The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) Married (1978) User Reviews

Poor David...

[ODDBear · 7/10 · 21 December 2006]

David Banner locates a female doctor who may have the key to cure his illness by way of hypnosis.

A solid way to kick off season two, which unfortunately at the time of this writing has not been released on DVD. Drama ensues as David falls for his doctor and the two get married. But, in a grand LOVE STORY tradition, she's terminally ill and David has to once again cope with the loss of a loved one.

The Incredible Hulk episodes really don't bring any novelty as such to the table but they're always well made and extremely well acted. This two part episode is highly dramatic and shows audiences just what poor David goes through on his endless journey in search of a cure. It's well written and directed by series creator Kenneth Johnson and has some solid Hulk action.

As always Bill Bixby excels as David Banner. Jack Colvin only makes a token appearance here but he's good nonetheless and Lou Ferrigno is always the best Green Giant there is. Good Hulk fun.

Domestic Hulk

[Chase_Witherspoon · 7/10 · 9 December 2011]

David Banner (Bixby) finds himself enamoured by the vulnerable Mariette Hartley in this two-part episode, whose terminally ill and ultimately destined to leave him alone, but perhaps not before discovering the antidote to this affliction. The Hulk is depicted more as the inner demon metaphor in this episode, a character-flaw rather than a muscle-bound green behemoth, and Hartley is sensitive and caring toward her troubled partner, seeking to heal his curse, while struggling with her own debilitation.

Hartley certainly brings a prestige to proceedings and there's some great Hulk moments here (the scene in which he destroys the mezzanine level of a playboy shack while the studs and their intoxicated party guest cower in the corner is a cracker), but it's a love story wrapped in the green enigma, so may not be every Hulk fan's cup of green tea.

A profoundly moving tv movie

[longfamily · 9/10 · 28 June 2001]

You don't have to be a fan of "The Incredible Hulk" to appreciate this wonderful two hour episode of the TV series. It was actually shown in a two hour format during it's original broadcast and then released overseas to theatres in Europe. Mariette Hartley stars as a hypnotherapist who can possibly cure Dr. David Banner(Bill Bixby. Banner, on the other hand, has DNA that can cure the hypnotherapist. They eventually come to depend on each other and love blossoms among the beauties of Hawaii. The closing scenes contain some of the most profoundly moving drama I have ever seen on television. Bill Bixby is wonderful as usual and Mariette Hartley took home the first ever non technical emmy award for a sci fi tv show. If you're looking for a good tearjerker, look no further.

Inescapable Death

[flarefan-81906 · 9/10 · 8 March 2017]

This made-for-TV film is rated among the best episodes of the series, and it's easy to see why. Both plot-wise and thematically there's not much going on, even by the standards of a normal 50- minute episode: David comes to Hawaii to see a special doctor about a cure, he finds out she's terminally ill, while working towards cures for each other's conditions they fall in love, she dies, David feels sad. There aren't even any villains, and McGee only stops in long enough to let you know he's still alive. And yet, the execution triumphs over the concept. Everything in "Married" - the script, the lighting, the direction, the actors, the music - works to perfection. Apparently writer/director/executive producer Kenneth Johnson decided they needed to kick the season off with a moody, throat-gripping epic of the same caliber as the first pilot, and they certainly pulled it off.

Aside from that pilot, this is by far the scariest the Hulk has yet been portrayed. Banner's transitional appearance is utterly grotesque, and the scene in the bedroom, with the Hulk shrouded in darkness and glaring with rage at his wife, is utterly bone- chilling. This is largely thanks to the lighting, as this is one of the few nighttime scenes I've seen which truly looks like night.

The absence of villains works to "Married"'s advantage, as it allows the Hulk to be more consistently portrayed as a disease which curses Banner rather than a hero who always gets him out of trouble. The one exception is a scene in which Banner/Hulk gets into a fight with some partygoers, but this is forgivable because it's an outrageously entertaining scene, whose many highlights include the Hulk lifting a man up by his chest hair. Yeowch!

In the search for a cure, David undergoes hypnosis and confronts the Hulk within his mind, repeatedly trying to contain him. These scenes are starkly surrealistic and compelling, and the Hulk's repeated escapes fill both Banner and the viewer with despair that the beast can never be contained.

But the focus is on the relationship stuff, and Bill Bixby and Mariette Hartley make "Banner falls in love for the tenth time" work. The two are playful, intimate, and utterly comfortable with each other; watch them long enough and you'll wonder that they aren't really husband and wife. An unnamed child (played exquisitely by Meeno Peluce) implicitly adds the theme of children and family to the mix.

