Chalk this one up as another one that came-and-went reasonably quickly, folks: Special Unit 2 delivered a total of nineteen episodes spread over two shortened seasons. Essentially, the program tried to mix the standard police procedural with a bit monstery goodness, but I'm guessing it ended up pleasing few from either side of the fence. Here's the series' premise as provided by the good people at IMDB.com:
"Detectives Kate Benson and Nick O'Malley from a secret Chicago P.D. unit solve violent crimes committed by mythological creatures aka 'Links' while trying to hide the Links existence from the general public."
"Detectives Kate Benson and Nick O'Malley from a secret Chicago P.D. unit solve violent crimes committed by mythological creatures aka 'Links' while trying to hide the Links existence from the general public."
It's true what they say, you know: Syfy (formerly the SciFi Channel) has a pretty ugly track record at cancelling programming before its run its course. Sure, I understand that can be the nature of network programming, but occasionally a rather interesting show vanishes without a trace. Today's evidence: Hunters, a weekly procedural that sprang from the mind of alien abductee Whitley Strieber and showrunner Natalie Chaidez. In my opinion, this one deserved a second season, if for no other argument that it legitimately was well-constructed, compelling, and relevant to modern times in much the same way Ronald D. Moore refashioned Battlestar Galactica as a commentary on modern warfare. In any event, it lasted only a single season (still a crime in this household), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The disappearance of a decorated FBI agent's wife leads him to a secret government unit assembled to hunt a group of ruthless terrorists - shadowy figures that may or may not be from this world."
"The disappearance of a decorated FBI agent's wife leads him to a secret government unit assembled to hunt a group of ruthless terrorists - shadowy figures that may or may not be from this world."
A star is born! While the Buster Crabbe version of Buck Rogers may not be everyone's cup of tea, it definitely deserves celebrating. Those early serials served as the inspiration for so, so many of sci-fi's greatest storytellers that they should be rediscovered with each new generation of children or sci-fi fans, at least. On this day all the way back in 1939 the first installment of the serial launched in theatres. Go, Buck, go! Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane."
"A 20th Century pilot named Buck Rogers and his young friend Buddy Wade awake from 500 years in suspended animation to find that the world has been taken over by the outlaw army of Killer Kane."
According to IMDB.com, Leonard Mudie's very last screen role was as one of the survivors of the SS Columbia in Star Trek's original pilot episode, "The Cage." The screen veteran also played opposite Boris Karloff in The Mummy (1932). Though he's no longer with us, Mudie was born on this day in 1883.
Award-winning actor Paul Douglas tried Science Fiction on for size with a top role aboard The Gamma People (1956) for Warwick Film Productions. Though he's no longer with us, Douglas was born on this day in 1907. [Source: IMDB.com]
A Star Trek 'Happy Birthday' goes out today to Joel Grey, who made an appearance in a very emotional episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Grey was born on this day in 1932.
With a professional career that spanned three decades, Ron Pember had plenty of opportunity to squeeze himself into some quality genre roles. He's been aboard UFO, The Land That Time Forgot (1974), The Invisible Man, Red Dwarf, and an appearance in a Doctor Who radio play. Pember was born on this day in 1934.
The late Sheila Dunn (above right) had the good fortune of appearing eleven times in the realm of TV's Doctor Who. Though she's no longer with us, Dunn was born on this day in 1940.
Though her resume leans heavily in more dramatic fare, Shirley Stelfox enjoyed a role aboard the 1984 adaptation of George Orwell's 1984 for Umbrella-Rosenblum Films Production. Though she's no longer with us, Stelfox was born on this day in 1941. [Source: IMDB.com]
Producer Edward R. Pressman has definitely given genre fans some entertainment to enjoy, including projects such as Conan The Barbarian (1982), Conan The Destroyer (1984), Cherry 2000 (1987), Judge Dredd (1995), The Island Of Dr. Moreau (1996), and Mutant Chronicles (2008). Pressman was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
John Milius wrote and directed Conan The Barbarian (1982), the Arnold Schwarzenegger property that remains one of the finest Fantasy films brought to the silver screen. Milius was born on this day in 1944.
