For those of you who don't know it, actress Kate Mulgrew wasn't actually the first choice to play Star Trek: Voyager's Captain Kathryn Janeway, but as fate would have it she ended up in the role anyway. Who wouldn't want to be the very first female Starfleet captain with an entire ensemble built around her? Mulgrew did a solid job, though I thought the writers never quite found a consistent voice she could call her own in the show's seven year run. Mulgrew was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I think it goes without saying that Mulgrew never 'phoned it in' during her stint in Star Trek. Throughout the show's run, the actress drew the attention of the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. On four occasions, she enjoyed a nomination for her acting as the Starfleet captain, and she even managed to snag the trophy on a single occasion (in 1998).
For the record:
I think it goes without saying that Mulgrew never 'phoned it in' during her stint in Star Trek. Throughout the show's run, the actress drew the attention of the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films. On four occasions, she enjoyed a nomination for her acting as the Starfleet captain, and she even managed to snag the trophy on a single occasion (in 1998).
The late Charles Seel made an appearance in the realm of Star Trek with a supporting role in the third season outing, "Spectre Of The Gun." He also scored roles aboard I Was A Teenage Frankenstein (1957), One Step Beyond, The Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, and Westworld (1973). Though he's no longer with us, Seel was born on this day in 1897. [Source: IMDB.com]
With just over 100 screen credits to his name, Richard Carlson leaves behind a resume most genre nuts should be familiar with. He scored screen time aboard It Came From Outer Space (1953), Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954), and TV's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea. Though he's no longer with us, Carlson was born on this day in 1917. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oscar-winning actress Celeste Holm played Fantasy for laughs with her guest-starring role aboard TV's Wonder Woman in the 1970's. Though she's no longer with us, Holm was born on this day in 1917. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran movie director Irvin Kershner helmed what has long been accepted as the best film in the entire Star Wars galaxy of films (Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back). I've heard it said that he butted heads on several occasions with George Lucas specifically hoping to film a stronger story than what was originally scripted. Whatever the case, we miss his contributions (he passed in 2010), but he entered our plane of existence all the way back in 1923. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Lane Smith began his acting career back in the 60's, and he pretty much continued with it all the way up until his passing in 2005. I remember his appearance in the 80's version of V as well as a host of other roles, including Special Bulletin (1983), Red Dawn (1984), Amazing Stories, The Twilight Zone, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. He was -- and remains -- one of my personal favorites secondary players, always turning in solid work whenever given the chance. Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1936. [Source: IMDB.com]
1978's Quark was a short-lived Science Fiction comedy that sprang from the mind of comedy writer Buck Henry. Though others seemed to enjoy it more than I did, I still thought it was definitely worth a viewing, largely because its talented cast truly enjoyed the mirth they participated in. In the respect, the late Richard Kelton earned some respectable yucks in the role of 'Ficus' for the program. Though he's no longer with us, Kelton was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
I always get a chuckle out of folks who think I'm making stuff up, and by "stuff" I'm speaking about films like Yor, The Hunter from the Future. Well, kids, this is what sci-fi looked like to those of us who grew up in another era. Yor -- as played by actor Reb Brown -- was tasked with uncovering his past in some Prehistoric wasteland. Brown was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gavan O'Herlihy has enjoyed a wealth of smaller character roles in a handful of familiar SciFi properties, including appearances aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, The Amazing Spider-Man, Superman III, Twin Peaks, and Star Trek: Voyager. O'Herlihy was born on this day in 1954.
