you're gonna tell me I can trust you, though.
Lionel picks up a manila envelope and hands it to Jason.
Jason: What's this?
Lionel: Open it.
Lionel goes back to the couch and sits down as Jason opens the envelope and pulls out a piece of paper. We see that it is the same ancient map that Lex has.
Lionel: [Without looking at Jason.] I think it might help you.
Clark is fixing a support beam in the barn as Lois bathes Einstein in a steel tub. Day. Clark finishes.
Clark: Done.
Lois pours a bucket of water over Einstein.
Lois: Well, took you long enough. Now you just have to fix the dining room table, the window, the fence, and... [She sneezes.]
Clark smiles. Einstein jumps out of the tub and shakes off his fur, splashing water all over Lois. Clark's smile widens.
Lois: I thought bathing him was supposed to help with my allergies.
Clark: [Teasing.] Well, maybe you're allergic to the soap too.
Lois: Maybe I'm allergic to you. Can you grab me a towel please?
Clark tosses a bright red towel to Lois and she catches it.
Lois: Thanks.
She throws the towel over Einstein's back and starts to dry him off.
Lois: So, what are we gonna call him? And don't give me any of this Skipper crap.
Clark: I was thinking we could call him Krypto.
Lois: Why, because he's so cryptic like you? I don't think so.
Clark: Why not?
Lois: Because I think it's dumb. You can call your next dog Krypto. Look, it's not that hard. Max, Lucky, Rocky, Bailey, Scamp, Monty, Bud?
Clark doesn't really like any of the names. Jonathan and Martha enter.
Jonathan: Hey, you're gonna have to pick one of those if you want to keep him.
Martha smiles at Clark. Lois looks from Jonathan and Martha to Clark.
Clark: Really?
Martha kneels down and holds out her arms to Einstein.
Martha: Come on! Oh, hello!
Einstein walks to Martha with the red towel still draped over him like a cape. Jonathan and Martha both pet him.
Martha: You know, when I was a little girl, we had a dog that looked just like this one. Maybe that's why I liked him so much right away. His name was Shelby.
Lois: [Thinks about it.] I can live with that.
Clark: Well, it beats Clarkie.
Einstein shakes himself again, splashing Jonathan and Martha. Jonathan laughs and Martha shrieks with delight.
Clark grabs a Frisbee from the table.
Clark: Come on, Shelby! Let's go outside.
Shelby chases Clark outside and bites on the Frisbee. Clark pries it out of Shelby's mouth and tosses it across the yard. Shelby runs after the Frisbee and catches it in his mouth. Clark claps his hands.
Clark: Nice catch! [He kneels down.] Come on, boy!
Shelby runs back to Clark excitedly with the Frisbee in his mouth. He drops it and runs back to pick it up, then runs to Clark with it. Clark gives him a big hug and takes the Frisbee, preparing to throw it again.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x14 - Krypto"} | foreverdreaming |
Original Air Date on February 23, 2005
Clark and Martha are in the kitchen. Night. Martha puts down a stack of college brochures on the counter in front of Clark.
Martha: Decisions, Clark.
Clark: They're on the top of my to-do list.
Martha: With Lois out of town, you don't have any excuses. These college application deadlines are coming up soon, Clark. I know how hard it was giving up those football scholarships, but you have to start making some decisions about your future.
There is a knock at the door.
Clark: I'll get it.
Clark goes to the front door and opens it. There is a delivery man there.
Man: Clark Kent?
Clark: Yes.
Man: Sign here.
The man gives Clark a clipboard and Clark signs his name on it. Then the man hands Clark an envelope and leaves. Clark closes the door and he and Martha look at the envelope.
Martha: What is it?
Clark: It's from Dr. Swann.
Jonathan calls to them from the living room where he is sitting on the couch in front of the television.
Jonathan: Clark, Martha. I think you should see this.
As they are entering the living room, they hear the voice of a news reporter on the television.
Woman: We have breaking news from New York. Here is our correspondent Tom Florence.
Tom: Thank you, Carol.
Clark and Martha get to the living room and see a picture of Dr. Swann on the television screen.
Tom: We have just confirmed that Dr. Virgil Swann passed away this morning. No further details have been released.
Clark's jaw drops as he walks closer to the TV.
Tom: The reclusive billionaire will be remembered as one of the leading philanthropists of his generation. Along with starting the Virgil Swann Charitable Foundation...
Clark: I don't understand. I just talked to him last week.
Jonathan: I'm sorry, Clark. I truly am.
Martha: We both are.
Clark sits down with a sigh.
Clark: There was still so much I needed to learn from him about Krypton and Jor-El.
Martha: We can be thankful for everything he did pass on to you.
Clark reaches into the envelope and pulls out a folded piece of paper and a small blue felt bag. He puts down the bag and opens the paper.
Clark: [Reading.] "Kal-El, I wish I could continue this journey with you, but now you must seek out your father."
Jonathan lowers his head unhappily.
