There are some episodes of Trek that I find easy to watch over and over and over again while still somehow managing to find something I missed before, and Star Trek: The Next Generation's sixth season outing, "Tapestry," is one such event. (For the record, it premiered in TV syndication on this day back in 1993.) There are just so many layers to it trapped nicely between the winning performances of Patrick Stewart and John de Lancie that it's hard not to catch all of the subtleties ... no matter how many times I see it. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Captain Picard's artificial heart fails, he is offered the rare opportunity to go back in time and set right the mistake that led to his demise."
For the record:
Yours truly is not the only one who thinks it's a special episode. Below are some links to sites that have covered "Tapestry" in some format, and, if you're interested, check them out:
Jammers Reviews
TrekToday's Retro Review
Tim Lynch Reviews
"When Captain Picard's artificial heart fails, he is offered the rare opportunity to go back in time and set right the mistake that led to his demise."
For the record:
Yours truly is not the only one who thinks it's a special episode. Below are some links to sites that have covered "Tapestry" in some format, and, if you're interested, check them out:
Jammers Reviews
TrekToday's Retro Review
Tim Lynch Reviews
With nearly an incredible 150 screen credits to his name, kudos to actor Patrick Barr for making time to appear in the universe of Doctor Who. The talented actor also squeezed time into his schedule for work aboard Things To Come (1936), The Brain Machine (1955), The Avengers, and Octopussy (1983). Though he's no longer with us, Barr was born on this day in 1908. [Source: IMDB.com]
Susan Oliver already possessed an incomparable beauty as the blonde foil meant to influence the male desires of Capt. Christopher Pike in Star Trek's original series pilot, The Cage. Painting her green (as the first Orion slave girl) only made mankind lust for her more! Can you blame us? As for other genre appearances? Oliver paid a visit to the worlds of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Tarzan, The Wild Wild West, The Invaders, Night Gallery, Death In Space (1974), Tomorrow's Child (1982), and Freddy's Nightmares. Though she's no longer with us, Oliver was born on this day in 1932.
For the record:
Honestly, I don't know much about this award, but IMDB.com indicates that in 2014 the lovely lady was awarded (posthumously) the Lifetime Achievement Award from TheWIFTS Foundation. According to Google, TheWIFTS stands for 'Women In Film And Television Shorts,' and they give out these Lifetime Achievement Awards to actresses who've "defined a path across the spectrum of society."
For the record:
Honestly, I don't know much about this award, but IMDB.com indicates that in 2014 the lovely lady was awarded (posthumously) the Lifetime Achievement Award from TheWIFTS Foundation. According to Google, TheWIFTS stands for 'Women In Film And Television Shorts,' and they give out these Lifetime Achievement Awards to actresses who've "defined a path across the spectrum of society."
Barbara Shelley joined James Donald and Andrew Keir in the Hammer Films adaptation of Quatermass and The Pit (aka Five Million Years To Earth) (1967). She also boasts appearances aboard Cat Girl (1957), Blood Of The Vampire (1958), The Invisible Man, Village Of The Damned (1960), The Shadow Of The Cat (1961), The Gorgon (1964), The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Dracula: Prince Of Darkness (1966), The Avengers, Blake's 7, and the long-running Doctor Who. Indeed, her work in the world of genre was so prolific that IMDB.com reports that her nickname in the industry was 'The First Leading Lady Of British Horror.' That's quite an honor! Though she's no longer with us, Shelley was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
The aforementioned Quatermass And The Pit remains one of my all-time personal favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy films. Though it has its flaws -- and doesn't always make perfect sense -- I consider it easily one of the top ten flicks that influenced me at a ripe young age to get excited about genre properties. Interested in knowing what I thought otherwise? You can find my review right here.
ExtraExtra Alert:
The aforementioned Quatermass And The Pit remains one of my all-time personal favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy films. Though it has its flaws -- and doesn't always make perfect sense -- I consider it easily one of the top ten flicks that influenced me at a ripe young age to get excited about genre properties. Interested in knowing what I thought otherwise? You can find my review right here.
