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Veteran SciFi and fantasy author Richard Matheson penned a wealth of novels and short stories that still inspire filmmakers today who are willing to attempt to bring the man's singular visions alive.  Will Smith starred in Matheson's I Am Legend, and the writer's excursions in The Twilight Zone remains the stuff of legend.  But those of you longing for a few additional citations?  His novel "The Shrinking Man" was adapted into the motion picture The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957).  His novel "Hell House" was adapted into the film The Legend Of Hell House (1973).  His novel "Bid Time Return" was adapted into the flick Somewhere In Time (1980). Of course, it should go without saying that there's much much more to Matheson's legacy, and readers are encouraged to check out his work.  Though he's no longer with us, Matheson was born on this day in 1926.

[Source: Wikipedia.org]

For the record:
  • In 1958, Richard Matheson shared the Hugo Award (with director Jack Arnold) in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for The Incredible Shrinking Man.
  • In 1963, the author received his second Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Night Of The Eagle (1962) to life on the silver screen.
  • In 1973, the man took home top honors in the category of 'Best Television Feature Or Miniseries' from the Edgar Allan Poe Awards for his work in bringing The Night Stalker (1973) to television.
  • In 1981, he received his third Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for his work in bringing Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles to life on the small screen.
  • In 1991, the author received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Bram Stoker Awards for his contributions to the world of entertainment.
  • In 2011, he was inducted into the Fangoria Horror Hall Of Fame for his work in the genre.
  • In 2013, Matheson received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from the Saturn Awards for his contributions to the world of entertainment.

ExtraExtra Alert:
  • In 2021, I received a complimentary copy of The Incredible Shrinking Man (1957) via a distributor relationship in return for a review on SciFiHistory.Net.  Interested in my thoughts on the film?  You can find them right here.
  • In 2023, I reviewed The Last Man On Earth (1964) starring Vincent Price, the first film adaptation of Matheson's groundbreaking novel, "I Am Legend."  Interested in my thoughts?  You can find them right here.

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The lovely Marj Dusay was one of the lucky ladies who had the chance to appear aboard Star Trek, showing up as 'Kara' in the oft-maligned "Spock's Brain."  As for other adventures in the realms of the Fantastic?  She found work aboard Get Smart, The Wild Wild West, The Immortal, The Bionic Woman, The Fantastic Journey, A Fire In The Sky (1978), Galactica 1980, Made In Heaven (1987), Friday The 13th: The Series, and A Chronicle Of Corpses (2000).  Though she's no longer with us, Dusay was born on this day in 1936.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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I know I might be on an island with this assessment, but for my tastes some of the very best hours in all of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine includes the three-part Season Two opener starring the exceptional Richard Beymer as the Bajoran spiritual leader 'Li Nalas.'  Still -- so far as television work goes -- the actor is likely remembered more for his work aboard David Lynch's groundbreaking Twin Peaks series.  Beymer was born on this day in 1938.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Critically acclaimed actress Brenda Blethyn hasn't spent all that much time dabbling in the realms of the Fantastic, but I can still mention a visit to the TV franchise of Tales Of The Unexpected for good measure.  Blethyn was born on this day in 1944.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Screen heavy Brion James (above right) left an indelible mark on Science Fiction, chewing scenery in such projects as Blade Runner (1982), The Fifth Element (1997), and Enemy Mine (1985).  He also enjoyed work on The Incredible Hulk, Mork & Mindy, Galactica 1980, Flesh+Blood (1985), Amazing Stories, Annihilator (1986), Steel Dawn (1987), Cherry 2000 (1987),Nightmare At Noon (1988), House III: The Horror Show (1989), Mutator (1989), Tales From The Crypt, Black Magic (1992), Wishman (1992), Nemesis (1992), Frogtown II (1992), Time Runner (1993), The Dark (1993), Future Shock (1994), Knight Rider 2010 (1994), Scanner Cop (1994), The Companion (1994), M.A.N.T.I.S., Highlander, Steel Frontier (1995), The Nature Of The Beast (1995), Cyberjack (1995), Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills (1996), Assault On Dome 4 (1996), Bombshell (1997), Millennium, The Sentinel, and Arthur's Quest (1999).  Though he's no longer with us, James was born on this day in 1945.

