Smallville (2001–2011): Season 1, Episode 8 - Jitters - full transcript
Former Luthor Corp employee Earl Jenkins, and who also worked at the Kent farm, has an unknown disease that violently shakes all his body. He arrives at the Kent farm during a party Clark throws while his parents are out of town and claims that the disease developed following an explosion at his former workplace: Level 3 of Luthor's Smallville plant which was experimenting with meteor-rock laced fertilizer. Trouble is, there is no Level 3! Determined to prove his case, Earl breaks into the plant and takes a class touring the plant hostage. Lex arrives with the police and trades himself for the hostages, while Clark stays behind to try to help Lex and find out more about 'Level 3' which Lex claims to know nothing about. But Lionel apparently knows about the mysterious secret underground level when he arrives with his personal goon army determined to keep the secret experiment under wraps... at the expense of anyone, even his own son Lex.
Son of a gun!
Don't use the upstairs bathroom. It's
backed up. I have to snake the pipes.
-Where's the leftover pizza?
-Fridge, second shelf.
Or you could nuke
the chili for dinner.
Clark?
Some clue you actually heard me.
Upstairs bathroom off-limits
after nuclear chili dinner.
Glad to see your hearing
hasn't changed.
Clark, can I get
a hand out here, please?
Son, would you--?
-Sure.
-Thanks.
Sure picked one heck of a day
to snap an exhaust hanger.
I left the number of our hotel on
the nightstand. I think that's everything.
That ought to do it.
I'm definitely raising your allowance.
-lf you need anything--
-Call.
Mom, it's a couple of nights
in Metropolis. I'll be fine.
I'm sure he'll be fine.
And soon, madame, so shall we be.
I almost forgot. Sorry.
Happy anniversary.
Sweetheart, bye-bye.
Clark, thanks for the card.
Think fast!
Good night, little one.
Don't worry.
Daddy's gonna get better.
Hello?
Is someone there?
It's okay, honey. It's just thunder.
Will!
Earl? What are you doing here?
I need to see Lionel Luthor.
-I know he's here.
-Sorry, man, you know I can't let you in.
They did something to me
at his plant in Smallville.
See, that's the talk that got
yourself canned, all right?
-lf you've got a problem, get some help.
-I've tried. They can't do anything.
It's getting worse.
Please, let me in.
Earl, don't make me call security,
all right?
Just go home and dry off.
What the hell?
Earl?
What the hell you doing, Earl?!
-lf I don't get an answer, I'll die.
-No, we gotta get you to a doctor!
Look, they can't do anything.
Nobody can.
What will you do now that you're
officially home alone?
I was thinking of having
a few people over.
Do my ears deceive me or is Clark Kent
actually suggesting a party?
Small gathering. You guys,
a few other people, maybe Lana.
With or without her posable
action-figure boyfriend?
Eight o'clock.
-And remember, the keyword is "small."
-Small.
So this is what you'd call
a small gathering, right?
Do you even recognize
half these people?
Watch the glass--
Dude, I think I'm gonna hurl.
Thanks.
Pretty cool party!
Lana. Thanks.
It's kind of impromptu.
Sometimes you just have to kick back
and blow off some steam.
If I had 100 people trashing my house,
I'd be a little freaked out.
After the first few dishes,
you get used to it.
I don't think I'd be
brave enough to risk it.
I don't know, Lana.
I bet you're braver than you think.
You flying solo tonight?
You mean, what am I doing here
without Whitney?
I am capable of enjoying myself
without him.
Fireworks!
-You're full of surprises tonight, Clark.
-Tell me about it.
Clark, man, how cool is this?
Pete, why didn't you just call
the cops? It'd be easier.
I can't claim credit.
It wasn't my idea.
It was mine.
Call it a party gift.
I hope you like it.
-It's great, it's just--
-Forget the police. It's covered.
This kind of party can make
or break a reputation.
I wanted to make sure yours was a hit.
-I hear you're taking a tour of my plant.
-It's a class field trip.
-What'd you do wrong?
-It's that bad, huh?
Sorry I took so long.
Someone overflowed the bathroom.
I'm officially dead.
There's no answer.
He's fine, he's fine.
We have to trust him, Martha.
-I do, but I still worry.
-I know.
Metropolis....
Do you--? Do you miss it?
-Sometimes.
-Yeah.
But I didn't move to Smallville
for action and glamour.
I moved because a certain man
told me we'd never be rich...
...or travel the world,
but he'd always love me.
