On this day in 1978, TV producers decided to open up Project Blue Book for the first time with the broadcast television premiere of Project U.F.O. Granted, the show purported to be a televised docudrama exploring some of the more mysterious cases of the greater UFO enigma, but the stories varied so far from the case files I think it's safe to classify this as a bit more 'fiction' than it ever was 'fact.' It lasted two seasons, and here's the plot summary as provided for the program by IMDB.com:
"Two agents of the U.S. Government's Project Blue Book project investigate sightings of extraterrestrials and unidentified flying objects."
"Two agents of the U.S. Government's Project Blue Book project investigate sightings of extraterrestrials and unidentified flying objects."
Cedric Hardwicke found himself between a rock and a hard place in The Invisible Man Returns (1940). Though he's no longer with us, Hardwicke was born on this day in 1893.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The legacy of Star Trek -- as well as the general state of televised Science Fiction -- owes a debt to men like Fred Freiberger. Although offered the job to produce the first season of NBC's Star Trek show, he instead took a much planned vacation but came back into the fold to produce the oft-maligned third season. As a writer, Freiberger penned scripts for such projects as The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (his script was nominated for the 1954 Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation), Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Men Into Space, Sealab 2020, Super Friends, Space:1999, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Superboy. Though he's no longer with us, Freiberger was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, Gwen Taylor enjoyed a bit of uncredited screen time aboard Gerry Anderson's Space:1999. Taylor was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Bloom was a giant. Literally. The actor stood a massive seven foot four inches, and he used his size to great success in the entertainment business. Star Trek fans probably know him best -- though they've never seen his face -- as the 'Behemoth Alien' who menaced Captain Kirk during his stay at the Rura Pentha Klingon prison aboard Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). Though he's no longer with us, Bloom was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Dumb and Dumber's Jeff Daniels turned in solid work as the lead baddie aboard Allegiant (2016) for Summit Entertainment. Daniels was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! The luminous Kathleen Beller ruled on the big and small screen during her day in the limelight. Genre fans know her from work aboard The Sword and the Sorcerer (1982) and Time Trackers (1989). Beller was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jessica Tuck has always impressed me as a talent who loves to sink her teeth into a good role, and that's just what she did in the guise of 'Nan Flanagan' on HBO's Fantasy-themed True Blood. Tuck was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With as long as I've been interested in Science Fiction, I've occasionally run into some downright weird recommendations from friends and others. One of the weirdest was the fiction of Jonathan Lethem. I picked up his debut novel -- Gun, With Occasional Music -- back in 1994 ... and it was so weird I've never gone back. It just seemed weird for the sake of being weird. I don't doubt it's good. I just don't get what it's all about. Who knows? Maybe I'll give him another try. Lethem was born on this day in 1964.
Justine Bateman played fast and loose with some dangerous scientist aboard Hybrid (2007) for Paquin Entertainment Group. Bateman was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award winning actor Benicio Del Toro was apparently too busy to bring Khan to life in the newfangled Star Trek universe for JJ Abrams (or something like that), but he did make time in his schedule to play The Collector in the recent Marvel Universe smash, Guardians of the Galaxy. More recently, he turned up in a supporting role aboard Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017). Del Toro was born on this day in 1967.
Well before she took the reigns of power aboard a popular ABC political drama, a younger, gentler Bellamy Young dabbled in SciFi with a guest spot aboard The X-Files. Young was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Eric Lange is one of those faces you've no doubt seen in everything but he never quite seems to land a lead role. Still, genre fans have enjoyed his work in such projects as ABC TV's Lost, Once Upon A Time, Cult, Touch, Fringe, Awake, Journeyman, Firefly, and Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. Lange was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I honestly don't traffic much in the various worlds created by today's Young Adult novelists, but that isn't because I don't respect the work; rather it's because I fear I get sucked in so deeply to them that I'd never have time for my own pursuits! However, when giving out praise for these writers, Marissa Meyer certainly deserves a nod. Her Lunar Chronicles explores a fantastical future wherein humans, cyborgs, and androids peacefully coexist with just a flavor of fairy tales. Meyer was born on this day in 1984.
