Eh, forgettable pop.
Not his best.
Okay song but a great video.
New Wave classic. His hair has taken on a life of its own,becoming an 80's signature.
Another classic.
MeTV's SuperSci-Fi Saturday Night
- Thread starter JD
- Start date
Viewers found Banner's plight compelling, so they understood he was not going to have stability, which went a long way in dropping him in fascinating stories not possible in another kind of format. For example, take the Nicholas Hammond Amazing Spider-Man series: if Parker wanted to find a cure for his condition--that as the drive of the lead character would lack drama because he's living an otherwise stable life, and is not plagued by death, accusations of murder, or some newspaper leech trying to make his life/career off of his capture. TIH's format opened te door for David to not only run from detection, but face situations he was often unfamiliar with, and/or challenged his life.
Not always a good thing. In fact, Star Trek: The Next Generation's finale, "All Good Things" felt like a paper-thin, rushed wrap-up, trying to bookend it all with the pilot. The problem is that it lacked any substance, purpose and Picard's "I should have done this long ago" (regarding playing cards/socializing with his staff) just shined a light on some of the series' shortcomings, rather than provide a satisfying end.
Its more than you would guess. As covered in this thread, Land of the Giants (according to one Gary Conway interview) shot "Wild Journey" as a series finale (with the idea that the Little People--despite their best efforts--were not escaping the giant planet), but was aired out of production order.
Other examples:
- Long before its 1983 finale, "Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen", M*A*S*H* was intended to end in one way or another.
- The Odd Couple ended with Felix reuniting with his wife, thus bringing an end to the Felix/Oscar roommate situation (the premise of the series).
- In "Bizarre"-- The Avengers' series finale, the "Mother" character broke the fourth wall, telling audiences, "They'll be back!"--clearly acknowledging the series had ended, with the suggestive promise of John Steed & Tara King might return one day.
- Technically, the "Greatest Rescues of "Emergency!" TV movie would serve as a series finale (despite one last TV movie would air after this one), since Desoto & Gage reunite after being promoted to the rank of captain, and no longer working for Squad 51.
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I love this song. Another nostalgic early 80s classic.
He used to be pretty good, back in the 70s.
Nice. They had a little bit of a quality comeback with this and "Gypsy," but it didn't really last very long.
Oh, this is so awful that it's funny. The thing I remember most about A Flock of Seagulls is flipping through boxes of 45s in a little store in Greenwich Village and finding them filed under S-- "Seagulls, A Flock of."
Definitely an 80s classic.
Sigh. That rocket to the sun is filling up fast.
At the time, those expecting "Fly Like an Eagle" were disappointed, thinking Miller had sold out, but the song's basic rhythm has its roots in the core R&B which made Miller famous. Unlike Rod Stewart, The Rolling Stones, ex-Eagles members, Elton John, and other acts pre-dating the 80s, Miller was able to move into the new production demands/trends quite well....at least with this song.
Junk. Clearly their better days were long behind them.
Coming close to standing room only on that rocket.
Still enjoyable, fun song.
Sorry to go back to such an old post, but they've actually had streaming for a long time, they just massively expanded. It used to just be a small hand full of shows.
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Looks like they're one of various Hulu satellite sites, offering for free a limited amount of the selection Hulu offers for a fee, like ShoutFactoryTV or Yahoo View. They aren't offering any hourlong sci-fi I can't get there, but they do have My Favorite Martian, which could be worth revisiting. (Another Bill Bixby show, no less!)
BZZZT!
DING!
BZZZT!
Nerys Myk said:
RJDiogenes said:
He did better in the '70s, but I've always been partial to this song. Nothing wrong with versatility.TREK_GOD_1 said:
Nerys Myk said:
RJDiogenes said:
I think it's a fine song, and yeah, a striking video.TREK_GOD_1 said:
Nerys Myk said:
RJDiogenes said:
I'm with Nerys here, but that's not even the hairdo that lives in infamy.TREK_GOD_1 said:
TREK_GOD, maybe it would be easier to shoot you away from all the music that you don't want to share a planet with....
Nerys Myk said:
RJDiogenes said:
And so we unite in brotherhood and harmony over...Men at Work? This calls for an unscheduled flashforward!TREK_GOD_1 said:
(Charted Nov. 6, 1982; #1 US the weeks of Jan. 15 through Jan. 29 and Feb. 12, 1983; #13 AC; #33 Dance; #1 Rock; #1 UK)
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That one is the go to for "Hey let's do an 80s bit".
Interesting. I never knew until they mentioned it in their newsletter.
We may have stumbled on the solution to world peace here.
MeTV's streaming page has Space 1999 and UFO.
