You keep posting these Hulk previews earlier and earlier.
MeTV's SuperSci-Fi Saturday Night
- Thread starter JD
- Start date
I posted it on February 15...same date as the episode.
They had a much bigger hit than that, a bit after the show's timeframe:
"Talking in Your Sleep," The Romantics
(Charted Oct. 8, 1983; #3 US; #1 Dance; #2 UK)
This one?
A track from a 1979 album that apparently didn't even make the album charts in the U.S.? Not likely I was going to be stumbling upon that.
"Campy"?
We're past that point in the show's timeframe, but OK....Every one's a winner, baby.
"Every 1's a Winner," Hot Chocolate
(Charted Nov. 11, 1978; #6 US; #7 R&B; #12 UK)
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Forgot about that. Not the song, just that it was the same band.
You're welcome.
It was even pretty obscure in those days, although it got a fair amount of play on stations like BCN. Great song, though, and not what you'd expect from the title; it's actually quite sad and touching.You don't think so? "I've got such a long way to go... to make it to the border of Mexico." It's like something by Warren Zevon, only played straight; a Pulp song.
Yup, another good one. Although "You Sexy Thing" was better.
Not sure what makes it stand out compared to the next pop song lyric.
UGH. Ranks as one of the most abused songs at the hands of garage bands since "Gloria" from Them.
Easily one of the best of that year.
Even with New Wave already charting many hits, I recall some not knowing what to make of this song.
Two strong singles, and one of last periods where songs from completely different genres were charting side by side and actually worth listening to.
Well, your mileage may vary, I guess, but it's always played out like a little Grindhouse movie in my head. "Always spoke my mind... with a gun in my hand..."
That's one of the main things that I miss about popular music.
Again, you're more lyrics-minded than I...I didn't even know that line was in there. Seems like you're more of a John and I'm more of a Paul...or if that's aiming too high, you're more of a Nasty and I'm more of a Dirk....Well, your mileage may vary, I guess, but it's always played out like a little Grindhouse movie in my head. "Always spoke my mind... with a gun in my hand..."
The Incredible Hulk--
"The Lottery"
San Antonio - David Becker rescues newsstand owner Harry Henderson from a would-be robber. Seeing David does not want any police involvement, Harry hides the robber's discarded knife from his friend Officer Clark--selling the alarm trigger as an accident. Appreciative, Harry hires David at the newsstand, who sees a Fort Worth Chronicle article blasting Jack McGee--
As David wanders off, focusing on the McGee story, Officer Clark approaches, praising Harry's culinary talents--once again asking him to go into the restaurant business with him, using the cop's saved $20,000 as seed money. Harry remains resistant to the idea for some reason. A child tries to scam Harry with a lottery ticket, but the world-wise man informs the kid of the price of trying to be a con man--including a gnarled scar on his hand. Harry buys the ticket, but writes David's name on it....
Harry sheds light on his past as con man--and how he would love to pull one last con against those who deserve it, but feels his time for the "big one" has passed. That evening, the lottery is broadcast--and David has the winning ticket, worth $250,000. David--knowing he cannot expose himself--offers Harry half if he collects the money. Harry can barely believe David's generosity, but refuses--believing the temptation to dive back into his criminal life too great to resist--
Harry: "I mean, I start thinking the wrong ideas even dreaming about that kind of money!"
David: "But you don't have to con anybody for it! It's legal--legit. It could change your life, Harry! It could certainly change mine."
Harry: "Hey pal--you don't know the old Harry Henderson! And if it means so much, how can you trust me?"
David: "That's simple. I have to."
While David waits for Harry's return, he makes a call about purchasing a superconducting magnometer, and referring to his "genetic research." Morning comes, and Harry is missing. Remembering Harry's dreams of a big con he'd like to pull, he plays a hunch and goes to the Excalibur hotel where he finds Harry (surrounded by hired staff & potential pigeons) posing as General Marina. Security preventing him from the Marina suite, David makes his way up a narrow maintenance shaft, but breaks a pipe--shooting steam into his face, and triggering the transformation. The Hulk breaks through the shaft--into a startled resident's room...
Elsewhere, McGee hears a radio report about the latest Hulk sighing in San Antonio...and he's on his way.
