This episode guide (c) 1998-2002 by Mark Rathwell
| The first season of The Incredible Hulk was very good, though it definitely had some of the problems that plague many new series in the beginning: in some respects, season one seemed rushed. The pilot was terrific but the second television movie, A Death In The Family seemed like it could have used more work. When the regular series began in the spring of 1978, there was a sense that many episodes were written and filmed in a short time-frame. A lot of stock footage was used from other movies to fill in for potentially expensive and time consuming shots. Some of the ideas in a few episodes didn't seem totally thought out and the series tended to play around with the look of the Hulk and David's transformations quite a bit. If nothing else, the first season of The Incredible Hulk was somewhat of a weaning process for all involved. |
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| "THE INCREDIBLE HULK" (2-Hour Pilot) | ||
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Airdate:
November 7, 1977 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
Following the tragic death of his wife in a fiery car accident, physician David Banner becomes obsessed with learning the key to the hidden strength that all humans possess but only demonstrate in situations of extreme stress. With his long-time friend and colleague Elaina Marks, David interviews a number of subjects who demonstrated superhuman strength in situations similar to the accident which claimed the life of his wife. One night, he discovers that all of his subjects demonstrated this enhanced strength during times when gamma radiation levels from the sun were unusually high. Excited about his discovery, David bombards himself with gamma radiation, hoping to endow himself with unearthly strength. At first, the experiment seems to have no effect on his physical condition. Later that evening, however, he finds himself with a flat tire on the side of a road during a brutal rain storm. While changing the tire, Dr. Banner injures his hand, causing him to scream in pain. Suddenly, a startling metamorphosis occurs, causing the scientist to transform into a raging, green, seven foot creature which proceeds to smash Banner's car and throw it into a ditch. The next morning, the creature transforms back into David Banner, who is understandably confused about what happened. He and Elaina manage to induce this transformation a second time, under laboratory conditions, causing David to realize that this violent affliction is brought on by situations of extreme anger or frustration. The two scientists attempt to reverse David's condition, but are thwarted by a nosy tabloid reporter who's investigation of the mysterious "Hulk" leads to a tragic series of events. |
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| Comments:
This is the stuff that good television series are made of! Bixby and Sullivan ("Dharma and Greg") are both terrific and the script by Johnson is superb! A spectacular way to start off a "mature" interpretation of a comic book. 4 Stars! |
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| "A Death In The Family" (2-Hour Television Movie) | ||
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(Also known as The Return Of The Incredible Hulk) Airdate:
November 28, 1977 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
With the world believing that he was killed in the lab fire which claimed the life of Elaina Marks, David goes on the run, in an effort to avoid Jack McGee and the authorities. While attempting to access some sophisticated hospital equipment which may hold the key to a cure for his transformations, David stumbles across a plot to murder a young, crippled heiress. Can he keep her from harm and himself from getting discovered by McGee? |
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| Comments:
Not a bad episode by any stretch, this television movie pales in comparison to the pilot movie which preceded it. The story is fairly routine and Prange's acting leaves a lot to be desired. Still, Bixby's charm manages to carry the episode through. And hey ... how many episodes are there in which you get to see the Hulk slug it out with a bear?! The crew had a lot of difficulty making this film. The bear knocked the wig off of Lou Ferrigno's head, licked off his makeup and caused a number of other production difficulties! It's also interesting to note the impact that William Daniels ("St. Elsewhere", "Knight Rider", "Boy Meets World") has had on television. Every time he speaks, I keep expecting him to say "Michael - he's getting away" or "Very interesting dilemma, isn't it -- Mr. Mathews!" 2 1/2 Stars |
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| "The Final Round" | ||
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Airdate:
March 10, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
While traveling through Wilmington Delaware, David befriends Henry "Rocky" Welsh, an aspiring boxer and his young girl-friend. He discovers that that his friend doesn't have much of a chance to succeed as a prize fighter and that Henry is actually being tricked into trafficking heroin by a seedy boxing promoter. David quickly becomes embroiled in the turmoil and transforms into the creature in time to interrupt a deadly boxing match designed to spell the end for Henry. |
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| Comments:
This was the first "hour long" episode of the series. The story is somewhat cliched, but the interplay between the characters carries the episode through. The scene in which the Hulk leaps into the ring is definitely the highlight. Martin Kove ("The Karate Kid" and "Cagney and Lacy") guest stars. 2 1/2 Stars |
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| "The Beast Within" | ||
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Airdate:
March 17, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
David takes a job at a zoo in order to learn more about the research of a controversial scientist studying animal aggression. When David discovers that the insecure young woman is being framed by several corrupt zoo officials involved in diamond smuggling operation, it will take the power of the creature within him to resolve the situation. |
