15 Failed Comic Book TV Shows That Only Lasted One Episode
13. Wonder Woman (1974)
Before Lynda Carter had the chance to play the Amazonian superhero, Wonder Woman; there was already a failed attempt at bringing the hero to the small-screen. 1974's Wonder Woman premiered on NBC as a TV movie, though the film was a pilot for an intended television series. Cathy Lee Crosby took on the role and the results were less than stellar.
Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Crosby) is the secretary to a government agent. She is soon thrust into a world of international intrigue and danger. Her mission is to pursue a villainous individual named Abner Smith (played by typecast bad guy actor Ricardo Montalban). Overall, this particular iteration of Wonder Woman is pretty confusing.
First of all, it's Cathy Lee with no change of haircut or hair color. It's very contemporary and has some adult innuendo throughout. And Wonder Woman has pretty limited powers mostly Kung Fu of an Amazon variety. Also, the hero is not in her recognizable classic costume, she's in an outfit that more closely resembles a female Evel Knievel. Wonder Woman is a strong character who fights evil and looks good doing it. Crosby looks good but her acting is simply disappointing. The Shaft-like music is another cringe-worthy aspect of the film. As a side note, try counting the number of times someone uses a telephone during the film. You could make a drinking game out of it.