[theme music]
[music continues]
[tires screeching]
(male #1) Hey, hey, what's the matter with you?
[elevator dings]
[indistinct chatter]
[telephone ringing]
(male #2) Johnny, you got a call on line two.
[typewriter keys clacking]
Ah..
[sighs]
Oh, you're in early.
Mm, I like the beard.
But, uh.. the moustache isn't working for me.
Want me to do it?
Mm.
Oh..
I nailed 'em cold.
Alright!
[sighs]
[applause]
Oh, come on, you guys. It was nothing, really.
I still can't believe they thought you were a boy.
Well, the moustache helped.
And thanks for teaching me how to boost a car.
To Lois Lane, still going where no reporter has gone before.
[applause]
Hey, hey, hey, turn that thing off.
Now, Jimmy, don't encourage her.
She's got a head as big as the metrodome as it is.
Well, it's nice to know I'm appreciated
around here, chief.
Oh, well, what do you expect?
Garlands thrown at your feet?
No, but I would like a raise.
Well, I'd like a 145 foot triple-masted schooner
with a teak interior, but, hey, Lois..
...times are tough.
(all) Aw.
What's everybody standing around for?
This is a newspaper, not happy hour at Buckingham Palace.
Hey, chief, I got an angle on the mini-mall murders.
Chief, I figure there was blood on the burritos
because check this out, they were eating, right?
And the perpetrators come in--
Did you finish those obituary updates?
Jimmy...never underestimate
the need for a good obituary.
I could think of one right now.
Whoa-ho, I guess you finally hit the big time.
Huh?
This time, Lex Luthor's personal assistant
returned your call.
Give it up, Lois. Luthor never gives one-on-one interviews.
Well, he's never met Lois Lane before, either.
(male #3) 'Watch the door.'
[instrumental music]
[vehicle horn honking]
[clamoring]
He..
Hey, he..
Stop, he, he..
[elevator bell dings]
Lois Lane?
Lois Lane? Lois Lane!
Lois Lane! It's going to explode!
- 'He's got a bomb!' - No, it's not a bomb.
- It's my credentials. - I'm sorry, sir.
- He ran right past me. - You don't understand.
Miss Lane, the messenger is going to explode.
Please, Miss Lane, you must tell my story.
We've had trouble with him before.
No, Wait a minute. Don't!
Please, you've got to believe me.
Please, the space program is doomed.
Please!
The transport vehicle messenger
piloted by Commander Jack Laderman
and carrying the final propulsion module
'for Space Station Prometheus'
'is scheduled for liftoff, Friday at 9:00 a.m.'
'Dr. Toni Baines reminds us that timing is crucial.'
Unless all the modules are in place
within the next few weeks, Space Station Prometheus
will lose its orbit and fall back
into the earth's atmosphere.
That kind of an occurrence will surely spell the end
to any future projects and the space program as a whole.
(female #1 on TV) 'A series of delays and launch failures'
'have already put EPRADs back to the wall..'
(Cat) 'Good morning, Lois.'
'On your hands and knees again, I see.'
Isn't it a little early for you to be in, Cat?
I thought ladies like you only worked nights.
Part of my job as society columnist..
Mudslinging rumormonger.
...is to maintain an active social life.
You...remember what that's like...or do you?
What do men see in her, anyway?
Don't they know she's just looking for another notch
on her garter belt?
Pathetic.
Have you actually, uh...seen this garter belt?
So you are, mister, uh..
Kent, Clark Kent.
Ah, yes, Kent.
Oh, Professor Carlton called me about you.
Boy, I haven't seen him and I don't know.
Let's see here.
Uh, editor, Smallville Press. Where's that?
- In Kansas. - 'Kansas.'
[telephone rings]
Oh, just a minute please.
Yeah.
Oh, tell him to keep his pants on.
If Carlini's can't deliver on time, just find a place who can!
Can you believe I had to buy
a blood pressure monitor last week?
Paava leaves.
I beg your pardon?
The Yolngu Tribe in New Guinea
eat paava leaves to relieve stress.
It puts them in a meditative state.
Maybe you should try it.
Oh, well, I, uh, I see you've done some traveling.
Well, this is my first trip to Metropolis.
I have some samples of my work.
Oh, good, good. Let's take a look.
"The Borneo Gazette."
"Mating rituals of the...knob-tailed gecko."
Kent...I'm sure that these are
fascinating stories
but you see, son, this is the "Daily Planet."
We're the greatest newspaper in the whole world.
Now, our people are dedicated servants of the Fourth Estate
who routinely handle matters
of international significance.
Alright, chief, I fixed the horn on your golf cart.
Not now, Jimmy.
- The tone's still off-- - Jimmy, not now!
Now, as, uh, as I was saying, you just can't walk in here--
Chief, I think there's a story here.
We should have this guy checked out, you know, the crazy one
from this morning. He was an engineer at F. Bradford--
Lois, can't you see I'm in the middle of something here?
Oh.
Lois Lane, Clark Kent.
Nice to meet you. Anyway, he worked on the messenger.
Wait, wait, wait. Wait a minute.
What happened to that mood piece I gave you
about the razing of that old theater on 42nd Street?
I wasn't in the mood.
You weren't in the mood.
'Now, look, Lois, you can't come in here--'
Oh, I-I gotta go. I'll catch you later.
I'll tell you, if that woman wasn't the best
damn investigative reporter I've ever seen, I..
Oh, well, look, uh, Kent, I'm sure
that you're an intelligent guy
but you just can't walk in here
with this kind of resume and expect to get a job.
Mr. White, I know I lack experience
but I'm a good writer and a hard-worker--
Kent..
...I just don't have anything for you, son.
Well, thank you, sir.
I appreciate your taking the time to see me.
Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
Oh.
Ohh.
You want me to wire you some cash?
- 'No, I'm fine.' - How'd the interview go?
(Clark on phone) 'Mm, not so good.'
'But something will turn up I'm sure.'
Yeah, I think I better wire you some cash.
I'm fine, dad.
(Martha on phone) 'You still going to make it home on Friday?'
And miss your home cooking?
What home cooking? I haven't had a home cooked meal--
Clark, you're being careful, aren't you?
Sure, other than the bus incident this morning but that--
Bus incident?
