NARRATOR: The City of Townsville....and there's only a week left until Christmas!!!

MONTAGE [with Narrator voice-over] Traffic jams, angry motorists, crying children seated on laps of bored department store Santas, a woman hitting another over the head with an OCTI doll, cyclones of shoppers stripping toy store shelves bare (leaving displays of Scooby merchandise unscathed)]

NARRATOR [voice-over MONTAGE]: Everywhere, Townsville's citizens are caught up in the holiday spirit! But our story takes place at the Powerpuff Girls' suburban home, where our favorite superheros are anticipating as only 5 Year olds can!

CUT TO: EXT-PPG's HOME-DAY

CUT TO: INT-PPG's bedroom

[BUTTERCUP lounges on the bed, propped on one elbow; BLOSSOM sits in chair reading a book; BUBBLES lies on floor, coloring on paper with her crayons]

BUTTERCUP: Hey, Blossom? What're you makin' the Professor for Christmas?

BLOSSOM: Nothing.

BUTTERCUP: Huh?!?

BUBBLES: N-Nothing?

BLOSSOM: Nope. I'm already finished; and I'm not saying what it is.

BUTTERCUP: Uh, yeah, me too.

NARRATOR: What a little fibber! She hasn't even started yet!

BUTTERCUP: Hey!!

NARRATOR: Oops, sorry.

BUBBLES: Well, I'm making crayon drawings! [She holds one up] See, isn't it pretty?

BUTTERCUP: Oh, Bubbles, you do that every year! Can't ya' come up with somethin' different?

BLOSSOM: Now, Buttercup...

BUBBLES: He likes my drawings!

BUTTERCUP: He does not!

BUBBLES: Does too!

BUTTERCUP: Yeah? Where're all the other ones, hmm?

BUBBLES [proudly]: He likes them so much, he hides them so nobody else can look at them!

[Her sisters exchange a look]

BLOSSOM to BUTTERCUP: Leave her alone. It's the thought that counts.

BUTTERCUP: Whatever. So, what d'ya think the Professor is makin' us this year?

BLOSSOM: We don't need presents! The Professor gives us everything; our home, our training, anything we need!

BUTTERCUP: Aw, you're no fun. I bet it's cool, whatever it is, right Bubbles?

BUBBLES [still miffed at BUTTERCUP]: I don't wanna' present!

BUTTERCUP and BLOSSOM: Wha...?

BUBBLES: I just want the Professor! [sadly] He's always so busy! We hardly get to see him anymore.

BLOSSOM: Well, it's a big responsibility being a genius, teaching us to use our superpowers wisely so that we can fight crime and save the world...

BUTTERCUP: ...and invent all kinds of neat stuff, including our present! I bet he's working on it right now. C'mon, let's sneak down to the lab and find out what it is!

BLOSSOM: Buttercup! You know we aren't allowed in the lab without permission!

BUTTERCUP: Fine! Stay here and read your stupid book. C'mon, Bubbles, let's go!

NARRATOR: No, girls, don't listen to her...

BUBBLES: I don't know...

BUTTERCUP: Ah, what're you guys, chicken?

BUBBLES: Who you callin' a chicken?!?

BLOSSOM [just a bit curious to see what's in the lab]: Look,

Buttercup, this is not a good idea.

BUTTERCUP: It's no big deal. I've done it before.

BLOSSOM and BUBBLES: GASP! [mouths drop open]

BUTTERCUP: You know how the Professor gets when he's really inta' somethin'. He'll never know we're there. Let's do it!

[Her curiosity overcoming her usual good sense, Blossom follows her sisters as they float out of the room]

NARRATOR: Oh, girls. I hope you know what you're doing. Meanwhile, downstairs in the laboratory...

CUT TO: INT-PROFESSOR UTONIUM'S LABORATORY-DAY

[Inside his lab, PROFESSOR UTONIUM is working on a project that consists of a control panel hooked up to the television he keeps there, which is turned off at the moment. The control panel is actually a computer. Suspended from the ceiling there is a small dish receiver, and several feet away, a fifteen-foot cubical transparent grid-like framework, which is resting on a slightly raised platform. Bolted to the ceiling above the platform are two identical black boxes which appear to have three small lenses projecting downward from each]

PROFESSOR [seated on a stool, speaks aloud to himself]: Oh, I think the girls are going to love this! When I can't spend time with them, which is all too often, I must admit; they will be able to interact with holographic images of their favorite TV characters. The computer converts the TV signal, transmits it to the mini-dish, then to those two modulators; and whatever characters and scenery are being shown on the channel the set is tuned to, are recreated within that framework. The girls will be able to freely enter and exit the grid, but the holographs are contained by a force-field which affects only them...

NARRATOR: Well, Professor, it might make an excellent educational tool, but it's a lousy substitute parent.

PROFESSOR: Hey! You know you aren't allowed in here without permission!

NARRATOR: Oh, sorry...

PROFESSOR: Now, where was I?...Oh, yes...When I turn it off, the holographs simply disappear and the grid is empty again. Everything should be set for the first trial run; a few minor adjustments and it should be ready in time for Christmas morning! Now, where's that remote? [he finds it and begins to channel surf]: Ho, hum... 150 channels, nothing to watch... oh, wait! THIS should be PERFECT!

FADE OUT

CUT TO: INT-Hallway leading to laboratory-DAY

BLOSSOM: So far, so good. Only ten feet more.

BUTTERCUP: Geez, we could've flown down here singin' Christmas carols. He's got the TV on in there, for cryin' out loud.

BLOSSOM: Well, if you're going to do a job, you may as well do it right.

[five feet]

BUBBLES: Girls! Listen! There's people in there with the Professor!

BLOSSOM: Shhhh!, not so loud, it's just the TV.

BUBBLES: No, I hear arguin'! I know arguin' when I hear it!

[gives her sisters a pointed look]

[two feet]

BUTTERCUP: Quiet, ya' big baby, it's just a movie or somethin'...

