Episode #223 - "Exodus" 

Original airdate: May 20, 2003 

Written by: Al Gough & Miles Millar

Directed by: Greg Beeman 

Act 1 Teaser 

We see the open door to the underground storm cellar on the Kent property. Night. The gold light is still shining out of it. 

CUT TO Clark coming down the stairs, the light reflecting off his face as a strong wind blows all around him. He sees the ship glowing and rising into the air. We hear the man's voice coming from the ship. 

Voice: Fear not, Kal-El. 

Clark: (Yelling to be heard over the wind) Who are you? 

Voice: I am Jor-El... your father. 

Clark: I thought you died! 

Over the next line, the ship leans forward so that the front tip is pointing down at the ground. 

Jor-El: I am his memory, his will. I am to fulfill his promise and guide you all the days of your life. You are the last son of Krypton. 

The wings of the ship fold in until all that is left of the ship is the egg-shaped pod. 

Jor-El: When you traveled through the cosmos, you carried the hopes and dreams of your people. They now live through you, Kal-El. It is time. 

The pod morphs into a perfect replication of planet Earth and the gold light is replaced by a blue glow. 

Clark: Time for what? 

Jor-El: Time to accept your destiny. 

Clark: I don't know what you have in mind for me, but I-- 

A shadow crawls over the small planet, as though the sun is setting. Then the golden glow of the sun shines from behind the planet. 

Jor-El: By the setting of the sun Sol, you will return to me. Your destiny will be fulfilled. 

Clark turns around and Lana appears there with Jonathan and Martha, bathed in warm light. They are all smiling at him serenely, not noticing the strangeness of the situation. 

Jor-El: Your thoughts are not a mystery to me, Kal-El. These people have served their purpose. It is time to leave them. 

Clark looks at Lana intensely, and she continues to smile. He reaches out to touch her face and his touch causes Lana, Martha, and Jonathan to disintegrate and disappear. He turns back to the ship, which has returned to the gold egg shape. 

Clark: Please! Everything and everyone I love is here! In Smallville! 

Jor-El: You must let go of your past. I will guide you to your future. 

Clark: No, I don't want your guidance! I want to create my own future! 

Jor-El: You have no choice, Kal-El. 

The pod starts to spin until it explodes, sending out a blinding white light. Outside the storm cellar, the white light shines into the sky, and then abruptly goes out. 

[Opening credits] 

Act 1 Scene 1 

Jonathan and Martha come outside and find Clark sitting on the front steps. Day. 

Jonathan: Well, you're up early. 

Clark: (Unhappy) I never went to sleep. 

Martha: Clark? What's wrong? 

Clark: (After a pause) I kind of met my biological father last night. 

He looks up at Martha, who shares a worried look with Jonathan. 

CUT TO the three of them coming down the stairs of the storm cellar. 

Clark: When I heard his voice, it was coming from the ship. But it sounded like it was from my own head. He said it was time. 

Jonathan: Said it was time for what? 

Clark: To leave Smallville and fulfill my destiny. 

Martha: He said that? 

They approach the ship. 

Clark: I have until sundown today. 

Jonathan: Or what? 

Clark: I'm not sure. He said I didn't have a choice. Why is it happening now when my life is just coming together? The farm's out of debt, I'm gonna be a big brother... Lana and I are finally getting together. 

Martha: Whatever your biological father may have had in mind for you, they're his hopes and dreams, not yours. 

Jonathan: Clark, you choose your own destiny. Nobody can decide that for you, son. 

Clark looks at both of his parents very seriously. He takes a step toward them. 

Clark: This is my home. And you're my parents. It's where I belong, and I'm not going anywhere. 

He looks down at the ship and then back at his parents. 

Act 1 Scene 2 

There is a stack of wrapped wedding gifts in Lex's study. Day. Lex is standing behind the desk looking at the vial of blood from Helen's office. He steps out of his study and sees Helen and Lionel talking down the hall. Helen gives an envelope to Lionel and walks toward Lex. 

Lex: I haven't seen you two together since, um, well Dad, since you tried to bribe Helen into dumping me. 

Lionel: (Brief chuckle) And now Dr. Bryce refuses to accept this, my wedding gift to her. (He indicates the envelope) If you two, uh, star-crossed lovers will excuse me. 

Lionel walks between them and down the hall, leaving. 

Lex: (To Helen) You, uh, you want to tell me what that was all about? 

Helen: Exactly what your father said. You know what? I'm tired of being a pawn in this never-ending struggle. 

Helen goes into the study and Lex follows her. 

Lex: We both said some things last night. I don't want to go into this marriage with any secrets between us. 