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| Comments:
A very charming episode marred only by an incredibly stupid confrontation between the Hulk and a cheesy looking gorilla (aka man in a gorilla suit). The scripting is superb, expertly showing the compassionate side of David Banner. If only they had decided to leave "Elliot" in the background. 3 Stars |
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| "Of Guilt, Models And Murder" | ||
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Airdate:
March 24, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
David emerges from one of his transformations, at the scene of a murder. Believing that the creature might have killed a young model, David attempts to "put together" the events leading up to the murder by investigating the crime scene and the characters close to the model during her last hours. |
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| Comments:
An eerie, well-done Hulk episode that builds nicely on a fine idea. This episode features WKRP In Cincinatti star, Loni Anderson and Sherlock Holmes star, Jeremy Brett. 3 Stars |
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| "Terror In Times Square" | ||
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Airdate:
March 31, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
David Banner takes a job in a New York arcade, where he develops a close friendship with the arcade owner and his daughter. Unfortunately, the unscrupulous plans of an underworld figure places all of their lives in danger. |
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| Comments:
A very average episode. This one features one of the series' most famous scenes: the sight of a rampaging Hulk running down the streets of New York City. Look closely and you can see Lou Ferrigno's green slippers! This episode is for anyone who has ever been stuck in a big city traffic-jam during rush hour. 2 1/2 Stars |
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| "747" | ||
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Airdate:
April 7, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
Travelling across the country in pursuit of a potential cure for his affliction, David boards a passenger plane carrying a priceless Egyptian exhibit. When the pilot and a stewardess attempt to steal the artifacts, David finds himself forced into the unenviable position of having to land the plane safely before the strain induces his transformation into the Hulk. |
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| Comments:
Cool episode that reunites Bill Bixby with Brandon Cruz, his young co-star from The Courtship of Eddy's Father. There are some terrific scenes of Bixby struggling with the plane's controls, while trying to fight off his transformation into the creature. The episode also features stock footage from the film,Airport. 3 1/2 Stars |
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| "The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas" | ||
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Airdate:
April 21, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
An investigative reporter has managed to uncover a number of details about the mafia activity in a Las Vegas casino where David is working. When the mob seriously injures the reporter, David inadvertantly becomes involved in delivering his notes to his reporter friend: Jack McGee! |
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| Comments:
A fun episode in which David and McGee nearly meet face to face on a number of occasions. 3 Stars |
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| "Never Give A Trucker An Even Break" | ||
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Airdate:
April 28, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
David becomes mixed up in the plan of a young woman to steal her father's giant truck back from hijackers. |
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| Comments:
I was very disapointed in this episode, especially considering the gems that Ken Johnson normally scripted. This is one of the series' weakest moments and definitely the disapointment of the first season. The only highlight is the stock footage that was stolen from Steven Spielberg's television movie "Duel". Jennifer Darling ("The Six Million Dollar Man", "The Bionic Woman") guest stars. 1 1/2 Stars |
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| "Life And Death" | ||
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Airdate:
May 12, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
While on his way to volunteer for an unethical experiment on his DNA, David discovers that the doctor administering the test is involved in running an illegal adoption agency. |
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| Comments:
Decent enough episode. Lou does a good job, portraying a poisoned, disoriented Hulk. I was a little disappointed that Andrew Robinson came across as almost a "nice-guy" (as far as murderers go), especially considering the great job he did playing a psychopath in "Dirty Harry". 2 1/2 Stars |
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| "Earthquakes Happen" | ||
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Airdate:
May 19, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
David attempts to gain access to sophisticated gamma radiation equipment at a Nuclear power plant by impersonating a plant safety expert. Unfortunately, a massive earthquake occurs, causing a number of disasters which only the power of the Hulk can fix. |
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| Comments:
Average episode that seems to borrow heavily (both in story and
stock footage) from those 70's Earthquake disaster films.
2 1/2 Stars |
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| "The Waterfront Story" | ||
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Airdate:
May 31, 1978 Available On Video?: Yes! |
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| Synopsis:
Working as a bar tender in Texas, finds himself and his widower boss in the middle of a battle for control over a dock worker's union. |
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| Comments:
Decent Episode which features excellent screen chemistry between Bixby and Larken. 3 Stars |
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