The higher they rise, the farther they fall: Josh Trank's star rose to some acclaim with his writing and directing work on Chronicle (2012), an effort that no doubt helped to land him the writer/director job on the Fantastic Four (2015) reboot. That gig initially helped him to land an offer to play in the Star Wars universe, an opportunity that was rescinded once his behind-the-screen antics caused the Marvel-themed film to fall apart well before its release. Always be careful what you wish for, peeps. Trank was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Even though I love all forms of SciFi and Fantasy, some programs just never quite drop onto my radar. Today's evidence: NBC's Midnight, Texas. I knew it was on the Peacock Network as a summer series, but the promos just never piqued my interest. Now, that's not to say that the lovely Arielle Kebbel wouldn't have piqued my interest! Maybe she should've been more front-and-center in the commercials. Kebbel was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ophelia Lovibond turned heads with her small role aboard Marvel and Walt Disney's Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014). Lovibond was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, not enough viewers watched the SciFi/Sitcom People Of Earth to get it beyond two seasons on broadcast television, and that's a shame. It was a sometimes clever, sometimes gut-busting comedy exploring the UFO contactee phenomenon, and it even occasionally had plenty of heart. In the guise of the one of the Nordic-type aliens, funnyman Björn Gustafsson did some solid work trying to manipulate one of his contactees without falling in love. Gustafsson was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Luke Pasqualino did a star turn when he headlined the direct-to-DVD release, Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome, after its streaming debut. Pasqualino was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before he committed his life to fighting crime aboard Fox TV's Gotham, David Mazouz was interested in unraveling synchronicities aboard Fox TV's Fantasy-themed Touch. Mazouz was born on this day in 2001.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Millie Bobby Brown is one of the fresh, young faces enjoying breakout success thanks in large part to her work aboard Netflix's signature SciFi/Fantasy Stranger Things. Brown was born on this day in 2004.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1974 (in Italy), Frankenstein's Castle Of Freaks (aka Terror! Il castello delle donne maledette) first opened its doors for theatrical business. Directed by Dick Randall, the Horror/Fantasy starred Rossano Brazzi, Michael Dunn, and Edmund Purdom. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A dwarf befriends a Neanderthal man and plots revenge against a scientist that fired him. Meanwhile the local villagers suspect the scientist of grave robbing and plan a raid on his castle, but little do they know that there is a murderous monster lurking within that is ready to kill anyone who steps foot near his master."
"A dwarf befriends a Neanderthal man and plots revenge against a scientist that fired him. Meanwhile the local villagers suspect the scientist of grave robbing and plan a raid on his castle, but little do they know that there is a murderous monster lurking within that is ready to kill anyone who steps foot near his master."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Roger Corman's Battle Beyond The Stars landed in theatres. The SciFi feature starred Richard Thomas and George Peppard, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
"A young farmer sets out to recruit mercenaries to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors."
For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's. With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord. To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.' For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), Swamp Thing enjoyed its full domestic U.S. theatrical release. Written and directed by genre master Wes Craven, the DC Comics adaptation starred Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, and Dick Durock. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
"After a violent incident with a special chemical, a research scientist is turned into a swamp plant monster."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Swamp Thing enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination in the category of 'Best Horror Film' from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
On this day in 1983 (in Japan), Battletruck roared into theatres. Directed by Harley Cokeliss, the SciFi feature starred Michael Beck and Annie McEnroe, and here's the plot summary as provided by Amazon.com:
"After the Oil Wars, gasoline has become a precious commodity. On his marauding search to commandeer all of the oil in existence to feed his massive, heavily armored battletruck, Colonel Straker (James Wainwright) ravages a peaceful commune. A mysterious man on a motorcycle (Michael Beck, The Warriors) comes to the aid of these peaceful people to help protect them and take down Straker, with the help of his runaway daughter."
For the record:
At the 1982 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, actress Annie McEnroe won the coveted 'Best Actress' award for her work in the film. At the 1983 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, Battletruck's director Harley Cokeliss took home the trophy for the 'Special Jury Award.'
