Search

Superman & Lois – S02E01 – What Lies Beneath [Transcript]

Lois and Clark struggle as a couple; Chrissy adjusts to running The Smallville Gazette with Lois; Jonathan faces new challenges on the football team; secrets threaten to destroy Jordan and Sarah's growing relationship.
Superman & Lois - S02E01 - What Lies Beneath

Original air date: January 11, 2022

Lois and Clark struggle as a couple; Chrissy adjusts to running The Smallville Gazette with Lois; Jonathan faces new challenges on the football team; secrets threaten to destroy Jordan and Sarah’s growing relationship.

* * *

[muffled speech, laughter]

Mom? Mom!

No, no, no, no. Nat. Nat! Nat! Nat! No! Nat. No. No. No.

It’s just–it’s, um–

[inhales sharply] It’s, um–it’s complicated. Look, that’s not-that’s not your mother.

What?

She’s still gone.

But then why are you here?

Let me explain, okay?

[music grows tense]

[indistinct whispering]

Lois, you have to say something.

[engine starts]

[dramatic music]

Boys, we gotta go!

Babe, do we have any Sancerre?

We can bring a bottle of Sauv Blanc if not.

Yeah, it’s just Sancerre’s Lana’s favorite.

Then swing by Lark’s and get one.

Okay.

Anyone promising?

Just more of the same.

You know, Perry hired me when I barely had any experience.

Sometimes with a cub reporter it’s more about their eagerness than anything else.

What?

Hey, where’s your brother?

Uh, I don’t know, probably changing his outfit for the millionth time.

Jordan, let’s go!

Oh, whoa.

Something wrong?

Um–[coughs]

You’ll–wow, you’ll smell.

Whew. Wow.

Interesting cologne, sweetie.

Yeah, you put on the whole bottle there, chief?

What’s that?

Nothing.

Nothing?

It’s a surprise for Sarah.

You spending all day with her?

She’s been gone a month, Mom.

Just be home for dinner.

Yeah. Yeah.

And, um…

you know, it’s Natalie’s first day at school today.

You think you wanna call her, wish her luck, something?

Clark, I don’t know what to tell you.

She still won’t talk to me, okay?

Gotta get to these interviews.

Dad, how long is she gonna be like this?

I don’t know.

Come on, in the truck. Let’s go.

Oh, windows down, please.

Is it really that bad?

It’s strong, bud. It’s real strong.

[rising orchestral music]

[laughter]

Hey, come on.

[scoffs] Look at that bozo.

It ain’t cool they’re making Superman all commercial like this.

You know, last thing we need is Smallville becoming some sort of tourist trap just because of what happened here with Morgan Edge.

Well, if it’s helping the local economy, who cares?

A lot of us.

A lot of us don’t.

I think that’s the one. [grunts]

Hey!

Hi!

[laughs] Hi!

[both grunt]

[laughs]

Hi, honey. Oh, I missed you.

I missed you too.

[speaking Spanish]

We got a lot of people that are excited to see you.

Yup.

Sophie, Jordan.

Yeah, me too.

So how was it?

How was camp?

Yeah, good.

I mean, it was good to be there.

It just felt a little different as a counselor.

Better?

Yeah, everything– everything was better.

[car door shuts]

So you were at “The Messenger” for the last year?

Finally got my first story published.

Before that, I was doing a lot of layouts, proofing copy.

Oh.

Certainly use help around here with that… among other things.

Mainly though I was showing them how to monetize the site.

You know how to do all that?

Of course.

I probably make more on my blog than they do.

You have your own blog?

[chuckles]

I’m the “WOAT or GOAT” guy.

I have, like, 40,000 Twitter followers.

Lois.

This is our 9:30–

Hi, I’m Michael.

Right, the-the “WOAT or GOAT” guy.

Thank you for coming in. It’s nice to meet you.

We will be in touch.

Okay.

Thank you.

If the rest of the interviews we have lined up for today are more like him, then cancel.

Lois, you didn’t even talk to him.

I didn’t need to. We need somebody who cares more about the job than about how many twits follow them.

Also, that article he wrote was predictive journalism at its worst.

You haven’t liked a single person I’ve brought in the past month.

