A star is born! Even with its modest ruminations and commentary on the state of mankind's demise, Mad Max is at best little more than a revenge picture set with a mild sci-fi premise. It premiered theatrically on this day in 1979 in the land down under (Australia), but it eventually made its way to United States and practically exploded the home video theatre market. For those of you who've never seen the original, here's a plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A vengeful Australian policeman sets out to avenge his partner, his wife and his son whom were murdered by a motorcycle gang in retaliation for the death of their leader."
For the record:
At the 1979 ceremony for the Australian Film Institute, Mad Max enjoyed a wealth of praise. The film took home trophies in the categories of 'Stunt Work,' 'Best Achievement In Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Sound,' and 'Best Original Music Score.' It had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Original Screenplay,' 'Best Actor In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
"A vengeful Australian policeman sets out to avenge his partner, his wife and his son whom were murdered by a motorcycle gang in retaliation for the death of their leader."
For the record:
At the 1979 ceremony for the Australian Film Institute, Mad Max enjoyed a wealth of praise. The film took home trophies in the categories of 'Stunt Work,' 'Best Achievement In Editing,' 'Best Achievement In Sound,' and 'Best Original Music Score.' It had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Original Screenplay,' 'Best Actor In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Film.'
During her decades in the entertainment business, Elspet Gray made a welcome visit to the world of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. IMDB.com also reports that very late in her life she had the chance to also dabble in the fateful realm aboard one of the audio productions of Who. Though she's no longer with us, Gray was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Legendary character actor and screen baddie Charles Napier -- seen above in Star Trek's "The Way To Eden" -- was born on this day in 1936. Leaving behind a resume of just over two hundred different screen credits, the man was a workhorse often cast near and dear to the realms of the Fantastic where fans could appreciate his talent. He can be seen in such projects as Alien Attack (1976), The Incredible Hulk, Knight Rider, Tales Of The Gold Monkey, The Night Stalker (1986), Deep Space (1988), The Incredible Hulk Returns (1988), Alien From The Deep (1989), Future Zone (1990), Dragonfight (1990), The Silence Of The Lambs (1991), Frogtown II (1992), Skeeter (1993), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, and much, much more, including some voice work in animated properties. Though he's no longer with us, Napier was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Independence Day (1996) is one of those flicks I can re-watch and still find a familiar face I hadn't recognized before. Today's evidence: The Wonder Years' regular Dan Lauria showed up in the Alien Invasion flick in a small role as a military commander. Lauria was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Fred McCarren found himself talking to a dog (and a truly lovely lady) for his work aboard the Horror/Fantasy The Boogens (1981) for Taft Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, McCarren was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Boogens (1981). Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of The Boogens (1981). Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find them right here.
Veteran character actor Tom Noonan has an impressive resume of appearances, all of which can be found over at IMDB.com. However, his role in Syfy's recent time travel drama -- the televised 'adaptation' of 12 Monkeys -- remained a bit of a mystery as his purpose in the broader time travel conspiracy. Noonan was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andy Garcia enjoyed a role aboard Max Steel (2016), the family-friendly SciFi feature involving a young teen gifted with alien technology. In 2017, he went one better by taking executive action to try and save our planet aboard the ill-received Geostorm for Warner Bros. Garcia was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Long-time TV scribe Tracy Torme has contributed to the success of not only Star Trek: The Next Generation but also some fan-friendly programs as Carnivale, Odyssey 5, and Sliders. Though he's no longer with us, Torme was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brent Hinkley is a bit of a acting chameleon, being able to change himself into whatever the role requires of him. He's definitely traveled some roads worthy of mention here, including work aboard Brain Dead (1990), Carnosaur (1993), SeaQuest 2032, The X-Files, Star Trek: Voyager, Weird Science, Universal Soldier: The Return, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and HBO's under-appreciated Carnivale. Hinkley was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alicia Coppola had a brief fling in the Star Trek universe, appearing as 'Lieutenant Stadi' aboard Star Trek: Voyager. Thankfully, she kept her feet firmly planted in genre entertainment, and she's since booked appearances as part of The Burning Zone, UPN's The Sentinel, Stephen King's Dead Zone, and CBS's Jericho. Coppola was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she enjoyed a bit of a 'bad girl' reputation for some time, Shannen Doherty still managed to make the most of her time aboard the popular Charmed, a serial that saw a family of witches involved in all measures of magical madness. Though she's no longer with us, Doherty was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the lady's credit, Doherty earned two Saturn Awards nominations in the category of 'Best Genre TV Actress' in 1999 and 2000 for her work aboard Charmed.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the lady's credit, Doherty earned two Saturn Awards nominations in the category of 'Best Genre TV Actress' in 1999 and 2000 for her work aboard Charmed.