Perennially familiar face Bill Irwin turned up with a great recurring role aboard FX's Superhero/Drama Legion. Irwin was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
She had a thing for Data (or was that vice versa) in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "In Theory," but that's not Michelle Scarabelli's only appearance in SciFidom. She's also guest starred in the 1988 TV series War of the Worlds, Fox's Alien Nation series, and 2001: A Space Travesty. Enjoy your special day, Michelle! Scarabelli was born on this day in 1955.
Polish-born Liliana Komorowska enjoyed a pair of appearances in Science Fiction by securing work in Scanners III: The Takeover (1991) and Screamers (1995). Komorowska was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born Douglas Arthurs ably chewed scenery as a villain aboard the long-running Stargate: SG-1. He's also popped up in small roles aboard Highlander, Strange Luck, Them (1996), The X-Files, Viper, NightMan, Harsh Realm, Starfire Mutiny (2002), The Butterfly Effect (2004), Smallville, and Arrow. Arthurs was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Johnny Messner flirts with genre properties, though it would seem he's a tad more comfortable with those projects leaning toward action. Fans know him from appearances aboard Angel, Tarzan (TV), Knight Rider (2008), Chuck, and WEAPONiZED (2016). Messner was born on this day in 1970.
I've taken a lot of flack over the last few years when I divulge that I wasn't so much a fan of Ronald Moore's re-imagining of Glen Larson's Battlestar Galactica. While I thought nuBSG had some solid characters and some interesting storytelling, I missed some of the simple good versus evil storytelling of the original. Meh. It is what it is. Anyway, I can appreciate a Sci-Fi Babe as much as the next fellow (or gal), and that's why I'm highlighting that the lovely Tricia Helfer celebrates her birthday. She was born in 1974.
Adam Shaw enjoyed a visit to the wide, wide world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who back in 2006. He also had a guest spot aboard the SciFi/Miniseries Paradox in 2009. Shaw was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Raúl Méndez enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard the Wachowskis' Netflix/SciFi Sense8 in 2015. Méndez was born on this day in 1975.
Though her professional resume may be slim, kudos to the lovely Francesca Scorsone for appearing in such genre properties as the Excalibur Kid (1999), Code Name: Eternity, and Odyssey 5. Scorsone was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Brett Claywell enjoyed a few guest appearances aboard Joss Whedon's short-lived Dollhouse program for Fox Television. Claywell was born on this day in 1978.
Model and actress Alessandra Ambrosio brought her loveliness briefly to genre entertainment with a visit to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows (2016) for Paramount Pictures. Ambrosio was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
Matt Ryan has breathed life into the DC Comics character of John Constantine both for the short-lived Constantine series and a guest spot aboard The CW's Arrow and Legends Of Tomorrow. Ryan was born on this day in 1981.
Joanna Douglas joined James Franco aboard 11.22.63, the Hulu-produced adaptation of the Stephen King novel about time travel and the JFK assassination. Douglas was born on this day in 1983.
It may not count for much, but genre fans long ago learned to take what we can get ... and the lovely Annalaina Marks dipped her toes into the world of Science Fiction with a guest spot aboard CBS's Person Of Interest. Marks was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers veteran! The lovely Monica May suited up as 'Elizabeth Delgado' aka The Yellow SPD Ranger aboard Power Rangers S.P.D. May was born on this day in 1984.
Young Eka Darville had a guest starring role on Fox TV's short-lived Terra Nova as well as serving time as the Red Ranger for Power Rangers RPM. Darville was born on this day in 1989.
The lovely Dakota Blue Richards is really just starting to come into her own as a promising talent for a new generation. So far as SciFi and Fantasy goes, she's boasted appearances aboard The Golden Compass (2007) and The Quiet Hour (2014). Richards was born on this day in 1994.
Precocious Morgan Lily found fame during the apocalypse that was 2012, the big screen take on all of those end-of-the-world prophecies compliments of the Mayan civilization. She also had a great turn as the youngest version of Mystique in 2011's stellar X-Men: First Class. Lily was born on this day in 2000.
