Swamp Thing: An Episode Guide

Swamp Thing created by Len Wein and Berni Wrightson
Developed for TV by Joseph Stefano
Produced by Boris Malden
Supervising Producer: Joseph Stefano (Season 1: eps. 1 - 13)
Executive Producers: Michael E. Uslan, Benjamin Melniker, Andy Heyward
Executive Producer: Tom Greene (Season 2, eps 14 - 22)
Executive Producer: Tom Blomquist (Season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Co-Producers: Jeff Myrow, Steven L. Sears (season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Music: Christopher L. Stone
Story Editors: Judith and Sandra Berg (Season 1. Eps. 1 - 13.
They were Executive Story Editors for Season 2, eps. 14 - 22)
Stunt co-ordinator: Doc Duhame (seasons 1 & 2, eps. 1 - 22)
Casting: Melvin Johnson C.S.A (with Pati Thomas for seasons 2 & 3, eps. 14 - 72)
L.A. Casting: Anne Capizzi C.S.A
Propmaster: Carmen K. Herrmann (seasons 1 & 2, eps 1 - 22);
David Kahler (season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Script Supervisor: Jacqueline Clay (season 1, eps. 1 - 13),
Jillian Amburgey (seasons 2 & 3, eps. 14 - 72)
Film Editors: Michael T. Elias & Greg Honick
Dialogue Editors: Roger Stotz (season 1, eps. 1 - 13), John Sunborn
(season 2, eps. 14 - 22), Neal Anderson (season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Mixer: Peter J. Devlin (season 1, eps 1 - 13)
Thomas E. Allen Sr. C.A.S. (seasons 2 & 3, eps 14 - 72)
Director of Photography: Geoff Schaff (seasons 1 & 2, eps. 1 - 22),
Joseph Mangine (season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Production Designer: Orvis Rigsby
Supervising Editor: John Elias (seasons 1 & 2, eps. 1 - 22),
Michael T. Elias (season 3, eps. 23 - 72)
Production Manager: Charles Ziarko (season 1, eps. 1 - 13),
Joseph Bellotti (seasons 2 & 3, eps. 14 - 72)
Special Effects Make Up: Jim Beinke
Swamp Thing appliances manufactured by Alterian Studios
Swamp Thing bodysuit designed by Carl Fullerton and Neal martz
Post Production Facilities: Century III

BBK Productions, Inc.
Batfilm Productions, Inc.
DIC Enterprises, Inc.
Filmed at Universal Studios, Florida
MTE, an MCA company

REGULAR / SEMI-REGULAR CHARACTERS

Dr. Anton Arcane......................................Mark Lindsay Chapman
Dr. Alec Holland (as Swamp Thing)...........Dick Durock
Dr. Alec Holland (as Human).....................Patrick Neil Quinn (originally Lonnie Smith in 'The Living Image)
Will Kipp..................................................Scott Garrison
Tressa Kipp..............................................Carrel Myers
Graham.....................................................Kevin Quigley
Sheriff Andrews........................................Marc Macaulay
General Sunderland...................................Jacob Witkin (originally William Whitehead in the second season)
Jim Kipp...................................................Jesse Ziegler
Abigail......................................................Kari Wuhrer (Kari Salin)
Ann Fisk...................................................Janet Julian
Dr. Hollister..............................................William Whitehead
Oboe Hardison.........................................Anthony Galde

Note: This episodes in this guide have been put in order of air dates. There are some massive continuity glitches throughout all three seasons, meaning that the production/story timeline order is very different. Unfortunately, I don't have this order yet. If I should get this correct order, this guide will be updated to put the episodes in said order.

On another note: The writer credits for these episodes are given as credited in the episodes themselves, but as with many series, episodes undergo substantial re-writes, often by different writers. In the case of Swamp Thing, many episodes were known to have been predominantly re-written by the Production staff at the time (Tom Blomquist, Tom Greene and W.M. Whitehead are known for sure to be responsible for more episodes than credited with; and no doubt there are others as well.)

