Original subtitles

Clark?

Lois, I got your message.

What's going on?

Why are we here?

I needed to see you.

I wanted a chance to say goodbye.

Goodbye? What are you... Lois?

Lois?

Love you.

Couldn't sleep.

What are you doing?

Paperwork, insurance forms, bank signature cards.

Thought filling out all these triplicate forms would put me right back to sleep,

but you know what?

I kind of like it.

I get a kick out of checking the married box.

Hmm.

Plus, I never had a beneficiary before.

You know, in the event of death.

Connie, you can do this later.

I'm just thinking about the future.

Well, the future can wait.

Come on.

I'll help you get back to sleep.

Or not.

You're probably right.

The future's overrated anyway.

Couldn't possibly get any better than that.

Let's go over it one more time.

Can we move this along? I'm breaking out this morning.

Yes.

You believe that a peacekeeper from the future will be arriving on this date

to... Extradite me back to the future to face punishment for crimes I've

committed in various time zones.

So I gather you still believe you're from the future.

Duh. And that you were first brought to this century by science fiction writer H

.G. Wells in a time machine of his own invention.

A real brain twist, isn't it?

And using this time machine, you tried to kill the infant Superman.

In the early 60s, yes.

I see.

And your assertion that Superman has a secret identity?

I stand by it. And that secret identity is?

I'd tell you, but you'd think I was nuts.

Mr. Tempest, assuming this is all true, why would you admit it to me?

Because you are, in a word, Looney Tunes.

Looney Tunes is two words.

Not if you say it fast.

So, how can you be so sure this peacekeeper guy is going to show?

Because I'm from the future.

I know what's going to happen.

Kind of how I knew this was going to happen.

Soon I'll have everything I want.

World conquest.

And as a bonus, the destruction of Superman.

Ah, right on time.

Citizen Tempest, I am Andrus, Utopian Peacekeeper.

No. Really?

I have a warrant for your extradition.

I will recite from the list of charges.

Crimes against humanity.

Vicious deeds. Blatant disregard for human life. Blah, blah, blah. Can we go?

I leave in your place this replicant.

Synthetic tempest.

Who shall keep the people of this primitive time from asking questions

left unanswered.

Oh, God.

It's starting to come back.

They all talk like you in the future, don't they?

Well, let's get this over.

Well, look what's there. What, what?

Oh!

We appreciate the Daily Planet's endorsement, Perry.

It's going to go a long way for us at the polls.

Like you need it, Mr. President.

Your approval rating's higher than a cat's back. You're a shoe -in. Oh, I

say shoe -in, my friend.

No chance Superman might be around. Is there white?

You know he's a friend of the planet. I sure would like to get a photo with him.

I think it's a safe bet that Superman would prefer to stay out of partisan

politics, Mr. President.

A wise policy, Lois.

Mr. President, what are your thoughts on this third -party writing candidate,

John Doe?

John Doe?

Some ad man's idea of a joke. The election's tomorrow and still nobody's

the guy?

No, the mysterious John Doe doesn't worry me, Mr. Kent.

Thank you. Well, we are off to dedicate a mini -mall.

But I'll tell you what.

Lois, Clark, I've got an exclusive for the two of you. You'll sit with us

election night. Watch the returns come in.

We'll order a pizza. Sounds great, Mr. President. No anchovies.

I promise.

Well, this is the most uneventful election year in my memory.

Things don't pick up. We're going to be doing restaurant reviews.

Still, I can't help but wonder who this John Doe really is.

This area is restricted.

As well it should be.

Do you realize that this satellite relay station has uplinked every major long

-distance phone carrier in the country?

What is that thing?

It's a subliminator.

A what?

It's a device that will be invented in the late 25th century and subsequently

outlawed. I borrowed mine from a museum in the 26th century. Well, or I stole it

then. What are you talking about?

What I'm talking about?

It's power.

With this device, I can implant subliminal messages into the feeble

masses, thereby controlling the collective will.

Is that enough exposition for you, or shall I go on?

I'm calling the police.

