oldmankent
06-19-2006, 05:45 AM
Season 6, Episode 7: “Signature”
“Previously on Smallville”
Fast edit through several scenes from the Season 6 Episode 6 (“Sacrilege”).
**********
Lex: “Count your life by seconds.”
He then looks at Jimmy and then back at Chloe.
Lex: “And his life as well.”
**********
Mensa: “This is serious business.”
Lex: “Oh, I’m a very serious man. Do we have an understanding?”
Mensa: “We do.”
**********
Jimmy: “He’s up to something. Yeah, he’s up to something! He’s up to having us killed!”
Chloe is now angry.
Chloe: “Well, I’m not going to sit around waiting for it to happen and neither are you.”
**********
Avi: “How did he do that? Why did he do that? Why would he risk his life for people he doesn’t even know?”
Aman looks at his son with tears in his eyes.
Aman: “He did it to give you a chance at life. He did it because he is one of a kind. He did it because he is here for a reason.”
**********
Clark: “He said that I’m going to be symbol of peace.”
Lana is silent. She takes hold of Clark’s hand and leans into him. Then she rests her head on his shoulder.
Clark: “I wonder what he meant by that.”
**********
OPENING
The scene takes place at the LuthorCorp Building in Metropolis. We see the entrance of a large auditorium. The doors are closed. There are two large signs on the sides of the door. The signs say the following”
LuthorCorp Scientific Symposium:
The Quantum Singularity
We hear talking but we cannot hear the details. Then we hear loud applause and the doors open. The auditorium is filled with people from the scientific community. They are standing and applauding. Lex Luthor is at the front of the auditorium. It is clear that he has just made a successful speech. His handlers escort him through the crowd, out through the front door and out of the picture. Several scientists come through the front door and begin speaking amongst themselves. Lionel Luthor follows them out and although he is not part of their group he is seen overhearing their conversation.
Scientist #1: “I’m not sure what I just saw in there. When did Luthor get so smart?”
Scientist #2: “He was impressive. I felt like I was watching, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and P. T. Barnum all rolled into one.”
Scientist #1: “He is the salesman.”
Scientist #3: “So what do you think of his idea?”
Scientist #1: “The scope is enormous. This makes the Manhattan Project looks like it belongs in a high school science fair. He actually believes he can create a quantum singularity in the laboratory.
Scientist #2: “A black hole.”
Scientist #3: “The origin of a black hole. From what he showed us I think he can do it.”
Scientist #1: “We can do it.”
Scientist #2: “So you’re signing up?”
Scientist #1: “Hell yes! This has Nobel Prize written all over it.”
Scientist #3: “He’s talking about using technology that hasn’t even been invented yet.”
Scientist #1: “Okay. Then we’re talking about more than one Nobel Prize. Besides, what difference does it make? With the money that Luthor is offering who wouldn’t want to work for him?”
Scientist #2: “Well, that’s true. The money is enough of a reason to sign up.”
Scientist #3: “Now let me understand this. Luthor is hiring scientists, physicists, engineers and is spending billions of dollars, all to create a quantum singularity in the laboratory. What does he get out of it?”
His two companions are silent for a moment.
Scientist #1: “Does it matter?”
The other two shake their heads.
Scientist #3: “Okay. Count me in.”
All three scientists leave the scene. Lionel is left with a very concerned expression on his face.
**********
OPENING CREDITS
**********
Act 1: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. Lionel is sitting at his desk. An assistant comes into the office carrying a folder.
Assistant: “Mr. Luthor, I need your signature on these documents.”
Lionel: “Of course. Just leave them with me.”
The assistant leaves the folder on Lionel’s desk and then walks out of the room. Lionel opens the folder and is about to sign one of the documents. He begins to write his signature when we hear voices. He is having a flashback to the past.
**********
Act 1: Scene 2
The scene is in the city of Metropolis. It is the mid 1970s. The view is in a back alley in a slum area. We see a young man thrown to the ground. He is being kicked by three other men standing around him. One of the men is now standing over the victim.
Thug #1: “Where’s my money, Luthor?”
Young Lionel Luthor is lying on the ground. He has been beaten and he is barely able to talk.
Young Lionel: “I told you. I’ll get you the money.”
Thug #1 crouches down so that his face is almost level with Lionel.
Thug #1: “Look. I don’t like violence. I’m not a violent guy. I’m a businessman. And when a customer, like you, borrows money, I expect to be paid back. Now consider yourself fortunate that we haven’t broken any bones. You have 48 hours to get the money. Tell that buddy of yours, Morgan Edge, that he was lucky we didn’t find him first because we like him a lot less than we like you.”
The thugs give Lionel one last kick and leave him on the ground. He slowly gets up to his feet and begins to walk out of the alley.
**********
Act 1: Scene 3
The scene takes place in a tenement apartment in Metropolis. Lionel is entering the apartment. The scene is in the kitchen. His mother is cooking on the stove. She is a middle aged woman. At one time she was young and pretty but now life has worn her down. She sees Lionel has been beaten up.
Lionel’s Mother: “Oh no, Lionel. Not again.”
She makes him sit down on a chair and she takes a wet towel and begins to clean up his face.
Lionel’s Mother: “Oh son, when is it going to stop?”
Lionel: “When is what going to stop?”
Lionel’s Mother: “Lionel, I’m not stupid. I know you’re up to no good with that Edge boy. Why can’t you just get a decent job? You’re smart, you can work your way out of here.”
Lionel answers with distain in his voice.
Lionel: “Get a decent job. Like who? Like dad? When did he ever have a decent job? Mom, you know as well as I do that dad’s no good. Look at the way he keeps you here. When are you going to open your to eyes and leave him?”
Lionel’s Mother: “I’m not blind. I know what your father is. I made a vow for better or for worse and I’m going to keep it. Lionel, you don’t have to be your father. You can be better than that.”
She looks at her son with a deep sense of love.
Lionel’s Mother: ‘Lionel, you are my life. Look at my hands. One time they were soft and pretty. Now they’re old and calloused. When I go to work it’s for you. When I spend 10, 12 hours a day cleaning other people’s homes, it’s for you. I just want you to have better life than what I have had. I want you to get out of this place.”
Lionel’s father walks into the room. It’s obvious that he has been drinking.
Lachan Luthor: “He’ll never get out. He’s stuck here for the rest of his life just like the rest of us.”
Lionel’s Mother: ‘Don’t say that, Lachlan. If anyone can make it out, it’s Lionel.”
Lachlan Luthor: “How is he going to make it out when he’s a bum just like his buddy, Morgan?”
Lionel stops his mother from cleaning him up. He stands up and faces off against his father.
Lachlan Luthor: “You’d like me dead, wouldn’t you? I can see it in your eyes. Get rid of the old man. Then you’d have the insurance money that I’ve set aside to take care of my family. That would solve all of your problems.”
Lionel: “You’re really something. You can’t take care of your family when you’re alive but you’re going to take care of them when you’re dead and buried. I’m going out.”
Lachlan Luthor: “Good. Go out, you bum.”
Lionel now turns to his father.
Lionel: “Who the hell are you? What did you ever do that ever meant anything? The only steady job you ever had was making license plates in jail. Who the hell…”
Lionel’s mother goes between the two men.
Lionel’s Mother: “Don’t son! You shouldn’t talk to your father that way.”
Lionel turns back to the door and leaves the apartment.
He closes the door and leans against the wall. He hears arguing from inside the apartment. Then he hears a noise that sounds like someone being hit.
**********
Act 1: Scene 4
The scene is back in the present. Lionel has stopped signing the document. He leans back in his chair and looks out the window.
End of Act 1
**********
Act 2: Scene 1
The scene takes place in the Kent kitchen. Martha is sitting at the kitchen table. She has a small security box in front her and she is going through some papers that she is taking out of the box. She is casually scanning the contents when she comes across an envelope. It is a greeting card envelope. On the front, written in script, is her name, Martha. She opens the envelope and pulls out a card. It is a simple card with a picture of a single rose on the front. She opens it up and we see what’s written on the inside.
I am always thinking of you.
Love
Jonathan
She sits back in her chair and looks at the card. A smile comes to Martha’s face. We begin to hear voices. Martha is having a flashback to the past.
