A star is born! I've always thought Pitch Black was a bit of a SciFi gem. It pretty much came out of nowhere when it premiered on this day theatrically back in the year 2000. Borrowing much of the mood of Ridley Scott's Alien, Black pitted a group of crash victims against an entire planet of predators, and the only member of the party who wasn't completely scared silly over the prospect of fighting for survival was the captured convict in their midst, Riddick. The film gave Vin Diesel his first chance at a franchise, and -- a few films later -- it's a character the actor retains a fondness for. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
Angelo Rossitto enjoyed his chance to shine with work as 'The Master' aboard Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) for Warner Bros. He also found employment in such projects as Invasion Of The Saucer Men (1957), H.R. Pufnstuf, The Lord Of The Rings (1978), Jason Of Star Command, The Incredible Hulk, Galaxina (1980), and TV's Amazing Stories. Though he's no longer with us, Rossitto was born on this day in 1908. [Source: IMDB.com]
Austrian-born actor Oldrich Lukes explored the Final Frontier with his work aboard First Spaceship On Venus (1960) for VEB DEFA-Studio für Spielfilme. In 1970, he enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the SciFi/Comedy I Killed Einstein, Gentlemen for Ceskoslovensky Film. Though he's no longer with us, Lukes was born on this day in 1909. [Source: IMDB.com]
When Buck Rogers in the 25th Century launched on television at the end of the 1970's, the show brought along a welcome cavalry of impressive guest stars ... including screen veteran Jack Palance in the role of the evil Kaleel as part of "Planet of the Slave Girls." Though he's no longer with us, Palance was born on this day in 1919.
Allan Melvin is probably best remembered as 'Sam the Butcher' from The Brady Bunch, but he led a much diverse career before and behind the screen. SciFi fans might remember his work aboard Irwin Allen's Lost In Space, but they may forget he voiced a handful of characters aboard TV's 1979 animated incarnation of Flash Gordon. Though he's no longer with us, Melvin was born on this day in 1923. [Source: IMDB.com]
George Kennedy is a name probably not associated with Science Fiction or Fantasy, but he did give Fantasy a whirl with a role aboard the telefilm The Archer: Fugitive From The Empire (1981). Though he's no longer with us, Kennedy was born on this day in 1925. [Source: IMDB.com]
The closest Mary Ure truly got to Science Fiction was playing the lead opposite Dirk Bogarde in Basil Dearden's The Mind Benders (1963) for Michael Relph Productions, a drama with a decidedly SciFi framework to it. Though she's no longer with us, Ure was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
With only three professional screen credits to her name, kudos to the lovely Andrea Dromm for scoring a guest role aboard Star Trek's "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Dromm was born on this day in 1941.
Think what you may about some of his later efforts, but the late John Hughes certainly had a way with storytelling. He revolutionized the way young people -- particularly high schoolers -- were treated in film, and he explored the various facets of the human experience with a nuance for comedy unlike few of his generation. His Weird Science (1985) remains a favorite among many fans of 1980's cinema, though I'll admit it isn't quite my cup of tea. Though he's no longer with us, Hughes was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran John Travolta long wanted to bring his Scientology buddy L. Ron Hubbard's Battlefield: Earth to life. The result? Perhaps one of the most maligned outings of the actor's career. Travolta was born on this day in 1954 ... and maybe he ought to stick to talking baby pictures.
Oh, I just loved Jayne Atkinson's work aboard Fox TV's popular 24 series during its day, and thankfully she's dabbled in some quality genre projects so that I can mention her here. Fans might recognize her from Beauty And The Beast, The X-Files, Zoo, The Walking Dead, and Castle Rock. Atkinson was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Eleonora Brigliadori enjoyed a trip into cinematic Fantasy with a top role aboard New Gladiators (1984) for Regency Productions. Brigliadori was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, the perky Kathy Coleman braved the Jurassic wonder that was Saturday morning television's popular Land Of The Lost from the minds of Sid and Marty Krofft. Coleman was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
B-movie queen Julie Strain helped put the metal in heavy when she headlined Heavy Metal 2000 as well as the equally booberific (is that a word?) Battle Queen 2020. Check out her resume over at IMDB.com, and you'll see she has a fairly impressive track record to compliment her sterling assets. (Ahem!) Though she's no longer with us, Strain was born on this day in 1962.
