Monsters is one of those flicks that kinda/sorta came & went from theatres before anyone knew quite what to make of it (except the critics, of course). I didn't see in when it played in 2010 -- it opened on this day back then -- but I've subsequently seen it on home video, and I immediately went out and bought me a Blu-ray copy of it. It's a small film -- an almost 'quiet' film -- to have such a promising title; indeed, the monsters are rarely, if ever, seen in the film, but that's the beauty of its storytelling. It certainly isn't for everyone, but if you like your sci-fi with a definite human angle, you may want to check it out.
The lovely Sally Mansfield and her beautiful smile went where no man had gone before with her work aboard the vintage SciFi television series Rocky Jones, Space Ranger. Though she's no longer with us, Mansfield was born on this day in 1923.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Nicolas Coster has one of those faces you recognize from just about anything ... and that's quite possibly because he was in it! He's been in the 'biz' (as they say) since the 1950's, and he's even had a stint on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Buck Rogers In The 25th Century (to name a few). Though he's no longer with us, Coster was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Mary Alice was given the daunting task of taking over a key role for The Matrix Revolutions after the original woman playing 'The Oracle' passed away suddenly. And she never missed a beat. Alice was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When the 70's SciFi gem Logan's Run morphed from the big screen to the small screen, roles were necessarily recast. One of the better additions was signing the delicious Heather Menzies to take over the part of Jessica. Though she's no longer with us, Menzies was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mel Smith and his acting experiences with the final frontier were certainly less cerebral than most as he headlined the curiously named Morons From Outer Space (1985). Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It isn't every lovely lady who can be given the chance to play one of the original 'dames' in science fiction, but Melody Anderson did a pretty solid job of it as Dale Arden in Flash Gordon (1980). I know some folks hate the flick, but I love it. She also turned up in an episode of the original Battlestar Galactica. Anderson was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Dead & Buried -- in which Anderson played a role -- via a distributor relationship. Intereted in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving an all-new release of Dead & Buried -- in which Anderson played a role -- via a distributor relationship. Intereted in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Actor Steven Culp has long dabbled in quality genre entertainment. Throughout the years, he's booked appearances in Star Trek: Nemesis, Star Trek: Enterprise, Stargate: Atlantis, and Revolution. Culp was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Valérie Quennessen had a small but critical role aboard the Fantasy epic Conan The Barbarian (1982). (And in an odd bit of serendipity, she acted with Daryl Hannah who shares her birthday in a mainstream flick.) Though she's no longer with us, Quennessen was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
The lovely Daryl Hannah has a small but entirely memorable and pivotal role in one of my favorite Science Fiction films, Blade Runner. In it, she plays Pris, a lovely replicant who takes Harrison Ford's Deckard to task for his job of hunting down synthetics. Hannah was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards, Hannah took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in Splash (1984).
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards, Hannah took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in Splash (1984).
Actress and vile political blowhard Julianne Moore will soon be seen as Alma Coin in the continuing adaptation of the popular Young Adult novel series, The Hunger Games. Moore was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Steve Harris (above center) joined Tom Cruise and Colin Farrell in Steven Spielberg's cinematic adaptation of Philip K. Dick's Minority Report (2002). Harris was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In his relationship with Walt Disney and Pixar, screenwriter Andrew Stanton has contributed ideas and direction for WALL*E and the underwhelming John Carter. Stanton was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A likeable Brendan Fraser made himself into the modern era hero of the Action/Fantasy for his work in the blockbuster film franchise, The Mummy. He also had a spiffy li'l cameo in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009). Fraser was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Keegan Connor Tracy is one of those rare actresses her turns in likable performances even when she's being bad. Likely, fans recognize her from work aboard First Wave, The Net, Millennium, Viper, NightMan, Jake 2.0, The 4400, Stargate: SG-1, Battlestar Galactica, Eureka, and V. Tracy was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Swedish-born actor Ola Rapace braved a future controlled by powerful corporations in the Canal+ SciFi series, Section Zero. Rapace was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dare I say that the lovely Holly Marie Combs proved herself to be a real witch with her work aboard the long-running TV Fantasy Charmed? (Relax, people: she played a witch.) Combs was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bruno Campos helped a team race against time to avert a plague of Apocalyptic proportions from decimating New York City in the direct-to-DVD sequel, Mimic 2 (2001). Campos