JUSTICE LEAGUE UNITED

Episode 101: "To Kill a Man"

Written by

Luis Filipe

Based On Characters From DC Comics

Copyright © 2020

This is a Fan Script

luisfilipearaujo13@gmail.com
 TEASER

INT. PRIVATE OFFICE - NIGHT

A dimly lit artist office. A MAN, with his back to us, works
at his desk, writing and painting.
We NEVER see his face. This whole sequence is shot using only
extreme close-ups of HANDS, BOOK SHEETS, PENS, BRUSHES and
INKS.
As he works, the sound of various NEWSCASTS are heard over
the scene.
NEWSCAST (V.O.)
The world lives a new era. Super
powerful beings manifested
themselves after the arrival of the
alien known as Superman. However,
this divided opinions around the
world.
CLOSE ON: the hand of the writer writing on a page
vigorously.
ANOTHER NEWSCAST (V.O.)
The Secretary of Defense Amanda
Waller held a conference this
afternoon at the White House
claiming that the government will
not succumb to these vigilantes,
with powers or not.
He flips the page and backs to write.
NEWSCAST (V.O.)
-- a terrorist group was caught in
Midway City by a pair of winged
vigilantes during an attack in the
financial district. No one was
injured.
The man seems to be writing and painting as if his life
depended on it.
ANOTHER NEWSCAST (V.O.)
More information has just arrived:
the police clashed with the
vigilante of Starling City. The
persecution spread through the
streets, but the criminal managed
to escape.
 2.

CLOSE ON: the mysterious artist picks up a new brush and

starts painting a page.
We also can't see what he's writing or drawing on those
sheets.
Now, several people's TESTIMONIALS about superheroes sound.
VARIOUS VOICES
They are freaks! All of them! -- I
do not feel so safe with these
loose creatures -- they're
defending the world, and we have to
thank them -- all they do is
destroy! -- these superheroes are a
new hope for mankind --
CLOSE ON THE MAN’S EYES: they are WIDE OPEN. This is the look
of someone really SCARED.
NEWSCAST (V.O.)
Here is Metropolis News bringing
the world news to you.
The man suddenly STOPS working. He stares at his book holding
the brush, breathing hard, still back to us.
SLOWLY WE PULL OUT, backing out of the man, as we:
END TEASER
 3.

ACT ONE

EXT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY

A television studio building in downtown Metropolis.
CHYRON: Metropolis.
FEMALE VOICE (PRE-LAP)
-- and the world we live in today,
have those people wanting to help
society...

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO - DAY

The HOST of the show sits between the reporter LOIS LANE and
the eccentric billionaire of Metropolis, LEX LUTHOR.
LOIS
... we would only have to gain with
them.
LUTHOR
“People”. You're not even sure how
many of them are really human.
Look, I'm not an enemy of Superman
or the others, but we have to
consider the danger those things
pose.
LOIS
These "things", Luthor, have saved
more people in recent years than
any political promise about
security.
LUTHOR
In return, they turned our streets
into battle royales, increasing the
damage to billions of dollars. That
is why I am in favor of the Wertham
Act, it is to keep our people in
true safety.
LOIS
Governor Winston will never support
this act in Metropolis. Your only
goal since Superman arrived was to
outlaw him for being jealous of
him.
 4.

Luthor is visually offended, but he tries to keep his

posture.
LUTHOR
Interesting point, coming from the
only reporter who got an
"interview" with Superman in
person.
LOIS
(indignantly)
Excuse me -- what do you mean?
The host realizes that the discussion is overheating.
HOST
Well, after these statements, I
think we will go to the merchan --
LOIS
(cuts in)
Come on, Luthor, what were you
thinking?
LUTHOR
Nothing... just a reporter who won
the Pulitzer Prize is eager to have
a "super-baby.”
After hearing that, Lois doesn't control herself and ADVANCES
toward Luthor like a berserker.
LOIS
You son of a...
But the host of the show grabs Lois seconds before she can
reach Luthor, who rises from his chair.
HOST
Miss Lane, please!

