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Bionic Woman

(Rated TV-14, Science fiction , Starring Miguel Ferrer, Michelle Ryan, Lucy Hale, Where to watch: NBC, Download)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Remake is darker, more intense than '70s original.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The bionic woman was created by a shadowy military organization that appears to have its own mysterious agenda, including forcing her to become a secret agent. She didn't consent to the surgery and is rightfully upset about the new direction of her life, which she must conceal from the people around her. Jaime is the primary caretaker for her sister, a hostile teenager, and the two have an up-and-down relationship. On the plus side, Jaime is a strong, powerful female character.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Bionic-powered fight scenes look pretty intense but don't seem to cause much physical harm. But there are several other graphic scenes, including a very serious car accident and some disturbing amputation images. Other scenes include explosions, gun battles, and threats of torture.
  • Sex:

    Some kissing and implied sex (couples shown approaching bed and getting out), but nothing graphic happens onscreen.
  • Language:

    "Bitch," "hell," "damn," "douche," etc.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Jaime works as a bartender and is often shown pouring drinks (as well as having some herself -- even to the point of drunkenness). Other social drinking. One of the villains smokes cigarettes. Jaime's sister gets in trouble at school for smoking pot in the bathroom (but this isn't shown).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bionic Woman

Parents need to know that this series is much darker and more intense than the 1970s version. The violence here is more graphic (including fights, car accidents, and more), the tone is bleaker, and the characters are more fully developed -- all of which makes the show more interesting for adults, but also more questionable for younger viewers. The main character's job as a bartender means that alcohol makes frequent appearances on screen.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about female TV characters today, versus when the original Bionic Woman aired. Do you think that female characters can now take on more dangerous assignments than they could in shows from the 1970s? Why or why not? Are women tougher today, either on TV or in real life? How does TV reflect our popular culture? Families can also talk about the media's fascination with spies and espionage. Why are they such popular topics?
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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0

    not your mamas bionic woman

    I grew up watching the original and this is definitely not the same show. Now, it's been many years since the original and I wasn't expecting the same show and I must say WOW. It was great, entertaining, but not for the younger set. It is definitely an adult program. My husband and I can't decide which to watch, Private Practice or Bionic Woman. Thanks Tivo.

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 1.0

    Bionic Bore...

    Disappointing, tsk tsk tsk. This show was boring beyond all belief, and I advise everyone to stay away from this disaster. If Lindsay Wagner was dead, she'd be rolling in her grave.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0

    The new '07 version of the Bionic Woman

    This program was not what I expected, it was very violent, small children to grade school should not watch this due to the vivid imagination they have. I thought the language could have been left out. The graphic car scene was very violent. I grew up watching the older 70s version of the Bionic Woman and this threw me for a loop. This program is not one of the ones I'll be watching often unless the language and violence is toned down for children since I have a grade school child in my home, and I don't particular like the images I saw from the first showing. Parents should reconsider watching this with your children.

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 2.0

    Not worth wtaching on TV, but something to watch online.

    Lame lines, bad acting and a sub-par soundtrack hold this show back from greatness, or from even being mediocre.

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