The 1950's Science Fiction Theatre is a problem I've only seen sparingly: don't take that as an indictment of its quality in any respect, as it's more that I haven't had time to explore it in any great lengths than any other reason. I've read that in some ways it definitely served as an inspiration for programs that followed -- namely The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits -- but that's an assessment I wouldn't make given what I have seen of it. Thematically, it's all over the place with stories of science and para-science, and that's a good enough reason for SciFi fans to seek it out and explore. Its first episode premiered on this day in 1955.
A radiant Elizabeth Allan found herself being stricken with the Mark Of The Vampire (1935) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Much of her professional career appears to have been spent in mysteries and thrillers, but she also managed to squeeze in work aboard The Brain Machine (1955) for Merton Park Studios. IMDB.com reports that the actress had a falling out with MGM that ended up getting her largely blacklisted from the industry. Though she's no longer with us, Allan was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great George Oliver Smith penned such Science Fiction novels as Pattern For Conquest, Troubled Star, Fire In The Heavens, and Operation Interstellar in his day. Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1911.
[Source: ISFDB.org]
[Source: ISFDB.org]
One of the more kid-friendly SciFi programs to come out of America's 1950's was Tom Corbett, Space Cadet (1951-1955), and the main man himself was played by none other than Frankie Thomas. Though he's no longer with us, Thomas was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you wear the Starfleet uniform, then odds are you're going to get featured here some day: Arthur Batanides got the chance to play one of Star Trek's immortal 'red shirts' while wearing the Sciences blue in the third episode outing "That Which Survives." The actor enjoyed a four-decade run in entertainment, appearing in such programs as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Time Tunnel, Lost In Space, Land of the Giants, Wonder Woman, and Galactica 1980. Though he's no longer with us, Batanides was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aubrey Woods played a key role in the Season 9 opener for BBC's long-running SciFi serial, Doctor Who: in the role as the 'Controller,' he was tasked by the Daleks with maintaining dictatorial control over a potential insurgency bent on stopping their efforts to rewrite history itself. The actor also had a guest role aboard Blakes 7. Though he's no longer with us, Woods was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Avery Schreiber played somewhat bumbling 'Captain Cornelius Butt' aboard Galaxina (1980) for Marimark Productions. Though he's no longer with us, Schreiber was born on this day in 1935.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sid and Marty Krofft were responsible for so much of the Fantastical hallucinogenic shenanigans of my youth, providing visual "acid trips" without the acid to kids watching. (Seriously, check their stuff out on YouTube.com if you're so inclined.) What can I say? It was a kinder time. It was a gentler time. Especially for television. Though he's no longer with us, Krofft was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 2003, the BBC produced an animated adaptation of Doctor Who: Shada for its audiences, and the lovely Hannah Gordon provided voicework for the show. Coincidentally, she also appeared in the Who serial "The Highlanders" for the 1966-1967 television season. Gordon was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Badja Djola enjoyed a guest visit to the world of television's popular The X-Files during its run. He also enjoyed work as part of Knight Rider 2010 (1994), Millennium, and The Lone Gunmen. Though he's no longer with us, Djola was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Enemy Mine was a 1985 SciFi release from Twentieth Century Fox that featured Dennis Quaid as an Earth soldier who crashlands on an alien world where he has to become fast friends with his greatest enemy in order to guarantee his survival. Just the summer before, Quaid made a name for himself with genre fans by playing 'Alex Gardner' in the passable Dreamscape. In 1987, Quaid again made waves when he played 'Lt. Tuck Pendleton' in the Steven Spielberg-produced Joe Dante-directed Innerspace. He returned to SciFi and Fantasy again in 2000 with a big role aboard the popular Frequency. And, in 2004, he saw a weather-related Apocalypse in Roland Emmerich's The Day After Tomorrow. Quaid was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Despite being a relatively big player in genre circles for some time, Quaid's contributions have largely gone unsung. In 2001, he did receive a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in Frequency, but that's really about it.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Despite being a relatively big player in genre circles for some time, Quaid's contributions have largely gone unsung. In 2001, he did receive a Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor' for his work in Frequency, but that's really about it.
