There are Star Trek books, and then there are Star Trek Books. Notice the capital 'B.' Star Trek: Imzadi -- by long-time Trek scribe Peter David -- is one of the high points in all of Trekdom ... and, yes, I even mean that involving the TV shows and the movies.
I say that probably because Imzadi is such a great piece of literature first before it's a great love story set in the Trek universe. It takes the love story that was always at the core of The Next Generation -- that of William Riker and Deanna Troi -- and really expands upon it in ways the reader never quite imagined, much less the regular viewers of the television show. I've read it -- twice -- and it's one of those very few Trek books I honestly give a solid 'thumbs up' to.
I'll admit that, in the final chapters, it veers into an area not so much of predictability but rather some mildly banal, comic relief-ish moments. Besides that single weakness, it's definitely one novel anyone who considers himself or herself a tried-and-true Trek enthusiast ought to read and own.
Imzadi was first published on this day back in 1992.
I say that probably because Imzadi is such a great piece of literature first before it's a great love story set in the Trek universe. It takes the love story that was always at the core of The Next Generation -- that of William Riker and Deanna Troi -- and really expands upon it in ways the reader never quite imagined, much less the regular viewers of the television show. I've read it -- twice -- and it's one of those very few Trek books I honestly give a solid 'thumbs up' to.
I'll admit that, in the final chapters, it veers into an area not so much of predictability but rather some mildly banal, comic relief-ish moments. Besides that single weakness, it's definitely one novel anyone who considers himself or herself a tried-and-true Trek enthusiast ought to read and own.
Imzadi was first published on this day back in 1992.
The estimable Henry Jones -- shown above in the gray suit with the bow tie -- played a role in Arachnophobia (1990) late in his career, an overwhelming professional accomplishment that involved over two hundred separate projects. He also paid visits to such properties as Tales Of Tomorrow, The Twilight Zone, Lost In Space, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Night Gallery, Kolchak: The Night Stalker, The Six Million Dollar Man, Project UFO, Lucan, Salvage 1, Supertrain, Fantasy Island, and Dick Tracy (1990). Though he's no longer with us, Jones was born on this day in 1912.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Arthur Hill made quite an impression on the worlds of Science Fiction. In 1966, he enjoyed a guest role on Irwin Allen's Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. In 1971, he took up defending the planet from a potentially devastating invasion of alien bacteria in the landmark film, The Andromeda Strain. Then, in 1976, he was part of the ensemble that helped deliver Futureworld to audiences. Other forays along the way? He enjoyed a bit of screen time in Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), Tomorrow's Child (1982), Prototype (1983), and Murder In Space (1985). Though he's no longer with us, Hill was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Somehow, I completely missed The Lost World -- a weekly series based on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel -- when it aired in TV syndication, but I have been able to find the program posted on the web occasionally. Aboard the program, Michael Sinelnikoff played 'Professor Arthur Summerlee.' Sinelnikoff was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Geoffrey Holder's career was founded on his voice: this guy had some major, major pipes! And he used it to gain an advantage over no less than James Bond in Live And Let Die (1973). He also provided narration to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (2005). Though he's no longer with us, Holder was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Classic funnyman Dom DeLuise mostly trafficked in mainstream comedies, but he did occasionally dip his toes into the wellspring that is Science Fiction. He lent his vocal talents to Mel Brooks' Spaceballs movie in 1987, bringing to life the thuggish Pizza the Hutt. in 1994, he enjoyed a guest starring role on SeaQuest 2032. In 2000, he did the same with Stargate: SG-1. Though he's no longer with us, DeLuise was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ian Hogg enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Ghost Light," a 1989 TV serial of the long-running Doctor Who. In his career, he also paid visits to such productions as The Legacy (1978) and Delta Wave. Hogg was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though folks will more likely always remember Terry Kiser as "that guy who played the corpse in Weekend At Bernies," SciFi fans might recall his playing H.G. Wells not once but twice aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. But that's not his only forays into the realms of the Fantastic as viewers might catch him stealing scenes aboard such other vehicles as the Invisible Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Gemini Man, Future Cop, Looker (1981), Starflight: The Plane That Couldn't Land (1983), Manimal, Automan, Knight Rider, The Return Of The Six Million Dollar Man And The Bionic Woman (1987), The Highwayman, Hard Time On Planet Earth, Chameleons (1989), Tammy And The T-Rex (1994), and Tornado Warning (2012). Kiser was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Craig Littler took a commanding lead -- both in the Final Frontier and Saturday morning children's programming -- aboard the SciFi serial Jason Of Star Command. He also paid visits to the worlds of Rosemary's Baby (1968), Superbeast (1972), The Next Step Beyond, Wonder Woman, Airwolf, and Team Knight Rider. Littler was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Giancarlo Giannini played a part in the TV miniseries adaptation of Frank Herbert's SciFi classic, Dune. As for other genre appearances? He enjoyed work aboard Black Belly Of The Tarantula (1971), Mimic (1997), Darkness (2002), Dracula, Casino Royale (2006), and Quantum Of Solace (2008). Giannini was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hollywood producer Andrew Vajna has helped bring to the silver screen such SciFi epics as DeepStar Six (1989), Total Recall (1990), Judge Dredd (1995), and Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003). But SciFi wasn't his only realm as he also brought to life such genre entries as The Changeling (1980), Superstition (1982), Angel Heart (1987), and a wealth of more conventional fare. Though he's no longer with us, Vajna was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over five decades in the entertainment industry, you just know that an actor the caliber of David Calder has had the opportunity to visit the realm of Science Fiction. He's appeared in Superman (1978), Star Cops, and Utopia along the way. Calder was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Annabel Jankel is one of the artists properly credited with the creation of the Max Headroom digital character. Jankel was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gotta tell you: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension (1984) is one of those films that I just don't "get." It