The reliable Matt Dillon ventured deep into the waters of Fantasy with a role aboard Wayward Pines for Fox Television. Dillon was born on this day in 1964.
And the always unappreciated Molly Ringwald -- seen above in one of my personal favorite B movies that's also always unappreciated, Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone -- celebrates her birth from 1968.
Ahhh, we do so love our voice actresses 'round these parts ... and there isn't one nearly as winning as Susan Egan. In her time, she brought to life 'Megara' for Walt Disney's animated incarnation of Hercules to the delight of fans. Egan was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Victoria Hill suited up to defend the realm of Odin for a pair of guest appearances aboard Xena: Warrior Princess in 2000. Hill was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ike Barinholtz had a small but important role in setting certain events in motion aboard DC Comics' Suicide Squad theatrical adaptation. Barinholtz was born on this day in 1977.
Genelle Williams brought a spark to her work aboard The Expanse. This Canadian native has also been a part of such projects as The Incredible Hulk (2008), Warehouse 13, Lost Girl, The Lottery, Bitten, and Dark Matter. Great work, milady! Williams was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
The pretty Emily Vere Nicoll bared more than her soul (snicker snicker) for her art with a role aboard the Fantasy serial Black Mirror. Nicoll was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Plucky and young Malese Jow (above right) has long trafficked in the realm of quality genre roles. She's secured screen time aboard The Vampire Diaries, Star-Crossed, and most recently The Flash (CW). Jow was born on this day in 1991.
The talented Logan Miller has established some terrific traction in genre entertainment with work aboard such properties as Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015), Ultimate Spider-Man (animated), and AMC's The Walking Dead. Miller was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1921 (in Japan), that nefarious twosome -- Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde -- enjoyed scaring up audiences in theaters. Directed by John S. Robertson, the SciFi/Horror starred John Barrymore, Martha Mansfield, and Brandon Hurst. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
"Dr. Henry Jekyll experiments with scientific means of revealing the hidden, dark side of man and releases a murderer from within himself."
On this day in 1977, the 1968-produced The Omegans enjoyed its debut on broadcast television. Directed by W. Lee Wilder, the SciFi/Drama starred Keith Larsen, Ingrid Pitt, and Lucian Pan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an artist discovers his wife is having an affair with their jungle guide, he lures them into posing for him in a radioactive jungle river."
"When an artist discovers his wife is having an affair with their jungle guide, he lures them into posing for him in a radioactive jungle river."
On this day in 1984 (in Japan), the SciFi/Fantasy Krull crashed and burned theatrically. Directed by Peter Yates, the feature starred Ken Marshall and Lysette Anthony, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
On this day in 1993 (in Japan), Lightning Bolt (aka Operazione Goldman) enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by Antonio Margheriti, the SciFi/Thriller starred Anthony Eisley, Wandisa Guida, and Diana Lorys. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
"A U.S. agent goes undercover as a rich playboy to stop a madman from destroying a NASA moon project."
On this day in 1994 (in Portugal), BrainWaves enjoyed its premiere on television. Written (in part) and directed by Ulli Lommel, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keir Dullea, Suzanna Love, and Vera Miles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a traffic accident Kaylie is in coma for months. Her doctors want to try a new procedure on her: to regain her consciousness, they stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. It works, and Kaylie seems to be ok again. However in her dreams, she lives the last day of her savor - and realizes that she's been killed! Together with her husband she tries to find out what happened."
"After a traffic accident Kaylie is in coma for months. Her doctors want to try a new procedure on her: to regain her consciousness, they stimulate her brain with neural patterns of a woman who just died. It works, and Kaylie seems to be ok again. However in her dreams, she lives the last day of her savor - and realizes that she's been killed! Together with her husband she tries to find out what happened."
On this day in 1994 (in Portugal), RoboCop reported back for crime-fighting duty with the theatrical release of RoboCop 3. Directed by Fred Dekker who collaborated with comics giant Frank Miller on the story and screenplay, the feature film starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in Greece), Spoiler enjoyed its very first home video release. Directed by Jeff Burr, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gary Daniels, Meg Foster, and Bryan Genesse; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an innocent man is sent to the toughest penal colony in the universe, he vows to escape, return to Earth and be reunited with the daughter he was forced to leave behind."