To be fair, Caryn Richman really made a splash in mainstream fare with work in Drama and Comedy. As far as genre appearances go, she did enjoy a guest spot aboard the late 1980's Science Fiction serial Hard Time On Planet Earth. Richman was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
TRON: Uprising was an animated attempt to tap the richness of the already established TRON universe, but it never really caught on and lasted only a single season. Kathryn Hunter voiced one of the many characters aboard the show, and Hunter was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fred Dekker is a name Star Trek fans should recognize as he's dabbled in writing and directing for some time. He's credited with work in the universe of Godzilla films in the early 1980's before truly making his mark with the House franchise. He wrote and directed Night Of The Creeps (1986) and then really caught fire in fandom with his Horror/Comedy The Monster Squad (1987) for TAFT Entertainment Pictures. Along the way, he squeezed in efforts like Tales From The Crypt, RoboCop 3, Star Trek: Enterprise, and The Predator (2018). Dekker was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Over his career, Dekker enjoyed a good amount of praise from his films airing on the film festival circuit.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Over his career, Dekker enjoyed a good amount of praise from his films airing on the film festival circuit.
Cameron Dye has enjoyed screen time aboard such properties as Voyagers!, The Last Starfighter (1984), Shadow Chasers, Quantum Leap, Natural Selection (1994), and Smallville. Dye was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With her series The Missing or Shadow Children or Children of Exile, Margaret Peterson Haddix postulates the impossible and turns it into the fantastic. Haddix was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: ISFDB.org]
[Source: ISFDB.org]
I've said it before, but I seriously don't think there's any genre greater than Science Fiction that truly appreciates its bit players the way we do. Today's evidence: Josh Coxx pictured above from one of his appearances aboard Babylon 5. The talented actor has also turned up aboard Quantum Leap, The Burning Zone, Sliders, A.I. Assault (2006), Thor (2011), and ABC TV's Revolution. Coxx was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As versatile as actors come, Mark Pellegrino has taken on terrific character roles in a slew of fan-friendly franchises in his career in front of the cameras. He's booked appearances on Night Life (1989), Tales From The Crypt, Prayer Of The Rollerboys (1990), Viper, Knight Rider 2010, The Sentinel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), Brimstone, The X-Files, NYPD 2069, Knight Rider, Lost, Ghost Whisperer, Locke & Key (2011), Grimm, Person Of Interest, Supernatural, Revolution, Being Human, The Tomorrow People, and The Returned. It's a ton of work, indeed, but methinks we still can't see enough of his talent. Pellegrino was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
His work as 'Lucifer' himself on the long-running Supernatural was legendary, so far as this viewer is concerned ... and I say that as someone not being a huge fan of the show. In any event, the Teen Choice Awards in 2017 nominated the actor in the category of 'Choice TV: Villain' for his contributions to the show.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
His work as 'Lucifer' himself on the long-running Supernatural was legendary, so far as this viewer is concerned ... and I say that as someone not being a huge fan of the show. In any event, the Teen Choice Awards in 2017 nominated the actor in the category of 'Choice TV: Villain' for his contributions to the show.