On this day in 1958 (in West Germany), things weren't exactly looking rosy for The Atomic Man. Directed by Ken Hughes, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gene Nelson, Faith Domergue, and Joseph Tomelty; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel "The Isotope Man."
"An atomic scientist is found floating in a river with a bullet in his back and a radioactive halo around his body. The radioactivity has put him seven-and-a-half seconds ahead of us in time. He teams up with a reporter to stop his evil double from destroying his experiments in artificial tungsten."
For the record:
As I've found that some readers like to know these things, the script was an adaptation of the novel "The Isotope Man."
On this day in 1962, The Mighty Ursus endured its U.S. theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Fantasy release:
"Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea."
"Ursus returns from war to find his fiancée, Attea, has been kidnapped by a mysterious sect which sacrifices virgins to its patron goddess. Ursus faces much treachery and is forced to display much courage and strength as he and the blind girl Doreide embark upon a quest to retrieve Attea."
On this day in 1968 (in the Netherlands), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in Italy), it was the theatrical showdown for the ages when Super Stooges Vs. The Wonder Women battled it out on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Alfonso Brescia, the Fantasy starred Aldo Canti, Marc Hannibal, and Hua Yueh. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three men with supernatural powers interfere in a tribal warfare to prevent evil Amazons destroying the inhabitants of a village."
"Three men with supernatural powers interfere in a tribal warfare to prevent evil Amazons destroying the inhabitants of a village."
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in Italy), the SciFi cult film The Humanoid premiered theatrically. This is one of those I've never seen, nor have I heard of it, but given the look of so many production stills I've found online it's pretty clear to me this was one of the many releases intended to capitalize on the wave of popularity Star Wars instilled a few years earlier. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hoping to overthrow his brother as ruler of the planet Metropolis, the evil Graal enlists the help of the insane Dr. Kraspin, who has invented a chemical capable of turning an ordinary person into a perfect soldier. They test this chemical on the pilot Golob, turning the unsuspecting victim into a mindless but indestructable automaton possessing superhuman strength. The people of Metropolis must somehow outwit Graal before he can create an army of these soldiers, or their planet will be destroyed."
For the record:
The lovely Barbara Bach received a nomination for 'Best International Actress' from the Jupiter Awards, the film awards ceremony of Germany.
"Hoping to overthrow his brother as ruler of the planet Metropolis, the evil Graal enlists the help of the insane Dr. Kraspin, who has invented a chemical capable of turning an ordinary person into a perfect soldier. They test this chemical on the pilot Golob, turning the unsuspecting victim into a mindless but indestructable automaton possessing superhuman strength. The people of Metropolis must somehow outwit Graal before he can create an army of these soldiers, or their planet will be destroyed."
For the record:
The lovely Barbara Bach received a nomination for 'Best International Actress' from the Jupiter Awards, the film awards ceremony of Germany.
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Italy), Alien 2: On Earth (aka Alien Terror) enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Written and directed by Ciro Ippolito, the SciFi/Horror starred Belinda Mayne, Mark Bodin, and Roberto Barrese; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spaceship lands back on Earth after a failed mission, but the astronauts have been replaced by hideous creatures that can penetrate people's bodies and make them explode. A group of cave explorers are attacked by the monsters inside an underground cave, but the survivors are in for a surprise when they finally manage to escape the trap..."
"A spaceship lands back on Earth after a failed mission, but the astronauts have been replaced by hideous creatures that can penetrate people's bodies and make them explode. A group of cave explorers are attacked by the monsters inside an underground cave, but the survivors are in for a surprise when they finally manage to escape the trap..."
On this day in 1981 (in Japan), Douglas Trumbull's Silent Running enjoyed its premiere on television. The SciFi/Drama starred Bruce Dern, Ron Rifkin, and Cliff Potts; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
At the 1973 Hugo Awards, Silent Running was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but it failed to take home the coveted trophy.
