TV Heroics: The Incredible Hulk Returns!

Don't make me dour- you won't like me when I'm dour.  This is The Incredible Hulk Returns, a 1988 TV Movie.  It's the start of the first *true* Superhero Film Trilogy (since Superman got one more Film).  The Show had been off-the-air for a while and Bixby was away from Acting due to personal issues.  In his return, he agreed to both help the Network AND set-up a future spin-off.  That Spin-off- The Mighty Thor!  That's right- this is a Backdoor Pilot- just not for the Lead.  It would be like if, for instance, American Dad wasn't originated as a Pilot.  Instead, in this example, Stan and Francine would guest-star in Family Guy's Road Trip and the Show would come from there.  Sadly, there was no Road Trip or Thor spin-off to be.  Maybe next time, Hulk.  In the meantime, you've got corporate espionage, Character Actors galore and two Heroes teaming up.  To find out how this memorable (not always for good reasons) Film plays out, read on...

Some vague time after the Show ended, Banner ended up in L.A. with a new lady, a new identity and a new job.

He's working for a big Tech Company and making a vague MacGuffin that will cure him (and also help humanity).

His attempt to test the procedure one night is interrupted by Donald Blake, a Med Student he once knew.  The man recognized him and wanted his help.

You see, he went on a failed expedition in Norway (as their Medic) and got his soul bound to the Almighty Thor!

In this Film, they are unique identities and he 'summons' Thor from the spirit realm.  Different, but...okay.  Kind of like Thor's realistic-to-the-time outfit- okay.

Naturally, they manage to 'make Banner mad' and the pair battle.  It's less exciting than I'm used to now, sadly.

Another note: this is a new Hulk wig.  It's larger to cover up Lou's hearing aid.  Thanks, IMDB!

The Reporter from the Series shows up after this incident and starts to look around, stressing out Banner.

Sadly, this is the Actor's last appearance in a Hulk vehicle as a Stroke put an end to his Acting Career for a while shortly after making this.

There's another Plot going on as one of Banner's Boss' (below left) is in need of money and makes a desperate deal to a criminal (below right) played by Tim Thomerson.

You know that he's evil in the '80s because he negotiates his deal while playing Racquetball!

After some conflicts (personal and literal), the pair unite (with Blake) to save the day.

Thor and Blake leave for their failed spin-off attempt and Banner leaves to protect the woman he loves, setting up the next one of these (seen here).

I guess I need to find and watch the final Film in the Trilogy now, huh?  The End.

A solid Film.  You have to consider a few things if you watch this in 2019 (or later).  First off, this was a TV Movie made in 1988.  There's no CGI (as it was super-expensive then).  The Special Effects are just above cheesy and that's sometimes being generous.  This is a TV Movie Budget, so no major stunts like you'll get on the 'big screen.'  That said, there are trade-offs.  This one relies very much on Practical Effects and, well, Lou Ferrigno is a good one!  Aside from sometimes-spotty make-up and an inconsistent wig, he's looking jacked and terrifying.  At WrestleMania 35 this weekend, Bobby Lashley (who's also quite jacked) was wearing green contact lenses- coincidence?  As for Thor, I was expecting to hate this portrayal a lot more.  It's still about as deep as a puddle, but Masterson does have a certain charm.  I can see how you would dislike the take on the character and the look- I just made peace with it pretty quickly.  The Film is still anchored by two things- a decent Story and good Character Actors.  Besides the ones I've mentioned, you also have Charles Napier, who was apparently so good that you could still respect him in a Film where the Monster was Ron Jeremy's disembodied penis!  He was also the 'voice' of the Hulk's growl- thanks again, IMDB.  If you know and love the Show, this won't disappoint.  If you only know the characters from the MCU, prepare to be disappointed in just how awesome they are.  In spite of that, it's a pretty easy Film to watch and enjoy.  Just for comparison, how do they look in the Modern Age...

Next time, I jump back to the '70s.  It was a different time- a bloodier time!  Stay tuned...