NiCole Robinson has enjoyed small roles in such genre projects as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Evil Alien Conquerors (2003), and Dragon Wars: D-War (2007). Robinson was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Claudia Jordan has left a few footprints in the realm of Science Fiction: she appeared briefly aboard the motion picture S1m0ne (2002) as well as Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017). Jordan was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ever have one of those flicks everyone loved but you were bored with? Scarlett Johansson's Lucy (2014) was that for me. It was smartly made ... but I didn't believe a note of it. Still, the reliable Amr Waked had a role in it, and for that I was happy. Waked was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As much as theatrical critics loved the Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez Grindhouse experiment when it spawned a life of its own at the cineplexes, I honestly felt Tarantino's half was terribly flat and uninteresting. However, Rodriguez's Planet Terror was a SciFi junkie's delight! In it, the delicious Marley Shelton brought 'Dr. Dakota Block' to the masses, and thank goodness she did. As far genre credentials go, she's also appeared in Sin City (2005), The Lottery, and Tomorrow's Monsters. Shelton was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ashley O'Connell continues to build visibility with small roles aboard Stargate: Atlantis, Watchmen, Legends of Tomorrow, and Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency. O'Connell was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Most folks know her as 'Summer Vale,' the temptress/heroine at the heart of the Dark Rising franchise. To the rest of us, that's actress Brigitte Kingsley ... and Kingsley was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, the lovely Sarah Jane Morris enjoyed a guest spot aboard the SciFi Jessica Alba series Dark Angel. Morris was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I loved Frequency (2000), but I struggled with the short-lived television series on the same idea. Still, kudos to actor Riley Smith for giving it a go. Smith was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things we do for art! The fellow buried under all of that makeup for his work aboard the Fantasy/Drama The Shannara Chronicles is none other than Jared Turner. He's also dabbled a bit in the greater realm of TV's Power Rangers universe. Turner was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines is often dismissed as a more popcorn diversion in the Terminator universe, but -- as I've said many times before -- I actually found plenty to enjoy in each and every Terminator film thus far. Claire Danes gave an exceptional performance as Kate Brewster, the woman who John Connor would ultimately love. Danes was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Anyone wanna shoot some hoops? The delicious Amy Kerr knows a thing or two about drawing attention to her skills. As far as genre work goes, she's been involved with Lexx, Outlander (2008), SEX! with Hot Robots (2010), and Syfy's Haven. Kerr was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've lamented before about the current state of the Star Trek movie franchise. Star Trek Into Darkness was just plain awful (in my humble estimation), an abomination of many things the property has long stood for, but -- despite some narrative problems -- I did think the first film (2009's Star Trek) was still quite entertaining. The lovely Jennifer Morrison had a short but spirited cameo as the lady who would be James T. Kirk's mother, so kudos to her for bringing the ultimate starship captain to life. Morrison was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, easy on the eyes Brooklyn Decker has only flirted with Science Fiction, appearing in a small role in 2012's SciFi/Actioner Battleship. Becker was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers veteran! The young Yoshi Sudarso brought 'Koda' aka The Blue Dino Charge Ranger to life for Power Rangers Dino Charge. Sudarso was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Saoirse Ronan headlined 2013's underwhelming The Host, a SciFi/Drama that sprang from the mind of Twilight scribe Stephenie Meyer. Ronan was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Peter DaCunha found himself in certain peril aboard Syfy's popular 12 Monkeys adaptation during its run on the network. DaCunha was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), Universal Pictures released the chiller, Black Friday, all across America. Directed by Arthur Lubin, the Horror/Drama starred Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Stanley Ridges. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Dr. Sovac transplants the brain of a gangster into his professor friend's body to save his life, but there is a side effect that causes a dangerous split personality."
"Dr. Sovac transplants the brain of a gangster into his professor friend's body to save his life, but there is a side effect that causes a dangerous split personality."
