David Banner, physician,
scientist, searching for a way to tap into the hidden strength
that all humans have.
Then an accidental
overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when
David Banner becomes angry or outraged a startling metamorphosis
occurs. The creature is driven by rage and is pursued by an
investigative reporter.
"Mr. McGee don't make me angry you wouldn't like me when I'm
angry."
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is
believed to be dead and he must let the world think that he is dead
until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells
within him.
That's how every episode
every Friday night at 8 and for a while on Wednesday nights at 8
began. Bill Bixby played the tortured scientist trying find the
hidden strength that he lacked when trying to save his wife from an
automobile accident. Banner accidentally exposes himself to an
overdose of radiation while trying to tap into this hidden strength.
You know the rest. The Hulk is born for the first time on television
(not counting the 60's cartoon series), while trying to change a tire
in the middle of a storm. While the rain is pouring down on Banner he
injures himself while changing his tire. He becomes angry, changes
into the Hulk, and smashes his car.
Another research
scientist David works with dies in an explosion caused by chemicals
spilt by Mr. McGee the investigative reporter. Banner is also believed
to be dead and travels the country searching for a cure while evading
Jack McGee who has seen the Hulk and wants to prove his existence to
the world.
The show followed the same formula as another very successful show
the
Fugitive except Dr. Kimble
could never turn into a giant monster when things got rough. Three TV
movies were made after the shows demise. They weren't anywhere close
to the quality of the series, but it was nice to see Bill Bixby
morphing into the Hulk again.
Recently a new Hulk was
released as a major motion picture starring Eric Bana as Bruce
Banner this time. The same name Banner uses in the comics. In the show
it was David Bruce Banner. The Hulk was not played by Lou Ferrigno
this time but will be completely computer generated. Check out the
Hulk
Movie Official Site for the
trailer. The movie was released in the summer of 2003.
Trivia:
Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the role of The Hulk but,
even at 6' 2", was reportedly not tall enough (Lou Ferrigno is 6'
5").
Film director Steven Spielberg was critical about
the use of footage from his TV-movie from _Duel (1971/I)_ for the Hulk
episode "Never Give A Trucker An Even Break." But since both
the Duel movie and Hulk series were owned by Univeral Studios, he was
unable to take any legal action. Nonetheless, Spielberg eventually
updated his contracts to include a clause designed to prevent his
material from being used as stock footage in other projects.
For a detailed look at the
history of the Incredible Hulk in comics and television check out
the video below. It's primary focus is the Hulk TV show starring
Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. Highly recommended.
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