Ep 5. Innocent Blood

David Banner is a man on the run. He's been on the move for countless years, never staying too long in any one place, always careful to keep his Gamma-fueled anger in check lest he transforms into the monstrous beast known as the Hulk. And yet, no matter how far he goes, trouble always seems to find him.

In "Innocent Blood," the fifth episode of the 1996 animated series "The Incredible Hulk," David finds himself in a small coastal town called Tranquility Bay. It's a peaceful, idyllic place – but, of course, that won't last for long.

As David goes about his business – namely, finding work and trying to keep a low profile – he meets a young girl named Lisa who's fascinated by his brooding demeanor. David is hesitant to get too close to anyone, knowing that he's a danger to those around him, but Lisa is persistent and eventually manages to win him over.

However, their burgeoning friendship is cut short when Lisa is kidnapped by a group of hunters who believe that she's a werewolf. They intend to put her down like an animal – and when David transforms into the Hulk to rescue her, they come to the conclusion that he's a werewolf too.

Desperate to clear his and Lisa's names, David sets out to find the true culprit behind the attacks. Along the way, he discovers a web of lies and deceit that threaten to tear Tranquility Bay apart. Can the Hulk stop the real monster before it's too late?

As with previous episodes of "The Incredible Hulk," "Innocent Blood" balances action and drama with aplomb. The show's animation is top-notch, with fluid fight scenes and dynamic character designs that bring the classic comic book characters to vivid life. The voice acting is also strong, with special mention going to Lou Ferrigno – who played the Hulk in the original 1970s live-action series – as the growling, grunting alter-ego of David Banner.

But what really sets "Innocent Blood" apart is its themes. At its core, the episode is about prejudice and fear – the idea that people will often lash out at those who are different out of a desire to protect themselves. The werewolf angle may be a bit cheesy, but it serves as a potent metaphor for the way that people can be demonized for things that are beyond their control.

It's a lesson that David Banner knows all too well. As a man who's been hounded and hunted for years because of his condition, he's seen firsthand how irrational fear can drive otherwise good people to do terrible things. And yet, he still believes in the inherent goodness of humanity. When he says "I'm not a monster, I'm just a man," it's a powerful statement of identity – a refusal to be defined by the things that make him different.

"Innocent Blood" is a standout episode of "The Incredible Hulk" that showcases the show's strengths. It's thrilling, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant, all at the same time. Whether you're a fan of the Hulk or just looking for a great piece of '90s animation, this is an episode that's well worth checking out.