Look, I'm all in favor of more SciFi and Fantasy as opposed to less, but Starz Network's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's stellar American Gods has been downright painful to watch. I suspect some of that is owed to the reality that the show apparently has been through four showrunners in only a scant three seasons, and I've found much of the plot differences (twists that don't incorporate the novel or its characters) either dull, confusing, or completely unnecessary. Still, kudos to all involved for giving it a go. Here's the series' premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Shadow is a man with a past. But now he wants nothing more than to live a quiet life with his wife and stay out of trouble. Until he learns that she's been killed in a terrible accident. Flying home for the funeral, as a violent storm rocks the plane, he is greeted by a strange man in the seat next to him. The man calls himself Mr. Wednesday, and he knows more about Shadow than is possible. He warns Shadow that a far bigger storm is coming. And from that moment on, nothing will ever be the same."
"Shadow is a man with a past. But now he wants nothing more than to live a quiet life with his wife and stay out of trouble. Until he learns that she's been killed in a terrible accident. Flying home for the funeral, as a violent storm rocks the plane, he is greeted by a strange man in the seat next to him. The man calls himself Mr. Wednesday, and he knows more about Shadow than is possible. He warns Shadow that a far bigger storm is coming. And from that moment on, nothing will ever be the same."
Albeit a small role, actor Phil Brown got great mileage out of his few scenes in the immortal classic Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope. As Uncle Owen, Phil was the last hope standing between his nephew Luke Skywalker and a tremendous secret that not only destroyed their family but also brought down the Republic. Though he's no longer with us, Brown was born on this day in 1916.
Cloris Leachman has provided some of the vocal backing for Justice League's animated Granny Goodness. She also turned up in a small role aboard Starz Network's American Gods. Though she's no longer with us, Leachman was born on this day in 1926. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter Stephen Kandel penned scripts throughout four decades of work within the entertainment industry. He's written for such programs as Batman, Star Trek (TOS), Star Trek (TAS), The Wild Wild West, The Immortal, The Bionic Woman, Wonder Woman, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Time Express. Kandel was born on this day in 1927.
SciFi author Larry Niven remains one of the most prolific voices in the history of fiction, and that's no small order. As well, he contributed a story to the animated Star Trek back in 1973, so that makes him a part of our big family. Happy birthday, Mr. Niven! He was born on this day in 1936.
I have fond memories of the SciFi/Conspiracy flick Hangar 18 (1980). No, it wasn't any great flick, but in the small town I grew up in Hangar 18 played for a few weeks at the local theatre. As I've mentioned before, we didn't get much SciFi back in those days, so I think I watched this thing a half-dozen times on the silver screen if for no other reason that it just struck a chord with me. Gary Collins played the Space Shuttle pilot who uncovered an alien conspiracy, and -- though he's no longer with us -- Collins was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Burt Young enjoyed a trip into space. Well, in Science Fiction, that is. He even occupied a pretty cool floating captain's chair in a late 1990's episode of The Outer Limits, for good measure, and that's saying something. As for other forays into the realms of the Fantastic? He had a few. Fans can find the talent flexing his acting might aboard such properties as Amityville II: The Possession (1982), Tales From The Crypt, The Adventures Of Pluto Nash (2002), and The Amityville Murders (2018). Though he's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beauty of Science Fiction is that some ladies can seriously rock a purple haircut much better than others, and that's exactly what Antonia Ellis did with her appearances aboard Gerry Anderson's short-lived yet fondly-remembered UFO. Ellis was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Just the other day I was exchanging pleasantries online with a few SciFi-minded peeps, and I mentioned that the syndicated Cleopatra 2525 remains one of the great undiscovered pieces of SciFi fluff of the past few decades, and -- lo and behold -- the show's ever-present 'voice' was brought to life by the great Elizabeth Hawthorne. She's also dabbled in such other wares as The Tommyknockers, Young Hercules, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Legend Of The Seeker. Hawthorne was born on this day in 1947. [Source: IMDB.com]
Alright, kids, here's my quick sermon for today: if you've never heard the original Star Wars Radio Adaptation, then get off your duff and do it today. Right now, in fact. It's a marvelous addition to that galaxy far, far away. As part of the exceptionally talented staff, actor Perry King (second from right) took on the daunting challenge to bring the universe's most lovable rogue -- Han Solo -- to life. King was born on this day in 1948.