And yet of course, Hartley's character, Dr. Caroline Fields, is doomed from the start. She and David put up a valiant struggle for a cure, but we know from the onset that she's as good as dead. Episodic television being what it is, the protagonist can't keep a wife beyond the rolling of the credits, but there's more to it than that. For all their plans and talk of hope, David seems to realize that even the two of them can't possibly find a cure in the six weeks of life Caroline has left. This is reflected in a nightmare he has, and the inevitability of death conveyed in this scene made me feel suffocated with dread.

The fatality of the situation does not take away from the drama, as summed up in Caroline's last words to David: "At least we never stopped trying." In a single moment, we see both the awful tragedy of Caroline's fate, and the fact that it is not half as awful as it would have been if she and David had simply given up.

I do have several quibbles. First, this is a rare instance where a film's plot twist is spoiled by its title; the proposal doesn't happen until 2/3 of the way through, and you wouldn't have seen it coming if it weren't for the title. Second, I feel the pacing shouldn't have been quite so slow in the opening 20 minutes. Finally, while it makes for good drama, Caroline running out of the car in the climactic scene is very contrived.

Nonetheless, this is a gripping piece of work, and reflecting on it afterwards I keep seeing new things to like about it. "Married" shows us that death is inevitable, but that life is incomparably beautiful nonetheless. It's a message that has been delivered many times before, but rarely with such heartfelt poignancy.

What this series is all about!

[Thespian_Lennon · 10/10 · 7 November 2003]

This 2-parter ranks right up there with the absolute best of The Incredible Hulk television series episodes. David Banner (Bill Bixby) flies to Hawaii in his ever-continuing search to cure those pesky green transformations of his... and winds up falling in love with fellow physician Carolyn Fields. Though she is afflicted with her own ailment, the two doctors work valiantly together to cure each other before time runs out.

Guest star Mariette Hartley (who, incidently won the 1979 Emmy for this episode as Best Actress in a Drama series) has some great moments onscreen with both Bixby and Lou Ferrigno (as Banner's alter-ego, The Hulk). I recently saw this for the first time and was completely mesmerized by the quality of the story and the performances! Since "Married" is now widely available on DVD (along with the pilot episode), I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your collection. If this the only exposure you ever have to the series, you won't be disappointed!

A highlight of the HULK TV series

[4-Kane · 4 April 2001]

Married (which, of course, originally aired as a TV-movie under the title Bride of the Incredible Hulk) is an INCREDIBLE HULK episode that few (if anyone) will forget. Mariette Hartley won an Emmy for her performance as the terminally ill doctor who marries David Banner (brilliantly portrayed by the late Bill Bixby). Her performance in this story is nothing short of excellent.

The setting in Hawaii is beautiful. It was nice to see such a story set in such a lovely place as Hawaii. I think that's what makes the "Married" episode even more memorable.

However, I'm not really giving anything away if I reveal that the marriage is short-lived. That was only to be expected since the HULK series had our hero having to constantly go from place to place until his can find a way to be permanently rid of his affliction.

If you have a desire to start watching the INCREDIBLE HULK series, "Married" is one of main episodes that you must watch. But before you see this particular episode, make sure you have a handkerchief or some tissues handy.

great feature length episode

[movieman_kev · 9/10 · 16 October 2005]

David Banner (the late great Bill Bixby) hopes that Dr. Caroline Fields, a renowned psychiatrist and hypnotherapist can help him with his problem of turning into the Hulk in this feature length episode of "The Incredible Hulk" Carol is reluctant to hep at first, but after he helps her with her problem she does all she can to help with his, given the TV series went long after this, you know the outcome. However that doesn't mean it's not worth watching, as it is VERY much so. It's one of the standout episodes of an already superb show. You can find this episode as an extra on the DVD of the pilot episode. Why the show itself isn't being collected in Season sets yet only god knows why.

My Grade: A

Best of the bunch

[Tin Man-5 · 17 June 1999]

The original Incredible Hulk series was a popular one. At any rate, from it, five made-for-tv films derived from it, starring Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno as David Banner and the Hulk, respectively. This is one of the tv films, one which was originally two episodes of the tv show which were spliced together, which both told the story of David Banner's quest to get rid of his curse of the green monster, and finding a woman specialist who can help him, and they eventually fall in love with each other. With this film, the Hulk has gained a Frankenstein-like status....Well, at least in the title.

The other films in this series were The Incredible Hulk 1, The Trial of the Incredible Hulk, The Incredible Hulk Returns, and The Death of the Incredible Hulk. They were all pretty good on the tv-movie standards, and they are probably the most successful comic-book on screen attempt Marvel has tried (before Blade, of course). This film is the best of the bunch, with the most story-line. Bixby and Ferrigno are at the top of their games, and the love interest with the doctor is well-written, especially with the Romeo and Juliet-like ending.