That is correct because none of them were good enough.

They were the best available.

Look, we’re gonna have to compromise on something, or we’re never gonna get another reporter in here and we need help badly.

Fine.

Look what just showed up.

Oh, I’m so excited.

Ooh.

Oh, these are fantastic.

What do you think?

Ah, yeah, they’re great if you like campaign T-shirts.

Oh, you should put Daniel’s face on it.

He’d make a super hot mayor.

No, it doesn’t matter what he looks like, Sarah.

He just needs to beat George Dean and I will work as hard as possible to make sure that happens.

Who’s that?

Oh, it’s probably Jordan.

I saw him walking up.

He’s here, like, now?

He probably just wants to see you.

He didn’t text me first.

Hey.

Hey.

Hi, I–I know I probably should have texted first, but honestly, I–I just couldn’t wait another second to see you.

Well, your timing kinda sucks.

My mom’s got this big Daniel Hart, like, mayoral campaign event planned so the house is gonna be pretty crowded.

Gotcha.

Well, could you meet me at Atlas Pond in, like, an hour?

I have something I wanna show you.

[indistinct shouting]

Hey, come on. Take ’em on. Come on, Brady.

White 22.

White 22 set hut.

[grunting]

[marching band music]

Good hands. Good hands.

[grunting]

18 on the line.

Yeah!

Come on, baby. Let’s go!

Someone is coming on strong!

Good job, son.

Hey, QB number two, let’s go!

Let’s go.

Come on, bring it in. It’s go time!

Time to work on them running plays.

Let’s go.

[grunts]

I mean, Candice, you were there. You saw it.

Literally not a single pass play this week.

Dad, did you talk to Coach Gaines yet?

Yes, I did talk to him.

He’s just easing you back into things.

Okay, yeah, but we’ve been practicing for two weeks.


Yeah, I know Jonathan, but you broke your arm twice last year.

Okay, and yeah, but it’s healed.

Listen, I’m sure Coach is just looking out for your best interest.

Maybe you could talk to him, let him know you’re frustrated, and see what he says.

Yeah, you’re right.

I knew I was dating you for a reason.

[distant shouting]

[speaking Korean]

[speaking Korean]

Hey, I’m gonna walk down to Hubbard’s farm.

Ben wanted me to look at the headers on his combine.

All right, uh, yeah, we’ll just– we’ll just be hanging out then.

So how far away is Hubbard’s farm?

[whooshes]

[dramatic music]

[thunder rumbling]

[shouting in Korean]

[energy pulses]

[grunts]

[high-pitched tone]

[grunting]

[speaking Korean]

[alarm blaring]

[glass shatters]

[tense, dissonant music]

[high-pitched tone]

[high-pitched tone]

[tone quiets]

[alarm blaring]

[distant shouting]

[speaking Korean]

[whooshes]

[metal crunches, rumbles]

[glass shattering]

[people shouting]

[rumbling]

[speaking Korean]

[monitor beeping]

[dramatic music]

[thunder rumbling]

[thuds]

[triumphant music]

[all cheering]

[whooshes]

Your name is… Natalie Johnson.

And I’m… Henry Johnson.

And we just moved here from…

A planet that was totally destroyed by psychopathic Kryptonians.

Nat, are you sure you wanna do this?

Going to your old school, things could get confusing.

Dad, I’ll be fine.

What if you run into the doppelganger of Regan or Annika?

Then I’ll pretend like I don’t know that they’re my best friends.

Because they are not.

They’re not the same people.

I know.

The only person on this whole earth that I know is you.

I just wanna make sure we don’t attract any unwanted attention.

You mean like the same kind you get from flying around the world in steel war suit with Superman?

Natalie.

I’ll pick up right here when you get out.

Sure thing, Henry.

[engine starts]

[rustling]

[laughter]

Hey!

Jonathan?

Whoa, Mom, Mom–

Oh, my God.

Candice, I need you to leave right now.

Mrs. Lane, I–I’m so sorry.

Right now!

Mom, I can explain.

You, where is your shirt?

Um, it’s, um–

You know what? I don’t even wanna hear whatever lame excuse your brain is concocting.

Get dressed and meet me downstairs.

