Veteran character actor John Colicos had an impressive career, taking up significant roles in both the Battlestar Galactica and our beloved Star Trek franchises. In the original Galactica, he played Baltar, the sniveling and scheming human who betrayed his race, and he did it to absolute perfection. Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Colicos was born on this day back in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Clegg Hoyt was largely a bit player -- the kind of talent brought in to flesh out smaller, secondary roles -- throughout his career, but it's no small feat to amass nearly one hundred different screen roles. One of his very last ones was as the transporter chief aboard the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." Though he's no longer with us, Hoyt was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One-time pin-up gal and B-Movie queen Anne Gwynne (above right) made an appearance aboard 1940's memorable Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe. Though she's no longer with us, Gwynne was born on this day in 1918.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The work of Alexander Courage is certainly something well known to Star Trek fans as he was responsible for crafting the musical accompaniment to over fifty of its original episodes. Still, he continued to work well after the series was cancelled; and he penned scores or constructed scores for such genre entries as Escape From The Planet Of The Apes (1971), Escape To Witch Mountain (1975), Amazing Stories, SpaceCamp (1986), and Jurassic Park (1993). Though he's no longer with us, Courage was born on this day in 1919.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jean Byron smiled her way through nearly one hundred different screen credits (per IMDB.com), though her genre entries are a bit on the light side. Still, kudos to the lovely lady for making time for The Magnetic Monster (1953), Jungle Moon Men (1955), Science Fiction Theatre (four appearances!), and Invisible Invaders (1959). Though she's no longer with us, Byron was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Television screenwriter Anthony Coburn crafted scripts for the earliest days of the BBC's popular and long-running Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Coburn was born on this day in 1927.
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
[Source: Doctor Who Online]
The lovely Barbara Nichols enjoyed a visit to the world of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone during her brief tenure in the entertainment industry. Though she's no longer with us, Nichols was born on this day in 1928.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mako was an actor who brought brilliant character moments to some of the silver screen and television's smallest roles. Near the end of his career, the man voiced the evil Aku for one of the best SciFi-themed cartoons of the past decade: Samurai Jack. Throughout his career, he was often seen in memorable genre programs such as The Green Hornet, The Time Tunnel, Salvage 1, Supertrain, The Incredible Hulk, A Man Called Sloane, Conan the Barbarian, Bring 'Em Back Alive, The Greatest American Hero, Conan the Destroyer, Robocop 3, and others. Though he's no longer with us, Mako was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before JJ Abrams' signature television series Lost spiraled out of control into the realm of NeverNeverLand, it actually introduced several characters with storylines that made for some terrific Science Fiction angles. One of those belong to Eloise Hawking, played by the talented Fionnula Flanagan. The renowned actress has also turned up on Star Trek: Enterprise and -- as of late -- Syfy's Defiance. Flanagan was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Tommy Kirk gave Science Fiction a whirl aboard Walt Disney's Moon Pilot (1962). He also had a part in Village of the Giants (1965). Though he's no longer with us, Kirk was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new home video release for Village Of The Giants via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new home video release for Village Of The Giants via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Tisha Sterling faced a pretty tall danger with her work aboard the SciFi/Cult flick Village Of The Giants (1965). She also enjoyed an appearance aboard the SciFi/Telefilm The Space-Watch Murders (1975). Sterling was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new home video release for Village Of The Giants via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new home video release for Village Of The Giants via a distributor relationship in exchange for a review. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
