Ep 20. Kindered Spirits

David Banner has been on the run and in hiding for years, always staying one step ahead of those who seek to capture him and use his incredible abilities for their own purposes. But even in isolation, Banner cannot truly escape the effect his curse has on those around him.

In "Kindred Spirits," the twentieth episode of the second season of The Incredible Hulk, Banner finds himself once again drawn into the lives of strangers whose paths cross his own. This time, it is a young woman named Susan who captures his attention.

Susan is a gifted musician who has spent her life in the shadow of her famous and demanding conductor father. Despite her own talent, she is constantly belittled and pushed aside by her father, who sees her only as a means to further his own career.

One day, while rehearsing for a concert, Susan collapses on stage, and it becomes clear that she is seriously ill. Her doctors are stumped, and it seems that there is little hope for her recovery. But David Banner knows better. He recognizes the symptoms of radiation poisoning, and he knows that there is only one possible cause: exposure to the experimental isotopes her father has been using to enhance his orchestra's sound.

Determined to save Susan's life, Banner offers to take her away from her father and find a cure for her illness. But as always, danger is never far behind. When her father realizes that Susan has disappeared, he will stop at nothing to find her and bring her back under his control.

Meanwhile, Banner must also fend off the advances of a ruthless mercenary who has been hired to track him down and capture him once and for all. With danger on all sides, Banner and Susan take refuge in the woods, where Banner uses his knowledge of radiation to try to find a cure for her illness.

As they work together to try to save Susan's life, Banner and Susan form a deep bond of trust and friendship. For the first time in a long time, Banner feels a sense of connection and purpose that goes beyond simply staying alive.

But even as they grow closer, danger continues to loom. Susan's father and the mercenary are getting closer by the minute, and it seems that there may be no safe haven for Banner and his new friend.

In "Kindred Spirits," The Incredible Hulk once again showcases its ability to tell a gripping, character-driven story within the framework of a classic superhero narrative. Through the eyes of Susan and her father, we see the ways in which power and fame can warp even the closest of relationships, and we also witness the healing power of friendship and compassion.

As always, Bill Bixby gives a nuanced and powerful performance as David Banner, and the episode's guest stars bring depth and complexity to their roles as well. The action sequences are well-staged and thrilling, but it is the quieter moments between Banner and Susan that truly make "Kindred Spirits" stand out as an episode of The Incredible Hulk.

Overall, "Kindred Spirits" is a moving and engaging episode that showcases the best of what The Incredible Hulk has to offer. Fans of the show will not want to miss this one, and newcomers will find much to enjoy in its nuanced storytelling and character development.