[Source: IMDB.com]


ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Nightmare At Noon (1988) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net.  Interested in my thoughts on the project?  Readers can find my review right here.

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Screen veteran Peter Strauss displayed an almost Han-Solo-like charisma in one of my favorite B-movies ever, Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone.  Otherwise, his genre credentials are reasonably light.  He has done some voice acting for such properties as The Secret Of NIMH (1982), Batman: The Animated Series, Biker Mice From Mars, The Incredible Hulk, Men In Black: The Series, and Godzilla: The Series.  A few other live action entries include appearances aboard Ah!!! Real Monsters, Strange Frequency, and Strange Frequency 2.  Strauss was born on this day in 1947.

[Source: IMDB.com]


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The luminous Jennifer O'Neill shone with her efforts aboard the David Cronenberg directed SciFi/Cult flick Scanners (1981).  Thankfully, the lady has had other forays into genre entertainment, including work aboard The Reincarnation Of Peter Proud (1975), The Psychic (1977), Poltergeist: The Legacy, and Time Changer (2002).  O'Neill was born on this day in 1948. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Scanners in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net.  Interested in my thoughts on the film?  Readers can find my review right here.

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The late Edward Albert leaves behind a resume of well over one hundred different screen projects, many of which do fall into the arena of conventional entertainment.  Still, he was no stranger to genre vehicles, and his career found time for work in Galaxy Of Terror (1981), Beauty And The Beast, The Girl From Mars (1991), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Time Trax, Mimic 2 (2001), and Power Rangers Time Force.  Though he's no longer with us, Albert was born on this day in 1951. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I caught a broadcast streaming of Galaxy Of Terror -- in which Albert plays a key role -- on a pay cable service I subscribe to.  Interested readers can find my review right here.

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Patricia Hearst lent her pipes to voice a character that appeared briefly in the animated world of Tripping The Rift back in 2004.  Hearst was born on this day in 1954.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Veteran actor and fan-favorite Anthony Head has enjoyed a career that's given him ample opportunity to play in many playgrounds.  While most fans know him from his work in Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Fox TV viewers may remember him from a little cyber-show called VR5.  Other projects of note for the talented actor include stops to the worlds of Highlander, Doctor Who, The Magic Door (2007), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street (2007), Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008), Ghost Rider: Spirit Of Vengeance (2011), Merlin, Percy Jackson: Sea Of Monsters (2013), Warehouse 13, Galavant, Yonderland, Pinky (2020), and Let The Wrong One In (2021).  Head was born on this day in 1954.

[Source: IMDB.com]


For the record:
In 2001, Head received a Saturn Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actor On Television' for his work aboard Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

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I know, I know, I know: I'm constantly reminded by readers that I should give Mystery Science Theater 3000 more love within these pages.  I always remind them that I only have so much time to get to it ... but kudos to Joel Hodgson for helping to bring such a delightful slice of Science Fiction and Fantasy cheesery to life for so many television addicts.  Hodgson was born on this day in 1960.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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The talented Willie Garson is one of those faces fans see popping up all over.  So far as SciFi and Fantasy goes, he's appeared aboard Twin Peaks, Quantum Leap, Mars Attacks!, VR.5, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Star Trek: Voyager, The X-Files, What Planet Are You From, and Stargate: SG-1.  Though he's no longer with us, Garson was born on this day in 1964. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Funnyman French Stewart -- seen above in a snap from Stargate -- is probably best known for his work in NBC's Third Rock From the Sun.  He also had an appearance on Stargate: Universe in 2011.  Stewart was born on this day in 1964.

