By
Gary Curtis
EXT-TOWNSVILLE SKYLINE-DAY (But it is pouring rain)
NARRATOR: The City of Townsville...and it's another gloomy, rainy day.
MONTAGE of Townsville citizens going about their assorted activities, all carrying umbrellas and looking up sadly at the dark skies.
STOPPING on EXT-TOWNSVILLE BANK
NARRATOR: But wait...not everyone hates the rain...
The front door of the bank explodes outward in a green flash and MOJO JOJO, the evil green-skinned genius chimpanzee, leaps forward into the scene; clutching his laser cannon in his right hand and a large bag with dollar signs printed on the outside in his left. His head is turned toward the building and he fires one last blast, then turns to face camera. As the bank burns and frightened people run in all directions, alarms and sirens wail.
NARRATOR: ...it's Mojo Jojo!
MOJO JOJO: Yeeessss! I LOVE the rain! Especially when it is pouring...CASH! Muahahahahaha!!!
PAN ON SKY
Suddenly, the clouds part, the rain slows and the sun begins to shine. A rainbow starts to form an arc in the far distance, curving toward downtown.
WHIP TO
MOJO: It is my lucky day! Rainbows DO bring pots of gold! Hahahaha!
As Mojo grins evilly, his facial expression begins to change and, over the sound of incoming missiles, three familiar shaped shadows appear and grow over him.
NARRATOR: Hahaha! You're all wet, Mojo! That's no rainbow, it's...
MOJO: ...the Powerpuff Girls? Uh, oh!
WHIP TO
Close up of Powerpuff Girls diving in formation. Blossom and Bubbles are smiling and Buttercup, as usual, is frowning.
BLOSSOM: It's raining!
BUBBLES: It's pouring!
BUTTERCUP: This is getting boring!
MONTAGE as once again, Mojo gets kicked, punched, stomped, thrown and body slammed by the Girls, singly and in combination; and order is restored to the street, the fire doused and the loot returned to the grateful banker.
STOPPING on a battered Mojo, looking out through the rear door bars of the paddy wagon as it drives off, and the Girls stand, arms folded, accepting the accolades from the crowd. The camera pulls back quickly showing not a cloud in the sky.
NARRATOR: Oh, Powerpuff Girls, you could brighten anyone's day!
FADE TO BLACK
NARRATOR: The next day...
FADE IN: EXT-TOWNSVILLE SKYLINE-DAY
NARRATOR: The City of Townsville...is under attack!
CUT TO: An enormous three-headed monster is moving through the streets, flinging its arms into buildings and knocking them over. Many explode in flames.
NARRATOR (Voice over action, in an 'under your breath' mutter): Man, if I had a dollar for every time I've said THAT.
The monster has two very thick, sturdy legs and a large tail for balancing; which it whips, smashing more buildings. From the legs up, it separates into three distinct torsos, each with two arms. It is covered with scales from head to foot and the heads are identical, birdlike; with intelligent eyes that seem to watch everything. It doesn't seem to be the typical smashing machine.
NARRATOR: But here come the Powerpuff Girls to the rescue!
WHIP TO
The Girls zooming in formation once again. They suddenly pull up and stop, startled.
BLOSSOM (pointing): Whoa! We never saw anything like THAT before!
BUBBLES: Well, three heads is better than...uh..three?
Blossom and Buttercup blink at each other.
BUTTERCUP: Ah, never mind. It'll be three times the fun. Let's git it!
PAN ON GIRLS
Buttercup takes off with her sisters in hot pursuit.
BLOSSOM: Girls! Circle its heads and make it dizzy!
ZOOM IN ON
Monster as the Girls begin to fly in a tight circle around the three heads. Instead of watching them, it begins to rapidly rotate each of its heads, turning them completely around like spinning tops. The Girls become disoriented and bump into each other, their eyes twirling circles.
PAN ON
Girls as they fall to the street and crash through the pavement. They quickly float up through the holes, rubbing their heads.
BUTTERCUP: Well, Blossom, that worked great. I'm taking the direct approach!
She flies up and off camera.
BLOSSOM: No, Buttercup, wait!
She and Bubbles go after Buttercup.
PAN ON
All three, Buttercup in the lead. She breaks the pointed top off from a burning building and flings it like a spear at the center head. At almost the same time, the target does the same thing, and the two building chunks meet and explode, showering the Girls with shrapnel.
BUTTERCUP: Why, that...!
BLOSSOM: Girls, I think it's...
BUTTERCUP: No time to think! Come on, Bubbles, let's barbecue this bully!
She and Bubbles take off toward it, with a slightly annoyed Blossom right behind. All three fire their eye lasers at one of the heads apiece, but the monster fires back, overpowering them, turning them into little floating black powderpuffs. Shaking off the soot, Bubbles takes on a furious look.
BUBBLES: NOW you're gonna GET IT!
She rears her head back, about to unload.
BLOSSOM (horrified): No, Bubbles, not the sonic scream! Don't!
PAN ON GIRLS
Too late. All three sets of lungs unleash a yell that blow the Girls backwards through a dozen buildings, flattening those and dozens more. The Girls climb up out of the debris, cleaning themselves off.
BUTTERCUP: Man, we can't beat that thing!
BLOSSOM: Can't you guys see? It's reading our minds! It knows what we're going to do the same time we do!
BUTTERCUP: Hey, you're right! Sorry, Blossom.
BUBBLES: But, how do we stop it?
BLOSSOM: We don't!
BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES: HUH?
BLOSSOM: Let's go!
PAN ON
Girls, as they fly right up to the monster. It ignores them, continuing to wreck downtown.
BLOSSOM: See, it won't attack us! It only reacts to what we do. Girls, we've been fighting...OURSELVES!
BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES (sharp intake of breath): HIM!!!
