I know people who hate Space: Above & Beyond because, as they say, "it's nothing more than a war show in space." Usually, I respond with "Well, duh! That's exactly why I like it!" I can easily agree that it would've been nicer to see more space-based combat sequences, but back in the mid-90's I suspect that would've made the program cost-prohibitive. One of the great talents to emerge from S:AaB was actor James Morrison (as T.C. McQueen), who went on to play a terrific role in Fox TV's 24 over the course of a few seasons. Morrison was born on this day in 1954.
T.C. McQueen's finest hour from "The Angriest Angel"
T.C. McQueen's finest hour from "The Angriest Angel"
Sidney Clute is yet another one of those character actors hired to fill out smaller background roles in television and films. He scored appearances aboard Adventures of Superman, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Amazing Spider-Man (TV), and Battlestar Galactica (ABC). Though he's no longer with us, Clute was born on this day in 1914.
According to IMDB.com, the final project Larry Forrester worked on as a screenwriter was the script for the Star Trek: The Next Generation first season outing, "The Battle," which explored a vengeful Ferengi seeking his particular brand of justice against a mind-controlled Jean-Luc Picard. I remember the installment well, as it was one of my favorites from the early relaunch of Trek on television. Though he's no longer with us, Forrester was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
With only twenty-two screen credits to her name, Dee Hartford still managed to squeeze in some incredible genre appearances. She enjoyed roles aboard The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, The Time Tunnel, Batman, Lost In Space, and Land of the Giants. Hartford was born on this day in 1928.
Award-winning actress Silvana Mangano didn't so much dip her toes into cinematic Fantasy as so much as she dunked headfirst by appearing in David Lynch's adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel Dune (1984) for Dino De Laurentiis Company and Universal Pictures. Though she's no longer with us, Mangano was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
Rod Loomis played Sigmund Freud in the 1989 cult SciFi comedy Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. As far as other science fiction projects go, he's enjoyed appearances in Jason of Star Command, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Stargate: SG-1. Loomis was born on this day in 1942.
Back in the days of yore well before the internet, men and women would have to consult things called 'books' in order to get their feast on information, and -- for Trek enthusiasts -- author Allan Asherman did them proud. He penned a few solid reads that fans would hungrily scarf up, and maybe he even helped make the world a better place because of his research. Asherman was born on this day in 1947. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Legendary musician and generally wild character Iggy Pop dipped his toes into the well that is Star Trek with a guest role aboard Deep Space Nine during its sixth season. Pop was born on this day in 1947. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Unbeknownst to her, the lovely and ageless Andie MacDowell gave Bill Murray the chance to "get it right" by reliving a single day in their shared existence aboard Harold Ramis' brilliant Comedy/Fantasy Groundhog Day (1993). MacDowell was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Kate Vernon showed how devious she could be with her work aboard Syfy's re-imagined Battlestar Galactica. She's also scored screen time aboard Cyber Eden (1992), The Outer Limits, Star Trek: Voyager, Heroes, The 100, and Amelia 2.0 (2017). Vernon was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
The bright and vivacious Lisa Darr joined Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell in a fourth season episode of Quantum Leap. The actress has also made appearances in such properties as The Flash (CBS), The X-Files, FlashForward, and Constantine. Darr was born on this day in 1963.
Actress and stuntwoman Kathy Long knew a little something about kicking SciFi butt and taking SciFi name in her role aboard Knights (1993). Long was born on this day in 1964.
The great Joel de la Fuente first dropped onto the SciFi radar in the role of 'Lt. Paul Wang' aboard Fox TV's single season spectacular SciFi series Space: Above And Beyond. A bit more recently, he turned in fabulous work as the somewhat troubled 'Inspector Kido' aboard Amazon Studios' adaptation of Philip K. Dick's The Man In The High Castle. De la Fuente was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
In The Machine, actor Toby Stephens played Vincent McCarthy, a brilliant A.I. specialist intent upon perfecting a sentient robotic killer; as often happens in those situations, it goes horribly wrong. The flick is available on home video, and I'd encourage interested folks check it out. Stephens was born on this day in 1969.
Jennifer Blanc has enjoyed an incredibly diverse career, appearing in an amazing number of projects in her over two decades of work in the entertainment business. SciFi fans probably recognize her best from her work alongside Jessica Alba in Fox TV's Dark Angel. Blanc was born on this day in 1974.