Helen: I haven't held anything back. 

Lex walks to the desk and opens the box revealing the metal vial. He hands it to Helen. 

Lex: I have. Look inside. 

She opens it and finds the vial of blood. She looks at Lex, shocked. 

Lex: I did break into your office, and that's what I was after. I told you because I'm trying to break the cycle. I don't want to be the person who did this anymore. 

Helen: (Near tears) But you did do it, Lex. You committed a crime. You violated my privacy and that of my patients. 

Lex: I know. 

Helen: What did you think would happen? That you'd give it back, tell me what you did, and I'd just forgive you and we would live happily ever after? 

Lex: I don't know what I expected. All I know is that I love you. 

Helen: I'm sure in some part of that twisted mind you do. 

Helen starts to walk away. 

Lex: I didn't have it analyzed. 

Helen turns around. 

Helen: What was so important about this blood, anyway? 

Lex: I thought it would give me the answers I've been looking for. 

Helen: All it did was end this relationship. 

She turns around and leaves. Lex hangs his head. 

Act 1 Scene 3 

Clark and Lana are sitting on a blanket in a field near their horses. Day. Clark is sitting upright holding Lana who is leaning on his chest. He looks unhappy and Lana senses that something is wrong. 

Lana: Are you okay? 

Clark: Yeah, I'm great. 

Lana pulls back so she can look into Clark's eyes. 

Lana: You know, I can always tell when you're being less than truthful. 

Clark: It's just that... I've waited for this for so long, for us. I just don't want it to go away. 

Lana: I'm not going anywhere. 

Clark: (Whispered) Neither am I. 

They kiss each other heavily. When they pull away, Lana's eyes remained closed, a look of bliss on her face. Clark smiles and kisses her on the forehead. 

Clark: So, uh, does this mean you're officially my date to Lex's wedding? 

Lana: (Laughs) Only after we officially tell Chloe about our change in status. Clark, I've been avoiding her all day. 

Clark thinks about this for a moment. 

Clark: All right, just let me tell her. Chloe and I agreed that we'd be upfront about things like this. 

Lana: Well, I'm sure if we're honest, she'll be fine. 

Clark raises his eyebrows hopefully. 

Act 1 Scene 4 

Clark is looking at a newspaper in Lex's study. Day. There is a picture of Lionel with an article entitled Luthor Senior Spelunks Junior from Caves. Lex enters, seeing the paper. 

Lex: I never realized the small town press could be so pithy. 

Clark: What do you think your father's up to? 

Lex: Apparently he's already got a team working overtime installing some pretty sophisticated machinery down there. 

Clark: What for? 

Lex: (Sitting behind the desk) I wish I could tell you, but I'm the last person he'd ever let back into those caves. He's tightened security. I doubt even you'll be able to get past. 

Clark looks at Lex stubbornly. 

Clark: (Changing the subject) Uh, where's this tailor? I'm kind of pressed for time today. 

Lex: I canceled him. 

Clark: Why? 

Lex: Because Helen's not walking down the aisle tomorrow. 

Clark: I saw her last night. She seemed really happy. 

Lex gets up from the desk and walks to the middle of the room, facing away from Clark. 

Lex: Yeah, well, a lot can change in 24 hours. 

Clark: Why'd she break it off? 

Lex: (Turning to face Clark) I've always been fighting my destiny, trying to avoid becoming my father. But we all have certain genes that, no matter how much we want to change, dominate us. 

Clark shifts his eyes, starting to understand. 

Clark: What'd you do? 

Lex: (Sitting in a nearby chair) I betrayed Helen's trust. Then I fought my own nature and did something very unLuthor-like. I confessed my sin, hoping she'd forgive me. 

Clark: (Sitting near Lex on the couch) My guess is she didn't. 

Lex: Don't tell anyone, Clark. I want to hold onto my romantic notions for one more day. 

Lex gives Clark a small smile and lowers his eyes. Clark looks away and then back at Lex sympathetically. 

Act 1 Scene 5 

Clark enters the underground caves. Day. There is metal scaffolding and electronic equipment everywhere including a stand holding a plastic tube focused straight at the octagonal groove in the wall. Encased in the tube is advanced looking machinery. Suddenly we hear a switch and the caves fill with artificial light. Lionel walks around the corner. 

Lionel: I'm gonna have to put a stop to these unauthorized visits. 

Clark: Mr. Luthor. 

Lionel: What are you doing here? 

Clark: I was just curious. 

Lionel laughs. 

Lionel: I suppose so. According to poor Dr. Walden, you're talked about quite a bit on these walls. Apparently you are going to rule us all. 