"In a future where all flora is extinct on Earth, an astronaut is given orders to destroy the last of Earth's botany, kept in a greenhouse aboard a spacecraft."
For the record:
At the 1973 Hugo Awards, Silent Running was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but it failed to take home the coveted trophy.
A star is born! On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), Wheels Of Fire were first set ablaze theatrically! The Apocalypse/Thriller was directed by Cirio H. Santiago and starred Gary Watkins, Laura Banks, and Lynda Wiesmeier; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
"In a postapocalyptic future, a ruthless vehicular gang called the Highway Warriors is conquering the wasteland through murder and plunder. During a raid, they kidnap the sister of a road warrior named Trace. He brings hell down upon them."
For the record:
Ahem. I don't suppose it can ever really hurt your box office business to cast a Playboy Playmate in a major role, and the perfectly fetching Lynda Wiesmeier brings her best assets to this release. (And who can blame her?) Sadly, the actress is no longer with us. Also worthy of mention for Star Trek enthusiasts is that the lovely Laura Banks was last seen as the navigator aboard the USS Reliant -- working for Khan himself -- in Star Trek: The Wrath Of Khan (1982).
A star is born! 1986's Critters is the kind of shlocky garbage most studio executives believe qualifies as good science fiction, mostly because its formula bears a passing resemblance to, say, the vastly superior ALIEN. It premiered theatrically on this day back then, and here's the brief plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A race of small, furry aliens make lunch out of the locals in a farming town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the original Critters featured Scott Grimes in a role, and he enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
On this day in 1986 (in Denmark), audiences couldn't believe their eyes with the release of Lifeforce. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the script by Dan O'Bannon and Don Jakoby was an adaptation of the Colin Wilson novel ("The Space Vampires"). The SciFi/Thriller starred Steve Railsback, Mathilda May, and Colin Firth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
Talk about your B Movies! On this day in 1986, The Toxic Avenger was first unveiled on unsuspecting audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when mop boy Melvin Junko falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose."
"Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when mop boy Melvin Junko falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose."
On this day in 1992 (in Japan), Freejack gave audiences one more view of Earth's dystopian tomorrow. Adapted from a novel by Robert Sheckley, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emilio Estevez, Mick Jagger, and Rene Russo; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race car driver to New York City in 2009, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race car driver to New York City in 2009, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1994 (in Germany), Lifepod enjoyed its debut in the home video marketplace. Directed by Ron Silver (who also played a role in it), the SciFi/Drama starred Robert Loggia, Jessica Tuck, and Stan Shaw; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), the 1950-produced SciFi/Drama Destination Moon enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
On this day in 2001 (in France), the 1933-produced King Kong enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. The epic Creature Feature starred Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), the Cyber Wars officially began with their release on home video. Directed by Jian Hong Kuo with a script from Christopher Hatton, the SciFi/Drama starred Genevieve O'Reilly, Luoyong Wang, and Kay Siu Lim. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future Singapore, CyberLink is used for communication (sometimes virtual reality), monetary transaction and records of all citizens. Headhunter Dash is commissioned to find Edward Chan. Why are so many interested in him?"
"In a future Singapore, CyberLink is used for communication (sometimes virtual reality), monetary transaction and records of all citizens. Headhunter Dash is commissioned to find Edward Chan. Why are so many interested in him?"
A star is born! On this day in 2009, the Fantasy/Telefilm Thor: Hammer of the Gods premiered. The feature starred Zachery Ty Bryan and Alexis Kendra, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thor along with his friends travel to a mysterious island seeking glory and fame. Upon arriving they encounter strange creatures and they start searching the island for answers. Meanwhile Thor keeps seeing visions for a mighty warrior and a big hammer and Freyja tells him that his visions are clues so they start searching for the hammer."
"Thor along with his friends travel to a mysterious island seeking glory and fame. Upon arriving they encounter strange creatures and they start searching the island for answers. Meanwhile Thor keeps seeing visions for a mighty warrior and a big hammer and Freyja tells him that his visions are clues so they start searching for the hammer."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in France), audiences were treated to the silver screen premiere of Ridley Scott's Prometheus. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Noomi Rapace, Logan Marshall-Green, and Michael Fassbender; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone."