The venerable Thom Bray did far more than tread water with his work aboard DeepStar Six (1989), one of the greater B-Movies to come out of the late 1980's. Bray was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
It's an expression I don't use all that often, but I think that in the case of writer/director Lars von Trier it definitely applies: "that's some creepy shit." Though much of what the auteur creates is probably closer to horror -- maybe even 'horror for the sake of controversy' -- some of it has dabbled close to Fantasy (his The Kingdom property being the first that comes to mind); and that's why I feel it appropriate to mention him here. I do recall that he courted some public backlash for comments involving his film Melancholia (2011) -- a SciFi/Drama starring Kirsten Dunst -- and I believe he rarely speaks publicly as a result of the entire affair. Von Trier was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
The original V was one of the great SciFi success stories of the 1980's, and Michael Wright played one of the supporting players aboard the property for good measure. Wright was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Beata Pozniak tried on galatic politics for good measure with her work as 'President Susanna Luchenko' aboard the popular Babylon 5. Pozniak was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critically acclaimed actor Steven Mackintosh stretched his Fantasy muscles with a supporting role aboard Underworld: Evolution (2006) and Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans (2009) for Screen Gems. Mackintosh was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Justine Miceli is probably far more well known for her work as Detective Adrienne Lesniak on the long-running NYPD Blue, but SciFi fans may recall her from brief guest-starring roles in The X-Files (picture above), The Invisible Man, and Sliders. Miceli was born on this day in 1978.
Adrian Pasdar of NBC's much-maligned (should I say "much deservedly maligned?") Heroes turns another year older and another year wiser today. Birthday wishes go out to him, as well. He was born on this day in 1965.
Johnny Galecki puts a likable-enough face on nerdom with his work aboard the long-running CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and he had a small role in the futuristic In Time (2011) with Justin Timberlake. Galecki was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sidebar: 1999's Drop Dead Gorgeous isn't anything even remotely close to Science Fiction, but it is arguably one of the funniest comedies ever made which properly satirizing the world of teen beauty pagents ... and to me the pretty and funny Alexandra Holden will always been that creepily skinny girl who starved herself thin in order to attempt to seize the crown. Thankfully, she's dipped those delicate toes outside of more conventional fare in role aboard Wishcraft (2002) and Fox TV's Tru Calling so that I can give her the proper birthday shout here. Holden was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
As Detective Angela DeAngelis, actress Inga Cadranel tried to explore the conspiracy very near the heart of the genetic mysteries lurking beneath the skin on the BBC's popular Orphan Black. She's also turned up in the greater world of Syfy's Dark Matter. Cadranel was born on this day in 1978.
Anna Van Hooft brought her lazer to a knife fight in her portrayal of 'Princess Aura' for the TV incarnation of Flash Gordon. But the goodness doesn't stop there! The talented actress has also booked roles on such genre properties as The Wicker Man (2006), Fringe, Supernatural, Arrow, Witches Of East End, Intruders, Asteroid: Final Impact (2015), Warcraft (2016), Altered Carbon, and Supergirl. Van Hooft was born on this day in 1980. [Source: Google.com]
I gave Starz Network's Outlander a whole season to interest me, and it just never did. I liked the Fantasy elements, but it all ended up feeling way too much like a traditional romance at one point, and I lost interest. Still, kudos to the young Sam Heughan for fulfilling leading man status on the program. Heughan was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Personally, I enjoyed Kirsten Dunst better in Bring It On than I have anything else she's done. I couldn't say why. Maybe it had something to do with the cheerleader outfit? Perish the though! Ms. Dunst made an appearance aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, so we'll give her a birthday nod today. You go, girl! And need I mention her stint aboard Sam Raimi's version of Spider-Man? Dunst was born on this day in 1982.
I predict that Gal Gadot's star is on the rise. She's the woman who has been cast to appear as no less than Wonder Woman in the upcoming Superman Vs. Batman theatrical release from Man of Steel's director Zack Snyder. Let's hope she's up to the challenge! Gadot was born on this day in 1985.
Though she's much more known from her work as part of the ensemble cast that is Fox TV's Glee, Dianna Agron also gave science fiction a turn when she appeared as the love interest to a young alien male hiding out on planet Earth in I Am Number Four. Agron was born on this day in 1986.
I understand audiences were mixed over what to make of Blade Runner 2049. Personally, I enjoyed it quite a bit, but I'll concede it in no way approached the monumental greatness of the original. In any event, the lovely Ana de Armas was sure lovely to look at; if this is what the future might look like, then you can probably sign up red-blooded males everywhere. De Armas was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and anti-bullying advocate Domenique Fragale somehow found herself taking part in known Hollywood bully Joss Whedon's Fantasy series The Nevers for HBO. Oh, the irony! But we'll give her a pass as she's just getting started on a blooming career. Fragale was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, sadly we live in an era where nothing screams SciFi like a bunch of teens and tweens running in peril! (Thanks, Hunger Games!) Still, kudos for production companies giving us more instead of less Apocalyptic fodder, shows like The Society which lasted a single season on Netflix. Aussie-born Olivia DeJonge was one of the players in that ensemble, and DeJonge was born on this day in 1998. [Source: IMDB.com]
How cool is this? Not only is today Gal Gadot's birthday (see above) -- who plays Wonder Woman (2017) in the major motion picture -- but also it's Emily Carey's birthday, and she plays Diana at age twelve in the film. And how cool is this: the young lady also played the fourteen-year-old version of Lara Croft in the underrated Tomb Raider (2018) reboot. This young lady has got some serious skills! Carey was born on this day in 2003. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1936 (in Hungary), the original Movie Monster himself -- Frankenstein -- thrilled and chilled audiences with his tale defying death. James Whale directed the motion picture from an adaptation of the Mary Shelley novel, and the feature starred Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, and Boris Karloff. For those born on an island, here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
"Henry Frankenstein is a doctor who is trying to discover a way to make the dead walk. He succeeds and creates a monster that has to deal with living again."
For the record:
In 1991, Frankenstein was inducted into the National Film Registry of the U.S. Library of Congress. The National Film Registry seeks to preserve films based on their historical, cultural, and aesthetic contributions to history.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I purchased a Blu-ray copy of Frankenstein: Complete Legacy Collection from Amazon.com so that I could enjoy the entire Frankenstein family at my leisure. Interested in knowing what I thought of the first picture? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1953 (in Spain), Destination Moon landed in Earth theatres. The SciFi feature starred John Archer and Warner Anderson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
For the record:
At the 1951 Academy Awards, Destination Moon was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Color' but missed out on taking the statue home; it did, however, take home the gold in the category of 'Best Effects, Special Effects.' For the 1951 Hugo Awards, the film took home top honors in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in Italy), The Long Hair Of Death enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever. Written (in part) and directed by Antonio Margheriti, theh Fantasy/Horror starred Barbara Steele, George Ardisson, and Halina Zalewska. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman under suspicion of witchcraft is burned alive. Her curse brings her back from the dead for revenge. Barbara's seldom looked more beautiful. Avery moody, atmospheric euro-horror thriller."
"A woman under suspicion of witchcraft is burned alive. Her curse brings her back from the dead for revenge. Barbara's seldom looked more beautiful. Avery moody, atmospheric euro-horror thriller."
On this day in 1968 (in Japan), 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."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
For the record:
Decades later, Planet Of The Apes continues to impress both with the impact of the original film as well as the franchise's recreation in the 2000's. The feature was nominated for the 1969 Oscars in both the Best Costume Design and the Best Music (Original Score) categories but failed to capture the prized statue. Legendary make-up technician John Chambers did, however, secure an honorary Oscar for his achievements in bringing the Apes to life for the motion picture. So far as this viewer is concerned, I prefer these original Apes over the CGI creations of the modern era.