David Neal played an unnamed captain of Ming the Merciless' army aboard the SciFi/Cult favorite Flash Gordon (1980). His resume also boasts roles aboard Superman (1978), Blake's 7, Doctor Who, and Crime Traveller. Though he's no longer with us, Neal was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
With the welcome return of the ongoing Star Wars saga to the cineplexes, the interest in the various characters big and small has spiked. 'Mon Mothma' was featured in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but she was played by a different actress than who originated the role: the venerable Caroline Blakiston led the Rebel Alliance originally aboard Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Blakiston was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though his resume contains gobs and gobs of conventional fare, Patrick Godfrey did manage to squeeze in a multi-episode arc aboard the long-running Doctor Who. Godfrey was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1974, actor George Segal headlined The Terminal Man, a SciFi thriller from the genius of Michael Crichton about a man who has experimental hardware implanted in his brain. Thankfully, this wasn't his only foray into the fantastical realm. Fans interested in checking out his acting chops can find him in roles aboard Aaah!! Real Monsters, Pushing Daisies, and 2012 (2009). Though he's no longer with us, Segal was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, the things we do for a paycheck! Screen legend Oliver Reed donned some sandals and hammed it up as part of the forgettable Gor (1987), a kinda/sorta SciFi/Fantasy-themed knockoff with similarities to the Conan saga. Other stops in Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror? Yes, indeed. Reed enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard The Invisible Man, The Two Faces Of Dr. Jekyll (1960), The Curse Of The Werewolf (1961), Night Creatures (1962), The Damned (1962), Paranoiac (1963), Z.P.G. (1972), Burnt Offerings (1976), The Brood (1979), Dr. Heckyl And Mr. Hype (1980), Condorman (1981), Venom (1981), Spasms (1983), The Adventures Of Baron Munchausen (1988), The House Of Usher (1989), The Pit And The Pendulum (1991), and Severed Ties (1992). Though he's no longer with us, Reed was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in 1997, John Towey enjoyed a guest spot aboard an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He also visited the greater world of The X-Files for Fox Television. In 1987, he had a role in the alternate history television miniseries Amerika. But the work didn't stop there, and he enjoyed appearances in The Invisible Kid (1988), Tales From The Crypt, Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero, Alien Nation: Millennium (1996), and All I Need (2016). Towey was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
For better or for worse, Donald Sumpter's President of Gallifrey ended up getting on the wrong side of the legendary Doctor (as in Doctor Who). Here's a tip: you don't want to get on the Doctor's bad side, Don. In any event, his big role was part of the ninth season's big finale, and it was pretty interesting. In 2006, he enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the Dracula telefilm. As for other series' appearances? The actor showed up in Being Human, Merlin, Black Mirror, Game Of Thrones, Atlantis, and Syfy's 12 Monkeys adaptation. Sumpter was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
I know that I've mentioned many times before my love for the universe of Batman Beyond, and the lovely Stockard Channing played the authoritative Barbara Gordon in that version of the Bat-reality. Channing was born on this day in 1944.
The talented Michael Ensign is another one of those terrific character actors who slips almost effortlessly into and out of any role much less any SciFi franchise. Fans know him from appearances aboard Superman (1978), The Greatest American Hero, Voyagers!, Ghostbusters (1984), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The X-Files, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Ensign was born on this day in 1944.
Joe Estevez is not your garden variety Estevez. Check out his IMDB.com profile sometime, and you'll see the man's quickly approaching participation in over three hundred projects. Granted, his forays into the world of SciFi are definitely more of the B movie variety, but it still counts. Estevez was born on this day in 1946.
With over 100 different projects to his name, Scott Paulin (shown above from 1982's Forbidden World) has certainly built an impressive resume. Paulin was born on this day in 1950.
Ellen Bry made a visit to the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, appearing as 'Dr. Farallon' in "The Quality Of Life." She also had a role in Deep Impact (1998). Bry was born on this day in 1951.
The fantastic Leslie Bevis has appeared in several notable genre projects and deserves much acclaim for conveying a wonderfully sexuality in all of them! She's been a part of V, Spaceballs (1987), Alien Nation (1988), and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Bevis was born on this day in 1957.
Wow. Talk about a rough gig! In Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, Pernilla August played Shmi Skywalker -- the mother to the little boy who'd grow up to practically destroy a galaxy far, far away! Then in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, she reprises the role long enough to die from wounds inflicted by Sandpeople. Ouch. August was born on this day back in 1958.
Screenwriter and science advisor André Bormanis has certainly maintained a track record that genre fans can appreciate as he's served aboard such properties as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and The Orville. Bormanis was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Michael Bay eventually was bullied into apologizing for his role in bringing the box office stinker Armageddon (1998) to the masses-at-large; no word on an apology yet from its screen author, screenwriter Jonathan Hensleigh. Hensleigh was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 1990, Matt Salinger did his patriotic duty by suiting up to play Captain America, a flick which saw theatrical release in the United Kingdom but only video release in the U.S. Salinger was born on this day in 1960.
The great Henry Rollins has dabbled in both live-acting and voice-acting, and that has given him some solid exposure to the realm of genre projects. He's been involved with Welcome to Paradox, Batman Beyond, Teen Titans, and The Legend of Korra. Rollins was born on this day in 1961.
Richard Tyson enjoyed a small role aboard the John Travolta SciFi-property Battlefield Earth (2000) for Warner Bros. Pictures. Tyson was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though her mainstay is probably conventional drama, Michele Greene has given SciFi a try from time to time. She's been in The Unborn II (1994), The Outer Limits, and Stargate: SG-1 for good measure. Greene was born on this day in 1962.
In the role of 'Nicholas Beckett,' Jesse Birdsall was one of the regulars aboard the United Kingdom SciFi-series Bugs. Birdsall was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Barry Tubb played a role aboard NBC's short-lived Apocalypse/Drama, Revolution, during its run on television. Tubb was born on this day in 1963.
Arguably, Mark Patton's biggest footprint in the realm of entertainment is his work aboard A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge (1985), but -- so far as Science Fiction goes -- he did appear in a guest spot on Anna To The Infinite Power back in 1983. Patton was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Audiences were treated to not just one but several Spocks aboard Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, and young Stephen Manley got the chance to play the one enduring pon farr with the much older Lieutenant Saavik. (Not a bad way to mature!) Manley was born on this day in 1965.
The great Neal McDonough joined the crew of the Starship Enterprise D as it journeyed backward through time to save all of mankind from those dastardly Borg in Star Trek: First Contact (1996). McDonough was born on this day in 1966.