Metropolis isn't the outback, you know.
'People in the city are always looking to make a quick buck.'
If they find out about you, they'll put you
in a laboratory--
And dissect me like a frog.
I know, dad.
Believe me, I'm trying my best
to be like everybody else here.
Well, I'll get that cash out to you tonight.
Dad, I'll pay you back. I promise.
'Okay, I'll talk to you guys soon.'
Bye, honey.
[crackling]
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[door creaks]
Lucy?
Are you home?
(Lucy) 'Hi, sis.'
I thought you were going out tonight.
Oh, I gotta work. I can't.
Don't start.
Did you find an escort
to Lex Luthor's white orchid ball yet?
No, I did not.
Lois, it's tomorrow night.
What about Mitchell? I thought you liked him.
Mitchell is a hypochondriac.
They can't all be bad, Lois.
They can't all be boring or stupid.
What are you waiting for?
Fine. I'll ask Mitchell to take me.
I'm not just talking about the ball, Lois.
You've gotta get out more.
Will you stop? Jeez, you sound like dad.
I'm only 26.
Twenty-six today, thirty-six tomorrow.
And I know why that dentist Alan never called you back.
Dragging him to that women in journalism seminar?
Weak men and the wise women who love them?
You gotta stop scaring them off, Lois.
You've gotta stop being so smart all the time, so intense.
Look, I-I'm just being myself and if they're not man enough
to handle it, then I guess I'll just wait for someone who is.
I just hate to see you sitting at home.
I get out plenty. I have dates.
You have interviews.
That's not the same thing.
Lois..
...I just want you to meet a super guy.
Gwendolyn, have you made your decision?
(Gwendolyn on TV) 'Alright, you win.'
'I'll keep my promise.'
Tonight my body is yours.
But my heart..
...my heart beats only for one man.
[sobbing]
Oh..
[sniffs]
[sobbing]
[sighs]
[chanting] Keep the theater on this spot!
We don't need a parking lot.
Keep the theater on this spot.
We don't need a parking lot.
Keep the theater on this spot.
We don't need a parking lot.
Where's Beatrice? Bea?
[chanting] We don't need a parking lot.
Bea?
- We don't need a parking lot. - Bea?
Bea?
Keep the theater on this spot.
We don't need a parking lot.
Keep the theater on this spot. We don't need a parking lot.
Keep the theater on this spot.
After the dark death of autumn
and the cold barren winter..
...how I wish this rock might be taken from my heart.
(male #4) 'Watch your backs, people. Coming through.'
Up with the crane.
Okay, Bill.
Start her up.
(male #5) 'You're destroying the neighborhood!'
[engine revving]
[screeching]
[cheering]
Oh, for the days of my childhood
back when my soul was pure.
'I slept right here in this nursery.'
'Looking out at the orchard from this very room.'
And every morning I awoke with such joy in my heart.
My orchard is just the same as it was then, nothing different.
All of it, all of it dressed in white
my lovely orchard.
[applause]
'Who's there?'
Just...a fan.
I'm not leaving, not until I finish.
Alright. Mind if I watch?
'I always loved this play.'
You know it?
"The Cherry Orchard."
Anton Chekhov.
- His finest, don't you think? - Definitely.
Ah, they don't understand, the theater is more than
bricks and mortar.
It's drama and passion
and mystery and comedy and life.
Don't make me go.
I'm not ready.
We have some time.
You understand. I just...want to say goodbye.
'All of it dressed in white, my lovely orchard.'
[beeping]
[typewriter keys clacking]
(Clark) "Beatrice was 18 when she made her debut.
"Warren G. Harding was President.
"The unknown soldier was interred at Arlington
"and Babe Ruth was sold to the Yankees.
"She came to say goodbye, as we all must
"to the past and to a life and a place
that soon would exist...only in a bittersweet memory."
Smooth.
Um, yeah, if you like that sort of thing.
(Perry) 'You know, Kent, there's only one attribute'
I value more than experience, and that's initiative.
Clark Kent, welcome to the "Daily Planet."
Oh, whoops.
(female #2) 'Oh, no, the space shuttle's on fire!'
- 'It's on the TV now.' - 'Quick, turn it on!'
- 'Let's take a look.' - 'Lois, get over here!'
(male #6 on TV) 'This fast-breaking story, we have a reporter on the scene.'
'And we're trying to establish contact'
'with Carmen Alvarado. Uh, can you hear me?'
'She's on the launching pad right now. Carmen?'
What you've just seen what we've seen here
a terrible tragedy is unfolding. There seems to be some..
I knew there was something to Platt's story. I knew it.
Now, Lois, just because one madman's prediction
came true, doesn't mean that there's a conspiracy
'to sabotage the entire space program.'
But with more than a 100 colonists going up
in the next launch, are you willing to take that chance?
I'll need a task force. I can't cover this story alone.
You can have Jimmy.
Chief, we're talking about the space program.
Okay. Take Kent.
- Kent? - Kent.
- What about Meyerson? - He's busy.
- Burns? - Budapest.
- Forget Kent. - Uh-uh. He's a good man.
Kent's a hack from Smallville. I couldn't make that name up.
Kent or nobody.
Fine.
Don't ever say that I'm not a team player.
[door closes]
- Let's hit it. - Get, get on it. Will ya?
Mind if I ask where we're going?
To interview Samuel Platt.
He's convinced the messenger was sabotaged.
I'll brief you on the way.
And let's get something straight.
I did not work my buns off
to become an investigative reporter
for the "Daily Planet"
just to baby-sit some hack from nowheresville.
And one other thing.
You are not working with me. You're working for me.
I call the shots. I ask the questions.
You are low man. I am top banana.
And that's the way I like it.
Comprende?
You like to be on top.
Got it.
Don't push me, Kent.
You are way out of your league.
[door closes]
Dr. Platt?
Dr. Platt, it's Lois Lane.
And they said that I was crazy.
But wouldn't you be after the drugs?
I mean, you know they drugged me
after I submitted my report to Dr. Baines.
Dr. Platt, how could the messenger have been sabotaged?
In order to bypass security, you..
Unless the orders came from high up.
Well, you see, under extreme temperature conditions
the particle isolators were in danger of shutting down.
So in order to prevent this, we installed heating devices.
