Justice League United Season 1 - Episode 01

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