Clark: "If I sheltered you from him for too long, forgive me. Jor-El sent you on a mission. He's the only one who can help you finish it. I am returning something that is rightfully yours. I know that it will lead you to your destiny."
Clark puts down the letter and picks up the bag. He reaches inside and pulls out the octagonal spaceship key. Jonathan and Martha both look at it fearfully.
Dr. Swann's picture is still on the TV screen and the reporter is still speaking.
Tom: ...searching for intelligent life in the universe. The world will remember his many contributions and man will benefit from his gifts for generations to come.
Clark turns the key over in his fingers nervously.
Cut to the hidden chamber in the Kawatche caves. The door slides open and Clark enters, walking toward the octagonal altar. The door slides shut behind him. He holds up the key and places it into a slot in the middle of the altar. A flashing white light bursts from the altar and Clark is surrounded in a shaft of swirling blue energy. We hear the voice of Jor-El booming over the wind that fills the chamber. When Clark responds, he must shout to be heard.
Jor-El: I knew you would return, my son.
Clark: Why'd you send me to find this?
Jor-El: Because you may be the last survivor of a great civilization.
Clark: A great civilization that destroyed itself!
Jor-El: As will yours if you continue to refuse your mission. The knowledge of our civilization was encoded in three stones brought to Earth and hidden at the far reaches of the world. Greed will drive others to hunt the stones. But if the humans should unite them before you, they will not be able to withstand the temptation and will drive the world to famine, w*r, and the Earth's ultimate destruction. You must find the other two stones. The fate of your world lies in your hands... Kal-El.
The flashing light becomes brighter until the everything is white.
[Opening credits]
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. Inside her apartment, Lana's phone rings. She comes into the kitchen and answers it.
Lana: Hello?
Jason: Hey, it's Jason.
Lana: Jason who?
Jason: Very funny.
Lana smiles. She hears a lot of people in the background on Jason's end of the line.
Lana: Well, it doesn't sound like Kansas. Where are you?
Jason: Uh, Metropolis. I have to stay here for a few days, oversee some things for Lex.
Lana: I didn't realize that your job required any overseeing.
Jason: Yeah. Listen, I can't really talk right now. I just stepped out of a meeting. But I, uh, I wanted to call ‘cause I didn't get a chance to before I left.
Lana: Is Lex with you?
Jason: No, I'm solo.
Lana: Well, you better stay that way. I know what happens to people when they run off to Metropolis.
A Chinese man standing near Jason yells something in Chinese. Jason tries to cover his phone so Lana doesn't hear.
Lana: What was that?
Jason: Nothing. Um, listen, I gotta go. I'll call you tomorrow, okay? Good night.
Jason hangs up his phone.
Lana hangs up her phone, confused.
Lana: Night?
Cut to Jason walking into a crowded street in nighttime China. His cell phone rings.
Jason: Hello?
Lex: If I didn't know better, I'd think you skipped town on me.
Jason: Lex. Yeah, I was going to call you. Something came up. I had to leave work early.
Lex: To what, catch the next flight to Shanghai?
Jason: [Surprised.] What?
Lex: Why don't you turn around?
Jason turns around and sees Lex standing down the street from him with his phone to his ear. Lex hangs up his phone and walks toward Jason, somewhat annoyed.
Lex: You didn't really think I'd hire you, bring you into my life, and not follow every step you take, did you?
Jason: Lex...
Lex: I know my father gave you a map, Jason. And I know you figured out that it leads to a temple just outside the city, but if you think you're gonna find that stone without me, you're mistaken.
They stare at each other for a moment.
Lex: Let's go.
Lex starts to walk away and Jason follows him.
Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Night. Jonathan, Martha, and Clark talk in the kitchen.
Jonathan: [Angry.] I thought we agreed that you would not go back down into the caves.
Clark: Dad, I couldn't just ignore Swann's message.
Jonathan: Look, I know that you trust him but, Clark, he doesn't know Jor-El the way we do.
Clark: Dad, it's not like I've forgotten who we're dealing with here. I'm just afraid of what's gonna happen if we continue to ignore him.
Jonathan: Listen, I realize that he's your birth father, all right? But he's never had your best interests at heart.
Clark: Maybe, but he's never lied to me either. And the trials that he's put me through, maybe they're not all random. Maybe he's trying to prepare me to find these stones.
Martha: Are you really sure you want to open all this up again? The last few months, ever since you walked away from Jor-El, it's like we got the old Clark back.
Clark: Well, Mom, as much as I like playing football and trying to be normal, the truth is I'm not. We all know that. Look, I've already let one of these stones slip through my hands.
Jonathan: Even if you were to find the stones, son, we have no idea what's gonna happen if... if you bring them all together.
Clark: I know, Dad. But if I don't find them, someone else will.
Martha and Jonathan look at Clark nervously.
Lana enters Lex's study where Lionel is slicing oranges on a cutting board. Day. Lana stops in the middle of the room.
Lionel: Miss Lang. Please, don't be shy. You were looking for your elusive boyfriend, I assume.