David finally visits Harry, with the con man explaining that half of the lottery money was taken by the IRS, but his General Marina scheme stands to double the original amount. Before David can protest, McGee shows up questioning Marina about the creature. Harry's poking disbelief makes McGee--of all people--quickly move from the Hulk to John Doe. Getting nothing of value from Marina, McGee leaves. As General Marina, he invites lower level oil men to bid on his nonexistent oil reserves in South America; playing each side against each other.
On schedule, the oil men arrive with their bribes, but David has had enough--wanting none of the scammed money. As David is on his way out, General Marina's countrymen storm the room, accusing Harry of treason (for dealing with the oil men), ready to execute him on the spot. David's pleas for the truth are ignored, and for his trouble, he's brutalized, and tossed into a closet, with his hand smashing into a box of drinking glasses--more than enough for the Hulk to return. The gunmen appear to shoot Harry dead--as the Hulk emerges, sending everyone running away (Harry leaving the money behind). The Hulk spots an empty theatrical blood bag, and follows the gunman, who races to the roof to escape in a helicopter...with none other than a very alive Harry waiting. The Hulk pulls the helicopter down to the rooftop, causing a fiery malfunction, however, he still manages to rescue Harry--leaving the conman wondering how he will explain this to David.
Before Banner leaves town, he reconciles with Harry--pleased to learn Harry's new big idea is legitimate--the restaurant with Officer Clark as his partner.
NOTES:
Technically, not a cure-related episode, but David's interest in the superconducting magnometer and 449C Pulsed Carbon Dioxide laser slides it under the "cure" door. Where would he store and power such equipment? His best bet would be to return to his sister's farm and work there (now that McGee has been fooled into thinking there's no David Banner trail with the family), since its so far from the distraction (and danger) of Any City, USA.
Throughout the series, we hear the average person tearing down McGee for allegedly peddling a scam and/or the National Register for being a rag, but this marks the first time another newspaper joins in criticizing McGee about this Hulk chase.
The way Harry (as Marina) played "You expect me to believe this" routine with McGee was entertaining--sort of making McGee accept how others consider the Hulk idea absurd.
Alternate angles of the Hulk from the pilot movie (big hair Hulk) are used as part of the maintenance shaft break-out.
Another early, post-pilot Hulk shot is re-used during the closet transformation.
The brief shot of the Hulk's subtle smile while checking out the woman emerging from the shower could be read in so many ways, but I'll leave that to others.
Amusing moment of Harry using every other word in the book instead of "Hulk."
GUEST CAST:
Robert Hogan (Harry) -
Luis Avalos (First Official) is one of that rare class of actors to appear with more than one Marvel TV hero of the 1970s; as one of the regular cast of The Electric Company (CTW / PBS, 1971-77), it was not uncommon for Avalos to guest star in the Spidey Super Stories segments opposite you-know-who--
Not many fantasy credits, other than--
"The Lottery"
San Antonio - David Becker rescues newsstand owner Harry Henderson from a would-be robber. Seeing David does not want any police involvement, Harry hides the robber's discarded knife from his friend Officer Clark--selling the alarm trigger as an accident. Appreciative, Harry hires David at the newsstand, who sees a Fort Worth Chronicle article blasting Jack McGee--
As David wanders off, focusing on the McGee story, Officer Clark approaches, praising Harry's culinary talents--once again asking him to go into the restaurant business with him, using the cop's saved $20,000 as seed money. Harry remains resistant to the idea for some reason. A child tries to scam Harry with a lottery ticket, but the world-wise man informs the kid of the price of trying to be a con man--including a gnarled scar on his hand. Harry buys the ticket, but writes David's name on it....
Harry sheds light on his past as con man--and how he would love to pull one last con against those who deserve it, but feels his time for the "big one" has passed. That evening, the lottery is broadcast--and David has the winning ticket, worth $250,000. David--knowing he cannot expose himself--offers Harry half if he collects the money. Harry can barely believe David's generosity, but refuses--believing the temptation to dive back into his criminal life too great to resist--
Harry: "I mean, I start thinking the wrong ideas even dreaming about that kind of money!"
David: "But you don't have to con anybody for it! It's legal--legit. It could change your life, Harry! It could certainly change mine."
Harry: "Hey pal--you don't know the old Harry Henderson! And if it means so much, how can you trust me?"
David: "That's simple. I have to."