All of red-blooded mankind first fell in love with Kelly Hu when she appeared alongside The Rock on the big screen in The Scorpion King, and she's pretty much owned genre entertainment since then. Her projects include roles in X-Men 2, Dark Shadows, The 100, Warehouse 13, Arrow, and an increasingly impressive roster of video game and animation voice acting. Check out her profile over on IMDB.com. Hu was born on this day in 1968.
While Fox TV's Firefly was around, Andrew Bryniarski got the chance to play in that world from the mind of Joss Whedon. Bryniarski was born on this day in 1969.
Comic book artist Joe Phillips has turned in some stellar work as part of IDW Publishing's latest Star Trek stories. Phillips was born on this day in 1969. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Lucy Brown played an adventuress hell bent on setting right some downright Primeval events in the BBC series of the same name. Brown was born on this day in 1979.
During her youth, Katie Jane Johnston went where no one had gone before with a nifty little role aboard Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Johnston was born on this day in 1979. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Mena Suvari provided the voice tracks for the character of 'Aerith Gainsborough' for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005) as well as a supporting video game. Suvari was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
I totally missed out on the CW's Star-Crossed. Don't get me wrong: I knew it was airing, but it just seemed like a teen-set SciFi 'Romeo and Juliet' story so I probably wasn't their target demo anyway. But the lovely Brina Palencia -- whom I did see in the absolutely phenomenal Upstream Color -- played a role in the TV drama, so let's be thankful for that. Palencia was born on this day in 1984.
Oh, Cap'n, my Cap'n! Yes, I know that adult properties may not be to everyone's predilections, but we here at SciFiHistory.Net do try to be your full service portral. So in that spirit we share that the lovely Jayden Jaymes -- star of the Avengers porn parodies -- enjoys her birthday today, born on this day in 1986. (No, mother, I have not seen this film.) [Source: IMDB.com]
Media sensation Veronika London has dabbled in the realm of Fantasy with small roles aboard episodes of iZombie and Lucifer. London was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Singer-turned-actress-turned-singer Carly McKillip has a resume light in Science Fiction but heavy enough to include work aboard The X-Files, Poltergeist: The Legacy, and Bionic Woman. McKillip was born on this day in 1989. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'Podrick Payne,' Daniel Portman is learning his way through knighthood as part of HBO's mostly stellar adaptation of Game Of Thrones. Portman was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Relative newcomer Sophia Lillis may have found big screen acclaim for her work in Stephen King's It, but SciFi fans might get jazzed about her work in the SciFi/ShortFilm The Garden (2016). Lillis was born on this day in 2002. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Even at such a young age, Lillis has proven to be a force of her own reckoning. Her work in the two-part adaptation of Stephen King's It has won praise from such organizations as the MTV Movie+TV Awards, The BAM Awards, The Fright Meter Awards, and even The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
For the record:
Even at such a young age, Lillis has proven to be a force of her own reckoning. Her work in the two-part adaptation of Stephen King's It has won praise from such organizations as the MTV Movie+TV Awards, The BAM Awards, The Fright Meter Awards, and even The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
On this day in 1933 (in Australia), audiences watched aghast as a cast member in a movie was given 6 Hours To Live! Directed by William Dieterle, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Warner Baxter, Miriam Jordan, and John Boles; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A murder victim is brought back to life by a scientific experiment. However, the effects only last for six hours, and he must find his killer in that time."
"A murder victim is brought back to life by a scientific experiment. However, the effects only last for six hours, and he must find his killer in that time."
A star is born! On this day in 1964 (in Italy), audiences were treated to the first theatrical engagement ever of War Of The Zombies. Directed by Giuseppe Vari, the Fantasy/Thriller starred John Drew Barrymore, Susy Andersen, and Ettore Manni; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fantastic yarn about a plot to conquer the world with an army of zombies!"
"A fantastic yarn about a plot to conquer the world with an army of zombies!"
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), The Horror At 37,000 Feet first aired on broadcast television. Directed by David Lowell Rich, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Williams Shatner, Chuck Connors, and Buddy Ebsen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An invisible demon in the cargo hold of a jet airliner terrorizes the passengers."
"An invisible demon in the cargo hold of a jet airliner terrorizes the passengers."
On this day in 1981 (in Finland), the Special Edition of Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters Of The Third Kind delivered a few more pivotal minutes in the seminal alien abduction movie. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 1983, the SciFi/Telefilm The Invisible Woman appeared out of thin air. The feature starred Bob Denver and Jonathan Banks, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a research lab, a scientist's pet chimpanzee mixes up an invisibility formula. A young woman accidentally drinks the solution and becomes invisible."
"In a research lab, a scientist's pet chimpanzee mixes up an invisibility formula. A young woman accidentally drinks the solution and becomes invisible."
On this day in 1985 (in Italy), those lovable Ewoks enjoyed life on their own on the silver screen with the theatrical release of Caravan Of Courage: The Ewok Adventure. Directed by John Korty, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Warwick Davis, Eric Walker, and Fionnula Flanagan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
On this day in 1985 (in France), Star Trek III: The Search For Spock put Kirk and company on a quest to rescue a fallen comrade. Directed by Leonard Nimoy, the adventure starred William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, and DeForest Kelley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
"Admiral Kirk and his bridge crew risk their careers stealing the decommissioned U.S.S. Enterprise to return to the restricted Genesis Planet to recover Spock's body."