For the record:
While set in the Alien universe of films, Prometheus really deals with a different set of obstacles, much of which is tied a bit more to the backdrop of the human race. Besides a wealth of praise from the film festival circuit, the feature enjoyed a pair of Saturn Award nominations (no wins), 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2013 Academy Awards, it was nomination (no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.'
"Following clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone."
For the record:
While set in the Alien universe of films, Prometheus really deals with a different set of obstacles, much of which is tied a bit more to the backdrop of the human race. Besides a wealth of praise from the film festival circuit, the feature enjoyed a pair of Saturn Award nominations (no wins), 'Best Supporting Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 2013 Academy Awards, it was nomination (no win) in the category of 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.'
On this day in 2013 (in Argentina), the 1953-produced SciFi/Thriller It Came From Outer Space enjoyed an all-new release on home video. Based on a story from Ray Bradbury, the SciFi feature was directed by Jack Arnold and starred Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, and Charles Drake. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
"A spaceship from another world crashes in the Arizona desert and only an amateur stargazer and a schoolteacher suspect alien influence when the local townsfolk begin to act strangely."
For the record:
The groundbreaking SciFi film enjoyed a Hugo Award nomination in 1954 in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And -- fFor those who love this sort of trivia -- it's interesting to note that Ms. Rush would go on to win the Golden Globe in 1954 for 'Most Promising Newcomer - Female.'
On this day in 2013 (in Argentina), the 1988-produced They Live played for audiences in attendance of the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema. John Carpenter adapted a short story from Ray Nelson -- as well as directed the film -- and the SciFi/Drama starred Roddy Piper, Keith David, and Meg Foster. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They live."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, They Live enjoyed nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"They influence our decisions without us knowing it. They numb our senses without us feeling it. They control our lives without us realizing it. They live."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, They Live enjoyed nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2015 (in France), the Flytrap was sprung on audiences in attendance of The European Independent Film Festival. Written and directed by Stephen David Brooks, the SciFi/Horror starred Jeremy Crutchley, Gabrielle Stone, and Jonah Blechman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a man is held hostage in a twisted version of suburban San Fernando Valley, he slowly uncovers the reason for his capture and the miserable fate that awaits him-and humanity-unless he acts."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Flytrap enjoyed a wealth of attention -- nomination and wins -- on the film festival circuit.
"When a man is held hostage in a twisted version of suburban San Fernando Valley, he slowly uncovers the reason for his capture and the miserable fate that awaits him-and humanity-unless he acts."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Flytrap enjoyed a wealth of attention -- nomination and wins -- on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Belgium), Infini enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Festival of Fantasy Thriller and Science Fiction Film. Written (in part) and directed by Shane Abbess, the SciFi/Thriller starred Daniel MacPherson, Grace Huang, and Luke Hemsworth; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak."
"An elite 'search and rescue' team transport onto an off-world mining-facility to rescue Whit Carmichael, the lone survivor of a biological outbreak."
A star is born ... and this one has The Answer! On this day in 2015 (in the Netherlands), audiences in attendance of the Imagine Film Festival were treated to the screen debut of The Answer. Written and directed by Iqbal Ahmed, the SciFi/Thriller starred Austin Hébert, Alexis Carra, and David S. Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After being attacked, an introverted young man must follow clues left by his dead parents in order to figure out who is after him - and who he really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Answer enjoyed a single trophy win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"After being attacked, an introverted young man must follow clues left by his dead parents in order to figure out who is after him - and who he really is."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Answer enjoyed a single trophy win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Canada and the U.S.), Neil Stryker And The Tyrant Of Time was released to the masses at large. Written (in part) and directed by Rob Taylor, the SciFi/Thriller starred David Ogden Stiers, Nic Costa, and Walter Koenig; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a madcap future era, the world's greatest secret agent struggles to rescue his young son from the clutches of his infamous former mentor."