Prissy Brit James McAvoy may not think much of America or Americans, but he's still happy to appear as part of an American franchise as powerful as the X-Men. (And, of course, he'll happily take American money from the U.S. domestic box office.) He headlined X-Men: First Class, a rowdy 60's inspired origins film for Charles Xavier and his band of mutant strongmen (and strongwomen!). Mr. McAvoy was born on this day back in 1979.
As Paul Dierden on the BBC's popular clone drama Orphan Black, he goes to whatever lengths necessary to keep the conspiracy alive. In real life, he's known as Dylan Bruce, and he was born on this day in 1980.
One of Hadley Fraser's first professional gigs was aboard "Army of Ghosts," an episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Fraser was born on this day in 1980.
I fell in love with Brianne Davis' work aboard Six (a non-SciFi property), but thankfully she's dabbled elsewhere so that I can feature her here. She's appeared aboard The Night Visitor (2013), HBO's True Blood, Synchronicity (2015), and The Night Visitor 2: Heather's Story (2016). Davis was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luscious Gugu Mbatha-Raw dolled herself up real exotic-like for the Wachowskis' mega-failure, Jupiter Ascending (2015), though we certainly won't fault her for that. Mbatha-Raw was born on this day in 1983.
Robbie Amell immersed himself deeply into the fantastical waters of The X-Files when the show came back onto the airwaves compliments of Fox TV in 2016. He's also appeared on the CW's version of The Flash as Deathstorm as well as serving as one of the regulars for the short-lived The Tomorrow People. Amell was born on this day in 1988.
Young Valerie Tian has filled out background and supporting roles aboard X-Men 2 (2003), Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), Bionic Woman, Arrow, The 100, and The Magicians. Tian was born on this day in 1989.
In the role of 'Nick Clark,' Frank Dillane did the best he could to navigate what world remained aboard the Apocalyptic Fear The Walking Dead, but -- in the end -- it wasn't enough to save himself. Dillane was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1960 (in Mexico), Space Master X-7 caught fire theatrically. Directed by Edward Bernds, the SciFi feature starred Bill Williams and Lyn Thomas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fungus brought from space threatens to grow and spread, devouring everyone in its path."
"A fungus brought from space threatens to grow and spread, devouring everyone in its path."
On this day in 1968 (across the United Kingdom), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi 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."
"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."
On this day in 1976 (in France), A Boy And His Dog walk into a bar. (I kid, I kid ...) Actually, they walk into the theaters! On the silver screen! Directed and adapted from the Harlan Ellison novel by L.Q. Jones, the SciFi/Drama starred Don Johnson and Jason Robards, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man and his telepathic dog wander a post-apocalyptic wasteland."
"A young man and his telepathic dog wander a post-apocalyptic wasteland."
On this day in 1987 (in Japan), The Aurora Encounter enjoyed its release on home video. Written and directed by Jim McCullough Sr., the SciFi feature starred Jack Elam and Peter Brown, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A tiny alien lands in the small town of Aurora, Texas in the wild west. He flies around in his spaceship and checks out everything. While the kids are fascinated, their parents are rather sceptic and afraid. Ms. Peabels, teacher and new owner of the local paper, smells a good story, and brings the alien into the headlines. When the Governor hears of the rumors, he sends a Ranger to take action."
"A tiny alien lands in the small town of Aurora, Texas in the wild west. He flies around in his spaceship and checks out everything. While the kids are fascinated, their parents are rather sceptic and afraid. Ms. Peabels, teacher and new owner of the local paper, smells a good story, and brings the alien into the headlines. When the Governor hears of the rumors, he sends a Ranger to take action."
On this day in 1999 (in Argentia), Scorpio One enjoyed its launch on home video. Directed by Worth Keeter from a script by Steve Latshaw, the SciFi feature starred Robert Carradine and Jeff Speakman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
"A disaster on space station Scorpio One leaves all the crewmembers dead. The CIA sends one of its crack agents, Jared Stone into space with a team five elite Rangers to investigate."
On this day in 2000, the SciFi/Telefilm Alien Fury: Countdown To Invasion enjoyed its first broadcast ever on U.S. television. Written and directed by Rob Hedden, the feature starred Dale Midkiff and Dondré T. Whitfield, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A covert defense agency fakes evidence of an alien invasion to get a nuclear deterrent into space. However, a journalist learns the nuke could provoke a real alien attack."