The monster vanishes in a red mist, leaving in its place the crimson-faced demon.
HIM (Female voice): So, you finally figured it out, did you?
(Evil voice): What took you so long? I'm late for my bath because of you!
(F.V): Seriously, you Girls are slipping! These poor fools of Townsville rely on you to protect them and look what you've done! It's half destroyed, and it's all... your... fault! You'd better get busy cleaning up, while I go think of something else to throw at you. Ta ta!
Him disappears with an effeminate flip of a claw, in a red vapor cloud.
Buttercup flies toward the spot.
BUTTERCUP (angrily): Hey, come back here and fight like a ...whatever you are. Geesh!
BLOSSOM (looking down sadly at the disaster, sighs): Come on, guys. We're gonna be here awhile.
NARRATOR: Gee, Girls, I'd love to help; but it's not in my job description! Meanwhile, in Him's underworld hideout...
CUT TO: INT-HIM'S LAIR-ETERNITY
Him is soaking in his tub.
HIM (E.V.): Curse that Blossom! She NEVER should have figured it out that soon!
(Sad F.V.): And it was going so well, too! Oh, I'll never be able to get rid of those goody-goody brats!
OFF CAMERA SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): What's that?
He draws up one claw from the water, in it is his rubber duck and prime source of inspiration, Mr. Quackers. He holds the toy up to his ear and squeaks it.
HIM (E.V.): What do you mean, I'll never be able to destroy them?
SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): Oh, I did just say that, didn't I? Well, that was just a rhetorical comment, of course I'll destroy...
SQUEAK SQUEAK
HIM (E.V.): Who are you calling a slacker?
SQUEAK SQUEAK SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): Oh, you are so right! I've been wasting my talents on cheap gimmicks like monsters and such. I'll never beat them that way. I need to be more...CREATIVE!
He gives the duck a hug.
HIM (F.V.): Oh, Mr. Quackers, you are BRILLIANT!
CUT TO: EXT-OBSERVATORY ON TOP OF VOLCANO MOUNTAIN IN TOWNSVILLE PARK, AKA THE LAIR OF MOJO JOJO-DAY
NARRATOR: Meanwhile, at the mountaintop lair of the evil Mojo Jojo...
CUT TO-INT-MOJO'S LAIR
Mojo stands, gasping for breath, still wearing his prison clothes.
MOJO: Lucky for me that creature destroyed the prison, thereby giving me my freedom, or I would not be free to be standing here reflecting on my state of no longer being imprisoned. Now I can get to work devising a plan to replace the money those accursed Powerpuffs took from me which resulted in my incarceration and my obtaining the freedom which allows me to devise the plan for replacing the money. Oooohh, my head hurts. Perhaps I will take a nap first.
The telephone rings.
MOJO: Curses!
(He answers it): No! I will not return to prison! Today. Oh, it is you, sir!
CAMERA SPLIT SCREEN
Showing both parties to the conversation.
HIM (E.V.): Mojo, you fool! What are you talking about?
MOJO: Oh, nothing. I would not be here talking to you if not for the creature who destroyed the prison, thereby allowing me to be here talking to you.
HIM (F.V.): Oh, that. Well, Mojo, luv, looks like you owe me one. Does that time machine of yours still work?
MOJO: Surely you do not plan on using my time travel device.
HIM (F.V.): If I didn't plan to use it, then (E.V.): I wouldn't have mentioned it!
MOJO: Oh, of course. But sir, we tried that once before and it failed. That is, it did not work, the desired result was not achieved, the plan did not succeed as planned...
HIM (F.V.): Mojo, Mojo, Mojo...I take full responsibility for that. It was my plan that failed, and I realize my mistake. This time, we will succeed in destroying those little creeps (E.V.): FOR ETERNITY!
Him and Mojo laugh evilly together briefly.
HIM (F.V.): Now, Mojo dear, while you're making sure that contraption of yours is working, I'll be paying Professor Utonium a little visit! See you soon!
They both hang up and FADE TO BLACK
NARRATOR: Oh no! What's Him up to now?
CUT TO-EXT-UTONIUM SUBURBAN HOME-NIGHT
CUT TO-INT-GIRLS ROOM
PAN FROM
Girls asleep in bed, through the empty, quiet upstairs to PROFESSOR UTONIUM'S room.
ZOOM IN ON
Utonium's sleeping face.
PAN
Slightly upward to show Him's face appear above Utonium. He twirls one of his claws and a small red cloud forms and descends upon Utonium as Him chants his evil spell.
HIM (F.V.): Sleep, Professor, and while my claw twirls
Dream of your precious Powerpuff Girls!
Bring to life every memory you've had
You keep the good, and I'll take (E.V.) THE BAD! HAHAHAHAHA!
The evil laughter echoes.
FADE TO RED
CUT TO: EXT-MOJO'S LAIR-NIGHT
CUT TO: INT-LAIR
ZOOM IN ON
Mojo and Him stand inside the time travel device. Mojo pushes some buttons and twists some knobs.
MOJO: So, why will this plan work when all the others have failed?
HIM (F.V.): Because I've always relied on some physical force to do my work for me. Using monsters to fight the Girls, turning their loved ones against them. The last time we tried to STOP Professor Utonium from creating them. We can come close but it never works. We must make him NOT WANT to create them in the first place to stop him from creating them.
MOJO: You are beginning to sound like me. How do we accomplish what you are talking about?
HIM (F.V.): I stole from him all of his bad memories of the Girls since he made them. When I plant those memories inside the dreams of the Utonium of the past, he'll be so terrified of being a parent, he'll NEVER go through with it! We'll be rid of those bug-eyed twerps (E.V.)
FOREVER!!
MOJO: That is BRILLIANT! Now, all I must do is send us back to just before the accident in the laboratory.
