Ep 14. Ricky

The Incredible Hulk season 1 episode 14, titled "Ricky," follows our protagonist, Dr. David Banner (played by Bill Bixby), as he continues his journey as a man on the run, trying to control his anger and keep his Hulk alter-ego at bay. In this episode, Banner finds himself in trouble once again as he crosses paths with a young boy named Ricky (played by Brandon Cruz) who is on the run from a dangerous gang.

When Banner first meets Ricky, the boy is being chased through a city alleyway by a group of ruthless criminals who are after a piece of information that Ricky possesses. Acting on instinct, Banner intervenes in the chase, using his quick thinking and physical abilities to protect Ricky and fend off the attackers.

After the immediate danger has passed, Banner learns that Ricky is a troubled youth, recently released from a juvenile detention center. Raised in a tough environment, Ricky has become involved with a criminal gang that is looking to use his knowledge of his hometown for their own purposes. In an effort to protect himself and his family, Ricky has gone into hiding, but his gang won't stop until they find him.

Feeling a sense of responsibility for the boy, Banner agrees to help Ricky escape from the gang and the city. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey through the wilderness, pursued by Ricky's former gang members and faced with numerous obstacles along the way.

As Banner and Ricky continue their journey, they begin to develop a bond. Banner recognizes the challenges that Ricky has faced and relates to his feelings of fear and isolation. Meanwhile, Ricky sees Banner as a father figure, something he's never had in his life before.

The episode is filled with moments of tension and suspense, as the gang closes in on Banner and Ricky, making their escape seem nearly impossible. The pair is forced to rely on their wits and their resilience to stay one step ahead of their pursuers.

At the same time, the audience sees the ongoing struggle that Banner faces in controlling his anger and keeping his Hulk persona from taking over. Throughout the episode, Banner is forced to confront the rage that simmers just below the surface, even as he strives to keep it under control for Ricky's sake.

Overall, "Ricky" is a gripping and emotional episode of The Incredible Hulk. It highlights the dangers that vulnerable youth face on a daily basis, as well as the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. The episode also continues to explore Banner's inner conflict, as he struggles to come to terms with his own past and find a way forward in the face of overwhelming adversity.