A star is born! On this day in 1989, the SciFi/Telefilm Bionic Showdown: The Six Million Dollar Man And The Bionic Woman aired on television. The feature saw Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner returning to the bionic franchise, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Steve Austin and Jamie Sommers are back. This time Steve is working security at an International Goodwill Games. Oscar goes to his office and is attacked by someone who broke in. Later Steve discovers that his security clearance has been downgraded. He and Jamie are told of the incident that Oscar had, and that the person who broke in knew about O.S.I. security protocols and that person was also bionic. So someone is planning something at the Games. So while Steve and Jamie try to find out what is going to happen, Oscar quits the O.S.I. when his nephew is injured, and his request that Rudy Wells operate on his nephew is denied. He is later taken captive. Steve then goes to the General and tells him they need to put someone bionic at the games, and the best person is Kate, Rudy's latest creation."
"Steve Austin and Jamie Sommers are back. This time Steve is working security at an International Goodwill Games. Oscar goes to his office and is attacked by someone who broke in. Later Steve discovers that his security clearance has been downgraded. He and Jamie are told of the incident that Oscar had, and that the person who broke in knew about O.S.I. security protocols and that person was also bionic. So someone is planning something at the Games. So while Steve and Jamie try to find out what is going to happen, Oscar quits the O.S.I. when his nephew is injured, and his request that Rudy Wells operate on his nephew is denied. He is later taken captive. Steve then goes to the General and tells him they need to put someone bionic at the games, and the best person is Kate, Rudy's latest creation."
On this day in 1989 (the Netherlands ), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its limited theatrical release. The feature starred Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger, and here’s the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
A star is born! (Or is that manufactured?) On this day in 1990 (in the United Kingdom), Class Of 1990 enjoyed its first exhibition ever with a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Mark L. Lester, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bradley Gregg, Traci Lind, and Malcolm McDowell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three ex-military robots are reprogrammed as teachers and secretly placed in a school where most students are part of organized gangs. They begin to respond violently to unruly students, and their military training starts to take over."
For the record:
It bears mentioning that actor Joshua John Miller enjoyed a bit of recognition for his work in the movie, as he scored a nomination in the category of 'Best Young Actor Starring in a Motion Picture' from the Young Artists Awards in 1991.
"Three ex-military robots are reprogrammed as teachers and secretly placed in a school where most students are part of organized gangs. They begin to respond violently to unruly students, and their military training starts to take over."
For the record:
It bears mentioning that actor Joshua John Miller enjoyed a bit of recognition for his work in the movie, as he scored a nomination in the category of 'Best Young Actor Starring in a Motion Picture' from the Young Artists Awards in 1991.
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Freejack sent audiences on a trip into the near-future ... and Mick Jagger was still alive! Directed by Geoff Murphy, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emilio Estevez, Rene Russo, and Anthony Hopkins. Here's the summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2003 (in the United Kingdom), the SciFi/Fantasy Sumuru found lovely life. The feature starred Michael Shanks and Alexandra Kamp, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Based on Sax Rohmer's cult novels "Sumuru", this futuristic fantasy takes you to an Earth-colony in the far future, in which women rule and men are used to propagate the race and work in the mines."
"Based on Sax Rohmer's cult novels "Sumuru", this futuristic fantasy takes you to an Earth-colony in the far future, in which women rule and men are used to propagate the race and work in the mines."
On this day in 2010 (in Poland), it was the end of the world as we know it yet again with the release of I Am Omega. Directed by Griff Furst from a script by Richard Matheson and Geoff Mead, the SciFi/Thriller starred Mark Dacascos, Jennifer Lee Wiggins, and Ryan Lloyd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In post apocalyptic LA being rampaged by zombie like cannibals humans that have some kind of genetic infection local man renchard is forced to live a daily struggle as he trys to locate radio signals and find a cure."
"In post apocalyptic LA being rampaged by zombie like cannibals humans that have some kind of genetic infection local man renchard is forced to live a daily struggle as he trys to locate radio signals and find a cure."
On this day in 2011, the Fantasy/SciFi/Musical better known as Starship enjoyed its US theatrical release. The feature starred Joey Richter and Brant Cox, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bug wants to be a Starship Ranger, but there's one thing they are he's not... human! On a far off world, one small alien bug sets out to find love and save the universe! So get ready because the Future is Now!"
"Bug wants to be a Starship Ranger, but there's one thing they are he's not... human! On a far off world, one small alien bug sets out to find love and save the universe! So get ready because the Future is Now!"