"When an innocent man is sent to the toughest penal colony in the universe, he vows to escape, return to Earth and be reunited with the daughter he was forced to leave behind."
On this day in 1998 (in Finland), Tremors II: Aftershocks gave audiences another look at some formerly subterranean monsters. Directed by S.S. Wilson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred Ward, Chris Gartin, and Helen Shaver; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
"Earl Bassett, now a washed-up ex-celebrity, is hired by a Mexican oil company to eradicate a Graboid epidemic that's killing more people each day. However, the humans aren't the only one with a new battle plan."
On this day in 2005, Constantine went to Hell and back again with audiences. The DC Comics' property starred Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Supernatural detective John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more."
"Supernatural detective John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more."
A star is born! On this day in 2010, Slime City Massacre dished out the bodies with its first theatrical engagement for audiences in attendance of the Beloit International Film Festival. Written and directed by Gregory Lamberson, the SciFi/Horror starred Jennifer Bihl, Kealan Patrick Burke, Debbie Rochon, and Brooke Lewis Bellas; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the wake of a "dirty bomb" attack, a New York City neighborhood known as "Slime City" has been evacuated, except for the homeless ("displaced refugees"). Four squatters searching for food in the ruins of the Zachary Devon Soup Kitchen (Jennifer Bihl, Kealan Patrick Burke, Debbie Rochon, Lee Perkins) discover a supply of Zachary Devon's Home Brewed Elixir and Himalayan Yogurt. When they drink the elixir and eat the yogurt, they are transformed into hideous slime creatures driven to murder - an intermediate step as they are possessed by the spirits of Zachary Devon (Robert Sabin) and the members of his Coven of Flesh, who committed suicide years earlier. When a greedy developer (Roy Frumkes) sets his sites on Slime City, he hires a team of mercenaries (Nelron Hubbard, Tommy Sweeney, T.J. Merrick, Eric Mache, and Nicholas John Morgan Anderson) to wipe out the homeless population. It's a battle royal between the Slime Heads, the mercenaries, and bloodthirsty mutant cannibals!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Slime City Massacre earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, including prizes for actresses Debbie Rochon and Brooke Lewis Bellas.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Slime City Massacre from actress Brooke Lewis Bellas. Interested in knowing what I thought of the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
"In the wake of a "dirty bomb" attack, a New York City neighborhood known as "Slime City" has been evacuated, except for the homeless ("displaced refugees"). Four squatters searching for food in the ruins of the Zachary Devon Soup Kitchen (Jennifer Bihl, Kealan Patrick Burke, Debbie Rochon, Lee Perkins) discover a supply of Zachary Devon's Home Brewed Elixir and Himalayan Yogurt. When they drink the elixir and eat the yogurt, they are transformed into hideous slime creatures driven to murder - an intermediate step as they are possessed by the spirits of Zachary Devon (Robert Sabin) and the members of his Coven of Flesh, who committed suicide years earlier. When a greedy developer (Roy Frumkes) sets his sites on Slime City, he hires a team of mercenaries (Nelron Hubbard, Tommy Sweeney, T.J. Merrick, Eric Mache, and Nicholas John Morgan Anderson) to wipe out the homeless population. It's a battle royal between the Slime Heads, the mercenaries, and bloodthirsty mutant cannibals!"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Slime City Massacre earned a bit of extra praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, including prizes for actresses Debbie Rochon and Brooke Lewis Bellas.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary copy of Slime City Massacre from actress Brooke Lewis Bellas. Interested in knowing what I thought of the flick? Readers can find my review right here.
I Am Number Four -- which opened on this day theatrically back in 2011 -- kinda/sorta tried to be one of the earlier entries into that whole YA novel (Young Adult) adaptation craze. Unfortunately, it was largely a sugary concoction that didn't do the kind of business to warrant a full-fledged franchise. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Aliens and their Guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order, and Number Four is next on the list. This is his story."
"Aliens and their Guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order, and Number Four is next on the list. This is his story."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in South Korea), Cloned: The Recreator Chronicles was gifted to the world-at-large via its original television broadcast. Written and directed by Gregory Orr, the SciFi/Thriller starred Stella Maeve, Alexander Nifong, and J. Mallory McCree; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of teenagers stumble upon a secret lab and battle their superior clones."
