The Six Million Dollar Man Solid Gold Kidnapping
Introduction
The Six Million Dollar Man is a popular American television series that aired from 1974 to 1978. The show was based on the novel "Cyborg" by Martin Caidin and starred Lee Majors as Steve Austin, an astronaut who is severely injured in a crash and is rebuilt with bionic implants that give him superhuman strength, speed and agility.
One of the most memorable episodes of The Six Million Dollar Man is "The Solid Gold Kidnapping," which aired on January 15, 1978. The episode was written by Lionel E. Siegel and directed by Cliff Bole. It featured Steve Austin on a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist who had developed a formula for turning lead into gold.
The Plot
The episode begins with the kidnapping of a scientist named Dr. Elijah Cooper (played by William Sylvester) who has developed a formula to turn lead into gold. The kidnappers demand a ransom of $10 million in gold bars for his release.
Steve Austin is assigned to the case and is tasked with rescuing Dr. Cooper and recovering the stolen gold. He travels to the Bahamas, where he discovers that the kidnappers are actually a group of pirates led by a man named Captain Delaney (played by John Dehner).
Austin sets out to infiltrate the pirates' lair and rescue Dr. Cooper. He is aided by a local woman named Andrea (played by Britt Ekland), who has her own reasons for wanting to see the pirates brought to justice.
Along the way, Austin must use his bionic abilities to overcome a variety of obstacles, including underwater explosives, a fight with a giant squid, and a showdown with Delaney and his henchmen.
The Cast
The Six Million Dollar Man Solid Gold Kidnapping featured a talented cast of actors, including:
- Lee Majors as Steve Austin
- Richard Anderson as Oscar Goldman
- William Sylvester as Dr. Elijah Cooper
- Britt Ekland as Andrea
- John Dehner as Captain Delaney
The Legacy
The Six Million Dollar Man Solid Gold Kidnapping remains a fan favorite episode of the series and is often cited as one of the best. It is remembered for its thrilling action sequences, exotic location, and memorable performances by the cast.
The episode also introduced the character of Andrea, who would go on to appear in two more episodes of the series. Britt Ekland's portrayal of the character was well-received by audiences and helped to establish her as a respected actress in Hollywood.
The Six Million Dollar Man has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be beloved by fans around the world. The show has inspired numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and even a feature film adaptation starring Mark Wahlberg.
Conclusion
The Six Million Dollar Man Solid Gold Kidnapping is a classic episode of one of the most beloved television series of all time. Its thrilling action, exotic location, and memorable performances by the cast have made it a fan favorite for over 40 years. The episode continues to inspire new generations of fans and remains an important part of popular culture.