If all this sounds vaguely familiar, like something you saw on the Sci Fi Channel one afternoon, forget it. This may share a name and premise with the mid-’70s spin-off of “The Six Million Dollar Man,” but this ain’t your daddy’s “Bionic Woman.” It also ain’t your little sister’s, since this is not only a smart and realistic remake of that show, but a decidedly adult one as well, as evidenced by the bloody opening scene and lack of silly humor (though this does have a cheesy soundtrack like a bad kids show). Instead, it’s the next great sci-fi show and possibly the best new show of the season.
Who’s that?: Michelle Ryan from the British soap “EastEnders” is Jamie Sommers; Chris Bowers from “Rescue Me” is Will Anthros, who is not only Jaime’s boyfriend but, conveniently, a professor of Bioethics and a scientist exploring bionics as well; Miguel Ferrer from “Crossing Jordan” (and tons of movie trailer voiceovers) plays Jonas Beldsoe, the Oscar Goldman-like head of the bionics department; Lucy Hale is Jamie’s deaf and rebellious sister Becca; while Katee Sackhoff, who was Starbuck on “Battlestar Galactica,” has a recurring role as the Bionic Bitch, Sarah Corvis.
Buzzed about: Though based on the original “Bionic Woman,” this one was created by David Eick, who previously remade another cheesy, low-budget ’70s show called “Battlestar Galactica” into a similarly smart sci-fi drama.
The “ooh” factor: It seems that all the goodwill Eick earned on “Galactica” was reimbursed in the form of a big budget for “Bionic,” which he thankfully spent on a great special effects as well as some talented writers, directors and actors.
The “eh” factor: Sadly, the show’s cheese-free approach has a few terrible side effect: no Fembots, no Bigfoot episode and no evil hair dressers with truth serum shampoo.
The verdict: Along with “Lost,” “Heroes” and “Battlestar Galactica,” this is yet another example of how spectacular sci-fi isn’t just found in movie theaters, comic books or video games—sometimes, it’s on TV.
“Bionic Woman” premieres Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9 p.m./8c on NBC.
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