How could I pass up
an offer like that?
-Whitney, what are you doing here?
-Looking for you.
Why didn't you tell me
you were coming here?
It was kind of last-minute. I didn't
realize I needed your permission.
Lana, can we talk outside?
Oh, my gosh! Did--?
Lana, what's going on?
I told you when we got back together
that I needed some breathing room.
So you sneak off to a party
without me?
I didn't sneak. I walked.
And why are you mad at me?
Is it because it's Clark's party?
I'm starting to get the feeling
that you don't trust me.
Clark!
You better get out here.
Kent, get up here.
-Got him!
-Earl.
Back off, I know him.
Earl, what are you doing here?
I came to see your dad.
He's the only one I can trust.
He's out of town.
What's wrong with you?
I'll call an ambulance.
-This guy should be in a detox center.
-He's not on drugs, Chloe.
Then why was he shaking like a junkie?
Earl worked on the farm
for six seasons.
I spent 12 hours a day
with the guy in the fields.
He even tried to teach me how to play
guitar. He says it impresses women.
We're all a sucker for a guy
with a six-string.
How come I've never heard you play?
I kept snapping the guitar strings.
I think Earl got sick of replacing them.
Just because you spend time
with someone...
...doesn't mean you know
their darkest secrets.
-He was like family.
-Then why'd he leave?
He took a job at the LuthorCorp plant.
It was full-time,
and the pay was better.
-Where can we find Earl Jenkins?
-Exam Room 3, down the hall.
Excuse me. I'm a friend of Earl's.
Is he in some kind of trouble?
Oh, yeah.
We need help in here!
Earl!
Hi. You're home early.
We called six times last night,
spoke with six different people...
...none of whom knew who you were.
It was supposed to be
an intimate occasion.
-Clark, where have you been?
-The hospital.
-That's it. I'm never leaving home again.
-Who got hurt?
Nobody, but I found
Earl Jenkins hiding in the loft.
He was looking for you, Dad.
He's all messed up.
-What's the matter with Earl?
-I don't know. He's wanted for murder.
Earl?
What'd he say for himself?
-I couldn't get close.
-How come, the police?
No. Because when I got near him,
I got sick.
It was weird.
Every time I stood next to him,
it got worse. It's kind of like--
Like what?
It's kind of like the way I feel
around meteor fragments.
What's wrong with him?
Well, to be honest,
I haven't the faintest idea.
It's amazing his body's been able
to survive the seizures this long.
Take a look at the x-rays.
It looks like mineral poisoning,
but it's not a mineral I've seen before.
Is that why he's shaking so hard?
Mineral fragments are embedded
under his skin.
-His body is trying to push them out.
-How did they get there?
He claims there was an explosion
at the LuthorCorp plant six months ago.
-I didn't hear about that.
-That's because it didn't happen.
I pulled the plant's safety records.
I checked with OSHA and the EPA.
-Can I go in and talk to him by myself?
-Better hurry up.
Metropolis P.D. will be here any minute
to transfer him back to the city.
Thanks.
-I wanna go with you.
-No.
Listen, you said that you felt sick
when you got around him, right?
I bet what he was exposed to
has to do with those meteor rocks.
I don't want you passing out
around here.
It'd bring us a whole other set
of problems.
Jonathan.
Am I glad to see you.
Hey, look.
Clark.
Can you hear me?
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--
I'm fine. Don't worry about it.
All right, Earl, what's going on?
I can't believe you'd wanna kill anybody.
It was an accident.
I was trying to see Lionel Luthor.
-Why?
-Find out what they used on Level 3.
Earl, you're not making any sense.
When I got that job
at the Smallville plant...
...I was assigned to clean Level 3.
They were doing these
hush-hush crop experiments.
A new kind of fertilizer supposed
to make corn grow twice as fast.
There was something unstable
in that fertilizer.
There was a huge explosion.
I was cleaning at the time.
This stuff, it got under my skin.
And the next thing I know...
...they shut it all down,
and I was transferred to Metropolis.
Then two months ago,
the jitters started.
-Did you see a doctor?
-I must have seen 50.
But nobody could tell me
what was wrong.
They needed to know
what I was exposed to.
But when I went back to the plant,
they told me that Level 3 didn't exist.
That it never had.
I got to find out what they were using.
That's why I need your help.
You gotta get me out of here.
Earl, you're wanted for murder.
You don't understand. I can't control it.
I'm running out of time.
The jitters are getting worse.