**********
Act 2: Scene 2
We see bright lights and we hear loud disco music. The scene takes place in a night club in Metropolis. In is the late 1970s/early 1980s. The camera sweeps across the dance floor. We see women in dresses and men in variations of three piece suits with polyester open collared shirts and adorned with gold chains.
A young, 21 year old Martha is walking into the night club with a friend, another attractive young woman. They are walking through the crowd to get to the bar. Martha’s friend’s name is Diane.
Martha: “Diane, I don’t know if this is such a good idea”
Diane: “Martha, don’t be like that. This will be fun.”
Martha: “Don’t be like what?”
Diane: “Don’t be the ‘this is no way to meet a decent guy’ Martha.”
Martha: “I wouldn’t put it that way but jeez, Diane, look at these guys. They’re all a bunch of John Travolta wanna-be’s.”
Diane: “I swear. There’s no pleasing you. Come on. Let’s go to the bar. I’m sure there’s someone who will want to buy us a drink.”
The two girls walk to the bar. Men are turning around glancing at the two women.
Bartender: What will it be, ladies?
Diane: “I’ll have a white wine spritzer.”
Martha: “I’ll have a club soda with lime.”
Diane looks at Martha with an incredulous expression.
Diane: “Club soda! Martha, will you loosen up.”
Martha: “Diane, you know I’m not much of a drinker.”
The bartender delivers their drinks and two men approach the women. The first man begins speaking to Diane.
Guy #1: “Hey, I’m Mike and this is Bob. I’ve never seen you here before. Is this your first time at Club Metro?”
Diane: “Yeah. Hi! I’m Diane and this is Martha.”
Both the men and women are smiling at one another. Martha is clearly uncomfortable.
Guy #1: “So Diane, you wanna dance?”
Diane: “Yeah sure.”
She picks herself up and goes to the dance floor leaving Martha alone with Guy #2. There is an uncomfortable silence.
Guy #2: “So can I buy you a drink?”
Martha responds politely.
Martha: “No thanks. I already have a drink.”
Guy #2 calls the bartender over.
Guy #2: “Hey! I’ll have a vodka martini, shaken not stirred.”
As he says this Martha is taking a sip of her drink. She gags at his comment and almost snorts in her drink.
Martha: “Gee, I guess you and James Bond have something in common.”
Guy #2: “Hey. I like that.”
Martha: “Like what?”
Guy #2: “Smart women.”
Martha: “Oh. So that’s what I am.”
Martha turns away from Guy #2 and tries to ignore him. He doesn’t take the hint and takes the seat that Diane vacated.
Guy #2: “So what do you say? Let’s you and I go someplace a little more private.”
Martha is taken aback by the comment.
Martha: “Excuse me! I just met you. I don’t even know your name. And really, I don’t want to know your name. Why don’t you go find some other ‘smart woman’ you can hit on.”
Guy #2: “Fine. It’s your loss.”
He gets off the chair and as he’s walking down the bar he stops and says to another man sitting at the bar.
Guy #2: “Watch out for that one. She’s a real *****.”
Martha overhears what he says and the scene ends with Martha having an exasperated expression on her face.
**********
Act 2: Scene 3
The scene takes place at Metropolis University. It is in a large lecture hall. Dozens of students are walking into the hall. Martha is taking her usual seat at the front of the class. Her friend Diane passes her.
Diane: “Martha, where did you go the other night?”
Martha: “I took a taxi back to the dorm. What time did you get back?”
Diane lowers her eyes.
Diane: “Well I didn’t come back to the dorm.”
Martha: “Diane!”
Diane: “I know. I know I shouldn’t have. But he was cute.”
Diane sits next to Martha.
Diane: “Do you think he’ll call me?”
Martha just has an “I don’t believe she’s asking this question” look on her face.
The class is about to begin. Almost all of the seats are taken. The class is silent. The professor is about to speak when we hear a door open and shut in the rear of the class. The professor looks up.
Professor: “We have some seats down here.”
We hear footsteps. Martha is looking at her notes. She then looks up and standing in front of her is 22 year old Jonathan Kent. He is wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. He is very athletic looking. He crosses in front of Martha and goes to sit on the other side of the hall.
Professor: “You’re new here. What’s your name?”
Jonathan: “I just registered yesterday. I’m Kent, Jonathan Kent.”
Martha is having a problem keeping herself from looking at Jonathan.
**********
Act 2: Scene 4
The scene takes place on the campus of Metropolis University. Jonathan is seated at a picnic table looking over his notes and eating an apple. Martha is walking on a path with her friend.
Diane: “Oh come on, Martha. It’ll be fun. A bunch of us are going to Club Metro again.”
Martha: “Diane, going to a meat market like that is not fun for me.”
Diane is pleading with Martha when Martha sees Jonathan sitting by himself. Diane sees that Martha’s attention is diverted.
Diane: “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’ve got a thing for John-Boy over there.”
Martha: “He just seems like a nice guy. Look I’ll talk to you later.”
Martha leaves Diane and walks up to Jonathan and sits beside him. She is very nervous.
Martha: “Hi.”
Jonathan looks up from his notes, sees Martha and gives her a very wide and very friendly smile.
Jonathan: “Hello.”
Martha: “Look. I saw that you were taking notes furiously in class and I guess I was kind of zoning out. Would it be too much trouble if I borrow your notes?”
Jonathan closes his note binder and hands it directly to Martha.
Jonathan: “Here you go.”
Martha is stunned at his trusting generosity.
Martha: “You’re just going to give them to me just like that. You don’t even know who I am.”
Jonathan: “I think I can trust you.”
Martha: “You think you can trust me?”
Jonathan nods his head in affirmation.
Jonathan: “Yeah. I believe in people.”
She takes his notes and begins to walk away. She stops and turns around.
Martha: “Listen. Some of us are going to Club Metro tonight. Would you like to come?”
Jonathan is very hesitant.
Jonathan: “Oh. I think I’d look like a fish out of water.”
Martha is disappointed at his response.
Martha: ‘There’s nothing I can say to make you change your mind?”
Jonathan is thinking about it. Then he smiles at Martha.
Jonathan: “Okay. I’ll be there.”
**********
Act 2: Scene 5
The scene is taking place at Club Metro. Once again Martha and Diane are sitting at the bar. Martha is looking very anxious. She keeps looking at her watch.
Martha: “He’s not going to come.”
Diane: “Who?”
Martha: “Jonathan. Jonathan Kent.”
Diane: “John-Boy? Oh, Martha. You can do better than that.”
All of a sudden panic takes hold of Martha.
Martha: “He doesn’t know my name! I know his name but he doesn’t know mine. If he couldn’t make it, he doesn’t know how to get in touch with me.”
From the entrance of the club, Jonathan enters. He is easily noticed because he is taller than most of the men. He looks out of place. While the other men are dressed in their polyester disco clothes, Jonathan is conservatively dressed in a navy blue blazer, a blue buttoned down collar shirt, a red tie and gray slacks. He looks around the club and he finally finds Martha. Their eyes meet. Smiles appear on both of their faces and he makes his way towards her.
Jonathan: “Hello.”
Martha: “Hi. I thought you weren’t going to come.”
Jonathan: “I told you I would. If I say I’m going to do something I do it.”
Martha: “I just realized you don’t even know my name.”
Jonathan: “Martha.”
Martha: “You know my name?”
Jonathan nods with a little bit of embarrassment. Martha turns to Diane to introduce her to Jonathan but she sees that Diane is already on the dance floor. The bartender approaches them.
Bartender: “What can I get you?”
Jonathan: “A beer will be fine.”
Bartender: “And the lady?”
Martha: “Oh, a beer will be fine with me.”
Jonathan: “That’s funny. You don’t strike me as the drinking type.”
We now hear the DJ.
DJ: “Ok we’re going to slow things down now. We have a golden oldie from the King himself, Elvis Presley.”
“Wise men say
Only fools rush in.”
There are many couples on the dance floor. We can see that Jonathan is clearly nervous and that Martha is anxiously waiting for Jonathan to ask her to dance. It is clear that Jonathan is not comfortable in a club. Finally he says to Martha.