Yes, but those shows are already on Hulu and Yahoo View. That's my point -- the MeTV page isn't offering anything in that category that I can't get elsewhere. (Yahoo View is where I watched Land of the Giants after MeTV pulled it -- and usually where I watched it and The Time Tunnel before they pulled it, because I could see them unedited there.)
The Incredible Hulk--
Episode 82 / series finale - "A Minor Problem"
ROCKSPRINGS - Responding to an interview for a lab assistant at Dere Laboratories, David Bradshaw makes his way to the isolated, medical complex, finding not a soul on the property, with several doors locked, food abandoned on tables--no trace of anyone. Walking to the nearby town, David discovers more of the same in homes, businesses--everywhere. Along the way, he spots the Rocksprings newspaper announcing some town-wide picnic--but again, he sees the abandoned belongings from that event, but suspects someone has been in town recently. To his surprise, he meets a friendly, tagged dog named Buddy--with his leash attached, but is caught off guard by Patty Knowlton holding him at gunpoint, accusing Banner of being an employee of Dere Laboratories, and following the orders of lab C.E.O. Cunningham, who evacuated the town due to the lab spreading the E. Coli bacteria. David wonders if the lab was conducting experiments in recombinant DNA--leading to E. Coli released into the town.
The woman--still convinced David was part of the Dere disaster--orders him back to the lab, until he produces the interview letter. Apologizing for her actions, she intends to obtain samples as evidence against her former employer Cunningham and the lab. Patty explains Cunningham paid federal inspectors to turn a blind eye to the facility's lack of the proper environment to conduct any genetic or bacteriologic research, hence the contamination. David's concern jumps from 1 to 1000 once he asks--
David: "Is he seriously working with E. Coli??"
Patty: "It's a new strain. Its called R-6. It's like the K-12, in that it has a lifespan of 48 hours."
David: "K-12 was harmless..."
Patty: "It's too bad you missed your job interview. You really know your stuff. Life expectancy is all the two strains have in common. R-6 is deadly if ingested."
David: "...or transmitted through the lungs. We have to get to a hospital right now!"
Patty: "NO! I have to prove Cunnigham's negligence! Now the papers are in his office, and I'm not leaving until I get them!!"
David: "Without treatment, you could die!"
Patty: "I'll make it!"
David: "There's a chance that you won't!"
Patty: "The bacteria only lives 48 hours outside a host. After that, there won't be any way to prove that this ever happened!"
David: "No--wait a minute--wait a minute! Is there an infirmary at the plant?"
Patty: "Yes, why?"
David: "There's every chance they'll have some BBK9, which is an antibiotic and it will kill the E. Coli. If they don't have that, they'll have Gentamicin. At least that will ease the effects and give us more time!"
Buddy the dog suddenly collapses, whimpering. Banner believes he been infected from eating the discarded food in the park. Collecting the ailing dog, Banner and Patty head for the lab.
Elsewhere, three young adults--Rita, Tom and Mark--drive into town--their patience in the wake of the evacuation paying off in the form of some free and easy looting, with Mark assuring the nervous Tom that the "chlorine leak" is not dangerous enough to pose a health risk. Loading a truck with their ill-gotten gains, Rita suggests they get something to eat...from the contaminated park food. Hearing the start of a car engine, the trio intercept and apprehend Patty & David, believing they are looters, and still convinced that the evacuation was caused by a chlorine leak. Patty's had enough, stomps on Tom's foot and breaks free; David elbows his freedom as well, but it is short-lived, as Mark & Tom rough up Banner, then send him crashing through a storefront window, triggering a Hulk-out.
As Patty hold her own against Rita and Tom, the Hulk chases Mark, ripping a memorial cannon from its mount to send javelin-style in Mark's direction. Rita sees the creature, picks up her companions, and speeds away in the truck. With the looters gone, the Hulk sees Buddy the dog ailing, picks him up and transforms back to David as animal has a calming effect on him.
Retrieving his extra clothing, Banner reunites with Patty, who is now feeling ill, with abdominal cramps & purple splotches appearing on her skin. Banner, Patty and Buddy race to the lab, but discover the looter's truck crashed into a tree; Rita was overcome by R-6 and died at the wheel, causing the crash that also killed Mark. Tom managed to survive, but is seriously ill--begging for help. Continuing on to the lab, Patty's physical pain intensifies, but all make it to the infirmary...with Banner's hands now presenting with the same dreaded purple splotches. David only finds and administers Gentamicin, which promises to grant as little as an hour before all succumb to the effects of R-6. Still determined to get evidence against Cunningham, the drained Patty heads to his office...
In town, Cunningham, his assistant Sperling and another man arrive in Hazmat suits, collecting all incriminating evidence (dead birds & rodents) to sell the chlorine leak story. Eventually, they discover the corpses of Rita & mark, load them into the company van, and discovering fresh blood drops, indicating another person was with the decedents. Cunningham's team moves on to the lab...
