‘Bionic Woman’ Will Be Dark, But Not Too Dark

By ALAN STANLEY BLAIR Aug-21-2007
Source: Variety

The re-imagination of classic concepts is no stranger to television these days, with “Battlestar Galactica” and “Doctor Who” still among the most popular genre shows currently in production.

But when NBC first announced they were hoping to replicate that kind of success with their new take on "The Bionic Woman," many were skeptical that it could be made believable and if it would even be a success. Several of the show's actors were among them.

Miguel Ferrer who plays the leader of the shadowy group that saves Jamie Sommers (Michelle Ryan), originally tried to turn down his role on the show until the writers explained that this would be a darker, more adult story for the present day.

"When I first heard ‘Bionic Woman,’ I thought, 'There's no way. Not interested. Forget it,' " Ferrer told Variety. "They said, 'Hold on. It's dark and it's nasty and people die (and) it's not what you think it is.' And sure enough, it's not what I thought it was."

That very statement may be enough to put off some viewers, as "Battlestar Galactica" may have lost viewers due to its very dark and sinister storytelling. Fortunately for them, "Bionic Woman" will be dark, but not quite that dark.

"That's not really the style of show you would want to do with someone like Michelle Ryan, who is so appealing and winning and charismatic. You don't want to put her in ‘Taxi Driver,’" executive producer David Eick said. "That being said, it's a darker show than the old ‘Bionic Woman,’ and I think that's a good thing. Darkness doesn't mean depressing. This is meant to be an exciting show with a lot of optimism and hope."

Eick, who also serves as an executive producer on "Battlestar Galactica," also emphasized that like "Galactica" this show will take the best and worst of the series and give it a serious face that everyone will be able to accept. In this version of the series, Jamie is forced to undergo the experimental bionic enhancements after being hit by a truck. Following her augmentation, she then takes on a series of missions for the corporation that saved her life in order to bring down rogue prototype Sarah Corvus who is played by "Battlestar Galactica" alum Katee Sackhoff.

As well as the core feministic attitudes of the original series, “Bionic Woman” also will tackle some very personal questions for Jamie, including how she keeps in touch with her humanity after her near-death experience. In particular, her resistance to become the same monster that Corvus became.

“Bionic Woman” premieres on Sept. 26 on NBC.

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About the Author: Alan Stanley Blair is the news editor for Airlock Alpha and assistant news editor for its sister site, Inside Blip. Contributing from his home in Scotland, he is currently studying for a diploma in freelance journalism and feature writing.
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