It's already cost me my job,
my marriage, my baby.
I gotta get back into that plant,
or I'm gonna die.
Help me.
You get some rest, Earl.
My baby.
-Do you think he's telling the truth?
-I have no idea.
I have a field trip to LuthorCorp today.
Maybe I could look around.
I know you're worried, but Earl has
more trouble than he can handle.
And I don't even know if he's in his right
mind. So please, don't do anything.
Mommy, I don't wanna go to the doctor's.
They're gonna give me a shot.
-They're not gonna give you a shot.
-That's what you said last time.
Mommy!
Hello, everybody, I'm Gabe Sullivan,
plant manager and proud father.
-Hi, sweetheart.
-Hi, Dad.
Welcome to LuthorCorp:
"Where we give a crap."
Okay, somebody kill me now.
Little fertilizer humor there.
Before we go inside...
...I need you to remove all
your cell phones, pagers, jewelry.
Anything that jangles, dangles or rings
has to go in these plastic trays.
Any other questions?
Yes.
I heard there was a third level
to the plant. Is that true?
Yeah, yeah. That's where we do
the alien autopsies.
-I think we'd better get started.
-Don't encourage him.
This way, everybody.
All right, people,
let's stay together.
No. No. No!
This can't be. This can't be.
This can't be.
This can't be happening.
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where's the elevator?
Watch out for these babies.
260 degrees, they get hot.
All right, stay together, please.
This is it.
The plant's mission control.
100,000 tons of animal waste
to process here every year.
Trust me.
The results can be pretty explosive.
So if any of you had beans for lunch,
I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.
Among his peers,
he's considered witty.
Where's Clark?
What the heck? Excuse me.
Don't move!
Take me to Level 3.
-Dad.
-Now!
When we send our kids
on a field trip...
...we'd like to believe
that they're gonna be safe.
Lex Luthor!
Let these two in, just these two.
We'll check on
Derrick and Jeff for you.
What's going on here?
There's a lunatic inside demanding to
be taken to some place called Level 3.
We've evacuated the plant,
but he's taken the students hostage.
-Is anyone hurt?
-Not yet.
-What's his name?
-Earl Jenkins.
I know Earl Jenkins.
He used to work for us.
Well, what's he doing in my plant?
He claims that LuthorCorp is doing
some crop experiments...
...on some secret Level 3,
and that's what made him sick.
He's convinced it's the only place
he can get a cure.
We've got a serious problem
because there is no Level 3.
Where's Clark?
I swear, I don't know anything
about Level 3.
-You're lying.
-He's not lying!
I found these blueprints.
There is no Level 3.
Every night, I go down to Level 2...
...follow the red pipes
down that long hallway...
...go to the door, I open it...
...and I take the elevator down
to Level 3!
You're just like everybody else.
Get over there and you sit down!
Who's that?
My father.
-Mr. Luthor, we have a hostage situation.
-I was briefed on my way down.
Lex!
-How did you allow this to happen?
-I didn't allow--
-Then how did this man get inside?
-I think--
-You think? Why don't you know?
-Can we focus on what's important?
-We've got innocent kids in there.
-This is Jonathan Kent.
It's been a long time,
but I never forget a face.
Kent's son is inside.
They know the gunman personally.
What's your assessment
of this lunatic?
He's sick, he's desperate...
...and he blames your plant
for his condition.
This Level 3 nonsense....
I've assured everyone there is
no Level 3. That is the truth, isn't it?
Of course, it is.
People's lives are at stake.
What will you do about it?
I'm going to let SWAT
do their job.
When he makes a mistake,
they'll move in.
What about the kids?
You need to get on the phone
and talk to him!
Mrs. Kent, I understand how you feel.
I want everyone to walk out
of there alive too.
-But I do not negotiate with terrorists.
-He's not a terrorist!
He's sick and he needs help!
If you won't talk to him,
then Jonathan will!
You're not the one he blames.
Is he, Dad?
Gabe, it's Luthor.
Lionel Luthor.
Speaker.
Mr. Luthor.
I've finally got your attention,
haven't I?
Earl, why don't you come out?
We've got a lot to talk about.
Just tell me what you were
using down on Level 3.
You're sick, Earl.
Let everyone go,
we'll get you help.
-Clark!
-Are you okay?
Oh, no.
See what you made me do?
See what you made me--?
See what you made me do?
Way to go, Dad.
I see you haven't lost your touch.
The methane gas valve just broke.