INT. NEWSROOM - DAILY PLANET - DAY

It's a madhouse as reporters on the phone, watching TVs, on
computers, calling out to each other etc.
JIMMY OLSEN -- the young journal photographer -- watches Lois
Lane on a TV.
Beside him is CLARK KENT, wearing a suit, tie, and thick
glasses. He turns off the TV.
 5.

JIMMY
C’mon, Mr. Kent! Now that it would
be exciting!
CLARK
I think Lois would not want to
comment about this, Jimmy.
JIMMY
But we would not comment about it.
It’s just between us... and the
rest of building... maybe.
Clark smiles.
CLARK
No matter how we keep the secret,
you know she would find out.
Clark walks back to his desk. Jimmy follows him and sits on
the edge of it.
JIMMY
The whole media is boiling after
this vigilante outbreak. They said
people saw a guy with bird wings in
skies of Midway City.
CLARK
Maybe Perry send you to go
photograph him someday.
JIMMY
It would be awesome, but who I want
to catch really is this guy...
Jimmy picks up his cellphone and types something. Seconds
later, he shows it to Clark:
ON JIMMY’S PHONE: a headline from the GOTHAM JOURNAL about
the mysterious "BATMAN".
CLARK
The people does not say he's a
legend of Gotham?
JIMMY
You can't believe everything you
hear, Mr. Kent. He will still
appear.
Jimmy keeps his phone.
CLARK
I'll be cheering for you, Jimmy.
 6.

EXT. FREEWAY OUTSIDE METROPOLIS - DAY

A BLACK LIMO cruises down the freeway toward Metropolis.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

In the back seat is GOVERNOR WINSTON, talking on his cell
phone. TWO BODYGUARDS sit in front.
GOVERNOR WINSTON
(into phone)
Don't worry, I'm already on my way
to Metropolis.
(beat)
No. Tell Louis I didn't change my
mind about the Wertham Act. I call
you as soon as I arrive.
He hangs up and looks at the securities.
GOVERNOR WINSTON (CONT’D)
Come on boys, I don't want to be
late for the meeting.
The driver nods.
In that moment, a MATTE BLACK VAN overtakes the limo,
speeding inches from the governor's car.
GOVERNOR WINSTON (CONT’D)
What a crazy one.

EXT. FREEWAY OUTSIDE METROPOLIS - DAY

The van takes distance from the limousine. Its back doors
SWING open revealing A GANG OF CRUDELY-MASKED THUGS inside.
One of them is DEADSHOT -- clad in silver and red, with a
glowing red gun sight covering his right eye. The leader.
He aims at the limo with a GRENADE LAUNCHER.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

The bodyguard in the passenger seat turns to the governor.
BODYGUARD
Get down!
Nervous, Governor Winston lies on the floor holding his head
tight.
 7.

EXT. FREEWAY OUTSIDE METROPOLIS - DAY

Deadshot FIRES. The limo driver SWERVES the car abruptly, but
the projectile HITS the street with a big EXPLOSION...
... FLIPPING the limo over. It slides across the pavement on
its roof until come to a stop.
The black van stops a few meters from the limo. Deadshot hops
out the vehicle with his thugs -- all armed to the teeth.
DEADSHOT
Don’t let anyone get close.

INT. NEWSROOM - DAILY PLANET - DAY

CLOSE ON CLARK’S EAR: he listens to Deadshot's voice, but
from a SUPER-HEARING perspective.
Knowing that something is wrong, Clark gets up from his desk
and leaves the room.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

Inside the upside down limousine, Governor Winston wakes up
still stunned by the situation.
He sees through the cracked windshield Deadshot approaching,
flanked by his thugs.
The two bodyguards draw their GUNS, preparing to get out of
the car.
BODYGUARD
Stay in the car.

EXT. FREEWAY OUTSIDE METROPOLIS - DAY

Deadshot and his men walk toward the limo calmly. That’s when
Winston’s securities emerge from the car, using its doors as
covers.
BODYGUARD
Stop right there!
Neither Deadshot or his thugs care about the warning, they
keep moving.
The bodyguards FIRE but miss. Deadshot’s thugs return fire in
unison, showing that their firepower is much higher.
 8.