[Source: IMDB.com]


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How do you take a winning idea and an exceptional ensemble and yet still kill a major motion picture?  Simple: you give it to JJ Abrams!  Abrams' Super 8 (2011) suffered from too much saccharin goodness being stuffed into the mouths of truly gifted actors like Ron Eldard (above right); everyone involved deserved better.  Eldard was born on this day in 1965.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Fox TV's single season SciFi epic Space: Above & Beyond put a handful of unknowns (or lesser faces) on the boob tube fighting the good fight against an alien species for their very survival.  It was quite good, as those of us who watched it faithfully will attest, and it was a crime that the producers were never given the chance to follow-up on an incredibly effective cliffhanger -- arguably one of the best in all of SciFi-dom.  Rodney Rowland -- one of the main players -- celebrates his birthday today!  Rowland was born on this day in 1964.

[Source: IMDB.com]


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One of mankind's most heavenly bodies -- the lovely Cindy Crawford -- has only dabbled in performances, giving fans of 3rd Rock From The Sun and Wizards Of Waverly Place something to crow about.  Crawford was born on this day in 1966. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Honestly, SGU: Stargate Universe was really the only incarnation of the popular franchise that I could get into, and perhaps the programs biggest plus was that it gave the great Louis Ferreira -- one of TV's best and unsung character actors -- the chance to really strut his stuff as captain.  Genre fans might also recognize him from appearances aboard Highlander, The Pretender, The Sentinel, Millennium, Star Trek: Voyager, The Outer Limits, Relic Hunter, Mutant X, The Andromeda Strain, Touch, Primeval: New World, Aftermath, The X-Files, Travelers, and The Man In The High Castle.  (Wow, this guy REALLY gets around!)  Ferreira was born on this day in 1966. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Lili Taylor remains an actress who is no less than fabulous no matter in what she appears.  She definitely caught my eye as a guest star aboard Fox TV's The X-Files, and she deserved better (as did the entire cast) when Fox TV brought the short-lived Almost Human to small screen life.  Taylor was born on this day in 1967.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Well!  It looks like the lovely Andrea Savage truly sunk her teeth into a recurring role aboard The CW's Fantasy-themed iZombie during its run on the network.  Savage was born on this day in 1973. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Geoff Gustafson went a little bit 'Jurassic' for his work aboard Primeval: New World.  He's also been involved with such genre properties as The Odyssey, Supernatural, Meteor Storm (2010), Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), Eureka, and Once Upon A Time.  Gustafson was born on this day in 1974. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Lovely Lauren Ambrose brought her ginger goodness to the Americanized take on the BBC's Torchwood program -- Torchwood: Miracle Day.  Also, she recently turned up in a great supporting role aboard Fox TV's re-launched The X-Files miniseries.  Ambrose was born on this day in 1978.

[Source: IMDB.com]


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In my opinion, Chelsea Peretti used to be very funny.  Then, somewhere along the way, she bought into the world view of the Hollyweird, and she lost her mojo.  In any event, she's provided some impressive voicework for the SciFi/Animated project Future-Worm! that deserves a proper shout.  Peretti was born on this day in 1978. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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As part of DC Comics' big screen adaptation of Suicide Squad (2016), the talented Jay Hernandez played the tortured 'Diablo' to perfection.  Hernandez was born on this day in 1978.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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I didn't stick with the teen-centric SciFi Roswell.  Oh, I watched a few episodes; and I figured it just wasn't for me.  However, kudos to the lovely Majandra Delfino for appearing on the show.  Delfino was born on this day in 1981.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Texas-born Jocko Sims has a few solid genre credentials to his growing resume, and hopefully we'll see him amass many, many more.  To date, he's shown his mug aboard such projects as Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014), The Last Ship, and Beyond White Space (2018).  Sims was born on this day in 1981.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Miles Teller probably didn't make himself a lot of friends squaring off against the lovely (and uber-popular Shailene Woodley) as Peter in 2014's Divergent; but that didn't stop him at returning for the sequel, Insurgent.  He also lit up the Marvel Universe in the role of Reed Richards -- aka Mr. Fantastic -- in the Fantastic Four reboot.  Teller was born on this day in 1987.