HIM (F.V.): Better make that the day before. Dreams require sleep, you know.
MOJO: Oh, yes, of course.
He makes some final adjustments, initiates the time travel sequence, then rubs his hands and grins an evil grin.
MOJO: At last, those accursed Powerpuffs will be no more.
HIM (thinking to himself, in E.V.): Neither will you, you fool!
The machine and its two occupants fade from view.
NARRATOR: Why, that dirty double cross-dresser! Will Him's evil plan finally bear the bitter fruit of destruction? Is this the end of our beloved Girls, and Mojo Jojo too? Find out in the next chapter of 'To Heck and Back'!
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN: EXT-VOLCANO MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORY-NIGHT
NARRATOR: Our story resumes, over five years in the past...
CUT TO: INT-OBSERVATORY
The time machine with both its occupants shimmers into view. Him steps out of it. The observatory looks empty and deserted.
MOJO: Hmmm. The place looks just like it did when I moved into it.
HIM (F.V.): This won't take long at all, Mojo, dear, so (E.V.) don't even THINK about going back without me!
MOJO (horrified): Oh, I wouldn't DREAM of doing such a thing!
HIM (F.V.): Good! See you soon!
Him vanishes.
MOJO (rubbing his hands together): Muahahahaha!!
CUT TO: EXT-UTONIUM SUBURBAN HOME-NIGHT
CUT TO: INT-PROFESSOR UTONIUM'S LABORATORY
PAN ON
Laboratory.
CLOSE UP ON
Utonium, seen from behind, sitting on a swivel chair at a workbench, hunched over an open book, writing in a notebook. He puts down the pen, stretches, and spins around to face the camera.
UTONIUM: Whew. At last, I think I have it figured out. Just the right amounts of sugar, spice and everything nice. No more dealing with stupid bureaucrats and adoption agencies who think single men can't be good parents. No more women who think I'm perfect until I open my mouth and spoil everything. I'll show them all! By this time tomorrow, I'll have the perfect little angel I've always wanted! Maybe I'll work on making her a brother, next. But I'd better make sure I get enough sleep, can't be tired and have something go wrong!
He stands up, walks to the stairs leading up to the first floor, and starts up, when he hears a terrible screeching. He turns around, startled.
WHIP TO
A small cage on the far side of the lab. Inside, holding the bars, stands a chimpanzee. It is whimpering, with a forlorn look on its face; and it is wearing a diaper.
CAMERA PULLS BACK
To show Utonium and the monkey looking at each other.
UTONIUM: Of course, Jojo, I'll leave the light on for you. Now go to sleep, tomorrow is a very big day for both of us!
The chimp stops whimpering and looks fondly up at Utonium. He smiles back.
UTONIUM: Good night, Jojo.
He exits the lab.
CUT TO: INT-UTONIUM'S BEDROOM
Utonium is asleep. Just like in the previous future, Him materializes and begins his second spell.
HIM (F.V.): Take these memories into your dreams
Relive all of their cries and their screams
Childhood blunders and foolish mistakes
All of the things that gave you the shakes
When morning comes it will all seem a blur
And the Powerpuff Girls (E.V.) WILL NEVER OCCUR! HAHAHAHAHA!
Him and his laughter fade away.
DISSOLVE INTO MONTAGE
Of the terrible fight between Blossom and Buttercup (Octi-evil), being under spells with the Girls as enemies (Tough Love and Cat Man Do), the destruction of Townsville (Uh Oh Dynamo), the ruined dinner (Supper Villain) and birthday party, the filthy, disgusting Buttercup (Down 'n Dirty), trashing his laboratory (Slumbering with the Enemy), all the other petty squabbles, and last, but not least, finding himself in jail (A Very Special Blossom).
He tosses, turns and groans throughout this walk down bad memory lane.
FADE TO BLACK
CUT TO: EXT-OBSERVATORY-NIGHT
CUT TO: INT-OBSERVATORY
Him has rejoined Mojo Jojo inside the time machine.
HIM (F.V.): See? I told you it wouldn't take long. Now, Mojo, Back to the Powerpuff-less Future!
(To himself, E.V.): The fool still hasn't caught on! Hahahahaha!
MOJO (to himself): The fool still thinks I haven't caught on! Muahahahaha!
CUT TO: EXT-UTONIUM HOME-DAY
CUT TO: INT-LABORATORY
PAN ON
Utonium walking down the stairs and to his workbench, rubbing his eyes along the way.
UTONIUM: Wow, what a nightmare! Where the heck did I dream up those three little devils from, anyway? Cute as the dickens, but destructive? I think I've been working too hard...
He leans over and picks up the notebook from the workbench, looks at it briefly, and drops it like it's burning him.
UTONIUM: PERFECT GIRL FORMULA?!! Why have I been wasting my time on THIS? Gahhh! Kids! Who needs 'em?!
PAN ON
Utonium ripping the pages out and crumpling them, unfolding them, carrying them to another table, where he lights a Bunsen burner and turns the formula into ashes.
WHIP TO
Jojo the chimp, in his cage; his face lights up.
UTONIUM (off-camera): Jojo, let's go for a walk! We've been spending far too much time down here!
CUT TO: SOMEWHERE IN TIME
Him and Mojo are in transit back to the present. Him is looking expectantly at the monkey and looks frustrated.
HIM (F.V.): Mojo, aren't you forgetting something?
MOJO: You mean that by Professor Utonium not creating the Powerpuff Girls, I, Mojo Jojo, am also not created? I am much too intelligent to forget a thing like that!
HIM (F.V.): But...but...
MOJO: But! YOU are forgetting that I will now have been living for the last five years as Jojo, Professor Utonium's pet chimpanzee; which was all I ever wanted until those accursed Girls came along to spoil it!
