SciFi channel has been having a Hulk marathon this week, to hype the new Incredible Hulk movie. As interesting as the movie looks, I prefer the old TV series. Probably because I grew up with it; but it was a great story on a lot of levels.
“Dr. David Banner, physician, scientist, looking for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have…”
It’s quite obviously a reworking of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the Stevenson allegory that says we all have a monster deep inside that could come out given the right circumstances. And the image from the end credits of the lonely Banner, forced into isolation, hitchhiking down the road while a haunting piano plays, is etched into my memory.
“Dr. David Banner, physician, scientist, looking for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have…”
It’s quite obviously a reworking of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; the Stevenson allegory that says we all have a monster deep inside that could come out given the right circumstances. And the image from the end credits of the lonely Banner, forced into isolation, hitchhiking down the road while a haunting piano plays, is etched into my memory.
"The world believes David Banner to be dead. And he must let the world believe he is dead, until he finds a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him."
I cried all the time watching that show. My brothers, of course, just liked watching HULK SMASH!!! It was the perfect formula. Guys got to see cars tossed around and girls got to sigh over the hero.
My kids are enjoying the series, and enjoying watching me squee over it. Yes, the plastic rocks and easily bent metal and special effects- if you could call them that- are laughable by today’s standards, but I still get that feeling when his eyes turn white. He’s gonna Hulk out! He’s gonna Hulk out! The stories are standard 70’s TV fodder, but my attention-deficit Nintendo kids still liked it. I have to believe it’s because of one thing:
The talent and charm of the late Bill Bixby. Oh, my gravy, did I have a crush on him. I know, I know, who didn’t I have a crush on, but still. He was wonderful. And it goes to show that a great character can transcend some mediocre storylines.
And, yeah. They liked seeing Lou Ferrigno roar and toss around cars, too.
My kids are enjoying the series, and enjoying watching me squee over it. Yes, the plastic rocks and easily bent metal and special effects- if you could call them that- are laughable by today’s standards, but I still get that feeling when his eyes turn white. He’s gonna Hulk out! He’s gonna Hulk out! The stories are standard 70’s TV fodder, but my attention-deficit Nintendo kids still liked it. I have to believe it’s because of one thing:
The talent and charm of the late Bill Bixby. Oh, my gravy, did I have a crush on him. I know, I know, who didn’t I have a crush on, but still. He was wonderful. And it goes to show that a great character can transcend some mediocre storylines.
And, yeah. They liked seeing Lou Ferrigno roar and toss around cars, too.
7 comments:
Lou Ferrigno, green skin aside, was a dish!
I loved the Hulk as well. When I played superheroes with the boys, I always wanted to be him--none of those girly Wonder-Woman types for me!
I loved the original series..never missed an episode if I could help it. My whole family watched it. But I really have no desire to see the new one with Edward Norton. It seems a little dark to me. I don't like what the remakes have done with our old superheros for the most part. I probably won't see the newest Batman either for just that reason.
p.s. What have you heard about the new M Knight Ramalamadingdong movie? I am not sure what it's about, or if I want to see it. Some friends want us to go this weekend...what do you think?
I so like it when things go BOOM! Smash!
Yep, that's pretty much how I remember it too! It's good to grow up with brothers. It really helped me comprehend the male mind once I grew up and went husband-hunting.
Lou was on American Gladiators the other night. He's still dishy!
Missie, I have a feeling it might be one of those "aliens want to eat us but have a moral problem with killing, so make us kill ourselves" kind of thing. Scifi story staple. I may wait for the dollar theatre.
And the ROAR, Bernita. Don't forget the ROAR.
A good thing brothers didn't turn us off of men totally, Kimber.
Did you know the kid from Courtship of Eddie's Father named his son Bixby? It's either his first or middle name, I don't remember exactly, but how sweet is that.
Aww, that's so cool. Every man I knew back then went out and bought those sunglasses he wore in that show!
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