Lana: Uh, yeah. I was hoping that Lex could get in touch with him for me. He sent him to go catch up on this project and I can't seem to reach him on his cell.
Lionel: Well, I would imagine reception would be rather shoddy in China. Lex is in Shanghai. If I had to guess, I would say that your boyfriend is there with him.
Lana stares at Lionel, surprised.
Lionel: I'm sorry. I-I thought Jason would've told you what's happening, considering you were the one born right into the middle of all this. You should know, Miss Lang, how thoroughly Jason and Lex have been studying Isobel Theroux, your rebellious ancestor.
Lana: Looks like they aren't the only ones.
Lionel walks to the bookshelf and picks up a wooden box which he carries to the desk and sets down.
Lionel: Isobel's archrival was a duchess, Gertrude who was obsessed with findings three mythical stones. She sent ships to the far ends of the known earth, but all her agents could discover was this map somewhere in China.
Lionel opens the box and pulls out the map, showing it to Lana.
Lana: What does this treasure map have to do with Isobel?
Lionel: The map never made it into the hands of the duchess. Isobel stole the document and hid it. Gertrude had the exquisite young sorceress ex*cuted.
Lana: [Becoming afraid.] Isobel's looking for them too.
Lionel: And she's working through you, using you as a vessel. I gave a copy of the map to Jason as well. I'm not surprised he didn't tell you about it.
Lionel closes the box and puts it back on the bookshelf.
Lionel: Your kinship with Isobel may not be a secret, but are you aware that Jason is a direct descendent of the duchess, Gertrude?
Shocked, Lana looks from Lionel to the map, and then back to Lionel.
Clark is seated on the couch in his loft looking at an old issue of Time Magazine with a picture of Dr. Swan on the cover. Day. He stands up and puts the magazine down his desk next to several pictures of the Kryptonian symbols from the cave walls. He picks up one of the pictures and studies it. It is the symbol that has been tattooed onto Lana's back.
We see the symbol on Lana's back as she bends over, picking up some clothes in her apartment. Day. She tosses the clothes into her open suitcase. When she turns around, Clark is there.
Clark: Going somewhere?
Lana pauses for a moment, then takes some clothes from her dresser.
Lana: China.
Clark: China? Are you serious?
Lana: And freaked out and mad and just about everything else you can possibly imagine.
Clark: Lana, what's going on?
Lana: Which part? The immaculate tattoo, the fact that I seem to be a harboring a 16th century witch, or that Jason and Lex took off with a map to uncover it all behind my back?
Clark: Why would they do that?
Lana: I don't know, but Jason said that we were gonna figure this out together. But it turns out he has a rather limited definition of "we."
Clark: Well, maybe he has a good reason why he's not being open with you. Don't you think you owe him a chance to explain?
Lana: Clark, you know I don't give up on someone that easily. [Clark lowers his eyes.] But I'm not gonna just let him lie to me, even if it is for a good reason.
Clark: So you're gonna take off and fly halfway around the world just like that?
Lana: Lionel Luthor made all the arrangements and I'm taking the LuthorCorp jet.
Clark looks at Lana doubtfully.
Lana: And I know, Clark, that I can't trust him. But he gave me the name of this professor that might be able to help.
Clark: Well, then I'm going with you.
Lana: [Stunned pause.] I'm not gonna drag you into this.
Clark: I'm not letting you go alone.
Jason and Lex walk down another crowded street in China. Night.
Lex: Jason, you can't trust my father. He gave you that map for a reason, and now you're leading him right to the stone.
Jason: I'm not working for your father or anyone else.
Lex: Then why does this stone even matter to you?
Jason: ‘Cause until I find it, Lana's not gonna be safe.
Lex: Safe from what?
They stop walking and face each other.
Jason: From my mom. From Lionel, from you. I don't know, Lex, you tell me.
Lex looks down the street and sees two Chinese men in uniform staring at them.
Lex: Look, unless you hired your own Chinese security, I think we've h*t a bit of a snag. Run!
Lex and Jason run away and the two Chinese men chase after them, shouting at them in Chinese. Jason and Lex turn a corner and continue to run, ducking behind a street vendor's booth just as the men start to sh**t g*n at them. They turn another corner and end up inside a car garage with no where else to run. A truck drives up with more men in uniform, and Lex and Jason put their hands above their heads as the men get out of the truck, pointing g*n and flashlights at them.
Jason: What is this?
All of the men shout at them in Chinese.
Fade to black.
We see the LuthorCorp jet soaring through a cloudy sky. Day. On the jet, Clark looks at the ancient map along with other drawings of landmarks in China. One of the drawings is of a Chinese temple with a Kryptonian symbol above the door. Lana sits next to him.
Clark: How did Lionel know these symbols were about you?
Lana: There are two answers to that question, and they're both three times zones away.
Clark stands up, thoughtful.
Lana: Clark, um, I'm sorry. I-I feel like you're the only person in my life right now who doesn't have an agenda.
Clark: Lana, whatever their motives are, I'm sure they still care about you.
Lana: That still doesn't change the fact that everybody seems to know more about me than I do.
