In
the fall of 1978, The Incredible Hulk began its second
season on CBS. The season got off to a terrific start with a
two-hour season opener called Married, in which David falls
in love with a dying psychologist (portrayed by Mariette Hartley)
only to have the romance destroyed by tragedy. The series seemed
to mature considerably in the second season. Many Hulk stories were
not adventure stories but rather, human-interest stories. Issues
such as child abuse, alcoholism, racism, mental illness, and ostracism
were brought up in various Hulk episodes which revealed a surprising
level of adult-oriented content. A number of significant plot twists
occured too. Jack McGee finally learned that a man transformed into
a creature and several episodes hinted at the fact that David really
could be cured. Overall, season two was the strongest of The
Incredible Hulk's five seasons on CBS. There were many great
episodes and no real stinkers to ruin the season.
(aka
the Bride of the Incredible Hulk)
Airdate:
September 22, 1978 Writer:
Kenneth Johnson Director:
Kenneth Johnson Guest
Stars: Mariette Hartley, Brian Culter, Duncan Gable, Meeno
Peluce, Diane Markoff, Joseph Kim, Rosalind Chao
Synopsis:
In
this two hour adventure, David travels to Hawaii to enlist the aid
of Dr. Carolyn Fields, a psychiatrist that he believes will be able
to help him control his transformations into the creature. When
David learns that she is stricken with a terminal illness, he agrees
to offer his expertise in exchange for hers. As the two work closely
together, the begin to form a bond and fall in love. But will this
romance be wrought with tragedy?
Comments:
A
fantastic second season opener which showed that the Incredible
Hulk was more than just a silly kid's show. Mariette Hartley
won the "Best Actress" emmy award for her portrayal of Carolyn
Fields, marking the first time that any science fiction show won
an emmy for non-technical reasons. Bixby's performance is also top
notch and the excellent script make this one of the best episodes
of the entire series. 4
Stars
"The
Antowuk Horror"
Airdate:
September 29, 1978 Writer:
Nicholas Corea Director:
Sig Neufeld Guest
Stars: Bill Lucking, Debbie Lytton, Lance LeGault
Synopsis:
When
a rampaging Hulk tears his way through a dying resort town, the
residents of the community attempt to attract more media attention
by staging the appearance of a fake creature. Unfortunately, the
move also attracts a hunter interested in killing both monsters.
Comments:
A
very average episode that seems even less impressive when you consider
that it followed an episode like "Married." Neat idea but
very simple all around. Bixby again demonstrates charm as David
becomes a mentor for a young girl. Bill Lucking and Lance LeGault
("The A-Team") guest star. 2
1/2 Stars
"Ricky"
Airdate:
October 6, 1978 Writer:
Jaron Summers Director:
Frank Orsatti Guest
Stars: Mickey Jones, Robin Mattson, James Daughton, Eric Server,
Gerald McRaney, Gordon Jump
Synopsis:
David
takes a job at an auto-racing track, helping out an aspiring race-car
driver and his mentally handicapped brother. Things turn ugly when
a rival racing outfit tries to "guarantee" a second place finish
for David's team.
Comments:
A
solid "humanity" episode for the series. Micky Jones (also featured
in "The Long Run Home" and "Triangle") does a surprisingly good
job as Ricky. Also features frequent guest stars Gerald McRaney
and Eric Server. 3
Stars
"Rainbow's
End"
Airdate:
October 13, 1978 Writer:
Karen Harris, Jill Sherman Director:
Kenneth Gilbert Guest
Stars: Craig Stevens, Gene Evans, Michelle Nichols, Ned Romero,
Larry Volk, John Meyers.
Synopsis:
While
investigating the possibility of using a native Indian's medicine
as a means for controlling his transformations into the creature,
David becomes mixed up in a plot to kill a champion race horse.
Comments:
This
otherwise ordinary episode is really helped along by the friendship
David develops with the lead guest star of the show. It sure is
nice to see that someone is willing to help David for a change,
rather than visa versa! Last Christmas, I was flipping through
the channels, when I came across an episode of Walker: Texas
Ranger (The show that Nicholas Corea was producing until the
time of his death) which completely lifted the plot of Rainbow's
End, right down to the name of the horse itself. I guess Mr.
