62 reviews
The success of this show can be attributed largely to the casting of Lynda Carter who was believable as Wonder Woman. Without her, the show probably would never have gained the popularity that it did.
During the '70s live action show the 6 million Dollar Man, was a success due to the interesting usage of special effects. Wonder Woman might have been conceived encouraged by this cultural background.
The show's quality was par with most other top shows of the time. It was made to appeal to wide range of audiences, so the plot wasn't so complex, but prominently featured super powers of Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was absolutely believable as Wonder Woman, and there was no other actor of the time who could have played the role asides from her.
The show is a sweet relic from the '70s along with the likes of the Incredible Hulk, Bionic Woman etc.. It was made in pre-cable TV era when science fiction type program wasn't as ubiquitous as today, and nicely filled the niche. It was an interesting and dramatic show that brought excitement to the audience.
It would probably be difficult to make another Wonder Woman series with as much believability if they can't find a second Lynda Carter to fill the role.
During the '70s live action show the 6 million Dollar Man, was a success due to the interesting usage of special effects. Wonder Woman might have been conceived encouraged by this cultural background.
The show's quality was par with most other top shows of the time. It was made to appeal to wide range of audiences, so the plot wasn't so complex, but prominently featured super powers of Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter was absolutely believable as Wonder Woman, and there was no other actor of the time who could have played the role asides from her.
The show is a sweet relic from the '70s along with the likes of the Incredible Hulk, Bionic Woman etc.. It was made in pre-cable TV era when science fiction type program wasn't as ubiquitous as today, and nicely filled the niche. It was an interesting and dramatic show that brought excitement to the audience.
It would probably be difficult to make another Wonder Woman series with as much believability if they can't find a second Lynda Carter to fill the role.
Wonder Woman is a somewhat forgotten show, it's not on syndication much, but it's gotten a boost from a successful release on DVD. The first season takes place in the 1940s with Wonder Woman constantly fighting to dismantle the Nazi's schemes. The following two seasons take place in the 1970s, and they will be released on DVD soon.
The show is always bordering on the level of high camp, but like most every show from the 1970s, it tells its' story in a very plain straightforward fashion. Wonder Woman comes to the aid of Steve Trevor, who can never seem to help himself (the male in distress). Someone they know turns out to be an undercover Nazi spy, who is trying to steal valuable information or hurt many Americans.
One thing that is somewhat frustrating is how many times she is taken captured. She is chloroformed too many times to count (a 70s trademark - what action show didn't over-exploit chloroform?) Of course, how the hell does Steve never recognize that Diana is Wonder Woman, even when she happens to show up in the middle of Brazil to save him? And that music while she flies the invisible airplane?...yeeeeeaassh!
The good parts of the show - Lynda Carter, first of all. She seemed to hit her stride in the part as the series continued and she is often so charming and innocent that you can't help but like her. Her values and strength of character are idealistic, but they're also missing in today's female heroes, who are so dark sometimes, they lose their charm. In many ways, watching Lynda as Wonder Woman is a breath of fresh air and of course, there still doesn't seem to be a woman other than her who could wear that outfit and pull it off. When Wonder Woman first walks on the city streets in the pilot, you don't know what to think, but Lynda plays her so innocently she's fantastic.
She is the driving force, but the innocent quality of the show (good vs. bad) is unique from today's perspective. The comic book captions at the leads of scenes give it a tie to the comics. The guest stars are often interesting and have good roles and Lyle Waggoner is consistent in a rather thankless role as Steve Trevor.
It may not hold up perfectly today, but it's a nice time capsule series and Lynda Carter does hold up well in a role she was born to play. And along with the Hulk, this was the best of the slew of comic book hero shows from the 1970s-early 80s.
The show is always bordering on the level of high camp, but like most every show from the 1970s, it tells its' story in a very plain straightforward fashion. Wonder Woman comes to the aid of Steve Trevor, who can never seem to help himself (the male in distress). Someone they know turns out to be an undercover Nazi spy, who is trying to steal valuable information or hurt many Americans.
One thing that is somewhat frustrating is how many times she is taken captured. She is chloroformed too many times to count (a 70s trademark - what action show didn't over-exploit chloroform?) Of course, how the hell does Steve never recognize that Diana is Wonder Woman, even when she happens to show up in the middle of Brazil to save him? And that music while she flies the invisible airplane?...yeeeeeaassh!
The good parts of the show - Lynda Carter, first of all. She seemed to hit her stride in the part as the series continued and she is often so charming and innocent that you can't help but like her. Her values and strength of character are idealistic, but they're also missing in today's female heroes, who are so dark sometimes, they lose their charm. In many ways, watching Lynda as Wonder Woman is a breath of fresh air and of course, there still doesn't seem to be a woman other than her who could wear that outfit and pull it off. When Wonder Woman first walks on the city streets in the pilot, you don't know what to think, but Lynda plays her so innocently she's fantastic.
She is the driving force, but the innocent quality of the show (good vs. bad) is unique from today's perspective. The comic book captions at the leads of scenes give it a tie to the comics. The guest stars are often interesting and have good roles and Lyle Waggoner is consistent in a rather thankless role as Steve Trevor.
It may not hold up perfectly today, but it's a nice time capsule series and Lynda Carter does hold up well in a role she was born to play. And along with the Hulk, this was the best of the slew of comic book hero shows from the 1970s-early 80s.
- the_mysteriousx
- Dec 8, 2004
- Permalink
The 1970's TV series "Wonder Woman" - adapted from the popular DC Comics super-heroine created by American psychologist William Moulton Marston (credited here as "Charles Marston"), his wife Elizabeth, and their mutual live-in lover Olive Byrne - is a wonderful superhero series.
One of the great things about "Wonder Woman" is that it feels like a real-life, live-action comic book. In fact, shots from each episode closely resemble panels from a comic book. The other thing about "Wonder Woman" is that it doesn't fall into the full-blown camp territory of its obvious predecessor, the 1966 "Batman" TV series that starred Adam West and was responsible for nearly ruining the Dark Knight's reputation. Yet, "Wonder Woman" also doesn't take itself all that seriously. It's just a great fun TV show to watch through and through.