We are going to have a serious conversation immediately!

Yes, ma’am.

I’m aware of the implications.

Just let me talk to him.

I’m sure I’ll get this whole thing straightened out.

[whoosh, crash]

Yes, he’s just arrived.

Yes, sir.

This about the sub?

It’s not really playing well around these parts.

I was just trying to save lives.

Sure, I get it. I do.

The problem is you rescued a North Korean submarine, a nuclear one, and then you returned it to them.

Couldn’t you have just dropped it by American soil?

It’s important that I stay out of the–

Geopolitics of it all.

It’s just that we seem to keep having these issues… communicating with each other.

The whole reason that I got this position is because I was the one who knew everything about you– all your saves, all your history.

Now it’s feeling clear to me that actually, I know nothing about you.

Lieutenant Anderson, that’s not true.

Maybe a little true.

Look, we don’t need to be best friends, okay?

But we do need to be up-front with each other just like you and General Lane were.

It wasn’t that simple.

Doesn’t matter.

That’s how the upper brass see it.

They’re not my concern.

Sure, not yet.

But if I can’t get your firm commitment that American interests come first, our working relationship’s gonna have to change.

Lieutenant, we’ve been over this.

I will continue to do everything I can to help the DOD.

That’s not a commitment.

It’s the best I can do.

Clark, I need you home now.

I have to go.

Wait, what’s so impor-[whooshes]

Important now?

[whooshes]

Is everything okay?

Where’s Candice?

You knew she was here?

Yeah, I dropped them both off after practice.

What happened?

Go up to your room.

Happily.

What happened is that I came home to find our not-even-old-enough -to-drive son in bed half-naked with Candice.

Jonathan, come on, man. What are you thinking?

He’s 15 years old and home alone with his new girlfriend.

It’s pretty obvious what he was thinking.

What? You mean–no, th–

I never would’ve done that when I was his age.

Well, then he clearly takes after his mother.

[laughs]

Do you want me to go up and talk to him?

No, he’s just gonna give you some bogus answer.

By the way, who knows what Jordan’s up to right now.

Oh, Lois, come on.

What?

He certainly didn’t wanna tell us anything this morning.

He did tell us. He said he had a surprise for Sarah.

Well, if he can get away with that non-answer, then don’t be surprised when we’re grandparents nine months from now.

Wow.

Clark, you really don’t get it, do you?

No. No, I guess I don’t.

But I’m trying to.

Don’t do this right now.

Lois, would you please just tell me what’s bothering you?

Is it the Natalie thing? Is it–

No! This is what is bothering me!

That you left our 15-year-old son home alone to have sex.

You’re acting like I did something wrong.

And you’re acting like this isn’t a big deal.

Not enough to use the ELT, no.

Okay, so now you’re just criticizing me.

That is for real emergencies, Lois, not to get me home to talk about some high school hook-up.

You know what? Why don’t you go to Lana’s without me?

Fine.

Fine!

Are you ready now?

Almost, just gimme a sec.

I mean, not to cramp your style or anything but this blindfold’s really itchy, so…

Here.

[sentimental music]

Oh, wow.

How’d you light all those?

A magician never reveals his secret.

Yeah, I’d believe that if you were a magician.

I just wanted to do something nice for you coming back.

Um…

Is–is everything all right?

Yeah, it’s just, we got arrested here and I’m– I’m feeling sort of crampy.

Oh, uh,

I–I didn’t know.

Of course you didn’t.

I mean, it’s not really something I text you about.

Well, uh, you wanna go home?

I’m sorry.

I mean, maybe we could try it again when I’m not feeling really crappy and weird.

Yeah, okay.

[sighs] Okay.

And here is a T-shirt.

Thanks.

Yes, here is a T-shirt.

There’s some people I want you to meet in the living room.

Okay.

Great.

Mr. Hart, what are your plans for the settlement money from Galaxy Holdings?

Simple.

To give back and build better.

We’re talking local infrastructure, community services, building a new park for the kids.

That’s just what we need.

Thank you.

You see all this jibber jabber about infrastructure and parks and I still haven’t heard anything about giving our kids’ teachers a raise.

It’s been what, five years?