The lovely Susan Dey found herself at the heart of a technological conspiracy in 1981's oft-overlooked SciFi/Thriller, Looker. Dey was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While he was in the entertainment business, Michael Duncan Clarke had a pretty amazing career. He pretty much came out of nowhere with an appearance in Michael Bay's God-awful Armageddon, but then he rocketed to the top of cast lists everywhere. And though he had a relatively small role in Bay's much better The Island, I thought his brief appearance showed he was capable of far more dramatically. Though he's no longer with us, Clarke was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It takes a woman of a certain character who can stand her ground opposite the imposing Hercules (1983), but thankfully the fetching Eva Robins was up to the task not once but twice! Robins was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Kenneth Branagh put his particular theatrical flair onto Marvel's Thor (2011), thus bringing yet one more superhero character to bold, cinematic life. Branagh was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The always stunning Nia Peeples has flirted with Science Fiction, assuming guest roles in such properties as DeepStar Six (1989), Highlander, Deadlocked: Escape from Zone 14 (1995), and Andromeda (insert at right). Peeples was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! The lovely Hilary Shepard played the villainous Divatox as part of the popular television franchise, and she's also scored roles aboard Radioactive Dreams (1985), Scanner Cop (1994), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Roswell. Shepard was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Scott Capurro lent his voice to that of the character 'Beed' aboard Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) for Lucasfilm. Capurro was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tara Subkoff brought a youthful energy to little something called Teenage Caveman (2002). She's also been a part of Kindred: The Embraced and The Cell (2000). Subkoff was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Easy-on-the-eyes Emmanuelle Chriqui was exceedingly easy-on-the-ears as the talent who brought the character of Paige to life on the animated Tron: Uprising. (FYI: it wasn't a bad show; it just wasn't all that interesting.) Chriqui was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
USA Network's The 4400 is one of those programs that I think deserves another look, even if that means that it finds a new fan base via home video. The tale of UFO abductees returning with the mixed blessing of special abilities had a wealth of solid players, including the young Patrick John Flueger in a key role as Shawn Farrell. Flueger was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The dreamy Melissa Roxburgh had a small but critical role aboard Star Trek: Beyond (2016). If IMDB.com is any indication, it looks like this lady's star is on the rise, as she's also recently enjoyed screen time aboard Arrow, The Tomorrow People, Supernatural, and Legends of Tomorrow. More recently, she's explored the mysteries of time and space aboard NBC's Manifest. Roxburgh was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Alexis Raich enjoyed a solid guest appearance to the world of Fox TV's exceptional SciFi series Fringe. She's also enjoyed work aboard Charmed and NBC's Medium. Raich was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Look! Up in the sky! It's ... it's ... it's Fearless Frank! On this day in 1969, the Superhero/Satire Fearless Frank enjoyed its U.S. theatrical premiere, and it would appear that the flick was largely panned by critics. Written and directed by Philip Kaufman, the film starred Jon Voight, Monique van Vooren, and Joan Darling. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A satirical comedy about an unsophisticated country boy who treks off to Chicago, Illinois, gets shot by mobsters, and awakens to find that he has the powers of Superman."
"A satirical comedy about an unsophisticated country boy who treks off to Chicago, Illinois, gets shot by mobsters, and awakens to find that he has the powers of Superman."
On this day in 1976 (in West Germany), Queen Kong roared in cinemas. Written and directed by Frank Agrama, the SciFi/Horror feature starred Robin Askwith and Rula Lenska, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A female film crew journeys to Africa where a giant ape, Queen Kong, falls in love with the crew's male star."
"A female film crew journeys to Africa where a giant ape, Queen Kong, falls in love with the crew's male star."
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in Japan), Capricorn One pulled back the curtain on a possible Martian conspiracy. Written and directed by Peter Hyams, the SciFi/Drama starred James Brolin, Hal Holbrook, and Elliott Gould; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the first manned flight to Mars is deemed unsafe and scrubbed on the launch pad, anxious authorities must scramble to save face and retain their funding - and so an unthinkable plot to fake the mission is hatched."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films responded very favorably to the film, giving the film an impressive four Saturn Award nominations ('Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') for its 1979 ceremony.
"When the first manned flight to Mars is deemed unsafe and scrubbed on the launch pad, anxious authorities must scramble to save face and retain their funding - and so an unthinkable plot to fake the mission is hatched."
For the record:
The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films responded very favorably to the film, giving the film an impressive four Saturn Award nominations ('Best Costumes,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') for its 1979 ceremony.
