Friday, November 30th, 2007
05:30 The Bionic Woman
The Bionic Woman. Season 2, Episode 15. This episode (which brings the saga of Lisa Galloway to a conclusion) can be divided neatly into three parts. The first part details Jaime's escape from prison. There's lots of bionic action as she flees teams of hunters, with tracker dogs yelping all the way. Joe Harnell's wonderful theme for Jaime gets a full airing here and it is terrific from start to finish. While this is happening we cut to Lisa Galloway as she begins to sever her ties with the criminal organisation that put her in place and settles into the life of Jaime Sommers. The chase of Jaime (the real one, that is) provides some of the most dramatic moments we have ever seen on the show. She is surrounded and desperate. Nobody believes that she is the real deal. Not even her boss and close friend Oscar Goldman. The situation is impossible. And Jaime, for all her super-strength, seems so fragile and vulnerable as she wrestles to find a way out. Jamie is emotional and scared. It is written real. And it is played real. And the result is some of some of the most gripping television ever filmed.
By the second part of the episode, Jaime is back in the bosom of the OSI and the hunt is on for the imposter. We, of course, know that Lisa has cut ties with the organisation and is living in Jaime's home-town in California. But the main characters have no idea. And why would they? Why would they assume that the fake Jaime would still be around? It makes no sense. And it makes perfect sense for the OSI to think she's gone into hiding. It's great writing.
The second part of the episode contains some very touching scenes with Lisa. We get to see her at work, on the Air Force Base. And we get to see at home with Jaime's 'parents' Jim and Helen. The scenes are simple. And underplayed by all concerned. But they work on every level. We feel for Lisa and the simple things she strives for.
The final third of the episode brings the two Jaime's together for a final confrontation. There's a wonderful moment where Jaime is hurt that Helen cares for the imposter. It only lasts a moment, before Jaime evolves beyond it, but it is there long enough to make the unreal situation all the more real. As the episode builds towards climax and Jaime asks to go in alone, so she can save Lisa's life, Oscar asks her why she is so concerned for the woman who conspired to have her killed. It's a short exchange but it serves to illustrate why fans love Jaime Sommers so much, and why we admire her so much.
In terms of tone and execution, this episode is flawless. In terms of effect, it's life-affirming.
The Bionic Woman