"After the Oil Wars, gasoline has become a precious commodity. On his marauding search to commandeer all of the oil in existence to feed his massive, heavily armored battletruck, Colonel Straker (James Wainwright) ravages a peaceful commune. A mysterious man on a motorcycle (Michael Beck, The Warriors) comes to the aid of these peaceful people to help protect them and take down Straker, with the help of his runaway daughter."
For the record:
At the 1982 Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival, actress Annie McEnroe won the coveted 'Best Actress' award for her work in the film. At the 1983 Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, Battletruck's director Harley Cokeliss took home the trophy for the 'Special Jury Award.'
On this day in 1991 (in Argentina), audiences were swept up in a Quest For The Mighty Sword when it made its debut on home video. Written and directed by Joe D'Amato, the Fantasy feature starred Eric Allan Kramer, Margaret Lenzey, and Donald O'Brien; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Once upon a time a god gave a mighty sword to the king of Aquiles to bring justice to his people. Now he wants it back - but the king rather gives his life than the sword."
"Once upon a time a god gave a mighty sword to the king of Aquiles to bring justice to his people. Now he wants it back - but the king rather gives his life than the sword."
On this day in 1992 (in Germany), Subspecies enjoyed its debut on home video. Directed by Ted Nicolaou, the Fantasy/Horror starred Angus Scrimm, Anders Hove, and Irina Movila; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three students get caught in the struggle between a good vampire and his evil brother in the Transylvanian mountains."
"Three students get caught in the struggle between a good vampire and his evil brother in the Transylvanian mountains."
Yes, from time-to-time, films of Biblical import do land onto SciFiHistory.Net's scopes, and such is the case for The Judas Project, a 1990-produced film that enjoyed theatrical release on this day in 1993. The feature starred John O'Banion and Ramy Zada, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"How would you react if Christ had re-appeared on earth today? Would man kind repeat their mistakes or accept? This movie is about a modernized 2nd coming of Christ. Instead of facing Romans there are different obstacles in this modern times that he'd have to face."
"How would you react if Christ had re-appeared on earth today? Would man kind repeat their mistakes or accept? This movie is about a modernized 2nd coming of Christ. Instead of facing Romans there are different obstacles in this modern times that he'd have to face."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Japan), audiences in attendance of the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of Cutie Honey. Written (in part) and directed by Hideaki Anno, the Fantasy feature starred Eriko Satô, Mikako Ichikawa, and Jun Murakami. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The adventure of Cutie Honey, a super heroine who can transform into anything using her necklace to switch on and say "Honey Flash!"."
"The adventure of Cutie Honey, a super heroine who can transform into anything using her necklace to switch on and say "Honey Flash!"."
On this day in 2009 (in Brazil, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Singapore, and the Ukraine), Outlander delivered some B-Movie magic to the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Howard McCain, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jim Caviezel, Sophia Myles, and Jack Huston; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
For the record:
Outlander was nominated for 'Best Science Fiction Movie' for the 2009 Scream Awards.
"During the reign of the Vikings, Kainan, a man from a far-off world, crash lands on Earth, bringing with him an alien predator known as the Moorwen. Though both man and monster are seeking revenge for violence committed against them, Kainan leads the alliance to kill the Moorwen by fusing his advanced technology with the Viking's Iron Age weaponry."
For the record:
Outlander was nominated for 'Best Science Fiction Movie' for the 2009 Scream Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2011 (in Canada), Ghost Storm enjoyed its first airing on Canadian television. Written and directed by Paul Ziller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Carlos Bernard, Crystal Allen, and Cindy Busby; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An action packed chase led by Hal and Ashley to save the people on this small island from a strange electrical storm which is led by angry souls from a mass suicide looking for revenge."
"An action packed chase led by Hal and Ashley to save the people on this small island from a strange electrical storm which is led by angry souls from a mass suicide looking for revenge."