Don't move.

This is for Malcolm, the security guard.

The security alert was triggered by a rodent.

Yeah, Carl?

Malcolm?

No.

No, nothing up here.

Must have been another rat.

Malcolm, you will go to the window.

At exactly 12 noon, you will be overcome by an irresistible urge to take a

flying leap out of that window.

Gotta go.

Gonna jump to my death soon.

Bye -bye.

Guys, I just heard. That is so cool. You're getting to be with the president

election night.

I guess that means you'll be invited to the big victory party afterwards?

Probably. I think so.

Hottest ticket in town. You know, I've always been a big supporter of the

president. Oh, yeah.

His daughter's pretty cute, isn't she?

Total Betty.

Would you like us to see if we can get you invited?

Thank you. I love women raised around politics. They're just so earnest, you

know.

Oh, Lois, here's that book you wanted.

Oh, thanks.

Thanks, Jimmy.

Do it yourself.

Last will and testament.

Sweetheart, is there something you'd like to share?

No, just after redoing my insurance papers last night, I realized I hadn't

will made out.

That's because you don't need a will.

Well, this year alone, I have been shot at.

strapped to explosives and electrocuted. If anyone needs a will made out, it's

me.

No!

This really bothers you, doesn't it?

Yeah.

Well, honey, I know it's unpleasant, but...

It's really just one of those things that you do, like paying your taxes. I

mean, it doesn't mean that I... Somebody needs help.

Superman, what happened?

You jumped.

Yeah, yeah.

I did.

Wow. I didn't mean to.

Sir, are you on any sort of medication?

What? No.

Uh -uh. But you say you didn't mean to jump. No.

Actually, I guess I did.

Okay. Why would you do that? Well, it just seemed like the thing to do.

Train derailment.

You promise you'll use the stairs from now on? Oh, I swear.

Oh, Superman.

Thanks. Sure.

Attention, all registered voters.

John Doe is a darn nice guy.

John Doe is a darn nice guy.

The devil is here.

He walks among us.

I saw him myself.

to a porthole from hell why don't you listen to me

it

took a little longer than i thought someone tried to jump off a

satellite station then a train derailed Is anyone working on this story? I'm on

it, Chief.

Well, work faster. I want an exclusive on this. I want to find out what makes

this man tick, what he stands for. And most of all, why is he such a darn nice

guy?

What is he talking about?

John Doe.

Uh, hi, Benny. What do you got for me?

John Doe?

What do you mean there's no number to the campaign headquarters?

You gotta do better than that.

John Doe shot up several points in the polls while you were gone.

While I was gone? What?

This morning, everybody thought John Doe was a joke.

You shouldn't say that about John Doe, C .K. I mean, he's such a darn nice guy.

Darn nice guy? What? Thanks, Benny. I knew you'd come through.

Let's go.

I got a tip that he's staying at the Metropolis Regent Hotel.

It's exciting, isn't it?

I don't get it.

What's that to get? John Doe's campaign of catching fire. His message is

resonating with the people. It cuts across all barriers. Message? Lois, what

message?

Well...

Yeah. No, I don't.

No one's even seen this guy, let alone heard any message. Lois, why are you

suddenly so... Why is everyone suddenly so taken with a candidate they know

nothing about? Well, I'm not taken. I'm still a Garner supporter. But you have

to admit, John Doe really is... What, a darn nice guy?

Yeah.

Oh, there he is.

Oh, there he is.

Oh, he really...

Tempest. Fascinating case.

Sociopath. Totally.

Thinks he's from the future.

Arrested for bank robbery. Brought here ranting about Superman.

Claims the Man of Steel has a secret identity and that he knows what it is.

He didn't happen to get specific.

No. Say the most outrageous things, but that's one bit of information he refuses

to divulge. Don't ask me why.

The mind of the paranoid delusional is a complex thing indeed.

When did you first notice that he was missing?

Missing?

He's not missing.

He's not?

No.

He's here.

He's here?

Yes, as a matter of fact, we just finished a session about an hour ago. I

great hope he finally seems to be responding to therapy.