SEASON 1

1. THE EMERALD HEART: US airing 27/07/90 UK airing 02/11/95

A basic introductory episode to all the major characters. Jim and Tressa Kipp have recently arrived from Philadelphia, in the Louisiana town of Houma, where they've come to visit Tressa's mother, Savannah Langford. Jim is a problem child who has trouble keeping friends because of his compulsive lying. Jim rescues a dwarf in the swamp; a victim of a cruel scientist called Dr. Arcane, but Tressa doesn't believe his story. Arcane meets (and sets his lecherous sights on) Tressa. When Jim is troubled by one of Dr. Arcane's genetic mutations, he is rescued by a strange creature: part man, part plant; also a victim of Arcane's. This is Alec Holland, The Swamp Thing.

The episode introduces us to the main characters; and the characters to each other; and it shows us some of Swamp Thing's powers: Resurrection, the ability to turn animal matter into plant etc. The episode takes it's name literally from the emerald pendant that Tressa loses in the swamp; and more symbolically from the inference of Alec being at the heart of the green (nature/the swamp) It's very different, in style, to the rest of the series.

Written by Joseph Stefano Directed by Fritz Kiersch

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Tressa Kipp, Jim Kipp, Oboe Hardison,

Guest Cast:
Savannah Langford................Patricia Helwick
Humphrey.............................John Edward Allen
Toad Boy..............................Bobby Porter
Hurd Fitch............................Glenn Wilder (the thug, not referred to by name in the episode)
Heather Jo............................Beth Johnson (only ever referred to as Arcane's 'Salacious Dish')

2. THE LIVING IMAGE: US airing 7/09/90 UK airing 03/11/95

Dr. Arcane schemes to get his hands on Alec Holland's bio restorative formula by creating, through plastic surgery, an exact duplicate of Alec's wife, Linda, who was killed in the lab accident that turned Alec into Swamp Thing. Arcane uses his lover and accomplice, who, after making sure she's seen in Houma and arranging a memorial service for her late husband, attempts to fool Alec into believing that she survived the explosion in the lab. She attempts to convince Alec that with the formula she could help change him back into a Human. Has Alec been tricked or not?

Note: The episode contains a flashback sequence that shows us Swamp Thing's origin.

Written by David Braff, Judith Berg, Sandra Berg and Joseph Stefano Directed by John McPherson

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Alec Holland, Dr. Arcane, Oboe

Guest Cast:
Linda Holland/Arcane's Accomplice.....Martha Smith
Minister................................................Rex Benson
Real estate salesman.............................Robert Small
Buyer...................................................Billy Gillespie
Intruder # 1..........................................Doc Duhame
Intruder # 2..........................................John Hoye

3. THE DEATH OF DR. ARCANE: US airing 14/09/90 UK airing 07/11/95

Jim is kidnapped by two of Arcane's thugs. This is to ensure Arcane's safety from Alec as he 'tests' one of his latest mutant creations in the swamp: A vicious worm like creature capable of devouring most aspects of the swamp. Jim is hidden, with a limited supply of air, and only Arcane knowing where he is. Arcane bargains with Alec that he'll release Jim provided that he isn't harmed; and that his experiment isn't interfered with. However, Arcane underestimates his creation and is killed by it. As Arcane's corpse is shipped off to the morgue, Alec is left with something of a dilemma: Jim is still trapped, with only a few hours of air remaining....and Arcane isn't exactly talkative at the moment!