David helps Patty break into Cunningham's safe, grab the R-6 files, but are soon met by Cunningham and his men. Patty takes off, leaving Banner and Tom to be tossed into a storage closet. Patty leads the men on an extended chase, until she's caught trying to escape in her car. By now, David's R-6-induced blurred vision & pains are too much to bear, which triggers another Hulk-out. The creature busts out of the storage closet, making shot work of Sperling and the other man, then turns his rage toward Cunningham, who has jumped into an elevator with the R-6 files. The Hulk opens its doors, lifts the elevator back to his floor, and grabs the terrified Cunningham, sending him crashing into a glass display. Still cognizant of the importance of the files, the Hulk gathers the papers....
Later, David (with the files in hand), drives off to the hospital with Patty, Buddy and Tom.
Patty: (playfully) "Told you I'd make it."
David: "We're all gonna make it."
After receiving treatment, David Banner is back on the road, heading to parts unknown.
NOTES:
Yes, this is the final episode of an abruptly cancelled Incredible Hulk TV series. I will cover the overall success and impact of the series in the near future.
We can assume this is cure related episode-light, since Banner sought employment at a lab.
Jack McGee does not appear in this episode.
Undercover doctor in effect...big time. I do enjoy that what turned out to be the series finale at least had Banner in a plot allowing him to use his greatest power--his mind.
Speaking of minds, the series' final shot of the Hulk had him displaying memory and understanding the importance of the R-6 files.
GUEST CAST:
Nancy Lee Grahn's (Patty Knowlton) first fantasy credit was this final episode of TIH. Moving on--
Episode 82 / series finale - "A Minor Problem"
ROCKSPRINGS - Responding to an interview for a lab assistant at Dere Laboratories, David Bradshaw makes his way to the isolated, medical complex, finding not a soul on the property, with several doors locked, food abandoned on tables--no trace of anyone. Walking to the nearby town, David discovers more of the same in homes, businesses--everywhere. Along the way, he spots the Rocksprings newspaper announcing some town-wide picnic--but again, he sees the abandoned belongings from that event, but suspects someone has been in town recently. To his surprise, he meets a friendly, tagged dog named Buddy--with his leash attached, but is caught off guard by Patty Knowlton holding him at gunpoint, accusing Banner of being an employee of Dere Laboratories, and following the orders of lab C.E.O. Cunningham, who evacuated the town due to the lab spreading the E. Coli bacteria. David wonders if the lab was conducting experiments in recombinant DNA--leading to E. Coli released into the town.
The woman--still convinced David was part of the Dere disaster--orders him back to the lab, until he produces the interview letter. Apologizing for her actions, she intends to obtain samples as evidence against her former employer Cunningham and the lab. Patty explains Cunningham paid federal inspectors to turn a blind eye to the facility's lack of the proper environment to conduct any genetic or bacteriologic research, hence the contamination. David's concern jumps from 1 to 1000 once he asks--
David: "Is he seriously working with E. Coli??"
Patty: "It's a new strain. Its called R-6. It's like the K-12, in that it has a lifespan of 48 hours."
David: "K-12 was harmless..."
Patty: "It's too bad you missed your job interview. You really know your stuff. Life expectancy is all the two strains have in common. R-6 is deadly if ingested."
David: "...or transmitted through the lungs. We have to get to a hospital right now!"
Patty: "NO! I have to prove Cunnigham's negligence! Now the papers are in his office, and I'm not leaving until I get them!!"
David: "Without treatment, you could die!"
Patty: "I'll make it!"
David: "There's a chance that you won't!"
Patty: "The bacteria only lives 48 hours outside a host. After that, there won't be any way to prove that this ever happened!"
David: "No--wait a minute--wait a minute! Is there an infirmary at the plant?"
Patty: "Yes, why?"
David: "There's every chance they'll have some BBK9, which is an antibiotic and it will kill the E. Coli. If they don't have that, they'll have Gentamicin. At least that will ease the effects and give us more time!"
Buddy the dog suddenly collapses, whimpering. Banner believes he been infected from eating the discarded food in the park. Collecting the ailing dog, Banner and Patty head for the lab.
Elsewhere, three young adults--Rita, Tom and Mark--drive into town--their patience in the wake of the evacuation paying off in the form of some free and easy looting, with Mark assuring the nervous Tom that the "chlorine leak" is not dangerous enough to pose a health risk. Loading a truck with their ill-gotten gains, Rita suggests they get something to eat...from the contaminated park food. Hearing the start of a car engine, the trio intercept and apprehend Patty & David, believing they are looters, and still convinced that the evacuation was caused by a chlorine leak. Patty's had enough, stomps on Tom's foot and breaks free; David elbows his freedom as well, but it is short-lived, as Mark & Tom rough up Banner, then send him crashing through a storefront window, triggering a Hulk-out.
