Monday 27 January 2014

15: Ricky (2.03)

1978; 49 minutes
Director of Photography John McPherson 
Written by Jaron Summers; Produced by Nicholas Corea
Directed by Frank Orsatti

Set against the competitive backdrop of motor racing David is helping out at the tracks where a mentally challenged (or whatever the politically correct terminology would be nowadays) man either gets himself into trouble or is manipulated by his guardian's competitors into causing it.  The opposing team are not enamoured with the fact that they are repeatedly beaten by Ricky's team and so go to immoral lengths to swing the advantage back in their direction.

As the episode's title would suggest, this story seems to have less to do with Hulk and more to do with Ricky, an innately gentle man with a history of problems who is not receiving the care he needs, or deserves.  Almost everybody (except David and a female mechanic) speaks to him like he's an idiot and even his well-meaning guardian has little patience for him, therefore this story can be a tad upsetting.  The role is competently played by Mickey Jones, who has carved a reasonable career for himself in films since.

Hulk's appearance seems a little contrived here, as all he's given to do is rescue Ricky from a car... twice.  I'm not sure if that's supposed to be amusing but it feels borderline tedious.  The episode does make good use of racing stock footage, and Bixby comes across well in his character's sympathetic and patient manner.

Number of Fists: **

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