(1) The Incredible Hulk
The two hour pilot that started it all. 11 months after losing his wife in a car accident, Dr David Banner exposes himself to an overdose of gamma radiation, in an attempt to find the inner strength he lacked on the night of the accident, only to discover that he transforms into a powerful creature in moments of extreme rage. Dr Banner and his colleague, Dr Elaine Marks, begin research to reverse the effect, and her life is taken in a lab fire, caused accidentally by a newspaper reporter looking for information about the creature.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Trying to change the tire on the car
Dreaming while being evaluated by Dr Marks
During the fire that took Dr Marks' life
My take
Great episode. It sets the tone for what to expect for the rest of the series. Richard Kiel (the giant from Happy Gilmore) was originally supposed to play the Hulk, but despite his height, didn't have the physique desired for the role. He can be seen very briefly as the Hulk, looking up at a tree, but shortly after filming that scene, was replaced by Lou Ferrigno. 5 stars.
(2) Death in the Family
Another two hour episode. After helping a young girl (Julie) who passed out, David takes a job a farm hand, only to find out that the girl's stepmother and her doctor are trying to kill her to inherit her father's estate. This is Gerald McRaney's first of four appearances on the show, this time around as antagonist Denny Kayle, a lackey of the young girl's stepmother.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Bullied by Denny and Co.
Attacked by a paranoid Julie
While in quicksand
My take
Another solid episode. McRaney was great, as he is in future appearances. 5 stars.
(3) The Final Round
A young boxer (Rocky) saves David from muggers, and is offered a job in his gym. Soon, David comes to realize that Mr Sariego, Rocky's boss, is a big time drug dealer.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Attacked by muggers
While tied up in a cage above the ring
My take
Not the best episode. I mean, there were 82 of them, so they can't all be great. 3 stars.
(4) The Beast Within
David takes a job as a janitor at a zoo in an attempt to meet a scientist that specializes in genetic research. He soon realizes that the zoo officials are involved in a South American diamond smuggling sting.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Attacked by an ape while locked in a cage
While tied to a beam, just before being injected with poison
My take
I liked this one a lot. Good chemistry between Bixby and that gal from Benson. 4 stars.
(5) Of Guilt, Models and Murder
Shortly after a transformation, David realizes he's at the scene of a murder. Unsure if he committed it, he starts to put pieces together and learns the true culprit. Loni Anderson plays the antagonist, Sheila.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Attacked by a pitbull
While trapped in a car that is being prepared to be crushed
My take
Forgettable episode. The worst of season 1 by far. 2 stars.
(6) Terror in Times Square
David takes a job in an arcade, the owner is being blackmailed, and he uncovers a murder plot.
The "Hulk-Outs"
After being chased and beaten
In a taxi cab that won't move
My take
Not great, but not too bad. 3 stars.
(7) 747
Trouble finds David on a flight to Chicago to see a doctor about his condition. A pilot and a flight attendant conspire to steal Egyptian artifacts, and when there is no one left to fly the plane, it's up to David to land the plane.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Locked in an airplane safe
While trying to land the plane
My take
One of my favorites as a kid, and I still love it today. One of the better "Hulk-Outs" of all time, when David was trying to land the plane. You can tell he's trying his best not to transform, and they do a great job extending this for dramatic purposes. 5 stars.
(8) The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas
David takes a job at a casino, and a reporter investigates mob activity at the casino. After the reporter is injured by the mob, he asks David to deliver his information to his friend, Jack McGee, who is the same reporter that accidentally started the fire that took Dr Marks life, and has been chasing the creature ever since.
The "Hulk-Outs"
Attacked by mob boss in casino
While being buried alive
My take
Not a great episode. 3 stars.
(9) Never Give a Trucker an Even Break
The woman that picks David up while hitchhiking also has a plan to take back the tank truck that was stolen from her father.
The "Hulk-Outs"
While on a pay phone
After crashing a car
My take
The episode feels more like an episode of Dukes of Hazzard. After his first "Hulk-Out", David says, "I really have to buy shirts that stretch." The episode ends with a country version of "The Lonely Man" playing in the background. 3 stars.
(10) Life and Death
While hitchhiking to a hospital to meet a doctor about an experimentation, David befriends a pregnant woman, and soon realizes that the doctor he's meeting is also selling babies on the black market.
The "Hulk-Outs"
While being injected with morphine
After falling down the stairs
My take
I kind of like this one, but I think it could have been better. I was close to giving this 4 stars, but will go with 3 stars.
(11) Earthquakes Happen
David impersonates a plant safety expert in an attempt to access gamma radiation equipment, but his plan is thrown off by suspicious plant personnel and a massive earthquake.
The "Hulk-Outs"
During earthquake
During steam explosion
My take
Very well written, the first episode that David takes on a persona other than "David". 4 stars.
(12) The Waterfront Story
David takes a job as a bartender, and he and his new boss soon find themselves in the middle of a dock worker's union dispute
The "Hulk-Outs"
While helping dock workers being attacked
Beaten up at the bar
While locked in a crate
My take
Good chemistry between David and the owner of the bar. A good way to end the season. 4 stars.