was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Joseph Gatt loves genre work, so it's understandable when I say that genre fans love Joseph Gatt. He's usually turning up in small roles, but he manages to do big things with them, including performances aboard Thor, Star Trek Into Darkness, The 100, and Star Trek Beyond. Gatt was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rainbow Francks was one of the semi-regulars who kept the operations running smoothly for Syfy's Stargate: Atlantis. The actor has also booked screen time aboard Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), Lost Girl, Syfy's Defiance, and The Umbrella Academy. Francks was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The superlative Jenna Dewan turned up as 'Lucy Lane' aboard CBS's early days of Supergirl before the show was turned over the The CW. Super, no? I think so. Dewan was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brian Bonsall played Worf's son -- Alexander Rozhenko -- throughout several episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's not actively acting today (at least not professionally), Bonsall was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though Maddy Curley's resume boasts far more mainstream dramas and comedies, she has graced Science Fiction with her presence with a guest-starring turn as part of NBC-super-hyped The Event in 2010. Curley was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born Lisa Ciara has strutted her stuff for fans aboard such projects as Earthstorm (2006), Warehouse 13, and Fire Twister (2015). Ciara was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Amanda Seyfried is one of those actresses who I do love to watch, but her performance in In Time (2011) was hampered by an unimpressive script relying heavily on ideas that weren't fully fleshed out. Still, it brought her to SciFi, so I'm thankful for small miracles. Seyfried was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Sky High (2005), Michael Angarano played 'Will Stronghold,' a teen caught between being an ordinary young man and a budding superhero with extraordinary abilities. Angarano was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
What the heck -- ? All of you merry yucksters who worked on FX's The Strain? Now, how is the budding star Isabelle Nélisse going to look back on her early days in the film business when you photograph her cute li'l face like that? Dead and pale? Couldn't you have given her a lollipop? Maybe some cotton candy? Jeepers. Nélisse was born on this day in 2003.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1922 (in the U.S.), A Blind Bargain enjoyed its only theatrical release of record (if IMDB.com is to be trusted). Directed by Wallace Worsley from a story by J.G. Hawks and Barry Pain, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lon Chaney, Raymond McKee, and Virginia True Boardman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In return for money and medical aid for his invalid mother, struggling author Robert Sandell agrees to subject himself to experiments by Dr. Lamb, who claims he is trying to extend the human lifespan. Despite warnings from the doctor's wife and a hunchbacked assistant, Robert allows himself to be strapped to an operating table, whereupon he learns the true nature of the surgeon's experiments: To prove the theory of evolution by devolving his human subjects into an approximation of their simian ancestors. However, before Dr. Lamb can proceed, the hunchback un-cages another victim, an ape-man, who crushes Dr. Lamb to death."
"In return for money and medical aid for his invalid mother, struggling author Robert Sandell agrees to subject himself to experiments by Dr. Lamb, who claims he is trying to extend the human lifespan. Despite warnings from the doctor's wife and a hunchbacked assistant, Robert allows himself to be strapped to an operating table, whereupon he learns the true nature of the surgeon's experiments: To prove the theory of evolution by devolving his human subjects into an approximation of their simian ancestors. However, before Dr. Lamb can proceed, the hunchback un-cages another victim, an ape-man, who crushes Dr. Lamb to death."
On this day in 1968 (in Uruguay), the original Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Classic feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here’s the plot summary from IMDB.com:
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
“An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved.”
On this day in 1982 (in Australia), TRON sped across the silver screen, ushering in a new age in digital effects. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
"A computer hacker is abducted into the digital world and forced to participate in gladiatorial games where his only chance of escape is with the help of a heroic security program."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in the U.S.), the good people of Washington, D.C. were treated to the big screen theatrical debut of Dune. Based on the work of Frank Herbert and directed by David Lynch, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kyle MacLachlan, Virginia Madsen, and Sean Young. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Duke's son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father's evil nemesis to free their desert world from the emperor's rule."
For the record:
"A Duke's son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father's evil nemesis to free their desert world from the emperor's rule."
For the record:
- At the 1985 Academy Awards, Dune earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Sound.'
- At the 1985 Saturn Awards, Dune earned nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Alas, the only trophy it went home with that night was 'Best Costumes.'