has a fairly large cult following, and I've just never understood what fans see in it. Granted, it had elements that were smart, but the overall formula just didn't taste right to me. In any event, Lewis Smith (above right) played 'Perfect Tommy' aboard the flick, and Smith was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Taylor Negron was a fabulous character actor who could maximize his snark with even a little glance. He enjoyed some screen time in such projects as Faerie Tale Theatre, The Pretender, Good Vs. Evil, Special Unit 2, and Legion Of Super-Heroes (animated). Though he's no longer with us, Negron was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Star Trek: Enterprise curiously found itself in a parallel-style existence wherein the Nazi-like Xinda had seized control of Earth, the venerable Steven Schirripa enjoyed a bit of screen time in the two-part installment. Schirripa was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Dana Sparks -- shown above from her role in Cyber Tracker (1994) -- has far more on her profile in the realm of conventional drama, but she's also enjoyed a guest-starring appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Sparks was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jesse Borrego found himself trapped within the greater Apocalypse that is part and parcel of AMC's Fear The Walking Dead. The actor has also found work aboard Retroactive (1997), The Hunger, and From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series. Borrego was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Recently, the renowned Demián Bichir jumped into Science Fiction with a prominent role aboard Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant (2017). Bichir was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
John Carroll Lynch is a fabulous character actor who has put in solid performances all across the entertainment spectrum, but genre fans probably appreciate his guest spot aboard AMC's The Walking Dead wherein he taught Morgan truly how to fight as well as how to avoid it. Lynch was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Melanie Shatner got her start behind the camera back in 1966 when she shared the small screen briefly with her ol' man (aka Bill) in a little something called Star Trek. (FYI: she was one of the children in "Miri.") A little over two decades later, she again shared the screen -- this time the silver one -- alongside her father as his yeoman in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Shatner was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
According to her IMDB.com profile, the heavenly Marsha Dietlein got her professional 'start' aboard the Horror/SciFi flick Return Of The Living Dead II (1988). She also played a small role in the fondly-remembered White Dwarf (1995) for Elemental Films. Dietlein was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Sam Mendes has established his bona fides within the realm of genre entertainment helming the James Bond franchise for a few features as well as helping to bring Showtime's Fantasy-themed Penny Dreadful to life. Mendes was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Roshumba Williams dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a starring role aboard Mortal Kombat: Conquest. Williams was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Jennifer Gareis's resume includes far more citations for daytime soap operas and the like, she did lend her lovely visage to the role of the Virtual Girlfriend in 2000's lukewarm The 6th Day. Gareis was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Charles Malik Whitfield has only sparingly ventured into the heart of Science Fiction, securing guest roles aboard Seven Days in 1999 and Warehouse 13 in 2011. Whitfield was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kris Holden-Reid recently turned up as a semi-regular aboard one of Syfy's flagship serials, Dark Matter, playing one of the officers enforcing the Galactic Authority's demands. Holden-Reid was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hunky Jason Momoa -- hair and all -- might be on the verge of breaking through into bigger and bigger genre projects. I'd first learned of him in HBO's Game of Thrones, but it turns out he had a pretty regular gig as part of Syfy's Stargate: Atlantis program. And he joined the DC Cinematic Universe in no less than the guise of Aquaman himelf. In 2014, the actor took a great turn as the menacing artificial intelligence hell-bent on enhancing his semi-human experience by committing murder in Debug. Momoa was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those of us who stuck with Joss Whedon's Dollhouse know that the lovely Miracle Laurie had an important role in the show's greater mythology. Plus, she was just swell to look at! Laurie was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2015's 400 Days -- a SciFi/Mystery involving prolonged space flight -- came and went very quickly, so much so that viewers may've overlooked the lovely Sally Pressman's role in the piece. Pressman was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brazilian actress Larissa Andrade and a squad of armed soldiers did what they could against Alien Warfare (2019) for Netflix. Andrade was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As I've often said, SciFi comes in all shapes and sizes ... and, occasionally, one of those forms even takes the shape of something like Attack Of The 50 Foot Cheerleader. In the SciFi-lite Comedy, the comely Sasha Jackson played a role, and Jackson was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2012, fresh-faced Max Carver took the plunge into the realm of Science Fiction with a starring role in Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (pictured). Carver was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, Landry Allbright and a big, big hairdo joined Jim Carrey in the world of Fantasy that was How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000). She's also gained employment aboard The Invisible Man and The Zeta Project (animated). Allbright was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and producer Devanny Pinn has amassed an impressive resume of B-Movie goodness (check out her profile on IMDB.com right here), some of which definitely leans toward Science Fiction. Pinn was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard the animated Fantasy Rise Of The Guardians (2012), the talented Khamani Griffin provided the voice for 'Caleb.' Griffin was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When Pete's Dragon endured its recent big screen reboot, it brought along the young and precocious Oona Laurence (above left) for the human counterpart. Laurence was born on this day in 2002.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in London), The Thing From Another World enjoyed its theatrical premiere. With a screenplay by Charles Lederer adapted from a story by John W. Campbell Jr., the SciFi/Classic starred Kenneth Tobey, Margaret Sheridan, and James Arness. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
"Scientists at an Arctic research station discover a spacecraft buried in the ice. Upon closer examination, they discover the frozen pilot. All hell breaks loose when they take him back to their station and he is accidentally thawed out!"
