The fourth season for the Incredible Hulk TV show was the last full season of the show. In fact, the fourth season had only 18 episodes due to a writer’s strike that year that shortened the TV season. There would be a 5th season however the show would be canceled after just seven episodes. It’s clear that by the fourth season the show was starting to lose steam. The major reason for this was budget cuts. While the producers wanted to do more with the character, budget constrictions forced them to do even less. In fact as noted during the documentary on the season three DVD set, studio bigwigs wanted only one Hulk appearance per episode compared to the usual two. Good sense won out on that battle but the show was still one of the most expensive to produce at the time so things were not going to get any easier for the writers.
Because of this, the fourth season lacks consistency. It’s almost if rather than try to make a lot of good episodes the producers opted to put all their eggs in one basket and make a handful of outstanding episodes. Of course, the downside to this was that this meant there were quite a few bad episodes as well. One cool aspect in season four is that Lou Ferrigno was able to play a role other than the Hulk, appearing as a bodybuilder in the episode “King of the Beach.”
Season four is highlighted by a pair of outstanding two-part episodes. “Prometheus” and “The First” aren’t just two of the best episodes of the season but two of the best of the show’s entire run. From a comic book fan’s standpoint, these episodes were both comic-esque in their plots as well as very exciting.
In “Prometheus”, David is caught halfway through his transformation into the Hulk. In a nod to the long-running battle between the Hulk and General Thunderbolt Ross, the Hulk is captured by the Military and placed into titanium holding cell so scientists can study and experiment on him. This is truly a fantastic two-parner as it’s one of the few times during the series’ run that you ever felt the Hulk was in danger.
“Dark Side” again shows the writers were at least paying a bit of attention to the comics. David’s latest experiment goes awry resulting in his transformation into a savage, rampaging Hulk, and endangering all those around him. In
“Bring Me the Head of the Hulk” (directed by Bill Bixby) a rival tabloid to the National Register hires a mercenary to kill the Hulk, setting an elaborate trap for him. Of all people, it is reporter Jack McGee who comes to Banner/Hulk’s aid.
“The First” is the other outstanding two-part episode. David Banner learns about Dr. Clive, another man who transformed into a Hulk-like creature but was able to find a cure. David attempts to cure himself using Clive’s notes but Clive subjects himself to radiation and turns into an evil Hulk. The pair of green behemoths battle for supremacy. Dick Durock, who also played the Swamp Thing, plays the evil Hulk and while he doesn’t have Ferrigno’s muscle development, he’s a big guide and looked maniacal when made up in the green makeup. One of the very few times we were treated to a comic book-style battle during the series.
Other outstanding episodes in season four include “Interview with the Hulk” and “Wax Museum”. But, as mentioned, this season had some of the worst episodes as well so this set is a mixed lot but well worth it for the episodes I mentioned above. Grade B.
.jpg/256px-Witchblade_100_(by_Michael_Turner_&_Marc_Silvestri).jpg)