In case you don't know, the entire "Wonder Woman" series takes place from World War II (1942-1945) all the way up to the modern day (the mid 1970s). During a spectacular aerial battle over the Bermuda Triangle, dashing Air Force pilot Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) is shot down and lands on Paradise Island, which also happens to be home to the Amazons, beautiful, ageless women of great strength, agility, and intelligence. Princess Diana (former Miss World USA 1972 Lynda Carter) wins the right to return him to "Man's World" (the rest of human society). And thus, Wonder Woman's career as a super-heroine begins as she and Steve take on the Nazis and their various attempts to sabotage the U.S. war effort.
The second season onward moves events up to the present, the mid-1970s, as Diana once again returns to Man's World to battle all manner of evil - terrorists, evil geniuses, your typical crooks, and even Nazi war criminals hiding out in South America. She once again teams up with Steve Trevor, or rather, Steve Trevor, Jr., the son of the lead male protagonist from the first season (who is still portrayed by Lyle Waggoner).
As the lead, the dashing and beautiful Lynda Carter IS Wonder Woman. In her civilian identity, she's bookish Diana Prince. Astute viewers will also recognize that "Diana Prince" is the secret identity, whereas Wonder Woman is the true personality (much like DC Comics' other flagship superhero, Superman/Clark Kent). Carter is an actress of amazing beauty and physicality; she reportedly performed a number of her own stunts including dangling from a flying helicopter in the second episode of the second season. It's a role that she would be forever closely linked to and it remains her most famous role to date.
Another aspect of the series that I found quite amazing was that it retains the feminist appeal of the original comic book character (Wonder Woman has been accused by social critics since the beginning of encouraging misandry, promoting bondage fantasies, and encouraging lesbianism). Because of the strong feminist appeal of the character, it was often Steve Trevor who was in distress and needed to be rescued, and not the other way around. It's a great role reversal from what is normally seen in most superhero comic book/TV series.
Lastly, I'm not ashamed to say that I became a fan of Wonder Woman largely because of Lynda Carter, who is not only striking and beautiful, but also closely resembles her comic book counterpart; I have no doubt in my mind that she might have been cast because of her uncanny resemblance to the character that she plays.
"Wonder Woman" is a classic superhero series in every sense of the word. The first season is the best, in my overall opinion of the series. It is also highly likely that this incarnation of the DC Comics super-heroine will remain the best portrayal of the character anywhere, whether it be on television or in the movies.
8/10
P.S.: I only wish that Debra Winger had more appearances as Diana's perky younger sister Drusilla/Wonder Girl.
One of the great things about "Wonder Woman" is that it feels like a real-life, live-action comic book. In fact, shots from each episode closely resemble panels from a comic book. The other thing about "Wonder Woman" is that it doesn't fall into the full-blown camp territory of its obvious predecessor, the 1966 "Batman" TV series that starred Adam West and was responsible for nearly ruining the Dark Knight's reputation. Yet, "Wonder Woman" also doesn't take itself all that seriously. It's just a great fun TV show to watch through and through.
In case you don't know, the entire "Wonder Woman" series takes place from World War II (1942-1945) all the way up to the modern day (the mid 1970s). During a spectacular aerial battle over the Bermuda Triangle, dashing Air Force pilot Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner) is shot down and lands on Paradise Island, which also happens to be home to the Amazons, beautiful, ageless women of great strength, agility, and intelligence. Princess Diana (former Miss World USA 1972 Lynda Carter) wins the right to return him to "Man's World" (the rest of human society). And thus, Wonder Woman's career as a super-heroine begins as she and Steve take on the Nazis and their various attempts to sabotage the U.S. war effort.
The second season onward moves events up to the present, the mid-1970s, as Diana once again returns to Man's World to battle all manner of evil - terrorists, evil geniuses, your typical crooks, and even Nazi war criminals hiding out in South America. She once again teams up with Steve Trevor, or rather, Steve Trevor, Jr., the son of the lead male protagonist from the first season (who is still portrayed by Lyle Waggoner).
As the lead, the dashing and beautiful Lynda Carter IS Wonder Woman. In her civilian identity, she's bookish Diana Prince. Astute viewers will also recognize that "Diana Prince" is the secret identity, whereas Wonder Woman is the true personality (much like DC Comics' other flagship superhero, Superman/Clark Kent). Carter is an actress of amazing beauty and physicality; she reportedly performed a number of her own stunts including dangling from a flying helicopter in the second episode of the second season. It's a role that she would be forever closely linked to and it remains her most famous role to date.
Another aspect of the series that I found quite amazing was that it retains the feminist appeal of the original comic book character (Wonder Woman has been accused by social critics since the beginning of encouraging misandry, promoting bondage fantasies, and encouraging lesbianism). Because of the strong feminist appeal of the character, it was often Steve Trevor who was in distress and needed to be rescued, and not the other way around. It's a great role reversal from what is normally seen in most superhero comic book/TV series.
Lastly, I'm not ashamed to say that I became a fan of Wonder Woman largely because of Lynda Carter, who is not only striking and beautiful, but also closely resembles her comic book counterpart; I have no doubt in my mind that she might have been cast because of her uncanny resemblance to the character that she plays.
"Wonder Woman" is a classic superhero series in every sense of the word. The first season is the best, in my overall opinion of the series. It is also highly likely that this incarnation of the DC Comics super-heroine will remain the best portrayal of the character anywhere, whether it be on television or in the movies.
8/10
P.S.: I only wish that Debra Winger had more appearances as Diana's perky younger sister Drusilla/Wonder Girl.
I was jumping happily around my house when I suddenly remember Wonder Woman on this Good Friday. Yeah, yeah, yeah! The series walked with me through my 7th, 8th and 9th year of my life. I never forget that right after school, I rushed back home for some snacks and the Cantonese voice-overed Wonder Woman's power and justice.