Jonathan: “I’m not very good on the dance floor but would you like to dance with me.”
Martha’s face shows a sense of relief. She grabs Jonathan’s hand and they make their way to the dance floor. They begin dancing. They seem to be formal with each other but as the song goes on they are becoming very aware of each other and each of them begins to close in on the other’s personal space.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea.
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be.
The scene ends with the couple dancing very close to each other. Martha has her hand at the back of Jonathan’s head.
**********
Act 2: Scene 6
The scene takes place in Martha’s dormitory room. It is the next morning. The sun is coming through the windows and Martha is waking up. She opens her eyes and she notices that something has been slipped underneath her door. She gets out of bed and goes to the door. A greeting card has been put under her door. It has her name on the front of the envelope. Martha opens up the card and we see what is written inside.
I am always thinking of you.
Love
Jonathan
End of Act 2
**********
Act 3: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. He is seated back in his chair. He is still thinking to himself. He begins to hear the normal sounds of the city from outside his windows. He begins to hear police sirens. And as he hears, he begins to flash back.
**********
Act 3: Scene 2
Once again we are back in 1970’s Metropolis. We hear the sounds of sirens and fire engines. A tenement building is on fire. Young Lionel Luthor and young Morgan Edge are standing about a block away from the fire. They are watching the building intently as firemen and policemen canvass the area. Edge has an expression of amazement on his face as he watches the flames reach high in the air. Lionel seems overwhelmed by what he is seeing.
Edge: “Well everything went according to plan.”
Lionel: “Are you sure the police aren’t going to ask any questions.”
Edge: “The police are taken care of. They want to raze this place to the ground just as much as we do.”
A policeman walks up to the two young men.
Policeman: “Any of you boy’s named Luthor?”
Lionel: “That’s me.”
Policemen: “I’m sorry to tell you, son. Your father and mother didn’t make it out.”
Lionel is stunned.
Lionel: “My mother! No. That couldn’t be. My mother went to work.”
Policemen: “I’m sorry, son. But it doesn’t look like your mother ever left the apartment.”
The policeman leaves and Lionel turns to Edge.
Lionel: “You told me she was out of the apartment.”
Edge: “Well, I was wrong. What was I supposed to do? Stop everything just because your old lady was still up there.”
Lionel grabs Edge and shoves him against the wall of building. Edge pushes back.
Edge: “Don’t get all noble on me, Luthor. What are you going to do? Turn me in to the police? Turn yourself in? You didn’t strike the match but you’re just as much a part of this as I am. Look on the bright side. Now you don’t have to share the insurance money.”
Lionel lets Edge go and turns around to face the fire. There are tears in his eyes.
Edge: “Wise up! Now is not the time to start having a conscience.”
**********
Act 3: Scene 3
The scene takes place in Aunt Nell’s house in Metropolis. Lana is visiting. She is in the family room next to the kitchen. She is going through a box which has some memorabilia from when Lana was in elementary school. We do not see Aunt Nell but we can hear her speaking.
Aunt Nell: “I don’t believe you’re back with him. Honest to God, Lana, sometimes I think you need professional help.”
Nell’s voice tails off and Lana isn’t really listening to her aunt as she goes through the papers in the box. We see old report cards and drawings on construction paper. Lana picks up a formal envelope that is addressed to her Aunt Nell. The return address is from the Smallville Elementary School. She opens the envelope and reads a letter.
Ms. Potter,
I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss Lana’s disruptive behavior.
Yours truly,
Ms. Reynolds
Smallville Elementary School
1st Grade
We begin to hear the sounds of children’s voices as Lana flashes back.
**********
Act 3: Scene 4
The scene takes place in the 1st grade of the Smallville Elementary School. It is the first day of school. Children are coming into the classroom and there is much commotion. It is obvious that all of the children know each other. We see the young Lana Lang. We recognize her by her long dark hair and her large, expressive eyes. She takes her seat with the rest of the children. The teacher is bringing order to the class. As everyone is seated we see Martha Kent come into the classroom. With her is a boy. He is of normal height for his age. He has a full head of unkempt black hair and large blue-green eyes. Lana sees that Martha is talking to the teacher about the boy. Martha then leaves the classroom.
Teacher: “Boys and girls, we have a new student who wasn’t with you in kindergarten last year. This is Clark Kent. Clark, since we are in alphabetical order, you can take the seat in front of Lana.”
Clark walks down the row of desks. We can see that he is very shy. As he gets to his desk he catches sight of Lana and he just stops. Lana becomes aware that Clark is staring at her. She becomes self conscious and begins to examine herself to see if something is wrong. The rest of the class is just looking at Clark and the children are beginning to giggle.
Teacher: “Clark, please take your seat.”
Clark comes back to reality and he takes the seat in front of Lana. He is somewhat embarrassed because all of the children are now staring at him.
**********
Act 3: Scene 5
The scene takes place in the playground of the Smallville Elementary. We can see that the boys are on a field kicking a ball to one another and rough-housing it as boys tend to do. We see that the girls are gathered together. Clark is sitting by himself. He is the topic of conversation among the girls.
Girl #1: “I think he’s cute.”
Girl #2: “He’ cute but I think he’s a sissy.”
Lana overhears this.
Lana: “Why is he a sissy?”
Girl #2: “I heard his mom telling Ms. Reynolds that he’s not supposed to take part in any sports. I heard her say that he gets hurt a lot.”
Lana: “Gee, I wonder what’s wrong with him.”
The girls’ attention is then diverted to a scuffle with two boys. One boy is much larger than the other and he is pushing the smaller boy down to the ground.
Girl #1: “Billy Diehl is being a bully again.”
Girl #2: “He picks on everybody.”
Lana again looks back at Clark who is still sitting by himself. Young Pete Ross approaches Clark and begins to talk with him. Pete sits down with Clark and we see the boys beginning to laugh. We see that Clark has a lunch box with him. He pulls out a large chocolate iced cupcake. He pulls it apart and gives half to Pete. The scene ends with Lana watching the two boys laughing with each other. Their mouths are smeared with the chocolate icing from the cupcake.
**********
Act 3: Scene 6
The scene takes place several days later. The children are coming in from their lunchtime recess. The teacher has not yet arrived in the classroom. Pete and Clark are walking in together. Suddenly there is a large hand on Pete’s shoulder. It is the bully, Billy Diehl. He is squeezing Pete’s shoulder and Pete is in pain.
Billy: “Ross, give me some money.”
Pete: “I don’t have any money.”
Billy: “It’s your turn. Gimme some money.”
Clark: “Leave him alone!”
The whole class is taken aback by Clark’s outburst. Billy is the most surprised of all as no one ever stands up to him. The children circle around Clark, Pete and Billy. Lana makes her way to the front of the circle.
Billy: “What did you say?”
Clark: “I said leave him alone.”
Billy: “Stay out of this, Kent.”
Clark: “I won’t stay out of it.”
Clark walks right up to Billy. Billy towers over Clark. He grabs Clark by the shirt and tries to wrestle Clark down to the ground using his weight. He can’t seem to move Clark. Clark easily pushes Billy away. Billy is surprised that someone has been able to do this. He comes back at Clark and throws a punch at his head. The punch misses Clark and Clark pushes Billy in the chest. The force sends Billy flying several feet. He crashes into the door of the classroom. The door splits into pieces. Just as this happens Ms. Reynolds is walking into the room. All of the children are stunned by what they have just seen.
Teacher: “What’s going on here?”
Billy: “It’s Clark. He started a fight.”
Ms. Reynolds is facing down Clark.
Teacher: “Clark, did you hit Billy? Did you do all of this?”
Clark is just too upset to answer his teacher.
Teacher: “Clark, I’m taking you to the principle.”
We then hear Lana’s voice.
Lana: “It wasn’t Clark’s fault. Billy started it.”
Billy: “I did not!”
Lana: “You’re a liar, Billy. You did too start it.”
The teacher tries to gain control of the situation.
Teacher: “Lana, that’s enough. I’m taking Clark to the principle.”
Lana: “No! Clark helped Pete. Billy was just being a bully.”
Teacher: “Lana, that’s enough. Now be quiet.”