BLOSSOM: Wait, Buttercup, listen!

[They stop outside the door. From inside come the sounds of bickering, slapping and grunts of pain]

BLOSSOM: That sounds real! What's going on in there?

BUTTERCUP: So, he's got good speakers, what'd you expect?

[From inside comes the crash of furniture and a body thudding on the floor]

BUBBLES: THAT'S not speakers!

PROFESSOR: Oh, stop! You guys are killing me!!

PPG's: PROFESSOR!!!!!!!!

NARRATOR: No, girls, don't go in there!

[PPG's slam together into the door, blowing it and the doorjamb to pieces. They see the Professor lying on the floor next to his overturned stool, moaning and holding his sides, tears streaming from his eyes]

BUBBLES [flies to his side, shrieking]: PROFESSOR!!!

BLOSSOM: [hovers above them, looking at them]: Professor? Are you OK? What happened?

PROFESSOR [begins to sit up]: Girls? What're you do- no, it's alri-

BUTTERCUP [has held back, eyes searching the room for the cause of this scene]: Girls! Look!!

[She points and her sisters join her in midair. Their mouths open and eyes grow huge at the sight of three middle aged men in rumpled suits, standing several feet away. The facial expressions of the men are nearly identical, as they gape at the sight of three small figures floating in thin air. The men bear an eerie, if very slight, resemblance to the girls. The one on the right (from PPG's P.O.V.) has black hair cut very much like Buttercup's, without the flip; and his face carries the same perpetual scowl. The man in the middle has hair almost the color of Blossom's, at least what little he has of it; and on the left, while his hair is cut so short that you can't be sure it is blonde, the man's face reflects the same sweet innocence of Bubbles'. The men appear to be standing inside a rather seedy looking living room with old, dingy wallpaper and beat up chairs]

[The Professor, totally taken aback by this scene, is dumbstruck and unable to react]

BUTTERCUP: Who the heck are you guys and what did you do to the Professor?!?

[The men are startled out of their stupor]

BRUSH CUT [points at girls]: Hey, look! Bumblebees!

RED HAIR: Big ones! And they're talkin!

BLACK HAIR: And they look mad! Let's get outta here!

[They turn to run]

PPG's: NOT SO FAST, WHOEVER YOU ARE!!!

MEN: NYEAAHHAAHHAAHHH!!!

BUTTERCUP: Let's get 'em!

[Girls speed toward them]

PROFESSOR [coming out his trance]: Girls! No! Wait, they're not- [slow-motion sequence as Professor dives for the control panel, extreme close up of his finger as it flicks the 'OFF' switch]: NOOOOOOOOO!!!!

[PPG's are holding the men up in the air by the collars of their jackets while they squirm and complain]

BLACK HAIR: Hey, what's the big idea?

RED HAIR: Yeah, pick on someone yer own size!

BLOSSOM:[sees Professor on all fours with a strange look on his face]: Professor, what's go-

[before she can finish, there is a humming noise that grows louder and the platform begins shaking]

BLOSSOM: Whaatt'ss hhaappppeennnniinngg????

PROFESSOR: Something's wrong! It's not supposed to do that! It's just supposed to turn off! Girls, get out of there!

[Mixed with the humming are the confused shouts of seven different voices. There is a sudden explosion of light, and everything goes black]

FADE OUT

FADE IN: INT-LABORATORY-DAY

[The lab is lit normally but it is silent. The television is on but no sound is coming from it. The Professor is sitting on the floor, rubbing his eyes. The grid is empty, except for the girls lying in a sprawl on the platform, semi-conscious. Buttercup opens her eyes first, she sees Bubbles partially on top of her, and shoves her roughly aside]

BUTTERCUP: Get offa me, you imbecile!

BUBBLES: Hey!

BLOSSOM [panicked, with arms in front of her, searching]: I can't see! I can't see!

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES [hurry to her side]: What's the matter?

BLOSSOM [smiling, sing-song]: I got my eyes closed!

BUTTERCUP: Why, you! I oughta...

PROFESSOR [groggily] Girls? Are you all right?

[One of the laboratory mice has somehow escaped from it's cage; Bubbles sees it. She jumps to her feet, starts pumping her knees up and down in place, and slaps at her face]

BUBBLES: Moe! Larry! Cheese! Moe! Larry! Cheese! [says repeatedly]

[Blossom sees a compact refrigerator along a wall, runs to it, opens it, finds a package of cheese, races back. She and Buttercup begin cramming cheese into Bubbles' mouth]

BUBBLES: Moe! [chew] Larry! [chew, chew] Cheese! [chew]

BUTTERCUP: Now, calm down!

BLOSSOM: Yeah, take it easy!

[Bubbles chews furiously but is now down to just whimpering]

PROFESSOR [still sitting]: NOOOO!! Girls, please tell me this is a joke, or maybe I'm just dreaming....

BUBBLES [over her 'spell' and standing]: Hey! Who you callin' goils?

BUTTERCUP [turns toward Professor]: Oh, hello, Perfesser. Say, what WAS that? We was puttin on a show for ya', when them bees come bustin' in...

PROFESSOR [falls back into trance-like state]: Nonononononono....

BLOSSOM: What's up wit' him?

BUBBLES: Hey, Moe! Your eyes are all green, and you're wearin' a dress!

BUTTERCUP: Yeah, it's them cheap cigars and...[looks down] Hey! I AM wearin' a dress!

BLOSSOM: And you look awful cute in it, too!

BUTTERCUP: What're you, a wise guy? [slaps Blossom across the face] What's that on your head?

BLOSSOM [Reaches up, touches her hair, feels around with a look of pleased surprise]: Hey Moe! Curly! My hair grew back!

BUTTERCUP: No, you idiot, THAT! [points at Blossom's hairbow]

BLOSSOM: Oh... [reaches up, touches it, pulls it off, looks at it. Shudders and jumps with fright]: A tarantula!!!