- At the 1985 Hugo Awards, the picture was nominated in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), the good people of Washington, D.C. were treated to the big screen theatrical premiere of My Stepmother Is An Alien. Written by the team of Jerico Stone, Herschel Weingrod, and Timothy Harris, the SciFi/ Comedy was directed by Richard Benjamin and starred Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger, and Alyson Hannigan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
"A creature from another planet tries to seduce a shy Earth physicist to gain control over his researches. The result of this important mission much exceeded her expectations."
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1991, the good people of Hollywood, California were treated to the first theatrical engagement ever of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the feature film was the last to star the entire cast of the original Star Trek television series; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
For the record:
At the 1992 Academy Awards, Star Trek VI enjoyed Oscar nominations in the categories of 'Best Makeup' and 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing.' At the 1993 Saturn Awards, The Undiscovered Country took home top prize in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Supporting Actress.' Lastly, the 1992 Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
For the record:
At the 1992 Academy Awards, Star Trek VI enjoyed Oscar nominations in the categories of 'Best Makeup' and 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing.' At the 1993 Saturn Awards, The Undiscovered Country took home top prize in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' while having to settle for nominations only in the categories of 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Supporting Actress.' Lastly, the 1992 Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2003 (in Norway), Evil Alien Conquerors showed their ugly, alien faces! The feature starred Michael Weston and Chris Parnell, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Inept beings from the planet Kabijj land on Earth and attempt to behead all of its beings and take over the planet."
"Inept beings from the planet Kabijj land on Earth and attempt to behead all of its beings and take over the planet."
On this day in 2008 (in France), the 1974-produced Zardoz enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Canada), Beyond The Black Rainbow enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Whistler Film Festival. Written and directed by Panos Cosmatos, the SciFi/Horror starred Eva Bourne, Michael J. Rogers, and Scott Hylands. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Despite being under heavy sedation, a young woman tries to make her way out of the Arboria Institute, a secluded, quasifuturistic commune."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond The Black Rainbow enjoyed some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Despite being under heavy sedation, a young woman tries to make her way out of the Arboria Institute, a secluded, quasifuturistic commune."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Beyond The Black Rainbow enjoyed some positive praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2010, the animated SciFi/Comedy Mars made its way into our hearts and minds. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The discovery of life on Mars places a robotic expedition and a manned mission in a race to the Red Planet. On the way we discover that love - biological, spiritual, and even mechanical - can flourish in all kinds of ways."
"The discovery of life on Mars places a robotic expedition and a manned mission in a race to the Red Planet. On the way we discover that love - biological, spiritual, and even mechanical - can flourish in all kinds of ways."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Army Of The Damned marched into duty with its debut via the Internet. Written and directed by Tom DeNucci, the Horror/Fantasy starred Tony Todd, Michael Berryman, and Sully Erna. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The filming of a hit reality TV show goes horribly wrong when a group of small town cops respond to a call that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, domestic disturbance."
"The filming of a hit reality TV show goes horribly wrong when a group of small town cops respond to a call that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase, domestic disturbance."
On this day in 2015 (in Russia), the Fantasy I Am Dragon enjoyed its theatrical premiere. The feature starred Matvey Lykov and Mariya Poezzhaeva, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the midst of the wedding princess Miroslava is kidnapped by a dragon and carried away into his castle on the remote island. Mira left everything behind in the past - family, friends and groom. Now the only things she had were a stone cage and a mysterious young man named Arman ... but who is he and what is he doing on that island? Miroslava will know the truth too late: loving a dragon will reveal the bitter truth - love is scary."
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.net's review of the film right here.
"In the midst of the wedding princess Miroslava is kidnapped by a dragon and carried away into his castle on the remote island. Mira left everything behind in the past - family, friends and groom. Now the only things she had were a stone cage and a mysterious young man named Arman ... but who is he and what is he doing on that island? Miroslava will know the truth too late: loving a dragon will reveal the bitter truth - love is scary."
If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.net's review of the film right here.
On this day in 2015 (in Argentina), Kryptonite glowed green (and then some) on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"What would have happened if Superman's ship hadn't landed in Smallville, but in a poor city next to Buenos Aires? Based on the superb comic book by Leo Oyola, Kryptonita tells the story of an unconventional roguish Justice League (a classic Robin Hood metaphor), trying to save Kal-El's life from the police and no other than Doomsday himself. While kept hostage by Juan Raro (J'onn J'onzz), Cuñataí Güirá (Hawkgirl), El Faisán (Green Lantern), El Ráfaga (The Flash), a transvestite named Lady Di (Wonder Woman) and El Federico (Batman), a night shift doctor fights to keep Nafta Súper alive after removing a chunk of kryptonite from his side. Enjoy this fantastic reinterpretation of the Justice League, and keep an eye out for the Joker."
