Friday, June 13, 2008
Remember back in 1978 these words were uttered at the beginning of this show on CBS? It went like this:
Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have. Then an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. And now when David Banner grows angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs. The creature is driven by rage and pursued by an investigative reporter.
David Banner: "Mr. McGee...",
"You wouldn't like me when I'm angry."
The creature is wanted for a murder he didn't commit. David Banner is believed to be dead, and he must let the world think that he is dead, until he can find a way to control the raging spirit that dwells within him.
And it was off and popping. I was all of 12 years old at the time, and I knew even though they had televisionized the Hulk from the comics that I was familiar with, this version of the Hulk wasn't all that bad.
There was Bill Bixby from the Magician fame playing David Banner (Not Bruce Banner as was his name in the comicbooks; they later added Bruce but as his middle name) - in the tv series he had suffered a great loss; the death of his wife.
In the comic book version, Banner wasn't married. And also gone from the tv series were all of the supporting characters from the comicbooks. From General "Thunderbolt" Ross and Betty Ross, to Samson and Rick Jones, aside from Banner and the Hulk himself, there was really nothing directly linking the comic book to the tv show.
Yet and all, there was something special about the tv series. This Hulk didn't talk but grunted and growled alot, flexing his jade-hued muscles all over the place. He also couldn't take a bullet. Although muscular, this Hulk was very prone to physical injury unlike his comic book counterpart.
And lastly, Bruce's accidental exposure to gamma radiation that was emitted from a bomb was very instrumental in creating the comic book Hulk.
The tv series Hulk was created in part largely by the fact that Banner was unable to save his wife in a vehicular accident. He cited that many people temporarily became enamored with super strength during times of stress or intense situations and at the core of this was gamma radiation given off from the sun.
Dr. Banner exposes his body to a lethal dose of gamma radiation but not before realizing that he'd accidentally administered a heightened dose of it, much more than he ever wanted.
Later, during a rainstorm and his car temporarily disabled because of a flat tire, Banner hurts himself and the pain and stress of the moment initiates Banner's transformation into the Hulk. By the time daybreak arrives, the Hulk is gone and Banner is left behind with no recollection of what happened after he'd attempted to change the flat tire.
Every episode always ended with Banner walking off down a lonely road with his member's only jacket, knapsack on his back and that piano music (I read somewhere that the piece is called "The Lonely Man" -how fitting huh?) that signaled the end of every show. A somewhat ominous conclusion depicting Banner as not knowing where tomorrow would take him and if he could ever keep the raging monster inside of him at bay.
Anyway, 30 years later, 80 plus tv episodes from the past, one failed movie that came out a few years ago, and a massive Hulk comic book campaign (World War Hulk, Skaar-son of Hulk, Red Hulk, etc.), interest in our favorite green-skinnded behemoth is at a feverish pitch.
The Incredible Hulk signals the 2nd movie in the past 4 years. Ang Lee's version was not very well liked by the fans and the franchise decided that a reboot of sorts was in order so they revamped everything and took it back to its basics.
My man Edward Norton is in it to play Bruce Banner and Tim Roth will play Blonsky. And that alone had me ready to see this flick as I am so in there to peep it this weekend. So, are you stoked to see this movie or will you be waiting until sometime this fall when the DVD comes out?
Hey, if this is not to your liking, there is good ol' M. Night Shymalan's flick, the Happening breaking out today as well. And remember, it's Friday the 13th. So watch ya back!
Whatever you do, enjoy yourself and have a great weekend fam. Cy'all on Monday! HULK SMASH!!!!