On this day in 1987 (in Portugal), A Man Called Rage raged on the silver screen. Directed by Tonino Ricci, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Bruno Minniti, Stelio Candelli, and Werner Pochath; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a soldier of fortune enters "The Forbidden Land" to find uranium that will help save mankind. However, a rival adventurer is also after the uranium, but for his own ends."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a soldier of fortune enters "The Forbidden Land" to find uranium that will help save mankind. However, a rival adventurer is also after the uranium, but for his own ends."
On this day in 1991 (in Spain), RoboCop 2 put the original RoboCop -- Alex Murphy -- back on the streets to serve and protect. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, and Belinda Bauer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
"RoboCop returns to protect the citizens of old Detroit but faces a deadly challenge when a rogue OCP member secretly creates a new, evil RoboCop 2."
A star is born! On this day in 1994, the SciFi/Telefilm better known as Knight Rider 2010 roared onto the small screen. It starred Richard Joseph Paul and Hudson Leick, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Loosely based on the popular television series of the 80's, this movie brings the story into an apocalyptic time and a new "KITT"."
"Loosely based on the popular television series of the 80's, this movie brings the story into an apocalyptic time and a new "KITT"."
On this day in 2002 (in Norway), the SciFi/Thriller Mindstorm (aka Project: Human Weapon) enjoyed its release on home video. The feature starred Judge Reinhold and Victor Browne, and here's the premise from Amazon.com:
"Project: Human Weapon begins when the subject of a top secret government project disappears after learning that he has been trained for inhumane purposes. Black-ops agent Evan Mink (Judge Reinhold) is assigned to terminate the subject before he can exact revenge."
"Project: Human Weapon begins when the subject of a top secret government project disappears after learning that he has been trained for inhumane purposes. Black-ops agent Evan Mink (Judge Reinhold) is assigned to terminate the subject before he can exact revenge."
On this day in 2003 (in the Netherlands), Science Fiction delivered some family-friendly SciFi for younger audiences. Directed by Danny Deprez, the SciFi/Fantasy starred David Geclowicz, Fran Michiels, and Jurre Baguet; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Andreas overhears his parents'conversation about conquering the world and becoming leaders, their can only be one conclusion: Andreas' parents are aliens."
"When Andreas overhears his parents'conversation about conquering the world and becoming leaders, their can only be one conclusion: Andreas' parents are aliens."
On this day in 2005 (in Australia), Category 6: Day Of Destruction rained more Hellfire on Earth. Directed by Dick Lowry, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Thomas Gibson, Nancy McKeon, and Chandra West; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three tornadoes converge to wreak havoc on Chicago, disrupting the power grid and creating the worst super-storm in history: a category 6 twister."
"Three tornadoes converge to wreak havoc on Chicago, disrupting the power grid and creating the worst super-storm in history: a category 6 twister."
On this day in 2010 (in Czechia), the 1989-produced Lady Terminator played for audiences in attendance of the Festival otrleho divaka. Written for the screen by Karr Kruinowz and directed by H. Tjut Djalil, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Barbara Anne Constable, Christopher J. Hart, and Claudia Angelique Rademaker; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The spirit of an ancient evil queen posesses the body of a young anthropological student, who then goes on a murderous rampage."
"The spirit of an ancient evil queen posesses the body of a young anthropological student, who then goes on a murderous rampage."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Astronaut: The Last Push first played for audiences in attendance of the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival. Written and directed by Eric Hayden, the film starred Khary Payton, Lance Henriksen, and Brian Baumgartner. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a tragic accident cuts short the first manned mission to explore life on the moons of Jupiter, Michael Forrest must make the 3 year journey home to Earth in pure solitude."
"When a tragic accident cuts short the first manned mission to explore life on the moons of Jupiter, Michael Forrest must make the 3 year journey home to Earth in pure solitude."
On this day in 2013 (in France), Antiviral delivered a bizarre SciFi twist on the nature of celebrity. Written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, the SciFi/Horror starred Caleb Landry Jones, Lisa Berry, and Sarah Gadon; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
"In a blackly satirical near future, a thriving industry sells celebrity illnesses to their obsessed fans. Employee Syd March's attempts to exploit the system backfire when they involve him in a potentially deadly mystery."
On this day in 2014 (in Kuwait), Code Red enjoyed a run through theaters. Written (in part) and directed by Valeri Milev, the Fantasy/Horror starred Paul Logan, Manal El-Feitury, and Mya-Lecia Naylor; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Special Forces soldier is sent into Bulgaria when a chemical agent from WWII is uncovered that can reanimate the dead."
"A Special Forces soldier is sent into Bulgaria when a chemical agent from WWII is uncovered that can reanimate the dead."
On this day in 2017 (in Finland), Death Race 2050 roared onto the small screen with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by G.J. Echternkamp, the SciFi/Thriller starred Manu Bennett, Malcolm McDowell, and Marci Miller; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five long decades after Death Race 2000 (1975), in the overpopulated United Corporations of America, the annual Death Race is about to begin. This time, Frankenstein is up against no-nonsense challengers. How many points will he score?"