"What would have happened if Superman's ship hadn't landed in Smallville, but in a poor city next to Buenos Aires? Based on the superb comic book by Leo Oyola, Kryptonita tells the story of an unconventional roguish Justice League (a classic Robin Hood metaphor), trying to save Kal-El's life from the police and no other than Doomsday himself. While kept hostage by Juan Raro (J'onn J'onzz), Cuñataí Güirá (Hawkgirl), El Faisán (Green Lantern), El Ráfaga (The Flash), a transvestite named Lady Di (Wonder Woman) and El Federico (Batman), a night shift doctor fights to keep Nafta Súper alive after removing a chunk of kryptonite from his side. Enjoy this fantastic reinterpretation of the Justice League, and keep an eye out for the Joker."
On this day in 2016, Infinity Chamber played for audiences in attendance of the Other Worlds Austin Film Festival. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man trapped in an automated prison must outsmart a computer in order to escape."
"A man trapped in an automated prison must outsmart a computer in order to escape."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in Canada), The Shasta Triangle took audiences on a perilous journey. Directed by Barry W. Levy, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Danni Lennon, Helenna Santos, and Ayanna Berkshire. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman returns to her hometown to uncover the truth about her father's disappearance. Deep in the woods, she and her childhood friends battle ancient and terrifying forces controlling the town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Shasta Triangle earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A young woman returns to her hometown to uncover the truth about her father's disappearance. Deep in the woods, she and her childhood friends battle ancient and terrifying forces controlling the town."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Shasta Triangle earned a good amount of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2022 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Culver City Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of Amber Road. Written and directed by B. Luciano Barsuglia, the Horror/Thriller starred Rachel Riley, Elissa Dowling, and William McNamara. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"This is a horrific tale filled with twists and turns in a world where nothing is as it seems. A couple find themselves imprisoned by a serial killer driven by the demands and depravity of individuals finding a community on the dark web."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amber Road earned a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
"This is a horrific tale filled with twists and turns in a world where nothing is as it seems. A couple find themselves imprisoned by a serial killer driven by the demands and depravity of individuals finding a community on the dark web."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Amber Road earned a bit of praise from screenings of the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1955, TV's Captain Midnight aired "Master Criminal." This served as the sixth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The plans for a new jet engine under development at Secret Squadron headquarters attract one of the nation's top criminals. He pretends to surrender and gains access to Captain Midnight's laboratory and the plans for the new engine."
"The plans for a new jet engine under development at Secret Squadron headquarters attract one of the nation's top criminals. He pretends to surrender and gains access to Captain Midnight's laboratory and the plans for the new engine."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Beyond Return." Officially, this served as the thirty-second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A doctor discovers a way to reverse degenerate diseases. He experiments on a young woman who makes a complete recovery. He discovers she is beginning to exhibit extraordinary physical abilities, and he realizes he must reverse the process before it is too late."
"A doctor discovers a way to reverse degenerate diseases. He experiments on a young woman who makes a complete recovery. He discovers she is beginning to exhibit extraordinary physical abilities, and he realizes he must reverse the process before it is too late."
On this day in 1977, Space Academy aired "Space Hookey." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Loki and Peepo cut class and take a Seeker for a joyride, contracting from a passing comet two mischievous aliens who play pranks on the people whose minds they've pirated."
"Loki and Peepo cut class and take a Seeker for a joyride, contracting from a passing comet two mischievous aliens who play pranks on the people whose minds they've pirated."
The venerable Lloyd Bridges guest-starred in a very special two-parter for the original Battlestar Galactica. "The Living Legend" explored the surprise that another Battlestar -- the Pegasus -- had indeed survived the attack on the Colonies, but Commander Cain (Bridges) and his leadership style dramatically with edicts already laid down by Commander Adama (Lorne Greene). The epic conclusion to this story aired on this day in 1978.
On this day in 1983, Manimal aired "Scrimshaw." This served as the sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jonathan, Brooke and Ty are at the beach with seaman and his grandson. They find a skeleton. It's quite obvious the person was killed by boomerang that struck the head which was embedded in it. And the person was holding a scrimshaw. They notice something carved into it which is quite obviously a map. So they try to find out who the victim is and who the killer is. In the meantime, the seaman is keeping something from them."
