As happens all too often in our fickle history of entertainment, some star becomes instantly popular because of appearing in another property and -- SHAZAM! -- they land their very own television show as a consequence of the fame. Unfortunately, that new show ends up being rushed into production, and it never has the legs to last but for a handful of episodes.
Exhibit A: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan's Judson Scott.
Exhibit B: TV's sci-fi-themed The Phoenix.
Anticipating a wave of popularity for the young star who had been cast in the upcoming Star Trek film, producers put Scott into a starring role for The Phoenix, a program that involved an ancient astronaut named Bennu being found buried alive in a sarcophagus in Peru. The show premiered on this day in 1981 (Khan hit theatres the next summer), but the episodes produced didn't follow until the spring of '82. Weird. Much like the show.
Exhibit A: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan's Judson Scott.
Exhibit B: TV's sci-fi-themed The Phoenix.
Anticipating a wave of popularity for the young star who had been cast in the upcoming Star Trek film, producers put Scott into a starring role for The Phoenix, a program that involved an ancient astronaut named Bennu being found buried alive in a sarcophagus in Peru. The show premiered on this day in 1981 (Khan hit theatres the next summer), but the episodes produced didn't follow until the spring of '82. Weird. Much like the show.
Veteran character great Vic Perrin dabbled with great Science Fiction projects on-and-off throughout his career. He's credited with four 'appearances' in the original Star Trek series (pictured above from "Mirror, Mirror"), though most of the work was voice acting. Otherwise, he contributed performances to such properties as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Invaders, Wonder Woman, Project U.F.O., and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Though he's no longer with us, Perrin was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I did a retro review of "Demon With A Glass Hand," one of The Outer Limits' most revered episodes and one in which Perrin enjoyed a small part. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can check out my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I did a retro review of "Demon With A Glass Hand," one of The Outer Limits' most revered episodes and one in which Perrin enjoyed a small part. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can check out my review right here.
Ah, there's nothing quite like the love of a good Klingon woman -- if you're man enough to survive it, that is -- and one of the very best cinematic representations of the Klingon female came from the actress and stuntwoman Spice Williams-Crosby aboard the oft-maligned Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989). The lady has also sported small roles in such properties as Stranded (1987), Out Of This World, Sexbomb (1989), The Guyver (1991), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Batman & Robin (1997), Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Flintstones In Viva Rock Vegas (2000), Angel, Dead End Road (2004), Charmed, Revamped (2007), The Dead Undead (2010), Death Valley, and Astro (2018). Williams-Crosby was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To her credit, the actress has earned some extra attention from works of hers from the film festival circuit.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To her credit, the actress has earned some extra attention from works of hers from the film festival circuit.
Nancy Lenehan played 'Margaret Flood,' a rather promiscuous older lady with love and UFOs on her mind aboard TBS's pleasant People Of Earth. Lenehan was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Andy Secombe helped bring to life the character of 'Watto' in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. Secombe was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The critically-lauded Giancarlo Esposito enjoyed a recurring role aboard ABC TV's long-running Fantasy Once Upon A Time. More recently, he turned in solid work for his part aboard Star Wars' The Mandalorian. Still, the man perseveres, and he can be seen in roles big and small in such enterprises as The Changeling (1980), The Brother From Another Planet (1984), Maximum Overdrive (1986), The Tomorrow Man (1996), The Maze (1997), The Hunger, Creature, Stardust (1998), Touched By An Angel, Monkeybone (2001), 5ive Days To Midnight, NYPD 2069, Chupacabra Terror (2005), Ghost Whisperer, New Amsterdam, Son Of Batman (2014), Revolution, Batman: Assault On Arkham (2014), Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015), MFKZ (2017), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), Westworld, Creepshow, and Abigail (2024). Esposito was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- In 2013, Esposito was nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television' for his work aboard Revolution.
- In 2020, the actor was nominated for a Primetime Emmys Award in the category of 'Best Guest Actor In A Drama Series' for his work aboard The Mandalorian.
- In 2021, the actor was again nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Guest Performance In A Television Series' for his work aboard The Mandalorian.
- In 2021, the actor was again nominated for a Primetime Emmys Award in the category of 'Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series' for his work aboard The Mandalorian.
- In 2024, the actor was again nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Guest Star In A Television Series' for his work aboard The Mandalorian.