Earlier in her professional career, Cynthia Nixon explored The Manhattan Project (1986), a SciFi/Drama from Gladden Entertainment. Nixon was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Matthew Bennett played a character of particular menace aboard Syfy's retooled Battlestar Galactica. He's also appeared on The X-Files, PSI Factor, Earth: Final Conflict, Total Recall 2070, Seven Days, Andromeda, Stargate: SG-1, Orphan Black, and The Expanse. Bennett was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the aspects of the greater universe of Doctor Who that I find most appealing is the fact that the audience is continually introduced to secondary characters who -- due to the ongoing nature of the program -- might turn up again from time-to-time. One of the more interesting ones since the BBC's relaunch was sometimes ally Madame Vastra as played by the winning Neve McIntosh. I'd love for her to turn up in her own spinoff. McIntosh was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things we do for love ... and art! Take, for example, Jenna Jameson: she covered her naked self in blood and guts for the portrayal of 'Kat' aboard 2008's Zombie Strippers for Stage 6 Films. Not a bad job if you can get it. Jameson was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Adult author Jill Hathaway dabbles in the realm of Fantasy with her novels Slide and Imposter, both available Amazon.com. Hathaway was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: ISFDB.org]
[Source: ISFDB.org]
Sorry, folks, I don't game, so I can't speak to how cool a property Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 - Uprising could be. Still, if Moran Atias's beauty catches your eye, then you might want to check it out as she plays a character within it. Atias was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
From his website: "Vincent Chong is an award-winning freelance illustrator and designer. He has worked for clients around the world on projects ranging from book and magazine illustrations, to website graphics, to design and artwork for CD packaging. He has also illustrated the works of notable authors such as Stephen King and Ray Bradbury." Chong was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: ISFDB.org]
[Source: ISFDB.org]
Arlen Escarpeta enjoyed a recurring guest spot of royal distinction aboard The Magicians during the show's run. Escarpeta was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kathleen Munroe is another pretty face who from time-to-time pops into the realm of genre projects. Fans might recognize her work from Moonlight, SGU Stargate Universe, Haven, Alphas, Supernatural, and Resurrection. Munroe was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Brandon Stacy landed the terrific gig of reprising the role of First Officer Spock aboard Star Trek: New Voyages (aka Phase II) for the popular web-based program. (And what a gig that would be!) Stacy was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What would a film like RoboCop (2014) without a slimy marketing rep? Well, that wouldn't be Robocop now would it? Jay Baruchel stepped up, and he did a nice job, though it was all more than a bit predictable. Baruchel was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her resume leans heavily toward conventional fare, the lovely Allyn Rachel did enjoy a small role aboard Kong: Skull Island (2017) for Warner Bros. Rachel was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Consider that she's gone to her happy place: Lili Mirojnick dwells amongst the Fantasy/Crime aura of Syfy's rendition of Happy! Mirojnick was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Arsher Ali dabbled in the realm of SciFi/Fantasy with a guest spot aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Ali was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leighton Meester enjoyed a recurring status aboard NBC's short-lived SciFi/series Surface back in the 2005-2006 television season. More recently, she turned up in a guest spot aboard The Orville. Meester was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Wickedly pretty Nikki BreAnne Wells may not have made any appearances in SciFi proper, but she's definitely flirted in genre entertainment with work aboard such projects as Bat Romance (music video), Futurescapes With James Woods, Devilish Charm (2014), and 90210 Shark Attack (2014). Wells was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor/Musician Jesse McCartney voices 'Dick Grayson' (aka Nightwing) for the Young Justice animated series. McCartney was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've only seen one of the Twilight pictures for which Kristen Stewart is both praised and occasionally maligned, but I think her work in Science Fiction's Equals (2015) shows that she continues to refine her craft. Stewart was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Voice actress, model, and general Jill-Of-All-Trades Amber Lee Connors maintains an incredible resume over on IMDB.com, one that's well over two hundred different projects. Clearly, she has to be one of the hardest working talents available today, and Connors was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his professional career, Joey Pollari found virtual invincibility thanks to alien technology aboard Walt Disney's Skyrunners (2009). Pollari was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fresh-faced Morgan Taylor Campbell has earned a bit of screen time in such powerhouse properties as Spooksville, Supernatural, The 100, Power Rangers (2017), and iZombie. Campbell was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The Fanning family seems to offer an endless supply of blonde women, no? And how is it they all can act? The young Elle Fanning -- seen here from SUPER 8 -- turns another year older today. Elle was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, to be young again ... and talented ... and, perhaps, a star of HBO's Game Of Thrones ... 'til every lad's dream ... and it's a dream come true for Isaac Hempstead Wright who plays Bran Stark on the popular Fantasy program. Wright was born on this day in 1999.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alas, young Logan Williams has passed on long before any young talent should, leaving our plane of existence at the all-too-tragic age of sixteen. For those unaware, Logan played the youngest version of 'Barry Allen' aboard The CW's exceptional incarnation of the beloved DC Comics' character The Flash. Though he's no longer with us, Williams was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1953, the SciFi/Cult film Invaders From Mars enjoyed its very first theatrical premiere ever for the good people of Detroit, Michigan. Directed by William Cameron Menzies with a script by Richard Blake, the feature starred Helena Carter and Arthur Franz, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One night, young David McLean sees a spaceship crash into a nearby sandpit. His father goes to investigate, but comes back changed. Where once he was cheerful and affectionate, he's now sullen and snarlingly rude. Others fall into the sandpit and begin acting like him: cold, ill-tempered and conspiratorial. David knows that aliens are taking over the bodies of humans, but he'll soon discover there have been far more of these terrible thefts than he could have imagined. The young doom-monger finds some serious help in a lady doctor and a brilliant astronomer. Soon they meet the aliens: green creatures with insect-like eyes. These beings prove to be slaves to their leader: a large, silent head with ceaselessly shifting eyes and two tentacles on either side, each of which branches off into three smaller tentacles. It's up to the redoubtable earth trio to stop its evil plans."