Trust me as I confess that I couldn't even begin to do justice to the career of actor Richard Epcar; his resume over at IMDB.com is fastly approaching five hundred different citations, many of them in the realm of Science Fiction, Fantasy, Animation, and Gaming. Check it out if you're so inclined, and Epcar was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talent of Leslie Jordan certainly knows no bounds. Though his resume isn't exactly super-rich in genre properties, he definitely makes an impression whenever and wherever he shows. Fans may recognize him from work aboard Frankenstein General Hospital (1988), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Star Trek: Voyager, Weird Science, and The Pretender. Though he's no longer with us, Jordan was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days when she was Susan O'Hanlon, the lovely Susan Pratt took on the formidable role of 'Captain Nicole Davidoff' on the deliciously kid-friendly Saturday morning serial, Jason of Star Command. Pratt was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Michelle Pfeiffer brought the equally delicious 'Catwoman' aboard Tim Burton's second foray into the realm of Bat mythology in Batman Returns (1992). Pfeiffer was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran voice talent Steve Blum has dipped his vocal talents into far too many universes to mention ... but -- for posterity's sake -- I will mention just a few: Transformers Prime, Ben 10: Omniverse, Star Wars: Rebels, and Transformers: Rescue Bots. For a full accounting, check out his massively impressive resume on IMDB.com. Blum was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
His novel -- FlashForward -- was used as the basis for the ABC TV Studios program of the same name. Otherwise, one can easily find a handful of SciFi-themed novels penned by Robert J. Sawyer -- affectionately known as 'The Dean of Science Fiction' -- on the stores of any major metropolitan bookstore. Sawyer was born on this day in 1960.
Forgive me for saying it but it's such a lowdown dirty shame that The X-Files creator Chris Carter saw fit to kill off the stellar secondary characters of the Lone Gunmen. Outside of being downright genius at comic relief, the three smilers were quite talented in their own quiet ways. Bruce Harwood was the group's straight man, often times having to serve as the trio's peacemaker as well. Harwood was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the entire run of two seasons, actor Vincent Ventresca (seated above in green t-shirt) became The Invisible Man. He's also found some work in such respected programs as the newfangled version of The Twilight Zone and Dollhouse. Ventresca was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
I don't recall seeing Uma Thurman in anything lately. (The above picture is from Gattaca, which she starred in with Ethan Hawke.) It would seem that she acts sparingly, perhaps only committing to roles she feels will continue to develop her craft. Thurman was born on this day in 1970.
Darby Stanchfield hasn't shattered the glass ceiling in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, but she has enjoyed some exposure in properties like Angel, The Picture Of Dorian Gray (2004), CBS's Apocalypse/Drama Jericho, and Netflix's Fantasy series Locke & Key. Stanchfield was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
And you may not recognize the face of Derek Mears, but that's probably ok: he wore a mask and mucho make-up when he appeared as the classic form of the Predator in 2010's kinda/sorta reboot, Predators. A bit more recently, he helped bring to life the other 'green giant' with his work aboard the sadly short-lived Swamp Thing for DC Universe and Warner Bros. Television. (Alas, the show wasn't meant to be, but -- damn -- I'd love a big screen reboot with Mears in the lead, if anyone is listening.) A warm & fuzzy & bloody & deadly birthday wish goes out to Mr. Mears, born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Mears' ongoing contributions to genre projects continue to draw attention from fans and critics alike. In 2009, he -- along with his crewmates -- enjoyed a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture' for work in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008). That same year -- at the 2009 MTV Movie + TV Awards -- he was nominated in the category of 'Best Villain' for his work in Friday The 13th (2009).
For the record:
Mears' ongoing contributions to genre projects continue to draw attention from fans and critics alike. In 2009, he -- along with his crewmates -- enjoyed a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture' for work in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008). That same year -- at the 2009 MTV Movie + TV Awards -- he was nominated in the category of 'Best Villain' for his work in Friday The 13th (2009).