While David waits for Harry's return, he makes a call about purchasing a superconducting magnometer, and referring to his "genetic research." Morning comes, and Harry is missing. Remembering Harry's dreams of a big con he'd like to pull, he plays a hunch and goes to the Excalibur hotel where he finds Harry (surrounded by hired staff & potential pigeons) posing as General Marina. Security preventing him from the Marina suite, David makes his way up a narrow maintenance shaft, but breaks a pipe--shooting steam into his face, and triggering the transformation. The Hulk breaks through the shaft--into a startled resident's room...
Elsewhere, McGee hears a radio report about the latest Hulk sighing in San Antonio...and he's on his way.
David finally visits Harry, with the con man explaining that half of the lottery money was taken by the IRS, but his General Marina scheme stands to double the original amount. Before David can protest, McGee shows up questioning Marina about the creature. Harry's poking disbelief makes McGee--of all people--quickly move from the Hulk to John Doe. Getting nothing of value from Marina, McGee leaves. As General Marina, he invites lower level oil men to bid on his nonexistent oil reserves in South America; playing each side against each other.
On schedule, the oil men arrive with their bribes, but David has had enough--wanting none of the scammed money. As David is on his way out, General Marina's countrymen storm the room, accusing Harry of treason (for dealing with the oil men), ready to execute him on the spot. David's pleas for the truth are ignored, and for his trouble, he's brutalized, and tossed into a closet, with his hand smashing into a box of drinking glasses--more than enough for the Hulk to return. The gunmen appear to shoot Harry dead--as the Hulk emerges, sending everyone running away (Harry leaving the money behind). The Hulk spots an empty theatrical blood bag, and follows the gunman, who races to the roof to escape in a helicopter...with none other than a very alive Harry waiting. The Hulk pulls the helicopter down to the rooftop, causing a fiery malfunction, however, he still manages to rescue Harry--leaving the conman wondering how he will explain this to David.
Before Banner leaves town, he reconciles with Harry--pleased to learn Harry's new big idea is legitimate--the restaurant with Officer Clark as his partner.
NOTES:
Technically, not a cure-related episode, but David's interest in the superconducting magnometer and 449C Pulsed Carbon Dioxide laser slides it under the "cure" door. Where would he store and power such equipment? His best bet would be to return to his sister's farm and work there (now that McGee has been fooled into thinking there's no David Banner trail with the family), since its so far from the distraction (and danger) of Any City, USA.
Throughout the series, we hear the average person tearing down McGee for allegedly peddling a scam and/or the National Register for being a rag, but this marks the first time another newspaper joins in criticizing McGee about this Hulk chase.
The way Harry (as Marina) played "You expect me to believe this" routine with McGee was entertaining--sort of making McGee accept how others consider the Hulk idea absurd.
Alternate angles of the Hulk from the pilot movie (big hair Hulk) are used as part of the maintenance shaft break-out.
Another early, post-pilot Hulk shot is re-used during the closet transformation.
The brief shot of the Hulk's subtle smile while checking out the woman emerging from the shower could be read in so many ways, but I'll leave that to others.
Amusing moment of Harry using every other word in the book instead of "Hulk."
GUEST CAST:
Robert Hogan (Harry) -
- The Twilight Zone (CBS, 1964) - "Spur of the Moment"
- Batman (ABC, 1966) - "Instant Freeze" / "Rats Like Cheese"
- Land of the Giants (ABC, 1970) - "The Marionettes"
- Rod Serling's Night Gallery (NBC, 1971) - "Brenda" (with Laurie Prange from "Death in the Family" and "Prometheus")
- Westworld (MGM, 1973) - Delos interviewer (uncredited)
- Tales of the Unexpected (NBC, 1977) - "No Way Out"
- The Six Million Dollar Man (ABC, 1976/'77) - "H+2+0 = Death" & "The Cheshire Project"
- Turnabout (NBC, 1979) - "Penny's Old Boyfriend"
- Automan (ABC, 1983) - "Automan" (pilot)
- Species II (MGM, 1998)
Luis Avalos (First Official) is one of that rare class of actors to appear with more than one Marvel TV hero of the 1970s; as one of the regular cast of The Electric Company (CTW / PBS, 1971-77), it was not uncommon for Avalos to guest star in the Spidey Super Stories segments opposite you-know-who--
Not many fantasy credits, other than--
- Wishcraft (Gold Cirlce Films, 2002)
Another episode that's memorable for giving us a more novel premise than just having David getting involved in somebody else's troubles. And another that starts with David on the road (or on the street in this case), though this time he walks calmly into the picture instead of suddenly popping out of nowhere.