For the record:
The Thing From Another World was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry in 2001 so that its greatness can be preserved for the ages, and that's certainly no small feat for a Science Fiction release of the era. The story was adapted in 1982 by Horror expert John Carpenter (with Kurt Russell in the lead), and his version perhaps maintains greater popularity than the original.
A star is born! On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), the laughs were aplenty when audiences were treated to the silver screen debut of Abbott & Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Directed by Charles Lamont, the Horror/Comedy starred Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, and Boris Karloff. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two bumbling American cops hunt for the mysterious Mr. Hyde in London, England."
"Two bumbling American cops hunt for the mysterious Mr. Hyde in London, England."
A star is born! On this day in 1954 (in Turkey), Rear Window upped the ante with the prospect of murder! Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the Horror/Thriller starred James Stewart, Grace Kelly, and Wendell Corey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A photographer in a wheelchair spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window, and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend."
"A photographer in a wheelchair spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window, and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend."
On this day in 1960 (in the Soviet Union), audiences set sail with The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad. Directed by Nathan Juran, the Fantasy film starred Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, and Richard Eyer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
A star is born ... or was it? Technically, Voyage To The Prehistoric Planet actually began life in 1962 when it was released in its native Hungary as Planet Of Storms (on August 2). Three years later, it was re-edited and dubbed into English for release in the United States on August 1, 1965. The project was directed by Curtis Harrington and Pavel Klushantsev, and it starred Basil Rathbone, Faith Domergue, and Marc Shannon. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2020, after the colonization of the moon, the spaceships Vega, Sirius and Capella are launched from Lunar Station 7. They are to explore Venus under the command of Professor Hartman, but an asteroid collides and explodes Capella. The leader ship Vega stays orbiting and sends the astronauts Kern and Sherman with the robot John to the surface of Venus, but they have problems with communication with Dr. Marsha Evans in Vega. The Sirius lands in Venus and Commander Brendan Lockhart, Andre Ferneau and Hans Walter explore the planet and are attacked by prehistoric animals. They use a vehicle to seek Kern and Sherman while collecting samples from the planet. Meanwhile John helps the two cosmonauts to survive in the hostile land."
"In 2020, after the colonization of the moon, the spaceships Vega, Sirius and Capella are launched from Lunar Station 7. They are to explore Venus under the command of Professor Hartman, but an asteroid collides and explodes Capella. The leader ship Vega stays orbiting and sends the astronauts Kern and Sherman with the robot John to the surface of Venus, but they have problems with communication with Dr. Marsha Evans in Vega. The Sirius lands in Venus and Commander Brendan Lockhart, Andre Ferneau and Hans Walter explore the planet and are attacked by prehistoric animals. They use a vehicle to seek Kern and Sherman while collecting samples from the planet. Meanwhile John helps the two cosmonauts to survive in the hostile land."
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in Japan), the SciFi/Monster movie Space Amoeba (aka Yog: Monster From Space) lumbered onto the silver screen. Directed by the renowned genre master Ishirô Honda, the film starred Akira Kubo, Atsuko Takahashi, and Yukiko Koyayashi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A space probe is infiltrated by alien beings and then crashes on a remote Pacific atoll. A group planning to build a resort hotel land on the island and discover it to be inhabited by giant mutant monsters created by the aliens in an attempt to conquer the world."
"A space probe is infiltrated by alien beings and then crashes on a remote Pacific atoll. A group planning to build a resort hotel land on the island and discover it to be inhabited by giant mutant monsters created by the aliens in an attempt to conquer the world."
A star is born! It's the end of the world as we know it but no one feels quite themselves in The Omega Man. The film starred the incomparable Charlton Heston, and it was very loosely based on the novel "I Am Legend" by Richard Matheson. (Yes, kids, this was remade with Will Smith not all that long ago.) It first premiered in theatres on this day in 1971 (in the U.S.). The film -- along with Planet of the Apes and Soylent Green -- are considered Heston's Sci-Fi-Trifecta. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
"Biological war has decimated life on Earth. Los Angeles is a windswept ghost town where Robert Neville tools his convertible through sunlit streets foraging for supplies."
For the record:
Actress Rosalind Cash received a nomination for 'Outstanding Actress In A Motion Picture' from the 1971 NAACP Image Awards for her work in the film.
