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.
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.