Written by Joseph Stefano, Judith Berg and Sandra Berg Directed by John McPherson

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Tressa, Sheriff Andrews, Oboe,

Guest Cast:
Coroner..........................Pat Cherry
Coroner's Assistant........George Colangelo
Deputy...........................Darren Dollar
Thug # 1........................Kevin Quigley (never stated whether it's an as yet unnamed Graham)
Thug # 2........................Andrew Clark

4. LEGEND OF THE SWAMP MAIDEN: US airing 21/09/90 UK airing 09/11/95

The Swamp Maiden is a legend who's supposed to appear in the swamp once every three years. She's supposed to be beautiful, naked, alluring....and deadly. Her kiss is reputed to turn men into monsters. Naturally, Jim and Oboe are determined to see her; if she exists. Armed with a Polaroid camera and lots of coffee to stay awake, they stake out the swamp for the night, despite Alec's warning to Jim that he stay away. Oboe later meets the Maiden and is oblivious to all previous warnings as he's enraptured by her charms, and moving in for the kiss. Also in the swamp is a journalist. He's there to take pictures as well; but not of any swamp maiden. He's heard of a Sasquatch-like creature living there, and plans to get proof.

Written by Lorenzo Domenico Directed by Yuri Sivo

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Jim, Oboe

Guest Cast:
Greg Dunbar...............Tom Nowicki
Swamp Maiden...........Heide Paine

5. SPIRIT OF THE SWAMP: US airing 28/09/90 UK airing 10/11/95

When two of Arcane's mutants return to the cave after a failed mission to capture Alec, Arcane decides to use black magic to achieve his goal. Using a mystical black rose as payment for services, he enlists the aid of Duchamp, a Priest of Voodoo. However, Arcane secretly wants the powers of Voodoo as well as Alec's capture; which Duchamp won't reveal to him for any price. The Priest is only interested in the Rose. As Duchamp begins his magic against Alec, is Arcane planning treachery against Duchamp?

Written by Judith Berg, Sandra Berg and Michael Reaves Directed by Yuri Sivo

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Tressa (at least an illusion of her)

Guest Cast:
Duchamp.................Roscoe Lee Browne
Mutant # 1...............Sandy Beach
Mutant # 2...............Tony Marini

6. BLOOD WIND: US airing 05/10/90 UK airing 14/11/95

A protégé of Arcane's is working on a formula using pheromones. If successful, the formula will cause anyone with the scent of it on them to be instantly loathed by all who come into contact with it. The formula appears to fail, and the protégé attempts to dump it in the swamp. He's stopped by Alec, who takes the jar from him, intending to dispose of it safely. Unknown to everyone, the formula has worked, albeit with a delayed effect. Before Alec can get rid of it harmlessly, he hears Tressa approaching and has to hide before he can replace the lid of the pheromone jar. Tressa comes along and accidentally inhales the whole lot. Before long, poor Tressa is being pursued by Houma's normally placid citizens; all filled with a murderous rage for her. Even the swamp itself is trying to kill her, despite Alec's pleas for it to stop. Alec needs an antidote, but where to get one? And even if he can find something, who could possibly get near enough to help her without wanting to kill her?

Written by Marc Scott Zicree Directed by Walter Von Huene

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Tressa

Guest Cast:
Crown Prince................Michael Champlin
Mrs. Spritzler................Laurie Logan
Pastor...........................Jay Glick
Gardener......................Bill Orsini

7. GROTESQUERY: US airing 10/12/90 UK airing 16/11/95

Tressa's been lobbying Arcane for a while now to clean up all the dumped chemicals in the swamp. Arcane finally gives in and sends two of his men to do this. Meanwhile, Alec finds a barrel of chemicals and is poisoned by it. When Arcane's men arrive to do the cleaning up they find him weak and helpless. Not realising what he is, they sell him to a nearby carnival: A grotesquery specialising in anomalies of nature. It's at this grotesquery that Jim gets a job, tending the creatures on show. He finds Alec and is told by one of the other mutants (formerly a scientist and victim of Arcane) that he must get him back to the swamp, or Alec will die. To complicate matters, Arcane himself arrives. He's been using the grotesquery to get rid of his failed mutations. He's also brought along an assistant who just happens to be the brother of the man Alec turned into a tree in 'Emerald Heart'.