As a little girl at such tender age, I was not interested in or envied her hourglass figure. I wanted to have her bracelets, her boots, her crown and of course her power! Not many of my little classmates followed this series because they loved Japanese cartoons more. From time to time I imagined I was powerful like WW to save people's life or even the world with my two bracelets like Lynda Carter. By the way, she's a great beauty, like most of the young fans, I followed her news for some time.
What made me even happier was the appearance of Justice League because the amazon woman was an important member. Once my elder sister asked me very innocently that if WW would be marrying Superman! Now I am thinking about what power their children will be endowed with if and only if they tie the knot! Super Wonder Kids!
Amongst the female American superhero like She-Ra or Superwoman, none of them achieved as successfully as WW. She is a part of my young memory.
As a little girl at such tender age, I was not interested in or envied her hourglass figure. I wanted to have her bracelets, her boots, her crown and of course her power! Not many of my little classmates followed this series because they loved Japanese cartoons more. From time to time I imagined I was powerful like WW to save people's life or even the world with my two bracelets like Lynda Carter. By the way, she's a great beauty, like most of the young fans, I followed her news for some time.
What made me even happier was the appearance of Justice League because the amazon woman was an important member. Once my elder sister asked me very innocently that if WW would be marrying Superman! Now I am thinking about what power their children will be endowed with if and only if they tie the knot! Super Wonder Kids!
Amongst the female American superhero like She-Ra or Superwoman, none of them achieved as successfully as WW. She is a part of my young memory.
The opening and closing credits are great. So cool that the opening credits show a cartoon of the character and then the actor appears.
I also like the music. What else can I say about the music. It reminds me of 70's.
The special effects are not as good as smallville's or the flash. Dian Prince twirls as she turns into wonder woman.
Wonder woman is more realistic than the batman television shows from the 1960's.
From me wonder woman is a joy to watch even though I have seen only a few episodes. I hope to watch all of the episodes one day.
I also like the music. What else can I say about the music. It reminds me of 70's.
The special effects are not as good as smallville's or the flash. Dian Prince twirls as she turns into wonder woman.
Wonder woman is more realistic than the batman television shows from the 1960's.
From me wonder woman is a joy to watch even though I have seen only a few episodes. I hope to watch all of the episodes one day.
- grendelkhan
- Oct 25, 2006
- Permalink
"Wonder Woman" was a pioneering live-action television series based on the DC Comics superhero. The series starred Lynda Carter (a former beauty pageant winner) as the title heroine. 60 episodes were produced overall.
About a year earlier, Warner Bros. Had commissioned a pilot television movie based on Wonder Woman. That feature had starred Cathy Lee Crosby as a newly blonde Wonder Woman (a stark change from the traditionally brunet character in the comics). Apparently, the pilot feature didn't get a green-light to produce as an ongoing series. But the Lynda Carter pilot did get such a green-light.
Carter, a statuesque, buxom woman became the living epitome of Princess Diana, the Wonder Woman.
The first season of the series takes place during the original comics backdrop of World War II. There, Princess Diana of Paradise Island (since dubbed Themyscira in the comics) was sent to "man's world" by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, to be a beacon of guidance for humankind and its tendency toward war and cruelty. Diana becomes "Diana Prince", a yeoman in the U. S. Navy, and a clerk in the command of Colonel Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner, "the Carol Burnett Show").
The wartime adventures of Wonder Woman typically involved stateside affairs such as spies and saboteurs. Shy and mousy Diana served as a cover for the brainy and brawny Wonder Woman whenever trouble was afoot from Nazis and their sympathizers. Trevor just barely hid his crush for Wonder Woman, while Diana never let on that his crush (which was requited) was really the woman working in his office.
Fast forward to season two (and a network switch from ABC to CBS) and the World War 2 backdrop was jettisoned. Instead, the setting was contemporized. Now, Diana Prince-- still the original Wonder Woman, not aging a day-- is an agent of the Inter-Agency Defense Council-- IADC for short, and a pastiche of the FBI and CIA. Waggoner still plays Steve Trevor-- only this time, it's Steve Trevor JUNIOR. (The show's timeline never bothers to explain how the WW II Trevor's son gets to be perfectly 40-ish just barely 32 years after the purportedly single Trevor's escapades back then. But hey. It's make believe). On a side note, the relationship between this Diana and Steve was strictly platonic. In-story, maybe Diana simply thought it weird to date the son of Steve.
For this new format, villains were largely contemporized as well. Nazis were not the standard (though they didn't totally disappear), but an assortment of Cold War-era foes were now part of the mix. Mainly the show stayed away from "fantastic" (e.g., comics-based) criminals and threats. There was no Giganta, Cheetah, Dr. Poison, Dr. Psycho, or any of the comic strips' threats that had come to be known by the comics' literati.
The updated format to the show lasted two seasons, making the show last three overall.
This was literally the only live action interpretation of Wonder Woman to make it to screen for decades until the Gal Gadot era began in "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice". (sidebar: a more recent Wonder Woman TV pilot was attempted in the 00s starring Adriane Palicki. The pilot was never aired.)
The show's popularity and, yes, cult status is part of the enduring legacy of Ms. Carter as the pioneering superhero. It is without question her best known role but she seems to not have suffered a regretful relationship to Hollywood for it.
About a year earlier, Warner Bros. Had commissioned a pilot television movie based on Wonder Woman. That feature had starred Cathy Lee Crosby as a newly blonde Wonder Woman (a stark change from the traditionally brunet character in the comics). Apparently, the pilot feature didn't get a green-light to produce as an ongoing series. But the Lynda Carter pilot did get such a green-light.
Carter, a statuesque, buxom woman became the living epitome of Princess Diana, the Wonder Woman.