A former holder to the title of 'Miss Canada,' the lovely and talented April Telek has caught fandom's eye now and again. To date, fanboys and fangirls have been smitten with her goodness in such programs as Deadlocked: Escape From Zone 14 (1995), Sliders, Highlander, Viper, Sleepwalkers, The Sentinel, The New Adddams Family, The Outer Limits, The Crow: Stairway To Heaven, Millennium, First Wave, The Spring (2000), The Hunger, Secret Agent Man, Replicant (2001), The Immortal, Special Unit 2, 5 Days To Midnight, Dead Like Me, White Noise (2005), Stargate SG-1, The Collector, Reaper, R.L Stine's The Haunting Hour, Supernatural, Frequency, A Babysitter's Guide To Monster Hunting (2020), and Project Blue Book. That, my friends, is some resume! Telek was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tyler Labine had a small role alongside James Franco in 2011's relaunch of the Apes franchise, Rise of the Planet of the Apes. The young actor also had a role in ABC TV's SciFi alien drama Invasion back during the 2005-06 television season. Labine was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born lovely Bre Blair faced off against one of the deadliest plagues known to man with her work aboard Quarantine 2: Terminal (2011) for Third Street Pictures. As for other forays into the realm of the fantastic? Well, she's had a few, including visits to Intruders, Cherry Falls (2000), Charmed, Ghost Whisperer, Something's Wrong In Kansas (2008), and The Flash. Blair was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
How lucky do you have to be to land a gig playing the teenage chum of no less than the Man of Steel himself? That's how lucky Sam Jones III was! He played 'Pete Ross' for several seasons on the WB's Smallville, getting to run around with his teenage pal, Clark Kent. Jones III was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Of course Taylor Cole is more than just a pretty face, but having a pretty face certainly helps one land roles in any number of creative properties. She's been a part of Heroes, Surrogates (2009), Supernatural, The Green Hornet (2011), The Event, The Ganzfeld Haunting (2014), Second Chance, WEAPONiZED (2016), The Originals, and Salvation to name but a few. Cole was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Be still my beating heart! The lovely Bar Paly played no less than epic beauty 'Helen Of Troy' -- the face that launched a thousand ships -- aboard The CW's time travel Fantasy Legends Of Tomorrow. IMDB.com reports that she also paid a visit to the world of The CW's iZombie during its tenure on television. Paly was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 2020, Australian lovely Katherine Langford kinda/sorta cornered the proverbial market on playing the wisecracking damsel-in-distress of curiously exploding teenagers aboard Spontaneous for Awesomeness Films. As far as genre goes, she also enjoyed a leading role aboard Netflix's short-lived Cursed during its run on the streaming giant. Langford was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
To the actress' credit, Langford enjoyed a 2021 'Best Actress In A Science Fiction / Fantasy Movie' nomination from the Critics Choice Super Awards.
For the record:
To the actress' credit, Langford enjoyed a 2021 'Best Actress In A Science Fiction / Fantasy Movie' nomination from the Critics Choice Super Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1964, the good people of New York City were treated to the big screen premiere of The Horror Of Party Beach! (Oh, the horror! The horror!) Directed by Del Tenney, this Horror/Musical starred John Lyon, Alice Lyon, and Allan Laurel; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sea creatures created from radioactive sludge terrorize a beach community."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com's trivia page regarding The Horror Of Party Beach, it's said that author Stephen King insists its one of his personal favorites.
"Sea creatures created from radioactive sludge terrorize a beach community."
For the record:
According to IMDB.com's trivia page regarding The Horror Of Party Beach, it's said that author Stephen King insists its one of his personal favorites.
A star is born! On this day in 1967 (in France), the Superhero/Comedy Fearless Frank enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever for audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Philp Kaufman, the film starred Jon Voight, Monique van Vooren, and Severn Darden; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A satirical comedy about an unsophisticated country boy who treks off to Chicago, Illinois, gets shot by mobsters, and awakens to find that he has the powers of Superman."
"A satirical comedy about an unsophisticated country boy who treks off to Chicago, Illinois, gets shot by mobsters, and awakens to find that he has the powers of Superman."
On this day in 1976 (in Portugal), 2037 got a bit bawdier with the silver screen release of The Sex Machine (aka Sex Machine 2037 A.D.). Written and directed by Pasquale Festa Campanile, this Italian-language SciFi/Comedy starred Gigi Proietti, Agostina Belli, and Eleonora Giorgi; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2037, depletion of natural fuels has ended electrical power throughout the world. No light, no heat, no TV. Until a team of award-winning scientists succeeds in harnessing energy from the world's oldest source of reciprocating motion."