On this day in 1940 (in the U.S.), being little turned big again aboard the SciFi/Drama Dr. Cyclops. Directed by Ernest B. Schoedsack from a script by Tom Kilpatrick and Malcolm Stuart Boylan, the feature film starred Albert Dekker, Thomas Coley, and Janice Logan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist working in the South American jungle miniaturizes his colleagues when he feels his megalomania is threatened."
For the record:
Dr. Cyclops was no slouch. At the 1941 Academy Awards, the picture was nominated in the category of 'Best Effect - Special Effects.' Furthermore, it received a 1941 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"A mad scientist working in the South American jungle miniaturizes his colleagues when he feels his megalomania is threatened."
For the record:
Dr. Cyclops was no slouch. At the 1941 Academy Awards, the picture was nominated in the category of 'Best Effect - Special Effects.' Furthermore, it received a 1941 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
A star is born! Only a year earlier than Mad Max's engines roared, Roger Corman launched the SciFi bloodfest, Deathsport, in theatres circa this day in 1978 (per Google). The tagline promised: "Death Sport isn't just a game. In the Year 3000, it's the only way to survive!" Directed (in part) by Roger Corman, the film starred David Carradine, Claudia Jennings, and Richard Lynch. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Futuristic Science Fiction about a sport to the death, using 'destructocycles'."
"Futuristic Science Fiction about a sport to the death, using 'destructocycles'."
On this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), Battlestar Galactica enjoyed a journey onto the silver screen. Directed by Richard A. Colla and Alan J. Levi, the 'saga of a star world' starred Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch, and Dirk Benedict; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
"After the destruction of the Twelve Colonies of Mankind, the last major fighter carrier leads a makeshift fugitive fleet in a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
A star is born! I have a vague recollection of seeing advertisements for The Archer: Fugitive From The Empire on television. If I remember correctly, the Fantasy feature was advertised as being simply the first installment of what the network promised to be a series of films exploring this universe ... but -- as is so often the case with genre entertainment -- no sequels followed. (Well, at least none that I'm aware of anyway.) In any event, the flick aired on this day in 1981 (in the U.S.). Written and directed by Nicholas Corea, the Fantasy project starred Lane Caudell, Belinda Bauer, and Victor Campos. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The hero is given his mentor's bow (the Heartbow) which chooses its new owner when passed on. It fires arrows that blow up like grenades, but can only be wielded by the one chosen to wield her. The hero is a member of a nomadic tribe wiped out by the Draikian Empire's forces. He attempts to find the wizard Lazar-Sa who might be able to help him. He is joined by a thief looking for adventure and cash, and the daughter of a goddess, Estra, looking to revenger herself on Lazar-Sa for crimes against her mother."
"The hero is given his mentor's bow (the Heartbow) which chooses its new owner when passed on. It fires arrows that blow up like grenades, but can only be wielded by the one chosen to wield her. The hero is a member of a nomadic tribe wiped out by the Draikian Empire's forces. He attempts to find the wizard Lazar-Sa who might be able to help him. He is joined by a thief looking for adventure and cash, and the daughter of a goddess, Estra, looking to revenger herself on Lazar-Sa for crimes against her mother."
On this day in 1990 (in Australia), Tremors shook the cinematic landscape. Directed by Ron Underwood, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward, Kevin Bacon, and Finn Carter; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the covet statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020. Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
"Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one."
For the record:
While it didn't win any of the covet statues, Tremors enjoyed an incredible four nominations ('Best Special Effects,' 2 'Best Supporting Actress' noms, and 'Best Science Fiction Film') from the 1991 Saturn Awards. Also, I had to good fortune of reviewing Arrow Video's 30th anniversary 4K restoration of Tremors in 2020. Those interested in my thoughts can check them out right here.
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Class Of Nuke 'Em High Part II: Subhumanoid Meltdown graduated into the marketplace for audiences of New York City, New York. Written (in part) and directed by Eric Louzil, the feature starred Brick Bronsky, Lisa Gaye, and Leesa Rowland. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The class of nuke 'em high is back, and this time they're in college! Tromaville's nuclear factory has been rebuilt and now includes the Tromaville institute of technology. Located inside the nuclear plant, Tromaville Tech is where Prof. Holt has perfected Sub-humanoids.... Living beings without emotions, who have been genetically programmed to perform menial tasks. When school reporter Roger Smith meets a beautiful subhumanoid named Victoria, they fall in love. It's too bad the creatures have a tendency to go into spontaneous meltdown. Roger is now determined to save Victoria from this messy fate, but first he'll have to face the giant mutant squirrel, Tromie, who attacks Tromaville tech in the explosive climax."