[flings it to the floor and stomps it to death]

[The Professor has recovered his wits but has chosen to stay where he is on the floor. He is thinking to himself and is oblivious to the antics going on before him. He's seen it all, a hundred times]

Professor [to himself]: Well, it's definitely not a dream. More like a nightmare. Something's obviously wrong with the system. How did the Stooges get into the girls bodies? Where are the girls? What the heck were they thinking, coming in here like that? What to do, what to do? Oh, great, I'm sounding like Mayor! Okay, first things first. I'm going to have to deal with these guys before I can even think about looking for the girls. If they accidentally find out they're the Powerpuff Stooges, Townsville is doomed! How am I going to keep them out of trouble long enough to think this thing through? Hey, who's hitting me? Cut that out! It's Buttercup! Uh, I mean, Moe. That figures.

MOE: Hey Perfesser? Say a few syllables!

PROFESSOR: Oh, hi, Moe. Hello, boys.

MOE: You okay, Perfesser? You gonna leave on another cruise without us?

PROFESSOR: No, seriously, boys, I'm fine. [stands up]

MOE: Good, because those weird lookin' kids of yours stole our suits!

[Larry and Curly have come down from platform to near where Moe and the Professor are standing]

LARRY: Yeah, and they took us with 'em!

CURLY: That was my best suit! It was wrinkled in all the right

places, Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!

MOE: Shaddap, you two! [slaps Larry again, punches Curly in the stomach]

LARRY: What'd ya' do that for?

CURLY: Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!

MOE: [turns back to Professor] This is all your fault, Perfesser! First, you turn us into girls, then those brats run off with our clothes.

LARRY: And our faces!

CURLY: They can keep 'em! I like your new one better, Larry!

LARRY: Oh, I bet you say that to all the boys!

MOE: Oh, a couple of wise guys. [goes to poke Curly in the eyes]

CURLY: Nyagh, you missed! [flaps a hand toward Moe and sees it as if for the first time]:

Oh! Oh! Moe! Them goils stole our fingers. too!

[They look]

STOOGES: NYEEAAHAAHAAH!!!!

MOE: That's it, Perfesser! C'mon, boys, let's go look for 'em!

PROFESSOR [to himself] Uh, oh, think fast, Perfesser, old boy! [Holds up his hands]: Relax, boys! They're around here somewhere. They're just having a little fun, that's all. Now, couldn't you boys do with a little lunch?

CURLY: Oh, boy, food!

LARRY: Yeah, we're starvin'!

MOE: Lead the way, Perfesser!

PROFESSOR: Right this way, boys! AND DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING!!

[As the Professor leads them out, he ponders the situation]

PROFESSOR: [to himself] That was close, but what's the kitchen going to look like when they're through with it? Do the girls look and sound like the Stooges? Wherever they are, I can't help them right now. They'll have to find their own way out of this mess. Oh, this is all my fault! WHAT HAVE I DONE?!?

[On the screen of the silent television, the Three Stooges are seen up close. Curly appears upset about something, Moe looks very angry and Larry is standing there, looking hopeless]

NARRATOR: Oh, what has become of our beloved Powerpuff Girls? Are they forever doomed to be perennial reruns, only to be replaced by these...these...Stoogettes?? Oh, Professor, what have you done??

FADE OUT

CUT TO: INT-A VERY OLD LOOKING LIVING ROOM-DAY-just prior to end of previous scene

[The Three Stooges are lying on the floor, asleep. LARRY wakes first, sits up, shakes his head]

LARRY: Whoa...that was weird...[stands up, notices Moe and Curly sleeping]: Professor?...Buttercup?...Bubbles! Where are you!? Uhh? What's wrong with my voice? [looks down] How come I'm wearing pants?...my fingers look really strange...FINGERS!!? OH NO! GIRLS! WAKE UP!!

MOE: Shh, I'm tryin' ta' sleep...

[Larry bends over to shake Curly, then Moe]

LARRY: Buttercup? Is that you?

MOE: Go 'way! Huh? [sits up quickly] Who are you? [Stands quickly] Hey, you're one of those guys-

LARRY: No, Buttercup, it's me, Blossom! Look! [points at Curly, speaks sharply] Bubbles! Wake up!

CURLY [sits up, rubs eyes]: Huh? How d'you know my name? The Professor said never to talk to strangers! 

MOE: Whoa, Bubbles, it IS you! Blossom, what the heck happened? LOOK at us!

[They both help Curly up, all three stand and stare at each other in amazement]

CURLY: Buttercup? Miss Keane was right! She said if you didn't quit frownin' all the time, your face would stay like that. And you look really old!

MOE [takes a step toward Curly, scowling] Oh yeah? At least I'm not FAT!!

CURLY: I'm fat? [looks down] I'M FAT!! WAAHHH!!

LARRY: Girls, STOP! Don't you get it? We're not us! We got turned into those three men somehow. That means...

PPG's: THEY'RE US!!

BUBBLES: And they got the Professor! They were hurtin' him before...

BUTTERCUP: We gotta get out of here and stop 'em! But where are we?

BLOSSOM: When we grabbed those men, we were in this room! But now it looks different...

BUBBLES: It's too dark! I don't like it!

BUTTERCUP: Look! [points] That window wasn't there before?!

BLOOSOM: Let's move!

[They leap toward the window and fall on their faces. They get up, brushing dust from their clothes]

BUBBLES: Ow! What happened?

BUTTERCUP: Great! We can't fly anymore! Don't tell me we lost our superpowers?

BLOSSOM: Well, Buttercup, if we're them and they're us, they've got our powers, too. This is not good. Let's get over to that window.

[They hurry to it and look out. The view has a slight fish-eye lens distortion to it, and is very familiar]

BLOSSOM: It's the lab! And look, there we are! I mean, there THEY are. Hey, what's that checkerboard thing? Where have I seen THAT before...?

BUTTERCUP: Me too, Blossom, I just can't remember...this is spooky...