Clark: I'm surprised someone like you, Mr. Luthor, would put stock in anything he had to say. 

Lionel: I know you worked closely with the man, Clark. I'm sure there are insights you could give me. It would be extremely helpful. 

Clark: He didn't tell me anything. 

Lionel: Hmm. 

Clark: What's with all the machinery? 

Lionel: (Looking around) I'm going to unlock the secrets hidden in these walls. 

Clark: Didn't you see what happened to Dr. Walden? It's dangerous. 

Lionel: Yes, but I have something he didn't. The key. Once I insert that key into the slot, I'm convinced the answers will be revealed to me. 

Clark: I don't understand. I thought the key was stolen from your vault. 

Lionel: (Coming closer to Clark) It was, but before it mysteriously disappeared, I had it analyzed. The composition was unique. There's nothing like it on Earth, with one exception. (He leans up to Clark's ear, and whispers) The meteor rocks found here in Smallville. 

He walks away from Clark. 

Lionel: So I have fashioned my own key. 

Lionel opens a small metal box and shows it to Clark. 

Lionel: It's identical in every detail. 

Inside the box is a key, exactly like the one to Clark's ship, except that it is a bright shade of green and transparent. 

Lionel: Isn't it beautiful? Look. 

Clark grimaces, becoming sick. 

Lionel: Clark? You don't look well. Are you all right? 

Clark turns away and walks toward the wall, gasping quietly. 

Clark: I'm fine. Just... be careful. 

Lionel: (Closing the box) Lionel Luthor's never gotten anywhere in life playing it safe. 

Lionel puts the box down and looks at Clark excitedly. Clark lowers his eyes. 

Act 1 Scene 6 

Lana holds her dress up to herself, looking in the mirror in her room. Day. Chloe is standing in the doorway. 

Chloe: I'm sure you'll render Clark speechless. 

Lana: (Startled) Chloe, hi. 

Chloe: (Coming in) Be careful you two don't upstage the bride and groom. 

Lana: (Hanging up her dress) What do you mean? 

Chloe: You two are going together, I assume. 

Lana: Yeah, yeah. As friends. 

Chloe: (Pause. Then brightly) Right. Friends. 

Lana: Have you seen Clark? He's been looking for you. 

Chloe: No. Uh, I've been trying to track him down all day, but his parents said that he was mired in best man duties. Uh, when did you see him last? 

Lana: Oh, um, I ran into him at the Talon. He, uh, wanted to talk to you, said it was important. 

Chloe: Well, I guess it couldn't be as important as you thought. Have fun tomorrow. 

Chloe leaves and Lana sits down on her bed with a sigh. 

Act 1 Scene 7 

Clark watches a brilliant orange and gold sunset from the loft. Day. Jonathan enters. 

Jonathan: I figured this is where I'd find you.

Clark: Just watching the sunset. I hope it's not the last one I see from up here.

Jonathan: It won't be, Clark. (Puts his hand on Clark's shoulder affectionately) Son, it's just another sundown.

Jonathan looks out at the sun sinking behind the horizon. Clark takes a deep breath, bracing himself as the sun goes all the way down. When the sun is completely out of sight, he and Jonathan look at each other, and Jonathan smiles, slapping Clark on the back.

Jonathan: Come on. Your mother's got dinner ready.

Clark: Yeah, I'll be there in a minute.

Jonathan starts to leave.

Clark: Dad?

Jonathan: Yeah.

Clark: Thanks for always believing in me.

Jonathan: You're welcome, son.

Jonathan leaves. We suddenly hear Jor-El's voice.

Jor-El: It is time, Kal-El. Come to me.

Clark looks around.

CUT TO Clark coming down the stairs of the storm cellar. The ship is hovering just above the ground, glowing slightly.

Jor-El: You will obey me, Kal-El.

Clark: You're not my father. I won't let you control me.

The ship turns so that the front is pointed at Clark. There is a white blast and Clark is thrown into the corner of the ceiling, upside down with his back against the wall. He screams, unable to move. His screams suddenly become more urgent and he rips open his shirt as a symbol is slowly being b*rned onto his chest.

Jor-El: This is the mark of your ancestors. You cannot fight it, Kal-El.

Clark: Aaah!

Jor-El: At the zenith of the star Sol, you will begin your journey.

The ship lowers and Clark falls to the ground.

Jor-El: If you do not, you will hurt the ones you love most.

Clark tries to get up and falls onto his back, revealing the complete symbol on his chest, still glowing slightly.

Fade to black.