The whole place is gonna go up.
-We need to do something.
-That's not a good idea.
The man's nuts. He's not listening
to the cops, and that gas is gonna blow.
-He's sick, but still strong.
-I don't want you to get hurt.
I'm not putting my life
in that man's hands.
The two of us can take him.
How about it, Clark?
I can't.
It's okay.
Whitney.
I trusted you. You told me you
were trying to help people.
What are you doing?
Get back!
It's all your fault, Luthor.
We've got shots fired,
one hostage down. Full alert.
What was he thinking?
He's a teenager who's been waiting
for someone to take the initiative.
There's a hostage situation
and a potential bomb.
-Somebody's gotta do something.
-You're right. I'm going in.
Lex, don't be foolhardy.
This is no time for mock-heroics.
You said this is my plant.
It's my call.
I won't allow it, Lex.
Don't ever do that again.
Take your positions.
Tell him Lex Luthor's coming
to see him.
-I wouldn't advise that, sir.
-Make the call.
Give me your vest.
What kind of man sends his own kid
to do his dirty work?
I'm not doing anybody's dirty work.
This is my plant.
-How is he?
-He needs a doctor.
What are we gonna do
about these kids, Earl?
I never meant to hurt anybody.
I tried talking to your father,
but he wouldn't listen to me.
I know the feeling.
Earl...
...you say that everybody's
been lying to you.
I'm gonna tell you the truth.
My father doesn't care about you.
He doesn't care about anybody
in this room.
Because if we all die,
his PR firm will spin it.
His insurance company will pay,
and you will go down as the bad guy.
I'm not the bad guy.
I'm just trying to get better.
How are you gonna get better
by killing a bunch of kids?
If you let everybody go,
I'll take you to Level 3.
You stop lying.
Let them go,
and I'll show you where it is.
Earl, trust me. I'm a man of my word.
Get out.
Get out. Get out! Everybody, get out!
-Do you really know where it is?
-Yeah, it's in his imagination.
There is no Level 3, Clark.
Now, get out of here.
Clark.
Come on.
Come on, man, let's go!
-Come on, keep moving!
-This way, kids. This way.
The kids are coming out.
-Oh, Jonathan!
-Come on. They'll come out over here.
We need to bring down the fire doors.
The gas levels are too high.
Your son will be sealed inside.
I'm sorry, sir.
Do it.
-Come on, man, we gotta go!
-Don't worry about me!
-Pete.
-Whitney, did you see Clark?
Hey, Pete.
Where's Clark?
He's back inside, Mrs. Kent.
I tried to stop him. I'm sorry--
You have to open the doors.
They're safety locked and can't be
opened until the gas levels go down.
My son is still in there!
So is mine.
We're running out of time.
All right, I've done my part.
Now it's time for you to do yours.
Earl, there is no Level 3.
It's all in your head.
I should have never trusted you.
You Luthors are all the same.
I found Level 3. They built a wall in front
of the elevator, but it's still here.
-Stop playing with me!
-Get out of the building, Clark!
Earl, it's here!
Don't you want to see it? I promise.
Come on, I want you to see the truth.
Come on.
Come on, come on!
-Sir.
-Hold on.
The gas pressure is beginning to drop.
-How did that happen?
-I have no idea.
Son of a bitch!
How do you explain that?
I can't.
Two buttons. Two levels.
I'm sorry, all right?
I told you it was here.
Where is it?
Where is everything?
There used to be a--
It was a field of corn
with sprayers all over it.
And every night,
they'd spray this green mist on it.
What have you done with it?
What have you done with it?!
I don't know.
They lied to me too, Earl.
I had no idea this was here.
Earl!
Let's go back upstairs
and talk about this.
It's all gone. How am I gonna get better
if I don't know what poisoned me?
I didn't know about this place.
You gotta believe me.
-I believe you, Lex.
-He's lying! He's just like his father!
Clark!
No! Oh, God!
Clark!
Get to the elevator!
Clark, how did you pull us up?
I don't know.
Adrenaline, I guess.
I've never been so happy
to see you in my life!
-You lied to me.
-No. When?
I said Level 3 wasn't on any plans.
It wasn't.
-It's plausible deniability.
-What were you doing down there?
It doesn't matter. It was a failure.
We closed the door and moved on.
-You almost got me killed.
-No, you almost got yourself killed.
It was your call, remember?
-Mr. Luthor!
-I'll handle this.
What can you tell us about Level 3?
