By Centauri
“...You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.”
We heard those words calmly spoken, every Friday night, for several years. That iconic line would be indelibly imprinted in the minds of many who watched the series. It comes from the pilot episode of “The Incredible Hulk” television series and was part of the opening montage for the entire run of the show. An opening montage? Well, this was back when television shows could have a theme song that lasted more than thirty-seconds. Many of you will remember that some even became ‘Top 40’ hits. Joey Scarbury, anyone?
What is not widely known about that montage, was that the opening narration that accompanied it was delivered by Ted Cassidy. He was best known as Lurch on “The Addams Family” series. Listen to it and think, “You Rang?” I guarantee you will hear it.
The first screen incarnations of Banner and Hulk were the duo of Bill Bixby and Lou Ferrigno. However, Ferrigno was not the first choice to play the part. The part originally went to Richard Kiel. A major problem was noticed shortly into production, Kiel’s physique was quite tall, but was not nearly muscular enough to resemble The Hulk. Kiel would shortly after, move on to become well known in his own right. Becoming a James Bond henchman named Jaws is a decent prize in itself. As Jaws, he definitely scared the hell out of me as a kid.
Bixby was already well known from starring in shows prior to this, such as “My Favorite Martian,” “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father” and “The Magician.” As with Ferrigno’s Hulk, he was also not the first choice for Banner. The strange bit of casting would have had Larry Hagman (Dallas’ JR Ewing??) in the role. Luckily for us all, he turned down the part.
The success of the 1977 two-hour pilot movie, would lead Universal Television to greenlight production on the weekly series. So, in 1978 we had the beginning of a five season run. Cancellation came during season five, due to an imminent union strike. The remaining two episodes ran the following season.
Changes were plenty with this show. Right down to the origin. Let’s face it, though, as a kid I could have cared less. It was about this pissed off, strong, green dude. It would also pique a passing interest in comic books as well. Like I said before, it was a window into that world.
The origin of the character in the show was changed in several ways. Dr. Robert Bruce Banner became Dr. David Bruce Banner. This was done to distance the it from the comic book source, possibly attracting a wider audience. Banner became a physician and research scientist, instead of a nuclear physicist. The mishap that causes the transformation was also changed, in order to de-sensationalize the incident and make it more believable. Banner is researching usage of Gamma radiation. He seeks to unlock the adrenaline induced power bursts that humans are capable of in times of extreme need. This differs greatly from the ‘Gamma Bomb’ origin in the comic book. Also gone were other characters from the Marvel universe. Nowhere to be found were General Ross, Betty or Rick Jones.
This show, unlike ones that have come after it, was not about the ‘freak of the week.’ This was no “Smallville.” The rest of the Avengers team would not make guest appearances, even as their alter egos. Although two of the made for T.V. sequel movies feature Thor and Daredevil. Mostly, this Hulk existed in our reality, not theirs. Therein lies the difference. which I think made it more accessible for (at least some) kids who would be inspired to pick those books up. Although I would venture to say that the rabid fans were ultimately disappointed, to say the least.
To a larger degree, I think we may be able to point to this being where it became more palatable for many adults who watched alongside us. I feel that the creative decisions made on this series laid the foundation for where we are today in this film genre. Many major elements would evolve and questionable creative choices would be made along the way. Ultimately, it got the ball rolling for superheroes to be legitimate forms of entertainment for everyone. They may not be your cup of tea, but you have to admit that there is now a place for those such as Gamma irradiated scientists, men of steel and genetic mutants (as well as their villainous archenemies) in cinema.
“Lesson Number Three. Always Trust Centauri.”
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