At least five years.

It’s been five years since our teachers have had a raise.

What are do you planning to do about that?

Well, I–well, I can certainly look into that.

Oh.

What Daniel means is that he is pro schools.

And if that means giving the teachers the raises they deserve, then this administration will see that it gets done.

That’s what I’m talking about.

Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.

And as you can see, I’ve already got the best people working for me.

Would you mind getting me some more of that shrimp cocktail? It’s delicious.

Daniel Hart, ladies and gentlemen,

Hey, meet a friend of ours, Daniel Hart.

Friend, come on now.

[sauce splashes]

Hey.

Sorry I’m late.

No man, it’s–it’s all good.

Frankly, you’re not missing much.

Where’s Lois?

Uh, work.

Wow, you’re a terrible damn liar.

You know that?

[chuckles]

Y’all aren’t in a fight or something, are you?

Yeah.

Oh, damn, man.

I’m–I’m sorry. I–I just thought y’all were the couple that never argued, you know?

No, it’s just– I just–feels like there’s something

Lois isn’t telling me, but–

Listen, you want some advice?

Best let sleeping dogs lie.

Really?

See, women are… mysterious creatures, Kent.

A lot of times where there’s mystery there’s– there’s danger.

[distant chatter, laughter]

I hear Lana and Daniel are working pretty well together.

Yeah, couple of damn peas in a pod.

Listen, if you’ll excuse me, I got some sloppy-ass shrimp cocktails to deliver.

[distant police siren]

Maybe she went to the Met Museum after school.

I’m afraid the museum is still under repair from the Battle of Metropolis.

Where could she be?

Natalie.

Nat. Nat.

Where have you been?

Just went for a walk.

School ended 3 hours ago.

Well, I left before first period.

Wait, did something happen?

I mean, Annika looked right through me like I didn’t even exist.

But don’t worry, I didn’t tell her I’m from some weird alien dimension that imploded.

That’s not what I meant.

But that’s all that matters here.

We’re different while everyone else is basically the same and living their best possible life.

I mean, just look at Mom.

No, Lois is not your mother.

No, no, you’re right.

In this world, she has two perfect boys, Superman for a husband. She’s way better off.

Hey, look, you know-you know it’s not that simple.

No, Dad, it’s super simple.

I never should’ve come here.

We talked about this, okay?

It’s just–it’s gonna take some time.

No, I’ve been here three months!

That’s more than enough time to realize that I don’t belong.

Nat, please.

I just wish I died like I was supposed to.

You’re late.

Is that dinner?

Unless you’re cooking something else.

How’d it go with Sarah?

It was good.

Good?

Yeah, good.

That’s it?

What do you want me to say?

You could start by giving me an actual answer.

I–I did and then you got all weird about it.

Excuse me?

We went to Atlas Pond.

Where you got arrested?

Yeah, I– I checked with the owners first. It was fine.

Look, I–I just–

I don’t want to talk about it, all right?

Can–can I just go up to my room now?

Hey, how did it go?

Did Sarah totally lose it or what?

Not really. She wasn’t feeling well.

Really? Did she say that?

Yeah.

You sure she was telling the truth?

Wait, why–why would she be lying about that?

I mean, I don’t know.

Just–I guess the timing seems a little sus, no?

Jordan, hey, I–I wasn’t trying to freak you out or anything.

I’m sure it’s all good.

Yeah.

And just so you know, I think we might get a little talking-to from Dad later.

About what?

If Daniel can get Aidy’s support, he might be able to take the farm vote away from Dean.

I think he’s got a real shot.

Yeah, me too.

So what does Kyle think about all the work you’ve been putting in?

Why? Did he say something?

No.

He’s not jealous, is he?

Well, I–I don’t know.

Why would he be jealous?

No, no, it’s just him and I have talked about this repeatedly.

I’m sure you have.

I’m just saying you might wanna check in with him.

Right.

So he did say something.

Lana, he didn’t say anything.

I’m sorry, it’s just Kyle can be so frustrating.

I mean, it doesn’t matter how many times I ask him, he just–

Avoids the question?

It makes me feel like he’s hiding something from me.

But then acts like somehow you’re to blame for wanting to know what’s wrong.