Lana: “I won’t be quiet and you can’t make me.”
Now they teacher transfers her ire to Lana.
Teacher: “Okay, young lady. Since you can’t control your tongue you can come and see the principle right now.”
As Lana is being taken to the principles office she turns around and looks back at Clark. He is looking directly at her and their eyes lock. Both look like they are about to cry.
End of Act 3
**********
Act 4: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Clark’s loft. He is going through the drawers of his desk. He comes across a sheet of construction paper that has been folded in half. On the front are the words:
Happy Valentine’s Day
It is written in crayon. It is a child’s hand writing. Clark opens up the card. On the inside are words.
Dear Clark
Please be my Valentine.
Love
Lana
We begin to hear the sounds of children’s voices as Clark flashes back.
**********
Act 4: Scene 2
We are back to Smallville Elementary School. It is the day after the incident with Billy Diehl. Clark and Pete are sitting at a picnic table together eating lunch.
Pete: “Clark. thanks for helping me yesterday.”
Clark: “You would have done the same for me. Anyway my dad told me that when I see someone doing wrong I should do something about it.”
Pete: “I don’t think Billy is going to pick on anyone anymore.”
Clark: “Did Lana get in trouble?”
Pete: “I think her aunt came to see the principle after school.”
Clark: “She probably hates me.”
Pete: “If she hated you why would she stick up for you?”
Clark just shrugs his shoulders.
Pete: “You should talk to her, Clark.”
Clark: “Well, what do I say?”
Pete: “I don’t know.”
Clark: “Pete, do you talk to girls?”
Without a moments hesitation Pete answers.
Pete: “No! But I could if I wanted to.”
As Pete and Clark are talking together, we see about half a dozen boys across the playground looking at the two boys and talking to each. They stop talking and start walking towards Pete and Clark. They come up to the table and gather around Clark.
Boy #1: “Hi Clark. I thought that maybe you’d like a slice of my mom’s apple pie. She made it yesterday.”
Clark is surprised at the friendliness of the boy.
Clark: “Gee. Thanks.”
Boy #2: “Hi Clark. I have an extra chocolate bar. Would you like it?”
Clark: “You don’t have to give me anything.”
Boy #2: “That’s okay. I’d like you to have it.”
Again, Clark is surprised at the friendliness of the boy.
Boy #3: “Hey Clark. Would you like to come over after school and play some Nintendo with me?”
We see that all of the boys are paying attention to Clark and that Pete is being left out. Clark sees this.
Clark: “I’ll have to ask my mom. But is it okay if Pete comes?”
Boy #3: “Sure. Pete can come.”
The scene ends showing Pete with a large smile on his face.
**********
Act 4: Scene #3
The scene takes place in Kent kitchen. It is several months later. Clark and Martha are sitting at the kitchen table. It is the night before Valentines Day. Clark and Martha are filling out cards for his classmates. Martha has a list of names. On each envelope Clark is writing the name of the classmate he is giving the card to and then he is signing his name on the card.
Martha: “Clark, I wish you’d be more careful with your writing. All these names look like chicken scratch.”
Clark: “I know, Mom. But it’s a lot of names.”
Martha: “Well, here’s the last one – Lana Lang.”
Clark takes the small envelop and writes very carefully – L-A-N-A. Then on the card, using his best penmanship, he writes very clearly and carefully – LOVE CLARK. Martha notices how Clark treats Lana’s card differently from all of the others. She smiles to herself but doesn’t say anything.
**********
Act 4: Scene #4
The scene takes place in 1st Grade class at Smallville Elementary School. The children are exchanging cards with each other. Afterwards, each child has a small pile of cards on their desks. They begin to open the cards. Clark is hastily opening each card. He’s not bothering to look at the inscription. He just wants to see the name in the card. He is looking for Lana’s card and as he is getting to the bottom of the pile his attitude is becoming more desperate as he does not see a card from Lana. He finally is at the last card and he opens it up and it is not from Lana. His eyes drop and he fights to hold back his 6 year old tears and he hopes that no one notices his expression.
**********
Act 4: Scene #5
The scene takes place in the Kent kitchen. Clark is sitting with Martha and she is trying to comfort him. Jonathan comes in the kitchen and he sees how distraught Clark is.
Jonathan: “Hey. What’s going on?”
Martha: “The 1st grade exchanged Valentine cards today and Clark did not get a card from the one person he wanted one from the most.”
Jonathan: “Oh. I understand. Well you know what this calls for”
He picks Clark up.
Jonathan: “A game of tag.”
Clark is laughing as he is carried outside by his father. They start running around the house. When Clark is IT, Jonathan barely runs at all so the little boy can catch up to him. As they are doing this a car pulls up to the house. Nell gets out of the car and Lana gets out of the rear of the car.
Jonathan: ‘Nell. What brings you her?”
Nell: “Hi Jonathan. Lana made something for Clark and she insisted that I bring her over so that she could give it to him.
Lana is standing next to Nell and she begins to move forward. Clark is standing next to Jonathan. He’s not quite sure of what he should do. He looks up at Jonathan for guidance.
Jonathan: “Well, why do you go see what Lana has for you?”
Clark leaves his father and meets Lana. He doesn’t know what to say.
Lana: “Hi.”
Clark: “Hi.”
Lana hands him a card made out of construction paper.
Lana: “I made this for you.”
Clark looks at the home made card.
Dear Clark
Please be my Valentine.
Love
Lana
Clark is smiling but he is unable to speak.
Nell: ‘Well Lana, I guess it’s time to go home. See you around, Jonathan.”
Jonathan: “So long, Nell. So long, Lana.”
Lana goes back in the car and they drive away. Clark is speechless but overjoyed. Jonathan can see this and he comes up to Clark and tags him.
Jonathan: “You’re IT.”
Clark is laughing as he starts to run after Jonathan. He is running at a normal pace. Then all of a sudden he is picking up speed. At last, he is just a blur as if he has been shot out of a cannon. One moment he is with Jonathan. The next moment he is gone.
Jonathan: “Martha! Martha!”
Martha comes running out of the house.
Martha: “What? What is it? Where’s Clark?”
Jonathan: “Martha, it was incredible. We were playing tag and he was running after me and then the next moment he was gone. I don’t know where he is. We better call the sheriff.”
Martha: “How are we going to explain this one?”
Both Martha and Jonathan look at one another. Each trying to find an answer.
**********
Act 4: Scene 6
The scene takes place in Clark’s loft. The flashback has ended. He is holding the card. He looks up from the card. Suddenly, in a blur, he is gone.
**********
Act 4: Scene 7
The scene takes place at Aunt Nell’s house. Lana is still holding the letter her aunt received from the 1st grade teacher. The doorbell rings.
Lana: “I’ll get it, Nell.”
Lana opens the door and there isn’t anyone there. Instead a greeting card that was against the door falls into the house as the door is opened. The envelope says ‘Lana’ on it. She opens the envelope and inside is a greeting card with a single rose on the front of it. She opens the card and written inside is
I just want you to know that I am always thinking of you.
Love
Clark
**********
Act 4: Scene 8
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. Once again he is looking at the documents he has to sign and he flashes back.
**********
Act 4: Scene 9
The scene is in Metropolis in the 1970s. Lionel is in an attorney’s office.
Attorney: “I need your signature on these documents. If you’ll just sign here, Mr. Luthor. I’ll give you the check for your parents’ insurance.”
Lionel signs the document, receives the check, shakes hands with the attorney and then leaves the office. Outside, Morgan Edge is waiting for him.
Edge: “Well, did you get it?”
Lionel nods his head.
Edge: ‘Are you ready to do some business?”
Lionel slowly nods his head. The two men walk away together.
**********
Act 4: Scene 10
The scene is back in Lionel’s office. He is looking at the document he has to sign and then he hears words from his past.
“Now is no time to get a conscience.”
He picks up the telephone and dials a number.
Lionel: “Hello, Ms. Sullivan. This is Lionel Luthor. I need to meet with you, Clark and Lana. What for? Well let’s just say that it has to do with Lex’s latest project. And I think you’re going to need someone working from the inside.
End of Act 4
Fade to black.