On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical engagement of The Boy Who Cried Werewolf. Directed by Nathan Juran from a story by Bob Homel, the Horror/Fantasy starred Kerwin Mathews, Elaine Devry, and Scott Sealey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy visits his father in a secluded cabin; the father is attacked by a werewolf and becomes one himself every full moon. However, the boy constantly tries to warn others, but no one will believe him."
"A young boy visits his father in a secluded cabin; the father is attacked by a werewolf and becomes one himself every full moon. However, the boy constantly tries to warn others, but no one will believe him."
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in Hong Kong), Infra-Man blazed a cinematic trail that so very few could ever follow. Directed by Shan Hua with a script from Kuang Ni, the SciFi/Thriller starred Danny Lee, Terry Liu, and Hsieh Wang; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Princess Dragon Mom and her mutant army have arisen, and only Inframan can stop them!"
"Princess Dragon Mom and her mutant army have arisen, and only Inframan can stop them!"
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Czechoslovakia), the curious named SciFi/Comedy Tomorrow I'll Wake Up And Scald Myself With Tea opened in theatres. Written (in part) and directed by Jindrich Polák , the SciFi/Comedy starred Petr Kostka, Jirí Sovák, and Vladimír Mensík. According to IMDB.com, here's the premise behind the film:
"Jan is a decent, boring man, living a decent, boring life as a rocket designer. When his adventurous twin brother dies in a breakfast accident, Jan decides to impersonate him, unwittingly becoming a part of a Nazi time travel conspiracy."
"Jan is a decent, boring man, living a decent, boring life as a rocket designer. When his adventurous twin brother dies in a breakfast accident, Jan decides to impersonate him, unwittingly becoming a part of a Nazi time travel conspiracy."
On this day in 1979 (in Denmark), humans fled Cylon tyranny on the silver screen with the release of Battlestar Galactica. This big screen presentation starred Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch, and Dirk Benedict, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After 1,000 years of war, the humans from the Twelve Colonies are near to celebrate an armistice with the evil Cylon Empire. Out of the blue, the Cylons betray the pact and destroy the Colonies and their entire fleet, except the Battlestar Galactica. Commander Adama summons the few survivors from all the Colonies to follow him on a journey to find the mythical planet Earth. However, they are short of water, supplies and fuel and they head to the planet Carillon to replenish the fleet and get the supplies. Adama's son, the warrior Captain Apollo, and his partners Lieutenants Starbuck and Boomer destroy the mines left by the Cylons and they reach the planet. They are welcomed by the inhabitants and find the paradise. Meanwhile, the self-serving human leader Sire Uri wants to destroy their arms and live in the Cylon Empire despite the contempt of Adama. Sire Uri decides to give medals to Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for their bravery on Carillon and invites the warriors to come to the party. However, Adama believes that it is a trap for the Galactica. What can he do?"
For the record:
Back in the day -- way before streaming and home video options -- one of the tricks that producers could employ to convince major studios to invest in expensive projects was to shoot a property for U.S. television broadcast but also make plans to release it theatrically. Sometimes this was done domestically (typically with a limited release so as to not eliminate prospects for a solid homegrown audience) but more often than not it was done outside the country wherein weekly TV broadcasts relied on syndication deals or other agreements. Popular TV producer Glen Larson did this with Battlestar Galactica on a few occasions (in unique and creative ways), and this was BSG's first theatrical presentation ever ... and it was behind the Maple Curtain up north of the U.S. in Canada. Frak!
"After 1,000 years of war, the humans from the Twelve Colonies are near to celebrate an armistice with the evil Cylon Empire. Out of the blue, the Cylons betray the pact and destroy the Colonies and their entire fleet, except the Battlestar Galactica. Commander Adama summons the few survivors from all the Colonies to follow him on a journey to find the mythical planet Earth. However, they are short of water, supplies and fuel and they head to the planet Carillon to replenish the fleet and get the supplies. Adama's son, the warrior Captain Apollo, and his partners Lieutenants Starbuck and Boomer destroy the mines left by the Cylons and they reach the planet. They are welcomed by the inhabitants and find the paradise. Meanwhile, the self-serving human leader Sire Uri wants to destroy their arms and live in the Cylon Empire despite the contempt of Adama. Sire Uri decides to give medals to Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer for their bravery on Carillon and invites the warriors to come to the party. However, Adama believes that it is a trap for the Galactica. What can he do?"
For the record:
Back in the day -- way before streaming and home video options -- one of the tricks that producers could employ to convince major studios to invest in expensive projects was to shoot a property for U.S. television broadcast but also make plans to release it theatrically. Sometimes this was done domestically (typically with a limited release so as to not eliminate prospects for a solid homegrown audience) but more often than not it was done outside the country wherein weekly TV broadcasts relied on syndication deals or other agreements. Popular TV producer Glen Larson did this with Battlestar Galactica on a few occasions (in unique and creative ways), and this was BSG's first theatrical presentation ever ... and it was behind the Maple Curtain up north of the U.S. in Canada. Frak!