"Jonathan, Brooke and Ty are at the beach with seaman and his grandson. They find a skeleton. It's quite obvious the person was killed by boomerang that struck the head which was embedded in it. And the person was holding a scrimshaw. They notice something carved into it which is quite obviously a map. So they try to find out who the victim is and who the killer is. In the meantime, the seaman is keeping something from them."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Trouble at Texton." This (technically) served as the program's fifty-sixth episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Dr. Albert Obgrabco is determined to prove his theory about parallel universes. He is experimenting with particle collisions on Texton moon. The Rangers are sent to stop the nutty doctor, who inserts a virus in Sam the super accelerator computer."
"Dr. Albert Obgrabco is determined to prove his theory about parallel universes. He is experimenting with particle collisions on Texton moon. The Rangers are sent to stop the nutty doctor, who inserts a virus in Sam the super accelerator computer."
On this day in 1995, Space: Above and Beyond aired "Stay With The Dead," a great hour of TV because it was one of those rare stories set in a sci-fi world but was easily accessible as quality drama. Lt. West returns alone from a failed mission. Everyone aboard the USS Saratoga tries convincing him over and over again that the visions he's suffering -- images that lead him to believe his fellow comrades-in-arms are still alive -- are nothing more than a space case of survivor's guilt. The truth is a bit more shocking.
On this day in 2000, the SciFi Channel (now Syfy) aired all three parts of its Television Miniseries adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune. While the reviews were a bit mixed, I remembered honestly enjoying it, certainly much more than the David Lynch mess from the mid-1980's. In any event, here's the plot summary for the first part:
"On order of the emperor, Duke Leto Atreides moves his family from his home planet Caladan to another planet, Arrakis, also known as Dune. After an attack on their stronghold, his son Paul and his concubine flee into the desert."
"On order of the emperor, Duke Leto Atreides moves his family from his home planet Caladan to another planet, Arrakis, also known as Dune. After an attack on their stronghold, his son Paul and his concubine flee into the desert."
On this day in 2000, the SciFi Channel (now Syfy) aired the second part of its three-part television adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Lady Jessica and her son, Paul Atreides, manage to contact the native Dune population, known as Fremen."
"The Lady Jessica and her son, Paul Atreides, manage to contact the native Dune population, known as Fremen."
On this day in 2000, the SciFi Channel (now Syfy) aired the final installment of its three-part television adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Paul Atreides, who has become known as Paul Muad'Dib, leads a rebellion against the Harkonnen, who have the secret support of the emperor."
"Paul Atreides, who has become known as Paul Muad'Dib, leads a rebellion against the Harkonnen, who have the secret support of the emperor."
On this day in 2001, Justice League aired "The Enemy Below, Part 1." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary listed on IMDB.com:
"The team encounters an agitated Aquaman while trying to rescue a submarine crew. His opinion of surface dwellers doesn't improve after an attempted assassination by Deadshot."
"The team encounters an agitated Aquaman while trying to rescue a submarine crew. His opinion of surface dwellers doesn't improve after an attempted assassination by Deadshot."
On this day in 2002, the Taken television miniseries continued with the airing of "Jacob and Jesse." This was the program's second episode, and here's the summary provided by IMDB.com:
"It's now 1958 and Russell Keys has long ago left his family. During one of his abductions however, he see his now teenage son Jesse has also been abducted. Keys has been trying to find a pattern to his abductions in the hope of avoiding being taken. So he returns to his home in Illinois and convinces his son to run away with him. His wife, who is re-married to a police officer, is frantic particularly when Russell returns but Jesse does not. Owen Crawford is now a Lieutenant Colonel and in charge of the program resulting from the Roswell crash. Very little has been accomplished in the last 10 years so he fires the entire team and decides on a new tack. In Texas, Sally Clarke's son Jacob is now 10 years old and clearly has special powers. His half brother and sister want to send him away to a boarding school to protect him but Sally is completely against the idea. She reconsiders after getting an unexpected visit from Crawford who tries to dupe her."
