Get to know the 'first' Bionic Woman

If you're a newcomer to the world of Bionics and the original Bionic Woman you might like a little guidance on the characters and the best episodes to watch to get a feel for the show. Fear not, we're here to help! Photo gallery...

Main Characters

Jaime Sommers - Title character of the show, Jaime was made Bionic after a near fatal sky-diving accident. She was previously a Tennis Pro on the World Circuit, but following the accident went to work for Oscar Goldman and the OSI to repay the debt she felt she owed him for making her Bionic. By day she works as a school teacher at the Ventura Air base, whilst undertaking the occassional mission for the OSI. She lives in Ojai with Jim and Helen.

Col. Steve Austin - The original Bionic man aka The Six Million Dollar Man. First person we know of to be made Bionic, following a near fatal test flight crash. Ex-astronaut who has walked on the moon and childhood sweetheart of Jaime Sommers. Also works for the OSI.

Oscar Goldman - Jaime's boss at the OSI [Office of Scientific Intelligence] and friend. Previously worked as a naval intelligence officer before joining the OSI. Had an older brother, Sam, now deceased [see episode 'Iron Ships & Dead Men']

Dr. Rudy Wells - Pioneering researcher and inventor of Bionics, the doctor who performed the Bionic surgery on both Steve and Jaime. His first sucessful Bionic operation was on a dog, called Maxillian [at a cost of million dollars...] who is still alive, unbeknownst to Steve and Jaime [see 'The Bionic Dog' 1 & 2]

Jim & Helen Elgin - Steve's mother and step-father. Became Jaime's legal guardians after the death of her parents when she was sixteen. Jaime lives in a converted barn on Helen and Jim's ranch.

Peggy Callahan - Oscar's secretary and friend to Jaime.

Recomended episodes

This is a very subjective list, however the listed episodes give a flavour of the show and it's characters and include light-hearted episodes alongside high drama and action. The episodes are in chronological order and upon viewing you can see Jaime's character develop and the writers become more confident and experimental in their story-telling as the show progressed throughout it's 3 season run.

Angel of Mercy
Jaime takes on the roll of a medic to help rescue a stranded ambassador and his wife. The pilot flying her resents the fact that she is a woman, but she soon proves herself more than up to the task. The epsidoes features acting veteran Andy Griffith and whilst fairly standard fair, has several outside scenes set on the studio backlot. One of numerous stories where Jaime overcomes male chauvenism or has to 'subtley' help her male colleague.

Fly Jaime
Jaime takes on the role of an air stewardess to protect Rudy Wells on a flight to deliver a top secret formula. The plane crashes and the survivors are stranded on an island... shades of LOST, although this 'mystery' is wrapped up in 48 minutes! Nice character episode which pairs Jaime and Rudy Wells together and gives the pair some screen time outside of Rudy's lab. Features a guest appearance by Christopher Stone who would later be brought in as a regular boyfriend for Jaime.

Mirror Image
Superb episode where a convicted criminal, Lisa Galloway - is given plastic surgery to impersonate Jaime Sommers and steal goverment secrets. With the help of Oscar Jaime switches the tables and impersonates Lisa to get to the masterminds behind the plan. Lindsay Wagner played both characters and the character was so popular the story was given a sequel the following season - Deadly Ringer.

Kill Oscar - Parts 1,2 & 3
A unique 3-part story which started on The Bionic Woman, continued on The Six Million Dollar Man, and concluded back on BW. The story involved Dr. Franklin, a former OSI scientist and his Fembots, super-srtong female looking robots, capable of impersonating real people. The Fembots infiltrate the OSI to steals the plans to a weather control device. It takes the combined talents of both Jaime and Steve to stop him holding the world to ransom.

Sister Jaime
Light-hearted episode where Jaime must go under-cover in a convent to find a gang of diamond smugglers. Written by Kenneth Johnson it has all the hallmarks of someone at home with their creation and yes, it's cheesy and preachy in parts, but that should not detract from the over-all charm of the piece. You would have to be made of stone not to enjoy this. Complimented by some nice location work and a great score, there are darker episodes, to be sure, but few as enjoyable.

Doomsday is Tomorrow Parts 1 & 2
Absolutely THE best story of the show's run, written and directed by BW creator Kenneth Johnson. Dr. Elijah Cooper threatens to unleash a doomsday device upon the world unless al goverments cease testing of nuclear weapons. The story pits Jaime against super computer Alex, after the doomsday device is triggered. For 90 minutes Johnson puts his audience through the emotional ringer and just when you think it's over, there is a superb twist in the tail. Classic, must-see television.

Deadly Ringer Parts 1 & 2
Following on from the above story, the next week saw the return of Lisa Galloway, now in possession of a drug which can mimic Jaime's super strength. Jaime is imprisoned as Lisa and must escape and clear her name, whilst Lisa takes over Jaime's life both at the OSi and with Jim and Helen. A superb performance by Lindsay wagner saw her win an Emmy for this 2-parter, and deservedly so.

The Bionic Dog Parts 1 & 2
Loved by some, lothered by others, the 3rd season openner saw the introduction of a new Bionic character, Maxillion the Bionic dog. Max was the first Bionic creature, an experiment now facing death due to his uncontrollable violent outbursts. Jaime finds herself growing closer to Max and his plight, and against Oscar and Rudy's advice, she steals Max from the lab and the pair go on the run as Jaime decides to give him the one thing he lacks.... his freedom.