INT. LIMOUSINE - DAY

Governor Winston covers his head as the bullets BATTER the
limousine outside.
His security guards DROP on the ground, BLEEDING. And Winston
notices that.

EXT. FREEWAY OUTSIDE METROPOLIS - DAY

Deadshot and his men stop not far from limousine. He raises
his grenade launcher and takes aim.
From inside the car, Governor Winston faces his doom.
Deadshot fires a single shot.
Seconds before projectile hits its target...
... A BLUR OF RED AND BLUE DIVES FROM THE SKIES and
intercepts the shot just in time.
BOOM!
A CLOUD OF DUST AND SMOKE swells up, blocking the view of the
limousine. Deadshot’s thugs share confused looks.
THUG
What happened? Did we get him?
Deadshot stares at the smoke in silence, sensing something
else in there.
DEADSHOT
I think something else got us
first.
From within the smoke... SUPERMAN emerges in all his glory.
Behind him, Governor Winston’s limo resides INTACT.
SUPERMAN
So, how do you intend to want to
finish this?
The thugs stare at the Man of Steel wide-eyed, not knowing
what to do. Deadshot realizes that.
DEADSHOT
What are you waiting for? Give
everything you got!
Immediately, the thugs OPEN FIRE upon Superman. But the
bullets simply BOUNCE OFF his body.
 9.

Superman DASHES toward the gunmen in a flash of speed. With a

grip, he CRUSHES a thug’s gun while he still holds it.
Superman grabs the man by his vest and THROWS him into
another one, knocking both down.
Two other thugs empty their clips at Superman from behind.
Superman turns his head to them and BLOWS HIS SUPER-BREATH...
... launching the men BACKWARDS, landing hard on the ground.
Before Superman could realize -- BOOM! He is hit by a grenade
launcher shot, sending him FLYING.
Superman SINKS his fingers into the ground to stop his
momentum. He turns to Deadshot, who fires another round.
The Man of Steel’s eyes GLOW RED and TWO HEAT BEAMS shoot
into the grenade launcher projectile, BLOWING IT UP in the
air.
Deadshot covers his eyes from the explosion. Superman BULLETS
through the fire curtain in a heartbeat, stopping in front of
the villain. He snags Deadshot’s gun from his hands and
SPLITS it in half.
Nervous, Deadshot blasts his WRIST-REVOLVER inches from
Superman’s face until the ammo run out.
But NOTHING HAPPENS.
DEADSHOT (CONT’D)
Oh, shit.
Superman GRABS Deadshot’s wrist-revolver so hard that it
DISMANTLES. He keeps holding tight the villain’s wrist,
making him kneel with pain.
SUPERMAN
Why did you want to kill Governor
Winston?
No response. Deadshot moves his hand discreetly into a POCKET
on his belt.
SUPERMAN (CONT’D)
Or maybe someone ordered you to do
that. Give me a name.
Deadshot pulls out from his belt pocket a SMALL KRYPTONITE
SPLINTER, and shows it to Superman.
Superman releases Deadshot and STUMBLES away from him,
feeling WEAK. Deadshot stands, more confident.
 10.

DEADSHOT
(chuckles)
I can't believe it -- the Man of
Tomorrow being defeated by a little
space rock.
Weaker, Superman rests on one knee, breathing hard. Deadshot
stretches his arm holding the shiny Kryptonite in front of
the hero.
DEADSHOT (CONT’D)
Honestly, I didn't believe it when
my client gave this rock in case
you showed up. I thought my arsenal
could at least slow you down, but I
was wrong.
Deadshot draws a KNIFE.
He prepares to finish his opponent right there, but his
moment is interrupted by SIRENS not so far away. Deadshot
turns around and spots POLICE CARS incoming.
DEADSHOT (CONT’D)
We will have to postpone our
meeting. But I let you keep the
souvenir.
Deadshot drops the Kryptonite splinter near Superman and
rushes to his van. He starts the vehicle and pulls away.
Using his remaining strength, Superman takes a small piece of
pavement within reach and SMASHES the Kryptonite splinter
with it.
Superman gets on his feet, recomposing himself. He turns to
see Deadshot’s speeding van and considers to get him, but he
notes that the governor and his bodyguards need help.