Also, from his "General Marina" schtick, I can't tell if Harry's supposed to be a bad actor in-story or not.
Funny thing is, I probably wouldn't have recognized him at this age...save that I distinctly recalled having recognized him back when "The Lottery" originally aired, which was much closer to my Electric Company-watching days!
As for "The Hum"...1951 is a few years early for him to have been a rock 'n' roll singer. Wasn't this supposed to be an educational TV show...?
It's a good thing that lottery announcer repeated himself so many times...they didn't have DVRs then. But is it common for lottery winners to be announced by name? Don't they usually announce a number?
$125,000 probably bought/leased a lot more lab equipment in 1979/80.
-23:06...a FHO caused by lame bad luck, and one that blatantly served the formula but not the story and just got played for comic beats.
So is John Doe supposed to be in his mid-30s (as described here) or his 40s (per McGee's description in another episode)? I think the former works better with David's implied age in "Homecoming" (which would make him a few years younger than Bixby).
Also, from his "General Marina" schtick, I can't tell if Harry's supposed to be a bad actor in-story or not.
More crooked oil barons...note that by now, Dallas was firmly fixed in the timeslot two hours after TIH. (And events in its season finale will prove that it's not a good season to be a crooked oil baron....)
-05:31...random and gratuitous source of additional pain, check.
Making Season 3 Hulk stronger than Reunion Movie Hulk with Thor's help (as I believe we touched upon somewhere upthread)!
Because it's a vehicle in a TV show, of course stopping a helicopter from taking off makes it blow up.
And there's the infamous Peacoat Lonely Man again! They must have gotten a sudden cold spell in Texas....
It's an unconventional cure-related episode, but I definitely think that it fully counts as one. Had the call about the lab equipment not served a story purpose, I might have counted it as Paying Lip Service...but getting his share of the money because he planned to spend it on that equipment specifically informs David's actions throughout the rest of the story.
I noticed that! I also noted that it might be the same shot that they conspicuously used in a previous episode, but don't press me for details at this point. My December Finish-the-Hulk Binge is a blur.
For a primal rage monster, he's a relative gentleman. He looks, but turns shyly away rather than attempting to make any sort of move. A very childlike reaction.
Liked for giving the man his due! I had videos prepared in case you didn't. Here's another turn as a Spidey villain:
Funny thing is, I probably wouldn't have recognized him at this age...save that I distinctly recalled having recognized him back when "The Lottery" originally aired, which was much closer to my Electric Company-watching days!
As for "The Hum"...1951 is a few years early for him to have been a rock 'n' roll singer. Wasn't this supposed to be an educational TV show...?
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“The Lottery”: A bunch of small-town folk bombard David with rocks until he turns into -- no, wait, that’s a different “The Lottery.” No stonings in this one, just a fairly mediocre story, another one where David meets and bonds with a disreputable guy who gets him into trouble. It starts out okay (though it seems there should’ve been a less destructive way to attract the police’s attention than breaking a store window, especially since the friendly cop turned out to be just seconds away anyway), but it kind of loses its way in the second half when Harry pulls his con. For the second week in a row, Hulk-out 1 does nothing to advance the story aside from attracting McGee, though McGee plays a minimal role in the story as well. And we get a very unconvincing helicopter “explosion” in the climax. I doubt simply double-exposing a stock explosion onto a shot of an intact helicopter would’ve been at all convincing even in the ‘70s.
By the way, I noticed that the patch on the left arm of “General Marina”’s uniform, the circular one with a Z on it, was the same patch on the left breast of Carl’s biker jacket in “Long Run Home” two episodes back. One more of those things that are easier to notice on a viewing binge.
By the way, I noticed that the patch on the left arm of “General Marina”’s uniform, the circular one with a Z on it, was the same patch on the left breast of Carl’s biker jacket in “Long Run Home” two episodes back. One more of those things that are easier to notice on a viewing binge.
True, being a writer, I do focus on the words. Most of the time. Instrumentals being the exception. Although I agree with Squiggy that what every instrumental needs is words.
Ouch. I had kind of forgotten about the Rutles.
How about I'm Paul and you're Art?
That's a rather one-sided arrangement, I'll pass.
And if he's bitten by a Vampire, does he become a green furry monster who sucks the blood of the living? And then what if he's killed and raised up as a Zombie?
Yeah, Christopher Cross. But this was an entertaining, if campy, song.
