The Incredible Hulk (TV Series) The Harder They Fall (1981) User Reviews

Paralytic Hulk

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

After an offbeat two-parter like "The First", you might expect a back-to-basics, formulaic episode. Nope. This episode opens with a car accident which leaves David paralyzed, a condition his doctor believes he will never recover from. David lapses into self-pity, and a wheelchair-bound counselor named Paul strives to bring him out. Cue lots of quiet scenes with David coming to grips with his new condition.

Sound boring? I thought it did, but a heartfelt script and presentation elevates this seemingly clichéd tale of learning to live with a handicap to a new level. Nor did writer Nancy Faulkner (sadly, this is her only "Hulk" script) forget about the Hulk, as proved in a no-dialogue scene which, through a combination of flashbacks and Bill Bixby's evocative acting, poignantly conveys Banner's temptation to turn into the Hulk and thus cure his legs, as well as his reason for resisting. For all the advantages being the Hulk has shown, this is the first scene in the series where David considers transforming on purpose. It's worth the wait.

Inevitably, though, Banner does become the Hulk again, and the Hulk's childlike frustration at being crippled surely ranks as one of Lou Ferrigno's best performances. Things get more interesting as Paul proves to be not so enlightened and adjusted to his paralysis as he led David - and himself - to believe. It's a thought-provoking twist which is played well, save for the climax, which stretches credibility a little to provide an excuse for some Hulk action.

Still, they had to find some way for the Hulk to kick some butt, and in any case one misstep does not take away from this episode's moving depiction of the inherent vulnerability of all human beings, even big heroes like David and Paul.

The Paralyzed

[AaronCapenBanner · 8/10 · 22 November 2014]

David Banner(Bill Bixby) suffers a serious back injury after he is hit by a car while waiting at a bus stop. Waking up in hospital to find himself paralyzed, David goes through a depressing ordeal of grief and acceptance over his new condition. On the verge of giving up, David is helped by a fellow paraplegic named Paul(played by Denny Miller) who urges him to keep fighting. David then remembers his conversation with Elaina Marks(from the pilot episode) about how the Hulk will cure all injuries, though this time it will take at least two transformations, as David must help his new friend avoid making a terrible mistake with the law... Effective episode with a thoughtful story and fine performance by Bixby, though your heart really goes out to him once again(the poor man!)

One of the best episodes

[ODDBear · 10/10 · 27 July 2008]

David is paralyzed after an accident. Being told that he will most likely never walk again, David goes through much turmoil in accepting his condition. He is partially convinced that if he turns into the creature he might be able to cure his condition but his fear of hurting those around him prevent him from deliberately trying to change.

One of the stronger entries in "The Incredible Hulk" series. Bill Bixby's always good as the cursed David Banner but here he's just perfect in displaying a wide range of emotions as David tries to accept his condition. Showing strong support is Denny Miller (who previously appeared in a Season 2 episode called "Killer Instinct" as a different character), a fellow paraplegic who helps David deal with his problem.

The Fourth Season of "The Incredible Hulk" is a mixed bag. It has some of the best episodes ("Prometheus", "The First", "Dark Side", "Interview With The Hulk") but also some fairly weak ones. It's apparent that in some respects the series overstayed it's welcome but it had far too many good moments to be killed off in the way it was. "The Harder They Fall" is a prime example of the series at it's best; displaying strong acting, a good storyline and human characters who face some tough times.