[Source: IMDB.com]


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Cortney Palm is an up'n'comer whose star is starting to rise.  A quick scan of her IMDB profile will show that she's gravitated to far more off-the-beaten-path projects, and that's the only reason the mainstream hasn't heard of her.  Watch for her in such forthcoming tales as Tourbillion, The Wristwatch, and Hellevator Man.  Palm was born on this day in 1987.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Daniella Pineda enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the narrative mess that was Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018).  Pineda was born on this day in 1987. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Poor Rihanna.  First, she takes a beating in the press for the beating she took from longtime rapper-turned-Rihanna-boyfriend Chris Brown ... only then to take a beating in the press for appearing in the SciFi stinker, Battleship.  Better stick to singing, girl.  Rihanna was born on this day in 1988.

[Source: IMDB.com]

For the record:
In 2013, Rihanna took home the coveted top honor of 'Worst Supporting Actress' from the Razzie Awards for her work in Battleship.
​

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Never underestimate Tracy Spiridakos' ability to shine in even the smallest roles.  Fans might know her best from appearances aboard Supernatural, Bionic Woman, Goblin (2010), Tower Prep, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes (2011), Being Human, Revolution, and Bates Motel.  Spiridakos was born on this day in 1988.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Young Ray Nicholson put on a smile befitting of his legendary father (Jack Nicholson) in a bit of homage to the guy for his work aboard Smile 2 (2024) for Paramount Pictures.  Nicholson was born on this day in 1992.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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You'll get nothing but praise out of my mouth for Netflix's stellar SciFi/Drama Dark on the streaming platform.  (Well, it's third season was a bit loopy, but otherwise it's about as good as TV SciFi gets.)  Kudos to actress Lea van Acken for having a role in the procedural.  She plays a mystery woman from the future.  Van Acken was born on this day in 1999.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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A star is born!
The War of the Worlds (1953) on IMDb
On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), The War Of The Worlds brought the Martians down to Earth for the very first time for its premiere in the city of Los Angeles, California.  Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, and Les Tremayne in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:​

"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."

For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times.  There have been multiple film and television incarnations.  As for the original?  It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.'  It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'  And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.

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On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), the 1941-produced The Devil Commands enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release.  Directed by Edward Dmytryk, the SciFi/Horror starred Boris Karloff, Anne Revere, and Amanda Duff; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Scientist becomes obsessed with the idea of communicating with his dead wife."
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On this day in 1955 (in Sweden), Tarantula crawled into theatres!  This SciFi/Horror flick starred John Agar and Mara Corday, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:

"A spider escapes from an isolated desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1958 (in Italy), Hercules took his legendary big labors to the silver screen.  Written (in part) and directed by Pietro Francisci, the Fantasy feature starred Steve Reeves, Sylva Koscina, and Fabrizio Mioni.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"The muscular Hercules performs his Labors, sails with the Argonauts, and romances the fair Iole."

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On this day in 1959 (in West Germany), The Vampire looked to take a bite out of its theatrical competition.  Directed by Paul Landres from a script crafted by Pat Fielder, the Fantasy/Horror starred John Beal, Coleen Gray, and Kenneth Tobey.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A kind, small-town doctor mistakenly ingests pills made from vampire bat blood and they turn him into a dangerous fanged creature."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1961 (in Denmark), Reptilicus slithered its way onto the silver screen.  Directed by Poul Bang and Sidney W. Pink, the Horror/Fantasy starred Bent Mejding, Ann Smyrner, and Mimi Heinrich.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"After copper miners discover a piece of the frozen tail of a giant prehistoric reptile in Lapland, scientists inadvertently bring it back to life."