"The class of nuke 'em high is back, and this time they're in college! Tromaville's nuclear factory has been rebuilt and now includes the Tromaville institute of technology. Located inside the nuclear plant, Tromaville Tech is where Prof. Holt has perfected Sub-humanoids.... Living beings without emotions, who have been genetically programmed to perform menial tasks. When school reporter Roger Smith meets a beautiful subhumanoid named Victoria, they fall in love. It's too bad the creatures have a tendency to go into spontaneous meltdown. Roger is now determined to save Victoria from this messy fate, but first he'll have to face the giant mutant squirrel, Tromie, who attacks Tromaville tech in the explosive climax."
A star is born! On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm The Android Affair aired on television. Richard Kletter both adapted the Isaac Asimov work and directed the project for the small screen. The SciFi/Drama starred Harley Jane Kozak, Griffin Dunne, and Ossie Davis. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Karen Garrett, a promising young doctor, is assigned to perform a difficult operation on Teach, an advanced android who has never "blanked" (had his memory erased.) She soon realizes that Teach is much more than an assignment, and is drawn to his desire for a very human life. When Karen takes Teach into the outside world, they soon discover that there is something far more mysterious and dangerous than a medical experiment planned for them."
"Karen Garrett, a promising young doctor, is assigned to perform a difficult operation on Teach, an advanced android who has never "blanked" (had his memory erased.) She soon realizes that Teach is much more than an assignment, and is drawn to his desire for a very human life. When Karen takes Teach into the outside world, they soon discover that there is something far more mysterious and dangerous than a medical experiment planned for them."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), the Red Planet was looking a little black-and-white with the release of Cave Women On Mars. Written and directed by Christopher R. Mihm, the SciFi/Comedy starred Daniel Sjerven, Josh Craig, and Brooke Lemke. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It is the future. 1987. Great scientific advances have allowed mankind to achieve that which previously only existed in speculative fiction -- space travel. But, on the eve of humanity's first manned mission to the red planet, no amount of speculation could adequately prepare us for the unexpected discovery of... CAVE WOMEN ON MARS!"
"It is the future. 1987. Great scientific advances have allowed mankind to achieve that which previously only existed in speculative fiction -- space travel. But, on the eve of humanity's first manned mission to the red planet, no amount of speculation could adequately prepare us for the unexpected discovery of... CAVE WOMEN ON MARS!"
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), Ghost Machine turned up the danger in cinematic Fantasy. Directed by Chris Hartwill, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sean Faris, Rachael Taylor, and Luke Ford; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two technicians battle a vengeful spirit that has infected their stolen military software."
"Two technicians battle a vengeful spirit that has infected their stolen military software."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Beethopia. Written and directed for the screen by Darryl Barker, the SciFi/Drama starred Robert Ashton, Ben Dolan, and Brenda Sue Fowler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world where music is outlawed and the government drugs its citizens, a rebellious scientist is on a mission to rekindle the human soul. The passion of Beethoven's music is to be his weapon and there's only one person who can play it: Beethoven himself."
"In a world where music is outlawed and the government drugs its citizens, a rebellious scientist is on a mission to rekindle the human soul. The passion of Beethoven's music is to be his weapon and there's only one person who can play it: Beethoven himself."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were up and running to theaters to see the silver screen premiere of Captain America: Civil War. Directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, the film starred Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Jeremy Renner. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Political involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man."
For the record:
By all accounts, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was quite smitten with the release; and at its 2017 Saturn Awards it gave the flick an incredible eight nominations. However, the film only went home with one trophy win, that being actor Tom Holland in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"Political involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man."
For the record:
By all accounts, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was quite smitten with the release; and at its 2017 Saturn Awards it gave the flick an incredible eight nominations. However, the film only went home with one trophy win, that being actor Tom Holland in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
On this day in 2016, Flight 7500 finally took off in the U.S. (It was produced back in 2014.) Directed by Takashi Shimizu, the SciFi/Horror starred Leslie Bibb, Ryan Kwanten, and Amy Smart; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin."
"Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Italy), the SciFi/RomCom made its way back into our hearts with the theatrical release of Moglie e marito (aka Husband And Wife). Directed by Simone Godano, the feature starred Pierfrancesco Favino, Kasia Smutniak, and Valerio Apria. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Married for ten years, in full crisis, thinking about divorce. But following a failed scientific experiment, they suddenly find one inside the body of the other."