I think you're referring to a redundant
storage area at the base of the plant.
Mr. Jenkins is a very sick man who
desperately needs medical attention.
That's why my father
and I have pledged...
...to find Mr. Jenkins
the best medical care possible.
He was a LuthorCorp employee.
Here at LuthorCorp, we always put
family first. Isn't that right, Dad?
Is it true the government is
going to shut you down?
No more questions, please. My son
has been through quite an ordeal today.
Don't use the upstairs bathroom. It's
backed up. I have to snake the pipes.
-Where's the leftover pizza?
-Fridge, second shelf.
Or you could nuke
the chili for dinner.
Clark?
Some clue you actually heard me.
Upstairs bathroom off-limits
after nuclear chili dinner.
Glad to see your hearing
hasn't changed.
Clark, can I get
a hand out here, please?
Son, would you--?
-Sure.
-Thanks.
Sure picked one heck of a day
to snap an exhaust hanger.
I left the number of our hotel on
the nightstand. I think that's everything.
That ought to do it.
I'm definitely raising your allowance.
-lf you need anything--
-Call.
Mom, it's a couple of nights
in Metropolis. I'll be fine.
I'm sure he'll be fine.
And soon, madame, so shall we be.
I almost forgot. Sorry.
Happy anniversary.
Sweetheart, bye-bye.
Clark, thanks for the card.
Think fast!
Good night, little one.
Don't worry.
Daddy's gonna get better.
Hello?
Is someone there?
It's okay, honey. It's just thunder.
Will!
Earl? What are you doing here?
I need to see Lionel Luthor.
-I know he's here.
-Sorry, man, you know I can't let you in.
They did something to me
at his plant in Smallville.
See, that's the talk that got
yourself canned, all right?
-lf you've got a problem, get some help.
-I've tried. They can't do anything.
It's getting worse.
Please, let me in.
Earl, don't make me call security,
all right?
Just go home and dry off.
What the hell?
Earl?
What the hell you doing, Earl?!
-lf I don't get an answer, I'll die.
-No, we gotta get you to a doctor!
Look, they can't do anything.
Nobody can.
What will you do now that you're
officially home alone?
I was thinking of having
a few people over.
Do my ears deceive me or is Clark Kent
actually suggesting a party?
Small gathering. You guys,
a few other people, maybe Lana.
With or without her posable
action-figure boyfriend?
Eight o'clock.
-And remember, the keyword is "small."
-Small.
So this is what you'd call
a small gathering, right?
Do you even recognize
half these people?
Watch the glass--
Dude, I think I'm gonna hurl.
Thanks.
Pretty cool party!
Lana. Thanks.
It's kind of impromptu.
Sometimes you just have to kick back
and blow off some steam.
If I had 100 people trashing my house,
I'd be a little freaked out.
After the first few dishes,
you get used to it.
I don't think I'd be
brave enough to risk it.
I don't know, Lana.
I bet you're braver than you think.
You flying solo tonight?
You mean, what am I doing here
without Whitney?
I am capable of enjoying myself
without him.
Fireworks!
-You're full of surprises tonight, Clark.
-Tell me about it.
Clark, man, how cool is this?
Pete, why didn't you just call
the cops? It'd be easier.
I can't claim credit.
It wasn't my idea.
It was mine.
Call it a party gift.
I hope you like it.
-It's great, it's just--
-Forget the police. It's covered.
This kind of party can make
or break a reputation.
I wanted to make sure yours was a hit.
-I hear you're taking a tour of my plant.
-It's a class field trip.
-What'd you do wrong?
-It's that bad, huh?
Sorry I took so long.
Someone overflowed the bathroom.
I'm officially dead.
There's no answer.
He's fine, he's fine.
We have to trust him, Martha.
-I do, but I still worry.
-I know.
Metropolis....
Do you--? Do you miss it?
-Sometimes.
-Yeah.
But I didn't move to Smallville
for action and glamour.
I moved because a certain man
told me we'd never be rich...
...or travel the world,
but he'd always love me.
How could I pass up
an offer like that?
-Whitney, what are you doing here?
-Looking for you.
Why didn't you tell me
you were coming here?
It was kind of last-minute. I didn't
realize I needed your permission.
Lana, can we talk outside?
Oh, my gosh! Did--?
Lana, what's going on?
I told you when we got back together
that I needed some breathing room.
So you sneak off to a party
without me?
I didn't sneak. I walked.
And why are you mad at me?
Is it because it's Clark's party?