A star is born! On this day in 1978, the silver screen lit up with the theatrical premiere of Superman held in Washington, D.C. Directed by Richard Donner, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, Gene Hackman as his nemesis 'Lex Luthor,' and Margot Kidder as 'Lois Lane.' According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in France), the SciFi/Thriller Kamikaze found its way into theatres. Written (in part) and directed by Didier Grousset, the SciFi/Mystery starred Richard Bohringer, Michel Galabru, and Dominique Lavanant. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A crazy old and bored scientist invents a system which allows him to reach through the airwaves and transform live TV cameras into weapons to kill whoever is being filmed."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Kamikaze earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortune to receive an all-new home video release of Kamikaze via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A crazy old and bored scientist invents a system which allows him to reach through the airwaves and transform live TV cameras into weapons to kill whoever is being filmed."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Kamikaze earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortune to receive an all-new home video release of Kamikaze via a distributor relationship. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1987 (in Australia), Spaceballs warped into theatres. Written and directed by Mel Brooks, the SciFi/Comedy starred Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, and John Candy, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
"A rogue star pilot and his trusty sidekick must come to the rescue of a Princess and save the galaxy from a ruthless race of beings known as Spaceballs."
For the record:
Ahem. The Mel Brooks' comedy did win the 1987 'Worst Picture' Award from The Stinkers Bad Movie Awards ... so that's got to count for something, eh?
On this day in 1987 (in India), Arnold Schwarzenegger ran for his life with the cinematic release of The Running Man. Directed by Paul Michael Glaser, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Conchita Alonso, and Richard Dawson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave The Running Man three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, only actor (and gameshow host) Richard Dawson took home the trophy.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught a broadcast screening of The Running Man via a streaming platform. Interesting in knowing my thoughts on the vehicle? Readers can find my review right here.
"In a dystopian America, a falsely convicted policeman gets his shot at freedom when he must forcibly participate in a TV game show where convicts, runners, must battle killers for their freedom."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards ceremony, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave The Running Man three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, only actor (and gameshow host) Richard Dawson took home the trophy.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I caught a broadcast screening of The Running Man via a streaming platform. Interesting in knowing my thoughts on the vehicle? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1990 (in India and Japan), Total Recall served up a big slice of Science Fiction at the box office. Directed by Paul Verhoeven, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, and Michael Ironside. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
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."
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 1993 (in the United Kingdom), U.F.O. was initially spotted ... in theaters! Directed by Tony Dow, the SciFi/Comedy starred Roy 'Chubby' Brown, Sara Stockbridge, and Mandi Symonds. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The infamous stand-up comic Roy 'Chubby' Brown stars in this anti-PC, sci-fi spoof. Performing one night at the end of Blackpool Pier, Chubby is beamed up to a spaceship populated by feminist aliens. Put on trial for crimes against women and quickly found guilty, the unapologetic misogynist is condemned to become pregnant every year for the next thirty years."
"The infamous stand-up comic Roy 'Chubby' Brown stars in this anti-PC, sci-fi spoof. Performing one night at the end of Blackpool Pier, Chubby is beamed up to a spaceship populated by feminist aliens. Put on trial for crimes against women and quickly found guilty, the unapologetic misogynist is condemned to become pregnant every year for the next thirty years."
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Cinevegas Film Festival were treated to an exclusive theatrical screening of Star Trek: Insurrection. Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Patrick Stewart, Donna Murphy, and F. Murray Abraham. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the crew of the Enterprise learn of a Federation conspiracy against the inhabitants of a unique planet, Captain Picard begins an open rebellion."
For the record:
"When the crew of the Enterprise learn of a Federation conspiracy against the inhabitants of a unique planet, Captain Picard begins an open rebellion."
For the record:
- At the 1999 Saturn Awards, Star Trek: Insurrection enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 1999 Hugo Awards, Star Trek: Insurrection earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2005, the SciFi/Telefilm Painkiller Jane enjoyed its first airing in the United States. Directed by Sanford Bookstaver, the feature starred Emmanuelle Vaugier and Eric Dane, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jane, a young soldier, is exposed to a biochemical weapon that endows her with self-healing powers. She uses her abilities to fight crime while eluding the military."