But when I broke into one of the off-limit labs
I discovered that the heating devices had been replaced
by coolant systems.
To freeze the ion particles?
Of course. And then fumes.
And the messenger would blow up.
- I mean, it's all in my report. - 'What report?'
Well, the report that I gave to Dr. Baines.
Do you have a copy of this report?
Ha!
What kind of a scientist would I be
if I didn't keep reports?
Uh, Dr. Platt, perhaps you could
gather your report together some other time.
I'll have somebody come by and pick it up.
(Platt) My wife.
We planned to live together on the Prometheus.
- Where's your family now? - Gone..
They left when I..
Well, it's all for the best.
Dr. Platt, who would want to sabotage
Space Station Prometheus?
I don't know.
See, the microgravity laboratory on the Prometheus
could be the key for curing hundreds of diseases
'here on earth.'
In a zero-gravity environment
we can actually separate the proteins that form viruses.
And so many children with crippling diseases..
...my daughter.. we could cure them.
I think you and I should pay Dr. Baines a visit.
(female #3 on PA) 'Morris Sykes of the tracking sector'
'to report to room 135.'
Naturally, we're all still in a state of shock.
I don't suppose I have to tell you what a catastrophe
this explosion was.
Captain Laderman was one of our best.
His three kids, his wife Anna.
Dr. Baines, what's being done to investigate
the cause of the explosion?
Well, we won't know anything
until we've examined the burned wreckage.
'We're in the process of moving it to a hangar'
'right now for inspection.'
Can we take a look at it?
Sorry. No press allowed.
No exceptions?
I'll see what I can do.
Great.
Uh...on the subject of Dr. Samuel Platt--
Oh, I have his file right here.
Uh..
...a real waste of talent.
Seems building the space station and his divorce
finally got to him.
He started drinking, taking drugs.
He went from bad to worse.
'We kept him on as long as we could'
but when he set fire to one of the laboratories
we had to let him go.
Dr. Platt said that he submitted a report to you.
Something about coolant devices installed to--
Coolants, uh...no, I don't recall any report.
I could check my records.
Could you?
And, uh...give us a call?
Certainly.
Be glad to help.
Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Thank you.
(Clark) She seemed cooperative.
I don't trust her.
Very attractive.
Young for a woman in her position.
- Typical. - What?
That's a typical male response.
Lois, trust me on this. I'm not a typical male--
No? Just because she's okay looking..
Very okay.
You automatically assume she's telling the truth.
And you assume she's not?
Does everyone have an angle?
No honest people left in the whole world?
That's pretty cynical, Lois.
It's realistic, Clark.
At least I don't go through life disappointed.
We have different sections, just like
the paper has different sections
society, sports, entertainment.
Come here.
[whistles]
Who's the new tight end?
Why don't you throw your usual forward pass and find out?
Uh, excuse me, I..
Catherine Grant. Cat's Corner.
Oh, yeah. I've read your column.
[chuckles] Then my reputation precedes me.
Among other things.
You know, I know what it's like to be
new in town, lonely.
I'd be happy to show you around.
Uh, well, that's very nice of you, Miss Grant.
Cat.
Um, maybe when, uh...I get settled in.
It's a date.
Cat.
No, Mitchell, I'm not mad.
If you've got the sniffles, then you've got the sniffles.
'Yeah, that could lead to complications.'
No, don't call me. I'll call you.
[sighs] I don't suppose that you own a tuxedo.
I could get one. Why?
Oh.
Well, the man that I was going to Lex Luthor's ball
with has the flu.
Yes?
Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to..
Do you want to take his place or not?
Well, thanks anyway, Lois
but I thought I'd go to bed early tonight.
Are you crazy?
This is the social event of the season.
Everyone who's anyone is gonna be there
'and you want to go to bed early?'
So...is this a date?
Date?
Oh..
Oh, you mean like in Kansas where you meet my parents
and then you try and give me a hickey
in the vacant lot behind the dairy freeze?
[chuckles] No, this is not a date.
This is business.
I'm going to land the first one-on-one
Lex Luthor interview, if it kills me--
Okay.
Good.
I'll see you there.
Nine.
Okay.
Hey, buddy, you got a buck?
Oh, ho, ho.
You must be some kind of angel, brother.
Some kind of...angel.
[instrumental music]
Dinner was great, mom. Thanks.
Thanks, honey.
Mm-hmm. More than I get these days.
Your mother is now an artist.
I call it too much, too soon
tortured heart, waning moon.
What do you think, too cerebral?
No, no, it's, it's..
...it's very imaginative.
Uh-huh.
So, now tell me more about this woman
you're going to Lex Luthor's ball with.
Lois is..
Well, she's complicated
domineering, uncompromising
pigheaded..
...brilliant..
And we're not really going out.
It's business.
Uh-huh.
Thanks for sewing my jacket, mom.
You're welcome, honey.
That electrical storm over Cleveland was brutal.
Maybe you should take another route.
See you next week, honey. I love you. Take care.
(Clark) I forget how beautiful it is here.
The only stars you see in Metropolis
are riding around in limos.
(Jonathan) Hmm, you're the one who wanted the rat race.
I couldn't live there.
Not for a minute.
There's something about the city, the pace..
...everyone going somewhere.
Impatient...like you.
Well..
...I guess you've finally found your niche.
Stop living out of that old suitcase.
I hope so, dad.
Being in Metropolis, working at the "Planet"
it's a dream come true, but--
But you still feel like you don't fit in.
I don't. I don't fit in.
'I have to control myself all the time'
never use my powers, because I don't want to jeopardize
my chance to lead a normal life.
Whatever that means.
Just...being human, like you and mom.
Living, working
meeting someone, having a family.
Clark, we don't know if that's possible.
'And you can't risk anyone finding out about you.'
If they knew you came from another planet--
But I can't hide forever, dad.
There has to be a way that I can be Clark Kent
and still use what I've been given to do some good.
You'll find a way, boy. You'll find a way.
[thunder rumbling]
Have you ever met him, Lex Luthor?
No, but I read all five of his unauthorized biographies.
"Rags to Riches," "Wrong side of the tracks"
"Self-made billionaire," owns dozens of companies
employs thousands of people, Man of the year, every year
has his finger in every...pie
but rarely appears in public.
