TV Show Review: Wonder Woman - Season 3

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Lynda Carter

Cons: "Formicida" and other cheese

The Bottom Line:

The show is dated

For those with fond memories

That means it's still fun

Wonder Woman's Final Missions

This is Wonder Woman's third and final season of adventures saving the world from the forces of evil. These 24 episodes pick up where season 2 left off with Diana Prince (Lynda Carter) as a field agent for the IADC (Inter Agency Defense Command). She's confident, capable, and always gets her man. Of course, it helps that she has a secret identity as Wonder Woman with her super strength, lasso of truth, and bracelets that stop bullets.

Unlike the previous two seasons, there's no discussion of Diana's origins on Paradise Island or her status as one of the legendary Amazons. Instead, it just deals with the villain of the week. Quite often it enters science fiction territory. There's "Gault's Brain" about a living brain looking for a new body. A man makes living statues as a way to hide criminals. The two-part "Boy Who Knew Her Secret" is a spooky tale about a town being invaded by aliens. I find this one creeps me out every time I watch it.

But not every episode deals with the supernatural. Frankly, these are the episodes I prefer. "Hot Wheels" deals with government secrets and a Rolls Royce. "Stolen Faces" finds two Wonder Women running around Washington DC. What is the imposter up to? And I must mention a personal favorite, "Amazon Hot Wax." As a cross promotion for her recent (1978) record, Lynda Carter gets to sing two songs in this fun episode.

The show winds down with Diana moving to California and the IADC branch in Los Angeles. This creates an interesting continuity issue. The shows are presented in this set in their original broadcast order. That means "The Man Who Could Not Die" is presented before the two-part "Phantom of the Roller Coaster." In the first episode, Diana Prince reports to her new permanent assignment in Los Angeles. In the second, she's back living in DC with no mention of the previous move. Of course, being a DVD release, we can watch them in whatever order we want.

One more thing to mention about "Phantom of the Roller Coaster." The episode is centered around the mysterious happenings at an amusement park. It was really filmed at Six Flags Magic Mountain, an amusement park I've been to countless times. It's fun watching it trying to see what I recognize and what has changed.

While all the episodes have a certain cheesiness to them, there are a few that really stand out. Particularly bad this season is "Formicida." In this episode, our villain has figured out how to control thousands of ants and make them do his bidding. Yes, it's as bad as it sounds. Really, that's the only cringe worthy one, a definite improvement over previous years.

Lynda Carter is most definitely the star of this show. Playing the dual role of Diana Prince and Wonder Woman, she is in most every scene. And she continues to do a great job. She has obviously gotten comfortable with the role and effortlessly plays the part. Lyle Waggoner is still around as Steve Trevor, but he has a much smaller role this time around. He tends to stay in the office and has little screen time. That leaves much of the acting to the guest stars. While most do a good job, there are the occasional bad actors, which only serves to heighten the cheese factor. Of course, the special effects are poor by today's standards. But they work for a 70's TV show.

Once again, we have a great set for fans. The 24 episodes collected on four double-sided discs in full frame and stereo sound. We are treated to a commentary from Lynda Carter on the first episode in the set, "My Teenage Idol is Missing," which is worth a listen although it doesn't need your undivided attention. Also included is a 13-minute documentary on Wonder Woman as a feminist icon, a topic I must admit I never really even thought about before.

Yes, the fashions seem laughable today. There is the occasional cheesy episode. Ultimately, fans of the show will enjoy watching the third season again. And those without fond memories will probably best look elsewhere.

Season 3 Episode Guide:

1. My Teenage Idol is Missing

2. Hot Wheels

3. The Deadly Sting

4. The Fine Art of Crime

5. Disco Devil

6. Formicida

7. Time Bomb

8. Skateboard Wiz

9. The Deadly Dolphin

10. Stolen Faces

11. Pot of Gold

12. Gault's Brain

13. Going, Going, Gone

14. Spaced Out

15. The Starships Are Coming

16. Amazon Hot Wax

17. The Richest Man in the World

18. A Date with Doomsday

19. The Girl with a Gift for Disaster

20. The Boy Who Knew Her Secret Part 1

21. The Boy Who Knew Her Secret Part 2

22. The Man Who Could Not Die

23. The Phantom of the Roller Coaster Part 1

24. The Phantom of the Roller Coaster Part 2