**********
“Previously on Smallville”
Fast edit through several scenes from the Season 6 Episode 6 (“Sacrilege”).
**********
Lex: “Count your life by seconds.”
He then looks at Jimmy and then back at Chloe.
Lex: “And his life as well.”
**********
Mensa: “This is serious business.”
Lex: “Oh, I’m a very serious man. Do we have an understanding?”
Mensa: “We do.”
**********
Jimmy: “He’s up to something. Yeah, he’s up to something! He’s up to having us killed!”
Chloe is now angry.
Chloe: “Well, I’m not going to sit around waiting for it to happen and neither are you.”
**********
Avi: “How did he do that? Why did he do that? Why would he risk his life for people he doesn’t even know?”
Aman looks at his son with tears in his eyes.
Aman: “He did it to give you a chance at life. He did it because he is one of a kind. He did it because he is here for a reason.”
**********
Clark: “He said that I’m going to be symbol of peace.”
Lana is silent. She takes hold of Clark’s hand and leans into him. Then she rests her head on his shoulder.
Clark: “I wonder what he meant by that.”
**********
OPENING
The scene takes place at the LuthorCorp Building in Metropolis. We see the entrance of a large auditorium. The doors are closed. There are two large signs on the sides of the door. The signs say the following”
LuthorCorp Scientific Symposium:
The Quantum Singularity
We hear talking but we cannot hear the details. Then we hear loud applause and the doors open. The auditorium is filled with people from the scientific community. They are standing and applauding. Lex Luthor is at the front of the auditorium. It is clear that he has just made a successful speech. His handlers escort him through the crowd, out through the front door and out of the picture. Several scientists come through the front door and begin speaking amongst themselves. Lionel Luthor follows them out and although he is not part of their group he is seen overhearing their conversation.
Scientist #1: “I’m not sure what I just saw in there. When did Luthor get so smart?”
Scientist #2: “He was impressive. I felt like I was watching, Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, and P. T. Barnum all rolled into one.”
Scientist #1: “He is the salesman.”
Scientist #3: “So what do you think of his idea?”
Scientist #1: “The scope is enormous. This makes the Manhattan Project looks like it belongs in a high school science fair. He actually believes he can create a quantum singularity in the laboratory.
Scientist #2: “A black hole.”
Scientist #3: “The origin of a black hole. From what he showed us I think he can do it.”
Scientist #1: “We can do it.”
Scientist #2: “So you’re signing up?”
Scientist #1: “Hell yes! This has Nobel Prize written all over it.”
Scientist #3: “He’s talking about using technology that hasn’t even been invented yet.”
Scientist #1: “Okay. Then we’re talking about more than one Nobel Prize. Besides, what difference does it make? With the money that Luthor is offering who wouldn’t want to work for him?”
Scientist #2: “Well, that’s true. The money is enough of a reason to sign up.”
Scientist #3: “Now let me understand this. Luthor is hiring scientists, physicists, engineers and is spending billions of dollars, all to create a quantum singularity in the laboratory. What does he get out of it?”
His two companions are silent for a moment.
Scientist #1: “Does it matter?”
The other two shake their heads.
Scientist #3: “Okay. Count me in.”
All three scientists leave the scene. Lionel is left with a very concerned expression on his face.
**********
OPENING CREDITS
**********
Act 1: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. Lionel is sitting at his desk. An assistant comes into the office carrying a folder.
Assistant: “Mr. Luthor, I need your signature on these documents.”
Lionel: “Of course. Just leave them with me.”
The assistant leaves the folder on Lionel’s desk and then walks out of the room. Lionel opens the folder and is about to sign one of the documents. He begins to write his signature when we hear voices. He is having a flashback to the past.
**********
Act 1: Scene 2
The scene is in the city of Metropolis. It is the mid 1970s. The view is in a back alley in a slum area. We see a young man thrown to the ground. He is being kicked by three other men standing around him. One of the men is now standing over the victim.
Thug #1: “Where’s my money, Luthor?”
Young Lionel Luthor is lying on the ground. He has been beaten and he is barely able to talk.
Young Lionel: “I told you. I’ll get you the money.”
Thug #1 crouches down so that his face is almost level with Lionel.
Thug #1: “Look. I don’t like violence. I’m not a violent guy. I’m a businessman. And when a customer, like you, borrows money, I expect to be paid back. Now consider yourself fortunate that we haven’t broken any bones. You have 48 hours to get the money. Tell that buddy of yours, Morgan Edge, that he was lucky we didn’t find him first because we like him a lot less than we like you.”
The thugs give Lionel one last kick and leave him on the ground. He slowly gets up to his feet and begins to walk out of the alley.
**********
Act 1: Scene 3
The scene takes place in a tenement apartment in Metropolis. Lionel is entering the apartment. The scene is in the kitchen. His mother is cooking on the stove. She is a middle aged woman. At one time she was young and pretty but now life has worn her down. She sees Lionel has been beaten up.
Lionel’s Mother: “Oh no, Lionel. Not again.”
She makes him sit down on a chair and she takes a wet towel and begins to clean up his face.
Lionel’s Mother: “Oh son, when is it going to stop?”
Lionel: “When is what going to stop?”
Lionel’s Mother: “Lionel, I’m not stupid. I know you’re up to no good with that Edge boy. Why can’t you just get a decent job? You’re smart, you can work your way out of here.”
Lionel answers with distain in his voice.
Lionel: “Get a decent job. Like who? Like dad? When did he ever have a decent job? Mom, you know as well as I do that dad’s no good. Look at the way he keeps you here. When are you going to open your to eyes and leave him?”
Lionel’s Mother: “I’m not blind. I know what your father is. I made a vow for better or for worse and I’m going to keep it. Lionel, you don’t have to be your father. You can be better than that.”
She looks at her son with a deep sense of love.
Lionel’s Mother: ‘Lionel, you are my life. Look at my hands. One time they were soft and pretty. Now they’re old and calloused. When I go to work it’s for you. When I spend 10, 12 hours a day cleaning other people’s homes, it’s for you. I just want you to have better life than what I have had. I want you to get out of this place.”
Lionel’s father walks into the room. It’s obvious that he has been drinking.
Lachan Luthor: “He’ll never get out. He’s stuck here for the rest of his life just like the rest of us.”
Lionel’s Mother: ‘Don’t say that, Lachlan. If anyone can make it out, it’s Lionel.”
Lachlan Luthor: “How is he going to make it out when he’s a bum just like his buddy, Morgan?”
Lionel stops his mother from cleaning him up. He stands up and faces off against his father.
Lachlan Luthor: “You’d like me dead, wouldn’t you? I can see it in your eyes. Get rid of the old man. Then you’d have the insurance money that I’ve set aside to take care of my family. That would solve all of your problems.”
Lionel: “You’re really something. You can’t take care of your family when you’re alive but you’re going to take care of them when you’re dead and buried. I’m going out.”
Lachlan Luthor: “Good. Go out, you bum.”
Lionel now turns to his father.
Lionel: “Who the hell are you? What did you ever do that ever meant anything? The only steady job you ever had was making license plates in jail. Who the hell…”
Lionel’s mother goes between the two men.
Lionel’s Mother: “Don’t son! You shouldn’t talk to your father that way.”
Lionel turns back to the door and leaves the apartment.
He closes the door and leans against the wall. He hears arguing from inside the apartment. Then he hears a noise that sounds like someone being hit.
**********
Act 1: Scene 4
The scene is back in the present. Lionel has stopped signing the document. He leans back in his chair and looks out the window.
End of Act 1
**********
Act 2: Scene 1
The scene takes place in the Kent kitchen. Martha is sitting at the kitchen table. She has a small security box in front her and she is going through some papers that she is taking out of the box. She is casually scanning the contents when she comes across an envelope. It is a greeting card envelope. On the front, written in script, is her name, Martha. She opens the envelope and pulls out a card. It is a simple card with a picture of a single rose on the front. She opens it up and we see what’s written on the inside.
I am always thinking of you.
Love
Jonathan
She sits back in her chair and looks at the card. A smile comes to Martha’s face. We begin to hear voices. Martha is having a flashback to the past.