Clark: It must be scary to think that someone out there has a plan for you, but you don't know what it is yet.
Lana: Ever since that tattoo appeared, I feel like I've been walking around with this huge secret, like everybody only knows what's on the surface, but there's something inside of me that's so much more powerful.
Clark: And you're afraid if people know about that part of you, they'll see you differently.
Lana: How could they not?
Lana is quiet for a moment, then changes the subject.
Lana: So, um, what'd your parents say about coming to China?
Clark: Nothing.
Clark sits down.
Clark: I didn't tell them. I left them a message.
Lana makes an apologetic face.
Lana: It's funny. The two people I ended up trusting are Lionel Luthor and you.
Outside sh*t of the temple in Shanghai. Day. Inside, Lex and Jason are being kept in a dark empty cell with no light except for the musty, yellowing daylight that comes in through the window. The floor is wet and shiny. Jason stands next to the window looking out and Lex is crouched on the floor, leaning back against the wall.
Jason: Well, boss, got any idea what we're doing here?
Lex: Well, since they took the map and brought us to the temple, I'm guessing they're after the same thing we are.
Jason: You're pretty anxious to make me your sidekick, aren't you?
Lex: Don't you think it's time we dropped the stalemate of who knows what, and do whatever we can to get out of here?
Jason: [Losing patience.] If you want to start spilling our guts, you go first.
Lex: Okay. [He stands up.] We both know my father had every inch of this place scoured and he didn't find the stone. [He walks to Jason.] Come on, Jason. You wouldn't have lied to Lana and come all the way here unless you knew the secret to reading that map.
Jason: No, I lied to Lana to protect her.
Lex: Oh, right. I forgot. Lana's new self-appointed hero. She seems to have a way of attracting them.
Jason: Yeah, it looks that way.
Lex looks at the wall above the barred cell door and sees Kryptonian symbols painted there. He turns to Jason.
Lex: I don't believe you're that naive. You're either being used by my father or your mother. Who's ever pulling the strings, don't think for a second they wouldn't sacrifice Lana. In the end, I have a feeling I may be the one protecting Lana from you.
Jason gives Lex an annoyed nod and turns away, walking back to the window. When his back is turned to the cell door, two of the Chinese guards enters with g*n. One of them hits Lex over the head with his g*n, knocking him to the ground. The other points his g*n at Jason.
Jason puts up his arms fearfully as he watches the other guard drag Lex to his feet and pull him out of the cell. The other guard leaves the cell as well and locks Jason inside, following Lex down the hall. The first guard is still yelling at Lex in Chinese.
Lex: Where are you taking me?!
Clark and Lana enter a crowded Chinese street. Day. They look around with awe.
Clark: It's hard to believe we were driving by cornstalks this morning.
Lana: We are definitely not in Kansas anymore.
They walk down the street, looking at all the pedestrians and street vendors. Both sides of the street are lined with closely packed shops.
Clark: So how are we supposed to find this professor ...
A Chinese man rides past on a bike, nearly knocking into Lana. Clark pulls Lana out of the way, holding her close to himself. They look into each other's eyes for an awkward moment, then Lana pulls away and they continue to walk.
Lana: Um, Lionel said to just take this street, uh, until we find a green rooster.
Clark: You know, Lana, I'm not sure we should trust this woman. Maybe we can do this on our own.
Lana: [Smiling.] I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you spoke fluent Mandarin and knew your way around Shanghai.
She touches Clark on the shoulder and points to a shop with a green rooster sign hanging near the door. A Chinese woman walks out of the shop and comes to Clark and Lana.
Woman: Miss Lang, Mr. Kent. I'm glad you guys made it here safely. Do you have the map?
The three of them walk down the street together as Clark takes the map out of his jacket pocket and unfolds it, handing it to the woman.
Woman: [Excited.] I never really believed this existed. You have no idea how many fortune hunters have searched for this map.
The woman studies the map.
Clark: The temple seems to be located at the fork of a river.
Woman: That's odd. There's no river there. But these symbols, they match those on the temple wall.
Lana: So you know where it is.
Woman: I know the place well. There's no mistaking that symbol.
Clark: Are you sure that this is the only temple with these kinds of markings?
Woman: On this continent anyway. That's all part of the temple's mystique.
They stop walking in a narrow alleyway between two shops.
Woman: There's a myth that claimed an all-powerful god that came from another world and hid a treasure there. The god left some kind of map to it. But the map was stolen centuries ago by European bandits. As far as we know, they never found the treasure.
Lana: Can you take us to it?
Woman: Of course. But don't show this to anyone. As long as the stone is still out there, there are fortune seekers who are willing to k*ll for it.
She hands the map to Clark.
Woman: We need to be careful. Other people may know you're here.
Clark puts the map back in his jacket and the woman leads them back into the street.
Jason is standing alone in his cell in the temple. Day. He turns toward the door when he hears Lex groan. The two guards open the cell door and throw Lex back into the cell. He falls against Jason weakly and he is sweating and bleeding from his bottom lip.