Tempest, you have visitors. Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

Star reporters for the Daily Planet.

Tempest.

You know why you're here?

Yes, I do.

Dr. Dussel explained it to me. I'm deeply disturbed.

I've lost my identity, the result of a traumatic event.

I've fashioned a romantic alter ego for myself.

Assuming this role allows me to avoid dealing with painful childhood issues.

What about Superman?

Superman?

Clearly, I've projected my own identity issues onto Superman.

I'm learning that now.

You win some, you lose some.

Excuse me.

Now, Mr. Barrett, you know there are no windows here.

I suppose John Doe could be a present -day ancestor of Tempest. That could

account for the likeness. Well, let's forget John Doe for a minute.

Whoever was in there was not Tempest.

How can you be so sure?

He didn't have it in the eyes.

Have what?

Evil.

So that wasn't Tempest, but you're sure John Doe is?

Just put me in a room with him.

I'll know.

Randall!

Rising in the polls everywhere except these small pocket communities. Why is

that? Uh, Mr. Doe, those would be, um, Amish communities, sir.

So, have you done your get -out -the -vote phone drive?

The Amish don't have telephones, sir.

No telephones?

No, sir. Sir, there are some reporters outside to see you. Well, of course

are, Randolph.

Yes, sir, but there are a couple of particular reporters.

Lane and Kent? You wanted to know if they showed up?

Yes. Good.

Bring them in.

Yes, sir.

The Amish are not your friends.

They are anti -John Doe.

Boycott their quilts. They're overpriced, and the workmanship is

Oh, and John Doe is a darn nice guy.

Welcome. I'm John Doe.

You don't mind if my aide sits in?

We were a little surprised when you agreed to see us, Mr. Doe.

Oh? Why is that?

Uh... Well, there has been a complete media blackout on your campaign.

This is actually the first interview you've given, isn't it? Well, I've just

been waiting for the right journalists.

Someone who wouldn't misquote or misrepresent me.

I've read your work.

I think we stand for the same things.

Yes.

What is it you do stand for, exactly?

Oh, you know.

The usual.

Uh -huh.

Well, maybe you could give us a little more on your background, where you're

from, have you ever held public office before? Because, see, we looked and,

well, we weren't really able to find anything.

No skeletons in the closet?

No closet.

Well, I've kept a low profile.

Well, then you must be equally surprised by your sudden surge in popularity,

given that nobody really knows anything about you.

Ain't America great?

You just tell your readers that when John Doe becomes complete and absolute

democratically elected public servant, their lives will vastly improve.

Mr. Doe, has anyone ever told you that you bear a striking resemblance to

someone else?

Just who else would I look like, Mr. Kent?

A nihilistic sociopath from the future who will stop at nothing to quench his

bitter thirst for power?

For example.

It is said we all have a twin someplace in the world.

Why, Mr. Kent, without those glasses, I'd say you'd look exactly like...

Well, duh.

I'm sure you get my meaning.

Oh, yeah.

I get your meaning.

Good.

Then we're clear.

If you'll excuse me, I have babies to kiss.

My God, Clark.

It is him.

He practically came right out and admitted it. Not practically, Lois.

exactly what he did.

We've got to figure out how he's doing this, how he's swaying public opinion.

He's not swaying public opinion. He is getting into people's heads. I know two

things for sure. Tempest is evil and has to be stopped, and John Doe is a darn

nice guy. Wait, wait.

You still believe that?

No. No, but it's in my head. He put it in my head, just like he put it into

everybody else's head. Only the difference is I know who Tempest is and

he's capable of. Yeah, and he knows who I am.

He must have known you wouldn't be affected, and that's why he allowed us

speak to him. It was a warning.

No, it was a challenge.

What are we going to do?

Stop it.

Just hearing the name John Doe gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Now, what is it, Randolph?

Well, Andrus, what a surprise.

How'd you get past my secret service detail?

The minds of these primitives are easily manipulated.

But I see you've already discovered that. And on a much larger scale.