Mojo begins to fade away, his voice growing faint.
MOJO: And with me AND my time machine no longer existing, YOU can no longer go back to change anything else! Muahahaha....
He is gone completely.
HIM (E.V.) I didn't think of that! Blast it! I WANTED him out of the way, but I could have used this machine! CURSES!
CUT TO: EXT-OBSERVATORY-MORNING
CUT TO: INT-OBSERVATORY
PAN ON
The interior. Mojo never lived here, with the future changed, and the abandoned place is once again being used as an observatory. There is open space around the outside window/walls with telescopes every few feet for public use. The interior is a huge round floor to ceiling structure housing elevators, offices, etc. At this time of day, the premises appear deserted.
The time machine with Him inside materializes in the open space, directly in front of an elevator. With its journey complete, the time machine fades away. Him looks around, bewildered.
HIM (F.V.): Well, of course, Mojo never DID live here!
Before he can do another thing, a 'DING' sounds, and the elevator door opens. Him whirls around and stares directly into the face of... BUTTERCUP!
Her fist seems headed right for his face. He leaps back and screams. Seeing the red faced-demon suddenly in his face, the overweight janitor wearing the large 'Buttercup' T-shirt yells and moves back into the elevator, nearly falling over his mop bucket.
HIM: AGGGHHH!!
JANITOR: AGGGHHH!!
HIM: AGGGHHH!!
JANITOR: AGGGHHH!!
The door closes and the elevator heads down, with the janitor no doubt deciding to look for work elsewhere.
HIM (F.V.,panicked): Buttercup! How in the world...?
He dashes to one of the telescopes. Through the lens, as it darts about, we see...
On a storefront, a huge poster showing Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup plush toys. In large letters at the bottom of the poster are the words 'Smash Sisters Toys On Sale Now!'. Across it is a small banner that reads 'Sorry, Sold Out'.
On the marquee of the 'Townsville Twelveplex' theatre, the sign reads 'Smash Hit 'Smash Sisters' All 12 Screens'.
HIM: GAHHH!
Several billboards advertise assorted 'Smash Sisters' items for sale, all showing the Girls in various action shots. In all, they have mean-looking, unsmiling faces. One billboard reads 'Townsville USA-Home of 'The Smash Sisters'.
HIM (F.V.): AGGGHHH!!! WHAT THE HECK HAPPENED?!
He waves a claw and vanishes.
CUT TO: INT-HIM'S LAIR-DAY
Him is soaking in the bath, in great distress; holding his toy duck.
HIM (F.V.): Oh, Mr. Quackers, they're everywhere! They're called the Smash Sisters now, but it's STILL THEM! HOW could I have FAILED AGAIN?!
SQUEAK SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): What? I haven't failed? I just haven't finished with them yet? Tell me more! Tell me more!
SQUEAK SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): Yeesss! I need to investigate further! I may have to go under cover for this job.
He vanishes once again.
CUT TO: EXT-UTONIUM SUBURBAN HOME-DAY
PAN ON
A nondescript man steps out of a bush next to the house, hurries up to the front door, and rings the bell. He is wearing a large pin that reads 'Census 2000'.
CLOSE UP
On man, from behind, as the door opens and a young woman appears.
WOMAN: May I help you?
MAN (in a familiar, effeminate voice): Good morning, I'm from the census bureau, and it says here that Professor Utoni-
WOMAN (laughs): That's right, you guys only come around every ten years. Professor Utonium hasn't lived here in a long time!
HIM (F.V.): He hasn't? Where does he live now?
WOMAN: You don't know?
WHIP TO
She indicates inside her living room to the two rugrats wearing Smash Sisters PJ's, watching a Smash Sisters cartoon on television.
WHIP TO
WOMAN: He lives in a palace outside of Townsville. With the money he's made off of THEM!
She points toward the TV screen.
HIM (F.V.): The Powerpu- er Smash Sisters? They live with him?
WOMAN: LIVE with him? You aren't from around here, are you? Well, yeah, in a way, I guess they do. They're only the biggest cartoon ever, and he created them. Right here in Townsville! Hey, mister? You don't look so good. You better go home and count sheep instead of people.
She closes the door, and a disguised Him turns to face camera, in shock.
PAN ON
Him, walking back to the bush he appeared from behind.
HIM (F.V.): He DID create them after all, into CARTOONS! I need to know more!
He disappears again in red smoke.
FAST PAN, AERIAL VIEW
Across Townsville, to a white stone mansion, surrounded by huge lawns and all the goodies, including a large pool and tennis courts.
CAMERA MOVES IN
Showing several TV vans parked in the circular driveway, along with a limo. The vans say 'ABC TV' on their sides.
WHIP TO
Rear of mansion.
Seated opposite each other, in two deck chairs, with the pool and manicured shrubs as a backdrop; are two people. They are being filmed by a camera crew. In one chair is BARBARA WALTERS, well-dressed as always; in the other, Professor Utonium. He is decked out in khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt; and is deeply suntanned. A pair of sunglasses hangs from the neck of his shirt. He looks every bit the Hollywood celebrity relaxing at home. Meanwhile, Jojo runs happily around the yard.
A man holding some papers speaks into a headset; he is the DIRECTOR.
DIRECTOR: 20/20 Walters-Utonium Special-Take Three. Professor, if that monkey of yours interrupts one more time, I'm going to insist you cage him.
UTONIUM (angry): He is NOT a monkey! Call Jojo that again and this interview is OVER!
DIRECTOR (sighs): Take Three...Roll!
BARBARA WALTERS: Professor Utonium, in only a few short weeks, 'The Smash Sisters' has become the highest grossing animated feature film of all time. Not to mention the merchandising miracle that all began with a simple daily strip in the Townsville Tribune five years ago. What is it that makes them so appealing?