Jason: Lex.
The guards grab onto Jason and pull him toward the door, yelling at him in Chinese.
Jason: [Afraid.] Lex!
Lex: Look, tell them whatever they want to know. This isn't worth dying over!
As one guard pushes Jason down the hallway, the other remains in the cell, pointing his g*n at Lex. When Jason is gone, Lex turns away, wiping his lip.
Lex: [Calmly.] Just scare him. [He turns back to the guard.] Find out what he knows, but don't hurt him.
A third guard comes into the cell.
Guard: I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor. I can't make such a promise.
Lex: [Angry.] We had an agreement.
Guard: There are people who have more money than you.
The guard jabs Lex in the stomach with his night stick. Lex groans in pain and bends over. Both guards grab him and push him out of the cell.
Lex: I never wanted anyone harmed!
He fights their grip, but they continue pulling him down the hallway.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Chinese temple. Day. There is a pond in front of the temple and large mountains loom in the background. Inside, the Chinese woman is leading Clark and Lana through a large hallway. There are red drapes hanging from the ceiling and tied to the wall to keep from obstructing the walkway, and daylight shines in through translucent windows.
Woman: During the cultural revolution, the government destroyed most of the ancient temples. But for some reason, they protected this one. Maybe because it's always been shrouded in superstition. Villages have refused to cross the threshold, fearful that the god will one day return as he promised.
She leads Clark and Lana into what appears to be a room of worship. Clark looks around at the paintings and carvings on the walls. He stops at one wall that has a painting of a growling dragon on it. Below the painting is a circular groove in the wall, large enough that a person could step through it if it were a door. Kryptonian symbols have been painted on it in red. Clark focuses on the symbols and uses his X-ray vision to look through the wall, seeing some kind of idol standing behind it.
Lana: Clark, did you find something:?
Clark: Just more symbols. Why don't you two keep searching around? I'll look more in here.
Woman: [To Lana.] This way.
Lana looks at Clark curiously, then allows herself to be led away by the woman.
Woman: There's another chamber in the east wing.
They leave. Clark walks slowly toward the wall and touches it with both hands. He pushes and the circular groove starts to move backwards. He then rolls it out of the way to find a clothed statue with its arms sticking straight out like a scarecrow. Serving as the head of the statue is an ornately decorated mask. The eyes of the mask flash a brilliant green and Clark is immediately weakened, falling to the ground with pain. The eyes of the mask continue to glow at him malevolently.
Cut to Lana and the woman walking down another hallway. Lana hears a sound.
Lana: What was that?
They both look around nervously. Suddenly several uniformed men run into the hallway and come after Lana and the woman.
Woman: Run, Lana!
Two men grab Lana before she can run away. They push her to her knees. Another man grabs the Chinese woman and breaks her neck. She drops to the ground as the other men yell at Lana in Chinese. The third man comes to Lana, pointing his smoking g*n at her back. She cranes her neck around to look at him fearfully. Her jacket is slightly raised on her back, revealing a small piece of Lana's tattoo. The man lifts her shirt and sees the whole symbol.
He says something in Chinese to the other men and they drag Lana to her feet, walking her out of the hallway, passing the d*ad Chinese woman on the floor as they go.
Cut to the green eyes of the idol's mask in the worship chamber. Clark is still gasping before the idol on the floor.
Jason and Lex are being held in another area of the temple. It looks like a basement. Day. The walls are made of brick and there is no daylight to be seen, only several fluorescent lights and a hanging light bulb that swings next to Jason. Jason and Lex are both hanging from the ceiling by their arms bound in chains. Jason is shirtless and Lex's shirt is unbuttoned revealing blood dripping down his chest.
There are several Chinese guards. They speak to each other and then one of them holds a wet sponge connected to a jumper cable to Jason's chest. There is another jumper cable connected to the chain holding Jason's hands. A buzzing electrical current goes through Jason's body and he screams through clenched teeth. The jumper cable is connected to an electricity box and one of the other Chinese men turns up the voltage. The main guard watches calmly.
Guard: Enough.
A man turns off the electricity box and the main guard walks up to Jason as he stops screaming and tries to catch his breath. The guard holds up a drawing of the treasure map and grabs Jason's hair forcefully with his other hand.
Guard: Tell me where this leads to.
Jason doesn't respond. He looks into the guard's eyes coldly for a long moment. The guard looks at Lex and then back to Jason.
Guard: Do you really think your friend will have such strong will?
He speaks to his men in Chinese. A man takes the jumper cable off of Jason's chain and connects it to Lex's. Then he pulls the wet sponge out of a bucket of water and holds it to Lex's chest.
Lex: No.
The sponge hits his chest, and the electricity crackles. Lex screams.
Guard: Where is the stone?
Lex: Aah!
Guard: Where is the stone?! Where is the stone?!
Lex continues to scream in pain. The guard orders his man to stop, and the sponge is pulled away from Lex's chest.
Guard: I hope your young friend will have more sense than you.
He shouts in Chinese, and two men drag Lana into the room. She screams and tries to get free, but can't.