Act 2 Scene 1

Clark leans against a fence outside his house. Day. He is holding Lana's meteor necklace that is now completely clear and harmless to him. Jonathan and Martha come outside, dressed for the wedding.

Martha: Clark! Why aren't you ready?

Clark puts the necklace in his pocket.

Clark: The wedding doesn't start for a few hours.

Jonathan: Your mother wants to get a good seat, son.

Martha: I promised Helen I'd go early and check the flowers.

Clark: Well, I gotta pick up Lana, so I'll meet you there.

Martha: We obviously have to get used to the fact that you have a girlfriend now.

Clark smiles half-heartedly. Martha looks at Jonathan, concerned.

Jonathan: Clark. How's it going today, son?

Clark: Good.

Jonathan: No voice?

Clark: (After a brief hesitation) No voice.

Jonathan: Looks like you're just gonna have to face the future the old-fashioned way.

Clark: I guess so. It's pretty scary.

Jonathan: (Chuckles) Yeah.

Jonathan and Martha start walking to the truck.

Clark: Mom?

Martha: Yes.

Clark: (Serious, sad) You look beautiful today.

Martha: Thank you, sweetheart.

Jonathan helps Martha into the truck and Clark is clearly distressed.

Act 2 Scene 2

Lex sits in the study, dressed in his tuxedo, and holding two wedding rings. Day. Helen enters, dressed casually.

Lex: (Standing up) Helen. You're here.

Helen: I am so angry at you. What you did was unforgivable.

Lex: You're right.

Helen: (Walking past him and sitting down) But the farther I got from you and this town... I realized that while any sane person would've kept driving, I needed to turn around. I started to look at myself and the mistakes that I've made in my life.

Lex: (Sitting next to her) I hope I'm not one of them.

Helen: No, Lex, you're not. That's the thing. I still love you.

Lex looks at her for a long time, his face neutral.

Act 2 Scene 3

Clark opens his shirt in the storm cellar. Day. Pete looks at the symbol scarred onto his chest.

Pete: Oh, man. Does it hurt?

Clark: No. Not now.

Pete: You got any idea what it means?

Clark: (Walks toward the ship) It's my biological father's way of telling me I have to do what he wants. I'm afraid by noon, it'll control me.

Pete: Your parents must be freaked out.

Clark: (Buttoning his shirt) I didn't tell them.

Pete: Why wouldn't you tell them, Clark?

Clark: Because, Pete, I know what I have to do. They'll never agree with me in a million years. I have to destroy the ship.

Pete: What? Clark, no. This thing traveled millions of miles through space. I don't think we can dent it, much less destroy it.

Clark: What if we had a Kryptonite key?

Pete: Clark, this is whacked!

Clark takes Lana's necklace out of his pocket and shows it to Pete.

Clark: Pete... do you remember Lana's necklace?

Pete: Yeah, but what's that have to do with destroying the ship?

Clark: Everything, Pete. When Tina Grier tied me up down here, it nearly k*lled me. But before it could, the ship neutralized it.

Pete: You said the ship was protecting you

Clark: What if it's actually protecting itself? Think about it, Pete. I'm from Krypton and so is this ship and what's the one thing that can k*ll me?

Pete: So you're thinking that Kryptonite can destroy the ship. (Clark merely looks at Pete in response) Clark, it's too dangerous. Do you hear me? You've never done this before. You don't know what'll happen. It could k*ll you.

Clark continues to look at the ship.

Pete: Besides, where are we gonna get a Kryptonite key?

Clark looks at Pete.

Act 2 Scene 4

The machine aimed at the octagonal groove in the cave is humming and moving as if taking measurements. Day. The cave is filled with workers and Lionel supervises, holding the metal key box.

Lionel: (To a woman typing on a computer) How much longer now?

Woman: Another ten minutes.

Lionel: (Mildly annoyed) Another ten minutes.

Pete enters, yelling.

Pete: Hey, Luthor! I got something to say to you!

Lionel puts the metal box down on a nearby metal stand.

Lionel: (Calmly) Security, get him out of here.

Two men try to grab Pete.

Pete: Don't put your hands on me! Get off me! (To Lionel) If these guys don't let me go I'm gonna lay a lawsuit on you so fast it's gonna make your head spin.

Lionel: All right, all right, I'll talk him. (The men let Pete go) Do I know you?

Pete: Name's Pete Ross.

Lionel: (Trying to remember) Ross, Ross, Ross.

Pete: As in Ross Creamed Corn. You stole my family's business.

Lionel: Yes. I overpaid for that ramshackle old factory.

Pete: (Grabbing Lionel's jacket) Nobody in this town likes you!

The two guards pull Pete back.