"In 2037, depletion of natural fuels has ended electrical power throughout the world. No light, no heat, no TV. Until a team of award-winning scientists succeeds in harnessing energy from the world's oldest source of reciprocating motion."
On this day in 1977 (in Japan), Walt Disney's Escape To Witch Mountain enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by John Hough, the SciFi feature starred Eddie Albert and Ray Milland, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home?"
"Two mysterious orphan children have extraordinary powers and are chased by a scheming millionaire. But where do these kids really call home?"
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Japan), monsters were real again with the theatrical release of Legend Of Dinosaurs And Monster Birds. Directed by Junji Kurata, the Fantasy/Horror starred Tsunehiko Watase, Nobiko Sawa, and Shôtarô Hayashi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young action scientist ventures back home following in his father's footsteps to find a dinosaur egg."
"A young action scientist ventures back home following in his father's footsteps to find a dinosaur egg."
On this day in 1982 (in Australia), the good people down under enjoyed a re-release of the original Star Wars. 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 1982 (in Argentina), Swamp Thing crawled up from the depths for its first cinematic treatment. Written and directed by Wes Craven, the Fantasy feature starred Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, and Louis Jourdan, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
Cherry, indeed! On this day in 1988 (in Mexico), Cherry 2000 delivered a touch of love and laughs to the realm of Science Fiction. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, the feature starred Melanie Griffith and David Andrews, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), those lovable critters were back for the theatrical release of Critters 2: The Main Course. Written (in part) and directed by Mick Garris, the Fantasy/Horror starred Scott Grimes, Liane Curtis, and Terrence Mann. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Eggs of the small but voracious alien creatures called Crites are left behind on earth and, after hatching, set their appetites on the small farm town of Grover's Bend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Critters 2 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit. In 1990, the film enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
"Eggs of the small but voracious alien creatures called Crites are left behind on earth and, after hatching, set their appetites on the small farm town of Grover's Bend."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Critters 2 enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit. In 1990, the film enjoyed a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Make-Up.'
A star is born! On this day in 1995, those lovable super-powered kids took their Escape To Witch Mountain yet again. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A brother-sister duo possessing psychic powers are pursued by a millionaire who intends to use them for his gain."
"A brother-sister duo possessing psychic powers are pursued by a millionaire who intends to use them for his gain."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), They Crawl enjoyed its home video release. Directed by John Allardice, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Daniel Cosgrove and Tamara Davies, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a terrifying incident of man, a policewoman detective needs to find a way to stop the creepy horde of roaches before it can kill more people."
"After a terrifying incident of man, a policewoman detective needs to find a way to stop the creepy horde of roaches before it can kill more people."
On this day in 2005, one of the most revered sci-fi books in modern history was finally given a big screen adaptation for its fans: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy didn't quite light the fire that the studio talking heads figured it would, but it went on to garner some respectable business. I guess it's safe to say that, at least, fans of the book enjoyed what it had to offer, even if that didn't prove its greatness to everyone else.
A star is born! On this day in 2014, Asteroid Vs. Earth enjoyed its release on U.S. home video. Directed by Christopher Ray, the SciFi feature starred Tia Carrere and Jason Brooks, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a shower of massive meteors threatens an extinction level event on Earth, the world's greatest minds devise a dangerous plan that will take the planet off its axis in order to avoid the impact."
"When a shower of massive meteors threatens an extinction level event on Earth, the world's greatest minds devise a dangerous plan that will take the planet off its axis in order to avoid the impact."
A star is born! On this day in 2016, Time Toys enjoyed its first theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of the International Christian Film Festival. (FYI: IMDB.com also reports that it opened theatrically on this day in the U.S. and the United Kingdom.) Written and directed by Mark Rosman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of middle school kids stumble upon a chest full of incredible toys from the future. The discovery takes them on an adventure using their newfound toys to save their neighborhood and ultimately the world from a maniacal corporate madman. In the process, these "loser" kids learn they have the qualities they thought they were lacking all along."