As Patty hold her own against Rita and Tom, the Hulk chases Mark, ripping a memorial cannon from its mount to send javelin-style in Mark's direction. Rita sees the creature, picks up her companions, and speeds away in the truck. With the looters gone, the Hulk sees Buddy the dog ailing, picks him up and transforms back to David as animal has a calming effect on him.
Retrieving his extra clothing, Banner reunites with Patty, who is now feeling ill, with abdominal cramps & purple splotches appearing on her skin. Banner, Patty and Buddy race to the lab, but discover the looter's truck crashed into a tree; Rita was overcome by R-6 and died at the wheel, causing the crash that also killed Mark. Tom managed to survive, but is seriously ill--begging for help. Continuing on to the lab, Patty's physical pain intensifies, but all make it to the infirmary...with Banner's hands now presenting with the same dreaded purple splotches. David only finds and administers Gentamicin, which promises to grant as little as an hour before all succumb to the effects of R-6. Still determined to get evidence against Cunningham, the drained Patty heads to his office...
In town, Cunningham, his assistant Sperling and another man arrive in Hazmat suits, collecting all incriminating evidence (dead birds & rodents) to sell the chlorine leak story. Eventually, they discover the corpses of Rita & mark, load them into the company van, and discovering fresh blood drops, indicating another person was with the decedents. Cunningham's team moves on to the lab...
David helps Patty break into Cunningham's safe, grab the R-6 files, but are soon met by Cunningham and his men. Patty takes off, leaving Banner and Tom to be tossed into a storage closet. Patty leads the men on an extended chase, until she's caught trying to escape in her car. By now, David's R-6-induced blurred vision & pains are too much to bear, which triggers another Hulk-out. The creature busts out of the storage closet, making shot work of Sperling and the other man, then turns his rage toward Cunningham, who has jumped into an elevator with the R-6 files. The Hulk opens its doors, lifts the elevator back to his floor, and grabs the terrified Cunningham, sending him crashing into a glass display. Still cognizant of the importance of the files, the Hulk gathers the papers....
Later, David (with the files in hand), drives off to the hospital with Patty, Buddy and Tom.
Patty: (playfully) "Told you I'd make it."
David: "We're all gonna make it."
After receiving treatment, David Banner is back on the road, heading to parts unknown.
NOTES:
Yes, this is the final episode of an abruptly cancelled Incredible Hulk TV series. I will cover the overall success and impact of the series in the near future.
We can assume this is cure related episode-light, since Banner sought employment at a lab.
Jack McGee does not appear in this episode.
Undercover doctor in effect...big time. I do enjoy that what turned out to be the series finale at least had Banner in a plot allowing him to use his greatest power--his mind.
Speaking of minds, the series' final shot of the Hulk had him displaying memory and understanding the importance of the R-6 files.
GUEST CAST:
Nancy Lee Grahn's (Patty Knowlton) first fantasy credit was this final episode of TIH. Moving on--
- The Phoenix (ABC, 1982) - "A Presence of Evil"
- Knight Rider (NBC, 1982) - "Just My Bill"
- Babylon 5 (PTEN, 1994) - "The War Prayer"
- Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest (Dimension / Miramax, 1995)
- The Wizard of Baghdad (20th Century Fox, 1960)
- The Twilight Zone (CBS, 1962) - "Four O'Clock"
- Kraft Mystery Theatre (NBC, 1963) - "Catch Fear by the Throat"
- Marnie (Universal, 1964) - Obviously, the Hitchcock thriller
- The Munsters (CBS, 1964) - "Munster Masquerade" - the first regular episode after the unaired pilot
- Kraft Suspense Theatre (NBC, 1964) - "Operation Grief"
- The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (NBC, 1965) - "The Yellow Scarf Affair"
- The Time Tunnel (ABC, 1966) - "The Day the Sky Fell In"
- The Green Hornet (ABC, 1966) - "May the Best Man Lose"
- The Invaders (ABC, 1967) - "Wall of Crystal" & "Task Force"
- Land of the Giants (ABC, 1968) - "The Flight Plan"
- Eye of the Cat (Universal, 1969)
- The Six Million Dollar Man (ABC, 1976) - "H+2+O = Death"
- Shazam! (CBS, 1976) - "Bitter Herbs"
- The Bionic Woman (ABC, 1976) - "Jamie's Shield" & "Jamie's Shield: Part 2"
- Logan's Run (CBS, 1977) - "The Collectors"
- Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (NBC, 1981) - "Mark of the Saurian"
- Forbidden World (New World Pictures, 1982)
- Knight Rider (NBC, 1983) - "Merchants of Death"
- V - The Series (NBC, 1984) - "Dreadnought"
- Alfred Hitchcock Presents (NBC, 1985) - "Final Escape"
- Werewolf (FOX, 1987) - "A World of Difference: Part 1" & "A World of Difference: Part 2"
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (ABC, 1995) - "Super Mann"
- Three Shadows (Hollinsworth Productions, 2010)
- Mr. Twistedface (Hollinsworth Productions, 2011)
- The Mystic Tales of Nikolas Winter (Hollinsworth Productions, 2012)
- KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (NBC, 1978)
- American Pop (Columbia Pictures, 1981) - arguably Ralph Bakshi's most ambitious work
- Amazing Stories (NBC, 1985) - "The Main Attraction"
- The Twilight Zone (CBS, 1986) - "The Once and Future King"
- Mann and Machine (NBC, 1992) - "Cold, Cold Heart"
- Quantum Leap (NBC, 1993) - "Memphis Melody: July 3, 1954"
- Coneheads (Paramount, 1993)
- Destiny Turns on the Radio (Rysher Entertainment, 1995)
- Invasion (ABC, 2005) - "Unnatural Selection"
- The Invisible Boy (MGM, 1957)
- Target (Syndicated, 1958) - "Night Without Morning"
- Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate (ABC, 1971) - directed by Ted (Beneath the Planet of the Apes) Post, co-written by John D.F. (Star Trek) Black
- The Six Million Dollar Man (ABC, 1976) - "The Golden Pharaoh"
- The Next Step Beyond (CBS/Paramount/Worldvision, 1978) - "Thunderbolt"
- Battlestar Galactica (ABC, 1979) - "Greetings from Earth"
- The Munsters Revenge (NBC, 1981)
- Tales of the Gold Monkey (ABC, 1982) - "Escape from Death Island"
- V - The Series (NBC, 1984) - "Breakout"
- The Twilight Zone (CBS, 1985) - "Take My Life...Please!"
- Deadly Dreams (Concorde Pictures, 1988)
- Not of this World (Barry & Enright Productions/Paramount TV, 1991)
- Super Force (Syndicated, 1991) - "Come Under the Way: Part 2" & "There's a Light"
- Terminator 2: Judgement Day (Tri-Star, 1991)
- Candyman (TriStar, 1992)
- The X Files (FOX, 1993) - "Ice"
- Attack of the 50ft. Woman (HBO, 1993)
- Roswell: the U.F.O. Coverup (1994)
- Gargoyles (ABC, 1995-'96) - various voices
- Barb Wire (Gramercy Pictures, 1996)
- The Outer Limits (Showtime, 1996) - "Falling Star"
- The Tick (Fox Kids, 1996) - "Tick vs. Europe"
- Spawn (HBO, 1997) - voice of Mike Stewart/Priest
- Gattaca (Columbia Pictures, 1997)
- Extreme Ghostbusters (Syndicated, 1997) - "Bird of Prey" & "In Your Dreams"
- Net Force (ABC, 1999)
- Universal Soldier: The Return (TriStar, 1999)
- Batman Beyond (Kids' WB, 2001) - "The Curse of the Kobra: Part 1" & "The Curse of the Kobra: Part 2" - voice of Dr. Childes
- The Twilight Zone (UPN, 2003) - "Pharaoh's Curse"
- Spider-Man (MTV, 2003) - "Spider-Man Dis-abled"
- Teen Titans (Cartoon Network, 2004-'05) - voice of General Immortus, Mento & Warp
- Batman: Brave and the Bold (Cartoon Network, 2009) - "The Eyes of Despero!" - voice of Sinestro
- The Spectacular Spider-Man (CW, 2008-'09) - voice of Quentin Beck / Mysterio
- Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (Warner Hone Video, 2009) - voice of Captain Atom
- Batman: Brave and the Bold - The Videogame (2009)
Hulk: “A Minor Problem”: And so we come to the end of the series with another unremarkable standalone, and another that seems to have been shaped by budget cuts, since once again the story is designed for a minimal cast. (Not that I can blame them. That’s how I got my pitch invitation to Deep Space Nine two decades ago -- I wrote a spec script designed to be as inexpensive as possible, where a few characters found the station empty and the SF element was the mystery of where everyone had gone and how to get them back.) It’s a perfectly adequate episode, but it just underlines how everything since “The First” has been formulaic standalones -- the kind of things that would’ve been fine as filler between the more impressive and memorable stories, but are kind of tedious as the closing 10-episode run of the series. So the episode suffers more from what it represents in context than from its own merits or shortcomings.
I don't really have any specific thoughts about anything in this episode -- with one exception. As is so often the case in these later episodes, what really stands out is Joe Harnell’s music. The full-on jazz score as Patty tries to escape in the last act is fantastic. I mean, it sounds incongruous for an episode set in 1982 rather than 1952, but it’s awesome.