That's the special guest villain who gets the multiple dose. There was a human weapon or some such doco that talked Vampires vs Zombies awhile back.
I love Christopher Cross songs. They have a nice, sweeping feel to them.
Hah! Not a bad episode idea--with a Burnt Offerings twist maybe.
The Wicker Hulk.
Or maybe he hulks out after scratching off a fake winning lottery ticket. Whoever came up with those things is a real piece of work.
The obvious response to this had previously eluded me, so allow me to amend that oversight:Ouch. I had kind of forgotten about the Rutles.
"Don't make me a sacrifice! You wouldn't like me as a sacrifice!"
Agreed; David has a direct involvement/investment once he meets Harry, but I thought David being willing to forget about his lottery winnings (to leave ASAP) was another nice character building point for Banner.
Nt so much today, but some local lottery programs would read actual names in the era (like this episode) where the winner entered a name rather than the way it works today.
I guess so, but what he was asking about was rare at the time
Contrary to the demands from CBS, the series would do just as well with one Hulk-out for some episodes.
From what little McGee saw while travelling with John Doe, one might guess he believed Banner's voice and general demeanor read as one in his thirties.
Bad, or so over the top that it would take a miracle for anyone to buy into his routines for more than a few minutes.
Ah yes, one of the biggest plotlines in TV history. Its funny how culture and public perception would change regarding professions; in the 50s and 60s, TV oil barons were usually greedy, but more blowhard curmudgeon types, By the q970s, that all changed, with the various TV productions making oil men the lowest, manipulative creatures on earth.
Not sure if I consider the reunion films part of the series. Moreover, TV Hulk's strength is all over the place, witn some episodes having the creature doing things that made pulling down a helicopter seem like light exercise.
...or he's reached a city/state where the weather too a turn for the cold side.
Good point.
The production seemed to have quite a bit of transformation shots saved from the cutting room floor, and they certainly made good use of it.
Avalos seemed to enjoy the freedom to ham it up on TEC.
As for "The Hum"...1951 is a few years early for him to have been a rock 'n' roll singer. Wasn't this supposed to be an educational TV show...?
Yeah, their date was a bit off, but I can give TEC a pass.
Actually, the arrangements were mostly Art. He was the Funk and Paul was the Wagnall's.
Aside from "Ride Like The Wind," I don't believe he ever did much that got my attention.
Now I have to go looking for Rutles DVDs.
..so you missed "Arthur's Theme" and the big impact made in 1981-'82?
Batman
"An Egg Grows in Gotham"
He probably does this all the time, but I just noticed that Bruce dramatically declares "To the Batpoles" after Dick has already pressed the button. Way ahead of you, Captain Bat-Obvious!
An antidote pill? Well, you could try moving away from the laughing gas....
Egghead: "I guess I laid an egg." Hmmm, I thought that was Robin's department....
_______
"An Egg Grows in Gotham"
Originally aired October 19, 1966
"The Yegg Foes in Gotham"Originally aired October 20, 1966
He probably does this all the time, but I just noticed that Bruce dramatically declares "To the Batpoles" after Dick has already pressed the button. Way ahead of you, Captain Bat-Obvious!
An antidote pill? Well, you could try moving away from the laughing gas....
This is a Trek board...you're obligated to give a shout-out to Gene Dynarski. I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in the bylaws.
You'd think that state and federal law would come into play in limiting how much chaos local government could stir up...or had Gotham effectively seceded?
Egghead: "I guess I laid an egg." Hmmm, I thought that was Robin's department....
_______
If that's the beat I'm vaguely recalling, I'd meant to mention it. This is part of a pattern of moments in different episodes in which David refuses to take dirty money, no matter how useful it might be to him. (Though I couldn't cite the other episodes where this character trait came into play offhand.)
And one that I'm planning to touch upon in the appropriate upcoming week, given that the key installment aired two hours after one of the Hulk episodes we'll be reviewing.
I have to imagine that the energy crisis and/or increased environmental awareness played a role in that.
I was thinking of their lopsided solo careers. I'm reminded of an SNL sketch (which I tried to find) in which Kevin Bacon played the Garfunkel half of a S&G-style folk duo, whose only contribution to the songs was clapping. He released a solo album of nothing but clapping.
I've got a copy of that tucked away on VHS somewhere. I lost my CD of the soundtrack years ago...may have to replace it via iTunes one of these days....Now I have to go looking for Rutles DVDs.
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