"Married for ten years, in full crisis, thinking about divorce. But following a failed scientific experiment, they suddenly find one inside the body of the other."
On this day in 1957, Adventures of Superman aired the curiously titled "Disappearing Lois." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lois goes undercover as a maid to get an exclusive interview with a notorious gangster."
"Lois goes undercover as a maid to get an exclusive interview with a notorious gangster."
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Space Pirates, Part 6." This served as the thirty-fourth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Clancey and Issigri trapped aboard the LIZ, the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe try to convince Madeleine to help them before Caven destroys Ta."
"With Clancey and Issigri trapped aboard the LIZ, the Doctor, Jamie and Zoe try to convince Madeleine to help them before Caven destroys Ta."
On this day in 1974, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Burning Bright." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Astronaut Josh Lang has been acting even more far out than usual after being affected by a mysterious electrical field during his last spacewalk. Lang's friend and colleague Steve Austin is called in to evaluate his sanity. Steve soon realizes there is a method to Josh's madness, as he develops strange powers of the mind that can make dolphins and men do his bidding."
"Astronaut Josh Lang has been acting even more far out than usual after being affected by a mysterious electrical field during his last spacewalk. Lang's friend and colleague Steve Austin is called in to evaluate his sanity. Steve soon realizes there is a method to Josh's madness, as he develops strange powers of the mind that can make dolphins and men do his bidding."
On this day in 1992, Mann & Machine aired "The Dating Game." This served as the second episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Eve has her first date, with the prime murder suspect stalking women through a dating service."
"Eve has her first date, with the prime murder suspect stalking women through a dating service."
On this day in 1993, "Face of Death" aired as the eleventh episode of Time Trax's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien learns that a doctor was killed in a manner that leads him to believe that he was killed by a fugitive from the future. Darien learns that the doctor is a plastic surgeon, so he assumes that the fugitive had his face altered. So following the man's m.o. Darien deduces that he wants to get an Incan treasure that's going to be discovered by some travelers on an adventure trek. Darien thinks that the fugitive is one of the men but after taking a medication needed for the trip, Selma can't find the man with a heartbeat of a man from the future. So Darien just goes ..."
"Darien learns that a doctor was killed in a manner that leads him to believe that he was killed by a fugitive from the future. Darien learns that the doctor is a plastic surgeon, so he assumes that the fugitive had his face altered. So following the man's m.o. Darien deduces that he wants to get an Incan treasure that's going to be discovered by some travelers on an adventure trek. Darien thinks that the fugitive is one of the men but after taking a medication needed for the trip, Selma can't find the man with a heartbeat of a man from the future. So Darien just goes ..."
"Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space'" is largely revered as one of the very best hours in all of The X-Files' run on the small screen. (For my tastes, it's easily the best.) The hour from 1996 (third season) was scripted by Darin Morgan, and -- in a very tongue-in-cheek way -- it poked as much fun at the show's central mythology as it positively promoted it. It's filled with brilliant performances by the main players as well as a terrific turn by the late Charles Nelson Reilly as the aforementioned Mr. Chung himself. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scully recounts the investigation of an alledged UFO encounter for a famous author researching his latest novel."
For the record: I think it bears mentioning that Charles Nelson Reilly was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in this spectacular episode. Alas, he didn't win, but the nomination was certainly deserved.
"Scully recounts the investigation of an alledged UFO encounter for a famous author researching his latest novel."
For the record: I think it bears mentioning that Charles Nelson Reilly was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in this spectacular episode. Alas, he didn't win, but the nomination was certainly deserved.
On this day in 1996, Space: Above And Beyond aired "R&R." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The exhausted 58th are given 48 hours leave on the pleasure ship Bachhus. Hawkes takes a trip he really shouldn't have, Damphousse and Wang get close, Vansen shows a hidden talent and McQueen and West take in a movie."
"The exhausted 58th are given 48 hours leave on the pleasure ship Bachhus. Hawkes takes a trip he really shouldn't have, Damphousse and Wang get close, Vansen shows a hidden talent and McQueen and West take in a movie."
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), Crime Traveller aired "The Lottery Experiment." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After watching the Lottery, Jeff decides to use the Time Machine to travel back in time and find some way to give Holly the winning numbers so they can be millionaires."
