"The Incredible Hulk" A Child in Need (1978)

Réalisateur:

James D. Parriott

Scénariste:

Frank Dandridge (writer)

Série TV:

"The Incredible Hulk" (1978)

Date de diffusion originale:

20 octobre 1978 (Saison 2, Episode 5)

Genre:

Action | Aventure | Drame | Science-Fiction

Intrigue:

Working as a grounds-keeper at an elementary school, David 'Baxter' suspects one schoolboy of being a victim of child abuse. |

Plot Keywords:

Stress | Green | Scientist | Incredible Hulk | Fugitive

Avis des utilisateurs:

Great episode

Ensemble

Bill Bixby	...	Dr. David Bruce Banner
Jack Colvin	...	Jack McGee
Lou Ferrigno	...	The Incredible Hulk
Sandy McPeak	...	Jack Hollinger
Sally Kirkland	...	Margaret Hollinger
Dennis Dimster	...	Mark Hollinger
Rebecca York	...	Mary Walker
reste de la distribution par ordre alphabétique:
Helena Carroll	...	Nancy Carson
Marguerite DeLain	...	Reporter
Nyles Harris	...	Kid
Thomas H. Middleton	...	Middle-aged Man

Guillemet:

Dr. David Bruce Banner: Sir? Sir, I need your help.
Middle-aged Man: No way.
Dr. David Bruce Banner: Listen, there's a boy back there being beaten.
Middle-aged Man: I know.
Dr. David Bruce Banner: Well, then call the police.
Middle-aged Man: Look, I've got my own life to think about. That Hollinger is crazy.

Great episode

While working as a grounds keeper David befriends a boy who he suspects is a victim of child abuse. Needless to say the boy is indeed such a victim and David's alter ego surfaces to teach the abuser a lesson he'll never forget.

Season 1 of The Incredible Hulk had some solid stories but they didn't follow any particular pattern (except for the transformations of course). Season 2 opted for a lot of social commentaries to drive forward the story lines. On his endless quest for a cure David encountered an alcoholic and substance abuser ("Alice in Disco Land"), delved into the world of violent sports ("Killer Instinct"), got to know the hardship of life in the ghetto ("Like a Brother"), the powerlessness of ordinary folks against big evil corporations ("Vendetta Road"), the lengths people will go to to boost a dying resort community ("The Antowuk Horror") and other things. A Child in Need explored the (then) risky topic of child abuse.

Banner discovers that the child's father is beating him and his mother and the school nurse is unwilling to report the situation to the authorities. When he clearly hears the beatings going on from outside he's only greeted with closed doors from the entire neighborhood.

This is a first class episode from this solid adventure series. The subject matter is handled gracefully and (in spite of a rather too feel good ending) makes an impact. Bixby is terrific as Banner and the Hulk scenes are outstanding.

A definite must see episode if you like The Incredible Hulk.