"In a madcap future era, the world's greatest secret agent struggles to rescue his young son from the clutches of his infamous former mentor."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Belgium), Replace enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Norbert Keil, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rebecca Forsythe, Lucie Aron, and Barbara Crampton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Kira's skin starts to age rapidly, dry out and crumble away. But then she discovers that she can replace her own skin with somebody else's."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Replace earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Kira's skin starts to age rapidly, dry out and crumble away. But then she discovers that she can replace her own skin with somebody else's."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Replace earned a lot of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018 (in Belgium), A.I. Rising (aka Ederlezi Rising) played for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Directed by Lazar Bodroza, the SciFi/Drama starred Sebastian Cavazza, Stoya, and Marusa Majer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it has been the recipient of some praise -- nominations and wins -- on the festival circuit.
"An intimate relationship between a human and an android tests the boundaries of human nature."
For the record:
To the film's credit, it has been the recipient of some praise -- nominations and wins -- on the festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), the good people of Glendale, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of RoboWoman. Directed by Dustin Ferguson from a script by Mike Reeb, the SciFi/Thriller starred Dawna Lee Heising, Brinke Stevens, and Clint Beaver. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
""RoboWoman" follows Vivica Stevens on her last night at a temp agency as she accepts a date with a persistent co-worker. Soon she finds herself cornered in a dark park at night and brutally attacked, raped and left for dead by her date and his deranged friends. She's found barely alive by her roommate Carlene and undergoes illegal, experimental "cybernetic" surgery where she is given a replacement robotic arm and visor to correct her vision. However, the cybernetic surgery causes havoc to her brain, as well as to her body. Before long, she decides to seek revenge with the aid of her new attachments. One by bloody one, she stalks and kills her attackers before the shocking and revealing conclusion."
""RoboWoman" follows Vivica Stevens on her last night at a temp agency as she accepts a date with a persistent co-worker. Soon she finds herself cornered in a dark park at night and brutally attacked, raped and left for dead by her date and his deranged friends. She's found barely alive by her roommate Carlene and undergoes illegal, experimental "cybernetic" surgery where she is given a replacement robotic arm and visor to correct her vision. However, the cybernetic surgery causes havoc to her brain, as well as to her body. Before long, she decides to seek revenge with the aid of her new attachments. One by bloody one, she stalks and kills her attackers before the shocking and revealing conclusion."
On this day in 2021 (in Indonesia), IMDB.com reports that the 1982-produced Fantasy known as The Beastmaster enjoyed an all-new DVD premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Don Coscarelli, the Fantasy featured starred Marc Singer, Tanya Roberts, and Rip Torn. (FYI: The screenplay was based on the novel by Andre Norton.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man's search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Beastmaster enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. It was also the birth of a Fantasy franchise as two sequels would follow along with a somewhat rebooted TV series.
"A sword-and-sorcery fantasy about a young man's search for revenge. Armed with supernatural powers, the handsome hero and his animal allies wage war against marauding forces."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Beastmaster enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit. It was also the birth of a Fantasy franchise as two sequels would follow along with a somewhat rebooted TV series.
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Sleep No More." This served as the twenty-eighth episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to locate a plot summary anywhere on the world wide web.
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired the opening installment to "The Sea of Death" storyline as part of its first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"On the planet Marinus, the Doctor and his companions are enlisted by Arbitan to seek out the keys to an ancient and powerful machine. Their quest takes them across time and space; will they be able to return the keys before Marinus falls under the control of the alien Voord? (Originally broadcast in six parts.)"
"On the planet Marinus, the Doctor and his companions are enlisted by Arbitan to seek out the keys to an ancient and powerful machine. Their quest takes them across time and space; will they be able to return the keys before Marinus falls under the control of the alien Voord? (Originally broadcast in six parts.)"
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "Secret Of The Giant Oyster." Officially, this served as the twenty-eighth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After recovering a giant oyster, two explorers are captured by Troy in restricted waters."