EXT. METROPOLIS GENERAL - DAY

Civilians and nurses from the hospital gather around that
area looking up in AWE. Some taking pictures with cell
phones, others pointing with finger excitedly to something
above.
REVEAL: Superman descends from the skies holding Governor
Winston’s limo over his head.
He lands and places the vehicle on the ground gently. Inside
are the governor and his security guards.
 11.

SUPERMAN
(to the nurses)
These two men need medical
attention right away. Please.
The nurses run into the hospital to get help. Superman floats
up, about to leave, but Governor Winston exits the car.
GOVERNOR WINSTON
Superman!
(off his look)
I don't know how to thank you for
what you did today, but know that
there are people who believe in
you.
SUPERMAN
You've had a busy day, governor,
you better get some rest.
(smiles)
And thank you.
Superman finally TAKES OFF, vanishing into the blue sky.
END ACT ONE
 12.

ACT TWO

EXT. MOVING OVER GOTHAM CITY - DAY

The Gothic and dangerous city. It seems peaceful at this time
of day.
CHYRON: Gotham City.

INT. CAFE - DAY

Families eat at the booths, groups of friends chat, customers
come in and out every moment.
COMMISSIONER JIM GORDON lunches alone at the counter.
When he's about to finish his pie, a man walks into the cafe.
Meet HARVEY BULLOCK. He spots Gordon and approaches him.
BULLOCK
There you are. Next time try to
leave your phone turned on.
Gordon pulls out his cell phone and shows Bullock that he has
not received any messages.
GORDON
It's on. Are you sure you sent to
the right number?
BULLOCK
(to himself)
Dammit.
(then)
Anyway, Kevin and Goldsmith
arrested a possible suspect
involved in that cases of
kidnapping.
GORDON
He has been interrogated?
BULLOCK
That's why I came to you.
Gordon finishes lunch and takes his coat off the back of the
seat.
 13.

EXT. POLICE STATION - DAY

Bullock's car pulls up in front of the building. Gordon and
Bullock get out of the vehicle as we HEAR:
BULLOCK (V.O.)
Ethan Wright. 32.

INT. BULLPEN - POLICE STATION - DAY

Gordon walks down the bullpen alongside Bullock while he
reads a FILE in hands.
BULLOCK
At the time, it seemed to be just
an ordinary prison for theft. But
Kevin found something hanging on
his neck.
Bullock shows a PICTURE of a strange MEDALLION attached to a
chain. Gordon gets intrigued to see that.
BULLOCK (CONT’D)
Looks familiar?
GORDON
It's like the other cases we found.
Surely this guy knows something.

INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - POLICE STATION - DAY

ETHAN WRIGHT sits alone with his handcuffed hands on the
table. Quiet.
A moment later, Gordon enters toting a file folder with him.
Then he sits across the prisoner.
ETHAN
Are you going to take me to jail,
finally?
GORDON
Not yet, Mr. Wright, I want to have
a conversation with you before
that.
ETHAN
I already told them everything.
GORDON
Not exactly.
 14.

Gordon takes the same picture of the medallion that Bullock

showed and puts it on the table to Ethan see too.
GORDON (CONT’D)
I want more information about this
object, since it was found in your
possession.
As Ethan looks at the photo, unpleasant memories pop up in
his mind but he tries to ignore it.
ETHAN
(flinches)
That’s... just a cord...
Gordon opens the folder and pulls out some papers and more
pictures, and exhibits all to Ethan. He tries not to express
his HORROR.
ON THE PHOTOS: VICTIMS OF MURDER -- and some of them are
CHILDREN, while others, teenagers. And in some pictures,
there are the medallion symbol on a cloth -- a kind of BIG
EYE.
Ethan avoids his look.
GORDON
These “sacrifices" took place 3
months ago and all involve this
symbol. It’s not just a cord,
Ethan.
It's hard to Ethan talk about it. He knows it's wrong, but he
gives up.
ETHAN
I never felt good about this... but
it was necessary. We had to do.
GORDON
You participated in other cases?
ETHAN
Some. Yes.
GORDON
What happens if there is no
sacrifices?
ETHAN
It will come... and will punish the
earth of all those who live on it.
Gordon can feel real FEAR in Ethan's words.
 15.

