The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) Sanctuary (1981) User Reviews

Holy Hulk

[Chase_Witherspoon · 7/10 · 12 January 2012]

David (Bixby) is working as a handyman in an Hispanic town's church enclave, surrounded by the violent exploits of the local crime boss Patrero (Darrow), co-existing with the town's spiritual leader (Muldaur) under mutual sufferance. When one of Patrero's victims seeks sanctuary in the church, Patrero attempts to coerce the stubborn Mother Superior into releasing him into his custody, under the pretense of escorting him to the town's hospital, which is effectively owned by Patrero. Refusing to budge, she instead persuades David to impersonate a visiting Priest in the hope of stalling the abduction until they can get the wounded man to a neutral hospital.

Reputable cast features Diana Muldaur (perhaps best known for "Star Trek: Next Generation" and "LA Law") as the feisty abbess, comedienne Edie McClurg as her junior Sister, ubiquitous Latin leading man Henry Darrow as the corrupt crime-lord, and Jerry Hardin as the town's henpecked law enforcer, content to let Patrero rule the roost in return for kickbacks.

Big Lou hurling a cherub at Patrero's son is a moment of irreverence to savour, while the animosity displayed between Muldaur and Darrow's characters is terse and effective. Bixby's turn as the prophet (there's even a sermon on the mount) is perhaps the most appropriate alter-ego invented for his character, espousing the virtuosity that's been one of the bedrocks throughout the series. A must-see for fans.

The Church

[AaronCapenBanner · 6/10 · 22 November 2014]

David Banner(Bill Bixby) is working as a handyman at a church in a poor village run by Sister Anita(Diana Muldaur, who had previously played David's actual sister Helen!) and Sister Mary Catherine(played by Edie McClurg). Trouble starts when a wounded boy seeks sanctuary in the church from the local crime lord who is after him, and tries to coerce out to finish the job. The Sisters instead persuade David to impersonate a priest in order to stall the crooks while they smuggle the boy to a nearby hospital, which does work for a while, until the Hulk is forced into action. Decent enough episode is not among the more memorable but does have fine support from the guest cast, though at least Muldaur was covered up in her nun's habit(that way David won't wonder why his sister Helen is now a nun!)

The New Preacher

[flarefan-81906 · 9/10 · 30 November 2017]

It's nice to see that even in season 5, the writers still hadn't run out of fresh ideas for the series. This time David is working as a handyman at a mission, where a wounded young illegal immigrant shows up, on the run from the local crime boss, Patrero. The head of the mission, the strong-willed Sister Anita, persuades David to impersonate a visiting priest so that Patrero will be afraid to make a move on the mission.

Religious themes have had a role in this series before, most prominently in the atrocious "Babalao", and it's a pleasure to see how well-handled they are in this episode. Certainly, it could be argued that the townspeople's seeing the Hulk as a miracle is condescending to religious people, but I don't think it is, not when you've taken into account the fact that no one in the series can produce a scientific explanation for the Hulk, or even believe he exists until they've seen him. The actors treat the roles of clerical and lay believers with respect, and more importantly, the episode really digs into the religious subject matter. You come away with a thing or two to mull over.

The acting is above par. Diana Muldaur is absolutely superb as Sister Anita, though I question the casting choice; I can guess why TV series often reuse guest stars, but having the actress of such a key role as the protagonist's sister show up in a different role is risky. Henry Darrow also does a fine job as Patrero, who is given a refreshing level of depth and personality. The subtle political sparring between Patrero, Anita, and David is quite involving, and the strong ideological conflict behind it takes things to the next level.

Beyond that, David masquerading as a priest feels appropriate given his history of doing good, and during his climactic sermon it is strongly hinted that he would be effective in taking on the vocation for real. I do wish this aspect had been explored more, but that it is explored at all is worthy of applause. "Sanctuary" definitely rates as one of the series's most memorable and effective episodes.