All told, the only episode in the final season that really stands out for me is “Sanctuary.” The other six range from okay to awful. The last really good episode of the series was “Interview with the Hulk.” It’s a shame it didn’t have a stronger finish. It’s like they front-loaded season 4 with all the best episodes and held off on a few leftovers, perhaps hoping they could scatter them amid some stronger, newly produced episodes in a fifth season, but then didn’t get any further production order and just had to burn off what they had left.
I don't really have any specific thoughts about anything in this episode -- with one exception. As is so often the case in these later episodes, what really stands out is Joe Harnell’s music. The full-on jazz score as Patty tries to escape in the last act is fantastic. I mean, it sounds incongruous for an episode set in 1982 rather than 1952, but it’s awesome.
All told, the only episode in the final season that really stands out for me is “Sanctuary.” The other six range from okay to awful. The last really good episode of the series was “Interview with the Hulk.” It’s a shame it didn’t have a stronger finish. It’s like they front-loaded season 4 with all the best episodes and held off on a few leftovers, perhaps hoping they could scatter them amid some stronger, newly produced episodes in a fifth season, but then didn’t get any further production order and just had to burn off what they had left.
In commemoration of this momentous occasion (and because I can this week), I recorded the episode on H&I today and have it on in the background as I write this.
And a ringing telephone. We have to give David credit for growth...he didn't lose his shit in that phone booth.
_______
WORLD WITHOUT A HULK: PART II
"Should I Stay or Should I Go," The Clash
(July 17; #45 US; #13 Rock; #17 UK; #228 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time)
"Only Time Will Tell," Asia
(July 24; #17 US; #8 Rock; #54 UK)
"Jack & Diane," John Cougar
(July 24; #1 US the weeks of Oct. 2 through 23; #3 Rock; #25 UK)
"Gypsy," Fleetwood Mac
(Sept. 4; #12 US; #9 AC; #4 Rock; #46 UK)
"Mickey," Toni Basil
(Sept. 4; #1 US the week of Dec. 11; #3 Dance; #2 UK)
_______
Next week on Heroes & Icons (H&I): Start over from the beginning!
_______
Starting the episode on the road, and with an opening LM sequence.
Also, a radio spot dropping the name "Maple Street". In other circumstances, I'd say it was just a coincidence, but the beginning of the episode is so Twilight Zone-ish (the first episode of that series was about a character wandering an abandoned town...or so he thought) that I have to think that it was a deliberate nod.
And a ringing telephone. We have to give David credit for growth...he didn't lose his shit in that phone booth.
Catfight!
-24:48.
-05:23.
A more impressive feat of strength than we usually get.
In a disconnected LM, but one that didn't look familiar to me.
I'm not sure I'd use "abruptly canceled" to describe a TV series that got an extra partial season of leftover episodes as its afterlife.
Implicitly cure-related.
December's Mixer said:
I think that's a little harsh...it's a more interesting premise than the usual routine of David wandering into a guest character's problems.
_______
WORLD WITHOUT A HULK: PART II
"Should I Stay or Should I Go," The Clash
(July 17; #45 US; #13 Rock; #17 UK; #228 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time)
"Only Time Will Tell," Asia
(July 24; #17 US; #8 Rock; #54 UK)
"Jack & Diane," John Cougar
(July 24; #1 US the weeks of Oct. 2 through 23; #3 Rock; #25 UK)
"Gypsy," Fleetwood Mac
(Sept. 4; #12 US; #9 AC; #4 Rock; #46 UK)
"Mickey," Toni Basil
(Sept. 4; #1 US the week of Dec. 11; #3 Dance; #2 UK)
_______
Next week on Heroes & Icons (H&I): Start over from the beginning!
_______
Maybe, if I'd seen it in isolation. But after bingeing through this whole last string of filler standalones, there was just nothing about it that made it stand out for me other than the fantastic music.
Here's a list I put together after my binge all those months ago. I wasn't sure whether I'd actually post it in full when the time came, but what the hey:
Essential episodes
I wanted to try to make a list of the essential episodes of the show, if one wanted to do a pared-down rewatch without the expendable filler episodes. This list features episodes that are atypical or formula-breaking in some way, including: significant arc-advancing episodes (A), McGee-centric episodes (M), ones where people discover David is the Hulk (D), ones that have SF/fantasy aspects beyond the Hulk himself (SF), or just the particularly good or noteworthy standalones (G).
The Incredible Hulk (A, D): The pilot movie.
A Death in the Family (D): Second pilot movie, establishing series formula.
The Final Round (A, M): First time McGee is close to the Hulk, cited in “Proof Positive.”
Of Guilt, Models, and Murder (G): First act is good insight into Banner, though the rest is mediocre.