He won't give personal interviews.
Hey, there he is.
Good evening. Nice to see you.
Hi. Good evening.
(Lex) 'Good evening. How are you? Good evening.'
Assalamualaikum.
You were on my phone this morning.
Harry, congratulations on the bio.
'I liked that editorial on the ozone.'
'Senator Washington, hi, how are you?'
Gentlemen.
[speaking in Greek]
[speaking in French]
Lex Luthor.
[thunder rumbling]
Why haven't you returned my calls?
Gentlemen.
Lois Lane, "Daily Planet."
Well, I can assure you I'll..
...never make that mistake again.
She's something, isn't she?
Clark?
(Jimmy) 'Clark?'
Uh, yeah. Ahem.
She is s-something.
I hope you'll forgive me for being so bold.
But boldness is a trait I find very attractive
in a woman, Miss Lane.
[thunder rumbling]
Well, thank you.
Um, anyway, Mr. Luthor, I'd--
Lex.
I know that you're hesitant to give interviews--
Well, you can understand, a man in my position.
I wouldn't want to be misinterpreted.
I have had one or two bad experiences with the media.
But not with me.
So why don't we make it...dinner?
You mind if I cut in?
Um, Lex, this is Clark Kent.
Clark works at the "Planet."
A pleasure.
Later.
Clark, you idiot.
It's taken me a year to get this close.
What, this close?
Ugh, I would've thought square dancing
was more your style.
Actually, I learned from a Nigerian princess
who studied ballroom dancing in England.
Really? How fascinating.
Where you going?
[thunder rumbling]
Lois, what are you doing?
Being a reporter. You should try it sometime.
[thunder rumbling]
Lois, you can't come in..
(Lois) 'Just look around.'
[intense music]
Macedonian.
It belonged to Alexander the Great
'a brilliant tactician.'
Alexander's strategy was simple.
Always seize the high ground.
It was with this sword that he defeated--
Darius, the third, and was proclaimed King of Asia.
You surprise me, Mr. Kent.
I'm not often surprised.
I hope you don't mind us looking around.
You've a beautiful home, Lex.
Have you seen the view from here?
Tallest building in Metropolis.
I must confess that I love the fact that everyone in the city
has to look up in order to see me.
But let's get back to the party, I think you'll find
my announcement will interest you.
After you.
[indistinct chatter]
[fanfare music]
(Lex) Ladies and gentlemen!
Honored guests, my friends.
Well, we've come here tonight for a good cause.
Thanks to your generosity
the Luthor House For Homeless Children
will soon be a reality.
'Thank you!'
As you know, I've dedicated myself
to improving the quality of lives
of the citizens of Metropolis.
Tonight I'd like to go further.
'Now, it is my sad understanding'
that the congress of nations intends to cancel
Space Station Prometheus.
[indistinct chatter]
'Profit aside, the potential benefits'
that a zero-gravity laboratory could bring
most importantly pharmaceuticals that could end
'many crippling diseases here on earth'
must not be lost to the citizens of this planet.
So therefore, I've decided to commit
my total financial support toward the building
of a privately owned space laboratory.
I've submitted my proposal to the Congress of Nations
and I'm awaiting their outcome.
'Ladies and gentlemen, I give you'
Space Station Luthor.
[thunder rumbling]
Now step right up. Don't be shy.
Feast your eyes on an engineering marvel.
A signpost to a new age of scientific advancement.
A flagship cruising into the new century.
My gift to the future of mankind
and to the children of earth.
Bravo!
Bravo.
[dramatic music]
[thunder rumbling]
[music continues]
[hissing]
[music continues]
Will that be all for this evening, sir?
Yes, Asabi, thank you.
That will be all.
Pleasure, sir.
[thunder rumbling]
Good morning, Lois.
Maybe for you. I've been at it for hours.
I went back to EPRAD.
I followed the truck with the wreckage
to the messenger inside.
He brought it into this hangar.
I tried to get in, but your friend Dr. Baines threw me out.
Hey! There's a man down there!
Call the fire department!
'We need help!'
'Okay, okay, back off. Back off.'
'Alright? Where's the fire department?'
'People, back. Get back.'
'Stand back! There's a man down there!'
Back off, back off, okay?
Back off. Get these people back.
[sirens wailing]
Okay, okay. I got you, I got you. You're alright.
Okay, okay, okay, okay, okay. You alright?
- 'You okay?' - 'Yeah.'
You sure you're okay?
That man, that man saved me.
- What? - That man.
Oh. He pulled me out.
- Let me see, okay. - 'He pulled me out.'
- Okay, okay. - He's delirious.
Obviously.
Look at you. You're a mess.
From now on, do what I do. Bring a change of clothes to work.
- Hey, C.K. - Hey.
- Hold that ele.. - Where are you off to?
Lois sent me to pick up that report from Platt.
He called this morning, said he hoped we could read it.
She also told me to take a copy
over to my friends at STAR Labs to analyze.
What happened to your suit?
Oh, don't ask. See you later.
Morning, handsome.
Oh, hi, Cat. Uh, if you'll excuse me--
No, I don't think I will excuse you.
I've asked you to have dinner with me two times.
That's two times more than I've ever had to ask
any man to do anything.
I'm sorry. I've been really swamped.
- Lois and I, we-- - Mm.
Poor Lois...all work and no personality.
Well, if I can take a rain check on that dinner.
Sure, but..
...don't wait too long.
Okay.
Mm.
I love it when they play hard-to-get.
Cat-napping?
Anything?
I must've called 50 ex-employees
that worked at EPRAD the same time Platt did.
None of them are talking. I don't know.
Maybe there's nothing to talk about.
So, what do we do now?
Well, first we piece together Platt's report
if that's possible.
Then we try and figure out a way to prove that
Dr. Baines got a copy of it and if there's any written evidence
that Platt found coolant devices and Baines ignored it..
I hope you didn't make dinner plans.
I am all yours.
It's done. The messenger's at the hangar.
(Lex) 'I knew that I could leave everything'
in your capable hands.
And what's he doing here?
I have an errand for him to run.
Platt has to be silenced
and those reporters Clark Kent and Lois Lane
are also becoming a problem.
Lois Lane was there this morning.
