"The Incredible Hulk" has certainly proved that when it comes to television adaptations of "Marvel Comic" superheroes, the above show is in a league of its own. The emphasis was always on drama and on character and these are the shows greatest strengths. You couldn't ask for a better actor to be cast in the leading role of David Banner than Bill Bixby. He imbued the character with much depth and conviction. The way he projects a sense of maturity, of being a learned man, unassuming but constantly having to control the raging alter ego who lurks not far beneath the surface, is superb. Lou Ferrigno fits the bill perfectly as the Hulk. In all honesty, he doesn't have to do much except roar, growl, flex his muscles and throw a few villains around. However, on occasion he does display some kind of depth. Jack Colvin makes for a good Jack McGee, whose character was written specifically for the show. He hadn't and hasn't been written in any "Incredible Hulk" comic books. The credit goes to writer and director Kenneth Johnson for bringing this feature length pilot episode to the small screen. He has stated quite clearly in interviews that whilst writing the script for the pilot and trying to have a regular series commissioned, he only took from the comic book, the characters of Bruce Banner and the Hulk. No references were going to be made to the military angle of the comic and no romantic angle with Betty Ross. The name David sounds better than Bruce. In addition, Kenneth Johnson made every effort in avoiding any chance of "The Incredible Hulk" being regarded as a campy show like the "Batman" series from the 1960s. I think he was spot on in doing this because at least his show wouldn't become ridiculed. I have seldom seen a pilot episode that is this well written, acted and directed. Fans of the Incredible Hulk character or of "Marvel Comics" in general, are in for a treat. Bill Bixby is a medical Doctor and research scientist David Banner, who is exploring how people can produce extraordinary feats of strength whilst under duress. We hear accounts from various people who recount their own experiences where they display such physical strength. Banner has a personal interest in this as he is still grieving over the sudden passing of his wife and he feels responsible for not being able to save her. Dissatisfied with the results of his findings, Banner stays til late at his place of work and subjects himself to an experiment. This experiment consists of Banner injecting himself with nearly 2,000,000 units of Gamma radiation. That night during a thunderstorm, he tries to change a flat tyre on the open road. Upon injuring himself, Banner screams and suddenly a startling metamorphosis occurs. Here marks the first appearance of the Incredible Hulk in a live action television show. Usually with a "Hulk Out" moment, it took about 10 seconds to complete on screen. With this first transformation, it takes nearer 45 seconds and it is impeccably done. No computers in those days, what you saw was what you got. Initially, Lou Ferrigno looks menacing and frightening. He was looking quite ripped, as far as his physique was concerned. After the Hulk changes back to Banner, the latter attempts to ascertain what happened and how he can study his affliction. With the help of a trusted colleague and close friend Elaina Marks, Banner retreats to a private research facility. He finally discovers that it is anger, outrage or stress that triggers his own malady. Meanwhile, journalist Jack McGee is in hot pursuit of a big story after eyewitness accounts describe a big, green creature who is in the immediate vicinity. After the journalist has hidden himself away at the research facility and is then escorted off the premises, a huge explosion occurs and Banners colleague is trapped under some rubble. As the Hulk, Banner rescues her from the blaze but she dies in his arms. The final scene is a funeral. McGee escaped from the fire but Banner and his friend Elaina Marks are being buried after their deaths were recorded. Banner however, is alive and well. He knows that it is better for all concerned that he remain in hiding and his death faked, until he can somehow cure himself or find some way to control his raging alter ego. After the funeral service, there is a long pause and everyone has gone. Then out of nowhere, David Banner appears at the graveside to pay his respects to Elaina. The pilot episode is a powerful and gripping viewing experience. What helps this to work, is that there aren't any villains, the total number of cast members is small and the whole thing is fairly low key. All these things work wonders. We hear Bill Bixby say the now famous line: "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I'm angry." It is a line that has been often repeated. "Universal" studios were somewhat surprised by the successful viewing figures for "The Incredible Hulk" television film. Before the studio agreed to commission a regular series, they needed a bit more assurance and more convincing that the series would work. Hence why a follow up television, called "The Return of the Incredible Hulk" was made. This is a thoughtful as well as thought- provoking pilot episode and it will never be equalled as far as adaptations of "Marvel Comic" superheroes are concerned.
Review of The Incredible Hulk