UTONIUM (instantly calm and relaxed): Well, Barbara, the story of the dream that led me to create them is well known. But what could be more appealing than three adorable little super-powered girls who just happen to be the biggest klutzes on the face of the earth? Add to that the fact they are always fighting over some silly thing or another and you've got the perfect recipe for disaster. They think of themselves as heroes saving the world, but they destroy everything they lay their hands on. At times, I still can't believe it was me who started all this; after all, I'm really a scientist....
SCENE DISSOLVES INTO
A crystal globe, with Him's face reflecting off of it. Him is in his lair, looking into the crystal ball; the toy duck in one claw.
HIM (F.V.): You were right again, Mr. Quackers, I'm not finished with them yet. They might not be the Powerpuff Girls and they can't do anything to stop me from terrorizing the world; but if I have to keep seeing their insufferably cute faces (E.V.) I'LL GO INSANE!
SQUEAK
HIM (F.V.): Yes, Mr. Quackers, one more spell...
CUT TO: EXT-HIGH ABOVE TOWNSVILLE-NIGHT
Him appears high over the city. As he twirls his claw to begin the spell, a large red cloud forms and drops down upon everything below.
HIM (F.V.): Smash Sisters, Powerpuffs; whatever their names
You will destroy all the toys and the games
From innocent babe to the meanest of crooks
Bring your comics and movies, CDs and books
Everything tossed to the flames of the fire
Higher and higher the funeral pyre
When their ashes are but the only remains
All traces of them will be gone from your brains!
Evil laughter echoes.
NARRATOR: Oh, No! Is this the end of our beloved Smash Sisters? And who the heck are the Powerpuff Girls, anyway?
FADE TO RED
CUT TO: INT-HIM'S LAIR-MORNING
Him is sitting on the couch, holding the TV remote in one claw. The toy duck is in the other.
HIM (F.V.): Well, let's see what the world looks like today, shall we?
He clicks the set on.
MONTAGE from various morning news shows. Outside the Townsville Twelveplex, an angry mob tears down the marquee. On the steps of Townsville Hall, Mayor Mayor issues a proclamation banning the Smash Sisters. Sara Bellum hands out signs to a long line of passing citizens; the signs read 'Smash the Sisters', 'Down With Utonium' and similar slogans; merchants pile 'Smash Sisters' items on the sidewalks in front of their shops and people cart it away just as quickly, under huge banners which read 'Free Kindling'; commentators shout their editorials against the 'Terrible Trio', 'The Post-Modern Prometheuses', and other such witty titles.
Him stops on one of the news channels. The reporter is speaking with live action shown behind him; the action goes full screen with the reporter's voice-over. A large, angry crowd is trying to get past numerous police holding them back. A young woman is standing on the walk in front of the Utonium mansion, behind the police, at a podium with an attached microphone.
REPORTER: This is the scene, live, outside Professor Utonium's mansion. Give 'im one for me, folks! Wait...we're being told a Utonium spokesperson is about to issue a statement...
CLOSE UP ON
SPOKESWOMAN: Professor Utonium has asked me to tell you that he will make a public apology this evening at 8 PM in Townsville Central Park. He also makes this brief statement:
"Bring your 'Smash Sisters' stuff, I'll bring the marshmallows."
CROWD (in unison): YAAAAYYYY!!!
HIM (E.V.): I'VE DONE IT! THOSE LITTLE CREEPS ARE REALLY, TRULY, FINALLY FINISHED THIS TIME!!!
(F.V.): Whew, all those spells really tired me out! Mr. Quackers, how about a nice bath and then a good long nap right here on the couch?
SQUEAK!
NARRATOR: Are we finally rid of those disgustingly cute demons of destruction? Find out next time on 'To Heck and Back'! (laughs evilly)
FADE TO RED
>FADE IN: EXT-DEEP SPACE
On a large, savagely burning sun, throwing out solar flares in all directions.
NARRATOR: Billions of miles away, in a far-distant galaxy...
SLOW PAN RIGHT
Showing a planet coming into view.
SLOW CLOSE ON
Planet. It is covered with swirling, evil looking red and gray clouds, hiding any surface features from view.
NARRATOR: ...a doomed world awaits its destruction...
CUT TO: EXT-FUTURISTIC CITY-DAY
The air shimmers, giving the impression of tremendous heat. The streets are empty, futuristic flying automobiles sit abandoned everywhere, some crashed into streets and buildings, burning away.
CUT TO: EXT-A LAUNCH PAD-DAY
In the sweltering heat, several destroyed hulls of what were rocket ships sit on the pad. Two intact ships are on the pad with wrecks either side of them. There is no activity visible. Suddenly, one ship seems to shimmer more intensely in the heat than its surroundings and it explodes violently; seconds later, the one remaining does the same.
NARRATOR: ...as the last hope of this great civilization...is gone...
CUT TO: A HOUSE ON A HILL-DAY
A large future-style house overlooks the city.
PAN
Over house to show, on the top floor, an observatory with a large panel set into the roof.
NARRATOR: ...or is it?
CUT TO: INT-OBSERVATORY
The same sweltering effect is seen indoors, too, though less pronounced.
Two humanoid figures are seen; they have larger than normal heads and eyes. A man bends into the eyepiece of a telescope. He stands and backs away, wiping sweat from his brow. He has rounded facial features and black hair, graying at the sides. Next to him is a woman, with long, red-orange hair. She nervously puffs on a cigarette in a holder. Both are wearing futuristic clothing.
WOMAN: Have you learned anything new, JOR-AL? We are running out of time!
JOR-AL: Nothing we didn't already know, DOR-AL. The planet isn't much, but it will support life. We only have a short time before our sun goes super-nova. Go get the children, Dor-al. And get rid of that cigarette!
