Before she became a pop culture icon as Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter showcased her acting range in the 1976 crime drama Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw. Directed by Mark L. Lester, the film tells the story of a small-town waitress, Bobbie Jo, whose dreams of escaping her mundane life lead her down a dark, lawless path with charismatic drifter Lyle Wheeler, played by Marjoe Gortner.
Carterโs performance as Bobbie Jo is a blend of vulnerability and rebellion. She perfectly captures the restless spirit of a young woman longing for freedom and adventure, yet unprepared for the consequences of her choices. As the story unfolds, Bobbie Jo transforms from a starry-eyed dreamer into a hardened outlaw, navigating the harsh realities of a life on the run. Carterโs ability to bring depth and humanity to the role makes her character relatable and compelling, even as her decisions spiral out of control.
The film, often compared to Bonnie and Clyde for its themes of love and crime, showcases Carterโs talent beyond the superhero roles she would later become synonymous with. While it didnโt achieve blockbuster status, Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw became a cult favorite, partly because of Carterโs magnetic screen presence and raw emotional performance.
For fans of Lynda Carter, Bobbie Jo and the Outlaw is a fascinating glimpse into her early career, proving that she was more than just Wonder Womanโshe was a versatile and captivating actress capable of carrying a complex and gritty role. The film remains a testament to her talent and her ability to command the screen, even in the face of a challenging and unconventional storyline.