On this day in 1980 (in the U.S.), director Steven Spielberg went back to the well of inspiration just a bit and delivered to theaters the Special Edition to his 1977 blockbuster Close Encounters Of The Third Kind. As the story goes, Spielberg had intended to release the feature originally in 1978, but Columbia Pictures wanted the project fast-tracked into the multiplexes in 1977. (I have read this was owed to the studios ongoing financial problems.) When the motion picture proved to be a success, the studio executives were only too happy to give Spielberg a bit of extra cash for him to essentially complete what they termed internally as a 'director's cut' with new footage as well as an additional storyline involving some Earth astronauts being selected to accompany the aliens back to their homeworld in the new finale. In any event, here's the film's premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
Science fiction has always been able to get great mileage out of the very simple conceit of "What if ...?" Case in point: The Final Countdown, a solid SciFi military thriller that premiered theatrically on this day back in 1980 (in the U.S.). What the film did wasn't only to postulate that time travel was possible but also it tried to explore -- even superficially -- whether or not it would be appropriate for those who do make such a trip to alter history. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Japan), Adieu, Galaxy Express 999: Last Stop Andromeda enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Rintarô, the animated feature starred the voices of Saffron Henderson, Masako Nozawa, and Kathleen Barr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's been three years since the destruction of planet La Maetel, but the Machine Empire is as great of a threat as ever. Teen Tetsuro, now a rebel fighter, learns that Galaxy Express 999 is returning and that Maetel is on it."
"It's been three years since the destruction of planet La Maetel, but the Machine Empire is as great of a threat as ever. Teen Tetsuro, now a rebel fighter, learns that Galaxy Express 999 is returning and that Maetel is on it."
On this day in 1981 (in Spain), the Walt Disney Company delivered a Superhero to audiences that wasn't part of its current Marvel empire. Based on the novel by Robert Sheckley, the feature was directed by Charles Jarrott and starred Michael Crawford, Oliver Reed, and Barbara Carrera, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Comic artist and writer Woody performs a simple courier operation for his friend Harry who works for the CIA. But when he successfully fends off hostile agents, he earns the respect of the beautiful Natalia, who requests his assistance for her defection. Woody uses this request as leverage to use the CIA's resources to bring his comic book creation, Condorman, to life to battle the evil Krokov."
"Comic artist and writer Woody performs a simple courier operation for his friend Harry who works for the CIA. But when he successfully fends off hostile agents, he earns the respect of the beautiful Natalia, who requests his assistance for her defection. Woody uses this request as leverage to use the CIA's resources to bring his comic book creation, Condorman, to life to battle the evil Krokov."
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Computercide first aired on network television. Directed by Robert Michael Lewis, the feature starred Joe Cortese, Tom Clancy, and Susan George; and here's the premise that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The year is 1995 and Michael Stringer is the only private eye left on Earth. One day, he is assigned by a woman to investigate Eden Isle, a complex for people who want a perfect life started by an industrialist named Korter. Interestingly, Korter is found on a beach and is 20 years younger than he was before. When he gets into the complex, he is caught in a web of mystery that he might not get out of."
"The year is 1995 and Michael Stringer is the only private eye left on Earth. One day, he is assigned by a woman to investigate Eden Isle, a complex for people who want a perfect life started by an industrialist named Korter. Interestingly, Korter is found on a beach and is 20 years younger than he was before. When he gets into the complex, he is caught in a web of mystery that he might not get out of."
On this day in 1984 (in Spain), Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone delivered a wee bit of 3D space antics to the silver screen. Directed by Lamont Johnson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Strauss, Molly Ringwald, Ernie Hudson, and Michael Ironside; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
"On a distant planet inhabited by mutants, two bounty-hunters race to rescue three Earth female captives from the clutches of an evil mutant warlord."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Flight Of The Navigator enjoyed its full domestic release. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the family-friendly SciFi/Comedy starred Joey Cramer, Paul Reubens, and Cliff De Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born ... or is that born again? On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Friday The 13th Part VI: Jason Lives enjoyed its theatrical debut. Written (in part) and directed by Tom McLoughlin, the Horror/Fantasy starred Thom Mathews, Jennifer Cooke, and David Kagen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tommy Jarvis exhumes Jason Voorhees to cremate his corpse, but inadvertently brings him back to life instead. The newly revived killer seeks revenge, and Tommy may be the only one who can stop him."
"Tommy Jarvis exhumes Jason Voorhees to cremate his corpse, but inadvertently brings him back to life instead. The newly revived killer seeks revenge, and Tommy may be the only one who can stop him."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in Canada and the U.S.), Howard The Duck gave Marvel audiences a little bit of something something they weren't exactly looking for. Produced by George Lucas (yes, THAT George Lucas) and directed by Willard Huyck, the Fantasy feature starred Ed Gale, Jeffrey Jones, and Lea Thompson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop a hellish alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a cute struggling female rock singer who fancies him."
For the record:
This is one case in entertainment history when I do have to honestly thank my lucky stars for an organization like the Razzie Awards so that a film can receive its honest due when properly scored. Howard The Duck set mankind back culturally for, likely, decades, and the film scored 1987 Razzie wins in the categories of 'Worst New Star,' 'Worst Visual Effects,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.' It did, however somehow, miss out on taking home trophies in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Director.'
"A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop a hellish alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a cute struggling female rock singer who fancies him."