"Five long decades after Death Race 2000 (1975), in the overpopulated United Corporations of America, the annual Death Race is about to begin. This time, Frankenstein is up against no-nonsense challengers. How many points will he score?"
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Annihilation enjoyed its big screen theatrical debut when it was screened for the residents of Westwood, California. Alex Garland both directed and adapted the Jeff VanderMeer novel for the big screen, and the project starred Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Tessa Thompson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply."
For the record:
Annihilation scored a great amount of praise from various organizations praising excellence in cinema as well as garnering a 2019 nomination from the Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
"A biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply."
For the record:
Annihilation scored a great amount of praise from various organizations praising excellence in cinema as well as garnering a 2019 nomination from the Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
On this day in 2018 (in Canada and the U.S.), The Gateway (aka Alpha Gateway) first opened up for theatrical business. Written (in part) and directed by John V. Soto, the SciFil film starred Jacqueline McKenzie, Shannon Berry, and Myles Pollard; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A particle physicist grieving over the loss of her husband in a car crash travels to a parallel world to find him again, with dire consequences for her family."
For the record:
The Gateway certainly turned heads at the Austin Revolution Film Festival where it was screened sometime in 2017. It scored a very respectable seven nominations and took home honors in five of those, including 'Best Director Feature,' 'Best F/X Feature,' 'Best In Show - Feature,' 'Best Feature Film,' and 'Best World Feature.'
"A particle physicist grieving over the loss of her husband in a car crash travels to a parallel world to find him again, with dire consequences for her family."
For the record:
The Gateway certainly turned heads at the Austin Revolution Film Festival where it was screened sometime in 2017. It scored a very respectable seven nominations and took home honors in five of those, including 'Best Director Feature,' 'Best F/X Feature,' 'Best In Show - Feature,' 'Best Feature Film,' and 'Best World Feature.'
On this day in 1953, Adventures Of Superman aired "Czar of the Underworld." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A movie is being filmed about mobster Luigi Dinelli. The film is based on a series of articles that Clark Kent wrote for the Daily Planet. Dinelli is more than displeased. He orders a hit on Clark before the reporter and Inspector Henderson can leave for Hollywood to observe filming. Later, an actor on the movie is killed when real ammunition has been substituted for blanks. Clark, in both his civilian and Superman identities, works to put Dinelli away for good."
Superman fans, if you've never visited the Superman Homepage, then you're in for a tweet as the website is without question one of the best on all of the Information Superhighway. Interestingly enough, the site has even taken the time and put in the effort to provide review resources for some of these classic episodes, and the critique for 1953's "Czar Of The Underworld" can be found right here. Enjoy!
"A movie is being filmed about mobster Luigi Dinelli. The film is based on a series of articles that Clark Kent wrote for the Daily Planet. Dinelli is more than displeased. He orders a hit on Clark before the reporter and Inspector Henderson can leave for Hollywood to observe filming. Later, an actor on the movie is killed when real ammunition has been substituted for blanks. Clark, in both his civilian and Superman identities, works to put Dinelli away for good."
Superman fans, if you've never visited the Superman Homepage, then you're in for a tweet as the website is without question one of the best on all of the Information Superhighway. Interestingly enough, the site has even taken the time and put in the effort to provide review resources for some of these classic episodes, and the critique for 1953's "Czar Of The Underworld" can be found right here. Enjoy!
On this day in 1954, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet launched "The Space Projectile." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season. According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Tom is ordered to prevent the sabotage of a firing tube."
Interested in watching the episode? I believe I've seen a solid handful of these Tom Corbett episodes up on YouTube.com, and "The Space Projectile" can be found right here.
"Tom is ordered to prevent the sabotage of a firing tube."
Interested in watching the episode? I believe I've seen a solid handful of these Tom Corbett episodes up on YouTube.com, and "The Space Projectile" can be found right here.
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Web Planet." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS is drawn by a mysterious force and lands on the alien planet Vortis. There the Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki find themselves caught up in a war between an evil force known as "The Animus", its ant-like Zarbi allies, and the butterfly-like Menoptra race and their allies the subterranean Optera."
Interested in knowing more? Then you could quite literally find out all you want to know about this particular Doctor Who serial over at the TARDIS Data Core.
"The TARDIS is drawn by a mysterious force and lands on the alien planet Vortis. There the Doctor, Ian, Barbara and Vicki find themselves caught up in a war between an evil force known as "The Animus", its ant-like Zarbi allies, and the butterfly-like Menoptra race and their allies the subterranean Optera."
Interested in knowing more? Then you could quite literally find out all you want to know about this particular Doctor Who serial over at the TARDIS Data Core.
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mind of Evil, Part 3." This served as the seventh episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Realising Chin-Lee has been using the power of the Keller Machine to carry out assassinations, the Doctor heads back to Stangmoor, only to find the Master has teamed up with Mailer to stage another riot."
Interested in knowing more? Then you could quite literally find out all you want to know about this particular Doctor Who serial over at the TARDIS Data Core.
"Realising Chin-Lee has been using the power of the Keller Machine to carry out assassinations, the Doctor heads back to Stangmoor, only to find the Master has teamed up with Mailer to stage another riot."
Interested in knowing more? Then you could quite literally find out all you want to know about this particular Doctor Who serial over at the TARDIS Data Core.