CAMERA PULLS BACK
Doral exits to the left. The ugly glow of the sun can be seen shining through the swirling clouds; viewed through the many windows of the observatory.
PAN ON
Jor-al as he walks to the right and stops next to a very small rocket on a small launch pad. He presses some buttons on a control panel and a clear hatch opens up on the rocket.
WHIP TO
Ceiling, as the panel in the roof opens, showing more swirling clouds.
WHIP TO
A doorway, as Dor-al reappears, carrying three bundles.
PAN ON
Dor-al, as she walks to Jor-al standing at the small rocket ship. All that can be seen of the children is that they are small, with large, rounded heads. Blankets cover their bodies and their hair. Each blanket corresponds to the color of the large eyes of the child wrapped in it; the colors are pink, green and light blue.
CLOSE UP ON
The children. They don't look afraid; the green-eyed one is frowning, the other two look a bit bewildered, their mouths in O's.
CAMERA PULLS BACK
To show all five, as Jor-al takes the pink-eyed child from Dor-al.
JOR-AL: Girls, there is nothing for you to be afraid of. You are going on the Great Adventure I told you might come some day.
PINK-EYED GIRL (looking at the rocket): That's too small! Aren't you coming?
DOR-AL (voice wavering): No, girls; we will be along...later...
JOR-AL: No, Dor-al, we mustn't lie to them. Girls, our world is dying; the sun will explode very soon. All of our rockets are destroyed. You are our only hope now.
DOR-AL: The Elders decided that if this day ever came, some of our children should be sent to other worlds. Only one world was found that we could live on, and this is our only surviving ship.
JOR-AL: You are going to a place called Earth. Its people are called humans. They are basically good but very weak. Compared to them, you three will be super-beings. In return for a place to live, you must help protect them from the many evils that live among them.
GREEN-EYED GIRL: All right! Bad guys!
JOR-AL: Yes, children, bad guys. Including one who is the definition of evil itself. But he lacks the physical power to harm you and has to use others to get what he wants. You can't destroy him but you can keep him in check.
DOR-AL: And he will never destroy you!
ALL THREE GIRLS: Why not?
JOR-AL: You must know the truth, but you must also try to forget it. As long as Earth has a breathable atmosphere, you are virtually indestructible. To Earthlings you are essentially immortal. You must NEVER let them be aware of this, or they will see you as gods, instead of super-powered little girls.
DOR-AL: You will have enough trouble with that as it is. It is our dream, girls, that until we are reunited with you, that you enjoy your time on Earth and try to be as much like Earth children as you can. But this evil force will never defeat you.
JOR-AL: One more thing. Humans will look different than we do. Try not to make them feel self-conscious about it.
ALL THREE GIRLS: We won't!
JOR-AL: And they will probably comment on your lack of external ears, noses and digits, all of which, as you know, you will develop by your adulthood. The average human will never see it in three of their lifetimes. You will always be children to them.
DOR-AL: But we will see you before that, anyway.
There is a loud crash of thunder and the room brightens suddenly.
JOR-AL: Girls, we must say goodbye.
He lifts the pink-eyed girl into her seat on the ship.
JOR-AL: NOET-AL, as the oldest, you will be the leader of the team. Use your intelligence wisely and watch over your sisters. Promise?
NOET-AL (smiles): I promise!
Dor-al hands the frowning green-eyed girl to Jor-al.
GREEN-EYED GIRL: Oldest! By two minutes! Geesh!
JOR-AL (smiling, pats her on the head): Now, KIL-AL, she is the oldest. But your fierceness will be needed just as much as her leadership.
He lifts her into her seat and winks at her.
JOR-AL: Go easy on the heiney whuppings, okay?
KIL-AL (breaks into huge grin): Do I hafta?
As Dor-al hands the blue-eyed girl to Jor-al, the child begins to cry.
BLUE-EYED GIRL: I'm not smart 'n I'm not tough, either! What about me?
JOR-AL (laughs and gives her a squeeze): Yes you are!
She responds by smiling as she is lifted into the last seat.
JOR-AL: BUBB-AL, you have the most important job of all. Always stay as sweet as you are.
BUBB-AL: Okay! Can I bring my crayons?
DOR-AL (smiling through her tears): No, dear, they'll melt. I'm sure they have crayons on Earth, too.
NOET-AL: Mommy? Daddy? Are we ever gonna see you again?
JOR-AL (reacts with surprise): Dor-al! Where is it?
DOR-AL: I forgot!
FAST PAN ON
Dor-al as she runs to the doorway and disappears.
WHIP TO
Jor-al next to the ship with the girls inside it.
JOR-AL: I can't say what the future holds, Noet-al.
Dor-al re-enters the scene, holding what looks like a huge red hairbow. Jor-al takes it and places it inside the ship.
JOR-AL: If we survive, we will find you. This transmitter will tell us where you are. You must keep it with you always, Noet-al.
Dor-al steps up to the ship, leans in and kisses each child. She steps back.
DOR-AL and JOR-AL: Goodbye, children.
Jor-al closes the hatch and seals it shut with laser beams from his eyes. As their parents step away, the girls look out sadly at them.
CUT TO-EXT-SPACE
High above the ill-fated planet, a pinpoint of light breaks through the clouds, growing larger and closer. It continues to come straight ahead, showing itself as the rocket ship with the girls' faces visible, as it quickly passes above and out of view.
NARRATOR: Will these three innocents find a home amidst the evil that awaits them? Find out in the exciting conclusion of 'To Heck and Back'!
FADE TO BLACK
>FADE IN: INT-HIM'S LAIR-MORNING
Him is sitting on his couch, channel surfing. Mr. Quackers is sitting on one arm of the couch.
MONTAGE of assorted morning TV show talking heads spewing either the morning's headlines or happy drivel. The TV's clock reads 7:15.