A star is born! On this day in 2016, Spaghettiman (aka Spaghetti Man) enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever playing for audiences in attendance of the Oxford Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Mark Potts, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Benjamin Crutcher, Winston Carter, and Brand Rackley; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark doesn't care about you. He doesn't care about the world. He barely cares about himself. But after an incident with an old bowl of spaghetti and a malfunctioning microwave, he becomes a superhero that can fight crime with the power of spaghetti. However, you have to pay him."
"Clark doesn't care about you. He doesn't care about the world. He barely cares about himself. But after an incident with an old bowl of spaghetti and a malfunctioning microwave, he becomes a superhero that can fight crime with the power of spaghetti. However, you have to pay him."
On this day in 1955, Captain Midnight aired "Saboteurs Of The Sky." This served as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Captain Midnight investigates the kidnapping of a Secret Squadron member and her father who is a famous scientist who has developed a method of creating hurricanes."
"Captain Midnight investigates the kidnapping of a Secret Squadron member and her father who is a famous scientist who has developed a method of creating hurricanes."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Marooned On Procyon Four." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The General and his corporal, survivors of the atomic war on Procyon Four, attempt to steal Commander Corry's spaceship (Terra 5) in order to escape the burned out planet."
"The General and his corporal, survivors of the atomic war on Procyon Four, attempt to steal Commander Corry's spaceship (Terra 5) in order to escape the burned out planet."
On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "The Grapes Of Ganymede." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Tom, Astro and T.J. are assigned to find the source of the grapes that are poisoning the solar system's colonies."
"Tom, Astro and T.J. are assigned to find the source of the grapes that are poisoning the solar system's colonies."
On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Twilight Zone aired "Elegy." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three astronauts touch down on an asteroid, where they discover a world of people that appear to be frozen in time. Confused, they theorize as to why everyone is motionless, until a man springs to life and explains."
For the record:
Showrunner and frequent writer Rod Serling took home the 1960 Primetime Emmy trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Writing Achievement In Drama' for his body of work with The Twilight Zone's first season.
Fan Service:
In case you're watching closely and think something looks a bit familiar, IMDB.com reports that the spacesuits worn by the astronauts in "Elegy" are the same as those worn in the ground-breaking Science Fiction film Destination Moon (1950).
"Three astronauts touch down on an asteroid, where they discover a world of people that appear to be frozen in time. Confused, they theorize as to why everyone is motionless, until a man springs to life and explains."
For the record:
Showrunner and frequent writer Rod Serling took home the 1960 Primetime Emmy trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Writing Achievement In Drama' for his body of work with The Twilight Zone's first season.
Fan Service:
In case you're watching closely and think something looks a bit familiar, IMDB.com reports that the spacesuits worn by the astronauts in "Elegy" are the same as those worn in the ground-breaking Science Fiction film Destination Moon (1950).
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Priest Of Death." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Steven has discovered the identity of the Sea Beggar, but can he warn the Huguenots in time?"
"Steven has discovered the identity of the Sea Beggar, but can he warn the Huguenots in time?"
On this day in 1969 (in the United Kingdom), The Champions aired "The Body Snatchers." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two journalists find the body of missing military expert General Patterson frozen in suspended animation in a Welsh research establishment. Villainous project financier Squires and his guards kill one but the other, Frank, escapes and calls in his friend Richard. Frank is also murdered by Squires after explaining what he saw and Richard breaks into the building. Scientist Inga tells him Squires has her father as a hostage whilst she freezes, then revives, Patterson to sell to a foreign power, but then Richard is caught and frozen though he is helped to escape by Yeats, a humane henchman of Squires, sickened by the killings. Sharron and Craig then arrive to help Richard prevent Squires from completing his plan."
"Two journalists find the body of missing military expert General Patterson frozen in suspended animation in a Welsh research establishment. Villainous project financier Squires and his guards kill one but the other, Frank, escapes and calls in his friend Richard. Frank is also murdered by Squires after explaining what he saw and Richard breaks into the building. Scientist Inga tells him Squires has her father as a hostage whilst she freezes, then revives, Patterson to sell to a foreign power, but then Richard is caught and frozen though he is helped to escape by Yeats, a humane henchman of Squires, sickened by the killings. Sharron and Craig then arrive to help Richard prevent Squires from completing his plan."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Curse Of Peladon: Part 4." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hepesh's plan has been exposed but he is still determined to prevent Peladon joining the Galactic Federation by leading a rebellion against the King."