"Jane, a young soldier, is exposed to a biochemical weapon that endows her with self-healing powers. She uses her abilities to fight crime while eluding the military."
A star is born ... and -- in the case of a remake -- was it reborn? On this day in 2008 (in Belgium, Bahrain, France, Switzerland, Jamaica, and several more countries around the world), the 'End Was Nigh' with the theatrical release of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Directed by Scott Derrickson from a story by David Scarpa and Edmund H. North, the SciFi/Thriller starred Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, and Kathy Bates. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A remake of the 1951 classic science fiction film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth."
For the record:
"A remake of the 1951 classic science fiction film about an alien visitor and his giant robot counterpart who visit Earth."
For the record:
- At the 2009 Saturn Awards, The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2009 Razzie Awards, The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off Or Sequel.'
A star is born! James Cameron went deep into the realm of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and filmmaking technical for the creation of Avatar which enjoyed its United Kingdom premiere (in London) on this day in 2009. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home."
For the record:
Avatar cleaned up at the box office as well as winning countless awards and accolades from folks and organizations smitten with its charm. While missing out on a handful of statues, the film did take home the 2010 Oscar for 'Best Achievement In Art Direction,' 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects,' and 'Best Achievement In Cinematography.' The 2010 Saturn Awards was much more lavish in its praise, sending the film home with trophies for 'Best Actor,' 'Best Actress,' Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, it missed out on the 2010 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' and had to settle with simply being a nominee.
"A paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home."
For the record:
Avatar cleaned up at the box office as well as winning countless awards and accolades from folks and organizations smitten with its charm. While missing out on a handful of statues, the film did take home the 2010 Oscar for 'Best Achievement In Art Direction,' 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects,' and 'Best Achievement In Cinematography.' The 2010 Saturn Awards was much more lavish in its praise, sending the film home with trophies for 'Best Actor,' 'Best Actress,' Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, it missed out on the 2010 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form' and had to settle with simply being a nominee.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Hollywood, California), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever! Directed by Gareth Edwards, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, and Alan Tudyk; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction."
For the record:
The Force was strong with this film as Rogue One enjoyed 2017 Academy Award nominations for 'Best Achievement In Sound Mixing' and 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' Though it missed out on a handful of wins from the 2017 Saturn Awards, the feature did take home statues for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Rogue One also scored a 2017 Hugo Award nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In2016 during its original theatrical run, I had the good fortune of watching Rogue One up on the silver screen. Interested in my thoughts on the spectacle? Readers can find my review right here.
"In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction."
For the record:
The Force was strong with this film as Rogue One enjoyed 2017 Academy Award nominations for 'Best Achievement In Sound Mixing' and 'Best Achievement In Visual Effects.' Though it missed out on a handful of wins from the 2017 Saturn Awards, the feature did take home statues for 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Rogue One also scored a 2017 Hugo Award nomination for 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In2016 during its original theatrical run, I had the good fortune of watching Rogue One up on the silver screen. Interested in my thoughts on the spectacle? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1955, Captain Midnight aired "Secret Of Superstition Mountain." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Captain Midnight is informed that a friend who is in Arizona looking for a mineral named "Thorium" and was shot needs help, he and Ikky fly in their Silver Dart jet plane to help him."
"When Captain Midnight is informed that a friend who is in Arizona looking for a mineral named "Thorium" and was shot needs help, he and Ikky fly in their Silver Dart jet plane to help him."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Before The Beginning." Officially, this served as the thirty-third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist slaves to prove his theory about the origins of life on Earth. In the meantime he is oblivious to the serious and potential fatal illness his wife has developed."
"A scientist slaves to prove his theory about the origins of life on Earth. In the meantime he is oblivious to the serious and potential fatal illness his wife has developed."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "The Power Of The Daleks: Part 6." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Bragen having taken over, the Daleks trick the rebels into turning them loose and only the Doctor can stop them wiping out the entire colony."
"With Bragen having taken over, the Daleks trick the rebels into turning them loose and only the Doctor can stop them wiping out the entire colony."