GORDON
Tell me what you fear. Maybe we can
help you in some way.
ETHAN
No, there is nothing to do. We need
to give the offerings so that it is
satisfied, even if...
Ethan breaks off.
GORDON
At least tell me where there will
be the next sacrifice. Help me save
an innocent soul.
BEAT as Ethan considers. His mind is now in conflict, part of
him wants to tell Gordon but the other is still devoted to
the secret cult.
Seeing that Ethan plans to remain silent, Gordon stands.
GORDON (CONT’D)
If you seek some kind of
redemption, you better start
trying. This way things will only
get worse for you.
Gordon pushes the photos of the other victims closer to
Ethan. He stares at the pictures with a sense of guilt and
regret.
GORDON (CONT’D)
Because more blood will bathe your
hands.
Gordon walks toward the door. As he touches the knob:
ETHAN
Wait!
Gordon pauses and turns to Ethan.
ETHAN (CONT’D)
They... they... there will be a new
sacrifice in the old church on the
West Side. That's all I know, I
swear.
Gordon nods. Thanks. And leaves.
 16.

INT. GORDON’S CAR - NIGHT

Gordon drives through the dark, dirty streets of the city.
Bullock's in the passenger seat, looking out the window in
disgust.
BULLOCK
How can anyone endure to live in
this such place?
GORDON
Well, we’re here now.
BULLOCK
Are we really going to consider
what that nuts said? It could be a
trap or just a place to keep us
away.
GORDON
You saw how he spoke -- that man is
destroyed inside, I could feel the
fear in his voice. And I will not
risk having to see another dead kid
in the newspaper tomorrow.

EXT. CHURCH - NIGHT

Gordon's car pulls up at the front of an ancient Gothic
church. Both officers step out the vehicle and approach the
entrance door.
BULLOCK
Seems to be abandoned.
GORDON
We have to make sure. Go through
the back.
Bullock draws his REVOLVER and goes to the back of the
church. Gordon checks the CHAIN and PADLOCK locking the front
door.
TIME CUT -- Gordon returns from his car holding a WHEEL
WRENCH. He sticks it to the chain and TWISTS it with all his
might.
After some effort, he SNAPS the chain and enters the church.

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

A dozen of cultist ZEALOTS are assembled in a semicircle. All
wearing the same RED GARMENT.
 17.

Only candles lit the place. Red banners around adorn the
reunion, with a symbol printed on the fabric -- the same as
the medallion we saw earlier.
The ZEALOT LEADER reads a huge BOOK before a TEN-YEAR-OLD BOY
tied up hanging on the wall, his mouth gagged. The other
members of the sect pray in an unknown language.
After finishing reading, the Zealot Leader closes the book,
which has a LOCK on the cover, and approaches the boy.
ZEALOT LEADER
I know it sounds scary, but I ask
you to not be afraid. All this is
for a greater cause.
Tears stream down the boy's face.
ZEALOT LEADER (CONT’D)
It is with your spirit that we
delivered purgatory to come, and
unfortunately, no sacrifices, no
achievements.
One of the zealots steps closer the leader with both arms
stretched, supporting an OBJECT covered in a red cloth.
ZEALOT LEADER (CONT’D)
I will be as fast as possible.
The Zealot Leader grabs the object under the cloth, revealing
a DAGGER. Seeing it, the boy SHAKES nervously, trying to
escape.
The Leader holds the dagger as something sacred. And in a
ritualistic way, he raises the blade above his head.
ON GORDON
Hidden behind a pillar, observing the fanatics a little
distant. He knows he needs to act quickly.
But before, he takes his RADIO.
GORDON
(into radio)
This is commissioner Gordon
soliciting support at the old
church in West Side. Now.
As soon as Gordon takes his next step, he HALTS as if he
feels something around.
Maybe a PRESENCE.
 18.