Oh, well.

It was fun while it lasted. Catch me if you can.

After your escape, the peacekeepers erased the code on that window you

It's worthless.

You won't be fleeing into any more time periods.

Oh, no?

I rather doubt you got back here by subway, Andrus.

It won't work, Tempus. We've taken precautions this time. The window I

been coded so only I may operate it.

In truth, if you were even to touch it while in operation, it would break

spinning you into eternity.

Which is probably where you belong, anyway.

And you wonder why you never get asked out.

Come, we return for your trial.

I don't think so.

Tempus, I speak to you as a fellow utopian.

Return with me now and make amends for your crimes.

And save what is left of your soul.

Funny. No matter how you pretty it up, it still sounds like prison to me.

Send in my photographer.

Congratulations,

Andrus. You've just become my running mate. I wonder what the folks back home

will think of you now.

Smile, please.

Right -hand man in the most ruthless, barbaric, and oppressive regime the

has known.

Or will know.

Lock him up.

I

don't

know, Dr. Klein.

Do you think there could be something in the water that's making people

susceptible to John Doe's charms?

Oh, you think so?

Oh, you think John Doe is so charming.

I see.

Thanks.

Well, he was no help.

Neither are these scientific journals.

While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that subliminal suggestions work

and they're used to some extent, there is nothing along the lines of what we're

seeing with John Doe.

Hmm.

What? I don't know. When you said that name, John Doe, I got this...

Warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

But that's not good, is it?

Mm -mm.

It's Tempest.

It's Tempest. Better.

Tempest.

Tempest must have gotten out of that asylum somehow.

Maybe he didn't use the door.

What do you mean?

Well, he's a time traveler.

Maybe he was using time.

Maybe he went forwards or backwards and then just...

somehow ended up in Metropolis.

I suppose anything's possible.

Maybe whatever he's using to manipulate the public hasn't even been invented

yet. Message for you, C .K.

Thanks, Jimmy.

Jimmy! Hey, we got you invited to Garner's victory party tomorrow night.

Oh, uh... Actually, I'm going to the John Doe rave at Club L7.

Yeah, but I thought you... Come on, C .K., a victory party for President

Like he's gonna win?

John Doe's polls just keep rising.

We're no closer to proving fraud or anything else for that matter.

John Doe is the devil!

He came into this sphere through a porthole from hell!

I saw it myself!

They came through the devil's window!

Through the window!

John Doe is not nice!

Mr. President?

Lois, Clark, come on in.

You got the message that the victory celebration moved, I take it?

There was a sign on the ballroom door. A lot of last -minute cancellations.

Didn't see the point in renting that huge hall if it was just going to be us

diehards.

Where's your wife and daughter?

At the John Doe bash over at Club L7.

Mr. President, we need to talk.

With 80 % of the precincts reporting, it looks as if John Doe is going to take

Manhattan. Damn, I can't believe it. He took Manhattan.

Mr.

President, we have reason to believe that John Doe is... A darn nice guy.

I can't disagree.

Hell, even I voted for him.

You what?

Well, I was in the voting booth this morning. Now, I meant to vote for

but I thought about John Doe, and, well, I just felt I had to vote for him.

But LNN is predicting the projected winner.

and the next president of the United States of America, John Doe.

Yeah! Way to go!

Wait a minute.

That means I lost.

administration doesn't officially take power for a few months, I wanted to let

the people know that we're going to make the transition as painless as possible.

I'm already working with President Garner on this.

My greatest hope is that the former supporters of President Garner will join

with me in making this country great again.

Again?

Like back in the days of slavery.

In particular, Superman.

Superman, if you're listening,

I want you to know that I hope we can find a place for you in the Doe

administration.

Once all citizens are working through the proper channels, especially well

-meaning but lawless vigilantes such as yourself, well, the world will be a

safer and more ordered place.

I hope you can understand that.

And if you can't, I mean, can't, well, we'll just have to figure

out something else.

That's all for today.

Thank you.

Clark, he said your name.

I know.