For the record:
It also bears mentioning that Time Toys took home the Honorable Mention title in the 'Best Picture' category at the aforementioned International Christian Film Festival, so kudos and props to all involved!
"A group of middle school kids stumble upon a chest full of incredible toys from the future. The discovery takes them on an adventure using their newfound toys to save their neighborhood and ultimately the world from a maniacal corporate madman. In the process, these "loser" kids learn they have the qualities they thought they were lacking all along."
For the record:
It also bears mentioning that Time Toys took home the Honorable Mention title in the 'Best Picture' category at the aforementioned International Christian Film Festival, so kudos and props to all involved!
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Faceless Ones: Part 4." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Spencer attempts to kill them, the Doctor, Jamie and Sam become convinced Chameleon Tours are hiding something and Sam decides to book a ticket on one of their flights."
"When Spencer attempts to kill them, the Doctor, Jamie and Sam become convinced Chameleon Tours are hiding something and Sam decides to book a ticket on one of their flights."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mutants: Part 4." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends are led to safety by Professor Sondergaard, who tries to help the Doctor translate the tablets."
"The Doctor and his friends are led to safety by Professor Sondergaard, who tries to help the Doctor translate the tablets."
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People aired "The Doomsday Men: Run Rabbit Run." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Damocles is in the hands of the Doomsday Men and the Tomorrow People are powerless to act. Any attempt at intervention and McLelland will throw the dead man's switch and launch nuclear missiles towards the Earth."
"The Damocles is in the hands of the Doomsday Men and the Tomorrow People are powerless to act. Any attempt at intervention and McLelland will throw the dead man's switch and launch nuclear missiles towards the Earth."
It all came down to this: There are a lot of reasons why the original Battlestar Galactica never really caught on back in the late 1970's. The truth is that the program finished its only season on television either in or very near the top twenties of Nielsen ratings, and that's no small feat indeed. One could argue that no one wanted to see a Star Wars clone reduced to a weekly television show, and the dynamics of TV production meant that BSG -- while being the most expensive program of its time -- really couldn't afford to pony up the money to compete every week. Whatever the case may be, the original crew of the Galactica bowed out with a rather interesting yet un-stellar finale, "The Hand of God," that did set the stakes with a modest cliffhanger, but it was that was never meant to be. Here's the plot summary as listed on the reliable IMDB.com:
"When the Galactica crew detects that a Cylon Basestar has swung around to attempt to intercept the refugee fleet, Commander Adama decides to attack."
"When the Galactica crew detects that a Cylon Basestar has swung around to attempt to intercept the refugee fleet, Commander Adama decides to attack."
On this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys." This served as the sixth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ralph retires the suit after his super-heroics result in a near-tragedy. Bill desperately needs Ralph to help him crack a corrupt cop caper masterminded by a war buddy. Can the Lone Ranger remind Ralph of a hero's great responsibility?"
"Ralph retires the suit after his super-heroics result in a near-tragedy. Bill desperately needs Ralph to help him crack a corrupt cop caper masterminded by a war buddy. Can the Lone Ranger remind Ralph of a hero's great responsibility?"
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Pen Pals" as the fifteenth episode of its second season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"While on an extended research patrol, Data makes contact with a primitive being on an unstable planet which is in immediate danger and has to plead with Picard to help his newfound friend."
"While on an extended research patrol, Data makes contact with a primitive being on an unstable planet which is in immediate danger and has to plead with Picard to help his newfound friend."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. aired "Bad Luck Betty." Officially, this served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Brisco, Bowler, and Whip track Socrates Poole to a strange little town after he is kidnapped on his birthday. Meanwhile, it appears that Socrates is being held by a man who he helped convict of murder, a man that he saw hang ten years ago."
"Brisco, Bowler, and Whip track Socrates Poole to a strange little town after he is kidnapped on his birthday. Meanwhile, it appears that Socrates is being held by a man who he helped convict of murder, a man that he saw hang ten years ago."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files aired "Born Again" as the twenty-first episode of its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An 8-year-old girl is the prime suspect in a series of bizzare, seemingly unrelated deaths."