"Hepesh's plan has been exposed but he is still determined to prevent Peladon joining the Galactic Federation by leading a rebellion against the King."
On this day in 1976 (in the United Kingdom), Space:1999 aired "The Last Enemy." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Alphans find themselves caught up in a long-running war between two rival planets, Betha and Delta. When a Bethan gunship, which has landed on the moon as a tactical advantage, appears to have been hit its commander Dione seeks sanctuary with the Alphans. Koenig attempts to negotiate a truce but Dione has other ideas..."
"The Alphans find themselves caught up in a long-running war between two rival planets, Betha and Delta. When a Bethan gunship, which has landed on the moon as a tactical advantage, appears to have been hit its commander Dione seeks sanctuary with the Alphans. Koenig attempts to negotiate a truce but Dione has other ideas..."
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Robots Of Death: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With secrecy no longer necessary for the robot revolution, Controller Taren Capel shuts down all friendly robots and gives the remaining humans an ultimatum, or else their deaths will be slow and painful. With no conventional weaponry aboard their commercial vessel, the humans do what they can to resist while giving the Doctor time to work out a permanent solution."
"With secrecy no longer necessary for the robot revolution, Controller Taren Capel shuts down all friendly robots and gives the remaining humans an ultimatum, or else their deaths will be slow and painful. With no conventional weaponry aboard their commercial vessel, the humans do what they can to resist while giving the Doctor time to work out a permanent solution."
On this day in 1977 (in France), Space:1999 aired "The Last Sunset." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the Alphans are planning to explore the planet Ariel, a 'missile' attaches itself to the en route Eagle. Upon returning to Alpha, the 'missile' gives the Alphans a lunar atmosphere. But the joy at the possibility of making a new world out of the Moon is short lived, as the moon does not enter orbit around the planet or its sun, and Alpha faces destruction from the newly acquired lunar air."
"As the Alphans are planning to explore the planet Ariel, a 'missile' attaches itself to the en route Eagle. Upon returning to Alpha, the 'missile' gives the Alphans a lunar atmosphere. But the joy at the possibility of making a new world out of the Moon is short lived, as the moon does not enter orbit around the planet or its sun, and Alpha faces destruction from the newly acquired lunar air."
It all began right here: on this day in 1978, Project U.F.O. aired "Sighting 4001: The Washington DC Incident." This served as the pilot episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A woman on a Virginia farm reports a strange object in her yard and a robot-like creature that communicates with her; a U.S. Air Force pilot chases a UFO and dies."
"A woman on a Virginia farm reports a strange object in her yard and a robot-like creature that communicates with her; a U.S. Air Force pilot chases a UFO and dies."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Musical Mummy." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Three of earth's top scientist mysteriously vanish, and G-Force is given the mission of protecting the remaining scientists."
"Three of earth's top scientist mysteriously vanish, and G-Force is given the mission of protecting the remaining scientists."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1979 (in the United Kingdom), The Tomorrow People bowed out of its original broadcast existence with the airing of its series finale, "War Of The Empires: All In The Mind." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"John and Liz contact the Thargons who agree to leave Earth if they find no evidence of Sorsons being there; however, the President orders a preemptive strike against them."
"John and Liz contact the Thargons who agree to leave Earth if they find no evidence of Sorsons being there; however, the President orders a preemptive strike against them."
On this day in 1979, Wonder Woman aired "The Richest Man In The World." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wonder Woman stops the black market sale of a super-secret missile guidance systems scrambling device and thus avoids an international incident."
"Wonder Woman stops the black market sale of a super-secret missile guidance systems scrambling device and thus avoids an international incident."
On this day in 1981, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century premiered "The Golden Man." In it, Rogers and Hawk discover a life pod adrift in an asteroid belt containing a young golden boy with the curious ability to alter the composition of metals.