Corea was really into horse racing. 3
Stars
"A
Child In Need"
Airdate:
October 20, 1978 Writer:
Frank Dandridge Director:
James D. Parri Guest
Stars: Sandy McPeak, Sally Kirkland, Dennis Dimster, Rebecca
York, Margueritte Delain, and Thomas H. Middleton.
Synopsis:
While
working as a groundskeeper for a public school, David discovers
a young student who is being abused by his father. Can David remedy
the situation before it becomes too late for everyone involved?
Comments:
Though
marred by some weak acting in spots, this episode shines through
its touching script. The scene in which the Hulk gives the abusive
father a taste of his own medicine is one of my favorites in the
series. 3
1/2 Stars
"Another
Path"
Airdate:
October 27, 1978 Writer:
Nicholas Corea Director:
Joseph Pevney Guest
Stars: Mako, Richard Lee Sung, Irene Yah Ling Sung, Jane Chung,
Joseph Kim, Sam Tampoyam, Tom Lee Holland, Eric Stern.
Synopsis:
While
stowing away in the back of a truck, David meets a blind Chinese
philosopher who offers him the chance to cure his affliction using
Chinese meditation techniques. David follows Li Sung back to San
Francisco only to become inadvertently involved in a battle against
a rival in Li Sung's community.
Comments:
Another
stellar episode in the second season, with a neat twist that breaks
away from traditional Hulk episodes. Also contains a cute scene
where the Hulk faces off against a little old Chinese woman. Mako
("Pearl Harbor") guest stars. 3
1/2 Stars
"Alice
In Discoland"
Airdate:
November 3, 1978 Writers:
Karen Harris, Jill Sherman Director:
Sigmund Neufeld Jr. Guest
Stars: Donna Wilkes, Jason Kincaid, Lisa Lambert, Dennis Holahan,
Mo Malone, Marc Alaimo, Julie Hill, Brian James.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David
discovers that the troubled teenage daughter of a late friend is
working in a shady discotheque as a dancer. Can David help her to
overcome a dependency with alcohol without getting them both killed
in the process?
Comments:
Another
strong episode that does what the series does best: it cleverly
mixes David's sensitivity with the Hulk's incredible power.
3
1/2 Stars
"Killer
Instinct"
Airdate:
November 10, 1978 Writers:
Joel Don Humphreys, William Whitehead
Director:
Ray Danton Guest
Stars: Denny Miller, Barbara Leigh, Rudy Solari, Wyatt Johnson,
Pepper Martin, Frank Orsati, Tom Kelley, Herman Poppe.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David
takes a job working as an assistant trainer for a professional football
team in order to learn more about the research of a sports psychologist
studying abnormal aggression in football players.
Comments:
A
very well written episode that makes a very interesting comment
on society's interest in violent sports. Denny Miller turns in a
good performance as a football start struggling to deal with overly
aggressive tendencies. 3
1/2 Stars
"Stop
The Presses!"
Airdate:
November 24, 1978 Writer:
Susan Woolen Director:
Jeff Hayden Guest
Stars: Julie Cobb, Mary Frann, San Chew Jr., Art Metrano,
Judson Pratt, Pat Morita, Janet Brandt, Mike Griswald, Richard
O'Brian.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David's
picture is taken by an employee of the National Register while working
in a restaurant that is the subject of a smear campaign. Now, it's
up to David to break into the National Register building and get
the picture back before Jack McGee sees it. Unfortunately, Mr. McGee
happens to be working late that night!
Comments:
A
light-hearted episode that is very enjoyable. Pat Morita ("The Karate
Kid" and "Happy Days") has a hilarious role as a sarcastic chef!
Inside jokes abound and no one can truly stop the presses like the
Incredible Hulk can. 3
1/2 Stars
"Escape
From Los Santos"
Airdate:
December 1, 1978 Writers:
Bruce Kalish, Philip Taylor Director:
Chuck Bowman Guest
Stars: Shelley Fabares, Lee DeBroux, Dana Elcar, W.K. Stratton.
Synopsis:
While
hitchhiking through the Los Santos desert, David is arrested by
a corrupt Sheriff and framed for the murder of a district attorney
who was exposing corruption in the Sheriff's department. He transforms
into the creature after being pepper-sprayed and breaks free of
the prison, freeing the D.A.'s widow, also being framed. The two
are then forced to flee for their lives.