"An 8-year-old girl is the prime suspect in a series of bizzare, seemingly unrelated deaths."
On this day in 1996 (in Israel), Babylon 5 aired "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Muse" aired on this day in 1996 as the twenty-first episode to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's fourth season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jake meets a mysterious woman named Onaya, who claims to have "a weakness for artists", and who says that she can help Jake to develop his talent for writing. His life is endangered as he falls deeper and deeper under her spell."
"Jake meets a mysterious woman named Onaya, who claims to have "a weakness for artists", and who says that she can help Jake to develop his talent for writing. His life is endangered as he falls deeper and deeper under her spell."
On this day in 1996, "Ship Of Tears" brought fan favorite Walter Koenig back into the world of Babylon 5. This was the fourteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bester arrives in a starfury. He wants their help in tracking down weapons, which turns out to be telepaths captured by the Shadows. They discover why the Shadows wanted telepaths for their war."
"Bester arrives in a starfury. He wants their help in tracking down weapons, which turns out to be telepaths captured by the Shadows. They discover why the Shadows wanted telepaths for their war."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager aired "The Thaw." This served as the twenty-third episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"When Torres and Kim enter a matrix linking several unconscious aliens, they discover that Fear holds the aliens mentally captive. He kills one of the aliens to demonstrate his power and tortures Kim, but Janeway sends a holographic projection of herself into the matrix and shuts Fear down."
"When Torres and Kim enter a matrix linking several unconscious aliens, they discover that Fear holds the aliens mentally captive. He kills one of the aliens to demonstrate his power and tortures Kim, but Janeway sends a holographic projection of herself into the matrix and shuts Fear down."
On this day in 1997, The Burning Zone aired "Elegy For A Dream." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A horrible flesh-eating bacteria from contaminated Yugoslavian tattoo ink appears in city hospitals. Doctors are initally baffled as to the source as the tattoos are destroyed by the bacteria. The case becomes personal for Taft when his athlete nephew is one of the victims."
"A horrible flesh-eating bacteria from contaminated Yugoslavian tattoo ink appears in city hospitals. Doctors are initally baffled as to the source as the tattoos are destroyed by the bacteria. The case becomes personal for Taft when his athlete nephew is one of the victims."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), The Others aired "Till Then." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Men from the government come to Elmer seeking help finding a pilot who has been shot down in Iraq, before the sun rises over there, but he is kept from helping from a spirit who insists on reaching Elmer."
"Men from the government come to Elmer seeking help finding a pilot who has been shot down in Iraq, before the sun rises over there, but he is kept from helping from a spirit who insists on reaching Elmer."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Vienen." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's eighth season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doggett and Mulder unwillingly team up investigating an oil rig where some mysterious murders have happened and the possibility of the Black Oil being involved is a haunting reality."
"Doggett and Mulder unwillingly team up investigating an oil rig where some mysterious murders have happened and the possibility of the Black Oil being involved is a haunting reality."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "The Knight, Death And The Devil." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Andromeda gets word of a fleet of Highguard ships in Tartarus. Dylan, Rommie and Tyr go after Ryan, an AI with knowledge of the location. But Ryan has a history with the fleet, which creates difficulties when they finally locate the fleet. Beka, Harper, and Trance, work on get more worlds to join the Commonwealth."
"Andromeda gets word of a fleet of Highguard ships in Tartarus. Dylan, Rommie and Tyr go after Ryan, an AI with knowledge of the location. But Ryan has a history with the fleet, which creates difficulties when they finally locate the fleet. Beka, Harper, and Trance, work on get more worlds to join the Commonwealth."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Street Wise." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Street is drugged at the club and turned into a hybrid. Sandoval uses her to get information about a hybrid vaccine in development and raids the lab where it is being developed."
"Street is drugged at the club and turned into a hybrid. Sandoval uses her to get information about a hybrid vaccine in development and raids the lab where it is being developed."
