Bionic Bitch: NBC Puts a Little Attitude in the Fall TV Lineup

What if you were physically violated against your will? What if you never had the opportunity to object? What if it was the only way to save your life?

Welcome to the world of Jaime Sommers, a bartender mangled in a car accident, and resurrected by the man who loves her. But what he's done horrifies her, as she finds she's a little less human than she used to be. The transformation comes with more than just the 50 million dollar bio technology price tag. The heavy hand of her not so generous benefactors offer her a lose/lose proposition. I'd be pissed, too.

Creator David Eick insists this contemporary remake of the 1970's cult classic is not a show about a superhero, but a show about a strong woman who realizes she can do what no one else can (well except maybe her arch enemy). Forced into a life she never wanted, Jaime is faced with the sacrifices she must make to embrace her new identity as the bionic woman.

It's more than just a story about physical strength; it's a story about inner strength. It's about discovering who you really are despite the pressures and expectations of others. This has always been a fine line for women who are often categorized as either 'nice' or 'bitchy'. In the Bionic Woman, the character Jaime Sommers is not about to roll over and play nice.

Lead Actress Michelle Ryan (of BBC Eastenders fame) describes her character as vulnerable yet feisty. "That's what I like about Jaime as a character," Ryan explains in an NBC interview, "whatever life throws at her, she deals with it." Ryan trained for a month with both a dialect coach (there isn't a hint of her English accent in her portrayal of the bionic woman) and with a martial arts instructor, learning the Israeli art of Krav Maga.

As you watch the series premier, pay close attention to the dialogue. There's a subtle indication of the underlying theme in the series-the perception of feminine strength and independence. One character compares Jaime to a pet wolf: "A wolf only makes a good pet, if it thinks it's a dog." This comment certainly mirrors the transition from Jaime the college dropout, to Jaime 2.0. Clearly bravado is the only thing keeping these boys in charge.

The new Bionic Woman hits a nerve, here. Most women know what they want, but not all of them realize they have the power to do something about it. Jaime soon figures out that nobody can make her do anything against her will, "If we do this, whatever this is, you do it on my terms. If that's not ok with you, I know what I'm capable of now." That's right boys, be afraid. Be very afraid.