Pete: (To the guards) Don't touch me. You know you hate him.

Lionel: I know that, but I value their hatred. I find it very useful. You see, people are always at their weakest when they're angry. Ask you father.

Pete looks over Lionel's shoulder and sees Clark super speed in and out of the room, taking the key box with him. He moves so fast, we see little more than a blur. No one else notices. Pete is obviously relieved.

Pete: (Calmer) I'll do that.

Lionel: (To the men) Get him out.

They start to grab Pete, but he pulls out of their grip and leaves on his own. Lionel walks to the stand and sees that the box is gone.

Lionel: No...no...NOOO! (He turns to Pete) You-- Search him. Search him.

The men start to search Pete.

Pete: Search me? What are you doing?

Lionel: Where is it?

Pete: Where's what?

Lionel raises his hand as if to strike Pete, but stops himself.

Pete: Careful, Mr. Luthor. You wouldn't want to look weak.

Lionel shakes his head at Pete angrily.

Act 2 Scene 5

Lex is standing in the wedding chapel, looking up at the stained glass window above the alter. Day. Jonathan and Martha walk up behind him. The chapel is empty except for a few decorators putting the flowers in place.

Jonathan: Lex.

Lex: Mr. and Mrs. Kent. Where's the, uh, best man?

Martha: Well, you know Clark and punctuality have never been on the best terms, but he'll be here.

Jonathan: I got you something.

Jonathan holds up an antique compass that opens like a pocket watch.

Lex: A compass.

Jonathan: Yeah, it's a Kent family tradition. My father gave me one on our wedding day, just in case I got lost going down the aisle.

Lex: (Touched) Thank you, Mr. Kent.

They shake hands.

Act 2 Scene 6

Clark walks into the loft, holding the metal box. Day. Lana is on the upper level, wearing her dress for the wedding.

Lana: Why aren't you dressed?

Clark: (Looking up at her) Wow.

Lana smiles. Clark looks down at the box and an expression of dread comes over his face. He starts up the stairs and puts the box in his jacket pocket. Lana brings him his tuxedo.

Clark: Um, there's something I have to do first.

Lana: What?

Clark: I can't tell you. Just know it's for us and our future.

Lana: Last time a guy said that to me, um, he went off to w*r.

Clark runs his hand softly down Lana's cheek.

Clark: You should go. I'll meet you there.

They kiss.

Lana: Are you sure you're all right?

Clark: Yeah. (He smiles) Go.

Lana: Okay.

Lana goes down the stairs.

Clark: Lana, I--

Lana stops about halfway down and turns around.

Lana: Yeah?

Clark: (Smiling through his pain) I just wanted to remember this moment.

Lana smiles at him and continues down the stairs. On her way out the door, she looks slightly confused. Clark watches her go, taking a breath as the weight of the situation is evident on his face. He takes the box out of his jacket and continues to gaze longingly in the direction of the door.

Fade to black.

Act 3 Scene 1

The wedding chapel is full of seated guests. Day. Lex looks at his watch and goes to Martha and Jonathan who are seated in the front.

Lex: Any word on Clark? Helen's already circled the church five times.

Martha: He was coming with Lana.

Martha turns around and sees Lana coming up the aisle. She comes to them and leans over the pew.

Jonathan: Lana, where's Clark?

Lana: He said he had something to do. It seemed important.

Martha turns to Jonathan, worried. They both stand up.

Lex: Mr. Kent.

Jonathan: I'm sorry, Lex. It looks like you're gonna have to start your wedding without your best man.

Lex: We can wait.

Jonathan: Hey, don't worry about Clark. You have far more important things to do here. Good luck.

Jonathan and Martha leave.

Act 3 Scene 2

Clark comes out of the loft just as Chloe is driving up. Day. He check his watch and it's 11:50.

Chloe: (Getting out the car) Hey, Clark, I'm glad I caught you before the wedding.

Clark: Chloe, what are you doing here?

Chloe: Is everything okay? I mean, I heard you were looking for me.

Clark: Yeah, um, I was, but... (He looks out toward the storm cellar) I can't talk to you right now.

He starts pushing her back to her car.

Chloe: What are you doing?

Clark: Look, I promise I'll find you later.

Chloe: Clark, I--

Clark: Don't worry. I'll find you, okay?

Clark starts to walk away and Chloe stands at her car, watching him.

Chloe: So how'd you decide? Rock-paper-scissors, coin toss, or did you just happen to draw the short straw?

Clark: Decide?

Chloe: (Walking toward him) Who was gonna tell me that you and Lana are together.

Clark: You know?

