Ep 9. The Bionic Criminal

The Six Million Dollar Man season 3 episode 9, titled "The Bionic Criminal," follows the exploits of Steve Austin as he tries to apprehend a criminal who possesses bionic implants similar to his own. The episode begins with a daring robbery at a government research facility, during which the perpetrator takes a set of bionic implants, worth millions of dollars, designed to replace damaged human limbs.

Austin is called in to investigate the robbery, and he soon discovers that the thief is none other than his former friend and colleague, Jack Starkey, who was part of the team that initially developed the bionic implants.

With the aid of Starkey's sister, Susan, Austin tracks down the fugitive to a remote cabin in the woods, where Starkey has set up a sophisticated computer lab to enable him to create new bionic enhancements for himself. In a tense confrontation, Austin tries to convince Starkey to surrender, but the latter refuses and instead unleashes his new bionic abilities in a desperate bid to escape.

A thrilling chase ensues, as Austin uses his own bionic enhancements to pursue Starkey through the rugged terrain, with both men making use of their incredible strength and speed to gain the upper hand. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles, including treacherous cliffs and dangerous wildlife, but Austin's determination and resourcefulness ultimately lead to a dramatic showdown.

As the two men face off, it becomes clear that Starkey's bionic enhancements have also had a negative side effect, causing him to suffer from debilitating seizures that threaten to shorten his life. Moved by his former friend's plight, Austin tries to reason with Starkey and convince him to turn himself in, but Starkey refuses, knowing that he will likely be imprisoned for life if he does.

Ultimately, the episode ends with a poignant scene in which Austin watches as Starkey disappears into the wilderness, knowing that he will likely never see him again. Despite the loss of his friend, Austin is left with a newfound appreciation for the value of human life, as well as a renewed determination to use his own bionic enhancements for the good of society.