Exactly.

Even though all you’re trying to do is help, it turns into some kind of argument and then that makes you the bad guy.

Are we still talking about Kyle?

[chuckles]

Things haven’t been great with me and Lois lately.

Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.

I’m trying to help her. I just really don’t know how.

And I guess we’re just gonna have to finish this whole bottle of wine and see if we can’t figure it out.

[rumbling]

[high-pitched tone]

Did you feel that?

[distant car alarm blaring]

Was that an earthquake?

Doubtful.

Probably just some mining equipment getting started up.

Any luck?

No. [grunts]

Thought I’d have had it sorted out by now, but I can’t get the damn thing to turn on.

Well, you’re home early.

Everything okay with you and Jordan?

Yeah.

Well, he didn’t get handsy with you now, did he?

No, no, no, no, no. He was a total sweetheart.

It was just–

It’s too much?

Yeah.

Yeah, well, he’s insecure.

I mean, let’s be real, kid is batting way out of his league.

Dad.

You’re the alpha in this relationship, okay?

You set the tone and I think best thing you can do is just be honest.

That wasn’t terrible advice.

That’s kind of where I’m setting the bar as a dad.

[laughs]

Why don’t you hand me that 3/8 over there, see if we can get this old bird fired up, yeah?

Yup.

[sentimental music]

[car door shuts]

Everything okay?

I snapped at Jordan earlier.

What did that one do?

He just wasn’t ready to talk about Sarah yet and I couldn’t let it go.

Huh, I see.

Things haven’t been okay for months.

And I’ve been blaming you.

And I’m sorry.

Ever since you told me to say something to Natalie and I just stood there frozen.

You were in shock.

All of us were.

It’s more than that.

She was my daughter in that other world and… seeing her standing there and calling me “Mom…” I felt nothing.

And in that moment, I finally realized how my mom must have felt the day she left us.

Lois.

I’ve wondered how she could do that my entire life, how a mother could just… [voice breaking] abandon her children.

And now I know.

She didn’t feel.

She didn’t feel anything.

Not for me. Not for Lucy.

Lois, you can’t know that for sure.

Yes, I can, Clark.

And every time you ask me about Natalie or tell me to call her, it’s just bringing up all of those feelings in me and all of this guilt.

You have nothing to feel guilty about.

She called me “Mom”, Clark.

But she’s not your daughter.

I know, but–

Lois, her mom died.

And there’s absolutely nothing you could’ve said or–or done to change that.

But I know how she felt.

And she must have been so crushed seeing me look at her that way.

You are not your mother.

What happened with Natalie, that’s– that’s a completely different thing.

I just hate this feeling.

Here, come here.

[soft emotional music]

[rumbling]

[glass cracking]

Lois, get the boys. Get some cover.

Why?

We’re having an earthquake.

[distant thud]

[whooshes]

[people screaming]

[rumbling, shattering]

[glass shatters]

[sirens wailing]

[baby crying]

[people screaming]

[metal creaking]

[water rushing]

[dramatic music]

[whooshing]

[wind blows]

[ice crackles]

[explosions boom]

[people screaming]

[rocks tumbling]

[man shouts]

[whooshes]

[rumbling, blasting]

[heavy thudding]

[high-pitched tone]

[grunts]

[breathing heavily]

[panting]

[whooshes]

Get him up, get him up!

[sirens wailing]

[people screaming]

Welcome back. I want full debrief.

Yes, sir, Lieutenant Anderson.

Think Dad would want us to keep that?

Yeah.

The rest can go.

[atmospheric music]

[line ringing]

Lois?

Hey.

Can we meet, please?

We’re still monitoring the situation, but the tremor seemed to have stopped…

[whooshes]

For now.

Dismissed.

Who are they?

They’re from our school.

Your school?

Surely General Lane told you that the DOD is training some of our gifted students.

I think they did a great job on their inaugural mission tonight, don’t you?

Saving people during an earthquake, that’s one thing.

They’re not ready for what’s out there in the world.

I disagree.

Regardless, it’s not your call.

I asked you repeatedly, “Be part of my team.”

What you asked for was my allegiance to America.

And you refused.