HIM (F.V.): I've done it! Not a single mention of the Smash Sisters anywhere! Oh, Mr. Quackers, those meddlesome little Powerpuffs really ARE gone for good! Now, I can begin to torment the world and no one can stop me! What do you say I start...(E.V.) WITH TOWNSVILLE!!! HAHAHAHAHA!
Evil laughter echoes as scene FADES TO BLACK
FADE IN: EXT-UTONIUM MANSION-DAY
CUT TO: INT-UTONIUM'S BEDROOM
Professor Utonium is in bed. He yawns, stretches, and swings his feet out over the edge of the bed. He stands, yawns and stretches again.
UTONIUM: Well, I should get right to the lab and get busy. What an odd dream that was, though. I can't remember a thing but I feel like I haven't worked on my experiments in years.
There is a bright flash of light seen through the bedroom windows, followed by a 'whoosh', a loud crashing sound, and the house shakes.
UTONIUM: What was THAT?!
Jojo can be heard screeching from somewhere else in the house.
UTONIUM: Get back to bed!
CUT TO: EXT-MANSION-DAY
The early morning fog begins to dissipate in the sun, along with the smoke from the crash. Near the pool appears a medium sized crater with a portion of a missile sticking out of it at a 45 degree angle; part of the fuselage, and the tail. Smoke and flames pour out of the crater.
WHIP TO
Utonium, running from the house with a white lab coat, open, over his pajamas.
PAN ON
Utonium, as he runs to the crater and looks down. A look of shock appears on his face and he leaps back.
Floating up from the crater are three small girls. They are now holding the blankets each of them were wrapped in. They and the blankets are unharmed in any way. (Of course, they look exactly like the Powerpuffs; Noet-al has the hairbow-transmitter on top of her long red-orange hair.)
UTONIUM: Wh-who are y-you?
BUBB-AL (waving one arm at him): Hi! I'm Bubb-al!
UTONIUM (smiling): Bubbles! How cute! What about you two?
BUBB-AL (to herself, smiling): Close enough!
Kil-al spots a small group of insects hovering just a few feet away and points at them with one hand, and points at Noet-al with her other hand.
KIL-AL: Blas' 'em! Blas' 'em!
UTONIUM (not noticing the bugs): Oh, Blossom! What a pretty name! That's one serious hairbow, too.
Noet-al scowls at Kil-al.
NOET-AL (whispering): Thanks a lot, Butt-head!
Suddenly, her face breaks into a wide grin and she points at Kil-al.
NOET-AL: And her name is Butt-he...er...CUP! Buttercup!
Kil-al's eyes shoot daggers at her sister.
UTONIUM: Well, Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup; it's very nice to meet you. You can call me Professor Utonium. But tell me something, girls, where did you come from and why are you floating like hummingbirds without a scratch on you?
BLOSSOM: Well, Professor, our sun was about to go super-nova so our parents sent us here to live. (sadly) We don't know what happened to them after we left.
BUTTERCUP: We have super-powers! That means we can fly and shoot laser beams out of our eyes and probably lots of other neat stuff we don't know about yet!
BUBBLES: Yeah, and we came here to fight bad guys! Are you a bad guy?
UTONIUM (in mock fear): I don't THINK so...
BLOSSOM: Great! In that case, we're gonna need a place to live. Can we stay with you?
UTONIUM (points toward the mansion): Well, I certainly have plenty of room. And you will need help learning what powers you do have and how to use them. I'm a scientist and I have just the place for that. Would you like to see it?
GIRLS: Sure!
UTONIUM: Oh, by the way, I have a pet chimpanzee. His name is Jojo.
BUBBLES: Monkey! Wheeeeee!
There is a huge explosion, then several more, shaking the earth.
WHIP TO
The city skyline, with flames and smoke coming from it.
WHIP TO
UTONIUM and GIRLS
UTONIUM: That came from Townsville!
BLOSSOM: Professor, our parents said there was one evil force here that was worse than all the rest. Do you know about it?
UTONIUM: Well, there is ONE evil creature that seems to be behind everything in one way or another. A creature so evil his true name can't be spoken...so he is just referred to as... HIM. He COULD be behind this.
BUBBLES: Him? That's a dumb name! Why Him?
UTONIUM: Good question, seeing as he hasn't made up his mind yet...
GIRLS: Huh?
UTONIUM: Never mind...you'll see for yourselves.
Another series of explosions rocks the ground.
BUTTERCUP: We better check that out!
UTONIUM: Be careful! While you're gone, I'll cook up some explanation for your sudden appearance. I know...I'll say I made you in my laboratory! And, I'll make you some more clothes like the ones you're wearing, out of those blankets!
BUTTERCUP: Cool! Hey, wait. If we're going to be super-heroes we need a super-hero name.
UTONIUM (rubbing his chin): Well, you are very powerful...and you have puffed-up heads, arms and legs...how about...the Powerpuff Girls?
GIRLS (thinking in unison): You're pretty funny lookin' yourself! But, hey, why not?
BLOSSOM: The Powerpuff Girls!
BUTTERCUP: Here to fight crime and the forces of evil!
BUBBLES: Let's get HIM!
FAST PAN ON
Girls as they fly off, leaving a rapidly shrinking Utonium and the grounds below them.
PAN ON
Girls as they fly in formation toward Townsville.
BLOSSOM: Flying is FUN!
BUBBLES (turning her x-ray vision on a building): Hey, I can see inside stuff!
BUTTERCUP: Let me try!
She uses her lasers instead and blows the top off a skyscraper.
BUTTERCUP: Oops!
BLOSSOM: Careful! Let's save it for whatever is causing the trouble...WHOA!
WHIP PAN TO
A huge Godzilla-type creature smashing buildings and breathing fire into others. Military-type aircraft are having no affect; they are swatted aside like bugs. Burning planes crash, parachutes drift downward.