For the record:
Though this 2012 citation is listed as the movie's first display, I suspect that information may be inaccurate as IMDB.com also cites it as winning two awards -- 'Best Screenplay' and 'Best Feature Film' -- from the 2010 Terror Film Awards.
"A group of teenagers stumble upon a secret lab and battle their superior clones."
For the record:
Though this 2012 citation is listed as the movie's first display, I suspect that information may be inaccurate as IMDB.com also cites it as winning two awards -- 'Best Screenplay' and 'Best Feature Film' -- from the 2010 Terror Film Awards.
On this day in 2015 (in Sweden), the cinematic Fantasy known as The Circle came to life. The feature starred Josefin Asplund and Miranda Frydman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An otherworldly evil is slipping into a small town in Sweden. Six unrelated girls have been chosen to fight this evil. Together they must overcome their differences in order to save themselves and the world."
"An otherworldly evil is slipping into a small town in Sweden. Six unrelated girls have been chosen to fight this evil. Together they must overcome their differences in order to save themselves and the world."
On this day in 1967 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Moonbase: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends attempt to convince the Moonbase crew that the Cybermen are responsible for the disappearances and find a cure for the plague."
"The Doctor and his friends attempt to convince the Moonbase crew that the Cybermen are responsible for the disappearances and find a cure for the plague."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Invasion Of Time: Part 3." Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor allows the Vardans to occupy Gallifrey while Leela and Rodan head out into the wasteland to search for help."
"The Doctor allows the Vardans to occupy Gallifrey while Leela and Rodan head out into the wasteland to search for help."
On this day in 1983, The Powers of Matthew Star aired "36 Hours." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Shuttle astronauts will burn upon re-entry unless Matthew and Walt can find a stolen landing device."
"Shuttle astronauts will burn upon re-entry unless Matthew and Walt can find a stolen landing device."
On this day in 1984, Airwolf aired "One Way Express." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A movie producer hires Santini Air for a dangerous stunt involving the landing of a helicopter onto the roof of a moving semi. Dom and String nearly come to blows, however, when String tries to convince Dom that his reaction time might not be up to snuff for this particular action sequence. Things get even more dicey when it appears that the production might just be an elaborate cover for a high-stakes gold heist."
"A movie producer hires Santini Air for a dangerous stunt involving the landing of a helicopter onto the roof of a moving semi. Dom and String nearly come to blows, however, when String tries to convince Dom that his reaction time might not be up to snuff for this particular action sequence. Things get even more dicey when it appears that the production might just be an elaborate cover for a high-stakes gold heist."
Take my word for it, Wesley: she's out of your league. Scratch that: the truth is she's out of your species! 1989's "The Dauphin" tried very hard to show audiences of Star Trek: The Next Generation what young love could be like for goofy ol' Ensign Crusher. Alas, it wasn't meant to be!
On this day in 1989, Superboy aired "Stand Up And Get Knocked Down." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"TJ finds his friend Michael dead outside of the Bonkerz comedy club. TJ wants to find out what happened to him, so he goes to the club's amateur night."
"TJ finds his friend Michael dead outside of the Bonkerz comedy club. TJ wants to find out what happened to him, so he goes to the club's amateur night."
On this day in 1992, Super Force aired "The Big Spin." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"I bump on the head causes Zach to dream that Super Force is actually a sitcom."
"I bump on the head causes Zach to dream that Super Force is actually a sitcom."
On this day in 1994, The X-Files' Deep Throat character revealed one of the deepest, darkest secrets to Fox Mulder ... or did he? "E.B.E." was another high point for the program's first season, and here's the summary provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully become the focus of a misinformation campaign when they attempt to trace the government's secret transport of an alien life form."
"Mulder and Scully become the focus of a misinformation campaign when they attempt to trace the government's secret transport of an alien life form."
Space: Above & Beyond's episode from this day in 1996 explored the themes of dealing with family in times of war. "Toy Soldiers" took a very dark turn before it ended. Here's the summary from TV.com:
"West discovers that his brother has enlisted in the Corps and is serving under a young, gung-ho lieutenant who's so determined to make a name for himself as a soldier, that he will risk endangering the lives of his entire battalion."