On this day in 2002 (in Australia), The Lost World aired "Legacy." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the man that wants ultimate power over the plateau receives the medallion from the assassin who appeared in 'The Secret', he goes to the plateau and Veronica ends up reliving the last days she spent with her parents in various visions."
"When the man that wants ultimate power over the plateau receives the medallion from the assassin who appeared in 'The Secret', he goes to the plateau and Veronica ends up reliving the last days she spent with her parents in various visions."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Witness." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by the Smallville Wiki:
"Clark stumbles upon a robbery of a LuthorCorp truck carrying kryptonite and is stunned to realize he can't stop the thieves because they are as strong as he is. To keep Clark from going to the police, the thugs attack Jonathan and Martha, leaving Clark feeling powerless and desperate for a way to protect his parents."
"Clark stumbles upon a robbery of a LuthorCorp truck carrying kryptonite and is stunned to realize he can't stop the thieves because they are as strong as he is. To keep Clark from going to the police, the thugs attack Jonathan and Martha, leaving Clark feeling powerless and desperate for a way to protect his parents."
On this day in 2005, Star Trek: Enterprise concluded its adventure in the Mirror Universe (trust me, Trekkies know what that means) with the airing of "In A Mirror Darkly, Part 2." This was the nineteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"With the destruction of Enterprise, Archer assumes command of the U.S.S. Defiant, a starship from a future parallel universe where a governing body known as the United Federation of Planets controls Earth; inspiring T'Pol to rise up against the tyranny of the Terran Empire."
"With the destruction of Enterprise, Archer assumes command of the U.S.S. Defiant, a starship from a future parallel universe where a governing body known as the United Federation of Planets controls Earth; inspiring T'Pol to rise up against the tyranny of the Terran Empire."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "School Reunion." Officially, this served as the third episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Krillitanes - aliens with a mix-and-match physiology - are trying to crack the 'God-Maker', a paradigm to give them ultimate power. They are using children as a computer, and only the Doctor and Rose, re-united with Sarah Jane Smith and K9 can prevent them from becoming masters of time and space."
"The Krillitanes - aliens with a mix-and-match physiology - are trying to crack the 'God-Maker', a paradigm to give them ultimate power. They are using children as a computer, and only the Doctor and Rose, re-united with Sarah Jane Smith and K9 can prevent them from becoming masters of time and space."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Superstorm -- a television miniseries event -- aired the third and final part of its original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The team inadvertently create a superstorm that is now heading for New York."
"The team inadvertently create a superstorm that is now heading for New York."
On this day in 2013 (in Finland), Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the relaunched program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Warehouse 13 aired "The Living And The Dead." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Following the orchid's release in Germany, Pete and Myka must race to stop a global plague before it kills half the world's population."
"Following the orchid's release in Germany, Pete and Myka must race to stop a global plague before it kills half the world's population."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Nothing Personal." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Just when there's no one left to trust, Agent Maria Hill returns to team up with Coulson as S.H.I.E.L.D. is being destroyed around them."
"Just when there's no one left to trust, Agent Maria Hill returns to team up with Coulson as S.H.I.E.L.D. is being destroyed around them."
On this day in 2017, Doctor Who aired "Thin Ice." This served as the third episode of the (re-launched) program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Bill visit London during the last of the River Thames frost fairs in February 1814. They soon discover that there is something under the ice which is causing people to disappear."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in knowing more, then here is SciFiHistory.Net's review of the episode.
"The Doctor and Bill visit London during the last of the River Thames frost fairs in February 1814. They soon discover that there is something under the ice which is causing people to disappear."
ExtraExtra Alert:
If you're interested in knowing more, then here is SciFiHistory.Net's review of the episode.
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Timeless aired "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"The team land in 1919 New York to try and stop Rittenhouse from killing the suffragette movement."
"The team land in 1919 New York to try and stop Rittenhouse from killing the suffragette movement."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Westworld aired "Reunion." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dolores remembers she's been to the outside world; William makes a bold business venture."
"Dolores remembers she's been to the outside world; William makes a bold business venture."