For the record:
This is one case in entertainment history when I do have to honestly thank my lucky stars for an organization like the Razzie Awards so that a film can receive its honest due when properly scored. Howard The Duck set mankind back culturally for, likely, decades, and the film scored 1987 Razzie wins in the categories of 'Worst New Star,' 'Worst Visual Effects,' 'Worst Screenplay,' and 'Worst Picture.' It did, however somehow, miss out on taking home trophies in the categories of 'Worst Original Song,' 'Worst Supporting Actor,' and 'Worst Director.'
On this day in 1987 (in Poland), Ripley was back on duty with the silver screen release of Aliens. Starring Sigourney Weaver, Bill Paxton, and Michael Biehn, the SciFi/Adventure took Ripley into her very own 'heart of darkness,' and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
For the record:
Simply put, Aliens was then and remains today nothing short of phenomenal. While the original established the property, I'd argue that it took the sequel to firmly establish it as a proper Science Fiction franchise. Multiple films have explored the growing mythology behind the Xenomorphs, and 20th Century Fox even paired the aliens up with the Predator for a picture or two. Still, Aliens won the Oscars for 'Best Sound Editing' and 'Best Special Effects' at the 1987 Academy Awards, and the picture even garnered an acting nomination for Weaver -- a rarity for a SciFi film.
A star is born! On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), audiences were taken back to Frogtown with the broadcast airing of Frogtown II, a sequel (of sorts) to Hell Comes To Frogtown. Written (in part) and directed by Donald G. Jackson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Robert Z'Dar, Denice Duff, and Kelsey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the sequel to Hell Comes to Frogtown, the Mutant-Frog leader of Frogtown kidnaps a professor and forces him to make a serum that will turn everyone into Frogs, they also kidnap some people to test the serum on. And courageous Sam Hell will have to save them."
"In the sequel to Hell Comes to Frogtown, the Mutant-Frog leader of Frogtown kidnaps a professor and forces him to make a serum that will turn everyone into Frogs, they also kidnap some people to test the serum on. And courageous Sam Hell will have to save them."
On this day in 1992 (in South Korea), life and death were explored against the backdrop of genetic engineering with the release of Universal Soldier. Written by Richard Rothstein, Christopher Leitch, and Dean Devlin, the feature film was directed by genre favorite Roland Emmerich and starred Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundren, and Ally Walker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
On this day in 1996 (in the Netherlands), Screamers brought its signature metallic scream to life in theaters. Based on a story by Philip K. Dick and directed by Christian Duguay, the SciFi/Thriller starred Peter Weller, Roy Dupuis, and Jennifer Rubin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (recognizing the best of Canadian cinema), Screamers enjoyed three nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Music - Original Score,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.'
"A military commander stationed off planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty, but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience."
For the record:
At the 1996 Genie Awards (recognizing the best of Canadian cinema), Screamers enjoyed three nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Achievement In Music - Original Score,' 'Best Achievement in Art Direction/Production Design,' and 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.'
On this day in 2003 (in Austria, Brazil, Finland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa), the Terminator was back with the theatrical release of Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines. Directed by Jonathan Mostow, the film starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kristanna Loken, and Nick Stahl; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A machine from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a man and a woman from an advanced robotic assassin to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Terminator 3 enjoyed four nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"A machine from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a man and a woman from an advanced robotic assassin to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack."
For the record:
At the 2004 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Terminator 3 enjoyed four nominations (yet no wins) in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in South Korea), dragons returned to the silver screen with the theatrical launch of Dragon Wars: D-War. Written and directed by Hyung-rae Shim, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Jason Behr, Amanda Brooks, and Robert Forster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Once in 500 years, ancient mythical creatures come to Earth, wreaking havoc and destruction. This time they must be stopped."
For the record:
At the 2008 Asian Film Awards, Dragon Wars took home top honors in the category of 'Best Visual Effects.'
"Once in 500 years, ancient mythical creatures come to Earth, wreaking havoc and destruction. This time they must be stopped."
For the record:
At the 2008 Asian Film Awards, Dragon Wars took home top honors in the category of 'Best Visual Effects.'
On this day in 2015, the SciFi/Telefilm Containment served up yet another dose of near-reality terror. Directed by Neil Mcenery-West, the SciFi/Thriller starred Louise Brealey, Lee Ross, and Sheila Reid; and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"What happens when a epidemic breaks out, but you're kept in the dark? Anything can happen. Slowly the residents realize that they will all die unless they come together."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Containment enjoyed a wealth of praise while appearing on the film festival circuit.
"What happens when a epidemic breaks out, but you're kept in the dark? Anything can happen. Slowly the residents realize that they will all die unless they come together."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Containment enjoyed a wealth of praise while appearing on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2015, the direct-to-DVD web-based project originally known as Star Trek: Renegades returned Trek fans to the Prime timeline with many returning Trek actors making appearances in the popular, imaginative project. Starring Tim Russ, Walter Koenig, and the lovely Adrienne Wilkinson, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Set a decade after the U.S.S Voyager's return to Earth, a rag-tag crew of renegades and outcasts must covertly work with Admiral Chekov and Tuvok to stop forces threatening the Federation from outside, and within."
"Set a decade after the U.S.S Voyager's return to Earth, a rag-tag crew of renegades and outcasts must covertly work with Admiral Chekov and Tuvok to stop forces threatening the Federation from outside, and within."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the big screen debut of Suicide Squad. Written (in part) and directed by David Ayer, the Superhero/Thriller starred Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, and Viola Davis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse."