"West discovers that his brother has enlisted in the Corps and is serving under a young, gung-ho lieutenant who's so determined to make a name for himself as a soldier, that he will risk endangering the lives of his entire battalion."
On this day in 1997, The Burning Zone aired "The Last Five Pounds Are The Hardest." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A panic is triggered when a new diet aid appears to have deadly side-effects."
"A panic is triggered when a new diet aid appears to have deadly side-effects."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Learning Curve." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Two Minbari Rangers-in-training come to the station and learn a difficult lesson. A new underworld boss tries to take control of Down-below."
"Two Minbari Rangers-in-training come to the station and learn a difficult lesson. A new underworld boss tries to take control of Down-below."
On this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One aired "The Barrier Of Second Attention." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Space Island One:
"A wandering space object creates a supernatural environment when it enters the station. The crew are faced with a First Contact situation of the most unorthodox kind as they suffer bizarre dreams which force them to relive elements of their respective pasts."
"A wandering space object creates a supernatural environment when it enters the station. The crew are faced with a First Contact situation of the most unorthodox kind as they suffer bizarre dreams which force them to relive elements of their respective pasts."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine continued its sixth season, airing an hour called "One Little Ship." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"An attack by the Dominion on Sisko's ship endangers Dax and her crew aboard as she leads them into an anomaly that shrinks them to a very minute size. Unfortunately, they were being held stable by Sisko within a tractor beam, which was discontinued during the attack."
"An attack by the Dominion on Sisko's ship endangers Dax and her crew aboard as she leads them into an anomaly that shrinks them to a very minute size. Unfortunately, they were being held stable by Sisko within a tractor beam, which was discontinued during the attack."
On this day in 1998, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Prey." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Helping a wounded Hirogen, Janeway finds that their prey has boarded Voyager, a member of species 8472."
"Helping a wounded Hirogen, Janeway finds that their prey has boarded Voyager, a member of species 8472."
On this day in 1999 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Back In The Red: Part 1." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Nano Bots have rebuilt Red Dwarf and Lister, Kochansi, Kryten and Cat find that the Nano Bots have not only rebuilt the ship, the Nano Bots have resurrected the crew and they find themselves in big trouble, as they find themselves standing trial for a series of crimes. Lister tries to persuade Rimmer to allow him to escape and to track down the Nano Bots, the only way for Lister to convince Rimmer is by helping Rimmer find the Luck virus in Starbug's wreckage."
"The Nano Bots have rebuilt Red Dwarf and Lister, Kochansi, Kryten and Cat find that the Nano Bots have not only rebuilt the ship, the Nano Bots have resurrected the crew and they find themselves in big trouble, as they find themselves standing trial for a series of crimes. Lister tries to persuade Rimmer to allow him to escape and to track down the Nano Bots, the only way for Lister to convince Rimmer is by helping Rimmer find the Luck virus in Starbug's wreckage."
On this day in 2000, Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired the episode titled "Metamorphosis." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Valley Forge is headed for the next campaign and since it is a long journey, everyone except Commander Marlow, Lt. Ibanez, and the Roughnecks are in suspended animation. Lt. Bacalow mutates into a bug creature and starts creating havoc and puts the entire crew of the ship at risk. Can the Roughnecks stop him before it's too late?"
"The Valley Forge is headed for the next campaign and since it is a long journey, everyone except Commander Marlow, Lt. Ibanez, and the Roughnecks are in suspended animation. Lt. Bacalow mutates into a bug creature and starts creating havoc and puts the entire crew of the ship at risk. Can the Roughnecks stop him before it's too late?"
On this day in 2000, Stargate SG-1 aired "New Ground." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While redialing old Stargate addresses, the SGC discovers that a gate that was previously buried has become uncovered. They send a probe through and find two archaeologists. However, when they travel through the Stargate, they find that it is located in a society in civil war: one continent believes that the people were created by a Goa'uld, whilst their enemy believes that humans arrived from another planet - by the Stargate. O'Neill, Carter and Jackson are captured by the authorities and questioned, but Teal'c is wounded and blinded. Can he help SG-1 escape the hostiles and get back through the Stargate?"