Because I gave it to the world a long time ago.

America needs to come first.

And to them, it does.

And the rest of my new team.

When it does to you, come on back.

I’d love to have you.

Bring your friend.

I told you, he’s done.

Then they’re who I’m calling.

Anderson.

That crest you put on their suit, it’s not yours to give.

That’s the most recognizable symbol on the planet.

I want everyone to know that we are the good guys.

Besides, America can have more than one Superman.

[tense music]

Told you the rhubarb was good.

[sighs] Not worth the drive.

You’re unbelievable.

We need help.

We need help.

Nat!

[tense emotional music]

I’m sorry for what happened to you, Natalie.

You don’t have to apologize.

You don’t even know me.

No, but I’d like to.

Yeah, okay.

When I saw you come out of that pod and you were looking at me, I froze.

I had no idea how I was supposed to react.

I’ve been thinking a lot about that moment since you left.

What I could have said or done differently.

Is that why you kept calling?

To make yourself feel better?

No.

Look, you didn’t have to say anything, okay?

You’re not– you’re not my mom.

I know I’m not.

And I would never pretend to be.

But I could have at least explained the situation to you.

I’m just sorry that I let you walk away.

I was hoping that we could maybe be friends.

I don’t wanna be a charity case.

That’s not what this is.

But you already have kids.

You have a family.

Why would you want me in your life?

Because you seem wonderful, smart, poised, lovely.

You’re a survivor. So many reasons.

I just think it’d be good for both of us… if we’re in each other’s lives.

I hate to say it but Firebird’s giving me a run for my money.

Yeah, but it’s a great project you’re doing with Sarah.

It’s a good idea, babe.

[chuckles]

[exhales] It’s a big year for her.

Wow, 15.

Honey, all the time that I’m spending with Daniel for the campaign, you know I’d rather be here with you, right?

Even if my mug’s not splattered all over a T-shirt?

Even if your sexy mug is not splattered all over a T-shirt.

[chuckles]

[sentimental music]

You guys do have a bedroom down the hall… with a door.

[both laugh]

Ew.

[phone buzzes]

[phone buzzes]

[sighs]

[sighs]

[soft knock]

Hey, is everything okay out there?

Yeah, things seem to have settled down.

Fortunately, nobody’s hurt.

That’s not what I came up here to talk about though.

Thanks, Jon.

Here we go.

No, no, no, no. No.

Hey, this one’s on you, buddy.

Now we cannot have a repeat of what happened here today.

Well, I don’t think you have to worry about that.

I’m pretty much scarred for life, Dad.

Probably, yeah.

Maybe you’ll think twice next time.

Look, you guys are both 15 years old.

I get wanting to be intimate with someone, but that’s an adult decision and it comes with some pretty adult feelings that you might not be ready for yet.

So if and when you guys have any questions, you can always come to us, okay?

All right, um, how old were you the first time you, you know?

Older than both of you.

[mouths “Mom”]

[snorts]

I just want you guys to be responsible and more importantly, you respect whoever you’re with.

Always. Is that clear?

Yes.

Of course.

Okay.

Good talk.

Wait, does that mean that Mom’s not gonna talk to us now or–

Oh, no.

No, you’re gonna hear more than a few words from her.

I think things are gonna get back to normal around here.

Finally.

[engine rumbles]

What is it?

What’s going on?

Well, I went to finally talk to Natalie and I realized I couldn’t let her leave again.

So–so what? They’re-they’re moving here now or…

They’re gonna stay in Smallville for a while and see how they like it here.

And if it’s okay with you guys, stay at the farm until they find someplace to live.

Whatever we can do to help.

Natalie, this is my husband Clark, and these are my boys, Jonathan and Jordan.

Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you.

Yeah, you too.

My dad’s told me a lot about you guys.

Why don’t we go inside and you guys can show her around?

Sure, yeah.

You sure you’re okay with this?

[chuckles] Of course.

Happy to help a friend.

Thanks, man.

[gentle emotional music]

[distant rumble]

[ominous music]

[distant rumbling]

[rumbling continues]

[heavy thudding]

[dramatic music]

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Read More

Weekly Magazine

Get the best articles once a week directly to your inbox!