The first season of the series takes place during the original comics backdrop of World War II. There, Princess Diana of Paradise Island (since dubbed Themyscira in the comics) was sent to "man's world" by her mother, Queen Hippolyta, to be a beacon of guidance for humankind and its tendency toward war and cruelty. Diana becomes "Diana Prince", a yeoman in the U. S. Navy, and a clerk in the command of Colonel Steve Trevor (Lyle Waggoner, "the Carol Burnett Show").
The wartime adventures of Wonder Woman typically involved stateside affairs such as spies and saboteurs. Shy and mousy Diana served as a cover for the brainy and brawny Wonder Woman whenever trouble was afoot from Nazis and their sympathizers. Trevor just barely hid his crush for Wonder Woman, while Diana never let on that his crush (which was requited) was really the woman working in his office.
Fast forward to season two (and a network switch from ABC to CBS) and the World War 2 backdrop was jettisoned. Instead, the setting was contemporized. Now, Diana Prince-- still the original Wonder Woman, not aging a day-- is an agent of the Inter-Agency Defense Council-- IADC for short, and a pastiche of the FBI and CIA. Waggoner still plays Steve Trevor-- only this time, it's Steve Trevor JUNIOR. (The show's timeline never bothers to explain how the WW II Trevor's son gets to be perfectly 40-ish just barely 32 years after the purportedly single Trevor's escapades back then. But hey. It's make believe). On a side note, the relationship between this Diana and Steve was strictly platonic. In-story, maybe Diana simply thought it weird to date the son of Steve.
For this new format, villains were largely contemporized as well. Nazis were not the standard (though they didn't totally disappear), but an assortment of Cold War-era foes were now part of the mix. Mainly the show stayed away from "fantastic" (e.g., comics-based) criminals and threats. There was no Giganta, Cheetah, Dr. Poison, Dr. Psycho, or any of the comic strips' threats that had come to be known by the comics' literati.
The updated format to the show lasted two seasons, making the show last three overall.
This was literally the only live action interpretation of Wonder Woman to make it to screen for decades until the Gal Gadot era began in "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice". (sidebar: a more recent Wonder Woman TV pilot was attempted in the 00s starring Adriane Palicki. The pilot was never aired.)
The show's popularity and, yes, cult status is part of the enduring legacy of Ms. Carter as the pioneering superhero. It is without question her best known role but she seems to not have suffered a regretful relationship to Hollywood for it.
I don't even know if there are any strong female role models out there for girls in this day and age. Judge Judy maybe? Lynda Carter was so down to earth and beautiful not to mention quietly ridding the world of evil doers...always wanted to be Wonder Woman! Yup, she got me through ages 10 and 11. I always looked up to Lynda Carter and Wonder Woman!
I read something atrocious like she didn't get along with Lyle Wagoner. I can't even imagine that. She always seemed to carry herself with such grace, and Lyle Wagoner always seemed like a cool guy as well. So glad they are rerunning Wonder Woman! It may seem dated but the show holds up well and I wonder what the screen adaptation will be like. No one could replace Lynda Carter...those days are over and done.
I read something atrocious like she didn't get along with Lyle Wagoner. I can't even imagine that. She always seemed to carry herself with such grace, and Lyle Wagoner always seemed like a cool guy as well. So glad they are rerunning Wonder Woman! It may seem dated but the show holds up well and I wonder what the screen adaptation will be like. No one could replace Lynda Carter...those days are over and done.
- mariadarling
- May 23, 2014
- Permalink
During the cynical Watergate Seventies we were certainly in need of unambiguous heroes or heroines as the case may be. The comics have always been a rich source of superheroes, look at how many times Superman has been reincarnated on the big and small screen.
I don't think it was an accident that Wonder Woman came to television the same time in the same decade that women finally got control of their own bodies with Roe vs. Wade. No one was going to tell Wonder Woman what she could do or not do with her own body.
Lynda Carter was one statuesque Wonder Woman. And she came from Paradise Isle where women live extremely long lives keeping their looks and all without men. But World War II intruded on their island and the policy of isolation went up in smoke. Wonder Woman knew exactly which side she would take and it wasn't going to be Mr. Hitler and his misogynistic and chauvinistic policies, not by a damn sight. If she could only have gotten her rope of truth around him.
Lyle Waggoner played Major Steve Trevor of Army Intelligence who kind of liked her, but knew she was kind of out of anybody's league. Halfway through the run, they updated Wonder Woman for the Seventies. It should have stayed during World War II.
But the episodes were fun and Carter was something to be hold in action or just hanging out.
I don't think it was an accident that Wonder Woman came to television the same time in the same decade that women finally got control of their own bodies with Roe vs. Wade. No one was going to tell Wonder Woman what she could do or not do with her own body.
Lynda Carter was one statuesque Wonder Woman. And she came from Paradise Isle where women live extremely long lives keeping their looks and all without men. But World War II intruded on their island and the policy of isolation went up in smoke. Wonder Woman knew exactly which side she would take and it wasn't going to be Mr. Hitler and his misogynistic and chauvinistic policies, not by a damn sight. If she could only have gotten her rope of truth around him.
Lyle Waggoner played Major Steve Trevor of Army Intelligence who kind of liked her, but knew she was kind of out of anybody's league. Halfway through the run, they updated Wonder Woman for the Seventies. It should have stayed during World War II.
But the episodes were fun and Carter was something to be hold in action or just hanging out.
- bkoganbing
- Apr 28, 2011
- Permalink
Back when I was a lad 2 women on television could make me swoon, one was Ginger on Gilligan's Island and Wonder Woman.
I never missed an episode of WW because I wanted to see Lynda Carter in WW's red white and blue outfit. I didn't care what the story was but my eyes were glued when she would doff her glasses as Diana Prince and twirl into WW because I knew she would be kicking some butt and taking names.
I was a huge fan of the Batman show but I was glad WW played it mostly straight. The scripts, especially in the 1st season, walked a fine line between straight and camp. One particular scene though cracks me up every time. In the pilot, guest star Red Buttons has his final confrontation with WW and he pulls a gun on her. He knows that bullets have no effect based on her special bracelets. So he starts shooting and as the bullets get deflected he rolls his eyes and acts just like someone would act when they know their actions are a waste of time.
