By Tray Butler

In case you haven’t heard, “Bionic Woman” bites. NBC dug up a longshot revival from its archives and has hacked together a series sorely lacking in charisma, adrenaline and even cogent storytelling. Bummer, because with a little more imagination, “Bionic Woman” might’ve been the new “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Meanwhile, out in the unfashionable backwaters of cable, another new fantasy series is showing NBC how it should’ve been done. “Torchwood” (9 p.m. Saturdays on BBC America) proved itself on the BBC last fall, but this is the first glimpse American audiences have gotten of the much-discussed “Doctor Who” spin-off. The series follows Torchwood Three, a team of special agents who investigate crimes involving aliens. They’re based in Wales, which we’re told is the site of a nearby “rift in space and time.” (Hellmouth, anyone?) Their leader, the dashing and bisexual Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman) steals every scene and makes the show sometimes feel like his vehicle. If so, at least it’s a thrilling ride.

Series creator Russell T. Davies (“Queer As Folk”) imbues “Torchwood” not only with witty, fast-paced dialogue but also a penchant for envelope-pushing. Harkness, an immortal from the 51st century, scoffs at the “quaint little categories” assigned to sexuality, leaving his underlings to ponder his dotted, pansexual past. We’ve also seen steamy lesbian kisses, secret shagging and an alien whose vajayjay turns her lovers to piles of dust. Torched “wood,” you might say.

The highest-rated series in BBC America’s history—admittedly, it’s a dubious honor—“Torchwood” has the benefit of a built-in “Doctor Who” fanbase. (Even the name is an anagram of “Doctor Who.”) Next season aims to hook former “Buffy” fanatics with a guest run by “Angel” alum James Marsters, whose character is rumored to get jiggy with Jack.

Though the show swims in innuendo, it also enjoys better-than-average effects and a propensity for making fun of itself—including jabs at the clichés of both sci-fi and police procedurals. Such self-awareness makes “Torchwood” sparkle while “Bionic Woman” bombs. Maybe Captain Jack is the new Buffy after all.