For the record:
The 1953 original of Invaders From Mars was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation Hugo for the 1954 awards season, but it lost out to George Pal's The War Of The Worlds. A remake from director Tobe Hooper was produced in 1986, but that version's greatest recognition would appear to be two Razzie Award nominations. Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary all-new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of Invaders From Mars via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
Cinema-nyms (like-minded films):
"One night, young David McLean sees a spaceship crash into a nearby sandpit. His father goes to investigate, but comes back changed. Where once he was cheerful and affectionate, he's now sullen and snarlingly rude. Others fall into the sandpit and begin acting like him: cold, ill-tempered and conspiratorial. David knows that aliens are taking over the bodies of humans, but he'll soon discover there have been far more of these terrible thefts than he could have imagined. The young doom-monger finds some serious help in a lady doctor and a brilliant astronomer. Soon they meet the aliens: green creatures with insect-like eyes. These beings prove to be slaves to their leader: a large, silent head with ceaselessly shifting eyes and two tentacles on either side, each of which branches off into three smaller tentacles. It's up to the redoubtable earth trio to stop its evil plans."
For the record:
The 1953 original of Invaders From Mars was nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation Hugo for the 1954 awards season, but it lost out to George Pal's The War Of The Worlds. A remake from director Tobe Hooper was produced in 1986, but that version's greatest recognition would appear to be two Razzie Award nominations. Ouch.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to receive a complimentary all-new 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray of Invaders From Mars via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
Cinema-nyms (like-minded films):
- Quatermass 2 (1957)
- Village Of The Damned (1960)
- Quatermass And The Pit (1967)
- Shivers (1975)
- The Stepford Wives (1975)
- Invasion Of The Body Snatchers (1978 remake)
- The Thing (1982 remake)
- Invaders From Mars (1986 remake)
- Night Of The Creeps (1986)
- The Hidden (1987)
- They Live (1988)
- Body Snatchers (1993 remake)
- The Puppetmasters (1994)
- The Faculty (1998)
- Slither (2006)
- Invasion Of The Pod People (2007)
- The Invasion (2007)
- Assimilate (2019)
- The Becomers (2023)
On this day in 1954 (in the nation of Finland), Mandragore enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Hildegard Knef and Erich von Stroheim, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
"A scientist creates a beautiful "perfect woman", but since she is artificial, she seems soul-less and with no sense of morality, she brings ruin to all around her."
On this day in 1982 (in Brazil), Swamp Thing rose up from the murky depths theatrically. Written and directed by Wes Craven, the feature starred Dick Durock and Adrienne Barbeau, 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."
On this day in 1992 (in Czechoslovakia), Total Recall called up memories of a conspiracy involving Earth and Mars. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the SciFi feature starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete. And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations. In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects. That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films. Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands. Sigh.
A star is born! On this day in 1996, Tremors II: Aftershocks enjoyed its original debut on home video. Directed by S.S. Wilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward, Helen Shaver, and Chris Gartin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Tremors II for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Home Video Release,' no small feat indeed.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received an all-new release of Tremors II: Aftershocks via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated Tremors II for the Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Home Video Release,' no small feat indeed.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received an all-new release of Tremors II: Aftershocks via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2011, the SciFi/Telefilm Ferocious Planet sunk its teeth into interested audiences. The feature starred Joe Flanigan and Sam O'Mahony, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the Federal Science Institute, Dr. Jillian O'Hara and her assistant Brian Murphy will demonstrate their research to a commission led by the arrogant Senator Jackson Crenshaw and Dr. Karen Fast from the president office expecting to keep the budget of her laboratory. Colonel Sam Synn is responsible for the security with Lieutenant Rivers and Pvt. Jordan Reid. Dr. O'Hara explains that her machine is the fruit of a long research initiated by her father and can show parallel dimensions. During the demonstration, there is a problem in the device and the room is transported to another dimension with everybody that is observing the experiment. Soon the survivors discover that the room is placed in the wilderness of a dangerous dimension inhabited with wild beasts."