"After watching the Lottery, Jeff decides to use the Time Machine to travel back in time and find some way to give Holly the winning numbers so they can be millionaires."
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), Farscape aired "Into the Lion's Den: Part 1 - Lambs to the Slaughter" as the twentieth episode to the program's third season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Crichton and the rest of Moya's crew arrive at the Command Carrier to try and put an end to Scorpius' mad obsession with wormhole research. Slowly Crichton gains Scorpius' trust, but when a Peacekeeper commandant arrives at the Carrier and tells Scorpius that he must put an end to his wormhole research, Scorpius shows Crichton something which he has been searching for over the past three years... Earth."
"Crichton and the rest of Moya's crew arrive at the Command Carrier to try and put an end to Scorpius' mad obsession with wormhole research. Slowly Crichton gains Scorpius' trust, but when a Peacekeeper commandant arrives at the Carrier and tells Scorpius that he must put an end to his wormhole research, Scorpius shows Crichton something which he has been searching for over the past three years... Earth."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Warrior" as the eighteenth episode of the long-running program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A new leader has risen among the Free Jaffa, K'tano, former First Prime of Imhotep. SG-1, accompanied by Bra'tac, seeks an alliance between the Tau'ri and the large force he has amassed."
"A new leader has risen among the Free Jaffa, K'tano, former First Prime of Imhotep. SG-1, accompanied by Bra'tac, seeks an alliance between the Tau'ri and the large force he has amassed."
On this day in 2003 (in Japan), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Endless Rondo." This served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "She's Come Undone." This served as the seventeenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Discovering that their teammate Lexa is the subject of a covert experiment that is controlling her, the Mutant X team hunts for the doctor responsible."
"Discovering that their teammate Lexa is the subject of a covert experiment that is controlling her, the Mutant X team hunts for the doctor responsible."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Back To Earth: Part 3." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Lister's busy day of annoying Rimmer was interrupted by the discovery of a dimension-hopping leviathan in the ship's mile-deep water tank, transporting the crew back to Earth, all Lister's dreams appear to be coming true."
"When Lister's busy day of annoying Rimmer was interrupted by the discovery of a dimension-hopping leviathan in the ship's mile-deep water tank, transporting the crew back to Earth, all Lister's dreams appear to be coming true."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), The Aliens aired the sixth (and final) episode of its only season in original broadcast history. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With many of Troy's inhabitants trying to flee the gang war the authorities impose a lock-down - no-one in, no-one out. Lewis realizes he has to bring the conflict to an end but to do so he will have to make a sacrifice."
"With many of Troy's inhabitants trying to flee the gang war the authorities impose a lock-down - no-one in, no-one out. Lewis realizes he has to bring the conflict to an end but to do so he will have to make a sacrifice."
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Wolfblood aired "Viral." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jana and Katrina return home to a visit from Kay and Kara, who have discovered the video footage taken by Katrina of the Wolfbloods and, despite Katrina's assurance that they are harmless, the film goes viral, attracting a local journalist. Jana attempts to persuade her that it is an exercise in CGI to promote Mr Jeffries' book but she is not convinced and the Wolfbloods realize that they are now in danger."
"Jana and Katrina return home to a visit from Kay and Kara, who have discovered the video footage taken by Katrina of the Wolfbloods and, despite Katrina's assurance that they are harmless, the film goes viral, attracting a local journalist. Jana attempts to persuade her that it is an exercise in CGI to promote Mr Jeffries' book but she is not convinced and the Wolfbloods realize that they are now in danger."
On this day in 2017, The Expanse aired "The Monster and The Rocket." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A discovery pushes Naomi and Holden apart and sets the Roci crew against each other."
"A discovery pushes Naomi and Holden apart and sets the Roci crew against each other."
On this day in 2018 (in the US and Canada), Siren aired "On The Road." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the military facility goes on high alert, Chris manages to escape, but he's not the only one."
"When the military facility goes on high alert, Chris manages to escape, but he's not the only one."
On this day back in 1977, Marvel Comics joined George Lucas's journey to a galaxy far, far away when it issued the very first Star Wars comic book to retailers. According to industry insiders, the Star Wars title is given much credit for Marvel's survival at a time when they were experiencing seriously dwindling sales. The first several issues were basically an adaptation of A New Hope, but once that was done the creative crews went to work on sending Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie and the droids into all-new tales.