Hey, Shakespeare it isn't, but you might as well give it a try. You might like it if you keep your expectations low and decide to watch some nice action and good acting. But don't expect anything too gloriously moving or heart-pacing.

The Marriage

[AaronCapenBanner · 9/10 · 19 November 2014]

First episode of the second season sees Dr. David Banner(Bill Bixby) going to Hawaii in order to meet Dr. Caroline Fields(Mariette Hartley, who won an Emmy for her superb performance) who is a noted psychiatrist and hypnotherapist he hopes can help him, but as it turns out, she is suffering from a mysterious illness that gives her Grand Mal seizures, meaning that she is dying. They fall in love, but David finds it difficult to control the Hulk(Lou Ferrigno) and dodge Jack McGee(Jack Colvin), which leads to the inevitable tragedy after they marry... Heartfelt episode is among the best, with underrated Bixby just as good, and a finely-tuned script and direction, with much memorable imagery and score.

As a kid, I had to close my eyes during the bus scene

[whatch-17931 · 10/10 · 21 October 2020]

The lengthy scene with the relentless haunting music along with mysterious bus driver. I was maybe 8 years old and didn't know what the Grim Reaper was, but I most definitely understood the symbolism.

Now as an adult, I can see the Grim Reaper as slightly cheesy here, but the scene remains quite powerful. Perhaps because it just drones on and on.

The scene where Carolyn hypnotizes David to recount his first Hulk outs is brilliant. Carolyn is alarmed to hear his second Hulk out was when he was asleep and dreaming-- and she should be alarmed. She repeatedly tells David to be unemotional and detached from what he's recalling. But you can see the sweat on his forehead. He recalls the nightmare of his wife dying, and that he couldn't get her out of the car.

He repeatedly says "I couldn't get her out" until he bolts out of the chair yelling "I COULDN'T GET HER OOOOUUUTTTT!!!" as he starts to transform, probably the show's most startling Hulk out.

Hartley and Bixby's chemistry is spot on, making their marriage under the circumstances quite believable. And to the script's credit, the chances of them actually curing Carolyn in a few weeks is considered remote, and it doesn't happen. This wasn't at all the tired trope of the main character finding true love only to have her die at the end. They knew this would probably happen and was the main reason they got married.

And the David's hypnotism sessions are quite striking and memorable and allow Bixby and Ferigno to appear on screen together.

This two parter is easily feature film quality, certainly for the era.

There is an amusing parallel between this and the first Bionic Woman appearance on The Six Million Dollar Man, but there's a good reason and it's really no big deal.

A deeply beloved TV movie

[Jerry Ables · 10/10 · 23 June 2003]

I truly love watching this TV movie because I think it has such deeply moving moments so eloquently blended with the fun and excitement that made the Incredible Hulk series so great. I also think it has most excellent performances all around. I especially found the climactic scene to be most emotional. It's a true winner in every sense.

A solid episode that packs an emotional punch

[cinefool · 9/10 · 27 June 2008]

The second half of "Married" continues with David Banner and hypnotherapist Caroline Fields attempting to conquer the respective physical conditions that plague them. After a rather campy sequence in which Banner hulks out to rescue Caroline from a couple of swingers (wrecking their bachelor pad in the process), the two come to realize their growing feelings for each other and enjoy a night of love. The next morning, in a scene exquisitely played by Bill Bixby and Mariette Hartley, Banner proposes marriage to the ailing Fields, and in no time the couple are enjoying a garden nuptial (look closely and you'll see Banner signed his real name on the marriage license! -- Attention Jack McGee!) But, as happens so often to David Banner, a confluence of circumstances intrude on the newlyweds. Caroline's condition begins to deteriorate after she exerts herself saving a young boy from drowning; Caroline finds it may not be easy living with a man who can transform into an angry green beast in his sleep; worst of all, her illness reaches critical mass just as a hurricane slams into their Hawaiian island.

The second half of "Married" is buoyed tremendously by the fine writing and direction of Kenneth Johnson and the performances of his two stars. Hartley makes Caroline Fields into a complete person, noble in her warmth, rash in her impulsiveness, vulnerable in her anguish. This talented actress definitely deserved the Emmy Award she earned for this performance. For his part, Bixby knew he was working with a real pro, and he provides his best acting chops here as well, when he playfully flirts with Caroline, while delivering the memorable 'strawberry' soliloquy, and during the show's moving epilogue, as Banner sits alone on a debris strewn beach.

Lou Ferrigno's contribution as the Hulk deserves an affirmative comment as well; he always brought more depth and emotion to the Hulk character than he was given credit for, and his reaction when he unwittingly pulls the toupee off of one the attacking 'Disco Dans' is priceless. Was the humor in that scene a little silly or over-the-top? Maybe, but perhaps it was needed to balance the poignancy that was to come. All of the buildup pays off here, and this episode, part of a series dismissed by some as simple comic book melodrama, delivers a climax that still renders an emotional punch to the gut.