Jason: No. Lana.
Lex: No! Leave her alone!
The men force Lana into a chair.
Jason: Lana! No! No, no!
Jason and Lex keep protesting as Lana's wrists are tied to the metal chair. The guard connects a jumper cable to the arm rest.
Lana: No, I don't know anything!
Lex: She has nothing to do with this!
Guard: Maybe not.
Lex: Leave her alone!
The guard touches the sponge to Lana's arm and the electricity buzzes.
Lex: Lana!
Jason: No!
Lana howls through clenched teeth like a tortured animal as the guard turns up the voltage. Lana suddenly begins to convulse with super speed, her swinging head becoming a blur. Then she is suddenly perfectly still and a soft wind blows her hair. Her eyes are closed and the electricity is still flowing through her, but it doesn't affect her at all. She speaks Latin in a low chanting voice.
Lana: Mitere meus animam.
Her eyes burst open and they are a shimmering purple. Jason and Lex watch in frightened silence.
Lana: Liberare!
Purplish-pink light flashes through the room and the guard operating the electricity box is thrown to the floor. Lana's bindings are broken and she stands up. She turns to the two guards that are still standing and points at them, sh**ting purple energy from her hand that sends them to the ground. One of the unconscious guards holds the map in his hand, and Lana picks it up. Then she walks calmly back to Jason and Lex.
Lana: Did you really think I would let any harm come to this body I possess? [She smiles.] You two again.
Jason: [Whispered.] Isobel.
Lana: You are a resilient lad, aren't you? So earnest, and yet so tragically doomed to pay for the sins of your ancestors.
Lex: Lana, if there's any part of you in there ...
Lana: [To Lex.] And you, greedy boy. [She touches his neck thr*at.] I can only imagine what mischief you would cause were you to unite the stones of knowledge. [She steps away from Lex and Jason.] Too bad that neither of you could see what was right in front of you all along. [She opens the map and shows it to them.] It was never a map.
She smiles slyly.
Cut to Clark still lying helpless on the floor. Two more guards come in and pull him off the floor, helping him stand up and leading him out of the chamber. Once Clark is in the hallway, his strength returns, and he throws the guards in opposite directions.
In the basement, Lana puts on a long Chinese cloak that is red on the inside and black with gold symbols on the outside.
Lex: Clark!
Lana turns around and sees that Clark has entered the room behind her. She sh**t energy out of her hand at him, sending him flying backwards and landing on the floor. Lana walks toward him.
Lana: You put up a better fight last time.
She leaves the basement.
Cut to Lana walking quickly down the large hallway outside the idol chamber. Clark remains unconscious in the basement.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the temple. Day. In the basement, Clark regains consciousness and picks up a pair of bolt cutters and walks to Jason and Lex.
Lex: Clark, what are you doing here?
Clark cuts Lex's chains and Lex falls to the floor with a grunt.
Clark: I could ask you the same thing.
Jason: How could you put Lana in the middle of this? [Clark cuts his chain.] I swear, Clark, if anything happens to her...
Clark: [Angry.] She's here because you lied to her.
Lex: I get the feeling Lana can handle herself right now.
Jason: If Isobel gets her hands on that stone, there's no telling what's gonna happen to Lana.
Lex: Clark, if there's anything you know that we don't...
Clark: I think I found something.
Cut to Clark, Lex, and Jason standing in the chamber looking at the hidden idol in the wall. Clark stands well away from it. Jason and Lex walk toward it slowly.
Lex: Clark, how did you just stumble on this when my father had this placed searched from top to bottom?
Clark: What do you want me to say, Lex? It's obviously been here a long time.
Lex is standing right next to the idol now, touching it. He notices Clark staying at a distance.
Lex: Don't you want to look at this?
Clark doesn't answer, but looks at the idol's eyes nervously.
Jason: Hang on... [To Clark.] Let me see the map. [Clark looks blankly at Jason for a moment.] Let me see it.
Clark takes the folded map out of his jacket and hands it to Jason. As Jason unfolds it, he walks toward the idol.
Lex: Well?
Jason: Guys, this isn't a map to the temple. It's a drawing of the temple through the tree.
Jason holds the map up to the shirt on the idol. The shirt has a picture on the front of it identical to the map. We see that what looked like a long river forking at the temple is actually a forked tree trunk with the temple visible in the background.
Lex: That's why no one could find the stone here. But from this perspective, the background goes on for miles. It could be anywhere.
Clark: What if it's not in the background? Think about it. The artist would have been standing right where you are. What if it's located there at the base of the tree?
Jason and Lex stare at the idol's shirt thoughtfully. The image on the shirt fades into a real image of the temple seen through the forking trunk of a tree. Lana stands next to the tree, comparing it the drawing she holds in her hand. She smiles dangerously then puts the map away. Then she opens her left hand slowly, revealing that it is full of red rose petals. She lets the petals fall to the ground while she chants in Latin.