Hailing originally from Shanghai, China, the incomparable Joan Chen made a splash in fandom playing the equally mysterious 'Jocelyn Packard' in the cult TV series Twin Peaks. She definitely upped the ante by taking on the role of the evil 'Dr. Ilsa Hayden' in 1995's SciFi stinker Judge Dredd. Chen was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Debra Wilson (from Fox TV's MadTV) has turned in some impressive voice performances in genre properties over the years, and her resume is fast approaching two hundred different credits. Wilson was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
International action star Jet Li found himself in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with dual roles aboard The One (2001). Li was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I was offered an all-new release of Black Mask (1996) in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the Superhero/Fantasy? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I was offered an all-new release of Black Mask (1996) in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the Superhero/Fantasy? Readers can find my review right here.
Before becoming a figure of authority on NBC TV's Blindspot, the talented Marianne Jean-Baptiste served as 'Police Chief Karen Dean' in the RoboCop (2014) reboot. Jean-Baptiste was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of seeing 2014's RoboCop reboot on the silver screen during its theatrical run. Interested in my thoughts on the feature? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of seeing 2014's RoboCop reboot on the silver screen during its theatrical run. Interested in my thoughts on the feature? Readers can find my review right here.
Shondrella Avery joined Denzel Washington in the underrated SciFi/Adventure Deja Vu (2006) from director Tony Scott. Avery was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The only reason why you wouldn't love Grabbers (2012) is because you've never seen it. Seriously, it's a dandy of a SciFi/Comedy gem featuring an Irish island full of folks who discover the only way to thwart an alien invasion is by staying drunk. (Trust me: it makes perfect sense when you see it.) Bronagh Gallagher had a role in it, and Gallagher was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Grabbers when it was first making the rounds in the U.S. on home video release. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Grabbers when it was first making the rounds in the U.S. on home video release. Interested in my thoughts? Readers can find my review right here.
While she's best known for playing the part of mob daughter on-the-run Carrie Hopewell on Cinemax's excellent Banshee, Ivana Milicevic has given SciFi fans something to crow about by appearing in 2005's Slipstream. She also had a small part in 2003's Paycheck. Even more recently, she did a great turn as a kinda/sorta villain aboard The CW's The 100. Always one to watch, Milicevic was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Emily Booth, could we possibly love you any more than we already do? You've bared your soul (snicker snicker) for your art, and that's taken the shape of such features as Evil Aliens (2005), Grindhouse (2007), Doghouse (2009), and some other campy schlock, but you still leave us wanting more. Booth was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamy McKenzie Westmore has her own little franchise own Syfy as the host for the special effects and make-up competition series, FaceOff. As the daughter to Star Trek's make-up genius Michael Westmore, she's also earned roles aboard Star Trek: Insurrection, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Star Trek: Voyager. Westmore was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor-turned-Screenwriter-turned-Director Brandon Slagle has a wealth of interesting projects to his resume. In some way, shape, or form, he's been a part of such properties as Area 51 Confidential (2011), Biohazard: Patient Zero (2012), and Crossbreed (2018). Slagle was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'm well aware that most folks don't consider superhero properties as legitimate sci-fi, but I figure they're close enough for our neck of the woods, and that's why I'll give a shout-out today to Mr. Tom Welling who turns another year older (starting from his birth on this day in 1977). In Smallville, Welling played the role of a young Clark Kent -- visitor from the planet Krypton -- who was just learning to live with these incredible powers. The show lasted an impressive ten seasons, though it did get a bit hard-to-follow in the last few years.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Stana Katic has a few connections to the world of fictionalized heroes. First, she had a guest spot aboard NBC's Heroes during that show's run. Second, she voiced no less than 'Lois Lane' herself as part of DC Comics' direct-to-DVD release, Superman: Unbound (2013). Katic was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pablo Schreiber dipped his feet deeply into the realm of Fantasy with a plumb role aboard American Gods. But certainly this hasn't been his only gig in the world of genre entertainment, and fans can relish at what the man can do in such projects as Manhunt 2 (video game), Life On Mars, Tell Tale (2009), Medium, Person Of Interest, Preservation (2014), and Halo. Schreiber was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jordana Brewster got her start on the silver screen as one of the young ensemble trying to expose The Faculty (1998) and their extraterrestrial connection. Brewster was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Marnette Patterson made the most of the action playing Holly Little in the SciFi sleeper Starship Troopers 3: Marauder. Patterson was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hmm. Well, truth be told, The Wachowski siblings' Jupiter Ascending never really 'ascended' to any appreciable heights, largely tanking at the box office despite the addition of (ahem) Channing Tatum's "considerable" clout. Who knows? Maybe the hunk should stick to Chippendales' movies? Tatum was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brazilian actress Mariana Ximenes lit up the small screen with her work aboard the Horror/Thriller Supermax, a procedural that found prisoner inmates pitted against adversaries a bit otherworldly. Ximenes was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Emily Wickersham stripped down to just her bathing suit for the teen-set SciFi/Actioner I Am Number Four (2011). Wickersham was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I enjoyed The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow a bit more first season than I did its second, and much of that is owed to the inclusion of Hawkman and Hawkgirl's star-crossed love story. (Those two characters didn't carry over into the second season.) Falk Hentschel played Carter Hall (aka Hawkman). As for other forays? He can be seen as part of Journeyman, Transcendence (2014), Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., The Flash, and Arrow. Hentschel was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1939 (in France), the Czech-language SciFi/Drama Skeleton On Horseback enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Hugo Haas, the motion picture starred the writer/director along with Bedrich Karen, Zdenek Stepánek, and Václav Vydra; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The "White Plague", a deadly leprosy-like disease that mainly infects people older than 50 years, is ravaging the world. Doctor Galen, a reclusive physician who has devoted his life to the poor, finds a cure. But he refuses to share his cure with the rich and powerful, unless his one condition is met -- eternal peace among nations. Meanwhile, the nation's militaristic leader is preparing to invade a neighboring country. Then the dictator's only close friend, an aristocratic arms manufacturer who is an essential part of his war plans, catches the disease. . ."