"A covert defense agency fakes evidence of an alien invasion to get a nuclear deterrent into space. However, a journalist learns the nuke could provoke a real alien attack."
On this day in 2011 (in the Netherlands and Portugal), Battle Los Angeles erupted onto the silver screen. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi feature starred Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
On this day in 2012, the SciFi/Telefilm Alien Tornado (aka Tornado Warning) spooked audiences into believing the unimaginable. It starred Stacey Asaro and Claire Conti, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Extraterrestrials appear as destructive "electrical tornadoes" on Earth."
"Extraterrestrials appear as destructive "electrical tornadoes" on Earth."
On this day in 2017 (in Australia), The Osiris Child played for audiences in attendance of the Gold Coast Film Festival. Written-in-part and directed by Shane Abbess, the SciFi feature starred Kellan Lutz and Isabel Lucas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Set in the future in a time of interplanetary colonization, an unlikely pair race against an impending global crisis and are confronted by the monsters that live inside us all."
"Set in the future in a time of interplanetary colonization, an unlikely pair race against an impending global crisis and are confronted by the monsters that live inside us all."
On this day in 2017 (in Vietnam), The Shadow Effect turned into something more than light and shadows. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young man's life is turned upside down when his violent dreams begin to blend with reality."
"A young man's life is turned upside down when his violent dreams begin to blend with reality."
On this day in 1958, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Perils Of Superman." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A criminal who was sent to prison by Superman and the Planet staff goes to the Planet office and tells them of his intention to go after them. They respond that Superman will stop him. Only problem is that he wears a lead mask to conceal his identity and he has other men wearing the same mask. Eventually he captures all of the Planet staff and puts them in a perilous situation and Superman has but minutes to save each one of them."
"A criminal who was sent to prison by Superman and the Planet staff goes to the Planet office and tells them of his intention to go after them. They respond that Superman will stop him. Only problem is that he wears a lead mask to conceal his identity and he has other men wearing the same mask. Eventually he captures all of the Planet staff and puts them in a perilous situation and Superman has but minutes to save each one of them."
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet Of The Daleks: Part 3." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Codal escape from their cell and meet up with the Thal commandos who are trying to get into the Dalek base."
"The Doctor and Codal escape from their cell and meet up with the Thal commandos who are trying to get into the Dalek base."
On this day in 1978, The Incredible Hulk aired "The Hulk Breaks Las Vegas." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"David is working as a card shill in Vegas when he learns his Casino owning boss is crooked. To complicate matters, the people holding the evidence are acquaintances of Jack McGee."
"David is working as a card shill in Vegas when he learns his Casino owning boss is crooked. To complicate matters, the people holding the evidence are acquaintances of Jack McGee."
On this day in 1987, Max Headroom's "Security Systems" -- the fourth episode of its inaugural season -- aired on the boob tube. Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"The CEO of Security Systems, the world's largest security center, fears there may be danger behind the possible purchase of her company by an unknown buyer."
"The CEO of Security Systems, the world's largest security center, fears there may be danger behind the possible purchase of her company by an unknown buyer."
On this day in 1989, Quantum Leap aired "Double Identity." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a mafia hit-man who may not live long since he is romancing the godfather's girlfriend. Also an attempt to bring Sam home causes the 1965 east coast blackout."
"Sam leaps into a mafia hit-man who may not live long since he is romancing the godfather's girlfriend. Also an attempt to bring Sam home causes the 1965 east coast blackout."
On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Tin Man." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise reaches out to an alien being, while dancing around with the Romulans, who want to attack it in an act of vengeance."
"The Enterprise reaches out to an alien being, while dancing around with the Romulans, who want to attack it in an act of vengeance."
On this day in 1992, Super Force aired "A Rainbow At Midnight." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach gets help from Zander while investigating the apparition of a cop who was killed 20 years earlier."
"Zach gets help from Zander while investigating the apparition of a cop who was killed 20 years earlier."
On this day back in 1995, Fox TV aired "Simon's Choice," the eighth episode in VR5's only season. Here's the plot summary, compliments of our friends at TV.com:
"Sydney enters VR to probe the mind of a self-confessed traitor scheduled for execution, to find out why he did it. She discovers he was being blackmailed by people who held his son hostage, and in the process, Syndey must come to terms with her anger towards her own father. The bank is foreclosing on Sydney's childhood home and she asks the Committee for money to save it."