It all came down to this: on this day in 1984, the United Kingdom was treated to the finale for the first season of Chocky. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The school day has ended and Matthew is kidnapped. There are appeals on television and everyone is searching for him. In Birmingham, Matthew is found with evidence of being injected and he believes that he has been involved in a car crash. Matthew is unaffected and at home, Chocky appears. She says that she would like to speak to his dad. She explains everything and proves that she is real. Chocky then disappears forever. Dad engraves the swimming medal with 'Chocky' for Matthew."
Sorry, kids, but daddy's largely unfamiliar with Chocky. Initially, I stumbled across it in some of my research, so I added it to these daily citation pages. In any event, here's a look back at it provided by the website The Medium Is Not Enough.
"The school day has ended and Matthew is kidnapped. There are appeals on television and everyone is searching for him. In Birmingham, Matthew is found with evidence of being injected and he believes that he has been involved in a car crash. Matthew is unaffected and at home, Chocky appears. She says that she would like to speak to his dad. She explains everything and proves that she is real. Chocky then disappears forever. Dad engraves the swimming medal with 'Chocky' for Matthew."
Sorry, kids, but daddy's largely unfamiliar with Chocky. Initially, I stumbled across it in some of my research, so I added it to these daily citation pages. In any event, here's a look back at it provided by the website The Medium Is Not Enough.
On this day in 1987, Starman aired "Barriers." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Paul is taken to Mexico and is held prisoner. He must escape and help a pregnant women sneak into the United States to look for the father of her child."
For the record: I'm personally not aware (currently) of this program being available anywhere for streaming (I did find it up on YouTube right here), but it does look like back in 2012 Sony Home Video did put out a release for purchase. It's up on Amazon.com right here for those willing to spend a buck.
"Paul is taken to Mexico and is held prisoner. He must escape and help a pregnant women sneak into the United States to look for the father of her child."
For the record: I'm personally not aware (currently) of this program being available anywhere for streaming (I did find it up on YouTube right here), but it does look like back in 2012 Sony Home Video did put out a release for purchase. It's up on Amazon.com right here for those willing to spend a buck.
On this day in 1988, Wesley Crusher made some new friends in the first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. "When the Bough Breaks" was the show's 16th episode, and here's the episode summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A planet that was able to cloak itself for thousands of years suddenly reveals itself, with its inhabitants proposing peace. But, after initial negotiations, children of the Enterprise are kidnapped due to the impotence of the inhabitants."
Argh. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Wesley Crusher episodes (a few of his later appearances when he returned to the series as the guest star were perfectly fine), and these early TNG clunkers are definitely dated. Still, The Movie Blog has a respectable look back at this episode readers might be interested in perusing right here.
"A planet that was able to cloak itself for thousands of years suddenly reveals itself, with its inhabitants proposing peace. But, after initial negotiations, children of the Enterprise are kidnapped due to the impotence of the inhabitants."
Argh. Personally, I'm not a fan of the Wesley Crusher episodes (a few of his later appearances when he returned to the series as the guest star were perfectly fine), and these early TNG clunkers are definitely dated. Still, The Movie Blog has a respectable look back at this episode readers might be interested in perusing right here.
On this day in 1988 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Emissary." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A pet dog brings things and people to his young master, a boy suffering from a debilitating illness, whenever it feels that he needs them. At first this proves quite useful but it takes a rather bizarre turn at the end."
"A pet dog brings things and people to his young master, a boy suffering from a debilitating illness, whenever it feels that he needs them. At first this proves quite useful but it takes a rather bizarre turn at the end."
On this day in 1989, War of the Worlds aired "The Meek Shall Inherit." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The aliens' next move is to disrupt communication by destroying global phone links. Meanwhile, Sylvia befriends a homeless woman who believes her talk of aliens because she herself witnessed one of her friends being attacked and absorbed. The two flee the Whitewood Sanitarium to roam the streets of Portland and eventually hiding out in a truck yard for shelter. Having assumed the bodies of three homeless people, the aliens also wait in the same truck yard to hijack a truck carrying an important power source, which will allow them to complete their plan to destroy communiqués and leave society helpless during an attack."
"The aliens' next move is to disrupt communication by destroying global phone links. Meanwhile, Sylvia befriends a homeless woman who believes her talk of aliens because she herself witnessed one of her friends being attacked and absorbed. The two flee the Whitewood Sanitarium to roam the streets of Portland and eventually hiding out in a truck yard for shelter. Having assumed the bodies of three homeless people, the aliens also wait in the same truck yard to hijack a truck carrying an important power source, which will allow them to complete their plan to destroy communiqués and leave society helpless during an attack."
As much as I admired the entirety of the journey Star Trek: Deep Space Nine delivered to faithful audiences, there was an awful lot of unwanted 'baggage' as part of its first two seasons ... before Sisko got his groove back. Case in point: "Paradise," the fifteenth episode of a relatively uneven second season. (It was broadcast on this day in 1994.) The tale served up the kind of predictability common with other sci-fi franchises. Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"Sisko and Chief O'Brien discover a colony that lives without technology."
Yeah. That summary screams excellence, no?
"Sisko and Chief O'Brien discover a colony that lives without technology."
Yeah. That summary screams excellence, no?
