After an offbeat two-parter like "The First", you might expect a back-to-basics, formulaic episode. Nope. This episode opens with a car accident which leaves David paralyzed, a condition his doctor believes he will never recover from. David lapses into self-pity, and a wheelchair-bound counselor named Paul strives to bring him out. Cue lots of quiet scenes with David coming to grips with his new condition.
Sound boring? I thought it did, but a heartfelt script and presentation elevates this seemingly clichéd tale of learning to live with a handicap to a new level. Nor did writer Nancy Faulkner (sadly, this is her only "Hulk" script) forget about the Hulk, as proved in a no-dialogue scene which, through a combination of flashbacks and Bill Bixby's evocative acting, poignantly conveys Banner's temptation to turn into the Hulk and thus cure his legs, as well as his reason for resisting. For all the advantages being the Hulk has shown, this is the first scene in the series where David considers transforming on purpose. It's worth the wait.
Inevitably, though, Banner does become the Hulk again, and the Hulk's childlike frustration at being crippled surely ranks as one of Lou Ferrigno's best performances. Things get more interesting as Paul proves to be not so enlightened and adjusted to his paralysis as he led David - and himself - to believe. It's a thought-provoking twist which is played well, save for the climax, which stretches credibility a little to provide an excuse for some Hulk action.
Still, they had to find some way for the Hulk to kick some butt, and in any case one misstep does not take away from this episode's moving depiction of the inherent vulnerability of all human beings, even big heroes like David and Paul.
Sound boring? I thought it did, but a heartfelt script and presentation elevates this seemingly clichéd tale of learning to live with a handicap to a new level. Nor did writer Nancy Faulkner (sadly, this is her only "Hulk" script) forget about the Hulk, as proved in a no-dialogue scene which, through a combination of flashbacks and Bill Bixby's evocative acting, poignantly conveys Banner's temptation to turn into the Hulk and thus cure his legs, as well as his reason for resisting. For all the advantages being the Hulk has shown, this is the first scene in the series where David considers transforming on purpose. It's worth the wait.
Inevitably, though, Banner does become the Hulk again, and the Hulk's childlike frustration at being crippled surely ranks as one of Lou Ferrigno's best performances. Things get more interesting as Paul proves to be not so enlightened and adjusted to his paralysis as he led David - and himself - to believe. It's a thought-provoking twist which is played well, save for the climax, which stretches credibility a little to provide an excuse for some Hulk action.
Still, they had to find some way for the Hulk to kick some butt, and in any case one misstep does not take away from this episode's moving depiction of the inherent vulnerability of all human beings, even big heroes like David and Paul.