"In the Federal Science Institute, Dr. Jillian O'Hara and her assistant Brian Murphy will demonstrate their research to a commission led by the arrogant Senator Jackson Crenshaw and Dr. Karen Fast from the president office expecting to keep the budget of her laboratory. Colonel Sam Synn is responsible for the security with Lieutenant Rivers and Pvt. Jordan Reid. Dr. O'Hara explains that her machine is the fruit of a long research initiated by her father and can show parallel dimensions. During the demonstration, there is a problem in the device and the room is transported to another dimension with everybody that is observing the experiment. Soon the survivors discover that the room is placed in the wilderness of a dangerous dimension inhabited with wild beasts."
A star is born! On this day in 2013, Infected infected interested viewers by way of its U.S. home video release. Written and directed b Glenn Ciano, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Madsen, William Forsythe, and Christy Carlson Romano, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A blood virus infects a small group of hunters turning a father & son trip into a fight for survival."
"A blood virus infects a small group of hunters turning a father & son trip into a fight for survival."
It all began right here: on this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre first open its doors for business on television. The first installment was titled "Beyond," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A new rocket fuel is being developed to power the XF, a jet capable of traveling faster Mach 2. During a test, a craft moving faster than the XF is encountered and the pilot ejects. His report of the event is questioned. An inquiry follows."
"A new rocket fuel is being developed to power the XF, a jet capable of traveling faster Mach 2. During a test, a craft moving faster than the XF is encountered and the pilot ejects. His report of the event is questioned. An inquiry follows."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Magnetic Asteroid." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The Polaris and the Sirius spaceships are ordered to locate a heavily magnetic asteroid that is disrupting Solar Guard communications and navigation. Their mission is imperiled by T.J.'s feud with the rival crew."
"The Polaris and the Sirius spaceships are ordered to locate a heavily magnetic asteroid that is disrupting Solar Guard communications and navigation. Their mission is imperiled by T.J.'s feud with the rival crew."
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Hall Of Dolls." This served as the thirty-first episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While the Doctor continues to play the Trilogic Game with the Toymaker, Steven and Dodo are involved in a deadly game of musical chairs."
"While the Doctor continues to play the Trilogic Game with the Toymaker, Steven and Dodo are involved in a deadly game of musical chairs."
On this day in 1978, Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4007: The Forest City Incident." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A group of teenagers believe they saw a UFO while they were out parking in the wilderness. Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz decide to pursue an investigation into their sighting despite warnings of their youthful imaginations."
"A group of teenagers believe they saw a UFO while they were out parking in the wilderness. Major Gatlin and S Sgt. Fitz decide to pursue an investigation into their sighting despite warnings of their youthful imaginations."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "Curse of the Cuttlefish, Part 2." This served as the twenty-eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Zoltar proclaims the planet to be under the rule of Spectra, but G-Force are unable to counter attack, as they fear that Princess and Keyop are in the line of fire."
"Zoltar proclaims the planet to be under the rule of Spectra, but G-Force are unable to counter attack, as they fear that Princess and Keyop are in the line of fire."
Could Buck Rogers have been in some way responsible for the nuclear apocalypse that destroyed so much of planet Earth? That's the subject matter dealt with in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century's penultimate episode, "Testimony of a Traitor," which premiered on this day back in 1981. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew returns to Earth. Buck is put on trial for helping a group that may have had a hand in the nuclear war that devastated Earth in 1987."
"The crew returns to Earth. Buck is put on trial for helping a group that may have had a hand in the nuclear war that devastated Earth in 1987."
On this day in 1988, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Arsenal of Freedom." This served as the twentieth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Riker, Data and Yar beam down to the planet Minos only to discover a deadly robot weapon is hunting them down. Beaming down to assist, Picard and Crusher may be the only hope for the doomed away team."
