Why did I like it ?

Ultimate wish fulfillment. When I was a kid, this was my favorite show of all time. I tuned in every week like a fanatic. I wanted to be Steve Austin. I wanted to be in a wreck and get bionic limbs that could make me better...faster...stronger. I liked super heroes at the time, and this show had the one who I truly believed was possible. I loved the "bionic sound effect" (duhn-duhn-duhn-duhn-duhn-duhn) and the slow-motion action when he used his bionics; in fact, "TV Guide" had a feature article about the show in which they explored how the show used slo-mo to cool effect ("when slow means fast," as I think they describe it). The plots seemed like grown-up stuff, but they were cool and exciting, not boring. They made a 12" figure Steve Austin, which was right up my alley since I played with 12" G.I. Joes; unfortunately, the bionic eye was pitiful (a really bad blurry lense you looked through in a hole in the back of his head, which was weird) and the elbows and knees were not jointed, like Joe was. I "played" this show more than any other ever (simulating I was Steve, running, jumping, all with bionic enhancement).

What do I think now?

I still want to be Steve Austin. I realize I have to lift weights and work out to be anywhere near as strong as I like, but I sure wish I could just get bionic limbs. When I saw "The Matrix" 3D slow motion bullet time action, I thought of this show. I wish it would come out on DVD or at least streaming video. The cameos of Steve on "The Bionic Woman" do not quite cut it.

What does liking it say about me?

My favorite super hero as a teenager was Wolverine, who has healing powers and a super strong adamantium skeleton. I think this is a recurrent theme with me. I am a bit preoccupied with my own mortality. I could really use some bionic teeth right now.

Why should you watch it?

Good luck watching it. As of this writing, it still has never shown up on DVD or streaming video. I would really like to watch episodes again to see how well it holds up, but the closest you can get is "The Bionic Woman."