This is a truly stellar episode. Every scene delivers something of interest - usually several things. The hypnosis doctor's musings on the nature of human aggression alone are utterly thought-provoking. The violence of football is certainly a hot issue, and it's confronted beautifully here, without lecturing or even delivering an opinion on the subject. Except, that is, the ever-important reminder that things like playoffs and grant money are not as important as a human life. Bixby is as effective as ever at being the man to deliver that reminder.
Even the standard "Guys pick on Banner, Banner Hulks out and makes mincemeat of them" scene is tops. There's a spectacular shot of Ferrigno inside a steam room with the scariest damn smile you've ever seen, right before reaching through the door to grab the baddies. The next day the two baddies see Bixby in the locker room and he gives them a look that says he knows they won't mess with him again. It's a terrific moment.
The episode fumbles somewhat at the end, as we get the usual Hulk as deus ex machina to the rescue. But the sports commentator hilariously narrating the Hulk's doings makes up for this a bit, and overall this is the best regular episode of the series yet.
Even the standard "Guys pick on Banner, Banner Hulks out and makes mincemeat of them" scene is tops. There's a spectacular shot of Ferrigno inside a steam room with the scariest damn smile you've ever seen, right before reaching through the door to grab the baddies. The next day the two baddies see Bixby in the locker room and he gives them a look that says he knows they won't mess with him again. It's a terrific moment.
The episode fumbles somewhat at the end, as we get the usual Hulk as deus ex machina to the rescue. But the sports commentator hilariously narrating the Hulk's doings makes up for this a bit, and overall this is the best regular episode of the series yet.