BUBBLES: Where's the Professor? There he is!

[The Professor is sitting on the floor, about where they had last seen him. They see their own forms standing near the Professor. The Buttercup figure is standing over him.]

BUBBLES [voice rising on each word]: Buttercup! Why are you hitting the Professor!?!!!!!

BUTTERCUP: I'm not! Aw, man, we gotta get out there and stop 'em. [punches window] Oww!!

BLOSSOM: No, wait! It looks like you're, no, he, oh, this is so weird! He's trying to wake the Professor up!

BUTTERCUP: Let's smash this thing and get out there! C'mon, if we all hit it together...

BLOSSOM: No! Without our powers, we'll be cut by the broken glass. What can we use...[looks around]...that chair! Come on!

[They pick up the chair, ram it into the window, where it and they bounce off and crash to the floor]

BUBBLES: Ow, that hurt! That thing is heavy!

BUTTERCUP: This stinks! Nothing is heavy! We're the Powerpuff Girls!

BLOSSOM [slumps shoulders] Not any more, we aren't. Looks like we're stuck in here, wherever THAT is. Look, the Professor's standing...he looks okay...he's talking to us, uh, them. I wonder if he knows...

BUBBLES: I don't think so. Look, you two are arguin' again, just like always, and there's me, all sweet and smiley, that's why they call me Bubbles! How can he tell it's not us if they have our voices, too? And- hey, Buttercup, why'd you just punch me in the stomach?

BUTTERCUP [through gritted teeth] THAT'S...NOT...ME!!!

BUBBLES: The Professor must've said something funny, 'cause look, we're all smiling, and hey, Blossom! Stop them! They're leaving! Professor, come back!!!

BUTTERCUP: Wait'll I get my hands on them! Rrrrrrrr!!! [punches glass] I'm so mad and I can't do nothin' about it!!! Rrrrrrrr!!!

BLOSSOM: We can't stop them, Bubbles. We can't do anything. I need to sit down...

[They silently watch themselves follow the Professor through the shattered doorway of the laboratory and out]

FADE OUT

FADE IN: INT-SAME LOCATION-DAY moments after end of previous scene

[They are seated in some very worn upholstered chairs. Blossom in center facing ahead, Bubbles on left facing Buttercup on right]

BUTTERCUP: What a dump! Look at us, these clothes are disgusting. YECCH!!

BUBBLES [softly] I'm worried about the Professor...

BUTTERCUP: How did those losers get in the house without us knowin' it?

BUBBLES [louder] I'm worried about the Professor!

BUTTERCUP: Man, when I get my dress back, I'm burning it!!

BUBBLES [louder still]: I'M WORRIED-

BLOSSOM: QUIET!!! I'm trying to think of a way out of this mess, and you aren't helping!! I'm so close... I just can't get all the pieces to fit...do you girls have any ideas?

BUTTERCUP: Well, for starters, I don't think they're hurting the Professor, Bubbles. They look too stupid to do anything except cause an accident. Did you see the way those clowns were walkin'? If this weren't so screwed up, I'd laugh!

BLOSSOM: Buttercup, what did you say?

BUTTERCUP: I said, "If this weren't so screw-

BLOSSOM: That's it! [leaps out of chair] Girls, do you remember what the Professor was saying just before we broke the door down?

BUBBLES: No, he was in trouble, he was yelling...

BUTTERCUP: Hmmm, I think he said "You guys are killing me..." He was LAUGHIN' at 'em?

BLOSSOM: Yes, Buttercup, you're right! They WEREN'T hurting him, and he WAS laughing... he tried to stop us, remember? He said "Get out of there" just before we ended up here. We mis-understood and we over-reacted. None of this would have happened if we'd stayed in our room where we belong! But I still don't get-[sits down again]

BUBBLES: Why isn't the Professor looking for us, then, if he's okay?

BLOSSOM: He might be, Bubbles, but I think right now he's got a bigger problem than worrying about where we are. Buttercup, if we are both right, those guys, with our powers, could destroy Townsville!

BUTTERCUP: Nah, they're too stupid.

BLOSSOM: My point exactly! They're not bad guys. They're not evil. They're comedians!

BUTTERCUP: And your point is?

BUBBLES: You mean they destroy stuff accident'ly on purpose?

BLOSSOM: Very good, Bubbles, they- [stares at Bubbles for a long moment] That's what comedians do. Well, not all, actually, some just tell jokes and-

BUTTERCUP: Skip the lecture, Blossom, what's this got to do with-

BLOSSOM: I'm trying to explain, if you'll LET ME!!

BUTTERCUP: Okay, okay, sorry!

BLOSSOM: Bubbles, they do physical comedy. Fight, fall down, break things. But it's not real, it's acting. If they find out they have superpowers, they'll be out of control! There's no telling what they might do! The Professor has to make sure they can't get out of the house or Townsville could be in serious trouble!

BUTTERCUP: I'm sorry. I didn't think about that. But what can we do about it? And where did they come from?

BLOSSOM: The same place we are right now.

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES: WHAT!?!

BLOSSOM: It doesn't make any sense but it's the only thing that DOES make sense. Girls, we... are in... the TV.

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES [exchange a look that says, "She's lost it!"]

BUTTERCUP:[stands up, sneers, and in a voice even lower than the one she presently finds herself with, speaks sarcastically]: Oooohhhh, silly powerpuffs, they are in the television, and by pushing this button, which is the opposite of the button that supplies the power to the television, I will be rid of those accursed girls forever and I will rule the world! Muahahahahahah!!!! [holds a fist in air and shakes it]

BLOSSOM: Oh, very funny!

BUBBLES: hehe! hehehehahahahaha!!!

BUTTERCUP: Geez, Blossom, couldn't you come up with something better than that?