ON THE ZEALOTS
The Leader closes his eyes, the tip of the dagger is pointed
at the boy. When it looks like he’ll kill the child...
... A GRAPPLING HOOK shoots out from up and WRAPS around the
Zealot Leader’s ankle.
Everyone stares at that, confused. Before anyone had any
reaction, the cable starts to HOIST the Zealot Leader to the
ceiling -- consequently, he drops the dagger and his
MEDALLION.
The others just watch their leader being taken. As the Zealot
Leader disappears into the darkness of the ceiling, a BLACK
FIGURE with BAT WINGS falls toward the zealots gang.
ON GORDON
Seeing that SHADOWY FIGURE landing among the zealots,
impressed.
And in the next instant, we began to hear the sound of the
STRUGGLING -- punches, kicks, heavy blows.
TWO ZEALOTS are knocked away. With the gun in hands, Gordon
moves toward the commotion to help whoever is there. But
before he gets to the fight...
... BOOM! A SMOKE BOMB EXPLODES in the middle of the
fanatics, ENGULFING everyone around in a cloud of smoke.
ON THE ZEALOTS
Within the smoke. Most zealots are stunned by the blast,
fighting at random while the black figure acts like a
veteran.
The mysterious fighter is too quick to see him clearly. He is
a black blur moving from one side to the other.
Every hit from him makes the target spit blood out, or even
teeth. Gradually, the number of standing enemies decreases.
Two more zealots advance toward the shadow by the flanks,
surrounding it. But the mysterious fighter realizes them in
time.
SLOW-MO -- as the black figure JUMPS striking SIMULTANEOUS
KICKS in each zealot at same time. The movement disperse the
smoke revealing: THE BATMAN.
BACK TO NORMAL SPEED as Batman touches down, fighting the
rest of the men.
 19.

ANGLE ON: A ZEALOT, lying on the ground. He spots the dagger

near him and grasps it. Then he stands up, approaching Batman
from behind without him realizing.
When it looks like he'll stab the Dark Knight's back --
-- Gordon CRASH-TACKLES him roughly to the ground near the
altar. The commissioner starts to PUMMEL the zealot's face
with his fist until he faints.
Still over the unconscious man, Gordon turns to Batman, who
knocks out the last of the fanatics.
Gordon climbs to his feet, holsters his gun.
GORDON (CONT’D)
You always knew how to make an
entrance. How did you find out
about this place?
Batman scans the area while talking to Gordon.
BATMAN
I have my own sources.
GORDON
Of course.
Gordon goes to the boy and starts untying him from the ropes.
The poor kid is in SHOCK.
GORDON (CONT’D)
Easy -- everything is gonna be fine
now.
As he walks among the fallen zealots, Batman approaches the
strange book on the pedestal, studying it with his eyes.
Batman slides his finger over the empty space on the cover of
the book, thinking. Then he looks at the medallion of the
Zealot Leader on the floor -- and he realizes.
Gordon picks up the boy in the arms, who embraces him
tightly.
GORDON (CONT’D)
It’s okay.
(to Batman)
You think...
He turns to Batman but he's GONE -- with the book and the
Zealot Leader's medallion.
That's when Bullock appears, gun drawn. As he notices all the
zealots down, he lowers his weapon.
 20.

BULLOCK
Sorry the late. I did not know they
had put the chain in the back. Good
job, by the way.
GORDON
It wasn’t me.
BULLOCK
Wait -- you're not talking about
the bat, are not you?
Gordon just nods to Bullock.
BULLOCK (CONT’D)
Damn him.
Bullock holsters his revolver, angry.
END ACT TWO
 21.