I'm starting to get the feeling
that you don't trust me.
Clark!
You better get out here.
Kent, get up here.
-Got him!
-Earl.
Back off, I know him.
Earl, what are you doing here?
I came to see your dad.
He's the only one I can trust.
He's out of town.
What's wrong with you?
I'll call an ambulance.
-This guy should be in a detox center.
-He's not on drugs, Chloe.
Then why was he shaking like a junkie?
Earl worked on the farm
for six seasons.
I spent 12 hours a day
with the guy in the fields.
He even tried to teach me how to play
guitar. He says it impresses women.
We're all a sucker for a guy
with a six-string.
How come I've never heard you play?
I kept snapping the guitar strings.
I think Earl got sick of replacing them.
Just because you spend time
with someone...
...doesn't mean you know
their darkest secrets.
-He was like family.
-Then why'd he leave?
He took a job at the LuthorCorp plant.
It was full-time,
and the pay was better.
-Where can we find Earl Jenkins?
-Exam Room 3, down the hall.
Excuse me. I'm a friend of Earl's.
Is he in some kind of trouble?
Oh, yeah.
We need help in here!
Earl!
Hi. You're home early.
We called six times last night,
spoke with six different people...
...none of whom knew who you were.
It was supposed to be
an intimate occasion.
-Clark, where have you been?
-The hospital.
-That's it. I'm never leaving home again.
-Who got hurt?
Nobody, but I found
Earl Jenkins hiding in the loft.
He was looking for you, Dad.
He's all messed up.
-What's the matter with Earl?
-I don't know. He's wanted for murder.
Earl?
What'd he say for himself?
-I couldn't get close.
-How come, the police?
No. Because when I got near him,
I got sick.
It was weird.
Every time I stood next to him,
it got worse. It's kind of like--
Like what?
It's kind of like the way I feel
around meteor fragments.
What's wrong with him?
Well, to be honest,
I haven't the faintest idea.
It's amazing his body's been able
to survive the seizures this long.
Take a look at the x-rays.
It looks like mineral poisoning,
but it's not a mineral I've seen before.
Is that why he's shaking so hard?
Mineral fragments are embedded
under his skin.
-His body is trying to push them out.
-How did they get there?
He claims there was an explosion
at the LuthorCorp plant six months ago.
-I didn't hear about that.
-That's because it didn't happen.
I pulled the plant's safety records.
I checked with OSHA and the EPA.
-Can I go in and talk to him by myself?
-Better hurry up.
Metropolis P.D. will be here any minute
to transfer him back to the city.
Thanks.
-I wanna go with you.
-No.
Listen, you said that you felt sick
when you got around him, right?
I bet what he was exposed to
has to do with those meteor rocks.
I don't want you passing out
around here.
It'd bring us a whole other set
of problems.
Jonathan.
Am I glad to see you.
Hey, look.
Clark.
Can you hear me?
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--
I'm fine. Don't worry about it.
All right, Earl, what's going on?
I can't believe you'd wanna kill anybody.
It was an accident.
I was trying to see Lionel Luthor.
-Why?
-Find out what they used on Level 3.
Earl, you're not making any sense.
When I got that job
at the Smallville plant...
...I was assigned to clean Level 3.
They were doing these
hush-hush crop experiments.
A new kind of fertilizer supposed
to make corn grow twice as fast.
There was something unstable
in that fertilizer.
There was a huge explosion.
I was cleaning at the time.
This stuff, it got under my skin.
And the next thing I know...
...they shut it all down,
and I was transferred to Metropolis.
Then two months ago,
the jitters started.
-Did you see a doctor?
-I must have seen 50.
But nobody could tell me
what was wrong.
They needed to know
what I was exposed to.
But when I went back to the plant,
they told me that Level 3 didn't exist.
That it never had.
I got to find out what they were using.
That's why I need your help.
You gotta get me out of here.
Earl, you're wanted for murder.
You don't understand. I can't control it.
I'm running out of time.
The jitters are getting worse.
It's already cost me my job,
my marriage, my baby.
I gotta get back into that plant,
or I'm gonna die.
Help me.
You get some rest, Earl.
My baby.
-Do you think he's telling the truth?
-I have no idea.
I have a field trip to LuthorCorp today.
Maybe I could look around.
I know you're worried, but Earl has
more trouble than he can handle.
And I don't even know if he's in his right
mind. So please, don't do anything.
Mommy, I don't wanna go to the doctor's.