For the record:
Though folks love to hate on the wider DC Movie Universe, Suicide Squad actually garnered a bit of positive attention during its original theatrical run.
"A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse."
For the record:
Though folks love to hate on the wider DC Movie Universe, Suicide Squad actually garnered a bit of positive attention during its original theatrical run.
- At the 2017 Academy Awards, the flick took home top honors in the category of 'Best Achievement In MakeUp And Hairstyling.'
- At the 2017 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film enjoyed three nominations: 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Comic-To-Film Motion Picture.'
- At the 2017 Razzie Awards, Suicide Squad enjoyed two nominations: 'Worst Supporting Actor' and 'Worst Screenplay.'
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Alien Reign Of Man enjoyed its first theatrical exposure. Written and directed by Tristan Price, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Khu, Torrei Hart, and Deanna Grace Congo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Stranded on a distant planet, a team must fight aliens and activate a machine meant to restore Earth to a time before its downfall."
"Stranded on a distant planet, a team must fight aliens and activate a machine meant to restore Earth to a time before its downfall."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of Flashburn. Written (in part) and directed by Giorgio Serafini, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sean Patrick Flanery, Cameron Richardson, and Romen L. McPherson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wes Nolan wakes up in an abandoned warehouse with a case of amnesia. He has been kidnapped by someone named "Lazarus" who has him held captive in order to get the cure for an Ebola outbreak. Wes was a virologist and microbiologist who was working to engineer a bacteria protein carrier to attack the Ebola virus before it could destroy human cells. Instead of destroying the Ebola, however, Wes' protein mutated the virus into something much more potent. Now Wes must try to regain his memory and try to find the cure."
"Wes Nolan wakes up in an abandoned warehouse with a case of amnesia. He has been kidnapped by someone named "Lazarus" who has him held captive in order to get the cure for an Ebola outbreak. Wes was a virologist and microbiologist who was working to engineer a bacteria protein carrier to attack the Ebola virus before it could destroy human cells. Instead of destroying the Ebola, however, Wes' protein mutated the virus into something much more potent. Now Wes must try to regain his memory and try to find the cure."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Sudden Darkness." This served as the forty-second episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to locate a plot summary anywhere on the world wide web.
"A Desperate Venture" aired on this day back in 1964 as part of Doctor Who's very first season. This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"While the City Administrator's schemes reach their climax, the Doctor and Ian venture into the tunnels under the city to discover the real cause of the Sensorite plague."
"While the City Administrator's schemes reach their climax, the Doctor and Ian venture into the tunnels under the city to discover the real cause of the Sensorite plague."
On this day in 1977, things were powering down as TV's Holmes & Yoyo began nearing the end of its only season in existence. Officially, "The Cat Burglar" served as the twelve episode in this first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Bumbling detective Holmes and his robot partner pursue a cat burglar, a thief that actually steals cats."
"Bumbling detective Holmes and his robot partner pursue a cat burglar, a thief that actually steals cats."
On this day in 1997, Stargate: SG-1 aired "The Enemy Within." This served as the second episode to the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Upon returning to the SGC from there first mission, SG-1 learns that Major Kawalsky, O'Neill's right-hand man, has become infected by a Goa'uld during their mission. As the SGC's doctors look for a way to remove the Goa'uld, Colonel Kennedy interrogates Teal's, who O'Neill wants to join SG-1. As time goes on and Kawalksy's mind is taken over more and more by the Goa'uld, doctors preform emergency surgery in a desperate attempt to save Kawlasky. But they prove to be too late as Kawlasky escapes and activates the base's self-destruct, leaving only Teal'c to stop him."
"Upon returning to the SGC from there first mission, SG-1 learns that Major Kawalsky, O'Neill's right-hand man, has become infected by a Goa'uld during their mission. As the SGC's doctors look for a way to remove the Goa'uld, Colonel Kennedy interrogates Teal's, who O'Neill wants to join SG-1. As time goes on and Kawalksy's mind is taken over more and more by the Goa'uld, doctors preform emergency surgery in a desperate attempt to save Kawlasky. But they prove to be too late as Kawlasky escapes and activates the base's self-destruct, leaving only Teal'c to stop him."
On this day in 1999, GvsE (aka Good vs Evil) aired "Buried." This served as the third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chandler takes his first solo mission, investigating a young boxer called Terry Culpepper. Three days later he wakes up to find himself buried in a coffin, no idea where he is and only his mobile phone to help him. He runs through his activities of the last few days to Henry, hoping that some clue will help lead Henry to him, before the water that is leaking in fills his coffin."
"Chandler takes his first solo mission, investigating a young boxer called Terry Culpepper. Three days later he wakes up to find himself buried in a coffin, no idea where he is and only his mobile phone to help him. He runs through his activities of the last few days to Henry, hoping that some clue will help lead Henry to him, before the water that is leaking in fills his coffin."