In the soil where the rose petals have fallen, a Kryptonian symbol appears as if it is b*rned into the ground. Lana waves her hand over the ground slowly, and the soil begins to crack and separate. From beneath the ground there is fiery orange light and smoke until finally the spot of soil under the symbol rises up and a small statue of a horse pokes its head above ground. Lana picks up the horse and looks at it strangely. Then she takes it to a nearby rock and shatters it.
Cut to Clark in the temple. A piercing noise fills his ears and he covers them in pain.
Lana who is still standing over the stone sees that inside the horse is another stone of power which is now resting before her. It is silver and shiny and has a Kryptonian symbol etched into it.
In the temple, Clark can still hear the noise, and he super speeds out.
Lana holds the stone of power, resting it on a red handkerchief in her hand. She stares at it greedily when suddenly it seems to disappear from her hand.
Clark is now standing near her, holding the stone in his hand after having taken it from her at super speed. Lana sees him and sh**t a bolt of energy at him from her hand, sending him flying across the yard where he lands roughly in a bush. He drops the stone. Lana picks it up with her handkerchief again, wraps it up, and puts it in the pocket of her cloak.
Cut to Lana reentering the temple and walking purposefully down the hallway. A whoosh of air is heard, and Clark is suddenly standing right in front of her.
Lana: [Angrily.] Nobody has sacrificed as much as I have for these stones.
Clark: They don't belong to you.
Lana: And you think they were meant for you? They were left for nobody. The god of this temple hid them for his return.
Lana holds out her arms to both sides. On her left, a sword removes itself from a statue and flies into Lana's hand. On her right, a smaller blade flies out of a statue and into her other hand. She shouts in Latin.
Then she touches the blades together over her head and they shimmer with a purple energy for a moment. She throws the smaller blade at Clark. It flips through the air in slow motion until it reaches Clark, s*ab him in the chest. He gasps as blood drips down the front of his jacket. Lana smiles as he grabs the handle and tries to pull the blade out of himself.
Then Lana leaps toward him from across the hallway soaring through the air almost like she is flying, and she holds her sword above her head, ready to strike. Just before she gets to him, Clark pulls the blade out of his chest and steps out of her way. She swings at him but hits the wall instead. Clark steps into a chamber and she turns around, trying to strike him again. He blocks one of her swings with the smaller blade and dodges another swing by stepping back out into the hallway.
Lana follows him and leaps into the air as they strike blades again. She jumps toward him, spinning a full circle in the air and swings her sword at him twice. Both times she strikes his blade. She runs around to his other side and tries to swing at his head, but he ducks out of the way. Then she crouches slightly, and swipes at Clark's legs with her leg, tripping him. When he is on his back on the ground, she swings at him but again, he blocks it. With his sword, he flings Lana's sword out of her hand and pushes her away.
She is flung across the room, but before she lands, she rights herself in the air and lands gently on her feet, looking back at Clark coldly. He returns her stare nervously. Lana leaps high into the air, spinning in circles as if she is flying. Then Clark super speeds toward her and jumps up next to her. He rips at the pocket in her cloak and the red handkerchief and the stone of power fall out onto the floor. Lana looks down at the stone in a panic.
On the ground, Clark reaches for the stone, but Lana grabs his hand. There is a bright flash as energy passes through both of them and sends them both flying in opposite directions. Clark is blown all the way back into the nearby chamber.
Jason enters and touches Lana's arm. She sits up and looks at him with confusion.
Lana: How'd we get away from the guards?
Clark reenters the hallway.
Clark: It was Isobel.
Lana: [Breathing heavily, afraid.] What'd I do?
Clark pulls his jacket closed to make sure his wound is hidden. Lex enters.
Lex: Did you find the stone?
Clark picks up the red handkerchief, but the stone isn't there.
Clark: It's gone.
They share a tense silence.
Fade to black.
Outside sh*t of the Kent Farm. Night. In the loft, Clark is seated at his desk typing a paper entitled, "Why I Want To Go To Central State" on his laptop. So far, the title is all he has finished. He stares blankly at the computer screen as Lana enters.
Lana: It's kind of hard to take college application essays seriously after the last couple of days, isn't it?
Clark: I was just trying to figure out if hidden temples and body-snatching witches fits under "community service" or "extracurriculars."
Lana: [She smiles.] Did I come at a bad time? You seemed kind of startled when you saw me.
Clark: [Standing up.] No. I just, um... I thought maybe you were my parents. I've been avoiding them ever since we got back.
Clark walks away from the desk and toward the window.
Lana: [Doubting his excuse.] And the real reason would be?
Clark: Seeing you speak Latin and throw those guys around the room like toothpicks is kind of weird. And even when Isobel's gone, sometimes I look at you and there's a part of you I don't recognize anymore.
Lana laughs softly.
Clark: [Hurt.] What?
Lana: I'm sorry, it's just that... Do you know how funny that sounds coming from you?
Clark smiles.
Lana: Somehow, I think that the only way that I'm going to be able to put Isobel and all of... all of this other stuff behind me is if I find all three of those stones.
Clark: I'm sure they'll end up in the right hands.
