The 1970s TV adaptation of Wonder Woman, which aired first on ABC then CBS, occupies a unique space in superhero television history. It’s not quite the campy Batman of the 60s, nor is it the gritty realism we see in current superhero fare. Instead, it found a tone that blended earnest heroism with a touch of lightheartedness, making it both empowering and fun to watch. The series stars Lynda Carter as Diana Prince, the Amazon princess who leaves her hidden island home to fight for good in the world of man during World War II (Season 1), then in the modern era (Seasons 2 and 3). The program took some liberties with the source material, but it captured the essence of Wonder Woman: a powerful, intelligent, and compassionate figure.
The first season is very much set in the 1940’s, leaning heavily into the WWII setting, with Diana working as a code breaker alongside Lyle Waggoner’s Steve Trevor, a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot. The wartime backdrop provided a clear and present enemy for Wonder Woman to battle, often depicted with a pulpy, comic book sensibility. It wasn’t just about physical prowess. Diana’s intellect and ability to use her Amazonian gifts, like her bracelets and lasso, to solve problems proved crucial in each situation, emphasizing her resourcefulness. The tone in this first season was somewhat different from what would follow, with a more serious feel.
Seasons two and three shifted the setting to the late 1970s, after Diana was “awakened” from a decades long deep sleep. This resulted in an updated and more polished feel to the show. Lyle Waggoner returns, playing the son of the first Steve Trevor (also called Steve Trevor), and working for the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC), a fictional US intelligence organization. The change of time period brought about the addition of new threats, new technology and a different type of villain, including more sci-fi and espionage based plots. The storylines would have Diana working in a civilian capacity, while also carrying out her missions as Wonder Woman. Norman Burton plays General Blankenship, Trevor’s superior, providing a steady, military type counterpoint to Wonder Woman’s more outlandish powers, and Richard Eastham as the urbane and often humorous IADC director, the kind and considerate boss.
The villains were a mixed bag, ranging from fairly standard spies and crooks to more outlandish characters with unique abilities. Some of the most memorable villains were, Baron Von Gunther played by Kenneth Johnson (Who was also the show’s executive producer), the Nazi saboteur with the mechanical claw, and the dastardly Dr Solano who was frequently attempting to use his scientific advancements for nefarious schemes. These villains, while sometimes not the most convincing, often brought out the best of Wonder Woman’s fighting ability, resourcefulness and powers. The show’s special effects, though dated by today’s standards, were quite effective for the time, using visual tricks and some well-executed stunts to bring Wonder Woman’s abilities to life.
Of course, the core of the show rested on Lynda Carter’s performance. She embodied the role perfectly, portraying both the strength and the compassion of the character. Her portrayal was not only physically impressive, but it also brought a warmth and sincerity to Wonder Woman that made her relatable to audiences. The show never shied away from Diana’s own humanity, which made her all the more heroic. It’s a portrayal that has stood the test of time, with Carter’s image still the first thing that comes to mind for many when they think of Wonder Woman.
The program found success due to its combination of action, adventure, and a strong moral compass. It portrayed a female superhero who was both powerful and kind, a character that was both inspiration for young girls as well as an admired figure for men. The production values and the writing quality can seem a little dated today, it remains an important show within the pantheon of superhero television, and is certainly worth revisiting for it’s blend of 1970’s charm, and for Lynda Carter’s iconic portrayal of Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman aired on ABC and CBS.
Years ran: 1975-1979
Number of Episodes: 60
Creators: Stanley Ralph Ross
Cast: Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner, Norman Burton, Richard Eastham, Kenneth Johnson