I know this isn't our usual approach, but I say you go over there and kick his

skinny butt.

I would love to.

Honey, you know Superman can't just go beat up the president -elect.

Why not?

Lois. He's dangerous.

I know.

He's also the most popular man in the country right now.

Elected by a landslide. We have to be very, very smart about this.

Tempest.

President of the United States. What a nightmare.

Lois.

I've been having... There's a robbery going down right now.

Do me a favor. Stay here. Lock the doors. Don't go anywhere.

Look. Honey, just do it. I got a funny feeling.

Going somewhere, boys?

Take care of them.

They're all yours, officer.

Wait.

What's going on?

If you didn't read them, they're Miranda rights, did you, Superman?

No, I didn't. I never do. You guys always do that. You can't just let them

out of here. I caught them in the act.

That's your word against theirs, I'm afraid, Superman.

What? They have guns and ski masks and... The Constitution allows them the

to bear arms.

And the last time I heard, skiing was still legal. Excuse me, Superman.

I'm Smithers. I'm with the FAA.

Is that you flying overhead a few minutes ago?

What? Yeah.

Mm -hmm. I need to see your license.

My what?

Your license to fly.

You do have one.

No, I don't. Superman, Agent Fowler, IRS.

We've been trying to contact you. We need your social security number.

I don't have one.

Everyone has a social security number.

Well, I don't.

I get that explains why we can't locate any of your tax returns. It doesn't

appear you've actually ever filed.

That can't be, can it?

Superman, a tax dodger?

Should we be looking under S for super or M for man? Superman, Emily Stevens

with immigration and naturalization. We just need a quick look at your green

card. Green card.

You are an alien, are you not?

Superman, I'm afraid until we get this cleared up, I'm going to have to ground

you.

Tempest set the whole thing up.

In less than 24 hours after the election, he's already insinuated

deeply into the system.

We have to bring him down before the inauguration. Once he has access to the

highest levels of government... I may have something.

What? Last night, a homeless man was shot and killed.

How does that tie in?

His name was Terrence Rutherford. But here's what's interesting.

In the last couple of days, there have been a lot of complaints against him for

disturbing the peace.

It seems he was in the streets ranting against John Doe.

So Tempest hasn't gotten to everyone.

Exactly. But there's more.

Witnesses claim that he was saying John Doe came in through the window.

That sounds familiar.

Remember that inmate at the asylum?

The one who was ranting? He was saying that they went out the window.

I think there's a connection.

We've got to talk to this inmate. Find out exactly what he saw.

He doesn't sleep, just sits there all night with his eyes open watching me.

How long has he been doing that? Ever since they made the switch.

The switch?

Yeah, one's a fake. I don't think he's even human.

How do you know?

Well, I saw the whole thing. The window appeared right there, just like he said

it would.

Who said it would?

Tempest. And that other guy, that peacekeeper, he's the one that made the

switch. Someone came back for Tempest.

And Tempest busted loose.

But no one believes me. They think I'm nuts.

But I'm not nuts.

I'm Superman.

Good.

This one.

Ooh.

They're starting to ask about you, Andrus.

Everybody wants to meet the new vice president -elect.

I don't know how much longer I can put them off.

You might want to consider giving me the code to that window.

Then we can put an end to all this unpleasantness.

You are a true force for evil, Tempest.

Oh, you're just saying that because I've got you tied to a chair and I'm about

to plunge the world into a thousand years of darkness.

You won't get away with this. Men of greater character will conspire to stop

you.

Or not.

If you don't allow Superman to do his good work, Utopia will never come about.

But I'm creating a new Utopia, Andrus. One that suits my own unique

sensibilities. Great men aren't so easily neutralized, Tempest.

You know, you're right.

History has taught us nothing else. It's taught us this.

Never invade Russia, and don't underestimate the power of Superman's

goodness.

It'll need a little more convincing if he's to cooperate fully.

And I know just where to hit him hardest for maximum effect.

This one goes out to Lois Lane.

Lois Lane?

Hello?

No, I can't hear you.