Lynda Carter turned out to be the perfect WW both in looks and acting. She played the part as a woman who happen to have extra abilities and she played it straight.
Lyle Waggoner, playing Maj. Steve Trevor and later in the 2nd and 3rd seasons as Steve Trevor Jr., was the dashing male lead. I just never liked Lyle in the role because I was so use to him being on the Carol Burnett show that every time he appeared I wanted to giggle. Trevor also had the thankless job of having to be rescued by WW in every episode.
I just got the 1st season DVD and it made me remember that I liked the series because of the WWII stories. I liked the change to the 70's in season 2 and 3 but if I could choose I would want more episodes set in the 40's.
The special effects are very dated by today's standards. From the cheesy invisible plane, to being able to tell when a body WW is carrying is a dummy, the visible gadgets used for the bullets and bracelets bits, the sfx was classic 70's. But that doesn't really take away from the show - not that much anyway.
There were 2 versions of Diana transforming into WW. The pilot and first 2 episodes used a stop motion technique that showed the secret id clothes coming off, Carter's hair coming out its bun, and the WW outfit appearing. Due to budget reasons the 2nd version was used for the rest of the series where she would start to twirl and bright flash of light would then appear then when it went away there was WW. I much prefer the 1st version to the 2nd.
The other thing I love about the show is the kicking theme song by Charles Fox. The funky rock jazz music is based in the mid 70's but adds energy to the show. They also used the music when Diana would transform into WW and when WW would fight the bad guys.
This was really the first show with a strong woman lead and many of WW speeches and comments talked about the power of women. WW was stronger, faster, and smarter than any of the men on the show and she didn't need a man to survive. She didn't hate men, like her mother Queen Hippolyta, but then she didn't "hate" anyone even those wanting to kill her.
I also liked how WW would use violence only as a last resort and then she didn't kill anyone (well at least directly). She thought reasoning with people was better but she wasn't afraid to fight.
The other interesting thing about seeing the shows again on DVD is spotting actors today who had their early jobs as bit players on WW. A couple of examples is Gregory Harrison in the pilot and Barry Van Dyke in one episode.
I'm glad this show made it to DVD. Wonder Woman is one example that 1970's television wasn't all dreck.
I never missed an episode of WW because I wanted to see Lynda Carter in WW's red white and blue outfit. I didn't care what the story was but my eyes were glued when she would doff her glasses as Diana Prince and twirl into WW because I knew she would be kicking some butt and taking names.
I was a huge fan of the Batman show but I was glad WW played it mostly straight. The scripts, especially in the 1st season, walked a fine line between straight and camp. One particular scene though cracks me up every time. In the pilot, guest star Red Buttons has his final confrontation with WW and he pulls a gun on her. He knows that bullets have no effect based on her special bracelets. So he starts shooting and as the bullets get deflected he rolls his eyes and acts just like someone would act when they know their actions are a waste of time.
Lynda Carter turned out to be the perfect WW both in looks and acting. She played the part as a woman who happen to have extra abilities and she played it straight.
Lyle Waggoner, playing Maj. Steve Trevor and later in the 2nd and 3rd seasons as Steve Trevor Jr., was the dashing male lead. I just never liked Lyle in the role because I was so use to him being on the Carol Burnett show that every time he appeared I wanted to giggle. Trevor also had the thankless job of having to be rescued by WW in every episode.
I just got the 1st season DVD and it made me remember that I liked the series because of the WWII stories. I liked the change to the 70's in season 2 and 3 but if I could choose I would want more episodes set in the 40's.
The special effects are very dated by today's standards. From the cheesy invisible plane, to being able to tell when a body WW is carrying is a dummy, the visible gadgets used for the bullets and bracelets bits, the sfx was classic 70's. But that doesn't really take away from the show - not that much anyway.
There were 2 versions of Diana transforming into WW. The pilot and first 2 episodes used a stop motion technique that showed the secret id clothes coming off, Carter's hair coming out its bun, and the WW outfit appearing. Due to budget reasons the 2nd version was used for the rest of the series where she would start to twirl and bright flash of light would then appear then when it went away there was WW. I much prefer the 1st version to the 2nd.
The other thing I love about the show is the kicking theme song by Charles Fox. The funky rock jazz music is based in the mid 70's but adds energy to the show. They also used the music when Diana would transform into WW and when WW would fight the bad guys.
This was really the first show with a strong woman lead and many of WW speeches and comments talked about the power of women. WW was stronger, faster, and smarter than any of the men on the show and she didn't need a man to survive. She didn't hate men, like her mother Queen Hippolyta, but then she didn't "hate" anyone even those wanting to kill her.
I also liked how WW would use violence only as a last resort and then she didn't kill anyone (well at least directly). She thought reasoning with people was better but she wasn't afraid to fight.
The other interesting thing about seeing the shows again on DVD is spotting actors today who had their early jobs as bit players on WW. A couple of examples is Gregory Harrison in the pilot and Barry Van Dyke in one episode.
I'm glad this show made it to DVD. Wonder Woman is one example that 1970's television wasn't all dreck.
At least CBS let this one stay on the air for a bit, unlike the other cool and fun comic book show "The Amazing Spider-man" that they gave the ax to after one season because they did not want to be known as the superhero station. This show had one really good thing going for it and that was a perfectly cast Linda Carter in the title role. Nothing more fun to watch for a boy than to see her running in slow motion let me tell you. It also helps that it usually had a relatively good story line to go along with it. Though one thing I can not remember is how the show progressed. I know some of the episodes were like supposed to be set during World War II or something and others were supposed to take place in the 70's, I kind of think the World War II episodes came later. The show like many superhero shows during its day or any day for that matter did not really have any super villains for the most part, but I do remember a sort of alien movie and some really strong alien giving Wonder Woman a tough go of it. All in all a good superhero show that had a relatively good run during the 1970's.