WHIP PAN TO
Girls, pulling up short in the sky.
BUBBLES: Daddy didn't say anything about MONSTERS!
BUTTERCUP: Maybe he didn't wanna spoil our FUN!
BLOSSOM: Yeah! One fried lizard, coming right up!
FAST PAN ON
Girls as they fly to the monster, quickly punching, kicking, hacking and lasering it into submission.
CUT TO: INT-HIM'S LAIR
Him is once again sitting with his toy duck, watching the results of his handiwork as he channel-surfs.
WHIP TO
TV set. The clock reads 7:46.
Buildings are smashed aside by the monster.
REPORTER #1 (male): The city of Townsville is at this minute under attack by a giant lizard! There appears to be...
-click-
Parachutes and burning planes fill the screen behind the reporter's head.
REPORTER #2 (male): ...no stopping the creature as the Air Force attack has failed and the...
-click-
REPORTER #3 (female): ...monster is coming straight for our studios! AIIIEEEE!!!
A shadow falls across her face as the cameraman whips from her to a giant three-toed foot coming toward them.
WHIP TO
HIM (laughing, F.V.): Who said there was nothing good on TV anymore, eh, Mr.Quackers?
SQUEAK!
-click-
WHIP TO
REPORTER #4 (female): It appears, fellow citizens of Townsville, that there is absolutely no way to...
-click-
The monster is seen being swung around in a circle by some unseen force before it disappears off-screen.
REPORTER #5 (Male) ...explain the sudden appearance of three tiny figures who have defeated the creature and flung its carcass into the far reaches of outer space!
WHIP TO
HIM (E.V.): WHAT??!
WHIP TO
REPORTER #5: Who are these new heroes? The Avenging Angels?
Girls congratulate each other in the classic 'holding hands' pose.
-click-
REPORTER #3: The Triplets of Triumph?
Girls appear larger, flying over the city, smiling.
CAMERA PULLS BACK
Him throws the remote into the set, exploding the picture tube.
HIM (E.V., screaming): IMPOSSIBLE!!! The Powerpuff Girls?! How?
SQUEAK SQUEAK
HIM (E.V.): What do you mean "Don't look at me!"?!
CRASHHH!!
WHIP TO AND PAN ON
The Powerpuffs bursting through the ceiling of Him's lair. He leaps off the couch and they quickly surround him on three sides.
HIM (F.V.): Powerpuff Girls! But...I-I-DESTROYED you!
BLOSSOM (points accusingly): So! YOU'RE responsible for that lizard-thing!
BUTTERCUP: Yeah, and, hey! How do you know who we are?
BUBBLES: Silly! You don't even know who YOU are!
HIM (E.V.): Well, I'll destroy you now!
BUTTERCUP: Give it up, girlie-man!
BUBBLES: Our Mommy said you CAN'T destroy us!
BLOSSOM: And we might not be able to destroy you, but we CAN keep you in check!
HIM (E.V.): We'll just see about that!
He moves in one direction, Blossom moves to stop him.
BLOSSOM: Check!
He tries again.
BUTTERCUP: Check!
He tries a third time.
BUBBLES: Check!
He begins to spin himself into a red cloud and lifts off the floor, but Buttercup grabs his boots before he can completely disappear. She swings him down, then up to gain momentum, then whips him violently down toward the floor.
BUTTERCUP: Check-MATE!
THUD!
FADE TO BLACK
FADE IN: HIM'S LAIR-NIGHT
It is darker in the room, but there is still an eerie red glow to things. Him sits up holding his head, and realizes he is on the floor of the living room, near the couch. Right where they left him.
HIM (F.V.): Oh, my head doesn't hurt like I thought it would, but I wish that infernal buzzing would go away!
He stands up and his face quickly registers terror.
WHIP TO
TV set. The buzzing is coming from an off-the-air-TV channel. The set is still on, the clock reading nearly 3 AM.
WIDER ANGLE SHOT
HIM (F.V.): NO! IT CAN'T BE! I BROKE IT!
But there it is, broadcasting nothing. He frantically searches for the remote, finds it on the floor, and tries another channel.
HIM (F.V.) Townsville Headline News should be on...
REPORTER: ...and this was the scene earlier this evening at Townsville Hall as Mayor Mayor presented the Powerpuff Girls with this years' Junior Citizen award...
HIM (F.V.): AGGGHHHHH!!!! The whole thing was a (E.V.) BLASTED NIGHTMARE!
He strides for the table with the telephone and punches in the number.
CUT TO: A VERY DARK PLACE
A phone rings several times over loud snoring. The snoring turns into a few quick snorts, and the ringing ends as an irritated, sleepy voice grumbles...
VOICE: Hello...
A light is snapped on, revealing the face of...MOJO JOJO!
MOJO (Angry): It is YOU! Do you know what time it is? This had better be good!
SPLIT SCREEN
HIM (E.V.): Of course it's good, you idiot, or I wouldn't be calling you!
MOJO: Well, what is it? I am very busy at the moment!
HIM (F.V.): Mojo, does that time machine of yours still work?
MOJO: Yeeessss?
HIM (F.V.): Well, if I ever call you up and ask you to use it to go back in time to destroy the Powerpuff Girls?
MOJO: Yeeessss?
HIM (E.V.): HANG UP ON ME!!
CLICK!
Him slams down the phone, disappears and go to full screen. A dumbfounded Mojo stares into the camera.
NARRATOR: HAHAHAHAHA! I guess even Nightmares have nightmares! Serves HIM right!
PULSATING HEARTS CLOSING
NARRATOR: So, once again, the day is saved...er, the night is ruined...thanks to...The Powerpuff Girls!
THE END
Story written August-September 2000