Wonder Woman (1974) is a groundbreaking TV film that paved the way for the superhero genre on television. The film, directed by Vincent McEveety, features Cathy Lee Crosby as the titular character. Unlike the later adaptations, this version she does not have the trademark costume and lasso of truth, but the film still manages to capture the essence of the character.

Set in modern times, the film follows Wonder Woman as she takes on a terrorist group called the REMA (Revolutionary Espionage and Military Activities). Along with Steve Trevor Jr. (Kaz Garas), Wonder Woman sets out to stop the REMA from launching a deadly missile. The film’s plot is simple, but it is effective in showcasing her strength, intelligence, and courage.

Crosby’s portrayal of Wonder Woman is refreshing and different from the typical superhero portrayal. She is not portrayed as a perfect, flawless character, but rather as a more grounded and relatable person. Her performance captures the character’s intelligence, determination, and compassion. Garas also delivers a solid performance as Steve Trevor Jr., providing a good counterpart to Wonder Woman’s character.

Despite being made in the 70s, the film’s production design and special effects are impressive. The film’s use of slow-motion and freeze frames during action scenes is ahead of its time, and the practical effects used for her lasso and bracelets are well-executed. The film’s theme song, composed by Charles Fox, is also memorable and catchy.

Overall, itsis a pioneering film that showcases the potential of the superhero genre on television. Crosby’s portrayal of Wonder Woman is a refreshing take on the character, and the film’s production design and special effects hold up well even after several decades. Fans of the character should definitely give this film a watch, and even those who are not familiar with the character can appreciate the film’s simple yet effective plot and well-crafted action scenes.