The Return of the Incredible Hulk

Second instalment of The Incredible Hulk has the good doctor roaming the California highways through orchard country. He comes across a young lady - an heiress - struggling to walk.

Turns out it's a murder plot and a pretty good one.

The episode really belongs to Laurie Prange as the supposedly crippled young lady. She's the emotional centre of the episode. Not only does she have her own journey, but she helps the local alcoholic - admirably played by John McLiam - find redemption, too.

A couple of other fine performances by TV veterans including William Daniels and Mills Watson. Both still alive as of this writing.

But I gotta mention the grizzly wrestling scene. OK, I realize it's a Hollywood grizzly. Maybe even the same one from Grizzly Adams. But by gawd any stuntman who gets into the swamp - either dressed as Bill Bixby or Green Lou Ferrigno - with a 500-pound killing machine - gets my respect. I mean, the stunt guys aren't just feeding the grizzly some berries, they're wrestling it.

Considering this is based on a comic book character, this is a surprisingly mature show that actually respects its audience.

Second outing for Bill Bixby as Doctor David Banner, now on the run after he is believed killed in a lab explosion, fleeing from the dogged pursuit of reporter Jack McGee, once again memorably played by Jack Colvin, and of course muscular Lou Ferrigno returns as the Hulk, who is more hero than monster, though uncontrollable.

Story has David helping disabled heiress Julie Griffith(played by Laurie Prange)who is being undermined by her manipulative, cold-hearted stepmother(played as such by Dorothy Tristan) Fine supporting actor William Daniels is more effective as her corrupt doctor, who is in on the plot. Gerald McRaney makes the first of four appearances, all as different characters(!) and is believable as the manipulated love interest of Julie. Plot is contrived, but entertaining, though climax with bear should have been trimmed...

Memorable ending sets up subsequent TV series quite well.

It's been a few weeks since David Banner escaped his former life and he's on the road hoping to find a cure for his illness which makes him change into the raging Hulk. On the way he encounters a would be heiress who's lost the use of her legs due to psychological trauma when her father died and she narrowly escaped. David also uncovers a devious plot involving the girl's stepmother.

The second TV movie leading up to the series. David transforms into the Hulk several times and has some memorable clashes, particularly the one with the grizzly bear. The film is well written by series creator Kenneth Johnson but it does feel a bit stretched. But no matter, it's still loads of fun for a fan. Bill Bixby is, as always, very appealing as Banner and equally good is Lou Ferrigno as the Green Giant.

As said, the film feels a bit stretched but it's always entertaining and probably gave a good promise for the series to come.

Not my favorite installment of this era's Hulk series, but still enjoyable!

The second episode and again full feature length of 95 minutes. Now that Dr Banner knows he's in trouble with is body as seen in episode one he wanders around searching for a hospital to find out what went wrong and to solve his disease. He can't use his real name and hitchhike across the country. When going into a field to pick a fresh orange he sees a girl falling, picks her up and takes her to a nearby mansion.

The girl getting medication, being a doctor, David notice that the drug being given never can be the colour it has. Something's wrong so he has to save the girl.

David of course get in trouble and changes a few times into the Hulk. Notorious is the scene with the grizzly bear. A must see for all fans. It's a bit slower than episode one but still it's watchable for the time it was made. Excellent performance by Bill Bixby.

Gore 0/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 3/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5