On this day in 1986 (in Japan), Terrahawks aired "Timewarp." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's third (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Using Lord Tempo's powers. Zelda tries to introduce a time warp into Hawknest. But Mary's mind proves too strong and rejects the attempt - so Zelda decides to try the same ruse on SM Zero - with hilarious results."
"Using Lord Tempo's powers. Zelda tries to introduce a time warp into Hawknest. But Mary's mind proves too strong and rejects the attempt - so Zelda decides to try the same ruse on SM Zero - with hilarious results."
On this day in 1990, "Real Men" aired as the sixteenth episode of Fox TV's Alien Nation series. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the hour's plot summary:
"Sikes and Francisco investigate possible steroid dealings at a gym. George must reconcile his and humanity's conceptions of manhood while he is pregnant."
"Sikes and Francisco investigate possible steroid dealings at a gym. George must reconcile his and humanity's conceptions of manhood while he is pregnant."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "Path of Lies." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"While Ardix bargins with a dying millionare's life for access to a communication's satellite, the aliens are trying to kill nosey reporter Marc Traynor. During an assassination attempt, the reporter snaps images of dead alien bodies. To make matters worse, Kincaid and Blackwood are seen killing them. If published, their identities will be revealed and easier for the aliens."
"While Ardix bargins with a dying millionare's life for access to a communication's satellite, the aliens are trying to kill nosey reporter Marc Traynor. During an assassination attempt, the reporter snaps images of dead alien bodies. To make matters worse, Kincaid and Blackwood are seen killing them. If published, their identities will be revealed and easier for the aliens."
On this day in 1994, the countdown toward the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation's television run was well underway when "Masks" aired as part of its seventh season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Investigating a rogue comet that's been traveling throughout the universe for over 87 million years, Picard discovers alien beings within the comet, which infest the computer systems on the Enterprise, as well as Data."
"Investigating a rogue comet that's been traveling throughout the universe for over 87 million years, Picard discovers alien beings within the comet, which infest the computer systems on the Enterprise, as well as Data."
On this day in 1995, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Top Copy." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Television news reporter and Intergang assassin, Diana Stride, decides to find out and expose Superman's secret identity. At the same time, her former partner, Mr. X, decides to turn states witness and she is attempts to silence him before he can name her. Clark must try to protect both himself and Mr. X from her deadly games."
"Television news reporter and Intergang assassin, Diana Stride, decides to find out and expose Superman's secret identity. At the same time, her former partner, Mr. X, decides to turn states witness and she is attempts to silence him before he can name her. Clark must try to protect both himself and Mr. X from her deadly games."
On this day in 1995, SeaQuest aired "Dream Weaver." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seaquest tracks a comet that crashes into the ocean. The comet sinks but an alien life force emerges and begins to engulf Seaquest. Eventually the alien takes over one of the crew and begins searching for another of its kind."
"Seaquest tracks a comet that crashes into the ocean. The comet sinks but an alien life force emerges and begins to engulf Seaquest. Eventually the alien takes over one of the crew and begins searching for another of its kind."
On this day in 1996, "Messages from Earth" aired on Babylon 5. This served as the eighth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sheridan discovers a terrifying new alliance between the Shadows and another race."
"Sheridan discovers a terrifying new alliance between the Shadows and another race."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager attempted to go where few hours had gone before ... to death! "Death Wish" explored the controversial idea of suicide by way of importing the Q Continuum into the Delta Quadrant with guest stars John de Lancie and Gerrit Graham showing up as the omnipotent ones. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's the plot summary:
"Voyager inadvertently frees a member of the Q continuum from confinement within an asteroid, where he was placed to prevent himself from committing suicide. Q appears and Janeway holds a hearing to determine whether or not the other Q will be permitted to remain free and kill himself if he wishes."
"Voyager inadvertently frees a member of the Q continuum from confinement within an asteroid, where he was placed to prevent himself from committing suicide. Q appears and Janeway holds a hearing to determine whether or not the other Q will be permitted to remain free and kill himself if he wishes."