I don't watch all that many short films, but the quality is definitely on the rise. On this day in 2013 (in Canada), the SciFi/Short Hybrids enjoyed its initial exposure. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a deserted urban battleground, a vengeful military woman hunts alien creatures."
"In a deserted urban battleground, a vengeful military woman hunts alien creatures."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "The Talking Clue." This served as the second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Inspector Henderson's son makes a hobby out of collecting various sounds on spools of tape. Unfortunately, a gangster finds a nefarious use for the boy's collection."
"Inspector Henderson's son makes a hobby out of collecting various sounds on spools of tape. Unfortunately, a gangster finds a nefarious use for the boy's collection."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), Future Cop aired "The Kansas City Kid." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Haven becomes a cardsharp in order to win back the pension funds an investment broker gambled away."
"Haven becomes a cardsharp in order to win back the pension funds an investment broker gambled away."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4009: The French Incident." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz travel to France where they go undercover to investigate the alleged alien abduction of an American diplomat's son."
"Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz travel to France where they go undercover to investigate the alleged alien abduction of an American diplomat's son."
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), Battle Of The Planets aired "Orion, The Wonder-dog of Space." This served as the thirty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Spectra causes a worldwide drought on Earth. Orion, goes out on a dangerous mission with Dr. Backster, who has created a way to melt water from part of the polar caps to relieve the drought. When Dr. Backster discovers a secret Spectra base and is captured, he sends Orion to alert G-Force."
"Spectra causes a worldwide drought on Earth. Orion, goes out on a dangerous mission with Dr. Backster, who has created a way to melt water from part of the polar caps to relieve the drought. When Dr. Backster discovers a secret Spectra base and is captured, he sends Orion to alert G-Force."
On this day in 1980 (in Australian), Timelapse aired "United We Stand." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on television. Though I've been unable to locate an applicable plot summary for the installment, I can share the premise behind the entire serie's run as provided by the Australian Television Program Archive:
"A science fiction series centred around Douglas Hardy, a computer genius who is cryogenically frozen by corrupt politicians after being murdered. Hardy returns to seek his revenge and bring down the corrupt government."
"A science fiction series centred around Douglas Hardy, a computer genius who is cryogenically frozen by corrupt politicians after being murdered. Hardy returns to seek his revenge and bring down the corrupt government."
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "We'll Always Have Paris." This served as the twenty-third episode to the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"The Enterprise sets out to investigate strange time distortions rippling through their sector of space. Meanwhile, Picard faces an uncomfortable personal situation when he is reunited with an old flame."
"The Enterprise sets out to investigate strange time distortions rippling through their sector of space. Meanwhile, Picard faces an uncomfortable personal situation when he is reunited with an old flame."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Alien Nation aired "The Touch." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Cathy finds a boy she knew from the ship, but suspects he has been abused."
"Cathy finds a boy she knew from the ship, but suspects he has been abused."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Max." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A year after his brother's death, Kincaid discovers that the aliens have brought Max back to life to kill him."
"A year after his brother's death, Kincaid discovers that the aliens have brought Max back to life to kill him."
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Bloodlines" as the twenty-second episode to the program's seventh and final season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Picard receives a threat from his Ferengi adversary Bok who announces his intent to kill Picard's 'son' Jason Vigo. Dr Crusher confirms Jason is Picard's son, and he sets off to track down the young man before Bok carries out his threat."
"Picard receives a threat from his Ferengi adversary Bok who announces his intent to kill Picard's 'son' Jason Vigo. Dr Crusher confirms Jason is Picard's son, and he sets off to track down the young man before Bok carries out his threat."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Distant Origin." This served as the twenty-third episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"A Saurian scientist pursues Voyager in hopes of proving his theory that his species did not evolve in the Delta Quadrant, but evolved from dinosaurs on Earth. The scientist, who takes Chakotay first as a hostage and then as a willing witness, must convince his ruling council that his findings will not be disruptive to their society."