Sorry for any of the New Age wonder woman fans, but Lynda Carter is easily the best wonder woman there could ever be. There will never be another like her!!!! Her smile, her acting, her build, and the nostalgia of 80's super hero television!!!! It is where it all started and where it all ends in my book.
- willandcharlenebrown
- Aug 6, 2020
- Permalink
The first season was the best cause it was the WWII Wonder Woman where she fought the Nazis then in Season two Wonder Woman returns 30 years later to the late 70's to represent the era. While not as good and was silly to have Lyle Waggoneer to play Steve Trevor's son Steve Jr. Where he also played his father in the first season. However by the third season Wonder Woman tanked cause the plots was farfetched and it became an imitation of the Bionic Woman with that show's sound effects.
- coreycitn63
- Apr 29, 2022
- Permalink
Wonder Woman, in your satin tights, fighting for your rights... in your starry baby diaper...
The 2017 film got the costume right. I did make jokes about an Alfa Romeo grill and all that, but just like with SUPERGIRL, she could be taken seriously. While Lynda Carter does look really great in the TV outfit, she doesn't appear to be, uhm, street-legal. She seems like a total nut-case running about albeit in spectacular form. But one skip away from the funny farm. Unfortunately that is how it is.
That said, I'm about to go to the last disc of Season One (yes, no specialist on the subject matter just yet) but the gigantic drawback of this show is the boring boring boring other characters. Steve Trevor, oh snore! Etta Candy, more snore! And Diana Prince (yes, Diana Prince (when she is Yeoman Prince)) bored snores galore! Gets really awful to watch with these drones buzzing about. Ah, there's Wonder Woman going through a transformation spin again, but aw, then it's back to boring old has beens again... endlessly. Endlessly. I'd complain about ridiculous storylines too, but the whole concept is ridiculous of course WITH THE PROBLEM BEING that they couldn't really get the show to fly. It's an idea taken on on a limited budget, and that shows.
Yes, Lynda Carter shows considerable heart. There is oodles of that. But try peddling this to the young generation of today. They'd laugh in your face. This looks wacky without being wacky, it's really just one big failure that made it because it was so different, so ahead of its time. But now? Watching it today you feel like a fool.* When it came to that gorilla episode, well, my patience got severely buckled and I'm still not over it past old Andros with his whistling lips.
*yet I don't feel like a fool when watching SUPERGIRL (2015). Okay, that's not quite true... :) Unfair comparison? No, I'm really talking about some really laughable cheapo plot devices in this one, stuff that was corny even back then in 1975. That awful gorilla suit, for one... I could never forgive that...!
Ridiculous times ten thousand. Looks good in that outfit, but don't stand in front of the window like that, honey. Go out in the street, are you daft...?
The 2017 film got the costume right. I did make jokes about an Alfa Romeo grill and all that, but just like with SUPERGIRL, she could be taken seriously. While Lynda Carter does look really great in the TV outfit, she doesn't appear to be, uhm, street-legal. She seems like a total nut-case running about albeit in spectacular form. But one skip away from the funny farm. Unfortunately that is how it is.
That said, I'm about to go to the last disc of Season One (yes, no specialist on the subject matter just yet) but the gigantic drawback of this show is the boring boring boring other characters. Steve Trevor, oh snore! Etta Candy, more snore! And Diana Prince (yes, Diana Prince (when she is Yeoman Prince)) bored snores galore! Gets really awful to watch with these drones buzzing about. Ah, there's Wonder Woman going through a transformation spin again, but aw, then it's back to boring old has beens again... endlessly. Endlessly. I'd complain about ridiculous storylines too, but the whole concept is ridiculous of course WITH THE PROBLEM BEING that they couldn't really get the show to fly. It's an idea taken on on a limited budget, and that shows.
Yes, Lynda Carter shows considerable heart. There is oodles of that. But try peddling this to the young generation of today. They'd laugh in your face. This looks wacky without being wacky, it's really just one big failure that made it because it was so different, so ahead of its time. But now? Watching it today you feel like a fool.* When it came to that gorilla episode, well, my patience got severely buckled and I'm still not over it past old Andros with his whistling lips.
*yet I don't feel like a fool when watching SUPERGIRL (2015). Okay, that's not quite true... :) Unfair comparison? No, I'm really talking about some really laughable cheapo plot devices in this one, stuff that was corny even back then in 1975. That awful gorilla suit, for one... I could never forgive that...!
Ridiculous times ten thousand. Looks good in that outfit, but don't stand in front of the window like that, honey. Go out in the street, are you daft...?
- RavenGlamDVDCollector
- Apr 5, 2019
- Permalink
Lynda Carter's portrayal of Wonder Woman was one of the best superhero performances ever. She really came across as a super-powerful female, just as Lou Ferrigno came across on The Incredible Hulk as a super-powerful green-skinned goliath. What was even better was when Debra Winger guest-starred in three episodes as WW's sister, Wonder Girl. Talk about a double dose of babeness!!!
I must say that I agree with almost everything I read in regards to the show. Originally I was more fond of the '70's version but after just finishing watching season three on DVD I now see the value of the WWII episodes.While I used to think that Lynda was a bit more relaxed and confident on screen it hit me;Lynda's naiveté and sense of bewilderment was much more interesting and believable even if it was due to her lack of experience as an actor.Her innocence of the way "Man's World" functioned was so evident on her face you could almost believe she had grown up as a princess on a hidden island populated by females only.The scene of her coming into the store and then being summarily thrown out by a "SISTER" was priceless and yet when confronted with obvious danger her inner warrior was in play instantly(i.e. the little old lady in the theater pulling out a machine gun).Thru out the season Diana showed her growing confidence and sometimes frustration with the Nazi party and the way they manipulated their women.The episodes featuring Drusilla/Wonder Girl perfectly conveyed her "big sister"protectiveness especially in the 2 part Feminum Mystique episode when she rallied her sisters to reclaim Paradise Island.I'll have more comments on another comment page.But lastly,I thought the same thing about Lynda as Hippolyta if the movie ever gets made.Til next time,Hola!