On this day in 1977, Doctor Who aired "The Sun Makers: Part 3." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fifteenth episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The merciless Collector, who runs The Company, issues a bounty on the Doctor for his capture, while an already captured Leela is sentenced to public execution, via a steamer, for crimes against the company."
"The merciless Collector, who runs The Company, issues a bounty on the Doctor for his capture, while an already captured Leela is sentenced to public execution, via a steamer, for crimes against the company."
On this day in 1977, Space Academy aired "Star Legend." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Cadets come upon Space Academy's twin planetoid, inhabited by the legendary Captain Rampo. The iconic captain has been waging a long and lonely war against alien vapors that feed on energy and that now threaten the galaxy."
"The Cadets come upon Space Academy's twin planetoid, inhabited by the legendary Captain Rampo. The iconic captain has been waging a long and lonely war against alien vapors that feed on energy and that now threaten the galaxy."
On this day in 1982, The Powers of Matthew Star aired "Experiments." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A water show dolphin telepathically communicates a plea for help to Matthew."
"A water show dolphin telepathically communicates a plea for help to Matthew."
On this day in 1983, Manimal aired "Breath of the Dragon." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While visiting a friend in Chinatown, Jonathan discovers that there's a gang who are shaking down everyone. He discovers that his friend's grandson has joined the gang. They learn that the man behind the gang calls himself the Dragon who's emulating a man who years ago demanded that people give him half their earnings, and if not they will receive the mark of the Dragon which are left at their door and if they still refuse they will feel the breath of the Dragon which is fire, which has been happening a lot."
"While visiting a friend in Chinatown, Jonathan discovers that there's a gang who are shaking down everyone. He discovers that his friend's grandson has joined the gang. They learn that the man behind the gang calls himself the Dragon who's emulating a man who years ago demanded that people give him half their earnings, and if not they will receive the mark of the Dragon which are left at their door and if they still refuse they will feel the breath of the Dragon which is fire, which has been happening a lot."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Sundancer." This (technically) served as the program's sixty-fourth episode (they were aired out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Continued from previous episode, Billy, the son of Goose's friend, has found his father's final project. A winged horse. Others want the horse for their own."
"Continued from previous episode, Billy, the son of Goose's friend, has found his father's final project. A winged horse. Others want the horse for their own."
"The Outrageous Okona" brought character actor Bill Campbell aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation for a single episode, casting him as an intergalactic rogue with a libido as big as the Enterprise. (One rumor I've read is that Campbell actually was up for the part of Commander William Riker before Jonathan Frakes scored the win.) The episode first aired on this day (in syndication) back in 1988.
On this day in 1988, Superboy aired "Troubled Waters." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A businessman wants to buy all the farms in the Smallville area during an agricultural depression. Mr. Kent wants to find out why. Kenderson, the businessman, has something to hide and tries to kill Mr. Kent but he is unsuccessful."
"A businessman wants to buy all the farms in the Smallville area during an agricultural depression. Mr. Kent wants to find out why. Kenderson, the businessman, has something to hide and tries to kill Mr. Kent but he is unsuccessful."
On this day in 1993, The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr. aired "Mail Order Brides." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only original season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three mail order brides hire Brisco and Lord Bowler to find the Swill brothers after they stole their dowry's from them. Meanwhile, Socrates Poole prepares for the arrival of a million dollar "royal" bull that is a gift from Spain."
"Three mail order brides hire Brisco and Lord Bowler to find the Swill brothers after they stole their dowry's from them. Meanwhile, Socrates Poole prepares for the arrival of a million dollar "royal" bull that is a gift from Spain."
Word to the wise: kids are never quite the lovable urchins they might appear on The X-Files! On this day in 1993, "Eve" aired as the eleventh hour in the long-running program's first season. According to IMDB.com, here's what those two lovable children were doing to keep the FBI busy:
"Mulder and Scully search for two missing girls who disappeared after their fathers were murdered in an identical fashion."
"Mulder and Scully search for two missing girls who disappeared after their fathers were murdered in an identical fashion."
