Sci-Fi History: The Bionic Woman (1976)

Jaime Summers was introduced in a 1975 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man. The character is nearly killed in a skydiving accident, but is saved with bionic implants. The series premiered as a mid-season replacement in January 1976. The show was amazingly popular and won Lindsay Wagner an Emmy. Despite this, ABC cancelled the show, but it was picked up by NBC. The network shift eliminated any possibility of crossover appearances by Lee Majors and may have hurt the show. It ended after the third year. Both Majors and Wagner reprised their roles in several TV movies from 1987-94. The show was an example of feminism's impact on pop culture in the seventies. Wagner portrayed a strong, independent woman.

Intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcba-ZgtsT4

Sci Fi History: Wonder Woman (1974)

In 1974, Cathy Lee Crosby starred in a movie entitled "Wonder Woman." However, the character and movie did not have any of the superpowers WW is known for. In 1975, Lynda Carter starred in the role based on the comic character. The series was initially in World War II and co-starred 70s superstar Lyle Waggoner. ABC dropped the show despite good ratings because of expense. CBS picked it up, reimaged it in the modern world, and it ran for two more seasons. Carter's Wonder Woman was a forerunner of the strong female heroine archetype prevelent in today's culture.

Intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhCnM-E5sl0

Sci Fi History: Bewitched (1964)

Bewitched was a sitcom featuring an all-powerful witch that wished to live life as a suburban housewife. For whatever reason, her husband did not want her to use her powers. The show was an allegory for the women’s rights movement. Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) had the power, but her Darrin (her husband) wished to suppress that power. In the end, Sam had to use her power to get the couple out of a number of situations. Her powers were expressed when she wiggled her nose. This symbolized female empowerment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRZitnndpoY