Written By Ken HulseyLynda Carter holds a special place in television history, forever cherished for her iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman during her four-year run in American prime time. This Amazonian goddess, celebrated for her strength and beauty, became the quintessential defender of freedom and captivated audiences worldwide. Lynda, a talented actress with Native American and Hispanic heritage, was a natural choice for the role that originated in DC Comics back in the 1940s. Considering her recognition as Miss World-USA in 1973, it was no surprise that her involvement would sparkle like television gold.
Unfortunately, the series faced challenges that ultimately led to its premature exit. Changes in network strategy, local scheduling, and even philosophical shifts contributed to its decline. Interestingly, a rival show, NBC's “Diff’rent Strokes,” which starred the beloved Gary Coleman, disrupted CBS's schedule, forcing a reevaluation of programming. Sadly, "Wonder Woman" and its captivating lead, Lynda Carter, found themselves on the chopping block.
Throughout its development, the show took on some unusual directions. Back in the late 1960s, during the “Batman Craze,” producer Bill Dozier had envisioned a comedic version of Wonder Woman, striving to capture the spirit of the times. Entering the 1970s, producer John G. Stephens made an attempt with a 90-minute TV movie titled “Wonder Woman,” starring the blonde former tennis star Cathy Lee Crosby alongside notable names like Ricardo Montalban. However, this adaptation didn't resonate with audiences, and the film was met with dismal reviews.
Before Lynda Carter was cast in the role we all know so well today, other options were explored. Linda Harrison, famous for her role as Nova in "Planet of the Apes," even completed several test shots and was a leading contender at one point. But it was Carter's pilot, “The New Original Wonder Woman,” which aired in November 1975, that truly made waves. With its impressive ratings and favorable reviews, one might expect it would seamlessly transition into a full series. However, instead of a regular time slot, ABC opted for two one-hour specials, which, despite their popularity, still left the show's future in limbo.
Fast forward to the 1976-1977 season, and Wonder Woman was considered as a last-minute replacement if any of the already scheduled shows stumbled. As fate would have it, a couple of those shows didn’t make the cut, giving "Wonder Woman" the golden opportunity it needed. In no time, eleven one-hour episodes were greenlit for production, allowing the show to ride in and save ABC from a deficit in quality programming.
Set against the backdrop of World War II-era Washington, DC, the series painted Wonder Woman as a fearless champion of freedom, bravely standing against the sinister forces of Nazi Germany. By day, she masqueraded as Military Intelligence secretary Diana Prince, cleverly embodying a quirky Clark Kent persona with her signature glasses. Come nightfall, she was ready to don her iconic costume, always prepared to rescue Major Steve Trevor, played by Lyle Waggoner, from whatever predicament he found himself in. We also saw a young Debra Winger as Wonder Girl, adding an extra layer of heroism and camaraderie to the show.
Balancing just the right mix of camp and action, "Wonder Woman" managed to strike a chord with audiences, proving to be not just a show, but a beloved cultural phenomenon that continues to resonate with fans today. Its legacy endures, serving as an inspiration for future generations and an unforgettable chapter in the annals of television history.
**Wonder Woman (1976 - 1979)**
**Also Known As:** The New Adventures of Wonder Woman (1977), The New Original Wonder Woman (1976)
**Created By:** The iconic William M. Marston, who not only created the character but also laid the groundwork for her enduring legacy.
**Directed By:** The talented Jack Arnold & Ray Austin, whose combined visions brought the Amazon princess to life on the small screen.
**Written By:** A collaborative effort from Rod Baker, William M. Marston, and Jackson Gillis, whose storytelling captivated audiences and showcased Wonder Woman’s strength and compassion.
**Produced By:** The dynamic trio of Wilfred Lloyd Baumes, Charles B. Fitzimons, and Douglas S. Cramer, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the series shone brightly in television history.
**Theme Music By:** The incredible Charles Fox, whose compelling theme captured the essence of Wonder Woman.
**Main Cast:**
- **Lynda Carter** as Wonder Woman, Princess Diana, & Diana Prince: Lynda's portrayal is beloved, making her synonymous with the character.
- **Lyle Wagner** as Major Steve Trevor: A steadfast ally and love interest, Lyle brought depth to his role.
- **Norman Burton** as Joe Atkinson: A memorable character who added dimension to the series.
- **Beatrice Colen** as Etta Candy: With her delightful charm, Bea infused the series with humor and warmth.
- **Richard Eastman** as Gen. Phil Blankenship: A supportive figure in Diana's journey, Eastman depicted a strong military presence.
- **Tom Kratochzil** as I.R.A.C. (Voice): The voice of the intelligent computer, IRAC, added a modern twist to the show.
- **Saundra Sharp** as Eve: A character who contributed to the adventures and themes of empowerment.
- **Cloris Leachman, Carolyn Jones,** and **Beatrice Straight** as the Queen Mother: Each brought their unique interpretation to the regal character, enriching the storyline.
- **George Lynda Day** as Fausta Grabels: A formidable foe, adding complexity to Wonder Woman’s adventures.
- **Christine Belford** as Paula Von Gunther: A character wrapped in intrigue and competition for our heroine.
This series continues to resonate with fans around the world, celebrating courage, justice, and the unyielding spirit of Wonder Woman. If you're interested in more insights or a deeper dive into specific episodes, feel free to ask!
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