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On this day in 1964 (in Mexico), Dr. No came packing heat and smoking cigarettes -- compliments of James Bond -- into theaters.  Directed by Terence Young and based on the novel from Ian Fleming, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Sean Connery, Ursula Andress, and Bernard Lee.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"James Bond 007 is Britain's top agent, and is on an exciting mission, to solve the mysterious murder of a fellow agent. The task sends him to Jamaica, where he joins forces with Quarrel and a loyal C.I.A. Agent, Felix Leiter. While dodging tarantulas, "fire breathing dragons", and a trio of assassins, known as "the three blind mice". Bond meets up with the beautiful Honey Ryder and goes face to face with the evil Dr. No."
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On this day in 1965 (in East Germany), the 1957-produced SciFi/Comedy Girl In His Pocket premiered on television.  Pierre Kast directed this adaptation of the Waldemar Kamempfert novel ("Amour de poche"), and the film starred Jean Marais, Geneviève Page, and Jean-Claude Brialy.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A professor experimenting in suspended animation accidentally shrinks his dog and later, his female lab assistant, when she drinks the liquid by accident and shrinks to 3 inches tall. The professor keeps her in his pocket until he can find an antidote. Sometimes she's naked, too."

For the record:
To the film's credit, Girl In His Pocket enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.

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On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), Die, Monster, Die! delivered some monstery goodness to unsuspecting audiences.  Directed by Daniel Haller and based on a story by H.P. Lovecraft (adapted by Jerry Soll), the film starred Boris Karloff, Nick Adams, and Freda Jackson.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A young man visits his fiancée's estate to discover that her wheelchair-bound scientist father has discovered a meteorite that emits mutating radiation rays that have turned the plants in his greenhouse to giants. When his own wife falls victim to this mysterious power, the old man takes it upon himself to destroy the glowing object with disastrous results."

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A star is born!
The Reptile (1966) on IMDb
On this day in 1966 (in the United Kingdom), The Reptile first flashed its fangs and claws for audiences in Leicester, Leicestershire, the home of its theatrical premiere.  Directed by John Gilling from a story by Anthony Hinds, the Horror/Fantasy starred Noel Willman, Jennifer Daniel, and Ray Barrett.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"In a Cornish village, various locals die from mysterious snake bites, but the coroner rules the deaths as heart attacks, until a family of newcomers starts an investigation."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1967 (in Spain), the doomed were yet doomed again with the big screen theatrical premiere of Island Of The Doomed.  Written (in part) and directed by Ernst Ritter von Theumer, the Horror/SciFi starred Cameron Mitchell, Elisa Montes, and Jorge Martin.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Baron von Weser keeps a menagerie of carnivorous plants, but takes great care of one particular specimen."

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On this day in 1979 (in the Philippines), Starship Invasions invaded theatres.  Written and directed by Ed Hunt, the SciFi feature starred Christopher Lee and Robert Vaughn, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Captain Rameses and his Legion of the Winged Serpent brigade are out to claim Earth for their dying race. Out to save Earth is an alien guard patrol located in the Bermuda Triangle, the League of Races. LOR leaders warn Rameses that he's breaking galactic treaty rules. The alien villain responds by launching an invasion which telepathically drives Earthlings to suicide. The LOR implore UFO expert Professor Duncan to help them. Eventually, the two alien forces battle. Will the Earth be saved?"

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A star is born!  On this day in 1981 (in the U.S.), homegrown audiences were treated to the small screen premiere of The Intruder Within.  Directed by Peter Carter from a story by Ed Waters, the Horror/Fantasy starred Chad Everett, Joseph Bottoms, and Jennifer Warren.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Drillers on an oil rig near Antarctica discover that they have accidentally brought up several prehistoric eggs. One egg hatches and becomes an unstoppable creature. Chad Everett and Jennifer Warren risk their lives to stop it."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1982 (in the U.S.), those pesky kids of Witch Mountain were back -- this time on the small screen -- in an episode of The Magical World Of Disney titled Beyond Witch Mountain.  Directed by Robert Gold, the telefilm starred Tracey Gold, Eddie Albert, and Andrew Freeman.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Based on the film, Escape to Witch Mountain. Tony and Tia leave Witch Mountain to look for their Uncle Bene, and they all fall into the clutches of the evil Deranian. They have to use their special powers to outwit him."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1983 (in West Germany), Borne In Flames enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival.  Written (in part) and directed by Lizzie Borden, the SciFi/Drama starred Honey, Adele Bertei, and Jean Satterfield; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Set ten years after the most peaceful revolution in United States history, it presents a dystopia in which the issues of many groups - minorities, liberals, gay rights organizations, feminists - are dealt with by the government."