It all began right here: on this day in 2003, My Life As A Teenage Robot animated into existence. The first episode included two parts -- "It Came From Next Door" and "Pest Control" -- and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 'It Came From Next Door,' Brad and Tuck Carbunkle first encounter Dr Wakeman's robot XJ-9...who wants to be known as Jenny. Brad is happy to meet Jenny, but Tuck has his qualms, until a giant asteroid comes hurtling towards the Earth, and only Jenny has the capability to stop it. In 'Pest Control,' Dr Wakeman's mutated lab rats unite under the leadership of head rat, Vladimir. Their mission: take over XJ-9's body, and use it to exact revenge on Dr Wakeman."
"In 'It Came From Next Door,' Brad and Tuck Carbunkle first encounter Dr Wakeman's robot XJ-9...who wants to be known as Jenny. Brad is happy to meet Jenny, but Tuck has his qualms, until a giant asteroid comes hurtling towards the Earth, and only Jenny has the capability to stop it. In 'Pest Control,' Dr Wakeman's mutated lab rats unite under the leadership of head rat, Vladimir. Their mission: take over XJ-9's body, and use it to exact revenge on Dr Wakeman."
On this day in 2003, Tremors: The Series aired "Water Hazard." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following several mysterious deaths at an artificial lagoon Melvin is making in Bixby, it is discovered that a giant brine shrimp, created by MixMaster, is on the loose."
"Following several mysterious deaths at an artificial lagoon Melvin is making in Bixby, it is discovered that a giant brine shrimp, created by MixMaster, is on the loose."
On this day in 2004, things heated up on The 4400 with the airing of "Trial by Fire." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Someone has leaked a list of the current locations of all 4400's. When several of the returnees are bombed, Baldwin and Skouris must find out who did it."
"Someone has leaked a list of the current locations of all 4400's. When several of the returnees are bombed, Baldwin and Skouris must find out who did it."
On this day in 2008 (in Japan), Firefly aired "The Train Job." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
"Mal has second thoughts after discovering that two boxes of Alliance goods his crew has been hired to steal are full of badly needed medical supplies headed for the mining town of Paradiso."
On this day in 2011, Alphas aired "Rosetta." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from the reliable IMDB.com:
"During a raid against Red Flag an unknown Alpha is discovered. Gary bonds heavily with her while the rest of the team tries to define the extent of their enemies reach."
"During a raid against Red Flag an unknown Alpha is discovered. Gary bonds heavily with her while the rest of the team tries to define the extent of their enemies reach."
On this day in 2016 (in Australia), Eve aired "A Change In The World." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"No-one is safe as the final, dramatic confrontation between PRICE and Mary Douglas draws ever nearer. Can Will and Eve save the day - and each other?"
"No-one is safe as the final, dramatic confrontation between PRICE and Mary Douglas draws ever nearer. Can Will and Eve save the day - and each other?"
On this day in 2017, Somewhere Between aired "The Hunter and the Hunted." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Laura and Nico, devastated by their failure in stopping the city's serial killer, set a trap for him that puts both of them in danger. Grace drops off a personal letter to the Price's home, and sees Serena playing with evidence from the murder scene that put her son Danny on death row. Tom becomes worried about Nico and Laura's partnership, since Tom was the attorney who convicted Nico's brother Danny. When it seems the killer may go free, Laura takes desperate measures."
"Laura and Nico, devastated by their failure in stopping the city's serial killer, set a trap for him that puts both of them in danger. Grace drops off a personal letter to the Price's home, and sees Serena playing with evidence from the murder scene that put her son Danny on death row. Tom becomes worried about Nico and Laura's partnership, since Tom was the attorney who convicted Nico's brother Danny. When it seems the killer may go free, Laura takes desperate measures."
On this day in 1928, the venerable Philip Francis Nowlan released the first installment of his seminal Armageddon 2419 A.D., the original novel featuring space hero Buck Rogers, in the pages of Amazing Stories (so this is credited as the novel's first publication date). The comic strip adaptation would follow a few months later in 1929. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
According to the good people over at Wikipedia.org, it was on this day back in 1965 that the original Science Fiction and Fantasy novel written by Frank Herbert, Dune, was first published for the masses to consume. As you can guess, spice was all the rage! Here's the novel's plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for.... When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream."
For the record:
This is what I call a substitue date. I've been unable to locate the specific date that the novel hit the shelves, as they say, and the best sources simply report it was being published in August, 1965. In order for us to have a regular celebration, however, I use the first day of the corresponding month to do so.
"Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth killing for.... When House Atreides is betrayed, the destruction of Paul’s family will set the boy on a journey toward a destiny greater than he could ever have imagined. And as he evolves into the mysterious man known as Muad’Dib, he will bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream."
For the record:
This is what I call a substitue date. I've been unable to locate the specific date that the novel hit the shelves, as they say, and the best sources simply report it was being published in August, 1965. In order for us to have a regular celebration, however, I use the first day of the corresponding month to do so.
To be fair, this is a relatively unofficial citation as I've not been able to find the exact date the very first issue of Starlog Magazine "streeted" (which means it was available for purchase in the marketplace), but I'm prone (as are many in the publishing industry) to recognizing the first of the month as the official date of publication. It was on this day in 1976 that those of us who grew up without the aid of the Information Superhighway were treated to one of the very best periodicals of our generation. I don't recall if I actually had this first issue, but I believe I did, though I never kept it.