Written by Michele Barinholtz Directed by David Jackson

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Tressa, Jim

Guest Cast:
Savannah Langford............Patricia Helwick (Listed in the cast, but she doesn't actually appear in the episode)
Simon...............................Jacob Witkin
Amos................................Joshua Sussman
Clair.................................Kathy Gustafson-Hilton
Kid Brother......................Christopher Alan
Worker # 1.......................Brad Abrel
Worker # 2.......................Dennis Neal
Gardenia...........................Judy Clayton (Arcane's woman from his first scene)

8. NATURAL ENEMY: US airing 19/10/90 UK airing 16/11/95

Jim and Alec are taking a walk in the swamp, looking at the local flora and fauna. Jim spots a mysterious looking place, which Alec warns him not to go near, not mentioning that it's Arcane's lair. Later, the still curious Jim returns and investigates. He's bitten by a fly; a multiple venomed mutant hybrid created by Arcane. Jim is rushed to hospital where the Doctors are baffled by his case. Without knowing what caused the bite and without a sample of it's venom, a cure seems unlikely. Tressa stays at the hospital with Jim. Arcane arrives there, trying to cover his tracks. Wracked with guilt, Alec also arrives there to help Jim; and unknown to everyone, the fly has followed and is in the hospital as well.....and is looking for it's next victim.

Written by Robert Goethals Directed by Tony Dow

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Tressa

Guest Cast:
Dr. Cass Muir...............Chase Randolph
Dr. Bloom.....................Bill Cordell (presumably the unnamed toxicologist)
Nurse...........................Carolyn Jett

9. TREASURE: US airing 26/10/90 UK airing 17/11/95

A man arrives at the Langford house looking for Savannah, his mother. He appears in distress, and eventually collapses. He explains to Jim that he's dying of heart failure. Upon hearing from Jim of Savannah's death, he asks for his sister, Tressa. He tells Jim of a valise of money that he stole for a woman called Eleanor. Meanwhile, Eleanor has arrived in town looking for him. Before he dies, the man asks Jim to find the money that he's hidden in the swamp, and give it to charity. Eleanor sees all this and attempts to question Jim. Angry at not getting the answers she wants, she returns to the Langford house at night, gun in hand, and wanting that money!

Written by Jon Ezrine Directed by Tony Dow

Regular characters: Swamp Thing, Jim, Tressa, Sheriff Andrews (only seen in the distance)

Guest Cast:
Eleanor....................Cynthia Garris
Buckholt..................Kevin Corrigan

10. NEW ACQUAINTANCE: US airing 02/11/90 UK airing 23/11/95

Alec's concerned that Jim doesn't seem to be developing friends more like himself (younger....Human?) He does his best to encourage Jim to develop those social skills, and Jim, obliging little chap that he is, does his best. He makes the acquaintance of Lilly, a girl who for some inexplicable reason seems despised by all the other kids. Jim seems to have made a good decision. Lilly appears very nice; if just a little short tempered. And then there's that penchant for knives that she has.....And why is her carrier bag, which she's keeping with her with such paranoid secrecy, leaking with blood?

Written by Lawrence G. Ditillio, Wade Johnson and Daniel Kennedy Directed by David Jackson

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Jim, Tressa, Sheriff Andrews

Guest Cast:
Lilly....................Summer Phoenix
Boy # 1..............Chris Lobban
Boy # 2..............Danny Gura
Boy # 3..............Jordan Kessler

11. FALCO: US airing 09/11/90 UK airing 24/11/95

Tressa's mother has died, and everyone is gathered at Houma's cemetery for the funeral of Savannah Langford: Everyone including a gunman hidden in the bushes, watching the ceremony. He takes aim at the mourners and fires. Jim sees him in time, and shouts a warning. The shot misses, and the man runs off. The gunman later encounters Alec in the swamp, and he turns out to be one of Arcane's mutants, Falco, who has returned to get his vengeance on Arcane by killing him. Alec, fearing for the man's humanity, tries to dissuade him, but Falco is too filled with hatred. What is Falco's bizarre and secret anguish; and is humanity what he stands to lose.... or to gain?