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On this day in 1983 (in Poland, per Wikipedia.org), The War Of The Worlds: Next Century came to Earth theatres.  Written and directed by Piotr Szulkin, the SciFi/Drama starred Roman Wilhelmi and Krystyna Janda, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"Film opens on December 28, 1999, three days before the dawn of the new century. A local reporter, Iron Idem, announces that the Martians have landed. Shortly after that his program loses its independence: he is given the script telling the crowds how to welcome the invaders. Then the chaos breaks out: the Martians and police mistreat the populace; things become violent. Idem's own wife is kidnapped and it seems somebody is trying to reduce his effectiveness as a reporter. Idem decides to fight back: he illegally broadcasts a message during the rock concert, but nobody believes him anymore."

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A star is born!  On this day in 1985 (in France), Brazil enjoyed its initial theatrical screening.  Written (in part) and directed by Terry Gilliam, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jonathan Pryce, Kim Greist, and Robert De Niro.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A bureaucrat in a dystopic society becomes an enemy of the state as he pursues the woman of his dreams."

For the record:
At the 1986 Hugo Awards, Brazil enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'

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On this day in 1986, Legend delivered a magical Fantasy to the silver screen, completed with a revered unicorn and fairies.  Directed by Ridley Scott, the cinematic Fantasy starred Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."

For the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year.  It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.'  (Again, no wins.)  Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well.  Sigh.
​
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video.  I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
​
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A star is born!  On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Eat And Run tried to take its bite out of the domestic box office.  Written (in part) and directed by Christopher Hart, the SciFi/Comedy starred Ron Silver, Sharon Sharth, and Pat Ryan.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A 1940s-style detective traces missing persons to a tubby, man-eating alien who likes spicy food."

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On this day in 1992 (in Czechoslovakia), Back To The Future perfectly blended Science Fiction and Fantasy with Comedy.  Written (in part) and directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film starred Christopher Lloyd, Michael J. Fox, and Lea Thompson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Marty McFly, a 17-year-old high school student, is accidentally sent thirty years into the past in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his close friend, the eccentric scientist Doc Brown."

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On this day in 1992 (in Australia), Freejack gave audiences a look at the near-future.  Directed by Geoff Murphy from a story by SciFi author Robert Sheckley, the film starred Emilio Estevez, Mick Jagger, and Rene Russo.  Here's the summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:

"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
​

For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'

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A star is born!  On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), William Shatner's second SciFi/Telefilm in the Tekwar universe -- Tekwar: TekLords -- enjoyed its release on the Boob Tube.  Directed by George Bloomfield, the production starred Shatner, Greg Evigan, and Torri Higginson.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:

"Despite being imprisoned tek lord Sonny Hokori manages to run his criminal empire. A virus, which not only is effective on computer software but also on physical beings, is activated in the global computer network. While Jake Cardigan tries to stop Hokori and his allies he also has to deal with his former wife's new husband trying to adopt his son."

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On this day in 1995 (in Spain), Captain Jean-Luc Picard took to the silver screen for the theatrical release of Star Trek: Generations.  Written by Rick Berman, Brannon Braga, and Ronald D. Moore, the first cinema adventure for the crew of the Starship Enterprise-D was directed by David Carson.  It starred Patrick Stewart, William Shatner, and Malcolm McDowell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"With the help of long presumed dead Captain Kirk, Captain Picard must stop a deranged scientist willing to murder on a planetary scale in order to enter a space matrix."