"While redialing old Stargate addresses, the SGC discovers that a gate that was previously buried has become uncovered. They send a probe through and find two archaeologists. However, when they travel through the Stargate, they find that it is located in a society in civil war: one continent believes that the people were created by a Goa'uld, whilst their enemy believes that humans arrived from another planet - by the Stargate. O'Neill, Carter and Jackson are captured by the authorities and questioned, but Teal'c is wounded and blinded. Can he help SG-1 escape the hostiles and get back through the Stargate?"
On this day in 2001, The X-Files aired "Per Manum." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scully stumbles upon a woman whose abductee experience and symptoms are amazingly similar. The fear now is that both their upcoming births will be to non-human offspring."
"Scully stumbles upon a woman whose abductee experience and symptoms are amazingly similar. The fear now is that both their upcoming births will be to non-human offspring."
On this day in 2002, Mutant X aired "Lazarus Syndrome." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team encounters a mutant who kills other mutants by draining their energy. And can also come back to life after being killed. He eventually captures Emma."
"The team encounters a mutant who kills other mutants by draining their energy. And can also come back to life after being killed. He eventually captures Emma."
On this day in 2002, Tracker aired "To Catch A Desserian." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cole and Mel go under cover at an event held in an art gallery."
"Cole and Mel go under cover at an event held in an art gallery."
On this day in 2003, Smallville aired "Fever." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While hiding the spaceship key in the farm's storm cellar, Martha Kent breathes some unknown meteor-rock spores and immediately gets ill. She is sent to Smallville Medical Center under the care of Dr. Helen Bryce, and the results of her blood tests are sent to the Disease Control Agency (DCA). Because DCA agents are coming to inspect the farm and put it under quarantine, Clark and Pete hurry to move the spaceship. Clark inhales some of the spores and also gets sick, weakening him. The DCA agents find the key, so Jonathan Kent must retrieve it from a military base, expecting a miracle to save the lives of Martha and Clark. With Clark having lost his powers, Helen takes a sample of his blood for examination, and begins to suspect Clark's secret. Meanwhile, Lex fears losing Helen when she gets an offer to leave Smallville to study medicine at a prestigious hospital on the East Coast. Lex also finds out about Clark's condition and secretly takes Helen's medical file on him."
"While hiding the spaceship key in the farm's storm cellar, Martha Kent breathes some unknown meteor-rock spores and immediately gets ill. She is sent to Smallville Medical Center under the care of Dr. Helen Bryce, and the results of her blood tests are sent to the Disease Control Agency (DCA). Because DCA agents are coming to inspect the farm and put it under quarantine, Clark and Pete hurry to move the spaceship. Clark inhales some of the spores and also gets sick, weakening him. The DCA agents find the key, so Jonathan Kent must retrieve it from a military base, expecting a miracle to save the lives of Martha and Clark. With Clark having lost his powers, Helen takes a sample of his blood for examination, and begins to suspect Clark's secret. Meanwhile, Lex fears losing Helen when she gets an offer to leave Smallville to study medicine at a prestigious hospital on the East Coast. Lex also finds out about Clark's condition and secretly takes Helen's medical file on him."
On this day in 2004, Smallville aired "Obsession." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Smallville High School is visiting Luthor Corp., and Clark Kent is left behind with the science geek Alicia Baker to get the next elevator. While in the elevator with her, the cable breaks and Clark uses his heat vision to melt the security camera first, and his powerful force to stop the vehicle with his hand. Alicia in return "teleaports" Clark and herself to another floor. She discloses her ability to Clark and he tells her about his strength and heat vision. When they date, Clark finds that the girl is indeed obsessed for him, jeopardizing his privacy and Lana Lang's life, and not accepting to end their short relationship. Meanwhile, Lana finds that Adam keeps a journal about Clark and her, and she decides to evict him. When Adam uses the tenant laws to get more time, Lana asks for help to Lex Luthor."
"The Smallville High School is visiting Luthor Corp., and Clark Kent is left behind with the science geek Alicia Baker to get the next elevator. While in the elevator with her, the cable breaks and Clark uses his heat vision to melt the security camera first, and his powerful force to stop the vehicle with his hand. Alicia in return "teleaports" Clark and herself to another floor. She discloses her ability to Clark and he tells her about his strength and heat vision. When they date, Clark finds that the girl is indeed obsessed for him, jeopardizing his privacy and Lana Lang's life, and not accepting to end their short relationship. Meanwhile, Lana finds that Adam keeps a journal about Clark and her, and she decides to evict him. When Adam uses the tenant laws to get more time, Lana asks for help to Lex Luthor."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Doctor's Orders." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While in command of Enterprise because the entire crew is in a coma, Dr. Phlox starts hearing some strange sounds."
