Tony’s Timeless Thursdays™:“Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman: The Amazon Who Redefined Heroism”

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
Aug 21
7 min read

When you think of timeless heroes who transcended the screen and became cultural icons, few figures stand as tall and as radiant as Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman. Long before the explosion of superhero films and endless cinematic universes, Carter donned the golden tiara, bullet-deflecting bracelets, and red, white, and blue costume to show the world what it truly meant to be a warrior of truth, justice, and compassion.

In this week’s Tony’s Timeless Thursdays™, we look back at both iterations of the Wonder Woman television series — the 1975–1977 Wonder Woman set in World War II, and the 1977–1979 The New Adventures of Wonder Woman set in the modern era. Together, they represent not just superhero storytelling, but groundbreaking television that brought myth, feminism, and fun together in one unforgettable package.

🌟 The Birth of a Heroine on Screen

Wonder Woman was already a cultural phenomenon before Lynda Carter brought her to life. Created in 1941 by William Moulton Marston, she was envisioned as a feminist icon and a hero who could stand alongside Superman and Batman. But for decades, attempts to bring Diana Prince to live-action floundered.

By the mid-1970s, amid the success of DC’s Superman and Batman on television and with the women’s rights movement in full swing, ABC commissioned a television pilot. On November 7, 1975, the world met Lynda Carter as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman — and television history was made.

⚔️ Wonder Woman (1975–1977)

The first iteration of the show was set during World War II, directly echoing the comic book origins of the character.

Key Elements:

Setting: 1940s wartime America, where Diana leaves Paradise Island (Themyscira) to fight against Nazis.
Tone: Patriotic, adventurous, and infused with the optimism of the era.
Supporting Cast:
- Lyle Waggoner as Major Steve Trevor (and later, Steve Trevor Jr. in the modern version).
- Beatrice Colen as Corporal Etta Candy.
Villains: Nazis, spies, and wartime threats that made Diana’s mission about protecting democracy and humanity.

Iconic Moments:

Diana’s first appearance in her full Wonder Woman costume — a shimmering red bustier, blue star-spangled shorts, and golden accessories.
The introduction of her magic lasso, which compelled truth from enemies.
The “spin transformation,” an invention for the show where Diana twirled to transform into Wonder Woman — a sequence that became instantly iconic.

This era showcased Wonder Woman as not only a superhero but also a feminist role model. She didn’t need saving; she did the saving. She was strong, clever, compassionate, and powerful, making her a symbol for girls and women in a television landscape dominated by male heroes.

🦸 The New Adventures of Wonder Woman (1977–1979)

In 1977, ABC passed on continuing the show, but CBS revived it with a twist: moving the series into the modern era. No longer in the 1940s, Diana Prince returned in the 1970s, working as an agent for the Inter-Agency Defense Command (IADC), while still secretly fighting evil as Wonder Woman.

Key Elements:

Setting: Contemporary 1970s America.
Tone: A mix of spy thriller and superhero adventure.
Supporting Cast:
- Lyle Waggoner returned as Steve Trevor Jr., the son of Diana’s WWII ally.
- Guest stars included notable actors like Roddy McDowall and Joan Van Ark.
Villains: International criminals, spies, mad scientists, and threats that mirrored Cold War anxieties.

Iconic Moments:

Diana balancing her work with IADC and her superhero life.
Wonder Woman’s powers showcased more creatively, from superhuman strength to her telepathic bond with animals.
The series’ continued use of humor, heart, and action that made it accessible to families.

This version leaned into 1970s aesthetics, complete with disco influence, flashy guest stars, and plotlines involving everything from aliens to espionage. Yet, through it all, Lynda Carter’s performance remained the anchor, embodying grace, power, and kindness.

👑 Lynda Carter: The Definitive Wonder Woman

It’s no exaggeration to say that Lynda Carter is Wonder Woman to generations of fans. Her portrayal was a perfect blend of strength and compassion — qualities that elevated her above other superheroes of the time. She wasn’t cold or detached; she was empathetic. She didn’t just defeat villains; she often tried to reach them, to show them a better way.

Carter herself brought authenticity to the role. Standing 5’9”, with her statuesque presence, piercing blue eyes, and commanding yet gentle voice, she was the living embodiment of Diana. But what made her unforgettable wasn’t her beauty or costume; it was the humanity she gave to the role.

She became a feminist icon, an inspiration for countless women who saw in her the possibility of being both powerful and compassionate in a world that often demanded women be one or the other.

🎶 The Theme Song & Spin Transformation

Two elements of the series remain legendary:

The Theme Song: With lyrics like “Wonder Woman, all the world is waiting for you…” the opening theme set the tone for adventure, empowerment, and excitement. It remains one of the most recognizable TV themes of all time.
The Spin Transformation: Devised specifically for Carter, the twirl-to-transform sequence became a visual trademark. Whenever Diana spun around, audiences knew the hero had arrived. This transformation sequence would later inspire countless parodies, tributes, and homages in pop culture.

