Bionic Woman, Volume 1

This is the first and only season of the Bionic Woman. This show was a remake of the old 70's show and started off promising but quickly crashed and burned. It never really knew if it wanted to be a dark serious remake or campy and cheesy like the old show. The writing is incredibly lame and comes across more like a bad daytime soap then a dark cutting edge sc-fi series with far more time given to jamie's annoying little sister then any real action not to mention the fact that the show sometimes has a anti-canadian(?!) slant that shows up from time to time for some reason. The only real good point is the very sexy and talented Michelle Ryan that does what she can to make things interesting and her charm is really the only reason to watch this at all. If someone had a clear vision for this like the new Galactica maybe it would have worked but this never really got off the ground. unless you can get it really,really cheap, avoid it.

OK, I admit it. I wasn't thrilled with the show when it aired either. After making it through the pilot and part of the second episode, I stopped watching. Then, inexplicably, I picked up the show on DVD and gave it a second chance. Strong characterization, effects that eventually hit their stride and growing chemistry between the castmembers make this a can't-miss release. Remember all of the buzz about the show being one of the best the season had to offer? There's a reason behind that - this is a compulsively watchable show, especially on DVD, where the plot can unfold at your leisure. The initial eight episodes (of a reported 14) are presented here for you in an attractive 2-DVD set. At the price, you're not likely to find a more entertaining show - Isaiah Washington hands in another impressive performance, Jose Ferrer is an effectively grey villain/mentor, Katee Sackhoff is menacing as the unhinged first attempt at bionics and the lead, Michelle Ryan, should have been the breakout star of 2007. Her American accent is flawless, and those of her fans more familiar with her British work (such as Jekyll), will even have the opportunity to hear her native accent in the season's fifth episode. Bad timing and a lack of faith from NBC prevented this show from becoming a much more popular presentation. Fans of Battlestar Galactica's rich characterization as well as of the original show(s) have much to rediscover here. The production was troubled, true - the ratings may have been low. But discover some of the best TV work you've seen in a while at a bargain price (and hope for the release of volume 2!) while it's still available.

It's too bad this show was cancelled, I wish the whole first season would come out. I personally think this is better than the original.