"While in command of Enterprise because the entire crew is in a coma, Dr. Phlox starts hearing some strange sounds."
On this day in 2005, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Affliction." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Enterprise is visiting Earth, Phlox is abducted by the Klingons and forced to research a cure for a virus destined to wipe out the race. Reed is tapped by a secret agency and ordered to betray Archer. Trip transfers to the Columbia."
"While Enterprise is visiting Earth, Phlox is abducted by the Klingons and forced to research a cure for a virus destined to wipe out the race. Reed is tapped by a secret agency and ordered to betray Archer. Trip transfers to the Columbia."
On this day in 2005, Stargate SG-1 aired "Citizen Joe." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man breaks into Jack's house and hold him at gunpoint claiming that Jack ruined his life. Seven years ago he came upon an Ancient artifact at a garage sale that allows him to see all of SG-1's missions."
"A man breaks into Jack's house and hold him at gunpoint claiming that Jack ruined his life. Seven years ago he came upon an Ancient artifact at a garage sale that allows him to see all of SG-1's missions."
On this day in 2008, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles aired "Dungeons & Dragons." This served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"With Derek Reese severely injured, John calls on Sarah's former fiancé Charlie Dixon, an EMT, to provide medical assistance. Sarah finds herself having to explain where she has been for the last 8 years and just who Derek is and where he is from. In flashbacks (of a sort) we learn of Derek's life in the future as a resistance fighter, his relationship with John Connor, and of his travel back in time with a team sent to help Sarah and John. Derek doesn't know that his brother Kyle is John's father."
"With Derek Reese severely injured, John calls on Sarah's former fiancé Charlie Dixon, an EMT, to provide medical assistance. Sarah finds herself having to explain where she has been for the last 8 years and just who Derek is and where he is from. In flashbacks (of a sort) we learn of Derek's life in the future as a resistance fighter, his relationship with John Connor, and of his travel back in time with a team sent to help Sarah and John. Derek doesn't know that his brother Kyle is John's father."
On this day in 2011, Smallville aired "Masquerade." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Chloe and Oliver are mistaken for FBI agents investigating Desaad's recent string of murders and the pair are kidnapped by Desaad's minions. Desaad tries to infect Chloe with the darkness. Meanwhile, Lois tells Clark he needs to be more careful with his identity and suggests a disguise."
"Chloe and Oliver are mistaken for FBI agents investigating Desaad's recent string of murders and the pair are kidnapped by Desaad's minions. Desaad tries to infect Chloe with the darkness. Meanwhile, Lois tells Clark he needs to be more careful with his identity and suggests a disguise."
On this day in 2016, Colony aired "Yoknapatawpha." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Will and Snyder take shelter in the Yonk after they are ambushed, and Katie struggles with where her loyalties really lie."
"Will and Snyder take shelter in the Yonk after they are ambushed, and Katie struggles with where her loyalties really lie."
On this day in 2016 (in France and Germany), Trepalium aired the fourth, fifth, and sixth episodes in the program's only season on television. (For those unaware, this was a French-language Science Fiction miniseries.) According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here are the various plot summaries:
Episode 4: "After the opening of the wall, Premier Passeron begins to lose control of the city. Her husband, Minister of Labor Moretti, will pay dearly for her betrayal."
Episode 5: "Discovering that his beloved works for the Activists, Ruben decides to send Izia back to the Zone in an attempt to forget her."
Episode 6: "When Passeron revokes the reform, the Zone's reactions become unmanageable. Izia's life is in danger, and Ruben discovers an explosive government secret."
Episode 4: "After the opening of the wall, Premier Passeron begins to lose control of the city. Her husband, Minister of Labor Moretti, will pay dearly for her betrayal."
Episode 5: "Discovering that his beloved works for the Activists, Ruben decides to send Izia back to the Zone in an attempt to forget her."
Episode 6: "When Passeron revokes the reform, the Zone's reactions become unmanageable. Izia's life is in danger, and Ruben discovers an explosive government secret."