"Sydney enters VR to probe the mind of a self-confessed traitor scheduled for execution, to find out why he did it. She discovers he was being blackmailed by people who held his son hostage, and in the process, Syndey must come to terms with her anger towards her own father. The bank is foreclosing on Sydney's childhood home and she asks the Committee for money to save it."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Ferengi Love Songs." This served as the twentieth episode to the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Quark visits his mother - but is shocked to learn that she has become romantically involved with none other than Grand Nagus Zek. Brunt offers Quark a deal he can't refuse: he will reinstate Quark's license in exchange for Quark breaking up the lovers. When he does, he learns that his actions may have just spelled disaster for Ferengi society."
"Quark visits his mother - but is shocked to learn that she has become romantically involved with none other than Grand Nagus Zek. Brunt offers Quark a deal he can't refuse: he will reinstate Quark's license in exchange for Quark breaking up the lovers. When he does, he learns that his actions may have just spelled disaster for Ferengi society."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "Racing Mars" as the tenth episode of the program's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sheridan clashes with Garibaldi. Franklin and Marcus encounter trouble near the Mars resistance camp."
"Sheridan clashes with Garibaldi. Franklin and Marcus encounter trouble near the Mars resistance camp."
On this day in 1999, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Strange Bedfellows." This served as the nineteenth episode to the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary compliments of TrekCore.com:
"Worf and Ezri are beamed aboard a Jem'Hadar ship, where the Female Shapeshifter and Thot Gor, the respective leaders of the new Dominion-Breen alliance, prepare to sign a treaty designed to destroy the Federation and end the war. However, Damar objects to signing it because of concessions, made to Thot Gor."
"Worf and Ezri are beamed aboard a Jem'Hadar ship, where the Female Shapeshifter and Thot Gor, the respective leaders of the new Dominion-Breen alliance, prepare to sign a treaty designed to destroy the Federation and end the war. However, Damar objects to signing it because of concessions, made to Thot Gor."
On this day in 2000, Farscape aired "Picture If You Will," the sixth episode of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Chiana buys a picture in a store, which is more than it seems. The picture is changes and shows Chiana what will happen to her, when it shows she is on fire, the crew must discover the origins of the picture, and find an old enemy."
"Chiana buys a picture in a store, which is more than it seems. The picture is changes and shows Chiana what will happen to her, when it shows she is on fire, the crew must discover the origins of the picture, and find an old enemy."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "One Step Closer." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team wrestle to contain Brennan's out-of-control mutant powers when he puts the mission to protect a senator's daughter in danger."
"The team wrestle to contain Brennan's out-of-control mutant powers when he puts the mission to protect a senator's daughter in danger."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Damage." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Archer has been returned to Enterprise by the Xindi council awaiting a hearing. But after a heavy attack by the Reptilians, Enterprise is stranded without a functional warp drive. They meet another ship in trouble because of space anomalies. The ship's captain isn't willing to trade in their warp coil and Archer must make a tough decision. Meanwhile T'Pol is having some strange sensations and can't control her emotions."
"Captain Archer has been returned to Enterprise by the Xindi council awaiting a hearing. But after a heavy attack by the Reptilians, Enterprise is stranded without a functional warp drive. They meet another ship in trouble because of space anomalies. The ship's captain isn't willing to trade in their warp coil and Archer must make a tough decision. Meanwhile T'Pol is having some strange sensations and can't control her emotions."
On this day in 2006 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "The Long Game." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the relaunched first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 200,000 the Doctor discovers that a satellite with a dark secret is controlling humanity and slowing its development."
"In the year 200,000 the Doctor discovers that a satellite with a dark secret is controlling humanity and slowing its development."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Daleks In Manhattan." Offically, this served as the fourth episode in the relaunched program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Martha travel to New York in 1930, where people have been mysteriously vanishing from the streets, and an old enemy resurfaces."
"The Doctor and Martha travel to New York in 1930, where people have been mysteriously vanishing from the streets, and an old enemy resurfaces."
On this day in 2012, Green Lantern: The Animated Series aired the eighth episode of its first and only season, an adventure curiously titled "Fear Itself." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"While searching for food, Hal and Kilowog are caught between two warring factions of aliens."
"While searching for food, Hal and Kilowog are caught between two warring factions of aliens."