💎 Key Episodes

Here are a few standout episodes that remain fan favorites:

“The New Original Wonder Woman” (Pilot, 1975): Diana’s origin story, her rescue of Steve Trevor, and her first arrival in America.
“Fausta: The Nazi Wonder Woman” (Season 1): A Nazi counterpart kidnaps Wonder Woman in an attempt to harness her powers.
“The Feminum Mystique” (Parts 1 & 2): Diana’s younger sister Drusilla (played by Debra Winger) comes to America, adding depth to Wonder Woman’s family.
“The Return of Wonder Woman” (Season 2 premiere): Transitioning from WWII to the modern day, explaining Diana’s return.
“Anschluss ‘77” (Season 2): Nazis reemerge in the modern era, tying back to Diana’s original mission.

Each episode blended comic book fantasy with real-world stakes, highlighting Wonder Woman’s versatility as both superhero and humanitarian.

📺 The Supporting Cast

While Carter was the show’s heart, the supporting cast elevated the storytelling:

Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor/Steve Trevor Jr. — Diana’s ally and confidant.
Beatrice Colen as Etta Candy — a comedic but loyal friend.
Debra Winger as Drusilla/Wonder Girl — a surprise addition that gave fans a glimpse of Themyscira’s wider world.
Numerous guest stars added star power and variety, ensuring every week felt fresh.

📚 Wonder Woman ’77 – The Comics Live On

Though Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman TV show ended in 1979, her version of Diana Prince lived on decades later in comic form. DC Comics gave fans what they had long hoped for—a continuation of the television icon in print.

Wonder Woman ’77 (2014–2016):Launched as a digital-first comic, Wonder Woman ’77 brought Carter’s timeless take on the character back to life. Written by Marc Andreyko, the stories captured the adventurous, campy, and heartfelt tone of the series. Readers were treated to Diana’s adventures in her TV costumes, her interactions with Steve Trevor Jr., and villains both classic and new. The art style reflected the era, blending comic flair with the fashion and energy of the 1970s.
- Collected in trade paperbacks Wonder Woman ’77 Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, these comics gave fans a fresh but faithful way to revisit that magical time when Diana spun into action on primetime television.
Batman ’66 Meets Wonder Woman ’77 (2016–2017):If one iconic TV hero wasn’t enough, DC gave fans the ultimate crossover—Adam West’s Batman from 1966 teaming up with Carter’s Wonder Woman. Written by Marc Andreyko and Jeff Parker, this six-issue miniseries bridged decades of heroics.
- The story cleverly spanned multiple eras, showing Bruce Wayne in the 1940s and ’60s before teaming with Diana in the Carter-era ’70s. The nostalgic artwork paid homage to both shows, complete with bright costumes, tongue-in-cheek humor, and heartfelt respect for the characters.
- For fans, it was a dream realized: two beloved TV superheroes finally sharing pages together, preserving the charm and legacy of both shows.

These comics didn’t just expand the universe of Carter’s Wonder Woman—they solidified her place as the definitive version for many fans, keeping her lasso of truth shining brightly well into the 21st century.

🌍 Cultural Impact & Feminist Legacy

Wonder Woman arrived at a pivotal time in American culture. Women were fighting for equality in the workplace, politics, and media representation. Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman wasn’t just a superhero in spandex; she was proof that women could headline an action show, inspire audiences, and be taken seriously as heroes.

The show inspired future portrayals of female superheroes, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Supergirl and Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman on the big screen. Without Carter’s trailblazing series, it’s doubtful Hollywood would have invested so heavily in female-led superhero stories decades later.

🎥 Beyond the Show

Even after the series ended in 1979, its influence persisted.

Lynda Carter continued to embrace her legacy, often appearing at fan conventions and interviews.
She made a cameo in Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) as Asteria, thrilling fans with a symbolic passing of the torch.
Merchandise — from dolls to comics — kept her version of the character alive for new generations.

✨ Why It’s Timeless

Empowerment: Wonder Woman embodied female strength without sacrificing compassion.
Iconic Imagery: From her tiara to her bracelets, the visuals remain etched in pop culture.
Cultural Relevance: Tackled themes of justice, equality, and hope.
Pure Fun: Action, adventure, humor, and heart all rolled into one.

Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman wasn’t just a superhero show; it was a beacon of empowerment, optimism, and timeless heroism. In an era where superheroes dominate screens, her portrayal remains unmatched in its sincerity and impact.

🌟 Final Thoughts

More than four decades later, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman continues to inspire. She wasn’t just a TV character; she was — and is — a cultural landmark. Her twirl transformed not just Diana Prince into Wonder Woman, but generations of viewers into believers that heroes could be women, and women could change the world.

Whether she was stopping Nazis, foiling Cold War spies, or simply showing kindness in a cruel world, Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman remains a timeless classic of television history.

🌟 From Wonder Woman to S.O.L.A.D.™

Lynda Carter’s Wonder Woman wasn’t just a television show—it was a movement. It reminded us that courage, compassion, and justice can be embodied in a single hero who stands tall for what’s right. That same spirit of heroism, of ordinary people rising to face extraordinary darkness, beats at the heart of my own work.

If you loved Wonder Woman’s timeless legacy, I invite you to discover my S.O.L.A.D.™ (Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™) novel series. Much like Diana of Themyscira, my heroes confront evil head-on, guided by faith, conviction, and an unshakable belief that light will always outshine darkness.

You can explore these novels—and step into a new world of courage, action, and inspiration—by visiting www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop, where both The Bookshop and The Workshop await you.

Because while Wonder Woman gave us a symbol for the ages, the story of heroes fighting for truth and light is still being written—today, tomorrow, and always.

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