Tue 4 Jul 2023
A VHS Made for TV Movie Review by Jonathan Lewis: THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS (1988).
Posted by Steve under Action Adventure movies , Comic Books, Cartoons, Comic Strips , Reviews[4] Comments
THE INCREDIBLE HULK RETURNS. NBC, made for TV movie, 22 May 1988. Bill Bixby (David Banner), Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk), Jack Colvin, Lee Purcell, Charles Napier, Tim Thomerson, Eric Kramer (Thor). Written & directed by Nicholas Corea, based on the character created by Stan Lee (for Marvel Comics).
A 1988 made-for-television movie that originally aired on NBC, The Incredible Hulk Returns also found a home on VHS. Released two years later by R&G Video and distributed by Starmaker, the final entry into the “Hulk” TV series found a more permanent home on video store shelves. The cover art work suggests perhaps a more dramatic Hulk story than what the feature actually is; namely, an ultimately non-successful backdoor pilot for a “Thor” spinoff.
Before we get to that, however, here’s the basic plot. It’s been a few years since scientist Bruce Banner (Bill Bixby) was visited by his Hyde-like friend, the Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). He’s now working as a scientist again under an assumed name and has a lady friend in fellow scientist Dr. Margaret Shaw (Lee Purcell). His main project is a transponder that he hopes can reverse his “curse.†But all doesn’t go according to plan. First, Banner finds an uninvited guest in a former student of his who just happens to be supernaturally connected with Thor (Eric Kramer).
Then there are the Cajun heavies, Jack LeBeau (Tim Thomerson) and Mike Fouche (Charles Napier) who want the transponder for their own purposes. Finally, there’s intrepid reporter Jack McGee (Jack Colvin) who is determined to out Banner as the Hulk.
In a way, it’s all fun and nostalgic. Apparently it was a success for NBC. And it’s hard not to see why. Fans got a chance to reunite with their favorite characters and you can tell there’s some real love and dedication in the film. Bixby could have phoned it in, but he obviously did not. Thomerson — who I loved in Trancers (1984) – and Napier make great villains.
What makes The Incredible Hulk Returns ultimately a lesser superhero television production was the writers and producers’ decision to use this reunion as a way of introducing Thor to viewers. Kramer is surely a physical presence to behold, but his Thor was way too – how should I put this? – goofy for anything sustainable. Not only does he talk like a simpleton; he also has a craving for beer that is funny one time, but grating the next. And the scenes with him dancing with girls at a motorcycle bar were amusing, but they don’t do much to establish a character that viewers will want to return to week after week. Simply put, Thor is no Hulk.
PS. Of course, when The Hulk and Thor first meet, they misunderstand each others’ intentions and fight. See it here!
July 4th, 2023 at 2:00 pm
Nothing says “Blockbuster-era VHS” like a cast featuring Tim Thomerson and Charles Napier. My affection for the Hulk goes back to the first comic book in 1962, but I never took to the TV show.
July 4th, 2023 at 4:18 pm
I guess I was too old too for the TV show when it came along. Although I knew all about it, I don’t remember ever watching it. But I was a big fan of the comic book. Thinking about it brings back memories of going into the Blue Front (then a cigar store/newsstand but now a liquor store) in Ann Arbor, and seeing stacks of brand new Marvel and DC comics piled up on shelves. Twelve cents each, and as a grad student at the time (mid-60s) being able to afford only one of each.
July 5th, 2023 at 2:54 pm
It was good enough to have a follow up that introduced Daredevil (Rex Smith) to the screen far more successfully than this cartoonish Thor.
July 5th, 2023 at 4:42 pm
The know-it-all Wiki page for the Hulk on TV says there were two followups after this one:
The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988) – This marked the first time that another Marvel Universe character appeared in the milieu of the TV series. David Banner meets a former student (played by Steve Levitt) who has a magical hammer that summons Thor (played by Eric Allan Kramer), a Norse god who is prevented from entering Valhalla. It was set up as a backdoor pilot for a live-action television series starring Thor. This project marked Jack Colvin’s final appearance as McGee.[
The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989) – David Banner meets a blind lawyer named Matt Murdock and his masked alter ego, Daredevil. The Incredible Hulk and the Daredevil battle Wilson Fisk (the Kingpin of Crime). Daredevil was portrayed by Rex Smith, and John Rhys-Davies portrayed Fisk. This was also set up as backdoor pilot for a live-action television series featuring Daredevil. Stan Lee has a cameo appearance as one of the jury members overlooking Banner’s trial.
The Death of the Incredible Hulk (1990) – David Banner falls in love with an Eastern European spy (played by Elizabeth Gracen) and saves two kidnapped scientists. The film ends with the Hulk taking a fatal fall from an airplane, reverting to human form just before he dies.
The one with Daredevil sounds as though it might be worth watching. I’d never heard of it until now. Thanks, David!