They're gonna give me a shot.
-They're not gonna give you a shot.
-That's what you said last time.
Mommy!
Hello, everybody, I'm Gabe Sullivan,
plant manager and proud father.
-Hi, sweetheart.
-Hi, Dad.
Welcome to LuthorCorp:
"Where we give a crap."
Okay, somebody kill me now.
Little fertilizer humor there.
Before we go inside...
...I need you to remove all
your cell phones, pagers, jewelry.
Anything that jangles, dangles or rings
has to go in these plastic trays.
Any other questions?
Yes.
I heard there was a third level
to the plant. Is that true?
Yeah, yeah. That's where we do
the alien autopsies.
-I think we'd better get started.
-Don't encourage him.
This way, everybody.
All right, people,
let's stay together.
No. No. No!
This can't be. This can't be.
This can't be.
This can't be happening.
Where is it?
Where is it?
Where's the elevator?
Watch out for these babies.
260 degrees, they get hot.
All right, stay together, please.
This is it.
The plant's mission control.
100,000 tons of animal waste
to process here every year.
Trust me.
The results can be pretty explosive.
So if any of you had beans for lunch,
I'm gonna have to ask you to leave.
Among his peers,
he's considered witty.
Where's Clark?
What the heck? Excuse me.
Don't move!
Take me to Level 3.
-Dad.
-Now!
When we send our kids
on a field trip...
...we'd like to believe
that they're gonna be safe.
Lex Luthor!
Let these two in, just these two.
We'll check on
Derrick and Jeff for you.
What's going on here?
There's a lunatic inside demanding to
be taken to some place called Level 3.
We've evacuated the plant,
but he's taken the students hostage.
-Is anyone hurt?
-Not yet.
-What's his name?
-Earl Jenkins.
I know Earl Jenkins.
He used to work for us.
Well, what's he doing in my plant?
He claims that LuthorCorp is doing
some crop experiments...
...on some secret Level 3,
and that's what made him sick.
He's convinced it's the only place
he can get a cure.
We've got a serious problem
because there is no Level 3.
Where's Clark?
I swear, I don't know anything
about Level 3.
-You're lying.
-He's not lying!
I found these blueprints.
There is no Level 3.
Every night, I go down to Level 2...
...follow the red pipes
down that long hallway...
...go to the door, I open it...
...and I take the elevator down
to Level 3!
You're just like everybody else.
Get over there and you sit down!
Who's that?
My father.
-Mr. Luthor, we have a hostage situation.
-I was briefed on my way down.
Lex!
-How did you allow this to happen?
-I didn't allow--
-Then how did this man get inside?
-I think--
-You think? Why don't you know?
-Can we focus on what's important?
-We've got innocent kids in there.
-This is Jonathan Kent.
It's been a long time,
but I never forget a face.
Kent's son is inside.
They know the gunman personally.
What's your assessment
of this lunatic?
He's sick, he's desperate...
...and he blames your plant
for his condition.
This Level 3 nonsense....
I've assured everyone there is
no Level 3. That is the truth, isn't it?
Of course, it is.
People's lives are at stake.
What will you do about it?
I'm going to let SWAT
do their job.
When he makes a mistake,
they'll move in.
What about the kids?
You need to get on the phone
and talk to him!
Mrs. Kent, I understand how you feel.
I want everyone to walk out
of there alive too.
-But I do not negotiate with terrorists.
-He's not a terrorist!
He's sick and he needs help!
If you won't talk to him,
then Jonathan will!
You're not the one he blames.
Is he, Dad?
Gabe, it's Luthor.
Lionel Luthor.
Speaker.
Mr. Luthor.
I've finally got your attention,
haven't I?
Earl, why don't you come out?
We've got a lot to talk about.
Just tell me what you were
using down on Level 3.
You're sick, Earl.
Let everyone go,
we'll get you help.
-Clark!
-Are you okay?
Oh, no.
See what you made me do?
See what you made me--?
See what you made me do?
Way to go, Dad.
I see you haven't lost your touch.
The methane gas valve just broke.
The whole place is gonna go up.
-We need to do something.
-That's not a good idea.
The man's nuts. He's not listening
to the cops, and that gas is gonna blow.
-He's sick, but still strong.
-I don't want you to get hurt.
I'm not putting my life
in that man's hands.
The two of us can take him.
How about it, Clark?
I can't.
It's okay.
Whitney.
I trusted you. You told me you
were trying to help people.
What are you doing?
