Supertrain – Pilot (1979)
February 22, 2021
ALF with Special Guest Jake Lizzio
March 23, 2021
It’s the 40th Anniversary of The Greatest American Hero! Ralph and Bill get in a fight during a stakeout, break up, get shot at, get abducted by aliens and stop a plant by some bad guys. It’s a very eventful episode. We get to meet the “Green Guys” that gave them the suit and have a chat with them. It really isn’t the highlight of the episode. That would be Bill’s sweet dive behind some cars. Check it out for more.
The The Greatest American Hero episode titled “Divorce, Venusian Style” is an intriguing blend of superhero antics, extraterrestrial mystery, and the show’s trademark mix of comedy and drama. First airing during the show’s run in the 1980s, this episode showcases the unique and often chaotic journey of Ralph Hinkley (played by William Katt), an unlikely hero bestowed with superhuman abilities by aliens. His unconventional team includes Bill Maxwell (played by Robert Culp), an FBI agent, and Pam Davidson (played by Connie Sellecca), Ralph’s girlfriend and eventual wife.
The Premise of the Episode
“Divorce, Venusian Style” starts with Ralph continuing his duties as a superhero while trying to balance his personal life with Pam. The episode opens with Ralph facing the usual struggles of mastering the powers given to him by a special alien suit. The suit, which provides incredible abilities such as flight, strength, and invisibility, comes with one significant flaw: Ralph lost the instruction manual and is still figuring out how to control its powers effectively.
The plot takes a turn when alien visitors make a reappearance, adding a layer of intrigue and urgency. This development links back to the origins of Ralph’s powers and the mysterious extraterrestrials that chose him as their champion.
The Arrival of Extraterrestrial Guests
The central twist in this episode comes when the same extraterrestrial beings who initially bestowed the suit on Ralph return to Earth. Their sudden appearance not only surprises Ralph but also sets off a chain of events that lead to deeper exploration of the suit’s purpose and the responsibilities that come with it.
The aliens arrive in their characteristic dramatic fashion, bringing with them both warnings and wisdom. Their visit underscores the theme of accountability and tests Ralph’s commitment to his role. The interactions between Ralph, Bill, and the aliens are marked by a mix of humor and tension, staying true to the show’s balance of lightheartedness and high stakes.
The Conflict Between Ralph and Pam
One of the core themes of “Divorce, Venusian Style” is the strain that Ralph’s superhero duties place on his relationship with Pam. Pam has been a steadfast supporter of Ralph’s double life, but the episode reveals the cracks in their relationship. The constant interruptions, danger, and stress associated with Ralph’s responsibilities start to wear down their bond.
Pam’s frustrations reach a breaking point, sparking a dramatic confrontation between the couple. This scene is pivotal, as it humanizes Ralph and portrays him as more than just a hero with a suit. It highlights the emotional toll that a secret life of heroics can take on personal relationships. The dialogue in this scene reflects the realistic struggles of balancing heroism with normalcy and adds depth to both characters.
The Venusian Ultimatum
The episode’s title, “Divorce, Venusian Style,” takes on literal meaning when the aliens reveal that their visit is not just a check-in but an intervention. They explain that the misuse of the suit or the failure to uphold its intended purpose could have severe repercussions. This revelation adds a new layer of stakes and sets up a conflict that goes beyond just Earthly concerns.
The extraterrestrials deliver an ultimatum: Ralph must demonstrate that he is using the suit responsibly, or they will reclaim it and strip him of his powers. This challenge forces Ralph to reassess his approach and puts pressure on Bill, who has always pushed Ralph to use the suit for FBI missions. The tension between Ralph’s altruistic motives and Bill’s law enforcement agenda becomes more pronounced, creating compelling drama and character development.
High-Stakes Heroics
Despite the personal conflicts and the looming threat from the aliens, Ralph continues to step up as a hero. In true The Greatest American Hero fashion, the episode blends comedic mishaps with moments of genuine heroism. One of the standout action sequences involves Ralph attempting to stop a high-profile crime while dealing with the aliens’ oversight. The scene showcases both the challenges and humor inherent in Ralph’s struggle with the suit’s powers.
Ralph’s determination to prove his worth to both the aliens and his friends drives the narrative forward. The combination of clumsy superhero moments, like failed attempts at flying and misjudged landings, with impressive feats of strength and resilience encapsulates what fans love about the show. It’s this mix of relatable mishaps and heroic triumphs that has made Ralph Hinkley a memorable character in television history.
Reconciliation and Resolution
As the episode reaches its climax, Ralph’s resolve is tested to its limit. The tension between him and Pam serves as a reminder of what’s at stake if he continues on his current path. This realization prompts Ralph to confront not only the external pressures of being a superhero but also the internal battles of prioritizing his loved ones.
The alien overseers, observing Ralph’s genuine commitment despite his flaws, ultimately decide to allow him to keep the suit. Their decision is influenced by Ralph’s bravery, loyalty to his friends, and unwavering desire to do good. The aliens acknowledge that while Ralph is imperfect, his human qualities—compassion, perseverance, and love—are precisely what make him suited for the responsibility.
Pam and Ralph reach a reconciliation, as both realize that their relationship is strong enough to withstand the pressures of his superhero life. Pam’s support, though tested, becomes a testament to her deep understanding of Ralph’s calling.
Fun Facts and Trivia
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Glen A. Larson’s Signature Themes: Glen A. Larson, the creator of The Greatest American Hero, was known for infusing his shows with themes of extraordinary responsibility placed on ordinary people. This episode reinforces those themes by exploring Ralph’s moral compass and his struggle to meet the high expectations set by the aliens.
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The Suit’s Powers: Throughout the series, Ralph’s difficulty controlling the suit’s abilities became a running gag. The pilot episode established that the aliens provided an instruction manual, which Ralph promptly lost. This plot device was used consistently to explain why Ralph’s powers often worked unpredictably.
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Guest Stars and Effects: The episode featured impressive visual effects for its time, showcasing the otherworldly appearance of the aliens and their technology. This added to the show’s appeal, drawing audiences in with a mix of relatable characters and sci-fi elements.
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Character Development: “Divorce, Venusian Style” is significant for how it deepens the relationships among the main characters. The tension between Ralph and Bill, as well as the strain on Ralph’s relationship with Pam, showcases the show’s commitment to exploring character dynamics beyond the superhero tropes.
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Unique Humor: One of the defining characteristics of The Greatest American Hero is its blend of humor and heroics. This episode captures that essence by juxtaposing Ralph’s awkward hero moments with serious, relationship-focused dialogue. The lighthearted tone is balanced with genuine stakes, making it a standout episode in the series.
The Legacy of “Divorce, Venusian Style”
“Divorce, Venusian Style” is remembered for its exploration of the human side of superheroism. It takes a deep dive into the emotional and personal costs of leading a double life and highlights how relationships are impacted when duty and destiny collide. The episode balances the comedic mishaps of an ordinary man given extraordinary powers with the heartfelt realization that heroism isn’t just about saving the day—it’s also about protecting and cherishing what matters most.
The episode’s combination of sci-fi intrigue, heartfelt moments, and comedic misadventures captures what made The Greatest American Hero a unique and beloved show. Ralph’s journey from reluctant hero to a man who understands the true weight of his responsibilities is encapsulated perfectly in this episode, cementing its place as a memorable chapter in the series.