"Riker, Data and Yar beam down to the planet Minos only to discover a deadly robot weapon is hunting them down. Beaming down to assist, Picard and Crusher may be the only hope for the doomed away team."
On this day in 1988 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Small Assassin." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A terrified new mother is convinced that her infant son is somehow trying to kill her but naturally nobody believes her."
"A terrified new mother is convinced that her infant son is somehow trying to kill her but naturally nobody believes her."
On this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired "Gimme, Gimme." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"George investigates the murder of the chief scientist behind a company he is heavily invested in. Buck, inspired by one of his teachers, protests that the workers at the company are being exploited. Matt sells one of his lottery tickets to Albert, only to see him win."
"George investigates the murder of the chief scientist behind a company he is heavily invested in. Buck, inspired by one of his teachers, protests that the workers at the company are being exploited. Matt sells one of his lottery tickets to Albert, only to see him win."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "Candle in the Night." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"In the midst of the post apocalyptic future the team decide to throw a birthday party for Debi."
"In the midst of the post apocalyptic future the team decide to throw a birthday party for Debi."
Over the years, I've taken a lot of flack from other Trek enthusiasts about my opinion of Star Trek: Voyager. Basically, I struggled with the show largely because I felt so much of it was so poorly written. It had good characters, but rarely did it seem like the writing staff truly knew what to do with them. However, even a show as off-center as Voyager can still knock it out of the park every now and then, and that's what happened on this day in 1997 with the airing of the third season episode titled "Before and After." Here's the plot summary from TrekCore.com:
"Kes finds herself living backwards in time, with no memory of who she was before she began as an old woman. In the reality she sees in reverse, she has married Tom Paris and had a child with him who in turn married Harry Kim; Janeway and Torres have been dead for years, killed during a conflict with a race that used chronoton particles to alter the timeline."
"Kes finds herself living backwards in time, with no memory of who she was before she began as an old woman. In the reality she sees in reverse, she has married Tom Paris and had a child with him who in turn married Harry Kim; Janeway and Torres have been dead for years, killed during a conflict with a race that used chronoton particles to alter the timeline."
On this day in 1999, Farscape aired "Throne for a Loss," the fourth episode of its first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Rygel is captured and held for ransom by some bounty hunters. Rygel "borrowed" a crystal from Moya, without the crystal Moya cannot maintain her orbit and will crash into the planet if it isn't returned shortly."
"Rygel is captured and held for ransom by some bounty hunters. Rygel "borrowed" a crystal from Moya, without the crystal Moya cannot maintain her orbit and will crash into the planet if it isn't returned shortly."
On this day in 1999, Sliders aired "The Chasm." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Sliders arrive in what is literally the happiest place on Earth. But in this small community, a little girl witnessed her grandfather leap into a mysterious chasm and begins to feel an overwhelming sorrow. Worse yet, it soon spreads to Rembrandt and Maggie."
"The Sliders arrive in what is literally the happiest place on Earth. But in this small community, a little girl witnessed her grandfather leap into a mysterious chasm and begins to feel an overwhelming sorrow. Worse yet, it soon spreads to Rembrandt and Maggie."
- For those who'd like to know more, check out a review of this episode on Earth Prime's website right here.
On this day in 1999, Total Recall 2070 aired "Nothing Like The Real Thing." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An accountant kills a deliveryman for seemingly no reason and then falls into a trance. Marks on his head suggest he had bought a cheap black-market memory implant. Hume and Farve have to find the seller before more people get hurt."
"An accountant kills a deliveryman for seemingly no reason and then falls into a trance. Marks on his head suggest he had bought a cheap black-market memory implant. Hume and Farve have to find the seller before more people get hurt."
On this day in 2000, The X-Files gave Gillian Anderson the chance to stretch her creative wings by writing, directing, and starring in an episode titled "All Things." This was the seventeenth episode of the long-running program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scully is finishing up the autopsy of a person at a hospital. A file mix-up involving the autopsy folder and another patient's x-ray leads Scully to discover a former lover of hers has been admitted at the hospital. Meeting with him again causes Scully to re-examine the decisions she has made in her life, leading to her where she is to today."