Followed the truck to the hangar.
Alright, you do what you want with Platt.
You leave the reporters to me.
Tell me, Lex
do you have some special interest in those reporters?
Clark Kent, for example?
Kent is nothing. He's a giblet.
And Lois Lane?
Well, she's a very talented young woman.
I may have use for her.
Unfortunately, she may not be so easily seduced.
As me?
Have I seduced you?
I thought it was you who seduced me.
I'm warning you.
Stay away from her.
Antoinette, you know me, perhaps a little too well.
You know I don't like threats.
I don't care.
Everything we've worked for, we are so close
and I will not let her interfere.
And you know what I'm capable of.
Yes, I do.
And that is part of the appeal.
[siren wailing]
This is impossible. Nothing matches, no dates.
We're never going to get through this.
Oh, and I'm starving!
I wish I knew some good Chinese takeout.
I know a place
and I'll be right back.
Don't you want to know what I want?
(Clark) 'No. I'll bring an assortment.'
[intense music]
That was quick.
(Clark) 'I took a shortcut.'
It's still hot.
Oh!
Mm..
Oh, this is out of this world!
Mm.
It's in Chinese.
Oh, don't tell me that you read--
"A good horse is like a member of the family."
I hate that.
That is not a fortune.
[laughs]
You are a strange one, Clark Kent.
Am I?
Yeah, but I think I got you figured out.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Didn't take you very long.
Well, it's my business
looking beyond the external.
Don't fall for me, farm boy.
I don't have time for it.
Come on. Let's go find Platt.
'Maybe he can help us decipher this.'
Lois, Lois, let me look first.
Don't be silly. I've seen it all.
War, crime, famine.
[electricity crackling]
Dr. Platt?
[crackling]
Wait. Wait.
Look at the water.
[instrumental music]
Oh, my God!
Suicide? That's ridiculous!
He's tried it before.
No sign of forced entry. No sign of struggle.
Nobody saw anybody come in our out.
We were on the verge of proving that his theory..
That something he was working on was right.
There's just no way--
If a man's gonna barbecue himself
he ought to use sauce.
The man's name was Samuel Platt.
'He was brilliant, a scientist'
and someone who cared about others.
Under the circumstances, I don't believe
that kind of humor is appropriate.
Sorry, buddy.
Really, I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
We should've known. We should've protected him.
How?
I don't know, but we should've done something.
Look, Clark, all we can do now
is try and prove him right.
We have a lot of work to do.
It's only 5:30.
Why don't we try and get a few hours' sleep
and I'll come by for you about 9:00, okay?
I can't help it, mom. I feel responsible.
(Martha) If you could've helped him, you would have.
Clark, what's this about a worker
caught in an explosion down a manhole?
Your mother told me he recognized you.
Dad, the workman was really out of it.
I mean, nobody believed him when he pointed to me.
One of these days you're gonna pull one of your stunts
and some nut with a video camera's going--
(Martha on phone) 'What did you want him to do, Jonathan?'
You just want him to let the man die?
[sighs]
So, how are your clothes holding out? You--
Don't change the damn subject.
Listen, I have been thinking about this.
Maybe it's a crazy idea
but, mom, how is your sewing machine?
- 'Is it still working?' - I think so.
(Clark) Well, I have a favor to ask.
I think I need some kind of outfit.
Outfit?
Well, you know, like a disguise I could wear
when things like that explosion happen, I could..
[knocking on door]
Ah! Mom, I gotta go, Lois is here.
Oh. Lois again, huh?
Bye.
[knocking on door]
I said 9:00. I thought you'd be naked.
[clears throat] Ready.
I was on the phone. I'll be out in a jiff.
[door closes]
[scoffs]
[gasps]
We'd better be going.
So explain something to me.
You-you eat like an 8-year-old
and you look like Mr. Hardbody.
What's your secret, and can I have it?
But Henderson, if there were contusions
on Dr. Platt's head, then he could have--
(Henderson) 'Inconclusive.'
'He could have got them last week.'
'I'm sorry, but the autopsy result'
'is gonna read it suicide.'
This isn't over. I'll call you back.
(Clark) Lois.
Who's that?
That's Mrs. Platt and her daughter Amy.
Mom, I was supposed to be at Susan's by now.
Okay, honey.
Take my coat and just wait over there
by the elevator for me, okay?
- Okay. Bye. - 'Excuse me.'
I, uh..
I haven't told her yet.
You see, everything we worked for was for Amy.
The space lab Prometheus was the only hope and now--
Mrs. Platt, when you and Amy left your husband--
No.
We never left him. He made us leave.
He was sure that they were gonna come after him.
He was afraid that Amy and I would get hurt
so, he sent us away.
Do you have any idea who might have--
All I know is Samuel knew
that Prometheus was being sabotaged
and that knowledge got him killed.
Please...help me.
Don't let his daughter grow up
believing her father committed suicide.
We'll try. We promise.
Thank you.
(female #4 on TV) 'We interrupt our regularly scheduled program'
'to bring you this special report'
'from the Congress of Nations.'
I am pleased to announce
that we have unanimously decided
that the Space Station Prometheus will proceed.
(male #7 on TV) 'What about Lex Luthor's proposal?'
(female #5 on TV) 'This body would like to extend our deepest gratitude'
to Mr. Lex Luthor for his generous offer
but it is our firm belief
that the space station should go forward
'as originally planned.'
A project dedicated to global cooperation
for the advancement of the sciences.
'The colonists' launch scheduled for next week'
'will proceed as planned.'
'The rockets will also carry'
'an auxiliary propulsion module.'
Should any serious problems arise
we shall be forced to cancel the mission.
We don't anticipate that happening.
We anticipate success.
So I gave STAR Labs Dr. Platt's report.
They recreated the launch in a hologram.
It was really smooth.
Anyway, they concluded that Platt's theory was right on.
There was deliberate sabotage
and the transport explosion was no accident.
Congrats.
He was right. Platt was right.
Now we can write the story.
- I can write the story. - With my help.
With your help, and if we can convince people
there was sabotage and who was behind it--
- We can stop them. - Oh, God!
[laughing]
Oh, why don't we have dinner?
- Oh, I don't know. - We should celebrate.
- Okay. Dinner. - Okay.