"A Saurian scientist pursues Voyager in hopes of proving his theory that his species did not evolve in the Delta Quadrant, but evolved from dinosaurs on Earth. The scientist, who takes Chakotay first as a hostage and then as a willing witness, must convince his ruling council that his findings will not be disruptive to their society."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Star-Crossed." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Andromeda attempts to defend a freighter from a Restorian fighter, but in its last moments the fighter rams the freighter, destroying it and all 536 aboard. However unlikely, one escape pod escaped the explosion carrying a humanoid android named Gabriel, who claims to be a teacher fleeing from his oppressors. An admiral representing the Free Trade Alliance arrives offering information on the Restorian flagship, a refurbished Commonwealth destroyer. Dylan puts a plan into motion to destroy the flagship, while Andromeda's avatar develops a relationship with Gabriel."
"The Andromeda attempts to defend a freighter from a Restorian fighter, but in its last moments the fighter rams the freighter, destroying it and all 536 aboard. However unlikely, one escape pod escaped the explosion carrying a humanoid android named Gabriel, who claims to be a teacher fleeing from his oppressors. An admiral representing the Free Trade Alliance arrives offering information on the Restorian flagship, a refurbished Commonwealth destroyer. Dylan puts a plan into motion to destroy the flagship, while Andromeda's avatar develops a relationship with Gabriel."
While all the galaxy was going to heck and back, Capt. Jonathan Archer would always take time out for a cup of tea. Space tea. I kid, I kid. On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Cogenitor." This served as the twenty-second episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Enterprise encounters a race called the Vissians who feature a third sex of "cogenitors" who are treated as second-class citizens."
"Enterprise encounters a race called the Vissians who feature a third sex of "cogenitors" who are treated as second-class citizens."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "Dalek." This served as the sixth episode to the (restarted) program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Rose travel to the year 2012 and land in a museum of extra-terrestrial objects accumulated by the very wealthy Henry van Statten. He's an avid collector - the TARDIS lands on the museum's 53rd floor below ground level - but he's also using alien technology to develop new weapons from which he derives his large income. He's particularly proud of one device he's acquired but has not yet been able to make functional and to the Doctor's horror, it turns out to a very old and very dangerous enemy from the past."
"The Doctor and Rose travel to the year 2012 and land in a museum of extra-terrestrial objects accumulated by the very wealthy Henry van Statten. He's an avid collector - the TARDIS lands on the museum's 53rd floor below ground level - but he's also using alien technology to develop new weapons from which he derives his large income. He's particularly proud of one device he's acquired but has not yet been able to make functional and to the Doctor's horror, it turns out to a very old and very dangerous enemy from the past."
On this day in 2007 (in Brazil), The Outer Limits released "The Galaxy Being" on home video. Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
"Adventurous radio station operator contacts a fellow experimenter in another galaxy. The operator locks in 3D communication, but a DJ who wants to impress his girlfriend with the station's range, boosts the signal all the way up, unknowingly sucking the alien, who's composed of electricity, into the remote desert town."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Beast." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Davis asks Chloe if she can go away from the city with him, but when Clark realizes Davis is alive, he confronts Chloe to give him an explanation about it. Meanwhile, Oliver discovers that Jimmy has become a pill-popping junkie and offers his services and emotional support. But Jimmy is too consumed by his anger and paranoia and brushes off Oliver. Later, when Oliver sees Jimmy breaking into Chloe's apartment to steal money and items to buy more drugs, things get worse when Davis appears and attacks them both. It leads to an angry Clark tracking down Davis/Doomsday to the ruins of the Fortress of Solitude for a brutal confrontation."
"Davis asks Chloe if she can go away from the city with him, but when Clark realizes Davis is alive, he confronts Chloe to give him an explanation about it. Meanwhile, Oliver discovers that Jimmy has become a pill-popping junkie and offers his services and emotional support. But Jimmy is too consumed by his anger and paranoia and brushes off Oliver. Later, when Oliver sees Jimmy breaking into Chloe's apartment to steal money and items to buy more drugs, things get worse when Davis appears and attacks them both. It leads to an angry Clark tracking down Davis/Doomsday to the ruins of the Fortress of Solitude for a brutal confrontation."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), A Good Knight's Quest aired the tenth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Being so close to finding the crystal, what could possibly go wrong?"
"Being so close to finding the crystal, what could possibly go wrong?"