On this day in 1996, the writers of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine proved that even the Ferengi Alliance wasn't off-limits when it came to exploring quality storytelling. "Bar Association" was the fifteenth episode of the four season, and here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"Unfair working conditions and pay cuts cause Rom to organize a union of the employees of Quark's Bar. Meanwhile Worf still finds it hard to settle on the station."
"Unfair working conditions and pay cuts cause Rom to organize a union of the employees of Quark's Bar. Meanwhile Worf still finds it hard to settle on the station."
It all came down to this: William Shatner's TekWar came to a finish with the airing of "Betrayal," the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, on this day in 1996. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jake is trying to monitor an illegal weapon shipment but someone has tipped off the Teklord. A spy is suspected in the Cosmos agency. After investigating, Bascom and others believe Jake is the leak. Someone is out to get Jake."
"Jake is trying to monitor an illegal weapon shipment but someone has tipped off the Teklord. A spy is suspected in the Cosmos agency. After investigating, Bascom and others believe Jake is the leak. Someone is out to get Jake."
On this day in 1997, Kes found herself with some very unsettling doctor's care with the airing of "Darkling." This was the eighteenth episode of Star Trek: Voyager's third season, and -- according to our friends at IMDB.com -- here's what the action was all about:
"Kes falls in love on an away mission. The Doctor, seeking to expand his programming, incorporates the personalities of several historical figures. B'Elanna Torres chastises The Doctor, warning him that his program is complex and the results could be unfavorable. But it is too late. The Doctor has developed an alter ego; a violent unethical personality that attempts to murder Kes' new love."
"Kes falls in love on an away mission. The Doctor, seeking to expand his programming, incorporates the personalities of several historical figures. B'Elanna Torres chastises The Doctor, warning him that his program is complex and the results could be unfavorable. But it is too late. The Doctor has developed an alter ego; a violent unethical personality that attempts to murder Kes' new love."
On this day in 1999, Stargate SG-1 aired "One False Step." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While testing new technology, a UAV malfunctions and crashes on a planet. SG-1 goes to determine the cause of the malfunction, but discovers that their presence may be causing serious injury to the planet's primitive inhabitants."
"While testing new technology, a UAV malfunctions and crashes on a planet. SG-1 goes to determine the cause of the malfunction, but discovers that their presence may be causing serious injury to the planet's primitive inhabitants."
On this day in 2000, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Prodigal Father" in television syndication. This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Malone, Marguerite and Challenger find a man staked between two trees and being attacked by wild dogs. Helping the man by setting him free and attending his wounds proves to be a wrong move."
"Malone, Marguerite and Challenger find a man staked between two trees and being attacked by wild dogs. Helping the man by setting him free and attending his wounds proves to be a wrong move."
On this day in 2001, Andromeda aired "Forced Perspective." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mission Dylan performed for the old common wealth comes to haunt him. He and his partner deposed a tyrannical despot on Mobius. His replacement turned out much worse, a person Dylan inadvertently put into power. The replacement is still alive. Now Dylan must eliminate his replacement, or is there another way?"
"A mission Dylan performed for the old common wealth comes to haunt him. He and his partner deposed a tyrannical despot on Mobius. His replacement turned out much worse, a person Dylan inadvertently put into power. The replacement is still alive. Now Dylan must eliminate his replacement, or is there another way?"
On this day in 2001, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Trapped By Time." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Liam and Renee learn of a facility where time travelers from the future are being held. They try to learn from them what happens to the Taelons. Sandoval's wife is used as a pawn to gain important information from him."
"Liam and Renee learn of a facility where time travelers from the future are being held. They try to learn from them what happens to the Taelons. Sandoval's wife is used as a pawn to gain important information from him."
On this day in 2003, Star Trek: Enterprise went back to the past -- meaning the heavy influence of the original Star Trek series -- and delivered "Future Tense," an hour involving the Tholians. This was the sixteenth hour of the second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"The Enterprise crew is shocked to find a small craft adrift in space that contains what appears to be a human corpse. Trip and Malcolm discover the craft holds some strange secrets, and the mystery deepens when the Suliban and Tholians arrive making claim to the salvage."