Get back!
It's all your fault, Luthor.
We've got shots fired,
one hostage down. Full alert.
What was he thinking?
He's a teenager who's been waiting
for someone to take the initiative.
There's a hostage situation
and a potential bomb.
-Somebody's gotta do something.
-You're right. I'm going in.
Lex, don't be foolhardy.
This is no time for mock-heroics.
You said this is my plant.
It's my call.
I won't allow it, Lex.
Don't ever do that again.
Take your positions.
Tell him Lex Luthor's coming
to see him.
-I wouldn't advise that, sir.
-Make the call.
Give me your vest.
What kind of man sends his own kid
to do his dirty work?
I'm not doing anybody's dirty work.
This is my plant.
-How is he?
-He needs a doctor.
What are we gonna do
about these kids, Earl?
I never meant to hurt anybody.
I tried talking to your father,
but he wouldn't listen to me.
I know the feeling.
Earl...
...you say that everybody's
been lying to you.
I'm gonna tell you the truth.
My father doesn't care about you.
He doesn't care about anybody
in this room.
Because if we all die,
his PR firm will spin it.
His insurance company will pay,
and you will go down as the bad guy.
I'm not the bad guy.
I'm just trying to get better.
How are you gonna get better
by killing a bunch of kids?
If you let everybody go,
I'll take you to Level 3.
You stop lying.
Let them go,
and I'll show you where it is.
Earl, trust me. I'm a man of my word.
Get out.
Get out. Get out! Everybody, get out!
-Do you really know where it is?
-Yeah, it's in his imagination.
There is no Level 3, Clark.
Now, get out of here.
Clark.
Come on.
Come on, man, let's go!
-Come on, keep moving!
-This way, kids. This way.
The kids are coming out.
-Oh, Jonathan!
-Come on. They'll come out over here.
We need to bring down the fire doors.
The gas levels are too high.
Your son will be sealed inside.
I'm sorry, sir.
Do it.
-Come on, man, we gotta go!
-Don't worry about me!
-Pete.
-Whitney, did you see Clark?
Hey, Pete.
Where's Clark?
He's back inside, Mrs. Kent.
I tried to stop him. I'm sorry--
You have to open the doors.
They're safety locked and can't be
opened until the gas levels go down.
My son is still in there!
So is mine.
We're running out of time.
All right, I've done my part.
Now it's time for you to do yours.
Earl, there is no Level 3.
It's all in your head.
I should have never trusted you.
You Luthors are all the same.
I found Level 3. They built a wall in front
of the elevator, but it's still here.
-Stop playing with me!
-Get out of the building, Clark!
Earl, it's here!
Don't you want to see it? I promise.
Come on, I want you to see the truth.
Come on.
Come on, come on!
-Sir.
-Hold on.
The gas pressure is beginning to drop.
-How did that happen?
-I have no idea.
Son of a bitch!
How do you explain that?
I can't.
Two buttons. Two levels.
I'm sorry, all right?
I told you it was here.
Where is it?
Where is everything?
There used to be a--
It was a field of corn
with sprayers all over it.
And every night,
they'd spray this green mist on it.
What have you done with it?
What have you done with it?!
I don't know.
They lied to me too, Earl.
I had no idea this was here.
Earl!
Let's go back upstairs
and talk about this.
It's all gone. How am I gonna get better
if I don't know what poisoned me?
I didn't know about this place.
You gotta believe me.
-I believe you, Lex.
-He's lying! He's just like his father!
Clark!
No! Oh, God!
Clark!
Get to the elevator!
Clark, how did you pull us up?
I don't know.
Adrenaline, I guess.
I've never been so happy
to see you in my life!
-You lied to me.
-No. When?
I said Level 3 wasn't on any plans.
It wasn't.
-It's plausible deniability.
-What were you doing down there?
It doesn't matter. It was a failure.
We closed the door and moved on.
-You almost got me killed.
-No, you almost got yourself killed.
It was your call, remember?
-Mr. Luthor!
-I'll handle this.
What can you tell us about Level 3?
I think you're referring to a redundant
storage area at the base of the plant.
Mr. Jenkins is a very sick man who
desperately needs medical attention.
That's why my father
and I have pledged...
...to find Mr. Jenkins
the best medical care possible.
He was a LuthorCorp employee.
Here at LuthorCorp, we always put
family first. Isn't that right, Dad?
Is it true the government is
going to shut you down?
No more questions, please. My son
has been through quite an ordeal today.