ACT THREE

INT. BATCAVE - NIGHT

It's a cavernous space, illuminated by a series of lights on
the rock ceiling. BATS SCREECH past overhead.
There are FLOORS of open-air rooms, filled by HIGH-TECH
GADGETS, WEAPONRY, and others like laboratories and
workshops. All joined by crisscrossing STAIRWAYS.
On a platform stands the BATMOBILE -- an ominous armored
monster on four wheels.
AT THE COMMAND LEVEL...
... is where BRUCE WAYNE sits at a BANK OF MONITORS. He’s
still wearing the Batman suit, but no cowl, working on the
main console of the cave.
One of the monitors displays the picture of the Zealot Leader
and all his profile. Bruce analyzes him.
We hear FOOTSTEPS coming up the stairs behind Bruce. It's
ALFRED, the faithful Wayne family steward.
He holds a couple of BATARANGS.
ALFRED
The new batarangs are ready, master
Bruce. I would like to point out
the care in handling them as they
are very sharp.
He places the batarangs on a table, but Bruce does not give a
word. He's focused on the screen. Alfred approaches him.
ALFRED (CONT’D)
(re: the screen)
Searching for any new mobsters in
town?
BRUCE
This man was the cult leader who
was making human sacrifices in
Gotham. I managed to prevent them
from killing a child today.
Alfred looks closely at the Zealot Leader image.
ALFRED
How could such a man do such
atrocities?
 22.

BRUCE
A few months ago he was just a
college professor who simply
disappeared without a trace. No
criminal background or history of
psychological trauma.
(beat)
So, I don’t know.
ALFRED
Well, then I think you'll be
pleased to hear that I was able to
track Floyd Lawton after his
apparition in Metropolis.
BRUCE
(stands)
Where?
ALFRED
A camera in the outskirts of Old
Gotham has found someone who fits
Lawton's description. He’s hiding
in an old tenement.
Bruce collects the batarangs on the table and packs them in
his utility belt.
ALFRED (CONT’D)
I believe you will be late for
dinner again.
Bruce walks down the stairs.
BRUCE
Don’t wait for me.
He puts the hood back on, becoming Batman again.

EXT. DAILY PLANET - NIGHT

Establishing.

INT. NEWSROOM - DAILY PLANET - NIGHT

Most of the workers are gone. Clark is alone in his computer,
still working.
ON THE MONITOR: Clark researches all about Deadshot. Lots of
newspaper news about him. Then he finds the bandit's PRISON
PROFILE, discovering that he lives in Gotham.
A good start.
 23.

Clark gets up, grabs his coat and leaves.

EXT. OLD GOTHAM - AERIAL - NIGHT

An entire neighborhood of Gotham that seems to be in decline.
Ancient buildings and dirty streets adorn that area.

EXT. TENEMENT - OLD GOTHAM - NIGHT

A hooded man carrying a shopping bag approaches the building.
This is FLOYD LAWTON, aka Deadshot. He looks around to make
sure he's not followed.
Lawton starts to climb the fire escape.

INT. TENEMENT - NIGHT

Moments later, Lawton opens the window and enters his home.
Few furniture inside. It is clearly an emergency hideout.
He puts his shopping bag on the table -- a fast food -- amid
some AMMO CLIPS and GRENADES. Then removes his coat revealing
that he wore a new WRIST GUN.

INT. TENEMENT BATHROOM - NIGHT

Lawton comes in and stands at the sink. As he starts to wash
his face, a DEEP AND CREEPY VOICE WHISPERS in his ear.
CREEPY VOICE
Floyd... Lawton.
Lawton STARTLES, raising his wrist gun ready to shoot anyone
there. But soon he realizes that he’s alone in the bathroom.
A beat. Lawton calms down. He stares at his own reflection in
the broken mirror above the sink.
When he became convinced that it was a sound coming from his
own mind --
CREEPY VOICE (CONT’D)
I... need... you... Floyd...
Lawton.
The voice is grotesque, hoarse. Barely looks human. Lawton
grabs his head as if it echoes directly in his mind.
LAWTON
What the hell?!
 24.

CREEPY VOICE
Come to.. me... Floyd... Lawton...
The voice begins to make Lawton nervous. It seems to be
hurting him.