[laughing]
Oh! Wait a second. What am I talking about?
I-I can't. I have plans tonight.
Luthor?
Yeah.
Tell me something, how far are you willing to go
to get this interview?
Not that it's any of your concern
but as I told you before, this is business.
What is your problem, anyway?
You've had a chip on your shoulder
since the day I met you.
You resented the fact--
Perry foisted an inexperienced--
- Snob. - What?
You are a snob, Lois.
Well, coming from Mr. Green jeans
that's really..
I live by three rules..
I never get involved with my stories.
I never let anyone get there first
and I never sleep with anyone I work with.
This is business.
Your mother and father both died when you were 14, correct?
Why don't I just have my office send you a biography?
Well, because I don't want the standard line.
I mean, I want to know the real Lex Luthor.
What makes you tick?
What you strive for?
What you want?
Pleasure. The pursuit of pleasure.
- Hmm. - Does that surprise you?
I would have guessed you'd say power.
Power's a means, not an end.
You took over your first big company
when you were 21.
There were rumors that that buyout was coerced.
'Is it true that the board of directors were--'
Now, was the food not to your liking?
It was delicious.
It's just that when I work I--
Hmm. All work and no play.
Is that your credo, Lois Lane?
I don't think that we should--
Why don't we just enjoy the evening
enjoy each other?
Let down your hair, loosen the tie.
I'm not wearing a tie.
But you're so tense here.
Why don't you just..
'...let your defenses down?'
I think you've gotten the wrong idea
about this dinner, Lex.
Look, I hope you don't think that we're here
merely because you're a..
Well, a beautiful young woman.
Wouldn't speak very well for either of us.
Look, you want an interview, right?
A scoop. I understand that.
Quid pro quo. Let me tell you what I want.
My talent in life is not making money.
It's not juggling companies.
It's character assessment.
'And I sense things about you..'
Possibilities, potentials.
You have the intelligence, the spirit
and the vision to transcend the mundane.
'And..'
'...just so there are no misunderstandings..'
...you are beautiful.
[chuckles]
Lex, I have a story to write tonight.
I should get going.
No dessert?
(Lois) Um, heh..
No.
- I never have dessert. - Really?
You don't know what you're missing.
[siren wailing]
[instrumental music]
Goodnight.
[exhales]
- Ugh! - Well?
Oh, I blew it! I didn't get the interview.
- No. Did he ask you out again? - Oh!
I don't know.
I guess so.
You guess so?
'I hope you said yes.'
Lex Luthor is the world's most eligible bachelor.
Mr. Right could be right out there.
Oh, come back to earth, Lucy.
This is reality we're talking about.
[instrumental music]
Alright, let me see if I've got this straight.
Now, you want me to publish a story
that says the Prometheus project is being sabotaged.
'That the space transport messenger exploded'
and that the transport carrying the habitation module
to Space Station Prometheus
scheduled to be launched in less than three days
is probably also going to blow up?
'And all of this information'
'you got from interviewing Samuel Platt.'
A man who was banned from the scientific community
underwent psychiatric treatment, and committed suicide.
Although he was "Probably murdered."
Now does, uh, that about sum it up?
- Chief-- - Hard facts!
Hard facts! That's the name of this game.
Now go out there and get me some.
What we need is physical evidence.
I'll call Dr. Baines' office
see if I get permission to set up an independent examination--
Clark, Baines is not gonna let you do that.
She could be involved.
Besides, we don't have time
to play by the rules.
Colonist transport goes up in two days.
I'm making the call, maybe
someone else at EPRAD will authorize it.
You do that.
- Where are you going? - Nowhere.
I'm coming too.
[instrumental music]
[indistinct chatter]
I guess I don't need to point this out to you, Lois
but this is dangerous.
Fine. You go back to writing obituaries.
I'll grab the scoop of the century all by myself.
How do we get inside?
- We don't have to. - What?
(Lois) 'I watched them load the messenger wreckage'
onto the truck.
The whole left side of the shell was bashed in.
That one isn't.
They're working on a phony shell.
(male #8 on PA) 'Dr. Langley, main gate, please.'
You're amazing. Where'd you learn to do that?
Reform school.
It was a bum rap.
Your friend Lois Lane is here.
(Jimmy) Lois, this is so cool.
(Baines) 'I think it's time we eliminated her.'
Kill off the "Daily Planet's" star reporter?
I'm surprised at the suggestion, Antoinette.
She suspects me, Lex.
You said I would never be implicated.
She lacks evidence. Evidence!
Evidence is sometimes all that separates the criminal
from the successful businessman or woman.
I told you I'd take care of her.
I did this for you, Lex.
And you've been paid very well.
In fact, your final installment's waiting for you
in the helicopter. Proceed as planned.
I promise, there'll be no loose ends.
(Jimmy) Lois, what do you expect to find here?
Do you know what particle isolators even look like?
Wow. Smooth.
Take pictures of every inch of this wreck.
We'll have them analyzed later.
Then we're gonna have to break into Dr. Baines' office.
'I'm positive she's lying about that report.'
'I never trusted that woman'
'not from the very first time I met her.'
'The way she looked at Clark, very unprofessional.'
'Jimmy?'
Jimmy?
[grunts]
Jimmy?
'Jimmy, get up.'
[grunts]
[gun cocks]
Very impressive, Lois.
These days a woman has to know self-defense.
[gasps]
Okay, sorry about the late hour, folks.
Just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day.
Where are Lois and Jimmy? Clark?
I assumed they'd be here.
Alright. We can just start without them.
'Okay, now..'
The piece on the recent sex change operation
in the royal family.
'I kind of have mixed feelings about this.'
I.. Kent.
Meeting's not over.
It's not like Lois or Jimmy to miss a staff meeting, sir.
I thought I'd go call around, if that's okay.
Hell of a way to run a railroad.
'Alright, let's see. Where was.. Oh, yeah. Okay.'
[instrumental music]
'Kent?'
Oh, Kent, there you are.
Yes, sir.
They told me you were in here.
- Yes, sir. - Did you make your call?
I was just about to, sir.
Oh.
So..
Are you looking for something?
No, sir. Not really.
Um..
Well, I guess I better be getting back.
Yes, sir.
When are you coming..
...out of the closet?