On this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom), Space Precinct aired "Takeover." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Brogan and Haldane are under investigation for murder after a chase ending in a shootdown and the death of the perp. Things start to get hinky when witnesses start changing their original statements supporting the pair, and Slomo the only one with an unalterable memory is mysteriously put out of action."
"As Brogan and Haldane are under investigation for murder after a chase ending in a shootdown and the death of the perp. Things start to get hinky when witnesses start changing their original statements supporting the pair, and Slomo the only one with an unalterable memory is mysteriously put out of action."
Sweet mother alive! It's one of my favorite Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes, mostly because of the genius casting of bringing in the voluptuous Tracy Scoggins to play the sexiest Cardassian you'll ever see on this side of the wormhole. It was called "Destiny," it was broadcast on this day in 1995, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sisko faces a conflict between his Starfleet duties and his role as the Bajoran Emissary when an ancient Bajoran prophecy predicts that a joint Federation-Cardassian project will lead to the destruction of the wormhole."
Sometimes the best episodes are the ones that only tinker with our expectations, showing us just how broad the galaxy can be.
"Sisko faces a conflict between his Starfleet duties and his role as the Bajoran Emissary when an ancient Bajoran prophecy predicts that a joint Federation-Cardassian project will lead to the destruction of the wormhole."
Sometimes the best episodes are the ones that only tinker with our expectations, showing us just how broad the galaxy can be.
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Spellbinder aired "Show Me Your World." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plog summary as provided by Google.com:
"The Regents agree to continue questioning Paul as opposed to banishing him after learning the truth of his origins."
"The Regents agree to continue questioning Paul as opposed to banishing him after learning the truth of his origins."
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Voyager aired "The Cloud." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Voyager becomes trapped in a strange nebula when the crew searches for a new power source for the ship."
"The Voyager becomes trapped in a strange nebula when the crew searches for a new power source for the ship."
On this day in 1998, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Tin Man." This served as the eighteenth episode of the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Upon arrival on planet P3X,989 the team are rendered unconscious. When they wake, they return to Earth, but soon find out that they are Androids. The team must return to the planet to find out what happened to their real bodies."
"Upon arrival on planet P3X,989 the team are rendered unconscious. When they wake, they return to Earth, but soon find out that they are Androids. The team must return to the planet to find out what happened to their real bodies."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2002, Special Unit 2 bowed out of original broadcast existence with the airing of "The Wish." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in its second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A genie-like creature, called a Djinn, is getting close to her quota needed to become a free willed being able to cause chaos and destruction wherever she wishes. Just as Nick starts to get serious about his girlfriend Zoe, the Djinn puts her in danger as she tries to fulfill her final wish. Meanwhile, Carl is upset believing that nobody seems to remember or care that it's his birthday. Also, Captain Page lights a fire under Jonathan by bringing in an efficiency expert to evaluate him."
"A genie-like creature, called a Djinn, is getting close to her quota needed to become a free willed being able to cause chaos and destruction wherever she wishes. Just as Nick starts to get serious about his girlfriend Zoe, the Djinn puts her in danger as she tries to fulfill her final wish. Meanwhile, Carl is upset believing that nobody seems to remember or care that it's his birthday. Also, Captain Page lights a fire under Jonathan by bringing in an efficiency expert to evaluate him."
On this day in 2002, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Shuttlepod One." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While returning to Enterprise in Shuttlepod One, Trip and Reed see apparent evidence that the ship has been destroyed. With only days of oxygen left, they must find a way to survive long enough for rescue."
"While returning to Enterprise in Shuttlepod One, Trip and Reed see apparent evidence that the ship has been destroyed. With only days of oxygen left, they must find a way to survive long enough for rescue."
On this day in 2004, Stargate SG-1 aired "Heroes: Part 1." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The president has asked a documentarian to SGC to create a film about its operations. His arrival is unwelcome to most and he begins to clash with the base personnel. Nevertheless, he conducts his interviews with SG-1 and the scientists in the employ of SGC. Meanwhile, an off-world SG team finds the remains of an Ancient city."
"The president has asked a documentarian to SGC to create a film about its operations. His arrival is unwelcome to most and he begins to clash with the base personnel. Nevertheless, he conducts his interviews with SG-1 and the scientists in the employ of SGC. Meanwhile, an off-world SG team finds the remains of an Ancient city."
On this day in 2005 (in Canada), The Collector aired "The Comic." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Devil prepares to get the last laugh on the world's funniest comic."
"The Devil prepares to get the last laugh on the world's funniest comic."
On this day in 2008, Torchwood aired "Adam." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Adam, an alien in the guise of a personable young man, is a 'memory manipulator' who implants false memories into the Torchwood team, leading them to believe he is an old friend. Gwen is induced to forget Rhys and Jack recalls painful memories of his brother before he exposes Adam. The team take tablets to restore their memories, in the process 'killing' Adam, who fades away."
"Adam, an alien in the guise of a personable young man, is a 'memory manipulator' who implants false memories into the Torchwood team, leading them to believe he is an old friend. Gwen is induced to forget Rhys and Jack recalls painful memories of his brother before he exposes Adam. The team take tablets to restore their memories, in the process 'killing' Adam, who fades away."
On this day in 2008, Torchwood aired "Reset." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jack persuades Martha Jones to go undercover at the Pharm, a sinister research facility, which is experimenting in the drug 'Reset', releasing alien parasites into the body to 'reset' it and cure disease. She is exposed by the Pharm's head, Dr. Copley and injected with Reset before the Torchwood team ride to her rescue."