SPECIAL!!!!

[jamalionerf · 8 August 2002]

The incredible hulk, when he turns green, really used to fright me when young, and when he turn, I RUN!!! Very scare. But in this one, he has love affair with a young lady, nice one, and is very touchy, surprise me. Is not too bad, not as scare as other series, because of love affair, it make it touchy, but when he turns green, I STILL!! RUN!!!

I cry every time

[bittertim · 10/10 · 7 December 2021]

Bill Bixby was such a master of his craft. The best of his talent was how he didn't even have to speak a word to know his emotional state. In "Married" he is never been better. I cry every time, at the end, when he's on the beach talking to the little boy about his wife's death. Every time.

Arguably the first 'Classic' episode

[cinefool · 9/10 · 23 June 2008]

The first season episodes of "The Incredible Hulk" survive as being more intriguing notions than quality drama. They may be, to one degree or another, fun to watch, but it was this second season opener that began to fully explore the sad consequences of David Banner's impulsive experiment upon himself, and the profound impact his dual identities have on others.

Banner's wanderings bring him to the doorstep of Dr. Caroline Fields, an equally gifted researcher who has broken new ground on using hypnotherapy to combat acute physical afflictions. But Fields has her own medical crisis; she is the victim of an aggressive, dangerous neurological disorder, and despite her best efforts of using her own treatment techniques upon herself, her condition has reached a terminal stage. David confides his true identity to Fields, and the two esteemed doctors agree to help each other.

This first part of "Married" builds very well, concentrating on the growing closeness between Banner and Fields; Bill Bixby and guest star Mariette Hartley contribute very strong performances and play off of each other beautifully. The dream sequences in which Banner confronts his alter ego amid rolling sand dunes have become iconic images from the series, and the moment when David, under hypnosis, hulks out in Dr. Field's presence is excellently directed, photographed, and edited.

There isn't a wasted moment in this splendid entry, and it leads very well into an equally well-made second half.

One of the Best Ever Written Episodes of the Entire TV Series!!

[voicemaster71 · 10/10 · 22 November 2005]

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS: I am convinced that Kenneth Johnson had a midus touch whenever he wrote and executive produced this movie as well as the pilot and Prometheus.

I'll never forget the evening that it aired. I had started first grade and that Friday night, I was at home with my mom. We watched the third season premiere of Wonder Woman with Leif Garrett as a guest, followed by this unforgettable movie.

Bill Bixby is my childhood idol and hero. His performance as Dr. David Banner in this movie, will make it a true timeless classic. Marriette Hartely definitely deserved the Emmy Award for her performance as the terminally ill Dr. Caroline Fields. Lou Ferrigno was great as always as the Hulk.

Married is truly a classic. In one sense, during her hypnotic states as David Banner come face to face with the Hulk. On the romance side, I consider this to be my favorite love story. And Bixby and Hartley represented to me what the ideal couple was like. And even though his appearance was nothing more than a cameo, I was glad to see Jack Colvin appearing on this special episode. For trivia, the National Register began the $10,000 reward offering to any information leading to the capture of the Hulk in this very episode. I was shocked to discover that filming was all done in California for this episode and that they never set foot in Hawaii. I was definitely shocked by the revelation.

I am truly glad this episode is now widely available on DVD along with the pilot movie. This is the one Hulk episode I would show it to whoever I date. Excellent job Kenneth Johnson and all the Hulk actors and crew. I give this episode a two thumbs up!

Top 3 Best Episode of the series !!

[Trossi3389 · 9/10 · 19 February 2014]

Even after all these yrs "The Incredible Hulk" still glues me to the tube as it did as a child.. after purchasing the box set a few yrs back first thing i did was throwing in the directors narrated cut episode of "MARRIED" with Nicholas Corea... after watching it - it pretty much made it impossible not to label that episode one of the very best of the series.. period !! will say though it was difficult to learn some of the demons mr bixby was dealing with in his personal life.. but don't we all have some type of dealings at some point along the rd. - so why judge..

anyways.. Married wasn't my favorite of the series but definitely in my top 5.. "Death in the family" is my #1... #2 Escape from Los Santos.. #3 "a child in need" #4 "Married"... #5 "Like a Brother".. #6 747.. #7 "The First" and on & on..

Only overall grip i had with the series was the Growl of the "Hulk Outs" from late season 3 and on... i keep promising myself to go out and find someone to edit in the old school "Growls" into the my favorite episodes late season 3 and on... overall "The Incredible Hulk" Is and always will be part of my life.