- Rgambit1964
- Jun 23, 2008
- Permalink
Having enlisted in the Air Force in early 76, I missed seeing these when they originally aired and only saw snippets here and there in reruns. The DVD set arrived quickly and for the most part worked fine. I do have four or five episodes that skipped scenes or froze (paused) unexpectedly - very frustrating but in keeping with other reviews. Seems these are a hit and miss with some buyers getting good ones, while some get entire disks that don't read. Nonetheless I highly recommend this DVD set for anyone that enjoyed the many great shows and sitcoms of the 60's and 70's. Better yet, opt for the new Blue Ray editions just released, though I've read some negative reviews on those too. Most involve read/skip issues same as mine. As for Wonder Woman specifically, I'm hooked! I specifically like the first season over the "new" version (seasons II and III) that takes place in the 70's (too bad there were only 14 episodes set during WWII). Biggest problem with "The New Adventures of Wonder Woman" apart from the horrible scripts and 70's actors with bad teeth, are the blundering studio execs that broke the conflict/love/tension relationship between Diana Prince, Wonder Woman, and Steve Trevor. This dynamic was crucial to the show - Diana had clearly fallen for Steve Trevor but was conflicted with her responsibilities as Wonder Woman. Steve Trevor has clearly fallen for Wonder Woman and couldn't see that the perfect woman (Wonder Woman) was sitting right in front of him, e.g., Diana!! This conflict between the three characters was one of the pillars of the show, but when Wonder Woman moves to the 70's it's made absolutely clear in the first episode of season II (The Return of Wonder Woman) that neither Diana nor Wonder Woman had any "interest" in the "new" Steve Trevor, e.g., Steve Trevor Junior. In fact, the studio execs seemed compelled to make that clear when they have the robot Trevor makes a play for Diana in her apartment during the above episode. So, now what? With the love/romance/conflict gone what becomes of Trevor? Seems he's now just another bumbling IADC agent, or the conduit for introducing the hunky guest star in subsequent episodes such as Ron Ely, Ted Shackelford and others. I'm confident this is the reason the show did not do as well in its second and third season after which it was quietly cancelled. Not sure what was going through the minds of the studio execs and script writers as the Trevor character was written out altogether at the end of season III (Lyle Waggoner isn't even credited in episode 22, The Man Who Could Not Die). By then I think someone realized that CBS had so badly screwed up the show that it was decided not to run a 4th season in which, I assume, Waggoner was to be replaced by Bob Seagren who played the leading man in the above episode. Appears they planned for an indestructible Seagren to pair up with Wonder Woman to become semi-immortal superheroes. All that was missing was the cave and butler! But perhaps studio execs are not totally to blame as there are rumors that, somewhere during season II, Lynda Carter woke up one morning and realized she was now a "big star" and that she could carry the show by herself. She then, allegedly, went all deva and pressured studio execs and script writers to minimize Waggoner's character and to eventually write him out of the show altogether. Hopefully that's not true but regardless, the change in script direction proved disastrous for the show and drove its eventual cancelation.
- petersons-48985
- Dec 19, 2020
- Permalink
I have good memories of this show. I was 3 years old when the show came out and was 7 when the show went off the air. I basically grew up with this show. I wanted to be Wonder Woman back then - Haha! Yea the show has sentimental value to me.
8/10.
8/10.
- Rainey-Dawn
- Sep 9, 2021
- Permalink
The most outstanding thing about this series, especially its first season, is that the production managed to flawlessly translate a cartoon into a movie with real characters. Perhaps due to the failure of the first pilot starring Cathy Lee Crosby, where they had presented a Wonder Woman very different from the one in the comics, it is that in this second attempt the production decided to present a version faithful to the original and the result was brilliant. Right from the start, the intro of the show made it clear that we were about to see a comic made into a movie, colorful vignettes showed how a beautiful Lynda Carter emerged with a victorious demeanor and a candid smile, all accompanied by a powerful and catchy soundtrack. I think the success of this series is due in large part to the fact that Lynda was perfect for the character. Its first season set during World War II was the best version of the original comics. The costs of making a period series forced the production to move the action to contemporary times in the second season and for my taste the series lost its initial charm although it continued to have good episodes.
- asalerno10
- Oct 3, 2022
- Permalink
It is interesting to note that in the seventies there were only three major networks which covered the US market. All the successful series received huge ratings compared to todays multi-channel TV world not to mention the internet. It is also well known in the industry that TV stars are seen by a much larger audience than film stars in theaters. So women starring in their own series are super stars indeed. It probably is a good bet that after the powers that be in Hollywood found out that "flying" would work, that Superman shot in 1978 which was a Blockbuster hit can credit the " woman" starring TV series ISIS (1975-76) and WONDER WOMAN (1976-79) as precursors for success. Both these ladies talent and beauty and their contribution to the entertainment industry are to be admired when it comes to this genre.
I used to occasionally watch this when I was younger, when it was on the weekends on MeTV. I don't like Lydia Carter's acting to be honest, I would usually look at the show because of the charisma of Lyle Wagonner (who plays Steve Trevor/Jr.). For me, 6-7 years ago it was ok. The plots weren't great. Looking at it again, several years later, the plots usually revolve in a similar matter. I wouldn't really recommend this show. Giving it an extra review star just because of Lyle Wagonner.
