#TheBionicWoman s2e12 (1977) - 5/10
Competent-but-dull backdoor pilot.
Had it gone to series, the show would have followed the adventures of an OSI agent (#GranvilleVanDusen) with mild (almost credible) super-powers.
The first half takes place in the laboratory and it’s basically a checklist of the “cool” things this guy can do. The second half is a simple mission behind enemy lines, with a succession of obstacles for the guy and Jaime to overcome (using their powers).
Van Dusen is a likeable chap. As well as dozens of guest shots, he starred in a handful of unsold pilots in the late 70s and early ‘80s. Drama and comedy. He has a laidback, easy-going style. He never looks like he’s acting. He’s well cast here.
Jaime impresses here. In a nice reversal, from all the early episodes, she’s very much the experienced agent now. And this guy she’s saddled with is the novice.
Steve is mentioned several times. He’s on an undercover mission, and is able to prove some info for Jaime. She alludes to her feelings for him, at one point.
While it’s easy to imagine a series with the Van Dusen character, there’s nothing particularly exciting about any of this or what he does. One could imagine it sustaining 13 episodes and nothing more.
#KennethJohnson revisited some of the ideas from this story in an excellent 2-hour episode of #TheIncredibleHulk 18 months later.