Terror in Times Square (A): Source of the Hulk photo frequently seen in the Register thereafter. Notable for New York location filming in climax.
The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas (M): First major Hulk-McGee interaction, first McGee as protagonist, first time Hulk saves McGee.
Never Give a Trucker an Even Break (G): Fun standalone, and best of the three first-season episodes built around stock movie footage.
Life and Death (G): An effective “Very Special Episode.”
Married (A, D): Events heavily effect David going forward.
Rainbow’s End (D): Follows up “Married” in David’s search for psychological/alternative treatments; first time a cure almost seems to work.
A Child in Need (D): Another “Very Special Episode” addressing child abuse. The child witnesses David’s transformation.
Another Path (D): Introduces Li Sung (Mako), one of only two recurring guest characters. Continues David’s search for unconventional treatments.
Stop the Presses (A, M): First National Register-centric episode.
A Solitary Place (G): Not great, but gives an interesting glimpse into David’s thought processes.
Mystery Man, Parts 1 & 2 (A, M, D): McGee discovers that a man becomes the Hulk. First close interaction between Bixby & Colvin.
The Disciple (D, SF): Sequel to “Another Path.” Actually a backdoor pilot for a spinoff, but at least it breaks formula.
No Escape (M): First look at “Mystery Man”’s impact on McGee -- also has Jack Kirby cameo.
Kindred Spirits (D, SF): Former student recognizes Banner. First hint of other Hulks being possible.
The Confession (M): First full McGee-POV episode.
Metamorphosis (A, G): Strong standalone, referenced in “Proof Positive.” Rare instance of Bixby, Ferrigno sharing the screen (due to LSD hallucination).
Brain Child (D, SF): Child-genius guest star learns David’s secret.
My Favorite Magician (G): Reunites Bixby with My Favorite Martian co-star Ray Walston.
Homecoming (A, D): Introduces David’s family.
The Snare (G, D): Effective Most Dangerous Game pastiche.
Broken Image (M): Significant David-McGee moment.
Proof Positive (M, G): Pure McGee-focus episode, deep dive into his character.
The Psychic (D, SF, G): David’s lowest ebb. Involves precognitive abilities.
A Rock and a Hard Place (A, G): Closest David comes to being exposed by authorities. Fun story overall.
Equinox (M, G): Fantastic David-McGee chase episode, their most important interaction since “Mystery Man.”
Prometheus, Parts 1 & 2 (A, D, M, SF): Series’ biggest epic, riffing on The Andromeda Strain.
Dark Side (A, G): Banner’s dark side unleashed.
Deep Shock (SF): More precognition.
Bring Me the Head of the Hulk (A, M): McGee vs. mercenary trying to kill Hulk.
King of the Beach (G): Ferrigno’s first speaking role.
The First, Parts 1 & 2 (A, D): Hulk battles another creature.
Interview with the Hulk (D, M, G): Another reporter discovers Banner, who tells his story.
Most noteworthy for giving us the Best Hulk Out Ever:
No so effective that I didn't have to look up which one that was....
Not to mention Bixby playing another character (David's doppleganger).
I disliked The Clash at first, because they were part of that tiresome 80s tough-guy thing that contrasted so badly with the 60s and 70s, but I grew to appreciate them over time.
Asia's other good song. It's not "Heat of the Moment," but it's pretty good.
Oh, how I hate this song.
Mellencamp had an uphill climb to get me to like him after this one (but he succeeded).I really like this, their other nice comeback song. Unfortunately, I think this was pretty much the end for Fleetwood Mac.
I absolutely love this song, for two reasons: 1) It's a nice, catchy Pop song with a strong nostalgic component, and 2) It drives my Brother crazy. It's his worst earworm. If I ever want to mess with his mind during a discussion (or just for fun), I start singing this and his circuits are fried.
Interesting if true, but I've never heard anyone saying it was a direct nod to "Where is Everybody?"
Yes.
On that note, across the series history, we can conclude the TV Hulk provided enough displays of strength that would rank him as genuinely super-powered. A few examples:
- Tearing the thick metal door from the chamber / kicking the chamber's lower walls out / tearing the upper walls (The Incredible Hulk pilot).
- A number of episodes where the Hulk flips cars over.
- Sending a tree trunk with enough speed/force to destroy the rotors of a helicopter ("Death in the Family").
- Bending the gun of a tank, lifting / pushing the tank over ("Blind Rage").
- Lifting the massive metal valve inside the Prometheus building's ducts ("Prometheus: Part 2").
- Punching the thick walls of the Alpha Chamber, leaving large protrusions on the surface ("Prometheus: Part 2").
- Pulling a departing helicopter down to a rooftop sans the strain displayed by Steve Rogers attempting to do the same in Captain America: Civil War ("The Lottery").