"After recovering a giant oyster, two explorers are captured by Troy in restricted waters."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "Panic." This served as the fourteenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Nick Baxter's touch proves lethal: he has developed an alien illness that promises a slow death for him, but a very rapid death by freezing for any organism that he touches!"
"Nick Baxter's touch proves lethal: he has developed an alien illness that promises a slow death for him, but a very rapid death by freezing for any organism that he touches!"
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Ambassadors of Death, Part 4." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Liz has been captured by Reegan's men and the Doctor begins to suspect Taltalian is more involved than he appeared."
"Liz has been captured by Reegan's men and the Doctor begins to suspect Taltalian is more involved than he appeared."
On this day in 1987, Starman aired "Starscape: Part 2." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul convinces Jenny that he really is who he says he is. Together they search for Scott who has gone missing."
"Paul convinces Jenny that he really is who he says he is. Together they search for Scott who has gone missing."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired the nineteenth episode in its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cooper and company find the mysterious petroglyph. Windom Earle befriends a rock 'n' roll youth, and tells him tales of places called the White and Black Lodge. Pete helps Catherine open the first puzzle box."
"Cooper and company find the mysterious petroglyph. Windom Earle befriends a rock 'n' roll youth, and tells him tales of places called the White and Black Lodge. Pete helps Catherine open the first puzzle box."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "What Money Can't Buy." This served as the sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A sickly boy who was rescued from the slums of Old Detroit desperately needs a lung transplant to stay alive. At the eleventh hour, his donor lungs are stolen by thieves who harvest organs and sell them on the black market for top dollar. It's up to RoboCop to shut down this illegal organ trafficking operation and recover the boy's donor organs in time to save his life."
"A sickly boy who was rescued from the slums of Old Detroit desperately needs a lung transplant to stay alive. At the eleventh hour, his donor lungs are stolen by thieves who harvest organs and sell them on the black market for top dollar. It's up to RoboCop to shut down this illegal organ trafficking operation and recover the boy's donor organs in time to save his life."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Weird Science aired "The Genie Detective." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chett and Lisa are trapped in a 1940s detective film noir virtual reality game where you can die."
"Chett and Lisa are trapped in a 1940s detective film noir virtual reality game where you can die."
On this day in 1998, Saban's Power Rangers In Space aired "The Delta Recovery." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Phantom Ranger discovers where Dark Specter is hiding Zordon."
"The Phantom Ranger discovers where Dark Specter is hiding Zordon."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Batman Beyond aired "The Winning Edge." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Terry investigates the source of illegal performance-enhancing stimulants based on Bane's venom, his mother suspects he is using them himself."
"While Terry investigates the source of illegal performance-enhancing stimulants based on Bane's venom, his mother suspects he is using them himself."
On this day in 1999, The X-Files aired "Trevor" as the seventeenth episode of the program's sixth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An escaped convict apparently has the ability to pass through solid objects. He has $90,000 hidden somewhere from the bank robbery for which he was imprisoned. Mulder and Scully must find the deadly convict before he can get to his ex-girlfriend and the money."
"An escaped convict apparently has the ability to pass through solid objects. He has $90,000 hidden somewhere from the bank robbery for which he was imprisoned. Mulder and Scully must find the deadly convict before he can get to his ex-girlfriend and the money."
It all began right here: on this day in 2001, Special Unit 2 placed a team of professionals in pursuit of monsters. The first episode was titled "The Brothers," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Officer Kate Benson is rescued from a monster by the mysterious Nick O'Malley, who asks her to join his Special Unit 2, a top secret section of the Chicago P.D. tasked to control, detain, or exterminate mythological creatures aka 'Links.'"
"Officer Kate Benson is rescued from a monster by the mysterious Nick O'Malley, who asks her to join his Special Unit 2, a top secret section of the Chicago P.D. tasked to control, detain, or exterminate mythological creatures aka 'Links.'"
On this day in 2001, the infamous Q came back aboard Star Trek: Voyager for another visit, but this time he had his son in tow! "Q2" saw Q turning over the boy to Capt. Janeway for a little education.