Chloe: Yeah. I came over to the barn the other night to warn you about something.

Clark: About what?

Chloe: You know, it doesn't matter now. The point is I saw you and Lana in a major lip lock.

Clark: I-I didn't mean--

Chloe: (Getting angry) Didn't what, Clark? Newsflash. You've always been in love with Lana. I tried to deny it, thinking that maybe we could work something out, but it's like fate, Clark. Inevitable, but always surprising when it actually happens.

Clark: I was gonna tell you.

Chloe: Really? Because obviously it was on the top of your to-do list. You know, I can deal with the fact that you guys are together. It hurts, but I was prepared for it. But we just made a promise to be honest with each other, and you didn't have the guts to keep you word!

Clark: Chloe--

Chloe: Or was it just that it was too much fun making a fool of me that you couldn't reveal your secret? (She starts walking to her car) Have a nice life, Clark.

Clark watches her drive away. Then he runs in the opposite direction.

Act 3 Scene 3

The Wedding March plays in the chapel and everyone is standing as Helen walks up the aisle in her white wedding dress. Day. She smiles at Lex and he smiles in return. She gets near the front and Lana is watching her, smiling but worried.

CUT TO Jonathan and Martha speeding home in the truck, clearly worried.

CUT TO Clark opening the door of the storm cellar. He grips the key box tightly and goes down the stairs. He approaches the ship, bathed in the foreboding blue light of the cellar, and holds the box in front of him. He takes a view breaths to prepare himself as he shifts back and forth on his feet and nods his head. Then he squeezes the box in his hands, crushing it, and revealing the Kryptonite key which immediately begins to glow and cause him pain.

Clark gasps a few times before falling to his knees. He is moving the key toward the groove in the ship with his right hand, which is already so weak that he has to hold it up with his left hand. The veins in his hand are a dark green and so prominent that they look like they are above the skin. Shaking, he slowly moves the key closer and closer to the groove, grunting as he finally gets it in and falls back onto the ground.

Immediately the surface of the ship starts to fester and burn in all directions from the key, accompanied by a sound of scraping metal. Clark crawls farther away as the ship continues to burn, rising jerkily into the air. Clark watches from the ground. The ship is trembling in midair, the burning surfaces sending out a green glow that fills the cellar as the screeching sound of the metal gets louder. The ship's shaking gets more and more violent until it disappears in a flash of white light.

Outside we see the door of the storm cellar sink into the ground and inside there is another burst of white light. It sh**t out the door and straight into the sky and then sends out a ring of white energy expanding outward from the hole in the ground.

We see Jonathan and Martha driving, nearly home. They see the huge ring of energy, taller than a nearby telephone pole, shining and transparent, coming straight for them.

Martha: Aaah!

Jonathan swerves to avoid it and ends up driving into a field as sparks shower down from the telephone pole. The truck tips over and rolls several times, landing upside down.

CUT TO Lex's limo driving onto the airport runway. Lex and Helen get out smiling, and jog over to the LuthorCorp jet where a security officer is waiting outside the open door of the plane.

Man: Mr. and Mrs. Luthor, welcome aboard. It'll be a couple of minutes before we can take off. The tower's generator just kicked in. Seems the whole county suffered some sort of power failure.

Lex: Good. It'll mask our get away.

Lex gives the officer a playful slap on the shoulder and gets on the plane

CUT TO Clark lying on the ground, covered in rubble. He coughs and starts to sit up, pushing a plank of wood off his stomach. His shirt is shredded into rags, the sleeves almost completely gone. His face and hair are smeared with dirt. He finally gets to his feet and looks around, stumbling as he is slightly off balance. The angle widens and we see that he is in what is left of the storm cellar: a giant crater in the ground. The stairs up to ground level are the only recognizable feature remaining.

Clark runs up the stairs and trips at the top, falling onto his face. He gets up and looks into the distance where he sees Jonathan's red truck upside down in the field near the barn. He super speeds over to it.

CUT TO the LuthorCorp jet. We can hear the engines powering up as Lex sits across from Helen in the lavish plane. She has two glasses of champagne, one of which she hands to him. He takes her hand.

Lex: (Toasting) To our new life.

Helen smiles timidly, not responding.

Lex: What's the matter?

Helen: Nothing. Everything's perfect.

They clink their glasses together and sip their champagne.

Act 3 Scene 4

Jonathan stands outside a hospital room where Martha is unconscious. Day. Three different doctors are taking care of her as Jonathan watches through the window. Clark enters the hallway behind him.

Clark: How is she?

Jonathan: (Quiet) Doctors don't know yet. (Pause) What did you do, Clark?