Lana: I hope so because right now I kind of feel like some random piece of a puzzle I'll never understand.
Clark: Well, maybe we're not supposed to understand it just yet.
Lana looks at him questioningly.
Clark: I get the feeling that our lives are a lot less random than we think.
Lana: [Hopeful.] Maybe. Good night, Clark.
Lana leaves. Clark hears a beep from his laptop and goes back to the desk to see that he has a new e-mail from Virgil Swann.
Lex is seated in his study in front of his laptop. Night. He types in his LuthorCorp ID. His user name is Lex Luthor and his password is "Elements." A box appears on the screen that says "Accessing LuthorCorp Intranet." Lex waits. We see that he has a bruise on his lip where one of the guards h*t him. Lionel enters the study and Lex closes his laptop.
Lionel: How was China?
Lex: Full of surprises.
Lionel: [Noticing Lex's bruise.] Lex, what happened?
Lex: Even though getting p*stol-whipped wasn't exactly my idea of fun, I have to admit, it's good to have the old dad back.
Lionel: No, I had nothing to do with what happened to you in China, son. I have abandoned my search for the stones.
Lex: Come on, Dad. You stole copies of my map and gave them to Lana and Jason. You used them.
Lionel: No, Lex, it was you who was using them. And you'll do far worse to find those stones.
Lex gets up from his desk and walks toward the center of the room. Lionel follows, trying to make him listen.
Lionel: You have a ferocious desire to find all the answers, son, but don't let you search for those stones turn into your personal Tower of Babel.
Lex: I'm not trying to get closer to God, Dad. I'm trying to solve the riddles He's laid out for me.
Lionel: Did you ever think there might be a reason why we weren't given the answers?
Lex: To challenge us?
Lionel: Or maybe to humble us. Knowledge comes from finding the answers, yes, but understanding what the answers mean is what brings wisdom. Men who didn't understand the difference have been the ruin of some of the world's greatest civilizations.
Lex puts a hand on Lionel's shoulder.
Lex: Is that why you stopped looking for the stones? [Lionel laughs.] Because you're afraid?
Lionel: No. No, I stopped because I realized that even if I find the three stones, I'm not gonna find what I'm really looking for. Neither will you.
Outside sh*t of the Talon. Night. Lana opens her apartment door and finds Jason standing outside. She stares at him coldly.
Jason: Can I at least come in?
Lana looks at him for another moment, then opens the door and walks toward the kitchen. Jason steps inside as Lana pours a cup of tea.
Jason: I guess I don't have to ask why I haven't heard from you since we got back from Shanghai.
Lana doesn't respond.
Jason: I'm sorry I lied to you.
Lana: I don't even know which lie you're apologizing for, that you said you were in Metropolis when you really in China or that you've been working with your mom all along.
Jason: I wasn't honest about going to China because I didn't want to put you into danger. If you remember a certain t*rture chair, I'd say that's pretty decent foresight. You have to believe me.
Lana: Give me one good reason.
Jason: Okay.
Jason pulls a handkerchief out of his jacket pocket and puts it down on the counter. He unfolds it, revealing the stone of power. Lana looks at it in shock.
Jason: Is that good enough?
Lana: [Walking toward the stone.] Jason, how did you ...
Jason: I got there right before Lex. I saw you and Clark knocked out. And there it was right in front of me. I didn't want Lex or Clark to know about it, so I mailed it to myself from China.
Lana: Did you tell your mom?
Jason: I got it for you. All I care about is protecting you, okay? You're the only one in my life that matters to me.
Lana is unable to respond, spellbound by the shining stone.
Jason: Blink twice if you can understand me.
Lana looks at Jason, then blinks twice. They both smile and embrace.
Clark enters the Kent kitchen. Night. Jonathan and Martha are there playing a card game at the counter.
Jonathan: Well, I do hope you brought us a souvenir.
Clark: I know that going to China is grounds for a serious lecture, but I didn't have a choice.
Jonathan: All right, Clark. At least please tell us that the stone is safe in the cave with the other one.
Clark: Look, even though there was kryptonite guarding the original map, I got the stone in my hand. But I lost it.
Martha: Clark, I don't understand. If these stones were intended for you to find, why would they be surrounded by kryptonite?
Clark: It makes me wonder if they really were meant for me. But right now we have another problem. Before he died, Dr. Swann sent me one last e-mail. He said he'd been searching for the stones for years, and even with the vast resources at his disposal, it was futile. I was his last hope. That's why he asked Bridgette Crosby to give me the one stone he did find.
Martha: Which stone?
Clark: That's the thing. I called her numbers. They were all disconnected. No one even claims to have known her. It's like she never existed.
The worry is evident on Martha and Jonathan's faces.
Clark is in the hidden chamber in the underground cave looking at the stone altar. Night. He hears Dr. Swann's voice in his head.
Dr. Swann: Kal-El, you must write your own destiny.
Clark remains next to the altar, staring at it fearfully.
End | {"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x15 - Sacred"} | foreverdreaming |
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