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Sacrifice." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tess's latest intrusion, at Watchtower, and Chloe's excessive lockout mechanism, lock the pair up, likely to be killed while Checkmate breaks trough the last firewalls. Intrudening the Luthor mansion Oliver faces Zod, whose abusive side reemerges, now with superpowers. Clark must save his friends and hopes to do he same for the Kandorians, one of which carries unsuspecting Zod's unborn child, but the all-round secrecy exacts terrible prices."
"Tess's latest intrusion, at Watchtower, and Chloe's excessive lockout mechanism, lock the pair up, likely to be killed while Checkmate breaks trough the last firewalls. Intrudening the Luthor mansion Oliver faces Zod, whose abusive side reemerges, now with superpowers. Clark must save his friends and hopes to do he same for the Kandorians, one of which carries unsuspecting Zod's unborn child, but the all-round secrecy exacts terrible prices."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), the ever-popular Doctor Who aired the second episode of the long-running program's sixth season, "Day of the Moon." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Still in 1969, the Doctor has come to the conclusion that the alien creatures are only seen when they directly look at them. As soon as you look away, any memory of their presence is wiped clean. The aliens are also able to leave suggestions in people's minds, and aren't invaders per se, but have been on Earth for a very long time. While the Doctor works to ensure the success of Apollo 11, the others try to solve the mystery of the little girl in the space suit."
"Still in 1969, the Doctor has come to the conclusion that the alien creatures are only seen when they directly look at them. As soon as you look away, any memory of their presence is wiped clean. The aliens are also able to leave suggestions in people's minds, and aren't invaders per se, but have been on Earth for a very long time. While the Doctor works to ensure the success of Apollo 11, the others try to solve the mystery of the little girl in the space suit."
On this day in 2012 (in Japan), Zetman aired "Alphas." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kouga tries to become a superhero by creating a real-life Alphas. A mysterious man approaches him with a test to see if he's qualified to become one."
"Kouga tries to become a superhero by creating a real-life Alphas. A mysterious man approaches him with a test to see if he's qualified to become one."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), audiences learned just how far the teens and tweens of The 100 might have to go in order to get the answers they seek with the airing of "Contents Under Pressure." This was the seventh episode of the first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"While Bellamy tortures the Grounder, Raven and Clarke make contact with the Ark and ask Abby to help them save Finn. On the Ark, Kane deals with his guilt, and Jaha surprises the council with a shocking revelation."
"While Bellamy tortures the Grounder, Raven and Clarke make contact with the Ark and ask Abby to help them save Finn. On the Ark, Kane deals with his guilt, and Jaha surprises the council with a shocking revelation."
It all began right here: on this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the Starz Network premiered "The Bone Orchard" as the pilot episode of their adaptation to Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A man, broken and alone, wishes only to survive his time in prison long enough to see his wife again. Although unexpected news releases him from prison early, it is hardly the news he wishes. Left feeling like he is looking at the world from the bottom of a well, he must literally walk the heroes' path back to a time where he even resembles sanity."
"A man, broken and alone, wishes only to survive his time in prison long enough to see his wife again. Although unexpected news releases him from prison early, it is hardly the news he wishes. Left feeling like he is looking at the world from the bottom of a well, he must literally walk the heroes' path back to a time where he even resembles sanity."
- For those of you who'd like to know more, check out SciFiHistory.Net's review right here.
On this day in 2000, Martian Gothic: Unification enjoyed its initial release to the consumer marketplace. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the hubbub was about:
"Three astronaughts investigate the loss of communication from a Martian base. Shortly before arriving they receive the critic warning,"Stay alone. Stay alive."
"Three astronaughts investigate the loss of communication from a Martian base. Shortly before arriving they receive the critic warning,"Stay alone. Stay alive."
On this day in 2002, yet another 'variation' upon the original Resident Evil emerged from the cosmos. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary behind this new game:
"Remake of the first game in which the RPD squad, Jill and Chris, are forced to flee into a mysterious mansion. Featuring new gameplay mechanics, revised puzzles, additional explorable areas, a revised script, and new story details."
"Remake of the first game in which the RPD squad, Jill and Chris, are forced to flee into a mysterious mansion. Featuring new gameplay mechanics, revised puzzles, additional explorable areas, a revised script, and new story details."
