The Six Million Dollar Man is an iconic American science fiction and action television series that aired from 1974 to 1978 on ABC. Based on Martin Caidin’s 1972 novel Cyborg, the show follows Colonel Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors, who becomes a secret agent after a near-fatal accident leads to the replacement of parts of his body with bionic implants. These implants give Austin superhuman strength, speed, and other abilities, making him a valuable asset to the U.S. government.
The series became a massive hit and is considered one of the most influential science fiction shows of the 1970s. Combining action, cutting-edge (for the time) special effects, and futuristic concepts, The Six Million Dollar Man set the stage for other shows in the genre and became a staple of American pop culture. Its themes of technological advancement, heroism, and the relationship between man and machine struck a chord with audiences and contributed to its long-lasting appeal.
The Premise of The Six Million Dollar Man
The story of The Six Million Dollar Man begins with Colonel Steve Austin, a former astronaut and test pilot, who is severely injured in a crash while testing an experimental aircraft. With both legs, one arm, and one eye damaged beyond repair, Austin is on the brink of death. However, Dr. Rudy Wells, a prominent scientist working for a secret government organization called the Office of Scientific Intelligence (OSI), offers Austin a second chance at life through groundbreaking bionic technology.
Using $6 million worth of advanced prosthetics, Dr. Wells replaces Austin’s damaged limbs with bionic ones. His left eye is also replaced with a bionic implant, granting him superhuman abilities. His legs allow him to run at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, his bionic arm gives him incredible strength, and his bionic eye provides him with telescopic and infrared vision. With these enhancements, Steve Austin becomes a cyborg—a half-man, half-machine hybrid capable of performing extraordinary feats.
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- Gentlemen, we have the technology
- We can rebuild him
- nnLee Majors stars as Steve Austin, a U
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- astronaut grievously injured in the crash of an experimental aircraft
Main Characters
The success of The Six Million Dollar Man can be attributed not only to its exciting premise but also to the strength of its characters, each of whom contributed to the show’s narrative and emotional depth.
- Colonel Steve Austin (Lee Majors): Steve Austin is the heart of the series and one of television’s most iconic action heroes. A former astronaut and test pilot, Austin becomes a government operative after receiving bionic implants that save his life. Despite his extraordinary abilities, Austin is portrayed as a reluctant hero, preferring to live a normal life but often pulled into dangerous missions for the OSI. Lee Majors’ portrayal of Austin gave the character a mix of strength, vulnerability, and humanity, making him more than just a superhuman machine. His internal struggle with his new identity as a cyborg adds depth to the action-packed narrative.
- Oscar Goldman (Richard Anderson): Oscar Goldman is the director of the OSI and Steve Austin’s handler. He assigns Austin to various missions and serves as a mentor and friend. Goldman’s character is essential to the show’s premise, as he balances the ethical and logistical aspects of using Steve’s bionic abilities for national security. Richard Anderson’s performance made Goldman a steady, trustworthy figure, and his dynamic with Austin created a strong core for the series.
- Dr. Rudy Wells (Martin E. Brooks/Alan Oppenheimer): Dr. Wells is the brilliant scientist who develops Steve Austin’s bionic technology. He is responsible for saving Steve’s life and plays a key role in maintaining and upgrading Austin’s bionic parts throughout the series. While Austin’s bionic abilities give him an edge in combat and espionage, Wells’ character raises questions about the human cost of such advancements. His relationship with Steve reflects both a fatherly concern and a scientific fascination with the bionic technology.
- Jaime Sommers (Lindsay Wagner): Jaime Sommers, who eventually becomes The Bionic Woman is introduced in a two-part episode of The Six Million Dollar Man. She is Steve Austin’s childhood love interest, and after suffering a skydiving accident, she is given bionic implants similar to Steve’s. Her character was so popular that it led to the creation of a spinoff series, The Bionic Woman. The dynamic between Jaime and Steve adds a personal dimension to the show, as they navigate their shared experience as bionic operatives.
Action, Adventure, and Technology
One of the defining aspects of The Six Million Dollar Man was its emphasis on cutting-edge technology and thrilling action sequences. Steve Austin’s bionic abilities gave the show a futuristic feel, and each episode showcased his superhuman powers in various ways. Whether running at incredible speeds, lifting heavy objects, or using his bionic eye to spot distant enemies, Austin’s bionic enhancements made him a formidable operative.
The series used practical effects and slow-motion sequences to highlight Austin’s abilities, particularly when he was running at superhuman speeds or performing feats of strength. These slow-motion action scenes became a hallmark of the show, accompanied by the distinctive “bionic” sound effects that signaled Austin’s use of his powers.
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Iconic Episodes and Storylines
The Six Million Dollar Man featured a variety of memorable episodes that helped define the show’s legacy. Some of the most iconic storylines include:
- The Pilot (1973): The three-part pilot introduces Steve Austin’s accident and transformation into a cyborg. It sets the stage for the series by exploring Austin’s recovery and his initial reluctance to use his powers for the OSI. This was also our first podcast episode!
- The Bionic Woman (1975): This two-part episode introduces Jaime Sommers, who becomes the bionic counterpart to Steve Austin. The emotional depth of Jaime’s story, combined with the action-packed nature of her bionic transformation, made her a beloved character, eventually leading to her spinoff series.
- The Return of the Bionic Woman (1975): After Jaime’s tragic death in her introductory episodes, fan demand led to her return. This storyline further cemented the emotional connection between Steve and Jaime, exploring their bond and shared bionic experiences.
- The Secret of Bigfoot (1976): In this two-part episode, Steve Austin encounters Sasquatch, a creature with superhuman strength. This storyline became one of the most famous in the series and showcased the show’s ability to blend science fiction with mythology.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The Six Million Dollar Man had a profound impact on both the television landscape and pop culture. The concept of a bionic human captivated audiences, and Steve Austin’s character became a symbol of futuristic technology and heroism. The series’ success led to The Bionic Woman spinoff, creating a broader “bionic universe” that captivated viewers for years.
The show’s influence extended beyond television, with merchandise such as action figures, comic books, and novels further cementing its cultural legacy. The catchphrase “We can rebuild him. We have the technology” became synonymous with the series and has been referenced in countless other works of media.
The Six Million Dollar Man also paved the way for future television shows and films that explore the relationship between humanity and technology, including modern superhero stories and cyberpunk themes. Its depiction of a flawed but heroic character struggling with his enhanced abilities resonated with audiences and continues to be a relevant and influential concept in popular culture.
Today, The Six Million Dollar Man remains a beloved classic, remembered for its innovative storytelling, iconic characters, and groundbreaking exploration of bionic technology.