I believe that was originally produced for the conclusion of "Ricky" from season two.
I do consider it cancelled in an abrupt manner.
Kenneth Johnson on TIH's cancellation and the desire to have a proper series finale:
Kenneth Johnson had discussed the idea for a potential fifth season opener with Shepard:
Of course, short-sighted Shepard did not think much of the concept.
Robert Steinhauer on the cancellation of TIH:
Sounds like it was dropped with next to no consideration or warning.
Agreed.
More specifically, they were punk.
Tax credit REVOKED!Oh, how I hate this song.
Another piece of the RJDiogenes Family Musical History falls into place....I absolutely love this song, for two reasons: 1) It's a nice, catchy Pop song with a strong nostalgic component, and 2) It drives my Brother crazy. It's his worst earworm. If I ever want to mess with his mind during a discussion (or just for fun), I start singing this and his circuits are fried.
I meant more as a general nod to the show ("The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" being a different episode)...acknowledging the TZ-ish nature of the opening sequence of David wandering the empty town.
That much was never in doubt, but they downplayed his strength so much, having him toss bad guys around harmlessly and whatnot, that it's noteworthy when he does something really impressive.
Ah...a long time ago, so I didn't remember it.
All of that paints a pretty sad picture, if it was true that the show was still doing well in the ratings. The producers wanted to keep it going and had interesting story ideas, but some studio exec came along and axed it.
I'd generally agree, though, that it was becoming tired in its adherence to the series formula. But what it needed was a creative change in direction, not cancellation.
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And now, the moment that you've all been waiting nineteen months for...
Series-End Tallies!
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Hulk-Out Times
Season 1
Average First Hulk-Out: -28:06
Average Second Hulk-Out: -7:07
Season 2
Average FHO: -30:17
Average SHO: -6:54
Season 3
Average FHO: -26:29
Average SHO: -5:53
Season 4
Average FHO: -25:32
Average SHO: -5:48
Season 5
Average FHO: -23:26
Average SHO: -5:53
The seven episodes of Season 5 were much more on-formula than in recent full seasons, so the FHO average is significantly later, as there are no plot-driven early FHOs. SHOs are about the same as in the previous couple of full seasons.
Overall Series Averages:
FHO: -27:13 (prev. -27:36)
SHO: -6:17 (prev. -6:19)
Earliest FHO: "Of Guilt, Models and Murder," -43:26 (pre-episode HO conveyed in flashback)
Latest FHO: "Free Fall," -19:47
Earliest SHO: "Escape from Los Santos,": -10:12
Latest SHO: "Nine Hours," -03:23
No changes here from last season.
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What's David Doing in Town? (Series total)
Cure/condition-related business: 20
Implicitly cure-related business / Paying lip service to cure-related business: 14
Just schlepping around: 43
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Series List of Aliases
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People Who Find Out David's the Hulk and Live to Not Tell About It
Julie Griffith and Michael ("Death in the Family")
Thomas Logan ("Rainbow's End")
Mark Hollinger ("A Child in Need")
Li Sung ("Another Path"; died in second appearance)
Michael Roark ("The Disciple")
Dr. Gabrielle White(cloud) ("Kindred Spirits")
Joleen Collins ("Brain Child")
D. W. and Helen Banner ("Homecoming")
Annie Caplan/Cassidy ("The Psychic")
Lucy Cash ("A Rock and a Hard Place")
Katie Maxwell ("Prometheus")
Elizabeth Collins ("The First")
Emerson Fletcher ("Interview with the Hulk")
No additions here since last time.
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WORLD WITHOUT A HULK: PART III
And the album's first single release was:
"The Girl Is Mine," Michael Jackson & Paul McCartney
(Nov. 6; #2 US; #1 AC; #1 R&B; #8 UK)
But since this news item pertains to the entire album...see below.
A few highlights in the world of music for those months:
"1999," Prince
(Oct. 30; #44 US; #1 Dance; #4 R&B; #25 UK; recharted in 1983, reaching #12 US; #212 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time)
"Sexual Healing," Marvin Gaye
(Oct. 30; #3 US; #34 AC; #12 Dance; #1 R&B; #4 UK; #231 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time)
"Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?," Culture Club
(Dec. 4; #2 US; #8 AC; #34 Dance; #39 R&B; #21 Rock; #1 UK)
"Hungry Like the Wolf," Duran Duran
(Dec. 25; #3 US; #36 Dance; #1 Rock; #5 UK)
"Billie Jean," Michael Jackson
(Jan. 22, 1983; #1 US the weeks of Mar. 5 through Apr. 16; #9 AC; #1 R&B; #1 UK; #58 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time)
And that seems like a solid place to stop and leave the rest of the decade to memory and/or the imagination.
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