BLOSSOM: No! I'm serious! Look, they're comedians, right? Where do you see comedians, on TV, right? THESE comedians were standing in this room, only now we've switched places with them and this room isn't in that box-thing in the lab anymore. How were we able to watch what was happening in the lab without being there? That thing over there isn't a window, it's the TV screen! How do you explain us being stuck here unable to do anything but sit; and they're somewhere in our home, probably eating our food and sleeping in our bed!

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES: Eeeeeewwwwwwwww!!! The Professor wouldn't do THAT!

BLOSSOM: He's gotta do something where he can watch them every second!

BUBBLES [Thinking of the Professor on Thanksgiving]: Stuff them full of food so all they wanna do is sleep? Well, Blossom, when you put it that way, it makes sense...I think...But how did we get in here?

BUTTERCUP: Who cares? How do we get out?

BLOSSOM: Same way they did. It's obvious the Professor found some way to get them into that box, so he should be able to get us out too.

BUTTERCUP: Wait, are you saying that thing out there is a HOLODECK?

BUBBLES: Like on the Enterprise?

BLOSSOM: [slaps forehead] I KNEW I'd seen that someplace!

BUTTERCUP [looks at Bubbles]: I TOLD ya'!

BLOSSOM: Huh?

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES: IT'S OUR CHRISTMAS PRESENT!! YAAAAAYYYY!!!!

BLOSSOM: So THAT'S it! Pretty neat idea, girls, but it doesn't work!

BUTTERCUP: Ah, the Professor's still got a week to fix it. A holodeck! Think of it! All our favorite shows...I can bodyslam Vince McMahon!

BUBBLES: Big Bird! Teletubbies! Wheeeeeee!

Blossom: Well, it would be interesting to talk with President Kennedy or Carl Sagan or Sally Ride or...

BUTTERCUP: I can't wait to give Dexter a wedgie!!

BLOSSOM: Buttercup! That's not ni- heehee!

[They explode in laughter]

FADE OUT

CUT TO: INT-PROFESSOR'S KITCHEN-DAY

[The Professor surveys the destroyed kitchen with a wry smile, wiping the remains of a cream pie from his face with a towel. Smashed fruit, condiments, desserts, vegetables, anything soft and liquidy; cover the table, walls, ceiling, floor, appliances and the Stooges themselves. The Professor has escaped most of it. A turkey carcass hangs from a light fixture]

PROFESSOR: Well, boys, can I get you anything else? Another toikey?

CURLY [pulls a celery stalk from Larry's hair, shrugs, eats it]: No, thanks, Perfesser,[chomp] I couldn't eat another bite! [chew]

MOE: Sorry about the mess, Perfesser, these chowderheads must've been raised in a barn.

PROFESSOR: Oh, don't worry about it. The girls can clean it up when they get home. It'll be their punishment for running off with your clothes.

LARRY: Aw, don't be too hard on 'em. Say, Perfesser, you got someplace we can catch a little shuteye? We can look for 'em later.

MOE: Hey, good idea, for once!

PROFESSOR: Yes, an excellent idea! A nap is just what you boys need. Right this way. [leads them out of the kitchen, produces three towels from a bag which kept them safe from the recent carnage]: Here, clean your hands and faces the best you can, don't worry about the bed. The girls'll take care of that, too. [Opens a door, points inside]: Right in there, boys. Pleasant dreams!

CUT TO: INT-Inside television-DAY

[The girls are seated in the same chairs as earlier]

BLOSSOM: Well, girls, that was fun, but we still have a problem.

BUTTERCUP: But you said the Professor could get us out?

BLOSSOM: Yes, but will he be able to get us back into our own bodies? It didn't work right the first time.

BUBBLES: Easy! All he has to do is make it not work again!

BUTTERCUP [smirks] Uh, thanks for sharing that, Bubbles.

BLOSSOM: No, Buttercup, she's right! [stares again at Bubbles] If the Professor meant for us to interact with holographs, then he should have been able to just turn it off with us inside the 'holodeck', as you call it, without it doing what it did. I think the Professor was running a test when we barged in, and something wasn't adjusted properly. If he can get us out there and get those guys up there with us, it should 'not work' again, just like Bubbles said! We'll be the Powerpuff Girls again! All we have to do is make sure he doesn't make any adjustments!

BUTTERCUP: And just how are we gonna do that?

BLOSSOM: Listen. I think he knows what happened to us and he knows exactly where we are. When he comes back, we'll be able to tell him. He should be able to see and hear us, and you know we can see him. We won't be able to hear him, though.

BUTTERCUP: Why not?

BLOSSOM: Do the football referees hear you when you scream at them?

BUTTERCUP: Uh, good point. So how do we communicate?

BLOSSOM: He'll have to write us notes.

BUBBLES: Why doesn't he just bring us out? Then he can talk to us!

BLOSSOM: Great idea, Bubbles, but it's riskier. Let's get over there to the screen. We need to be ready when he gets back.

CUT TO: INT-SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE HOUSE-DAY

[The Professor closes a door and walks away from it. He is talking to himself]

PROFESSOR: Now that I've got them where they can't do any damage, I can get back to the lab and unravel this mystery. If I'm right, the girls are perfectly safe. Do they know what's happened to them? They must be terrified! Well, I can't worry about that now, I have to find the cause of the malfunction....

CUT TO: INT-INSIDE TELEVISION-DAY

[Girls are standing, waiting near 'window']

BLOSSOM: You know, girls, if the Professor was testing this thing out, what made him pick these guys? It's so out of character...

BUBBLES: I bet he liked them when he was little.

BLOSSOM: Bubbles, you've been coming out with great answers all day long! Where is this coming from?

BUBBLES: Maybe I'm THEIR leader!

BUTTERCUP: No! That's ME! Myeah! [sticks tongue out]

BUBBLES: Yeah? How do YOU know?

BUTTERCUP: Because, I SEEN these guys before! I just remembered! They're called the Three Stooges or somethin'...

BLOSSOM: When did you see this? I don't remember anything like that!