INT. TENEMENT - NIGHT

Still holding his head, Lawton bursts out of the bathroom
only to find Batman right in front of him.
BATMAN
We need to have a talk, Deadshot.
LAWTON
It's you, isn't it? You who are
whispering to me. Of course it is.
Batman ignores Deadshot's meaningless words.
BATMAN
Who hired you to kill the governor
of Metropolis?
The bizarre voice sounds again, more intense this time. And
only Lawton can hear it.
CREEPY VOICE
Kill... him...
Lawton grabs his head with a GRIMACE of pain. Batman notices
that something is not right.
BATMAN
Lawton?
LAWTON
Just stop... stop with the voices!
Thinking Batman is behind this, Lawton FIRES his wrist gun at
him. Batman quickly DIVES for cover behind a couch.
Batman shrinks as the bullets PIERCE the old couch a few
inches from him.
Lawton’s ammo runs out. Batman jumps over the couch and
ATTACKS Lawton before he can reload.
They swap blows across the room -- knocking over the table
where the grenades and the fast food were -- but Batman is
clearly more skilled. He grabs Lawton’s throat and SLAMS him
on the wall.
 25.

Batman looks straight into Lawton's eyes and sees that he's
almost insane.
BATMAN
What's the matter with you?
The villain WRITHES harder. Batman tries to hold him there.
Lawton KICKS Batman back and gets rid of his grip.
In a desperate act, Lawton spots one of the grenades at his
feet. He picks it up and pulls the PIN.
The two men stare at each other for a moment. Lawton breathes
hard, sweating a lot.
LAWTON
I'll make you stop once and for
all.
Lawton THROWS the grenade toward Batman.
AT THAT MOMENT --
-- SUPERMAN CRASHES DOWN through the ceiling, landing between
Batman and the oncoming grenade.
Superman CATCHES the bomb, wrapping it with both hands and
waits. Seconds later --
BOOM. The grenade explodes between the Man of Steel’s hands,
minimizing its effects.
Batman seizes that moment and LEAPS toward Lawton, striking a
FLYING KICK into his face that knocks him down.
Silence.
SUPERMAN
I confess I did not expect to find
you here. In fact, I wasn't even
sure you existed. Is a pleasure.
BATMAN
This is not your city.
SUPERMAN
I know, but... I saved you. You're
welcome.
BATMAN
I didn't ask for any help.
Batman crouches beside the fainted Deadshot and handcuffs his
hands.
 26.

BATMAN (CONT’D)
How did you find this place?
SUPERMAN
X-ray vision. Deadshot tried to
kill the governor of Metropolis two
days ago, and I want to know why.
BATMAN
I doubt he will answer anything.
Lawton was acting crazy, talking
about voices whispering to him.
SUPERMAN
Voices? Did he comment about a
Kryptonite shard?
BATMAN
Kryptonite?
SUPERMAN
He knew exactly what that would do
to me.
BATMAN
This type of rock is not found in
any corner. It takes a lot of time
and money to get even one piece.
And apparently he knew it would be
useful soon.
Realization hits Superman.
SUPERMAN
Luthor.
Batman grabs Lawton’s collar and drags him toward the exit.
BATMAN
I'll take Lawton back to Blackgate
and you will return to your place.
Batman crosses the door with Lawton, disappearing into the
shadows.

EXT. LEXCORP - NIGHT

The magnificent Lex Luthor’s building stands out in downtown
Metropolis.
 27.

INT. LUTHOR’S OFFICE - LEXCORP - NIGHT

Alone in the dark office, Luthor is sitting at his desk
staring at his laptop.
ON THE LAPTOP SCREEN: Luthor is chatting with someone
mysterious. His last message was: "You won't get a penny
until you get the job done. Where the hell are you?"
He waits but there is no answer. Impatient, Luthor shuts the
laptop.
LUTHOR
Damn mercenary.
A long beat. Luthor FEELS something around there. Over his
shoulder we see a FLOATING FIGURE behind the window.
Luthor gets up and turns to Superman, who hovers in the air
staring at Luthor through the window.
LUTHOR (CONT’D)
Did you come for a drink? I don't
know which one is your favorite,
but I have many options.
SUPERMAN
We both know what you did, Luthor.
It may not be today or tomorrow,
but you will pay for it all. For
all the lives you put at risk. The
truth will surface, and until then,
I’ll be watching you.
Superman turns and flies off. Luthor watches him go.
LUTHOR
The truth? Truth tells us that all
men are created equal. All the men.
But you are not a man. They made
you a hero and they worship you
like a god. But I look at you and
see the end. And guess what, I'm
not afraid.
Off Luthor, back to us, staring out his window.
FADE OUT.

END OF EPISODE