Clark: I stole Lionel's Kryptonite key. I put it in the ship.

Jonathan: (Walking away from the window, behind Clark) And why did you do that?

Clark: Dad, I lied about the voice. (He turns to face Jonathan who is leaning against the opposite wall, facing away from Clark) It did come back. It told me I had to leave by noon. I didn't have a choice, Dad. I had to destroy the ship.

Jonathan: (Holding back tears) Why didn't you tell us?

Clark: I knew you wouldn't agree with what I did. Dad, I didn't want it to take me away from you. I'm so sorry for what I did.

Jonathan: (Turns to Clark, angry) Your actions have consequences, Clark. Didn't your mother and I ever teach you that?

Clark: Yes, but--

Jonathan: There's no time for excuses, Clark. It's too late. You didn't think this thing through. You had no idea what was gonna happen, and now... Now your mother is lying in a hospital bed.

The doctor comes out of Martha's room.

Doctor: Mr. Kent?

Jonathan: (Composing himself) Doctor, how is my wife?

Doctor: She has a mild concussion, but she'll be fine.

Jonathan: And how is our baby?

Doctor: I'm sorry.

Jonathan stands motionless as the doctor walks away.

Clark: Dad...

Jonathan shakes his head, unwilling to listen. He goes into Martha's hospital room and slams the door behind him. Clark stays where he is, shaken.

Fade to black.

Act 4 Scene 1

Lana walks up to the hole in the ground where the storm cellar was. Day. Clark is standing in the middle of it, a dazed expression on his face.

Lana: (Shocked) Clark, what happened? Looks like a b*mb went off. (Coming down the stairs) Where are your parents?

Clark: (Quietly, without looking at her) Hospital. They're fine. My mom lost the baby.

Lana: (Coming closer) The baby?

Clark: This is all my fault, Lana. I did this.

Lana: How could you do this?

Clark: The same way I always do. I bring pain and suffering to everyone's lives.

Lana: Clark, that's not true.

Clark: Yes, Lana, it is. Lana, I've kept so much from you. If you knew the truth, you'd never talk to me again.

Lana: I don't believe that.

Clark: (His eyes fill with tears) I tried to cover up my past and push it away. I-I couldn't. (He paces around aimlessly) He said if I didn't go, everyone I love would be hurt. He was right.

Lana: (Coming closer) Clark, you're in shock. You're not making any--

Clark: (Pulling away) No, Lana, stay from me. Stay away from me before I hurt you too.

Clark runs up the stairs and away from the hole, leaving Lana confused and upset.

Act 4 Scene 2

Lionel pours a cup of tea for a guest in Lex's study. Day. The guest picks up the tea and sips it, but we can't see who it is.

Lionel: I'm glad you finally decided to accept my offer. You know, don't you, you have a very exciting future ahead of you, Miss Sullivan.

We see that he is talking to Chloe.

Chloe: Well, opportunities like this aren't dropped on your doorstep every day.

Lionel: Why the sudden change of heart?

Chloe: You were right about Clark. He wasn't who I thought he was.

Lionel: (Unsurprised) Oh.

Chloe: I'm surprised I hadn't noticed earlier. So much for my crack journalistic instinct.

Lionel: No, no, love has a way of blinding even the sharpest minds. We don't look because we don't want to see. But once love has been stripped away, then we see the real person clearly. They're revealed to us with all their flaws, their foibles, and their secrets.

Chloe blinks, only the slightest bit of nervousness showing on her face. Lionel looks at his watch.

Lionel: Oh, I've got a meeting. I'm sorry to rush you out like this.

Chloe: (Standing) It's fine.

Lionel starts to walk Chloe to the door and she stops.

Chloe: Mr. Luthor? Why are you so interested in Clark?

Lionel: (Chuckles) You don't expect me to show you all my cards, now do you?

Chloe: No, I guess not.

Lionel walks her to the door and opens it for her.

Lionel: All will be revealed in good time, Miss Sullivan.

Chloe: (Smiling) Thank you, Mr. Luthor.

Lionel chuckles good-naturedly and Chloe leaves. Once he closes the door, Lionel takes a silver LuthorCorp envelope out of his jacket pocket, seemingly the same envelope he tried to give to Helen. He holds it in his hand, contemplating.

Act 4 Scene 3

Clark walks to the window of Martha's hospital room. Day. Inside Martha is sobbing as Jonathan holds her in his arms.

Jonathan: I'm here, sweetheart. I'm here.

Clark touches his hand to the window, his own heartbreak showing on his face.