For the record:
​Star Trek: Generations is not without its own notoriety.  In 1995, it was nominated for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' by the Hugo Awards.  In the same year, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated it for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'  Also, the 1995 Razzie Awards recognized William Shatner with a nomination for 'Worst Supporting Actor.'
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On this day in 1996, the SciFi flick Memory Run (aka Synapse) premiered on home video.  It was a little something that starred Karen Duffy -- a former VJ for MTV -- best known for her appearance in Dumb & Dumber.  While I've never seen it, the summary posted at IMDB.com doesn't sound half-bad:

"The year is 2015, and big brother is everywhere. The search for immortality is over. Science has finally achieved the impossible, undermining the most basic aspect of life: that Mind, Body, and Soul must be one, Those who benefit from this new technology will wake up to a new and youthful beginning - the rest of humankind must live a bad dream and wake up to a living nightmare that goes beyond life, beyond death, and beyond redemption."
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A star is born!  On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm Generation X aired on the Boob Tube.  Directed by Jack Sholder, the feature starred Matt Frewer and Finola Hughes, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A group of young mutants--humans with a genetic variation that gives them superpowers and makes them feared by the population at large--begin training at a school for heroes. Their studies are interrupted when they must rescue one of their number from a mad scientist who can enter others' dreams."

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On this day in 1997 (in Singapore), Star Trek: First Contact took the crew of the Enterprise-E on a trip back in time to save our future from extinction.  Directed by Jonathan Frakes, the feature film starred Patrick Stewart, Alice Krige, and Brent Spiner; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"The Borg travel back in time intent on preventing Earth's first contact with an alien species. Captain Picard and his crew pursue them to ensure that Zefram Cochrane makes his maiden flight reaching warp speed."

For the record:
At the 1997 Academy Awards, the great Michael Westmore enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Makeup' for his work in the film.  At the 1997 Saturn Awards, First Contact enjoyed wins in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Costumes' while missing out on trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Make-up,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writer,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'  Also, the Hugo Awards nominated the film in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'

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On this day in 1997 (in the Netherlands), The Relic delivered a bit of monstery goodness to audiences.  Directed by Peter Hyams, the Monster Movie starred starred Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, and Linda Hunt.  Here's the premise from IMDB.com:

"A homicide detective and an anthropologist try to destroy a South American lizard-like god, who's on a people eating rampage in a Chicago museum."
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For the record:
In 2022, I enjoyed a rewatch of the 1997 film and penned a Flashback Review on my thoughts for its 25th anniversary.  Readers interested in check it out can do so right here.
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On this day in 2008 (in Finland), Decoys 2: Alien Seduction brought a bit of unwanted affection to the world of Fantasy.  Directed by Jeffery Scott Lando, the project starred Corey Sevier, Tyler Johnston, and Kailin See.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Sam, a college student in a small Northwestern town, reluctantly joins his roommates in a contest to see who can hook up with the most gorgeous co-eds by the end of the semester. But when men slowly start disappearing around town, he and his friends learn that when it comes to beautiful women, it's what's inside that really matters."

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A star is born!
Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) on IMDb
On this day in 2015 (in Canada, Iceland, and the U.S.), the SciFi/Comedy Hot Tub Time Machine 2 threw water over a once clever idea.  The feature starred Rob Corddry and Craig Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"When Lou finds himself in trouble, Nick and Jacob fire up the hot tub time machine in an attempt to get back to the past. But they inadvertently land in the future with Adam Jr. Now they have to alter the future in order to save the past - which is really the present."
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On this day in 2016 (in Japan), the 1981-produced Mobile Suit Gundam I enjoyed a special screening for audiences in attendance of the Sanuki Film Festival.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A teenage boy must fight in an interplanetary war as the only available pilot to a revolutionary new giant battle robot."
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A star is born!
Level 16 (2018) on IMDb
A star is born!  On this day in 2018 (in Germany), audiences in attendance of the Berlin International Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of Level 16.  Written (in part) and directed by Danishka Esterhazy, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Katie Douglas, Celina Martin, and Sara Canning.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Sixteen-year-old Vivien is trapped in The Vestalis Academy, a prison-like boarding school. She keeps to herself and sticks her neck out for no-one. Until she is reunited with Sophia--the former friend who betrayed her. Together the girls embark on a dangerous search to uncover the horrifying truth behind their imprisonment. Soon running for their lives, the girls must save themselves or die trying."