"The Enterprise crew is shocked to find a small craft adrift in space that contains what appears to be a human corpse. Trip and Malcolm discover the craft holds some strange secrets, and the mystery deepens when the Suliban and Tholians arrive making claim to the salvage."
On this day in 2005 (in the United Kingdom), Captain Scarlet aired "Instrument Of Destruction: Part 2." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Captain Black is linked to a mysterious explosion at a military research center, Scarlet and Blue are dispatched to New York to liaise with the FBI in their attempt to track down the former Spectrum agent. Black is spotted at the United Nations Building where Colonel White is addressing the UN delegates in an emergency meeting about the Mysteron threat. Believing that Black intends to assassinate the Colonel during his speech, Scarlet and Blue race to the UN to stop him, but Black's real target is the Russian Army chief General Zamatev. Once under Mysteron control, Zamatev provides the firepower to launch an attack on Spectrum's Skybase headquarters, while Black himself pursues an even more devastating agenda!"
"When Captain Black is linked to a mysterious explosion at a military research center, Scarlet and Blue are dispatched to New York to liaise with the FBI in their attempt to track down the former Spectrum agent. Black is spotted at the United Nations Building where Colonel White is addressing the UN delegates in an emergency meeting about the Mysteron threat. Believing that Black intends to assassinate the Colonel during his speech, Scarlet and Blue race to the UN to stop him, but Black's real target is the Russian Army chief General Zamatev. Once under Mysteron control, Zamatev provides the firepower to launch an attack on Spectrum's Skybase headquarters, while Black himself pursues an even more devastating agenda!"
On this day in 2007 (in Canada), Doctor Who aired "Doomsday." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Heroes aired "Chapter One - Genesis." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
"Different characters are introduced as they find out their individual abilities, including a man who paints pictures of the future, a woman who sees a different side of her in the mirror, a teen-aged girl who can not die, a man who thinks he can alter the time/space continuum and a man running for congress, who has a brother that believes he can fly."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Persuasion." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Lois's typical haughty rejection of commercial 'V day' (Valentine romance) switches into 1950s 'marital' devotion to dream husband Clark after a 'fairy' flower seller sprinkles them with magic dust from a Smallville (meteorite) quarry. His blue 'hypnotic' glance even affects Chloe, just now her Watchtower must not only watch his back but push for urgent action: Zod is about to finish his tower and transfer super-powers from Superman to his Kandorians, and Tess is scarily surprised when Zod announces he found a way round her satellite control, so she's no longer needed. Yet Clark's noble generosity to Kandorians and quest for his Kryptonian dad's killer yield a surprising end result."
"Lois's typical haughty rejection of commercial 'V day' (Valentine romance) switches into 1950s 'marital' devotion to dream husband Clark after a 'fairy' flower seller sprinkles them with magic dust from a Smallville (meteorite) quarry. His blue 'hypnotic' glance even affects Chloe, just now her Watchtower must not only watch his back but push for urgent action: Zod is about to finish his tower and transfer super-powers from Superman to his Kandorians, and Tess is scarily surprised when Zod announces he found a way round her satellite control, so she's no longer needed. Yet Clark's noble generosity to Kandorians and quest for his Kryptonian dad's killer yield a surprising end result."
On this day in 2016, Second Chance aired "Palimpsest." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A killer that mangles his victims beyond recognition is on the loose. Meanwhile, Otto becomes jealous of the growing bond between Pritchard and his sister and considers finding another donor."
"A killer that mangles his victims beyond recognition is on the loose. Meanwhile, Otto becomes jealous of the growing bond between Pritchard and his sister and considers finding another donor."
On this day in 2018, Legends Of Tomorrow aired "Here I Go Again." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zari finds her place on the team when she gets caught in a time loop that results in the Waverider blowing up over and over again."
"Zari finds her place on the team when she gets caught in a time loop that results in the Waverider blowing up over and over again."