**********
Act 2: Scene 2
We see bright lights and we hear loud disco music. The scene takes place in a night club in Metropolis. In is the late 1970s/early 1980s. The camera sweeps across the dance floor. We see women in dresses and men in variations of three piece suits with polyester open collared shirts and adorned with gold chains.
A young, 21 year old Martha is walking into the night club with a friend, another attractive young woman. They are walking through the crowd to get to the bar. Martha’s friend’s name is Diane.
Martha: “Diane, I don’t know if this is such a good idea”
Diane: “Martha, don’t be like that. This will be fun.”
Martha: “Don’t be like what?”
Diane: “Don’t be the ‘this is no way to meet a decent guy’ Martha.”
Martha: “I wouldn’t put it that way but jeez, Diane, look at these guys. They’re all a bunch of John Travolta wanna-be’s.”
Diane: “I swear. There’s no pleasing you. Come on. Let’s go to the bar. I’m sure there’s someone who will want to buy us a drink.”
The two girls walk to the bar. Men are turning around glancing at the two women.
Bartender: What will it be, ladies?
Diane: “I’ll have a white wine spritzer.”
Martha: “I’ll have a club soda with lime.”
Diane looks at Martha with an incredulous expression.
Diane: “Club soda! Martha, will you loosen up.”
Martha: “Diane, you know I’m not much of a drinker.”
The bartender delivers their drinks and two men approach the women. The first man begins speaking to Diane.
Guy #1: “Hey, I’m Mike and this is Bob. I’ve never seen you here before. Is this your first time at Club Metro?”
Diane: “Yeah. Hi! I’m Diane and this is Martha.”
Both the men and women are smiling at one another. Martha is clearly uncomfortable.
Guy #1: “So Diane, you wanna dance?”
Diane: “Yeah sure.”
She picks herself up and goes to the dance floor leaving Martha alone with Guy #2. There is an uncomfortable silence.
Guy #2: “So can I buy you a drink?”
Martha responds politely.
Martha: “No thanks. I already have a drink.”
Guy #2 calls the bartender over.
Guy #2: “Hey! I’ll have a vodka martini, shaken not stirred.”
As he says this Martha is taking a sip of her drink. She gags at his comment and almost snorts in her drink.
Martha: “Gee, I guess you and James Bond have something in common.”
Guy #2: “Hey. I like that.”
Martha: “Like what?”
Guy #2: “Smart women.”
Martha: “Oh. So that’s what I am.”
Martha turns away from Guy #2 and tries to ignore him. He doesn’t take the hint and takes the seat that Diane vacated.
Guy #2: “So what do you say? Let’s you and I go someplace a little more private.”
Martha is taken aback by the comment.
Martha: “Excuse me! I just met you. I don’t even know your name. And really, I don’t want to know your name. Why don’t you go find some other ‘smart woman’ you can hit on.”
Guy #2: “Fine. It’s your loss.”
He gets off the chair and as he’s walking down the bar he stops and says to another man sitting at the bar.
Guy #2: “Watch out for that one. She’s a real *****.”
Martha overhears what he says and the scene ends with Martha having an exasperated expression on her face.
**********
Act 2: Scene 3
The scene takes place at Metropolis University. It is in a large lecture hall. Dozens of students are walking into the hall. Martha is taking her usual seat at the front of the class. Her friend Diane passes her.
Diane: “Martha, where did you go the other night?”
Martha: “I took a taxi back to the dorm. What time did you get back?”
Diane lowers her eyes.
Diane: “Well I didn’t come back to the dorm.”
Martha: “Diane!”
Diane: “I know. I know I shouldn’t have. But he was cute.”
Diane sits next to Martha.
Diane: “Do you think he’ll call me?”
Martha just has an “I don’t believe she’s asking this question” look on her face.
The class is about to begin. Almost all of the seats are taken. The class is silent. The professor is about to speak when we hear a door open and shut in the rear of the class. The professor looks up.
Professor: “We have some seats down here.”
We hear footsteps. Martha is looking at her notes. She then looks up and standing in front of her is 22 year old Jonathan Kent. He is wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. He is very athletic looking. He crosses in front of Martha and goes to sit on the other side of the hall.
Professor: “You’re new here. What’s your name?”
Jonathan: “I just registered yesterday. I’m Kent, Jonathan Kent.”
Martha is having a problem keeping herself from looking at Jonathan.
**********
Act 2: Scene 4
The scene takes place on the campus of Metropolis University. Jonathan is seated at a picnic table looking over his notes and eating an apple. Martha is walking on a path with her friend.
Diane: “Oh come on, Martha. It’ll be fun. A bunch of us are going to Club Metro again.”
Martha: “Diane, going to a meat market like that is not fun for me.”
Diane is pleading with Martha when Martha sees Jonathan sitting by himself. Diane sees that Martha’s attention is diverted.
Diane: “You’ve got to be kidding me. You’ve got a thing for John-Boy over there.”
Martha: “He just seems like a nice guy. Look I’ll talk to you later.”
Martha leaves Diane and walks up to Jonathan and sits beside him. She is very nervous.
Martha: “Hi.”
Jonathan looks up from his notes, sees Martha and gives her a very wide and very friendly smile.
Jonathan: “Hello.”
Martha: “Look. I saw that you were taking notes furiously in class and I guess I was kind of zoning out. Would it be too much trouble if I borrow your notes?”
Jonathan closes his note binder and hands it directly to Martha.
Jonathan: “Here you go.”
Martha is stunned at his trusting generosity.
Martha: “You’re just going to give them to me just like that. You don’t even know who I am.”
Jonathan: “I think I can trust you.”
Martha: “You think you can trust me?”
Jonathan nods his head in affirmation.
Jonathan: “Yeah. I believe in people.”
She takes his notes and begins to walk away. She stops and turns around.
Martha: “Listen. Some of us are going to Club Metro tonight. Would you like to come?”
Jonathan is very hesitant.
Jonathan: “Oh. I think I’d look like a fish out of water.”
Martha is disappointed at his response.
Martha: ‘There’s nothing I can say to make you change your mind?”
Jonathan is thinking about it. Then he smiles at Martha.
Jonathan: “Okay. I’ll be there.”
**********
Act 2: Scene 5
The scene is taking place at Club Metro. Once again Martha and Diane are sitting at the bar. Martha is looking very anxious. She keeps looking at her watch.
Martha: “He’s not going to come.”
Diane: “Who?”
Martha: “Jonathan. Jonathan Kent.”
Diane: “John-Boy? Oh, Martha. You can do better than that.”
All of a sudden panic takes hold of Martha.
Martha: “He doesn’t know my name! I know his name but he doesn’t know mine. If he couldn’t make it, he doesn’t know how to get in touch with me.”
From the entrance of the club, Jonathan enters. He is easily noticed because he is taller than most of the men. He looks out of place. While the other men are dressed in their polyester disco clothes, Jonathan is conservatively dressed in a navy blue blazer, a blue buttoned down collar shirt, a red tie and gray slacks. He looks around the club and he finally finds Martha. Their eyes meet. Smiles appear on both of their faces and he makes his way towards her.
Jonathan: “Hello.”
Martha: “Hi. I thought you weren’t going to come.”
Jonathan: “I told you I would. If I say I’m going to do something I do it.”
Martha: “I just realized you don’t even know my name.”
Jonathan: “Martha.”
Martha: “You know my name?”
Jonathan nods with a little bit of embarrassment. Martha turns to Diane to introduce her to Jonathan but she sees that Diane is already on the dance floor. The bartender approaches them.
Bartender: “What can I get you?”
Jonathan: “A beer will be fine.”
Bartender: “And the lady?”
Martha: “Oh, a beer will be fine with me.”
Jonathan: “That’s funny. You don’t strike me as the drinking type.”
We now hear the DJ.
DJ: “Ok we’re going to slow things down now. We have a golden oldie from the King himself, Elvis Presley.”
“Wise men say
Only fools rush in.”
There are many couples on the dance floor. We can see that Jonathan is clearly nervous and that Martha is anxiously waiting for Jonathan to ask her to dance. It is clear that Jonathan is not comfortable in a club. Finally he says to Martha.
Jonathan: “I’m not very good on the dance floor but would you like to dance with me.”