Comments:
Fairly
ordinary episode. This one is helped along by some exciting chase
scenes.Shelley Fabres ("Coach", "The Donna Reed Show") guest stars.
2
1/2 Stars
"Wildfire"
Airdate:
January 17, 1979 Writer:
Brian Rehak Director:
Frank Orsatti Guest
Stars: Christine Belford, John Anderson, Billy Green Bush,
Dean Brooks, Earnie Orsatti, John Petlock.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David
discovers that the oil rig he is working on is the target of a saboteur
determined to set the rig on fire.
Comments:
Average
episode that is notable for the fact that David Banner actually
puts up a decent fight against an assailant in this one!
2
1/2 Stars
"A
Solitary Place"
Airdate:
January 24, 1979 Writers:
Jim Tinsdale, Migdia Varela Director:
Jeff Hayden Guest
Stars: Katherine Leigh Scott, Jerry Douglas, Hector Elias.
Synopsis:
Fearing
the dangers of transforming into the Hulk and struggling to deal
with the loss of his wife Carolyn, David retreats to the wilderness
of Baja Mexico, in order to live a primitive existence away from
civilization. Unfortunately, this plan goes awry with the arrival
of a fugitive doctor, a vengeful family and Jack McGee.
Comments:
About
as close to average as you get. Nothing amazing but nothing bad
either. Look for Jerry Douglas ("The Young & The Restless")
in a very youthful role as the vengeful father.
2
1/2 Stars
"Like
A Brother"
Airdate:
January 31, 1979 Writers:
Richard Christian Matheson, Thomas E. Szollasi
Director:
Reza Badiyi Guest
Stars: Tony Burton, Stuart K. Robinson, Carl Anderson, Ernie
Hudson, Michael D. Roberts, Austin Soker.
Synopsis:
While
working in a car wash in a poor black community, David is drawn
into a battle involving two orphans, a preacher, and a drug lord.
Comments:
Decent
episode involving a touching friendship between David and the two
orphans. Watch closely and you can see Lou Ferrigno in green slippers.
3
Stars
"The
Haunted"
Airdate:
February 26, 1979 Writers:
Karen Harris, Jill Sherman Director:
John McPherson Guest
Stars: Carol Baxter, John O'Connell, Johnny Haymer, Jon Lorner,
Iris Korn, Randy Kiger.
Synopsis:
David
helps a young woman move back into an old house where she lived
many years ago. David soon learns that the woman had a twin sister
who drowned there years before and that strange events may bring
about more death and mayhem.
Comments:
Chillingly
neat episode that plays like an Edgar Allen Poe story. A little
bit more intellectual than many other Hulk episodes and definitely
worth the watch! 3
1/2 Stars
"Mystery
Man" (2 Parts)
Airdates:
March 2, 1979, March 9, 1979 Writer:
Nicholas Corea Director:
Frank Orsatti Guest
Cast: Victoria Carroll, Aileen Towne, Don Marshall, Skip Riley,
John McKee, Howard Witt, Bonnie Johns, Michael Payne, Laura Lizer,
Barbara Tarbuck.
Synopsis:
David
Banner is seriously injured in a car crash which leaves his face
burned and his memory gone. When Jack McGee arrives at the hospital
to investigate the appearance of the Hulk at the crash site, he
discovers an unrecognizable David, with bandages wrapped around
his face. Determined to find out more details about the crash from
this "witness", McGee agrees to fly David to a memory specialist
in hopes of restoring his memory. Unfortunately, bad weather causes
their plane to crash in the mountains. With the pilot dead, and
McGee unable to walk, it's up to David to drag them both to safety
without exposing his own identity. Unfortunately, cold weather,
a raging forest fire and hungry wolves stand between them and safety.
Comments:
This
is one of the most significant episodes of the series because it
reveals why Jack McGee is so obsessed with capturing the creature.
In addition, McGee learns a significant clue about the Hulk when
he discovers that a human being transforms into the monstrous Hulk
and back again. 4
Stars
"The
Disciple"
Airdate:
March 16, 1979 Writers:
Nicholas Corea, James G. Hirsh Director:
Reza Badiyi Guest
Stars: Rick Springfield, Gerald McRaney, Mako, Stacey Keech
Sr., George Loros, Fredrick Franki, Lina Raymond, Bill Deiz.