"Jack persuades Martha Jones to go undercover at the Pharm, a sinister research facility, which is experimenting in the drug 'Reset', releasing alien parasites into the body to 'reset' it and cure disease. She is exposed by the Pharm's head, Dr. Copley and injected with Reset before the Torchwood team ride to her rescue."
On this day in 2009, battle lines were drawn as Syfy's Battlestar Galactica ticked down yet one more hour toward the program's big finish. The hour was titled "No Exit," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Now back in command of the Galactica, Admiral Adama seeks to re-assert his overall authority. Gaeta and Zarek are under arrest and there can be only one sentence. Chief Tyrol shows the Admiral what he's found in the engine room. Sam Anders is in serious condition having been shot in the head during the re-capture of the ship. He has a sudden burst of clarity however telling Tyrol, Tory and Saul about their time on Earth before its destruction. In a flashback to when Saul poisoned his wife Ellen on New Caprica, it is revealed that she was reborn on a Cylon ship where she once again meets John Cavil and later, Boomer Valerii. She created Cavil and he hates her for it. She in turns resents what happened to another of the Final Five's creations, Daniel. Cavil wants her to recreate the regeneration technology and will cut it out of her brain, if necessary. Boomer has another solution however."
Interested in knowing more? Slant Magazine has a fairly respectful information dump involving "No Exit," and interested readers can access it right here.
"Now back in command of the Galactica, Admiral Adama seeks to re-assert his overall authority. Gaeta and Zarek are under arrest and there can be only one sentence. Chief Tyrol shows the Admiral what he's found in the engine room. Sam Anders is in serious condition having been shot in the head during the re-capture of the ship. He has a sudden burst of clarity however telling Tyrol, Tory and Saul about their time on Earth before its destruction. In a flashback to when Saul poisoned his wife Ellen on New Caprica, it is revealed that she was reborn on a Cylon ship where she once again meets John Cavil and later, Boomer Valerii. She created Cavil and he hates her for it. She in turns resents what happened to another of the Final Five's creations, Daniel. Cavil wants her to recreate the regeneration technology and will cut it out of her brain, if necessary. Boomer has another solution however."
Interested in knowing more? Slant Magazine has a fairly respectful information dump involving "No Exit," and interested readers can access it right here.
On this day in 2009, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Blue Shadow Virus." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Evil scientist Dr. Nuvo Vindi is recreating the dreaded Blue Shadow Virus in his secret underground lab on Naboo. When he captures Senator Amidala and Jar Jar Binks, Anakin and Obi-Wan mount a rescue operation."
Interested in knowing more? There's a nice review of this humorous episode over at the website Fantha Tracks, and you can access the critique right here.
Still here? Want even more? I did find a brief piece about "Blue Shadow Virus" penned by Brian Salvatore on the website Multiversity Comics right here.
"Evil scientist Dr. Nuvo Vindi is recreating the dreaded Blue Shadow Virus in his secret underground lab on Naboo. When he captures Senator Amidala and Jar Jar Binks, Anakin and Obi-Wan mount a rescue operation."
Interested in knowing more? There's a nice review of this humorous episode over at the website Fantha Tracks, and you can access the critique right here.
Still here? Want even more? I did find a brief piece about "Blue Shadow Virus" penned by Brian Salvatore on the website Multiversity Comics right here.
On this day in 2013, the first part of the two-part miniseries Delete aired on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
"Delete imagines a disaster in our all-too-fragile digital world where the web becomes dangerously self-aware with one systematic purpose, to destroy mankind. Faced with possible extinction, there is only one way out - create a second artificial intelligence, just as alive, just as intelligent and just as dangerous."
On this day in 2015, 12 Monkeys aired the pivotal "The Night Room." This served as the fifth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cole and Dr. Railly face off with the Army of the 12 Monkeys when both discover the Night Room -- an off-site, black ops lab that houses the virus that will one day destroy the world."
Interested in knowing more? During 12 Monkeys run on television, Entertainment Weekly occasionally did some pretty in-depth episode reviews. The article involving "The Night Room" can be found right here.
Interested in knowing even more? Well, Den Of Geek did a short review of "The Night Room," and readers can find that piece right here.
Interested in, perhaps, having your mind blown with so much more? Well, Reddit.com users did their own dissection of "The Night Room" that's occasionally interesting, and you can find that information right here.
"Cole and Dr. Railly face off with the Army of the 12 Monkeys when both discover the Night Room -- an off-site, black ops lab that houses the virus that will one day destroy the world."
Interested in knowing more? During 12 Monkeys run on television, Entertainment Weekly occasionally did some pretty in-depth episode reviews. The article involving "The Night Room" can be found right here.
Interested in knowing even more? Well, Den Of Geek did a short review of "The Night Room," and readers can find that piece right here.
Interested in, perhaps, having your mind blown with so much more? Well, Reddit.com users did their own dissection of "The Night Room" that's occasionally interesting, and you can find that information right here.
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Humans aired the first episode of its second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Niska is living as a fugitive in Berlin, while the other Synths are laying low in the UK."
"Niska is living as a fugitive in Berlin, while the other Synths are laying low in the UK."
