Ep 12. Like a Brother

The Incredible Hulk season 2 episode 12, titled "Like a Brother," follows renowned scientist Dr. David Banner as he continues his quest to find a cure for his transformation into the monstrous Hulk. In this episode, Banner finds himself in a small town where he encounters an old friend from college named Dean Stassak, who now runs a local newspaper. Banner is surprised to hear that Dean has a younger brother named Rick who bears a striking resemblance to Bruce's own deceased brother.

As Bruce gets to know Rick, he realizes that they share a deep bond and begins to feel an almost brotherly affection towards him. However, trouble soon arises when Rick becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving a group of criminals who are looking to pull off a major heist. Rick's involvement with the group puts him in grave danger, and Bruce must do everything in his power to protect his newfound "brother" from harm, all while keeping his own inner Hulk at bay.

Throughout the episode, we are shown the complexities of Bruce Banner's emotional state. On the one hand, he longs for connection and companionship, especially with someone who reminds him of his own sibling. On the other hand, Bruce is constantly grappling with the fear and anxiety that comes with being a fugitive, always on the run from those who would do him harm. These conflicting emotions are heightened by Rick's perilous situation, which brings to light the harsh reality of Bruce's own predicament.

As the plot unfolds, we also see the development of a romantic subplot involving Dean's assistant, Peggy, and Bruce's alter ego, the Hulk. While the two are initially hostile towards each other, with Peggy trying to bring the Hulk to justice and the monster lashing out in response, they eventually find common ground and begin to develop an unlikely bond. This serves as a poignant reminder of the themes of acceptance and connection that are at the heart of this episode.

"Like a Brother" is a gripping and emotional episode that showcases the complex character of Bruce Banner/Hulk and his ability to form deep connections with those around him, even in the face of great danger. It is a testament to the show's ability to balance action and drama, and to the strength of the actors' performances in portraying these nuanced relationships. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find themselves swept up in the story and invested in the fates of these well-drawn characters.