The Adventures of Superboy (1988) s04e13 Episode Script
West of Alpha Centauri
(male narrator)
Rocketed from a distant planet
to a bold new destiny on Earth.
Found by a Kansas family
and raised as Clark Kent.
He learned, he possessed
the strength of steel.
The speed of light and
the desire to help all mankind.
He isSuperboy.
[theme music]
[music continues]
[ticking]
[indistinct chatter]
We don't know what it is.
The kid who found it
said it dropped out of the sky.
He brought in here an hour ago
then it started
making that noise.
That's when they called us. The
problem is we can't get inside.
We were hoping you could.
Well, let's see
what's in there first.
[shrill squeal]
See anything?
No, it's nothing
I've ever seen before.
[ticking]
I'm gonna try something,
you better step back.
Delighted.
[zapping]
[ticking stops]
[indistinct chatter]
Any idea what it was?
[buzzing]
- What's that?
- I don't know.
Maybe, it's a signal.
[sizzling]
[theme music]
Well, who are you?
- Let him go!
- Lana, stop.
[theme music]
- Where on earth are we?
- Lanawe're not on the Earth.
[theme music]
[theme music]
It was a trap.
They used the bomb
to find me.
They knew I'd be the only one
who'd be able to disarm it.
Well, what do they
want you for?
[indistinct chatter]
[theme music]
Was it really such a good idea
to bring him here, captain?
- Are you suggesting it wasn't?
- Certainly not, sir.
Someone as simple minded
as I would be a fool
to question your judgment.
II was just trying to learn
from you, that's all.
Alright.
Then wait and see.
- Are you the one?
- What do you mean?
The one we've been waiting
for all these years.
The great warrior.
There's a good argument
here for lying, you know.
We were brought here
against our will.
We wanna know why.
We're all here against our will.
But please, you haven't
answered our question.
I'm not sure I understand it.
[theme music]
These are the lamentations
of our people.
They were carved
before I was born.
A long time ago..
our planet become barren.
Food would no longer
grow in its soil.
This craftwas built
to take us to another planet.
A new fertile place
near Alpha Centauri.
And after years of travel,
we never got there.
Some of us thought it was
the captains fault.
There was a mutiny.
- He put you all here?
- He brought our parents here.
That's the grandfather
of the present captain.
He was just as bad.
He's put many
of us here since.
Our only hope has been..
has been this
great prophesy.
Have mercy on us.
Help us.
One thing's for sure.
We're not staying here.
Everyone, to the door.
[all cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
[zapping]
I've never seen
metal like this.
- Is it like the bomb?
- No, it's harder.
See, they've just discovered
their savior is no better off
than they are.
They're hope's been crushed.
It is truly wonderful
to be near you, captain.
To bask in the warmth
of such brilliance.
Yes, you're a lucky man.
Now, wipe my chin.
[theme music]
[water dripping]
- You thirsty?
- A little.
- It just has to be treated.
- Treated?
First we kill the germs.
[zapping]
Now, we'll cool it
back down again.
- Here.
- Thanks.
That fountain belongs
to the Niverites.
We took it from
the Minarets.
Well, whoever it belongs to,
there's still plenty left.
That's not the point.
It's our fountain now.
- Who are the Minarets?
- Sludge, vermin.
The captain favors them
with extra food.
Are they the ones we saw
when we came in?
Those were the Tiaren.
They were stupid enough to think
that you were going
to save them.
They're sludge, too.
Can't you tell the difference?
Not really.
Are you saying that I look
like a Minaret or a Tiaren.
Is that what you're saying?
[theme music]
- You're strong as I am.
- Stronger.
How many of the others
are like you?
Enough.
Enough to kill all the Minarets
and Tiarans some day.
[indistinct chatter]
Are any of them
as strong as you?
Few.
Then why haven't you broken out?
- The jailor's strong but--
- You mean, the mute Ta-El.
He thinks the captain is going
to make him our next leader.
That's why he's so loyal.
Whoever he is, he can't
stand up to all of you.
All of us?
Are you saying that we should
work with the Minarets
and the Tiarens.
Well, don't you wanna get out?
[indistinct chatter]
- They'd betray us.
- Don't you understand?
The captain wants you
to fight each other.
That way you're
no threat to him.
(Superman)
Think about it.
Soour friend
is organizing the masses?
We'll have to do
something about that.
We could wipe out everyone
in that prison in ten minutes.
Wipe them out?
My grandfather
built that place
to show us commitment
to law and order.
It's tradition.
Then just Superboy.
He could have an accident.
That would make him a martyr.
That's the last thing
I need down there.
Well, I've got to do
something else to control him.
You've done well.
May I return
to the prison now?
I'll get more
information for you.
You can't very well return
without some signs
of punishment.
- They'll begin to suspect you.