BUTTERCUP: That's because you guys were sleepin'. Remember that time Mayor was babysittin' us and fell asleep and forgot to send us to bed?

BLOSSOM: Unh,....wait! When the Professor went out on that date with Ima Goodlady?

BUBBLES: Yeah, Sedusa!

BUTTERCUP: Yeah! Anyway, we fell asleep on the couch with the TV on, and I heard someone yell "Wake up and go to sleep!", so I woke up and it was me! I mean, the guy I look like. And then you said somethin', Blossom, and I poked ya' in the eyes and then you started barkin' at me like a dog, Bubbles. Then we did some other cool fighting stuff. Then I fell asleep again.

BUBBLES: Hey, I had a dream like that, once.

BUTTERCUP: Yeah, Bubbles, you were listenin' to it in your sleep on TV.

BLOSSOM: Why don't I remember any of this?

BUTTERCUP: Blossom, you sleep like a rock. Only thing that wakes you up is the hotline!

BLOSSOM: There's one other thing that wakes me up.

BUBBLES: Powerpuff pancakes!!

BUTTERCUP: Oh, no, you hadda mention food. That's something else they did.....

BLOSSOM: Buttercup, why didn't you remember this when we first came into the lab? You could've saved us all this trouble!

BUTTERCUP: Well, excuuuuuuuuse-

BUBBLES: Girls! The Professor's coming!

BLOSSOM: Alright! Quick! Think of something to say so he'll know it's us!

CUT TO: INT-DOORWAY TO THE LABORATORY-DAY

[Professor is entering the lab, still talking to himself]

PROFESSOR: ...and the process should happen in reverse! All I need...

NARRATOR: Still talking to himself, I see... well, after THIS day's events, who can blame him?

PROFESSOR: ...make a few minor adjustments. Now, I think I left the set on, but I don't see anything. What if I was wrong?

Oh! [sees Stooges appear on screen] There they are! I don't hear anything... sound must've got turned down...[pulls remote from lab coat pocket, boosts volume]

STOOGES: We're The Three Stooges!

PROFESSOR: Oh, no, it's not them!

LARRY: We break stuff and fall down!

MOE: That's what we do!

CURLY: Duh!

PROFESSOR [runs to the set]: Girls! it IS you!

[They are overwhelmed by the sight of the suddenly huge face of the Professor pressed against the glass and they fall back]

LARRY: Professor! Move back a little! You're too big!

[startled, he backpedals several feet]

LARRY: That's better! You can hear us, right? Just nod your head, we can't hear you!

[instead, he runs to his desk]

MOE: Oh, no, what's he doing?

[he returns with paper and a black marker, scribbles quickly, holds it up]

PROFESSOR: BLOSSOM, ARE YOU LARRY?

LARRY: Yes! [points to Curly] Bubbles! [points to Moe] Buttercup!

[they both wave, he returns it]

BUTTERCUP: Professor, which one of them is me?

PROFESSOR [scribble]: MOE

BUTTERCUP [fist pump]: Yeessss! Told ya'!

BLOSSOM: Oh, not now, Buttercup. Professor? This is too hard! Can you bring us out?

PROFESSOR: They figured it out!! [scribble] WHY SOITENLY!

PPG's: Giggle!

BLOSSOM: Okay, Professor, you got us back! Now, this is very important! DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING! DON'T MAKE ANY ADJUSTMENTS!

PROFESSOR: Why did she say that? I missed something... What?

[scribble] OK SEE YOU IN A MINUTE

BLOSSOM: Brace yourselves, girls.

[Professor steps to control panel, sets writing tools down on table. He flips 'OFF' switch, there is a low hum and a brief, bright flash and the room and it's occupants appear on the platform. The four figures stare at each other for a moment] 

PPG's: Professor!!

[Bubbles rushes forward and smashes into the force field, other two girls pull her back]

BUBBLES [rubbing nose]: Owww!

PROFESSOR: Sorry, girls, you can't leave the platform. I'll come up there. [He walks up] Girls, I feel terrible about what I've done to you! I'm glad to see you, but will you forgive me if I don't give you all a hug just yet?

BUTTERCUP: It's okay, Professor. This is all my fault, anyway.

PROFESSOR [surprised]: Well, Buttercup, we'll deal with that later. Now, Blossom, what's this about not making any adjustments?

BLOSSOM: We knew SOMETHING went wrong, but not what or why. Then Bubbles came up with the idea that the only way for you to switch us back is for what went wrong the first time to happen again exactly the same way.

PROFESSOR: And if I fiddled with the settings- Bubbles, that was brilliant!

BUBBLES: But Buttercup figured out that you made a holodeck for us for-[she is cut off by an elbow in the ribs from Blossom]

PROFESSOR [to himself]: Oh ho! So THAT's what they were up to! [aloud]: A holodeck! Buttercup, I'm impressed! That never occurred to me.

NARRATOR: Oh ho! So THAT'S what they were up to! Oh, we knew that already, didn't we? Sorry...

BUTTERCUP: And Blossom figured out that we were inside the TV and that you were making sure the Stooges didn't know they had our superpowers. It's like being inside them guys made us smart or somethin'. So, how did you keep them from destroying the town? Blossom says you probably fed 'em and put 'em to bed.

PROFESSOR: Yes, Blossom, that's exactly what I did. They usually need a nap after a big meal and a good food fight.

PPG's: Food fight?!?

BLOSSOM: Buttercup, you weren't kidding. I'm afraid to ask, Professor.

PROFESSOR: Relax, girls. The kitchen is perfect, and your room is just the way you left it.

BLOSSOM and BUTTERCUP: But, how?!?

BUBBLES: Professor! You put 'em in the simulator!!

[Blossom and Buttercup's mouths drop, they look at each other, astonished]

PROFESSOR: Yes, Bubbles, and now it's time to go get them and get this over with. I have to send you back now. [walks back to control panel]

PPG's: But, why?