It's a really bad connection.

I'll meet you outside.

Yeah?

Hello?

Do you remember anything else?

What did this peacekeeper look like?

Oh, that's easy. He's right there.

The vice president -elect? That's who came for Tempest?

Oh, thanks.

Oh, you know, I could break out of here any time I wanted, but then they'd know

I was Superman.

So I'd just stay locked up.

Clever, huh?

Very

Superman,

what happened?

You just drove the car off the cliff.

I did.

I did.

Lois, why?

I don't know. I... It just seemed... Seemed like the thing to do?

Exactly.

Are you okay, Dad? Yeah.

Yeah, get out of here.

And see about hiring some painters for the White House. I despise the color.

Well, Superman, you patriotic thing, you. Come on in.

Should I call for the Secret Service, Mr. President -elect?

No, Randolph.

He won't harm me.

See,

Randolph, that's something you must learn about superheroes.

No matter which way they turn, they're constantly bumping into their own

I'm going to bring you down, Tempus.

Who's Tempus?

You've gone too far this time.

What are you going to do?

Impeach me?

I'll do whatever's necessary.

You might want to reconsider cooperating with the new administration, Superman.

One never knows when one's wife will drive her car off a cliff.

Does one?

This is a warning.

You stay away from her, or I promise you, you will see my ethics disappear.

That was outrageous. That man is history.

Uh, sir.

Actually, not for long, Randolph.

Soon I'll be history.

And Superman will be nothing more than a freakish footnote.

I don't think he's going to agree to cooperate with you, sir.

I know that, you imbecile.

Okay.

I'm going out for a while.

Unlock the vice president -elect's door.

When he tries to escape, let him.

It's totally understandable. The man tried to kill your wife. And considering

I'm your wife, I'm not sorry you did.

No, that's not what I mean. I mean, I let him see my anger.

My fear.

Your fear?

Most when I came outside and you weren't there.

What?

I've been having these dreams.

Nightmares.

About losing you.

They're just dreams.

Tempest is in them.

And I started having them before all this started.

You were dreaming about Tempest before John Doe showed up?

I didn't realize it was him at first.

Until just recently. But he has always been there in the shadows.

You just turned that figure in your dream into Tempest when he reemerged,

all. No.

It was always him.

ever lost you.

I'd be losing myself.

I'm right here.

Clark Kent?

Oh, my God, you're... My name is Andrus. I'm from the future, and I need your

help.

My world is extraordinary.

A true utopia.

The world your love made possible.

If it weren't for you, there would be no utopia.

Men of peace, such as myself, wouldn't exist as leaders.

But now both our worlds are in danger.

Yours and mine.

We'll do whatever we can to help.

Good.

Will you come with me to the future, Superman?

Help return Tempest to justice.

Once Tempest is delivered to justice, your husband will return here, of

I'll be waiting.

Best not to do this out in the open.

I don't think we'll have any trouble getting inside.

Hello? Miss Lane?

This is Dr.

Dussel at the asylum. You asked me to call if there was any change in

condition.

Well, there has been.

He's escaped.

Escaped? Yes.

He was here.

Who? Who was there?

President -elect Dow.

What? Yes.

He broke in here.

He was armed, Miss Lane. He took Tempest with him. And to think I voted for the

man. You know, it's odd, but he does look strikingly like Tempest.

I'm amazed I didn't notice it before.

It's over, Tempest.

Is it?

Walk through or be dragged through. Makes no difference to me.

Either way, you're going back.

Have you nothing to say? No remorse?

What would you have me say?

It's just as well, Superman.

What? No!

That was the replicant!

Superman! Get out! Get out now!

Don't let her through. She should see this.

Yes, sir.

No, if he touches the window, Superman is doomed.

Lois! What?

on with the country's work.

Where is he?

Where is he?

Where is he? Where is he?

Gone. What do you mean gone?

He traveled into time without the window.

He's in eternity now.

You have to help me get him back.

I feel...

Strange. It's not unpleasant.

Everything's changing.

I no longer exist.