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Blast from the Past." This served as the fourth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a hang-glider is eaten, it is discovered that there is an Assblaster loose in the valley. It turns out it is the one Nancy sold two years ago, and she feels guilty. Meanwhile she, Jodi and Rosalita teach the students Burt's first survival class, with Burt busy with the Assblaster."
"After a hang-glider is eaten, it is discovered that there is an Assblaster loose in the valley. It turns out it is the one Nancy sold two years ago, and she feels guilty. Meanwhile she, Jodi and Rosalita teach the students Burt's first survival class, with Burt busy with the Assblaster."
As much as I admired Syfy's Battlestar Galactica for trying to do something new, bold, and different, I thought its fourth season grew a bit hard to follow, as well as a bit difficult to tolerate. The writers reached a point wherein it seemed like they just wanted to pile more mystery on, and I didn't think all of it served the narrative. On this day in 2008, they aired the second episode of that fourth season, an hour titled "Six of One." Here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) face off with a gun between them, Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber) says goodbye to the Galactica, violent conflict breaks out between the seven models aboard Cylon Basestar, and Gaius Baltar (James Callis) is directly pulled into the "Final Five" situation."
"Starbuck (Katee Sackhoff) and Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) face off with a gun between them, Lee Adama (Jamie Bamber) says goodbye to the Galactica, violent conflict breaks out between the seven models aboard Cylon Basestar, and Gaius Baltar (James Callis) is directly pulled into the "Final Five" situation."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Back To Earth: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rimmer's replacement, Katerina, is determined to guide Lister back to his home planet. But Earth in 2009 is not everything the boys had expected, and Rimmer has no intention of being replaced."
"Rimmer's replacement, Katerina, is determined to guide Lister back to his home planet. But Earth in 2009 is not everything the boys had expected, and Rimmer has no intention of being replaced."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Continuum aired "Minute Man." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Kiera investigates her own murder and deals with two Alecs in one timeline, the mayor is kidnapped by a reunited Liber8. Carlos struggles with the reality shattering truth of Kiera's predicament."
"While Kiera investigates her own murder and deals with two Alecs in one timeline, the mayor is kidnapped by a reunited Liber8. Carlos struggles with the reality shattering truth of Kiera's predicament."
On this day in 2015, Thunderbirds Are Go aired "Space Race." This served as the third episode to the rebooted program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Alan is on space junk duty. Things take a turn when one of the pieces of debris turns out to be a heat-seeking SAT-MINE that activates and locks onto TB3's heat signature. Alan pulls some incredible moves in order to dodge the mine, but he can only outfly it for so long before exhaustion kicks in."
"Alan is on space junk duty. Things take a turn when one of the pieces of debris turns out to be a heat-seeking SAT-MINE that activates and locks onto TB3's heat signature. Alan pulls some incredible moves in order to dodge the mine, but he can only outfly it for so long before exhaustion kicks in."
It all began right here: on this day in 2016, Hunters opened its doors for broadcast business on Syfy. The premiere episode was titled "The Beginning & The End," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the wife of troubled FBI agent Flynn Carroll goes missing, the trail leads to a shadowy group of international terrorists known as Hunters. To find his wife, Flynn joins forces with the Exo-Terrorism Unit (ETU), a highly classified Homeland Security division charged with stopping the Hunters -- terrorists who may not even be human."
"When the wife of troubled FBI agent Flynn Carroll goes missing, the trail leads to a shadowy group of international terrorists known as Hunters. To find his wife, Flynn joins forces with the Exo-Terrorism Unit (ETU), a highly classified Homeland Security division charged with stopping the Hunters -- terrorists who may not even be human."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "Fight Or Flight." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew has to deal with Naomi's betrayal while caught in a war between Earth and Mars. Avasarala and Bobbie hatch up an escape plan."
"The crew has to deal with Naomi's betrayal while caught in a war between Earth and Mars. Avasarala and Bobbie hatch up an escape plan."
On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The Orville aired "Sanctuary." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ed discovers that Moclans aboard the Orville are harboring a secret."
"Ed discovers that Moclans aboard the Orville are harboring a secret."