Written by Joseph Stefano Directed by Fritz Kiersch

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Tressa, Sheriff Andrews,
Oboe (seen in background, not speaking)

Guest Cast:
Falco......................Peter Mark Richman (Note: 'Falco' is never actually referred to by name in the episode)
Minister..................Jay Glick
Mutant....................Doc Duhame

12. FROM BEYOND THE GRAVE: US airing 16/11/90 UK airing 28/11/95

Jim and Tressa are still in mourning for Savannah. As if that isn't enough, a lawyer and old school acquaintance of Tressa's arrives with news of Savannah's will. It isn't good. Savannah had left Tressa out of the will; and the house to the County. Tressa is served a notice of eviction. Later, both Tressa and Jim have dreams of Savannah, and a ship in a bottle in the swamp. Their dreams are identical, and seem prophetic. Hope is there; suggesting that Savannah's real will is hidden somewhere. Jim and Tressa mean to find it. Of course, Arcane, who has planned all this to get his hands on Savannah's estate, isn't going to take it lying down, and will resort to murdering Jim and Tressa to get his way.

Written by Wade Johnson and Daniel Kennedy Directed by Tony Dow

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Tressa

Guest Cast:
Savannah Langford.............Patricia Helwick
Everett Baxtor....................Brett Rice
Young Tressa.....................Jamie Cuffe
Young Savannah................Lisa Miller

13. THE SHIPMENT: US airing 23/11/90 UK airing 30/11/95

Things are changing in the swamp. Arcane's moved out of his cave and into a large factory complex geared for creating mutants for foreign slave labour camps. Jim, during one of his snooping sprees has discovered this. Unfortunately for him he's discovered, and barely manages to escape. He only has time to call Philadelphia, to his step brother, Will; and beg him to come and help when he's captured by Sheriff Andrews, who is working for Arcane. Will arrives in Houma shortly after, and meets Alec. After his initial shock at seeing him, they team up to search for Jim. Arcane plans to fake Jim's death and ship the boy off to South America. Will Alec and Will be in time to save Jim, who's scheduled to leave with the next shipment?

Written by Judith Berg, Sandra Berg and Joseph Stefano Directed by Walter Von Huene

Regular Characters: Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane, Jim, Will, Tressa, Sheriff Andrews, Oboe

Guest Cast:
Mrs. Blake...............Janis Benson
Hitchhiker................Roger Floyd

SEASON 2

14. BIRTHMARKS: US airing 01/02/91 UK airing 01/12/95

In his dream, Will sees a ship exploding, with a girl and a baby escaping from the disaster. He wakes and looks out of the window to see the same girl, Abigail, running down the street. He gives her shelter and finds out that the events he dreamed were real. Meanwhile, in the swamp, Alec finds a crate with a baby girl in it, which he later gives to Will to look after. The baby is very ill, and nobody seems to be able to know what to do to help it, including Dr. Hollister. Arcane is also looking for the baby, recognisable by a laser tattoo. It seems that for years Arcane hasn't been working alone at all. He's an employee of the Sunderland Corporation, headed by the sinister General Sunderland; and the child, that Sunderland wants disposing of, is an experiment of one of Arcane's rival scientists: Dr. Woodrue. We also find out that Arcane is married, and that his wife is dead and in cryo stasis. It's Arcane's goal to use Sunderland's funding to finance experiments to bring her back to life. Meanwhile, Abigail seems to have a similar tattoo to the baby. What is its significance, and who....or what, is Abigail?

Written by Tom Greene Directed by Walter Von Huene

Regul