PROFESSOR: It's best you aren't here when they come in. I want to explain it to them, first. We don't need them leaping at you and finding out by accident they can fly.

BLOSSOM: Why would they do that?

PROFESSOR: They're pretty steamed at you. They think you stole their clothes. Now, back you go.

[He flips the 'OFF' switch, there is the same brief hum and flash, and he is alone in the lab once again. He starts out of the lab, hesitates, goes back for paper and marker. He scribbles, holds it up]:

GIRLS

I WON'T BE LONG

BE READY

[They have reappeared on the TV screen]

BLOSSOM: We'll be ready, Professor.

[He exits]

BUTTERCUP: ARE we gonna be ready? When's the last time you watched yourself standing a couple feet away? Man, this is gonna be weird!

BUBBLES: We're on TV all the time, whenever we save the day! Pretend you're watchin' the news!

BUTTERCUP: Hey, yeah, good thinking!

BLOSSOM: And with the Stooges being TV stars, they ought to be used to seeing themselves. Let's hope so. We need to think about what we're going to say to them when they get here. Buttercup, try to remember some more of that show...

NARRATOR: So, the Stoogettes haven't destroyed Townsville after all, our girls are safe and we can see the happy ending coming a mile away. It's just a little too perfect, if you ask me...

FADE OUT

CUT TO: INT-SOMEWHERE INSIDE THE HOUSE-DAY

[The Professor and Stooges are walking toward the laboratory, in mid-conversation]

MOE: ...so lemme get this straight, Perfesser. When you mixed us up with your girls, we wasn't really there?

LARRY: Yeah, you said we was holo-somethin'...

MOE: The only thing hollow around here is your skull, moron.

CURLY: But if we wasn't real, and now we is, why should we go back to where we ain't real no more? Moe! I don't wanna go back!

MOE: Knock it off! We gotta go back. You clowns forgettin' about our dates tonight?

CURLY: The goils! I forgot! We can't be late, they'll moider us!

LARRY [looks down, then at other two]: Moe, we can't let the girls see us wearin' these dresses! We look better than they do. They'll scratch our eyes out!

[They have reached the ruined doorway of the lab. Moe grabs Curly and Larry by the hair, knocks their heads together and shoves them through the door]

MOE: Knuckleheads! Get in there and pipe down! C'mon, Perfesser, shake a leg. Let's get this hocus-pocus of yours started...

[The Professor is ready with marker and paper. On the screen, Larry is seen giving hand signals to other two Stooges. Moe, Larry and Curly spot themselves on the screen.]

LARRY: Hey, there we are!

MOE [suspicious]: Perfesser, you sure that's your girls and not just one of our shows?

PROFESSOR [scribbles]: Yes, boys, I'm sure. Just watch. [holds up paper]

SAY HELLO, GIRLS

[The girls respond by singing]

BUTTERCUP [low voice]: Hello!

BLOOSOM [middle range]: Hello!

BUBBLES [high voice] Hello!

PPG's [speak and wave]: Hello!

BUBBLES [shuffles feet in delight, grinning]: Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!

[The Professor begins to scribble furiously, looking very displeased]

LARRY: Hey, they stole our act, too!

MOE: Wait a minute, that IS one of our shows! You pullin' a fast one, Perfesser? Where're those kids!?!

[Professor holds up paper]

THANKS A LOT GIRLS!

SAY SOMETHING ELSE!

PROFESSOR: Relax, boys, they just like to have fun.

BUTTERCUP: Sorry, Professor! We're bored in here! Hey Moe! Quit frownin'! I don't want my face ta' stay like that!

[She and Blossom laugh and exchange 'high fives']

MOE: Hey! I can't talk to me like that!

BUBBLES [waves]: Hi, Curly! I'm Bubbles! [Curly waves back shyly]

PROFESSOR: See, boys?

MOE: You wasn't kiddin'!

LARRY [waves]: Hello, girls!

BLOSSOM [waves back]: Professor? Can we get this over?

PROFESSOR [scribbles]:

I HOPE SO

STAND BY

[speaks]: Okay, boys, now stand right there, and we'll get things going.

MOE: Yer the boss, Perfesser. Say, you never did tell us your kid's names. That one's a little smart aleck.

PROFESSOR: Yes, that's Buttercup. She is a little firecracker. You met Bubbles. Larry, Blossom is the one that looks like you.

CURLY: Blossom and Buttercup. Oh, a couple of pansies! Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!

MOE [slaps curly]: Shaddap, bubble-brain!

PROFESSOR: Boys! No more shenanigans! Now stand there and don't move!

[He steps to control panel, activates device and the 'holodeck' fills up one more time. Within seconds, the girls and Stooges are staring at each other across a space of twenty feet]

BUTTERCUP [whispers]: It isn't working, Bubbles, this is freakin' me out!

BUBBLES: M-m-me too!

BLOSSOM: Me three!

STOOGES: Nyeeahhahhahh! [turn to run, the Professor is right behind them, holds up his hands]

PROFESSOR: No, you don't! [snaps his fingers, and the spell is broken] Hello, girls. Boys, come up here and meet my daughters.

[The four go up onto the platform]

PROFESSOR: Girls, [indicates, in turn, Moe, Larry, Curly]: say hello to Mr. Howard, Mr. Fine and Mr. Howard. They know who you are.

BUTTERCUP: Hey, are you two brothers? Cool! We're the Powerpuff Girls!

LARRY: Aw, how cute, the powderpuff girls!

CURLY [to Bubbles]: Hey there, cutie!

BUBBLES: Teehee!

BLOSSOM: It's very nice to meet you, sirs! We really enjoy your comedic style, it's the perfect blend of-

PROFESSOR: AHEM! Blossom....

LARRY: What'd she say...?

BUTTERCUP [to Moe]: Mr Howard? Can you show me how to do that-

PROFESSOR: Girls, it's past your bedtime. And these gentleman have dates to keep.

PPG's: Aww...