CUT TO Clark walking down the empty hall at school. He enters the Torch and goes to Chloe's desk, opening a drawer. He pulls it all the way out to look through it, then throws it on the ground and moves on to the next one. Pete enters.

Pete: Clark. I've been looking all over for you. I heard what happened.

Clark: (Still pulling out drawers) What, are you here to tell me I screwed up in some major way?

Pete: No. Hey, listen, I'm sorry and I want to help.

Clark: It's too late for that, Pete. No one can help me now.

Clark moves on to the other desk and keeps searching frantically.

Pete: Clark, what are you looking for?

Clark: I know Chloe kept one of those red Kryptonite rings around here somewhere.

Pete: Yeah, well, what do you want it for? You know what it does to you.

Clark: Yeah. It makes me feel better.

Pete: That's not the answer, Clark.

Clark keeps looking.

Pete: I saw Lana. I heard what happened to your mom's baby. Clark, you need to talk to your folks.

Clark: (Finally turning to face Pete) I did talk to my parents, Pete! You should have seen the way my dad looked at me. It was like I was an alien. If I'd have done what I should've in the beginning, none of this would have happened.

Clark glances at the floor and sees a small ring box under the desk among the other things he had emptied out of the drawers. He kneels down to pick it up and opens it, revealing the red Kryptonite class ring. He starts to leave and Pete stops him.

Pete: Clark, don't do it. When you put that ring on, you're not yourself.

Clark: Exactly what I don't want to be right now, Pete.

Clark pushes Pete out of the way and walks out the door. Pete comes after him.

Pete: Clark!

Pete shakes his head, discouraged.

Act 4 Scene 4

Clark walks a motorcycle out onto the dirt road outside his house. Day. Lana walks up, worried.

Lana: Clark, where are you going?

Clark walks away from the motorcycle and grabs his leather jacket from a bale of hay where it is resting.

Clark: Away from here.

Lana: The Clark Kent I know wouldn't run away from his problems.

Clark: (Putting on his jacket and going back to the motorcycle) The Clark Kent you know is a lie.

Lana: Why won't you let me in?

Clark: Because, Lana, you won't like what you see.

Lana comes to his side and grabs his arm, turning him around to face her.

Lana: I am not giving up on you.

Clark: No on can save me. Not even you.

Lana: (Starting to cry) Your parents need you. (Whispered as a tear rolls down her cheek) I need you.

Clark looks away painfully. Lana pulls his face back to her.

Lana: I love you, Clark.

Clark: I love you, too... more than you'll ever know. That's why I have to leave.

He turns away from her and pulls the ring out of his pocket. He sits down on the motorcycle and puts the ring on, the red in his veins crawling up his arm and his eyes glow red briefly. He takes a breath, almost relieved as the pain leaves his features, and turns to Lana.

Clark: Come with me.

Lana: Smallville's my home. It's your home too.

Clark shakes his head and puts on his sunglasses.

Clark: Not anymore.

He starts the motorcycle and speeds away, leaving Lana alone and in tears in the middle of the dirt road.

Act 4 Scene 5

We see the LuthorCorp Jet flying through dense clouds in the middle of a turbulent thunderstorm. Night. Inside, Lex is unconscious in his seat. Lightning flashes a few times and he slowly wakes up.

Lex: (Looking around) Helen?

Thunder crashes and Lex stands up. We can see the emergency oxygen masks hanging from the ceiling. The hum of the engines stops as they completely lose power, causing the plane to jerk. Lex grabs onto a seat to keep his balance.

Lex: Helen?!

Lex walks toward the front of the plane, the turbulence becoming more violent as he goes and he nearly loses his balance several times. He steadies himself in the doorway right in front of the cockpit. Then he lunges for the cockpit door and opens it. He freezes in fear at what he sees.

The cockpit is empty. The control panel has been torn apart, wires hanging down, and sparks flying everywhere. Through the front window, we can see the water of the ocean getting closer as the plane nosedives. Lex's eyes widen. The plane gets closer and closer until it finally hits, and the water crashes in through the windshield.

CUT TO Clark speeding down a country road on the motorcycle, an expression of fierce determination on his face. We hear the voice of Jor-El.

Jor-El: You will obey me, Kal-El.

Clark keeps going down the long straight road of Smallville toward the skyscrapers of Metropolis, just barely visible on the horizon.

Fade to black.

This Episode of Smallville featured music by:

"Strange & Beautiful (I'll Put a Spell on You)" by Aqualung

"High On Sunshine" by Kelly Brock

"Take Me Away" by Lifehouse

"w*apon" by Matthew Good

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Transcribed by: Kerrplop
{"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "02x23 - Exodus"}