"It's now 1958 and Russell Keys has long ago left his family. During one of his abductions however, he see his now teenage son Jesse has also been abducted. Keys has been trying to find a pattern to his abductions in the hope of avoiding being taken. So he returns to his home in Illinois and convinces his son to run away with him. His wife, who is re-married to a police officer, is frantic particularly when Russell returns but Jesse does not. Owen Crawford is now a Lieutenant Colonel and in charge of the program resulting from the Roswell crash. Very little has been accomplished in the last 10 years so he fires the entire team and decides on a new tack. In Texas, Sally Clarke's son Jacob is now 10 years old and clearly has special powers. His half brother and sister want to send him away to a boarding school to protect him but Sally is completely against the idea. She reconsiders after getting an unexpected visit from Crawford who tries to dupe her."
On this day in 2006, Torchwood aired "They Keep Killing Suzie." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Torchwood is called into a murder investigation when a suburban couple are found in their beds with their throats slit and TORCHWOOD written on the wall in their blood. Gwen convinces them to use the gauntlet to reanimate the victims to see if they can get the identity of the killer. They have little success but when they learn that their former colleague Suzie Costello had a connection to the victims, they decide to revive her. Normally, the dead can only be revived for a minute or two at most but in Suzie's case, she seems to have been reanimated permanently. When they learn that she is drawing her life force from a member of the Torchwood team, the others have to find a way to stop her."
"Torchwood is called into a murder investigation when a suburban couple are found in their beds with their throats slit and TORCHWOOD written on the wall in their blood. Gwen convinces them to use the gauntlet to reanimate the victims to see if they can get the identity of the killer. They have little success but when they learn that their former colleague Suzie Costello had a connection to the victims, they decide to revive her. Normally, the dead can only be revived for a minute or two at most but in Suzie's case, she seems to have been reanimated permanently. When they learn that she is drawing her life force from a member of the Torchwood team, the others have to find a way to stop her."
On this day in 2009, Fringe aired the episode, "Snakehead," as part of its second season. In it, the Fringe investigative team descends upon a cargo ship whose occupants have been reduced to hosts for a race of squid-like creatures.
On this day in 2010, Sanctuary aired "For King and Country." This served as the eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With an old foe of Helen's in need of lifesaving treatment, Will learns more about the Five than he ever imagined could be true."
"With an old foe of Helen's in need of lifesaving treatment, Will learns more about the Five than he ever imagined could be true."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Luthor." This served as the tenth episode in the show's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tess acquires a Kryptonian box that once belonged to Lionel Luthor. When Clark accidentally activates the box, he's transported to a parallel universe where Lionel found Clark in the cornfields instead of the Kents. In this universe, Clark Luthor is a murderer and Lois is engaged to Oliver and both of them hate Clark. Clark must be careful not to tip off Lionel that he's not his son while trying to figure out how to get back to Earth where the monster Clark Luthor was transported in his place."
"Tess acquires a Kryptonian box that once belonged to Lionel Luthor. When Clark accidentally activates the box, he's transported to a parallel universe where Lionel found Clark in the cornfields instead of the Kents. In this universe, Clark Luthor is a murderer and Lois is engaged to Oliver and both of them hate Clark. Clark must be careful not to tip off Lionel that he's not his son while trying to figure out how to get back to Earth where the monster Clark Luthor was transported in his place."
"Clean Up On Aisle Three" aired on this day in 2012 as the sixth episode in the run of Primeval: New World. Here's the skinny on the story from IMDB.com:
"A group of small, yet cunning Daemonosaurus' arrive through an Anomaly at a warehouse store -- and by the looks of things, they're not looking for pressure-washers. EVAN, DYLAN and MAC arrive and quickly realize that what these Dinos lack in size, they make up for with tactics. They struggle to gain a foothold on these sneaky pack killers, turning the store into a war zone, where no one is safe. They manage to capture one of the creatures, only to have it escape again, and Mac, separated from the others, goes mano-a-dino with one of the foe. Evan and Dylan, meanwhile, each face the difficulty of trying to maintain a personal life alongside their SPG responsibilities."
"A group of small, yet cunning Daemonosaurus' arrive through an Anomaly at a warehouse store -- and by the looks of things, they're not looking for pressure-washers. EVAN, DYLAN and MAC arrive and quickly realize that what these Dinos lack in size, they make up for with tactics. They struggle to gain a foothold on these sneaky pack killers, turning the store into a war zone, where no one is safe. They manage to capture one of the creatures, only to have it escape again, and Mac, separated from the others, goes mano-a-dino with one of the foe. Evan and Dylan, meanwhile, each face the difficulty of trying to maintain a personal life alongside their SPG responsibilities."