On this day in 1995, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Virtually Destroyed." This served as the tenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lois and Clark are invited by a computer geek billionaire to experience his new virtual reality program. He manages to trap the two inside the program in order to extract information from Lois about Lex Luthor."
"Lois and Clark are invited by a computer geek billionaire to experience his new virtual reality program. He manages to trap the two inside the program in order to extract information from Lois about Lex Luthor."
On this day in 1996 (in France), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
On this day in 2000, The X-Files aired "Redrum." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man lives the most recent 5 days of his life backwards and finds out that he is the main suspect in the murder of his wife."
"A man lives the most recent 5 days of his life backwards and finds out that he is the main suspect in the murder of his wife."
On this day in 2001, Justice League aired "The Enemy Below: Part 2." This served as the seventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The team is captured after helping Aquaman stop an underwater coup by his half-brother, Orm. Struggling to free himself and his son from death, Aquaman sacrifices his own hand."
"The team is captured after helping Aquaman stop an underwater coup by his half-brother, Orm. Struggling to free himself and his son from death, Aquaman sacrifices his own hand."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "Random Shoes." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The invisible spirit of a hit-and-run victim tries to convince Gwen to locate the 'alien' who might have been responsible for his death."
"The invisible spirit of a hit-and-run victim tries to convince Gwen to locate the 'alien' who might have been responsible for his death."
NBC's vastly underappreciated Journeyman aired another stellar outing on this day in 2007. "Home By Another Way" saw our time traveler heading back to Christmas Eve, 1979, in order to save the jobs of his co-workers at the newspaper.
On this day in 2007, the TV miniseries Taken aired "God's Equation." This served as the seventh episode in the program's run, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Mary Crawford has joined her father's project but is proving to be cut from the same cloth as her grandfather as she is quite vicious and will stop at nothing to succeed. The scientists believe they have found a way to block signals from the implant. Charlie and Lisa meet quite by accident in a group therapy session and after subsequently undergoing hypnotherapy, realize that Charlie is the father of Lisa's 9-year old daughter Allie. When an emotionally unstable member of the therapy group shoots Charlie and takes all of the others hostage, Allie demonstrates remarkable powers. In order to save everyone however, Allie agrees to go with Mary Crawford."
"Mary Crawford has joined her father's project but is proving to be cut from the same cloth as her grandfather as she is quite vicious and will stop at nothing to succeed. The scientists believe they have found a way to block signals from the implant. Charlie and Lisa meet quite by accident in a group therapy session and after subsequently undergoing hypnotherapy, realize that Charlie is the father of Lisa's 9-year old daughter Allie. When an emotionally unstable member of the therapy group shoots Charlie and takes all of the others hostage, Allie demonstrates remarkable powers. In order to save everyone however, Allie agrees to go with Mary Crawford."
On this day in 2009, Fringe aired "Grey Matters" as part of its second season. The episode saw the return of William Bell (played by Star Trek regular Leonard Nimoy) as the team investigated an ailing mental patient whose exposed brain causes a freakishly uncharacteristic recovery.
On this day in 2010, Sanctuary aired "Vigilante." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Helen growing sicker by the day, Will must make some tough decisions; first about Adam, then about finding the real puppet master behind Father Jensen's death."
"With Helen growing sicker by the day, Will must make some tough decisions; first about Adam, then about finding the real puppet master behind Father Jensen's death."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Icarus." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the VRA threat intensifies, Clark takes initiative by closing down watchtower and declaring the League go officially underground, but will this be enough to stop Lt.Trotter and Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke from exposing them?"
"As the VRA threat intensifies, Clark takes initiative by closing down watchtower and declaring the League go officially underground, but will this be enough to stop Lt.Trotter and Slade Wilson aka Deathstroke from exposing them?"
"Babes In The Woods" had a spatial anomaly opening up near a celebrity photoshoot during the episode of Primeval: New World that aired on this day in 2012. How utterly timely can one show be?!?!
On this day in 2013, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "The Bridge." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"S.H.I.E.L.D. receives assistance from Mike Peterson as they take on Centipede once again."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. receives assistance from Mike Peterson as they take on Centipede once again."