Synopsis:
Sequel
to Another Path. David returns to San Francisco to continue
working with his old friend Li Sung on a cure to controlling his
transformations into the creature. Unfortunately, the old philosopher
is now dying and his entire dynasty will fade away unless one of
his students can be convinced to take over his teachings.
Comments: Major
Dad's Gerald McRaney makes his third appearance as an Incredible
Hulk guest star, this time as a "good guy". This solid episode
was allegedly the proposed pilot for a spin-off series that never
materialized. 3
Stars
"No
Escape"
Airdate:
March 30, 1979 Writer:
Ben Masselink Director:
Jeffrey Hayden Guest
Stars: James Wainwright, Mariclare Costello, Sherman Hemsley,
Thalmus Rasulala, Skip Homeier, Howard Bruner.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
When
the Hulk accidentally sets free a mentally ill prisoner from a police
van, David tries to track down the man before he harms himself or
others.
Comments:
Another
well done, second season episode. Sherman Hemsley ("The Jefferson's",
"All In The Family") guest stars. 3
Stars
"Kindred
Spirits"
Airdate:
April 6, 1979 Writers:
Karen Harris and Jill Sherman Director:
Joseph Pevney Guest
Stars: Kim Cattrall, Whit Bissell, A. Martinez, Chief Dan
George, Eloy Cassados, Don Shanks.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David
discovers that an archeological dig on a sacred Indian burial
ground has uncovered evidence which suggests that a Hulk-like
creature lived centuries before. When he attempts to investigate
further, he is recognized by a former student of his and gets
caught in the middle of a battle with Native Americans, on whose
land the site is located.
Comments:
Neat
idea, though those scenes involving the prehistoric Hulk look
kind of silly. This is yet another episode in which the Hulk runs
down "that alley". Kim Cattrall ("Sex In The City") guest stars.
3
Stars
"The
Confession"
Airdate:
May 4, 1979 Writer:
Deborah Davis Director:
Barry Crane Guest
Stars: Markie Post, Barry Gordon, Richard Herd, John Armstrong
Marshall, Elaine Joyce, Earl Corbert.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
Jack
McGee finds that his hunt for the creature is hampered when the
National Register assigns an inexperienced reporter to help him
with the task. Things turn even worse, when a small, timid man
claims to be the person who transforms into the Hulk.
Comments:
Decent
episode that preys upon our insecurities. It's neat to see the
contrast between a man who wishes he could transform into the
creature and a man who thinks of it as eternal damnation. Markie
Post ("Night Court") guest stars. 3
Stars
"A
Quiet Room"
Airdate:
May 11, 1979 Writers:
Karen Harris and Jill Sherman Director:
Reza Badiyi Guest
Stars: Joanna Miles, Phillip Abbott, Sian Barbara Allan,
Robert F. Lyons.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
David
learns that the star doctor at a sanitarium for the insane is
subjecting his patients to unethical mind control operations.
When discovered, David is placed in a straight-jacket himself
without an ally to turn to. His safety, the safety of the other
patients, and that of a staff doctor lie in the power of the Hulk.
Comments:
Solid
episode that reminds me a lot of One Flew Over The Cuckoo's
Nest. It "builds up" a little too quickly in spots, but
still manages to provide a solid, if not sad story-line.
3
Stars
"Vendetta
Road"
Airdate:
May 25, 1979 Writer:
Justin R. Edgarton Director:
John McPherson Guest
Stars: Ron Lomard, Christina Hart, Morgan Woodward, Chip
Johnson.
Available
On Video?: No
Synopsis:
Being
in the wrong place at the wrong time leads to trouble for David
(yet again!) when he becomes mixed up in a vendetta by a young
"Bonnie & Clyde"-type couple. The young man and woman are
busy blowing up the gas stations of a corporation which caused
the death of the young man's father. David soon learns that the
young woman is pregnant and realizes that the only way to prevent
more tragedy is to get their story to the press before they can
be caught by the law.
Comments:
Routine
story is helped along by a hilarious scene in which the Hulk faces
off against the moonshine brewing country hicks!
2
1/2 Stars
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