- I-I could lie.
Do you have
a problem with my idea?
Certainly not, sir.
It's a brilliant idea.
Now, we all know
the layout of the ship.
There aren't that many of them,
so we won't have a problem.
But they're strong
so we need a plan.
[door opening]
[indistinct chatter]
(Lana)
He's been hurt.
[Lana shouting]
Where're you taking her?
He was carrying
the key to solitary.
It's near the engines.
I donno if she'll
be able to take the heat.
It's so intense.
[whirring]
[theme music]
[beeps]
[door creeks]
Ah, there you are.
At last I get to meet
our newest resident.
I trust you've
been comfortable so far.
I want Lana back right now.
Your friend, who you obviously
feel strongly about is..
shall we say,
in some place safe
untilyou and I can work
out an arrangement.
Arrangement?
I need something from you and
now you need something from me.
- We can trade.
- And what is it that you need?
Your cooperation.
It is essential to me
that the prisoners remain
how shall I say,
focused on each other
so that I might run
the ship more smoothly.
I can't have you
in there causing trouble.
Then why did you bring us here?
The prophecy.
I donno how it got started
but they all believe it
and it gives them hope.
Hope that one day they'll escape
before they have been
properly rehabilitated.
But seeing you helpless in
there, the symbol of their hope
they'll know they can't.
When our viewing screens
pickedthat up..
I knew you belonged here.
If there's so much discontent
why don't you just step down?
Step down? Impossible!
I'm the only one
who knows where we're going.
- And where's that?
- Paradise.
A planet just
west of Alpha Centauri.
West?
Oh, don't you worry about that.
- Do we have a deal?
- Alright.
- But if Lana's hurt..
- Oh, no, no, no.
She's alive and wellbarely.
Captainyou believe
in the prophesy too, don't you?
What if I did?
It's broken now.
It can't come true.
[theme music]
[beeps]
Lana, are you alright?
How did you get me
out of there?
I had to promise the captain
I wouldn't organize
the prisoners.
- You shouldn't have done that.
- It was the only way.
And what did
the captain give you?
Extra food, an early release?
Or maybe he just wants
you to spy on us.
We thought you'd be a leader.
You're a fraud.
The real warrior will kill you
when he comes to save us.
You don't need me
and you don't need a warrior.
You can get out
of here on your own.
Then, join the rest
of your people
and take back control
of the ship.
And we will.
As soon as we kill all
the Minarets and Tiarens.
[all shouting]
- Yes.
- They're hopeless.
How much longer
do we have to stay here?
I don't know.
At least not until
we get to Alpha Centauri.
West of Alpha Centauri.
West of Alpha Centauri.
(Superboy)
Ta-Ei.
You think you're
stronger than me?
Do you?
Let's find out.
He's crazy.
You can't beat him.
We've tried.
- She's right.
- I'm not afraid of him.
I challenge you
a fight to the finish.
- I had a deal with him.
- Captain, listen.
Or would the captain be
afraid you might lose?
Unbelievable.
I'll have the girl put back
in solitary immediately.
No.
Make Ta-El backed down,
I'll look like a coward.
Well, then what?
I tried to be
reasonable with him
but if he wants to be
a martyr so badly
I say we make him one.
[crowd cheering]
This shouldn't take long.
(Superboy) He's lost,
you know? The captain.
He doesn't know
where he's going.
[zapping]
What did he promise you?
That when you enter the new
world that you'd be leader?
Well, it isn't going to happen.
He's going around
in circles.
He doesn't want to get to the
new planet even if it exists.
As soon as he gets there
he's not going to be
the captain anymore.
What did he tell you?
West of Alpha Centauri?
There is no west in outer space
or north, or south, or east.
He doesn't know what he's doing.
How dare he
question my judgment?
West?
Go to the captain now.
See if I'm telling the truth.
[crowd cheers]
Looks like their prophecy
came true after all.
[beeping]
As a boy, my father
told me of a planet
where everything was perfect.
There was plenty of food, water.
Everyone lives in peace.
That's where I wanted to go.
Had I known it was only a dream.
We'd appreciate you if you
would return us to the Earth.
I kinda hoped
you'd stay on with us.
There's so much that we
can still learn from you.
No, I think you've learned
everything you need to know.
I'd suggest you go
back to your home planet
and try to making it work there.
An excellent idea.
So what are you gonna
do with him?
I think there's only
one thingwe can do.
Full speed ahead.
Let's get this
bucket of bolts moving.
What's taking so long?
Is this a crew,
or a bunch of prima donnas.
Get your backs
into it, you slugs.
This is your captain speaking.
Look, I know where we're..
We're going to paradise.
We're going to paradise.
Just west of Alpha Centauri.
I know where it is.
Follow me. I know, I know.
Is anyone here with me?