"The "White Plague", a deadly leprosy-like disease that mainly infects people older than 50 years, is ravaging the world. Doctor Galen, a reclusive physician who has devoted his life to the poor, finds a cure. But he refuses to share his cure with the rich and powerful, unless his one condition is met -- eternal peace among nations. Meanwhile, the nation's militaristic leader is preparing to invade a neighboring country. Then the dictator's only close friend, an aristocratic arms manufacturer who is an essential part of his war plans, catches the disease. . ."
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in Japan), Toward The Terra experienced its first theatrical engagement ever. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jomy Mark Shin is a seemingly ordinary boy on Earth, but fate has shown him something different. The authorities learn that he is a Mu, a member of race of psionic humans that are marked for death by the Central computer called Mother Eliza. He is rescued by a rebel group of Mu's lead by Soldier Blue, who shows him that he is of artificial birth in a space colony. Now, Jomy must be the successor to Soldier Blue and fight for the survival of his people and the right to return to Earth. However, the human forces lead by the elite officer, Keith Anyan, are a formidable and deadly threat."
"Jomy Mark Shin is a seemingly ordinary boy on Earth, but fate has shown him something different. The authorities learn that he is a Mu, a member of race of psionic humans that are marked for death by the Central computer called Mother Eliza. He is rescued by a rebel group of Mu's lead by Soldier Blue, who shows him that he is of artificial birth in a space colony. Now, Jomy must be the successor to Soldier Blue and fight for the survival of his people and the right to return to Earth. However, the human forces lead by the elite officer, Keith Anyan, are a formidable and deadly threat."
On this day in 1982 (in Bulgaria), Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope enjoyed a tour through theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
On this day in 1985, Candice Bergen brought an unusually large head of hair to the Fantasy/Telefilm Arthur The King. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Classic tale of King Arthur and how his wife is kidnapped by his evil sister. Lancelot is sent out to try and retrieve the lost queen and unfortunately falls in love with her. Forbidden love, revenge, family rivalry, and magic are all prominent themes."
"Classic tale of King Arthur and how his wife is kidnapped by his evil sister. Lancelot is sent out to try and retrieve the lost queen and unfortunately falls in love with her. Forbidden love, revenge, family rivalry, and magic are all prominent themes."
A star is born! On this day in 1985, Barbarian Queen enjoyed its very first theatrical engagement. Directed by Héctor Olivera, this Fantasy feature starred Lana Clarkson and Katt Shea, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A simple village is raided by Roman troops, and most of the people are whisked off to be slaves or killed. Three women survive and set off to liberate their people. When they arrive at the Roman city, they team up with the local underground to seek vengeance and liberation of the slaves."
"A simple village is raided by Roman troops, and most of the people are whisked off to be slaves or killed. Three women survive and set off to liberate their people. When they arrive at the Roman city, they team up with the local underground to seek vengeance and liberation of the slaves."
On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), Saturn 3 enjoyed its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi/Horror release:
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight-foot robot."
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight-foot robot."