"Scully is finishing up the autopsy of a person at a hospital. A file mix-up involving the autopsy folder and another patient's x-ray leads Scully to discover a former lover of hers has been admitted at the hospital. Meeting with him again causes Scully to re-examine the decisions she has made in her life, leading to her where she is to today."
On this day in 2001, Andromeda aired "Fear and Loathing in the Milky Way." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Trance and Harper are out on the Maru, they are surprised to find Gerentex aboard. He forces them into helping him resolve his debts. Harper manages to turn the tables on Gerentex and learns about his new scheme."
"While Trance and Harper are out on the Maru, they are surprised to find Gerentex aboard. He forces them into helping him resolve his debts. Harper manages to turn the tables on Gerentex and learns about his new scheme."
On this day in 2003, Star Trek: Enterprise aired the nineteenth episode of its second season, an hour titled "Judgment." According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Captain Archer stands accused before a Klingon tribunal of conspiring against the Empire, and his only hope of escaping a death sentence or life in the dilithium mines of Rura Penthe is an aging and disenchanted Klingon lawyer with little energy or enthusiasm for the case."
"Captain Archer stands accused before a Klingon tribunal of conspiring against the Empire, and his only hope of escaping a death sentence or life in the dilithium mines of Rura Penthe is an aging and disenchanted Klingon lawyer with little energy or enthusiasm for the case."
On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Unquiet Dead." This served as the third episode to the show's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor has great expectations for his latest adventure when he and Rose join forces with Charles Dickens to investigate a mysterious plague of zombies."
"The Doctor has great expectations for his latest adventure when he and Rose join forces with Charles Dickens to investigate a mysterious plague of zombies."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the seventh episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This week, Dorian decides to play a new game."
"This week, Dorian decides to play a new game."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Checkmate." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tess creates an elaborate hoax in order to kidnap Oliver/Green Arrow, and delivers him to the shady head of the secret society Checkmate, Amanda Waller, who tells him that that the government is recruiting him to serve his country. However, Green Arrow escapes before they can learn his identity. After Oliver brings Clark and Chloe up to speed on what happened to him, the three investigate and Clark is surprised to find John Jones investigating Oliver's kidnapping too. Clark senses that John is keeping information from him. Oliver and Clark are shocked when Tess reveals that Amanda is after something called "Watchtower," which is Chloe's code name in the Justice League. When Chloe is captured by Checkmate agents, Waller threatens to kill Chloe unless Clark gives her the names and locations of the rest of the Justice League."
"Tess creates an elaborate hoax in order to kidnap Oliver/Green Arrow, and delivers him to the shady head of the secret society Checkmate, Amanda Waller, who tells him that that the government is recruiting him to serve his country. However, Green Arrow escapes before they can learn his identity. After Oliver brings Clark and Chloe up to speed on what happened to him, the three investigate and Clark is surprised to find John Jones investigating Oliver's kidnapping too. Clark senses that John is keeping information from him. Oliver and Clark are shocked when Tess reveals that Amanda is after something called "Watchtower," which is Chloe's code name in the Justice League. When Chloe is captured by Checkmate agents, Waller threatens to kill Chloe unless Clark gives her the names and locations of the rest of the Justice League."
On this day in 2010, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "The Zillow Beast." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Republic detonates a powerful electro-proton bomb to settle the battle of Malastare, it accidentally wakens an ancient and thought to be extinct Zillo Beast."
"When the Republic detonates a powerful electro-proton bomb to settle the battle of Malastare, it accidentally wakens an ancient and thought to be extinct Zillo Beast."
On this day in 2013, Shelf Life aired "Powered Up." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"After a new Hero Lass action figure commercial sends HL into a crazed conniption, her concerned cohorts conceive a clever contrivance to console her."
"After a new Hero Lass action figure commercial sends HL into a crazed conniption, her concerned cohorts conceive a clever contrivance to console her."
On this day in 2014, The 100 aired the fourth episode of its inaugural season. The hour was titled "Murphy's Law," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Bellamy, Clarke and Finn try to protect Charlotte when everyone learns she killed Wells. On the Ark, Abby risks getting floated in order to give Raven the chance to launch the escape pod."
"Bellamy, Clarke and Finn try to protect Charlotte when everyone learns she killed Wells. On the Ark, Abby risks getting floated in order to give Raven the chance to launch the escape pod."