Martha’s face shows a sense of relief. She grabs Jonathan’s hand and they make their way to the dance floor. They begin dancing. They seem to be formal with each other but as the song goes on they are becoming very aware of each other and each of them begins to close in on the other’s personal space.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea.
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be.
The scene ends with the couple dancing very close to each other. Martha has her hand at the back of Jonathan’s head.
**********
Act 2: Scene 6
The scene takes place in Martha’s dormitory room. It is the next morning. The sun is coming through the windows and Martha is waking up. She opens her eyes and she notices that something has been slipped underneath her door. She gets out of bed and goes to the door. A greeting card has been put under her door. It has her name on the front of the envelope. Martha opens up the card and we see what is written inside.
I am always thinking of you.
Love
Jonathan
End of Act 2
**********
Act 3: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. He is seated back in his chair. He is still thinking to himself. He begins to hear the normal sounds of the city from outside his windows. He begins to hear police sirens. And as he hears, he begins to flash back.
**********
Act 3: Scene 2
Once again we are back in 1970’s Metropolis. We hear the sounds of sirens and fire engines. A tenement building is on fire. Young Lionel Luthor and young Morgan Edge are standing about a block away from the fire. They are watching the building intently as firemen and policemen canvass the area. Edge has an expression of amazement on his face as he watches the flames reach high in the air. Lionel seems overwhelmed by what he is seeing.
Edge: “Well everything went according to plan.”
Lionel: “Are you sure the police aren’t going to ask any questions.”
Edge: “The police are taken care of. They want to raze this place to the ground just as much as we do.”
A policeman walks up to the two young men.
Policeman: “Any of you boy’s named Luthor?”
Lionel: “That’s me.”
Policemen: “I’m sorry to tell you, son. Your father and mother didn’t make it out.”
Lionel is stunned.
Lionel: “My mother! No. That couldn’t be. My mother went to work.”
Policemen: “I’m sorry, son. But it doesn’t look like your mother ever left the apartment.”
The policeman leaves and Lionel turns to Edge.
Lionel: “You told me she was out of the apartment.”
Edge: “Well, I was wrong. What was I supposed to do? Stop everything just because your old lady was still up there.”
Lionel grabs Edge and shoves him against the wall of building. Edge pushes back.
Edge: “Don’t get all noble on me, Luthor. What are you going to do? Turn me in to the police? Turn yourself in? You didn’t strike the match but you’re just as much a part of this as I am. Look on the bright side. Now you don’t have to share the insurance money.”
Lionel lets Edge go and turns around to face the fire. There are tears in his eyes.
Edge: “Wise up! Now is not the time to start having a conscience.”
**********
Act 3: Scene 3
The scene takes place in Aunt Nell’s house in Metropolis. Lana is visiting. She is in the family room next to the kitchen. She is going through a box which has some memorabilia from when Lana was in elementary school. We do not see Aunt Nell but we can hear her speaking.
Aunt Nell: “I don’t believe you’re back with him. Honest to God, Lana, sometimes I think you need professional help.”
Nell’s voice tails off and Lana isn’t really listening to her aunt as she goes through the papers in the box. We see old report cards and drawings on construction paper. Lana picks up a formal envelope that is addressed to her Aunt Nell. The return address is from the Smallville Elementary School. She opens the envelope and reads a letter.
Ms. Potter,
I would like to arrange a meeting with you to discuss Lana’s disruptive behavior.
Yours truly,
Ms. Reynolds
Smallville Elementary School
1st Grade
We begin to hear the sounds of children’s voices as Lana flashes back.
**********
Act 3: Scene 4
The scene takes place in the 1st grade of the Smallville Elementary School. It is the first day of school. Children are coming into the classroom and there is much commotion. It is obvious that all of the children know each other. We see the young Lana Lang. We recognize her by her long dark hair and her large, expressive eyes. She takes her seat with the rest of the children. The teacher is bringing order to the class. As everyone is seated we see Martha Kent come into the classroom. With her is a boy. He is of normal height for his age. He has a full head of unkempt black hair and large blue-green eyes. Lana sees that Martha is talking to the teacher about the boy. Martha then leaves the classroom.
Teacher: “Boys and girls, we have a new student who wasn’t with you in kindergarten last year. This is Clark Kent. Clark, since we are in alphabetical order, you can take the seat in front of Lana.”
Clark walks down the row of desks. We can see that he is very shy. As he gets to his desk he catches sight of Lana and he just stops. Lana becomes aware that Clark is staring at her. She becomes self conscious and begins to examine herself to see if something is wrong. The rest of the class is just looking at Clark and the children are beginning to giggle.
Teacher: “Clark, please take your seat.”
Clark comes back to reality and he takes the seat in front of Lana. He is somewhat embarrassed because all of the children are now staring at him.
**********
Act 3: Scene 5
The scene takes place in the playground of the Smallville Elementary. We can see that the boys are on a field kicking a ball to one another and rough-housing it as boys tend to do. We see that the girls are gathered together. Clark is sitting by himself. He is the topic of conversation among the girls.
Girl #1: “I think he’s cute.”
Girl #2: “He’ cute but I think he’s a sissy.”
Lana overhears this.
Lana: “Why is he a sissy?”
Girl #2: “I heard his mom telling Ms. Reynolds that he’s not supposed to take part in any sports. I heard her say that he gets hurt a lot.”
Lana: “Gee, I wonder what’s wrong with him.”
The girls’ attention is then diverted to a scuffle with two boys. One boy is much larger than the other and he is pushing the smaller boy down to the ground.
Girl #1: “Billy Diehl is being a bully again.”
Girl #2: “He picks on everybody.”
Lana again looks back at Clark who is still sitting by himself. Young Pete Ross approaches Clark and begins to talk with him. Pete sits down with Clark and we see the boys beginning to laugh. We see that Clark has a lunch box with him. He pulls out a large chocolate iced cupcake. He pulls it apart and gives half to Pete. The scene ends with Lana watching the two boys laughing with each other. Their mouths are smeared with the chocolate icing from the cupcake.
**********
Act 3: Scene 6
The scene takes place several days later. The children are coming in from their lunchtime recess. The teacher has not yet arrived in the classroom. Pete and Clark are walking in together. Suddenly there is a large hand on Pete’s shoulder. It is the bully, Billy Diehl. He is squeezing Pete’s shoulder and Pete is in pain.
Billy: “Ross, give me some money.”
Pete: “I don’t have any money.”
Billy: “It’s your turn. Gimme some money.”
Clark: “Leave him alone!”
The whole class is taken aback by Clark’s outburst. Billy is the most surprised of all as no one ever stands up to him. The children circle around Clark, Pete and Billy. Lana makes her way to the front of the circle.
Billy: “What did you say?”
Clark: “I said leave him alone.”
Billy: “Stay out of this, Kent.”
Clark: “I won’t stay out of it.”
Clark walks right up to Billy. Billy towers over Clark. He grabs Clark by the shirt and tries to wrestle Clark down to the ground using his weight. He can’t seem to move Clark. Clark easily pushes Billy away. Billy is surprised that someone has been able to do this. He comes back at Clark and throws a punch at his head. The punch misses Clark and Clark pushes Billy in the chest. The force sends Billy flying several feet. He crashes into the door of the classroom. The door splits into pieces. Just as this happens Ms. Reynolds is walking into the room. All of the children are stunned by what they have just seen.
Teacher: “What’s going on here?”
Billy: “It’s Clark. He started a fight.”
Ms. Reynolds is facing down Clark.
Teacher: “Clark, did you hit Billy? Did you do all of this?”
Clark is just too upset to answer his teacher.
Teacher: “Clark, I’m taking you to the principle.”
We then hear Lana’s voice.
Lana: “It wasn’t Clark’s fault. Billy started it.”
Billy: “I did not!”
Lana: “You’re a liar, Billy. You did too start it.”
The teacher tries to gain control of the situation.
Teacher: “Lana, that’s enough. I’m taking Clark to the principle.”
Lana: “No! Clark helped Pete. Billy was just being a bully.”
Teacher: “Lana, that’s enough. Now be quiet.”
Lana: “I won’t be quiet and you can’t make me.”