Help! Help!
[music continues]
Rocketed from a distant planet
to a bold new destiny on Earth.
Found by a Kansas family
and raised as Clark Kent.
He learned, he possessed
the strength of steel.
The speed of light and
the desire to help all mankind.
He isSuperboy.
[theme music]
[music continues]
[ticking]
[indistinct chatter]
We don't know what it is.
The kid who found it
said it dropped out of the sky.
He brought in here an hour ago
then it started
making that noise.
That's when they called us. The
problem is we can't get inside.
We were hoping you could.
Well, let's see
what's in there first.
[shrill squeal]
See anything?
No, it's nothing
I've ever seen before.
[ticking]
I'm gonna try something,
you better step back.
Delighted.
[zapping]
[ticking stops]
[indistinct chatter]
Any idea what it was?
[buzzing]
- What's that?
- I don't know.
Maybe, it's a signal.
[sizzling]
[theme music]
Well, who are you?
- Let him go!
- Lana, stop.
[theme music]
- Where on earth are we?
- Lanawe're not on the Earth.
[theme music]
[theme music]
It was a trap.
They used the bomb
to find me.
They knew I'd be the only one
who'd be able to disarm it.
Well, what do they
want you for?
[indistinct chatter]
[theme music]
Was it really such a good idea
to bring him here, captain?
- Are you suggesting it wasn't?
- Certainly not, sir.
Someone as simple minded
as I would be a fool
to question your judgment.
II was just trying to learn
from you, that's all.
Alright.
Then wait and see.
- Are you the one?
- What do you mean?
The one we've been waiting
for all these years.
The great warrior.
There's a good argument
here for lying, you know.
We were brought here
against our will.
We wanna know why.
We're all here against our will.
But please, you haven't
answered our question.
I'm not sure I understand it.
[theme music]
These are the lamentations
of our people.
They were carved
before I was born.
A long time ago..
our planet become barren.
Food would no longer
grow in its soil.
This craftwas built
to take us to another planet.
A new fertile place
near Alpha Centauri.
And after years of travel,
we never got there.
Some of us thought it was
the captains fault.
There was a mutiny.
- He put you all here?
- He brought our parents here.
That's the grandfather
of the present captain.
He was just as bad.
He's put many
of us here since.
Our only hope has been..
has been this
great prophesy.
Have mercy on us.
Help us.
One thing's for sure.
We're not staying here.
Everyone, to the door.
[all cheering]
[indistinct chatter]
[zapping]
I've never seen
metal like this.
- Is it like the bomb?
- No, it's harder.
See, they've just discovered
their savior is no better off
than they are.
They're hope's been crushed.
It is truly wonderful
to be near you, captain.
To bask in the warmth
of such brilliance.
Yes, you're a lucky man.
Now, wipe my chin.
[theme music]
[water dripping]
- You thirsty?
- A little.
- It just has to be treated.
- Treated?
First we kill the germs.
[zapping]
Now, we'll cool it
back down again.
- Here.
- Thanks.
That fountain belongs
to the Niverites.
We took it from
the Minarets.
Well, whoever it belongs to,
there's still plenty left.
That's not the point.
It's our fountain now.
- Who are the Minarets?
- Sludge, vermin.
The captain favors them
with extra food.
Are they the ones we saw
when we came in?
Those were the Tiaren.
They were stupid enough to think
that you were going
to save them.
They're sludge, too.
Can't you tell the difference?
Not really.
Are you saying that I look
like a Minaret or a Tiaren.
Is that what you're saying?
[theme music]
- You're strong as I am.
- Stronger.
How many of the others
are like you?
Enough.
Enough to kill all the Minarets
and Tiarans some day.
[indistinct chatter]
Are any of them
as strong as you?
Few.
Then why haven't you broken out?
- The jailor's strong but--
- You mean, the mute Ta-El.
He thinks the captain is going
to make him our next leader.
That's why he's so loyal.
Whoever he is, he can't
stand up to all of you.
All of us?
Are you saying that we should
work with the Minarets
and the Tiarens.
Well, don't you wanna get out?
[indistinct chatter]
- They'd betray us.
- Don't you understand?
The captain wants you
to fight each other.
That way you're
no threat to him.
(Superman)
Think about it.
Soour friend
is organizing the masses?
We'll have to do
something about that.
We could wipe out everyone
in that prison in ten minutes.
Wipe them out?
My grandfather
built that place
to show us commitment
to law and order.
It's tradition.
Then just Superboy.
He could have an accident.
That would make him a martyr.
That's the last thing
I need down there.
Well, I've got to do
something else to control him.
You've done well.
May I return
to the prison now?
I'll get more
information for you.
You can't very well return
without some signs
of punishment.
- They'll begin to suspect you.
- I-I could lie.