Soon, sir. Very soon.
[intense music]
(male #9 on PA) 'Sector 4, please exchange communications.'
'Check sequence, sector 4.'
(Lois) 'You'll never get away with this.'
'Everyone on the "Planet" knows where I am.'
Let her go!
Put down those guns, or I'll..
I'll..
Or you'll what?
Uh..
[sighs]
Nothing.
(Lois) I told Perry I needed a task force.
Task force!
What do I get? Amateurs.
I still cannot believe you came barreling in here
like some 500-pound gorilla.
If you really thought we were in trouble
why didn't you bring the police?
- Look, I.. - Don't tell me. I already know.
Because you're like every other man in Metropolis.
You've got this testosterone surplus
that says "I can do it myself." Baines has gotta kill us now.
I don't know why she hasn't done it already.
Lois, I've somehow managed to--
Mess everything up? No kidding.
Now hold on a second.
I'm not the one who snuck in here--
(Lois) 'What are you saying?'
'Are you saying that this is my fault?'
At least I have the guts
to come in here and..
What am I saying?
This probably is my fault.
Oh, God.
I-I-I sometimes do things
'you know, like, jump into the pool'
without checking the water level first.
But..
Clark, it's the only way I know how to do it
how to get the job done
to get the respect that I want
that, that I deserve.
Do you remember when I told you about my three rules?
Well..
I've broken every one of them.
I somehow manage to always
get involved with my stories.
You slept with someone at work?
Yeah.
It wasn't Jimmy, was it?
Don't be ridiculous!
It was a long time ago
when I first started at the "Daily Planet."
Claude. He was French.
I must have been in love with him or thought I was.
Anyway, one night
I told him about my story.
And the next morning, when I woke up he was gone.
So was my story. He won an award for that.
Didn't even thank me for my input.
I guess when you're in love with somebody
it doesn't matter how smart you are
or how many rules you set for yourself.
You're still vulnerable.
We're only human.
And what difference does it make now anyway?
We're just gonna die.
Lois.
You know what you said about respect?
Well, I just want you to know that everybody on the "Planet"
everyone thinks you're just about
the best reporter they've ever met.
Perry told me that the day I interviewed.
[sobbing] He did?
[chuckles ] Yeah.
Not that it really means anything
coming from a hack from nowheresville
but I think you are pretty terrific too.
[crying] Oh, Clark.
I'm sorry..
About everything.
I know it's too late for apologies
but I never meant..
Well, I hope you'll forgive the accommodations.
But then again
I never was much of a hostess.
Answer one question..
- Why? - It's simple, Lois. Profit.
'Outer space is no different than any other new frontier.'
It'll belong to those who get there first
and seize the high ground.
Sorry, you won't be around to enjoy the rest
of the evening, but accidents do happen.
- Accidents? - Yes.
You see, while dismantling the orbital maneuvering system
'the monomethylhydrazine leaked.'
'And mixed with the nitrogen tetroxide.'
'Unfortunately, the blast killed three nosy reporters'
'who didn't bother to read the sign.'
- Clark, how did you-- - Missing link. Come on.
[explosion]
Aah!
What happened?
I don't know.
I guess the force from the explosion
must have carried us here.
(Lois) Look!
Aah!
Goodnight, Antoinette.
[explosion]
Sweet dreams.
[cheering]
(female #6) 'Were you scared, Jimmy?'
Scared? No. No, ladies. Not at all.
I was, I was more concerned with the larger issue
unless we got out of there alive
the colonist launch could blow up as well.
I just spoke to ground control over at EPRAD.
They went back over the colonist launch vehicle
with a fine-toothed comb, found the same coolant problem
in the protective bands and fixed it.
Launch is all set for tomorrow morning.
[all cheering]
It's a no-go for you, Lois. No reporters allowed.
Imagine the "Daily Planet"
getting an exclusive personal account of being
on the colonist transport.
No can do, Lois.
Alright. Another time, maybe.
Mm-hmm. Now, Clark..
You're gonna be pleased to know that Platt's widow
'and his daughter are back on board.'
Thank you very much, sir. I appreciate that.
Um, Clark..
I just.. Well..
I wanted to thank you for all your help
getting us out of there.
I'm glad it all worked out.
And, uh, one other thing.
If you ever breathe a word
of anything I told you in there, I will deny it--
You can trust me, Lois.
Right. I've heard that one before.
(male #10) 'Hey, Lois, good luck.'
(male #11 on PA) 'All biological monitoring devices'
'should be self-activated.'
'I'm still showing a red light in sector 7.'
We will advise. We will advise.
(female #7 on PA) 'Attention, all ground personnel'
'all service vehicles depart the entry area.'
I don't know about this costume thing, Clark.
It'll work. It has to.
If I have an effective disguise
I won't have to worry about people finding out about me.
Come on. Let's get started.
♪ Where have all the good men gone? ♪
♪ And where are all the Gods? ♪
♪ Where's the street-wise earth police ♪
♪ To fight the rising odds? ♪
♪ Racing on the thunder ♪
♪ And rising with the heat ♪
♪ It's gonna take a Superman ♪
♪ To sweep me off my feet ♪
♪ I need a hero ♪
♪ I'm holding out for a hero ♪
♪ Till the end of the night ♪
♪ He's got to be strong and he's got to be fast ♪
♪ And he's got to be fresh from the fight ♪
♪ I need a hero ♪
♪ I'm holding out for a hero ♪
♪ Till the morning light ♪
♪ He's got to be sure and it's got to be soon ♪
♪ And he's got to be larger than life.. ♪♪
What about that one?
(Clark) 'I don't know.'
Hmm.
What do you think?
Well, one thing's for sure, nobody's gonna be
looking at your face.
Mom.
Well, they don't call them tights for nothing.
[laughing]
I don't know.
There's something missing.
Something..
What's that?
The baby blanket we found you in so long ago.
And this.
[instrumental music]
Your folks would be proud of you.
We sure are.
Thanks, mom.
I'm not so sure about the cape, though.
Oh, really? I love it.
It'll be great when you're flying.
[instrumental music]
(Jonathan) 'Hey, you two, come on in here.'
'Launch vehicle's about ready to go up.'
(male #12 on TV) 'In preparation for the upcoming launch'
'all have undergone a series of examinations.'