Now they teacher transfers her ire to Lana.
Teacher: “Okay, young lady. Since you can’t control your tongue you can come and see the principle right now.”
As Lana is being taken to the principles office she turns around and looks back at Clark. He is looking directly at her and their eyes lock. Both look like they are about to cry.
End of Act 3
**********
Act 4: Scene 1
The scene takes place in Clark’s loft. He is going through the drawers of his desk. He comes across a sheet of construction paper that has been folded in half. On the front are the words:
Happy Valentine’s Day
It is written in crayon. It is a child’s hand writing. Clark opens up the card. On the inside are words.
Dear Clark
Please be my Valentine.
Love
Lana
We begin to hear the sounds of children’s voices as Clark flashes back.
**********
Act 4: Scene 2
We are back to Smallville Elementary School. It is the day after the incident with Billy Diehl. Clark and Pete are sitting at a picnic table together eating lunch.
Pete: “Clark. thanks for helping me yesterday.”
Clark: “You would have done the same for me. Anyway my dad told me that when I see someone doing wrong I should do something about it.”
Pete: “I don’t think Billy is going to pick on anyone anymore.”
Clark: “Did Lana get in trouble?”
Pete: “I think her aunt came to see the principle after school.”
Clark: “She probably hates me.”
Pete: “If she hated you why would she stick up for you?”
Clark just shrugs his shoulders.
Pete: “You should talk to her, Clark.”
Clark: “Well, what do I say?”
Pete: “I don’t know.”
Clark: “Pete, do you talk to girls?”
Without a moments hesitation Pete answers.
Pete: “No! But I could if I wanted to.”
As Pete and Clark are talking together, we see about half a dozen boys across the playground looking at the two boys and talking to each. They stop talking and start walking towards Pete and Clark. They come up to the table and gather around Clark.
Boy #1: “Hi Clark. I thought that maybe you’d like a slice of my mom’s apple pie. She made it yesterday.”
Clark is surprised at the friendliness of the boy.
Clark: “Gee. Thanks.”
Boy #2: “Hi Clark. I have an extra chocolate bar. Would you like it?”
Clark: “You don’t have to give me anything.”
Boy #2: “That’s okay. I’d like you to have it.”
Again, Clark is surprised at the friendliness of the boy.
Boy #3: “Hey Clark. Would you like to come over after school and play some Nintendo with me?”
We see that all of the boys are paying attention to Clark and that Pete is being left out. Clark sees this.
Clark: “I’ll have to ask my mom. But is it okay if Pete comes?”
Boy #3: “Sure. Pete can come.”
The scene ends showing Pete with a large smile on his face.
**********
Act 4: Scene #3
The scene takes place in Kent kitchen. It is several months later. Clark and Martha are sitting at the kitchen table. It is the night before Valentines Day. Clark and Martha are filling out cards for his classmates. Martha has a list of names. On each envelope Clark is writing the name of the classmate he is giving the card to and then he is signing his name on the card.
Martha: “Clark, I wish you’d be more careful with your writing. All these names look like chicken scratch.”
Clark: “I know, Mom. But it’s a lot of names.”
Martha: “Well, here’s the last one – Lana Lang.”
Clark takes the small envelop and writes very carefully – L-A-N-A. Then on the card, using his best penmanship, he writes very clearly and carefully – LOVE CLARK. Martha notices how Clark treats Lana’s card differently from all of the others. She smiles to herself but doesn’t say anything.
**********
Act 4: Scene #4
The scene takes place in 1st Grade class at Smallville Elementary School. The children are exchanging cards with each other. Afterwards, each child has a small pile of cards on their desks. They begin to open the cards. Clark is hastily opening each card. He’s not bothering to look at the inscription. He just wants to see the name in the card. He is looking for Lana’s card and as he is getting to the bottom of the pile his attitude is becoming more desperate as he does not see a card from Lana. He finally is at the last card and he opens it up and it is not from Lana. His eyes drop and he fights to hold back his 6 year old tears and he hopes that no one notices his expression.
**********
Act 4: Scene #5
The scene takes place in the Kent kitchen. Clark is sitting with Martha and she is trying to comfort him. Jonathan comes in the kitchen and he sees how distraught Clark is.
Jonathan: “Hey. What’s going on?”
Martha: “The 1st grade exchanged Valentine cards today and Clark did not get a card from the one person he wanted one from the most.”
Jonathan: “Oh. I understand. Well you know what this calls for”
He picks Clark up.
Jonathan: “A game of tag.”
Clark is laughing as he is carried outside by his father. They start running around the house. When Clark is IT, Jonathan barely runs at all so the little boy can catch up to him. As they are doing this a car pulls up to the house. Nell gets out of the car and Lana gets out of the rear of the car.
Jonathan: ‘Nell. What brings you her?”
Nell: “Hi Jonathan. Lana made something for Clark and she insisted that I bring her over so that she could give it to him.
Lana is standing next to Nell and she begins to move forward. Clark is standing next to Jonathan. He’s not quite sure of what he should do. He looks up at Jonathan for guidance.
Jonathan: “Well, why do you go see what Lana has for you?”
Clark leaves his father and meets Lana. He doesn’t know what to say.
Lana: “Hi.”
Clark: “Hi.”
Lana hands him a card made out of construction paper.
Lana: “I made this for you.”
Clark looks at the home made card.
Dear Clark
Please be my Valentine.
Love
Lana
Clark is smiling but he is unable to speak.
Nell: ‘Well Lana, I guess it’s time to go home. See you around, Jonathan.”
Jonathan: “So long, Nell. So long, Lana.”
Lana goes back in the car and they drive away. Clark is speechless but overjoyed. Jonathan can see this and he comes up to Clark and tags him.
Jonathan: “You’re IT.”
Clark is laughing as he starts to run after Jonathan. He is running at a normal pace. Then all of a sudden he is picking up speed. At last, he is just a blur as if he has been shot out of a cannon. One moment he is with Jonathan. The next moment he is gone.
Jonathan: “Martha! Martha!”
Martha comes running out of the house.
Martha: “What? What is it? Where’s Clark?”
Jonathan: “Martha, it was incredible. We were playing tag and he was running after me and then the next moment he was gone. I don’t know where he is. We better call the sheriff.”
Martha: “How are we going to explain this one?”
Both Martha and Jonathan look at one another. Each trying to find an answer.
**********
Act 4: Scene 6
The scene takes place in Clark’s loft. The flashback has ended. He is holding the card. He looks up from the card. Suddenly, in a blur, he is gone.
**********
Act 4: Scene 7
The scene takes place at Aunt Nell’s house. Lana is still holding the letter her aunt received from the 1st grade teacher. The doorbell rings.
Lana: “I’ll get it, Nell.”
Lana opens the door and there isn’t anyone there. Instead a greeting card that was against the door falls into the house as the door is opened. The envelope says ‘Lana’ on it. She opens the envelope and inside is a greeting card with a single rose on the front of it. She opens the card and written inside is
I just want you to know that I am always thinking of you.
Love
Clark
**********
Act 4: Scene 8
The scene takes place in Lionel Luthor’s office. Once again he is looking at the documents he has to sign and he flashes back.
**********
Act 4: Scene 9
The scene is in Metropolis in the 1970s. Lionel is in an attorney’s office.
Attorney: “I need your signature on these documents. If you’ll just sign here, Mr. Luthor. I’ll give you the check for your parents’ insurance.”
Lionel signs the document, receives the check, shakes hands with the attorney and then leaves the office. Outside, Morgan Edge is waiting for him.
Edge: “Well, did you get it?”
Lionel nods his head.
Edge: ‘Are you ready to do some business?”
Lionel slowly nods his head. The two men walk away together.
**********
Act 4: Scene 10
The scene is back in Lionel’s office. He is looking at the document he has to sign and then he hears words from his past.
“Now is no time to get a conscience.”
He picks up the telephone and dials a number.
Lionel: “Hello, Ms. Sullivan. This is Lionel Luthor. I need to meet with you, Clark and Lana. What for? Well let’s just say that it has to do with Lex’s latest project. And I think you’re going to need someone working from the inside.
End of Act 4
Fade to black.
**********