- Celeste_1977
- Apr 9, 2021
- Permalink
When Lynda Carter first graced TV screens around the globe, most viewers, when thinking about comic book adaptations of a super-hero, would probably think of Batman, the larger than life, tongue-in-cheek series of the 1960s. What made Wonder Woman so special, and Lynda Carter's portrayal so memorable, was that when the first script in which she featured (a pilot set in the 1940s)contained many influences that could be traced back to Batman, and some very over-the-top performances, Lynda Carter played it straight. Both Wonder Woman, and Diana Prince, had to believe in what they were doing. And that belief made it all seem very real to audiences, in particular the generation of children who watched each episode. Writers and directors rapidly responded, and an unexpectedly credible series emerges. Guest actors didn't give camp or exaggerated performances, as Lynda Carter made this role very much her own. Just as Christopher Reeve made Superman an almost impossible mountain for any other actor to climb, so Lynda Carter gave a performance that 30 years later still makes it impossible to imagine any other actress in the role. Beautiful she certainly was, and created by nature to have all the physical attributes that Wonder Woman required, but it is her decision to play it straight and give the series its believability and a unique feel all its own that has helped the series endure in the memories of people around the world.
- arizonapepsibr
- Feb 24, 2017
- Permalink
The greatest of the female superheroes, was the greatest of the 70's boom of television superhero shows, and one of the best science fiction adventures of its generation.
Like Christopher Reeve WAS Superman in the movies for many years, Lynda Carter WAS Wonder Woman on television in the late 1970's. She personified good triumphing over all evil, and did it with strength, charm, charisma, and good looks.
"Wonder Woman" was my favorite show as a child, and I enjoy it even more today on DVD (although Warner Brothers should have manufactured its Wonder Woman DVD sets with only one play side to avoid fingerprints from ruining these great DVD sets.)
Unlike other comic book superhero portrayals on the small and large screen, "Wonder Woman" has the right combination of fantasy and reality, science fiction and truth. There is lots of adventure, drama, suspense, and tolerable levels of satire and camp. This puts the program on the same level as the Christopher Reeve "Superman" franchise, and the Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno "Incredible Hulk" creation.
"Wonder Woman" far outclasses the Adam West/ Burt Ward "Batman" production (high camp, and silliness) and George Reeves "The Adventures of Superman", now out on DVD (dull, banal and spartan to today's CGI standards).
The science fiction shows of today that "Wonder Woman" outclasses include "Supernatural", "Smallville", "Ghost Whisperer" and many others which are nothing more than soap operas offering teen sex, gore and a CGI extravaganza to make it all look good. "Wonder Woman" with Lynda Carter is pre-CGI era television, yet the special effects are far above average for 1970's television. In "Anschluss '77" Lynda Carter actually does a tremendous stunt. Wonder Woman is searching for a large Neo-Nazi installation in South America, and to find this information out she hangs from a helicopter flown by Nazi agents. Lynda Carter herself is doing this stunt.
"Wonder Woman" seasons 1 to 3 are great DVD sets to introduce to a new generation that wasn't born when the classic show first aired on ABC- Saturday Nights, and CBS Friday Nights. My Favorite episodes season 1- "The Last of the Two Dollar Bills", season 2- "Knockout", and "Mind Stealers From Outer Space", and season 3- "The Man Who Could Not Die".
Lynda Carter as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and supporting actor Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor/Steve Trevor Jr. had great chemistry together. Waggoner was a great leading man and the perfect complement to Carter's role as super heroine.
"Wonder Woman" is less on the level of the George Reeves "Superman" and the Adam West "Batman", and more on the level of some of the great 70's action adventures like "Charlie's Angels", "Dallas", and "Kojak".
Every episode is original, and our comic book heroine battles foes from Nazis to domestic terrorists, to intergalactic criminals. This was one classic television program from back in the day.
Like Christopher Reeve WAS Superman in the movies for many years, Lynda Carter WAS Wonder Woman on television in the late 1970's. She personified good triumphing over all evil, and did it with strength, charm, charisma, and good looks.
"Wonder Woman" was my favorite show as a child, and I enjoy it even more today on DVD (although Warner Brothers should have manufactured its Wonder Woman DVD sets with only one play side to avoid fingerprints from ruining these great DVD sets.)
Unlike other comic book superhero portrayals on the small and large screen, "Wonder Woman" has the right combination of fantasy and reality, science fiction and truth. There is lots of adventure, drama, suspense, and tolerable levels of satire and camp. This puts the program on the same level as the Christopher Reeve "Superman" franchise, and the Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno "Incredible Hulk" creation.
"Wonder Woman" far outclasses the Adam West/ Burt Ward "Batman" production (high camp, and silliness) and George Reeves "The Adventures of Superman", now out on DVD (dull, banal and spartan to today's CGI standards).
The science fiction shows of today that "Wonder Woman" outclasses include "Supernatural", "Smallville", "Ghost Whisperer" and many others which are nothing more than soap operas offering teen sex, gore and a CGI extravaganza to make it all look good. "Wonder Woman" with Lynda Carter is pre-CGI era television, yet the special effects are far above average for 1970's television. In "Anschluss '77" Lynda Carter actually does a tremendous stunt. Wonder Woman is searching for a large Neo-Nazi installation in South America, and to find this information out she hangs from a helicopter flown by Nazi agents. Lynda Carter herself is doing this stunt.
"Wonder Woman" seasons 1 to 3 are great DVD sets to introduce to a new generation that wasn't born when the classic show first aired on ABC- Saturday Nights, and CBS Friday Nights. My Favorite episodes season 1- "The Last of the Two Dollar Bills", season 2- "Knockout", and "Mind Stealers From Outer Space", and season 3- "The Man Who Could Not Die".
Lynda Carter as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and supporting actor Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor/Steve Trevor Jr. had great chemistry together. Waggoner was a great leading man and the perfect complement to Carter's role as super heroine.
"Wonder Woman" is less on the level of the George Reeves "Superman" and the Adam West "Batman", and more on the level of some of the great 70's action adventures like "Charlie's Angels", "Dallas", and "Kojak".
Every episode is original, and our comic book heroine battles foes from Nazis to domestic terrorists, to intergalactic criminals. This was one classic television program from back in the day.
- [email protected]
- Dec 30, 2005
- Permalink
Like so many people here I agree, the old tv shows were campy cheesy but entertaining. Wonder Woman was a great show, Wonder Woman never killed anybody or said bad words, I liked this show and I miss shows like this today, were the line between heroes and villains is very thin.