The A-Team – Cowboy George
February 20, 2024
St. Elsewhere – Pilot
April 9, 2024
David Banner runs into a singer, actually she almost runs him over, and ends up helping her through a difficult time. She is a KISS-like, punk rocker who paints her face and has some lightning bolt thing and is able to drive her audience into a frenzy somehow. During one of her shows a girl gets trampled and paralyzed. She needs someone to talk to and David is the guy. She does almost kill herself in the show, but David Hulks out when he gets trampled in the audience and saves her. It is quite and episode. Check it out!
The Incredible Hulk television series, which aired from 1977 to 1982, brought one of Marvel’s most iconic characters to the small screen, capturing the tragic and thrilling journey of Dr. David Banner as he struggled with his uncontrollable transformation into the Hulk. One of the standout episodes in the series is “Metamorphosis,” which aired during the show’s third season. This episode delves into the themes of identity, fame, and transformation—parallels to Banner’s own struggles with the monstrous Hulk within him.
Setting the Scene
The episode begins with Dr. David Banner (played by Bill Bixby) living under his usual alias of “David Benson,” attempting to keep a low profile as he moves from town to town. As always, Banner is on the run, trying to avoid authorities and anyone who might discover his true identity. His ultimate goal remains the same: to find a cure for the gamma radiation-induced condition that causes him to turn into the Hulk (played by Lou Ferrigno) whenever he experiences extreme anger or stress.
In this episode, Banner finds himself in Los Angeles, where he takes on a temporary job as a stagehand for a traveling rock band. The band’s lead singer, Lisa Swan (played by Mackenzie Phillips), is a rising rock star, but behind her glamorous public persona lies a troubled soul. Much like Banner, Lisa is grappling with inner demons and pressures that come with fame and the demands of the entertainment industry. As Banner gets to know Lisa, he recognizes in her the same feelings of isolation and turmoil that he himself experiences as a result of his curse.
The Conflict
Lisa is being controlled by her domineering manager, Jack McGee (played by Jack Colvin), who also happens to be the relentless reporter from the National Register who has been hunting the Hulk across the country. McGee’s presence in this episode adds an extra layer of tension, as Banner must remain hidden to avoid detection. McGee doesn’t realize that Banner and the Hulk are one and the same, but he is ever-vigilant, determined to expose the Hulk’s existence to the world.
Lisa, exhausted by the pressures of her career and the manipulative control of her manager, is slowly unraveling. Her struggles mirror Banner’s own emotional and psychological battle with the Hulk. Lisa longs for freedom from her public image, much like Banner wishes to be free from the Hulk. As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Lisa’s mental and emotional state is on a precipice, leading to her own kind of “metamorphosis.”
Banner and Lisa’s Connection
As Banner works closely with Lisa and the band, he becomes more and more drawn to her, sensing her vulnerability. Despite the looming threat of his own transformations, Banner feels compelled to help Lisa break free from the toxic environment she’s trapped in. This deepening connection between Banner and Lisa forms the emotional core of the episode. Lisa, too, senses that there is more to Banner than meets the eye, noticing his calm and gentle nature despite the chaos that surrounds them.
However, as Lisa’s manager continues to push her to the brink, the parallels between her unraveling public life and Banner’s struggle with the Hulk become even more pronounced. In one key scene, Lisa confides in Banner, explaining how she feels like she is losing herself, unable to control the forces shaping her life. Banner, understanding all too well what it means to lose control, sympathizes with her plight but remains hesitant to reveal the full extent of his own burden.
The Hulk Emerges
The pressure cooker of emotions and tension reaches a boiling point during one of Lisa’s performances. As the spotlight grows brighter and the demands on Lisa become unbearable, she collapses under the weight of it all. In a moment of vulnerability, Lisa lashes out at her manager, leading to a confrontation backstage.
Simultaneously, Banner finds himself in the middle of this escalating situation, caught between trying to help Lisa and staying out of McGee’s sight. As emotions run high and chaos ensues, Banner begins to experience the telltale signs of an impending transformation. His eyes turn green, his muscles begin to swell, and the transformation into the Hulk is inevitable.
In a dramatic sequence, Banner fully transforms into the Hulk, throwing the backstage area into chaos. The Hulk, driven by instinct and rage, intervenes in the confrontation between Lisa and her manager, protecting Lisa from further harm. However, the presence of the Hulk only intensifies the situation, drawing McGee’s attention and putting Banner’s secret at risk.
The Aftermath
After the Hulk’s rampage, Lisa, now free from the oppressive grip of her manager, has a moment of clarity. She realizes that she cannot continue living the life that has been chosen for her and decides to take control of her destiny, much like Banner constantly searches for a way to control his own fate. The emotional impact of the episode is deepened by the recognition that both Lisa and Banner are, in different ways, prisoners of forces beyond their control.
Meanwhile, McGee, once again, misses the opportunity to capture the Hulk’s true identity. He arrives on the scene just moments too late, as the Hulk disappears into the night. For Banner, this is yet another close call in his never-ending journey to find peace while remaining one step ahead of those who would expose or exploit his secret.
As the episode draws to a close, Banner resumes his lonely travels, walking away from the chaos and heartache he has once again left behind. The episode ends with the familiar sight of Banner on the road, quietly moving on to his next destination, hoping that one day he will find a cure for the Hulk and be free from the curse that haunts him.
Themes and Impact
“Metamorphosis” explores several key themes that resonate throughout the Incredible Hulk series, particularly the idea of transformation—both physical and emotional. Lisa’s struggles with fame and the loss of her personal identity serve as a reflection of Banner’s own inner battle with the Hulk. The episode underscores the idea that transformation, whether voluntary or imposed, can be both a blessing and a curse.
The connection between Banner and Lisa highlights the recurring theme of isolation in Banner’s life. Despite his desire to help others, Banner is constantly forced to move on, never able to fully integrate into the lives of those he meets. His curse, much like Lisa’s fame, prevents him from finding peace or stability.
The episode also taps into the growing pressures of celebrity culture, even in the early 1980s, as Lisa’s breakdown serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing oneself to public demands. The comparison between Lisa’s and Banner’s “metamorphosis” drives home the message that both external and internal pressures can force a person to change, often in ways they never wanted.
Overall, “Metamorphosis” stands as a powerful and poignant episode in The Incredible Hulk series, blending emotional depth with the thrilling action of the Hulk’s transformation. It is a reminder of the show’s unique ability to explore human struggles through the lens of a comic book superhero, making it one of the most enduring aspects of the series.