Do you have
a problem with my idea?
Certainly not, sir.
It's a brilliant idea.
Now, we all know
the layout of the ship.
There aren't that many of them,
so we won't have a problem.
But they're strong
so we need a plan.
[door opening]
[indistinct chatter]
(Lana)
He's been hurt.
[Lana shouting]
Where're you taking her?
He was carrying
the key to solitary.
It's near the engines.
I donno if she'll
be able to take the heat.
It's so intense.
[whirring]
[theme music]
[beeps]
[door creeks]
Ah, there you are.
At last I get to meet
our newest resident.
I trust you've
been comfortable so far.
I want Lana back right now.
Your friend, who you obviously
feel strongly about is..
shall we say,
in some place safe
untilyou and I can work
out an arrangement.
Arrangement?
I need something from you and
now you need something from me.
- We can trade.
- And what is it that you need?
Your cooperation.
It is essential to me
that the prisoners remain
how shall I say,
focused on each other
so that I might run
the ship more smoothly.
I can't have you
in there causing trouble.
Then why did you bring us here?
The prophecy.
I donno how it got started
but they all believe it
and it gives them hope.
Hope that one day they'll escape
before they have been
properly rehabilitated.
But seeing you helpless in
there, the symbol of their hope
they'll know they can't.
When our viewing screens
pickedthat up..
I knew you belonged here.
If there's so much discontent
why don't you just step down?
Step down? Impossible!
I'm the only one
who knows where we're going.
- And where's that?
- Paradise.
A planet just
west of Alpha Centauri.
West?
Oh, don't you worry about that.
- Do we have a deal?
- Alright.
- But if Lana's hurt..
- Oh, no, no, no.
She's alive and wellbarely.
Captainyou believe
in the prophesy too, don't you?
What if I did?
It's broken now.
It can't come true.
[theme music]
[beeps]
Lana, are you alright?
How did you get me
out of there?
I had to promise the captain
I wouldn't organize
the prisoners.
- You shouldn't have done that.
- It was the only way.
And what did
the captain give you?
Extra food, an early release?
Or maybe he just wants
you to spy on us.
We thought you'd be a leader.
You're a fraud.
The real warrior will kill you
when he comes to save us.
You don't need me
and you don't need a warrior.
You can get out
of here on your own.
Then, join the rest
of your people
and take back control
of the ship.
And we will.
As soon as we kill all
the Minarets and Tiarens.
[all shouting]
- Yes.
- They're hopeless.
How much longer
do we have to stay here?
I don't know.
At least not until
we get to Alpha Centauri.
West of Alpha Centauri.
West of Alpha Centauri.
(Superboy)
Ta-Ei.
You think you're
stronger than me?
Do you?
Let's find out.
He's crazy.
You can't beat him.
We've tried.
- She's right.
- I'm not afraid of him.
I challenge you
a fight to the finish.
- I had a deal with him.
- Captain, listen.
Or would the captain be
afraid you might lose?
Unbelievable.
I'll have the girl put back
in solitary immediately.
No.
Make Ta-El backed down,
I'll look like a coward.
Well, then what?
I tried to be
reasonable with him
but if he wants to be
a martyr so badly
I say we make him one.
[crowd cheering]
This shouldn't take long.
(Superboy) He's lost,
you know? The captain.
He doesn't know
where he's going.
[zapping]
What did he promise you?
That when you enter the new
world that you'd be leader?
Well, it isn't going to happen.
He's going around
in circles.
He doesn't want to get to the
new planet even if it exists.
As soon as he gets there
he's not going to be
the captain anymore.
What did he tell you?
West of Alpha Centauri?
There is no west in outer space
or north, or south, or east.
He doesn't know what he's doing.
How dare he
question my judgment?
West?
Go to the captain now.
See if I'm telling the truth.
[crowd cheers]
Looks like their prophecy
came true after all.
[beeping]
As a boy, my father
told me of a planet
where everything was perfect.
There was plenty of food, water.
Everyone lives in peace.
That's where I wanted to go.
Had I known it was only a dream.
We'd appreciate you if you
would return us to the Earth.
I kinda hoped
you'd stay on with us.
There's so much that we
can still learn from you.
No, I think you've learned
everything you need to know.
I'd suggest you go
back to your home planet
and try to making it work there.
An excellent idea.
So what are you gonna
do with him?
I think there's only
one thingwe can do.
Full speed ahead.
Let's get this
bucket of bolts moving.
What's taking so long?
Is this a crew,
or a bunch of prima donnas.
Get your backs
into it, you slugs.
This is your captain speaking.
Look, I know where we're..
We're going to paradise.
We're going to paradise.
Just west of Alpha Centauri.
I know where it is.
Follow me. I know, I know.
Is anyone here with me?
Help! Help!
[music continues]