The colonists are just about all on board.
(male #12 on TV) 'This will be the first time that a group this large'
'drawn from the general population..'
Historic occasion. Remember when you were a kid, Clark?
And we watched the first moon landing?
What do you think?
Well...that's my boy.
Oh, that's right.
What if somebody recognizes you?
I don't think they will, mom
because it won't be me.
Yeah.
(male #12 on TV) 'With the gravitational pull'
'non-existent..'
(female #7 on PA) 'Attention, all personnel.'
'We have reached and cleared final guidance control.'
(male #11 on PA) 'The booster's set on my mark.'
'Prepare to synchronize all informational processes'
'and data retrieval systems at this time.'
'Main computer panel control'
'transfer to redundant computer sequence.'
T-minus three minutes.
All technical personnel should deplane at this time.
'Mission control advising ground crew'
'witness check is now.'
'Panels now green in all sectors.'
'All bio monitoring systems are go.'
'The umbilical cord attached to the liquid fuel booster'
has been disengaged.
One minute and counting.
Almost ready to go.
[indistinct announcement]
(male #11 on PA) 'Section 8, please double-check your indicators'
'and confirm no problems.'
Forty five seconds and counting.
'Go back. V-O-T-S again.'
(female #8 on PA) 'Pick up 255.66.'
(male #11 on PA) 'Now on V-O-T-S.'
[beeping]
'Cabin temperature is 60 degrees.'
'Cabin key exchange 48 degrees.'
Oh, my God. It's a bomb.
Baines. It's a bomb!
Someone help! There's a bomb!
Help!
[beeping continues]
(female #9 on PA) '...perfect ignition.'
There she blows.
Thirty seconds and counting.
Circuit failure in the main panel.
Due to a mechanical failure
we are suspending the countdown at 29 seconds.
We will advise. We will advise.
[alarm blaring]
I don't believe it. I don't believe it.
Something's gone wrong.
(male #12 on TV) 'There has been a launch termination..'
(Jonathan) Clark.
(male #12 on TV) 'The launch termination is on hold right now.'
'Seemingly the computers have sensed'
'some sort of a problem, and now..'
[instrumental music]
What the hell is that?
(male #13) 'Is that a bird?'
Is it a plane?
No. Just a guy in a pair of tights and a cape.
[indistinct chatter]
Are we scrubbing the mission?
[beeping]
Hey-hey, get away from that!
'What kind of a lunatic are you?'
That is a bomb that you're..
[muffled explosion]
[burps]
Excuse me.
What the hell are you?
Yes, sir, uh, due to equipment problems
and an unexplained occurrence..
There was a bomb.
'He..'
He, he...ate it.
- Hi. - Hi. I like your costume.
Thank you. My mother made it for me.
What's your name?
Amy. Amy Platt.
Who are you?
I'm a friend.
Can you teach me how to fly?
Not fly, but once this lab is operational
walk, that's very possible.
Attention, colonists
the mission has been scrubbed.
'Prepare to disembark.'
That's it, then. It's all over.
Why?
Once the thrusters have been fired
they have to be replaced.
- We lose our launch window. - Yes.
We just have to forget about Space Station Prometheus.
[indistinct murmuring]
No. You don't.
There's nothing wrong with this transport vehicle
or the station.
You only need to get there.
How are they supposed to do that?
Easy.
I'll give them a boost.
(female #10 on PA) 'I want security tech teams over every inch of that transport.'
- We have-- - Lift-off!
What? That's impossible.
Lift-off.
'We are off hold. We have...lift-off.'
[instrumental music]
(male #14 on PA) 'All Prometheus personnel, prepare for docking.'
[instrumental music]
I still don't believe it. A man who flies.
Chief, it's all over the TV.
Oh, Jimmy, don't believe
everything you see on TV.
I'll tell you one thing, though..
Whoever pulled off a hoax like this is..
Is a..
(male #15) 'Hey! Whoa!'
Great shades of Elvis!
[indistinct chatter]
I see it, but I don't believe it.
(female #11) 'What, a man who flies?'
(Cat) 'No, Lois Lane'
'finally, literally swept off her feet.'
Too bad he's an alien.
I-I think, considering the fact
that I saw you first you owe me an exclusive.
Is that the rule?
Well, no.
But I'd appreciate it very much.
[chuckles]
Wait a minute!
How do I find you?
I'll be around.
Real smooth.
Did you find out what the S stands for?
Super..
Superman.
[chuckles]
(Perry) 'Hey, hey, hey, let's get back to work.'
'We've got a newspaper to run.'
[instrumental music]
An astonishing debut, Superman.
Well, haven't you heard? That's what they're calling you.
It's international news.
So, to what do I owe this honor?
I came to tell you that I know who you are.
Who you really are.
I suppose on its face it was a good plan.
Destroy Prometheus so that you could
put your own space station in its place.
Then not only would you make billions
from the patents of the vaccines developed
but you would also be the supposed savior
of the space program.
Well, that's an interesting theory, Superman
but I'm afraid that's all it is.
You were also responsible for the deaths
of at least three people.
'Commander Laderman'
Samuel Platt, Dr. Baines.
'Those probably aren't the only skeletons in your closet.'
So you've become both my judge and executioner?
Like any other citizen of the planet
I must obey the law.
'I am not above it.'
'You, it seems, believe you are.'
I hold a certain position in this city.
Yes.
And there is nothing that would please me more
than to see you dethroned and behind bars
like any common criminal.
That day will come.
Well, I trust not.
But, as they say
let the games begin.
Oh, one more thing.
If you ever need to find me..
...all you have to do is look up.
- Morning, Lois. - Clark, where you been?
Around.
Well, not that it's anywhere near as exciting
as the stories you covered on the Smallville Press
but Superman was in the newsroom
and I'm just about to nail down the exclusive.
Well, congratulations.
Clark, you should have seen him up close.
He is the most magnificent figure of a man
that I have ever--
Sounds like he made quite an impression on you.
He did. Mm.
Why? Are you jealous?
Of Superman?
Should I be?
Please.
- Where are we going? - Terrace shoot-out on 6th.
And, Kent, I'll ask the questions.
[exhales]
[instrumental music]
[theme music]
[music continues]