On this day in 1989 (in Spain), the SciFi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed a rare re-release run for interested moviegoers. For those of you unaware, here's the premise behind the film compliments of IMDB.com:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
On this day in 1997 (in South Korea), the Special Edition of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back brought the Force back to audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
A star is born ... or, in the case of a sequel, is that born again?! On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere of 28 Weeks Later. Written (in part) and directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jeremy Renner, Rose Byrne, and Robert Carlyle. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes according to plan."
"Six months after the rage virus was inflicted on the population of Great Britain, the US Army helps to secure a small area of London for the survivors to repopulate and start again. But not everything goes according to plan."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Marvel's Iron Man 2 enjoyed its theatrical premiere for the folks in Los Angeles, California! Directed by Jon Favreau, the Superhero flick starred Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy."
"With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Canada), The Colony opened its doors with its first theatrical exhibition ever. Written (in part) and directed by Jeff Renfroe, the SciFi/Drama starred Kevin Zegers, Laurence Fishburne, and Bill Paxton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
"Forced underground by the next ice age, a struggling outpost of survivors must fight to preserve humanity against a threat even more savage than nature."
For the record:
For the 2013 ceremony of the Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, The Colony won top honors with the Official Fantàstic Panorama Selection Grand Prize.
On this day in 2014 (in Denmark), a 70MM print of Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey played for audiences of a film event unspecified on IMDB.com. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
On this day in 2015, 1985's Back To The Future played for audiences in attendance of the Newport Beach International Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine" invented by a slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love - so he can get back to the future."
"Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine" invented by a slightly mad scientist. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make certain his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love - so he can get back to the future."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Sacrifice To The Moon God." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, Carol and Tonga are again experimenting with the new faster than light star drive when relays freeze and send them rocketing into the past for the second time. This time to the era of the Aztecs. Exploring alone Carol is taken captive and prepared to be sacrificed to the Moon God. Buzz and Happy, disguise themselves as Aztec priests. They must prevent her death in the presence of hundreds of Indians, as the High Priest ceremoniously raises the sacrificial knife over the helpless Carol."
"Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, Carol and Tonga are again experimenting with the new faster than light star drive when relays freeze and send them rocketing into the past for the second time. This time to the era of the Aztecs. Exploring alone Carol is taken captive and prepared to be sacrificed to the Moon God. Buzz and Happy, disguise themselves as Aztec priests. They must prevent her death in the presence of hundreds of Indians, as the High Priest ceremoniously raises the sacrificial knife over the helpless Carol."
On this day in 1957 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "Close Shave." This served as the eighth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jimmy has a chance encounter with a barber who seems to have a talent for getting people to do what he wants by making them reveal their true nature. Jimmy decides to try this talent to break up a criminal organization."
"Jimmy has a chance encounter with a barber who seems to have a talent for getting people to do what he wants by making them reveal their true nature. Jimmy decides to try this talent to break up a criminal organization."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Lost In Space aired "The Galaxy Gift." Officially, this served as the thirtieth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Penny will not give up the belt entrusted to her by an alien even if it means their deaths."
"Penny will not give up the belt entrusted to her by an alien even if it means their deaths."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Escape Into Night aired the second episode of its only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Marianne falls out with the boy in the dream house (Mark) and draws some sinister looking one-eyed boulders to punish him."
"Marianne falls out with the boy in the dream house (Mark) and draws some sinister looking one-eyed boulders to punish him."
On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), The Six Million Dollar Man aired "Run, Steve, Run." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Jeffrey Dolenz, the infamous robot maker, has been hired to build a team of robots to rob Fort Knox. He refuses to start working however, until he's discovered the secrets of the bionic man who defeated his first robot. Therefore he spends his sponsor's money and time following Steve Austin, who is taking a well deserved rest on an Utah ranch."
"Dr. Jeffrey Dolenz, the infamous robot maker, has been hired to build a team of robots to rob Fort Knox. He refuses to start working however, until he's discovered the secrets of the bionic man who defeated his first robot. Therefore he spends his sponsor's money and time following Steve Austin, who is taking a well deserved rest on an Utah ranch."
It all began right here: on this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), The Phoenix aired its pilot episode. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for that first installment:
"A mysterious alien with a secret is discovered in a Peruvian sarcophagus."
"A mysterious alien with a secret is discovered in a Peruvian sarcophagus."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks aired the fourth episode of its first season on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Cooper meets with Audrey, who confesses to leaving him the note about One Eyed Jack's. Cooper tells Truman he can't remember who the killer was in his dream, but insists the dream is a code to solving the crime."
"Cooper meets with Audrey, who confesses to leaving him the note about One Eyed Jack's. Cooper tells Truman he can't remember who the killer was in his dream, but insists the dream is a code to solving the crime."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Mann & Machine aired "Water, Water, Everywhere." This served as the fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mann's neighbour, a food reporter, investigates the murder of another reporter who broke the story about a contaminated reservoir."