MOE: Don't worry, kids, maybe we can come back sometime, if the Perfesser fixes this thing. You got a real smart Dad, there...

LARRY: Yeah, anybody can clean up a whole house by pushin' a button is okay in my book!

BLOSSOM: What? Oh, the simulator...Yes, sir, we're very lucky little girls.

PROFESSOR [blushing]: Uh, okay everyone, time to go. We have to do this exactly like the first time. Boys, go around behind your counterparts and pick them up, just like they picked you up.

LARRY: Oh, we can't do that, we're too heavy. Hey, how did you girls pick us up, you're little kids!?!

[Blossom and the Professor exchange a look: Uh, oh!]

BUBBLES: Easy! You were holograms! You didn't weigh nothin'!

MOE: Oh, yeah. Let's go, boys.

BLOSSOM [to herself]: It's holographs, Bubbles, but you saved us again!

CURLY [holding up Bubbles with one hand]: Hey Moe! Look! I guess I don't hafta go on a diet after all!

LARRY: Moe, somethin' still ain't right! They busted the door in!

MOE: That's right! And they were fly-

BLOSSOM: NOW, PROFESSOR, NOW!!!

[Momentarily stunned, the Professor hears Blossom and quickly reaches the controls and flips the 'OFF' switch. As before, the 'malfunction' causes the increasingly loud humming, and the platform again shakes. He is prepared for it this time and steadies himself by grabbing the edge of a work table. The sudden flash of light causes him to temporarily black out again. When he comes to, the lab is lit normally, and he finds himself sitting on the floor. He stands up, sees the girls lying on the platform, eyes closed.]

PROFESSOR: They're back! They'll be out of it for a minute or so...I wonder...[walks over to get a view of the TV screen, sees Curly, dressed as a plumber, standing in a bathtub, pipes and water going in ten directions]: Yes! They're back to being characters and, of course, will have no memory of any of this. Will the girls remember any of it...?

[He sees the girls waking and hurries toward the platform]

NARRATOR: They're back! Oh, happy day, they're back! But we knew that already, didn't we? Sorry...

[Buttercup opens her eyes first, sees Bubbles lying partially on top of her, shoves her roughly aside]

BUTTERCUP: Get offa me, you imbecile!

BUBBLES: Hey!

BLOSSOM [panicked, with arms in front of her, searching]: I can't see! I can't see!

PROFESSOR: No!

BUTTERCUP and BUBBLES [hurry to her side]: What's the matter?

BLOSSOM [smiling, sing song]: I got my eyes closed!

BUTTERCUP: Why, you! I oughta...

PROFESSOR [staggers back and sits on floor, hard] No! Oh no!

NARRATOR: No! Oh no!

BUBBLES [starts pumping her knees up and down in place and slapping at her face. She falls to the floor and starts kicking and spinning around on her side in a circle]: Wheeeeeeeeeee!!!

BUTTERCUP: Bubbles, you DUMMY!! You're s'posed to go 'Woowoowoowoowoowoo'!!

BUBBLES: Oops, I forgot. Teeheehee!

PPG's: Giggle!

PROFESSOR: [startled] Girls? [joyful] GIRLS!! [mock angry] Girls!?!

[the girls erupt in laughter and zoom from platform to Professor, still sitting on floor. The four roar and hug one another fiercely for several moments. The girls loosen their grip and he remains on floor, holding them]

PROFESSOR: Ohhh...girls, that wasn't nice, scaring me like that!

BLOSSOM: We're sorry, Professor, we couldn't help it! Those guys are so funny...

PROFESSOR: Yes, Blossom, they are. I loved them when I was your age. I'm just so sorry you had to discover them this way.

BLOSSOM: No problem! Once we knew what was going on, we had a great time. Right, girls?

BUBBLES: We saved the day and we didn't even hafta leave the house!

BUTTERCUP: This was a great idea, Professor! I can't wait to fight with those guys! Y'know, play fighting...?

PROFESSOR [stops smiling, puts them down and stands up, crossing his arms]: Well, about that...

PPG's: Uh, oh..

BUBBLES: We can play with them some more, can't we?

PROFESSOR: No, Bubbles, they're not coming back.

PPG's [slump forward in the familiar dejected pose] Awwww...

BUTTERCUP [looks at floor, sadly]: It's 'cause I wrecked the surprise, isn't it?

[The Professor gives them his best angry look and it breaks his heart]

PROFESSOR [to himself]: My little sleuths took a frightening ordeal I got them into and turned it into an adventure! And Buttercup is taking responsibility for something they all did! I'm so proud of them! That nosy narrator was right, my machine IS a terrible substitute parent. There's a lesson here, for all of us. [He speaks aloud, sternly]: Buttercup, it was wrong for you girls to go sneaking around like you did, and you broke the rule about coming in here without my permission.

PPG's: [look at their shoes, on the verge of tears]: We're sorry.

PROFESSOR [kneels down and puts his arms around them]: But it was wrong for me to think the attention you deserve from me could be replaced by a machine. The time I've spent down here, working, is time I should have been spending with my girls. Can you forgive me?

[The girls lift their heads to look at him and they hug again]

PROFESSOR: You can see your new friends again...

BUBBLES: Really?

PROFESSOR [points toward TV screen where Stooges are still on]: Yes, Bubbles, the way they were meant to be seen; on TV and video. Only we're going to do it together, as a family. And, girls? If you're good this week, on Christmas morning we'll watch a very special Stooges video that no one has ever seen before.

BLOSSOM: Professor? You didn't...?

PROFESSOR: Yes, Blossom. I left tape rolling in the simulator.

PPG's: YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!

BUBBLES [nestles into his arm and squeezes tightly]: Oh, Professor! It's gonna be the best Christmas ever!

NARRATOR: Oh, Professor, you're just an old softy, aren't 'cha? So, once again, the day is saved, thanks to...the Powerpuff Goils! Nyuk! Nyuk! Nyuk!

The End

Story written March-April 2000

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