"Mann's neighbour, a food reporter, investigates the murder of another reporter who broke the story about a contaminated reservoir."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "There All The Honor Lies," the fourteenth episode of the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sheridan kills a Minbari warrior in self-defense, but a Minbari witness to the incident claims it was not justified."
"Sheridan kills a Minbari warrior in self-defense, but a Minbari witness to the incident claims it was not justified."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Voices From The Past." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex Luthor's son wreaks havoc in Metropolis, and in Lois and Clark's marriage. Lois is kidnapped, while Superman investigates whether he can have children."
"Lex Luthor's son wreaks havoc in Metropolis, and in Lois and Clark's marriage. Lois is kidnapped, while Superman investigates whether he can have children."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Defector." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A shuttle crashes on a beach after being pursued by a second Taelon piloted shuttle. When Liam locates the survivor (a Taelon called Belleye), he claims to want to help the Resistance take back Earth from the Taelons."
"A shuttle crashes on a beach after being pursued by a second Taelon piloted shuttle. When Liam locates the survivor (a Taelon called Belleye), he claims to want to help the Resistance take back Earth from the Taelons."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), the UPN Network aired Star Trek: Voyager's twenty-first episode of its fifth season, a space adventure titled "Juggernaut." According to TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Malon garbage ship about to explode could contaminate a large area of space unless a temperamental Torres can work with the Malon to defuse it. However she's unaware of the legend surrounding the Malon Bogeyman..."
"A Malon garbage ship about to explode could contaminate a large area of space unless a temperamental Torres can work with the Malon to defuse it. However she's unaware of the legend surrounding the Malon Bogeyman..."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Muse." This served as the twenty-second episode to the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Torres crashes on an alien world and becomes the inspiration for a playwright trying to inspire peace for his people who are embroiled in a bloody war between factions."
"Torres crashes on an alien world and becomes the inspiration for a playwright trying to inspire peace for his people who are embroiled in a bloody war between factions."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Dark Angel aired "Love Among The Runes." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ancient writings appear on Max's skin, while White's brother escapes from the cult and the transgenics gather in Terminal City."
"Ancient writings appear on Max's skin, while White's brother escapes from the cult and the transgenics gather in Terminal City."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Lexx aired "Yo Way Yo," not only the twenty-fourth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season but also its series finale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Prince visits the Lexx warning of "Earth's date with destiny". Stan celebrates but is drawn back into the turbulent atmosphere after learning that the aliens have successfully invaded the "little blue planet"."
"Prince visits the Lexx warning of "Earth's date with destiny". Stan celebrates but is drawn back into the turbulent atmosphere after learning that the aliens have successfully invaded the "little blue planet"."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Menace" as the nineteenth episode of the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On an alien planet SG-1 discovers an inactive android is the only survivor of the destruction of her civilization. They bring her back to the SGC for study and manage to reactivate her. Things take a turn for the worse when she "makes" a replicator bug for Daniel."
"On an alien planet SG-1 discovers an inactive android is the only survivor of the destruction of her civilization. They bring her back to the SGC for study and manage to reactivate her. Things take a turn for the worse when she "makes" a replicator bug for Daniel."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Turning Point." This served as the twenty-ninth 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 (in the US and Canada), Andromeda aired "A Symmetry Of Imperfection." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spy from Tri Gemma shows up on the Andromeda in an attempt to steal the star map."
"A spy from Tri Gemma shows up on the Andromeda in an attempt to steal the star map."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Dream Lover." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mutant X must stop a scientist from cloning women for use as slaves in his ultra-exclusive men's club."
"Mutant X must stop a scientist from cloning women for use as slaves in his ultra-exclusive men's club."
On this day in 2008 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "Doomsday." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Avengers Assemble aired "Small Time Heroes." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With the team divided and the Avengers Tower wiped out, Tony seeks help from Ant-Man. Learning he's busy fighting MODOK, Tony's team joins Ant-Man to stop the Pym Particle thief."
"With the team divided and the Avengers Tower wiped out, Tony seeks help from Ant-Man. Learning he's busy fighting MODOK, Tony's team joins Ant-Man to stop the Pym Particle thief."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), The CW's The 100 aired the ominously titled "DNR." This served as the ninth episode of its fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clarke struggles to keep the peace after word of Jaha's discovery spreads."
"Clarke struggles to keep the peace after word of Jaha's discovery spreads."