For the record:
To the film's credit, Level 16 earned an extra bit of love from screenings on the film festival circuit.

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On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "Ghost Wolf."  Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"The Lone Pine Timber Company, which is owned by the Daily Planet and supplies it with the pulp wood to make its paper, is in danger of shutting down after a series of mishaps. When the last of its employees is scared off due to evidence of a werewolf on the premises, Perry White sends Clark, Jimmy, and Lois to investigate."

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On this day in 1953 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Great Silence."  Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A mysterious phenomenon that causes people to lose the use of their vocal cords appears in a remote corner of the northwestern United States and begins spreading. The government blames the event on freak fallout effects from H-Bomb testing, but an illiterate mountain man discovers the real source of the affliction."

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On this day in 1967 (in Japan), The Space Giants aired "Attack Of The Monster Plants."  Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from The Space Giants Online:

"Goldar arrives and attacks Nardo! As the two titans fight, Rodak’s ship appears overhead and Rodak announces that Nardo will keep Goldar busy while the insects do their job. Nardo eventually retreats and the boys inform the authorities what has happened. The radar units scan for the bugs, with no luck.  American scientist Dr. Reed is coming from New York with a plan to stop the bugs by using shock waves. Using a hidden transmitter, Rodak learns of the arrival of the doctor and his plan. Tom Mura goes to the pier to greet Dr. Reed who is arriving by boat. Rodak sends Nardo to destroy the ship. However, Dr. Reed is actually travelling by submarine, ruining Rodak’s plan.  Silvar is sent by Mathusam to find out where the insects are and what sustains them on Earth. She discovers a plant (Nesugiras) that gives the insects their energy. Moving closer, the plants come alive, catching her. Goldar rescues Silvar, but finds out that his ray does not damage the plants."

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On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "The Vise."  Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"David and Edgar intercept an alien data drop and recover the partially burned contents of a briefcase. A picture inside convinces them that Arnold Warren is an alien. Warren is seeking confirmation to a post supervising a space tracking project. He would be one of the few black men to hold such a high post. Standing between him and that goal is Jim Baxter, a Senate investigator who also happens to be black. Baxter's wife Celia wants black heroes for her son, so she's pressuring her husband to recommend Warren. Against that, David Vincent only has a wildly implausible story: that Warren is a man from outer space! Convincing Baxter to look further means appealing to his policeman's instincts."

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On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Mind Of Evil: Part 4."  Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"With the Doctor and Jo being held prisoner, the Master convinces Mailer to help him steal the Thunderbolt."

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On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Home Soil."  Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"On Velara III, Geordi and Data discover a microscopic life form responsible for the death of an engineer stationed on the base."

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On this day in 1988 (in France), The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "Gotcha!"  Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"At a masquerade party, a lonely man dressed as comedian Oliver Hardy is about to leave, when he meets a woman costumed as Hardy's comic partner Stan Laurel. Captivated with each other, they run off into the night. They stay in love and in their fantasy, until the man muses if this dream can last? The woman suggests they see, by playing a game she calls Gotcha."

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On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Unto Us A Child Is Born."  Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:

"When an act of biological terrorism set for the ventilation system of a suburban shopping mall falls apart, the aliens flee, one of which is forced to absorb the body of a pregnant woman. Due to the violent integration, the body goes into labour and gives birth to a half-human, half-alien mutant. Now, the Blackwood team, the Advocacy, and the possessed mother are all in a search for the hybrid child."

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On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Birthright: Part 1."  Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's sixth season.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"While visiting Deep Space 9, a Yridian tells Worf his father lives, and a discharge from an alien device puts Data in a dream state where he meets his own father."

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On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Foundling."  Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:

"Clark discovers that the Kryptonian orb contains recordings made by his father, Jor-El. But he has barely begun to explore them when a young thief steals the artifact and sells it to the worst possible buyer: Lex Luthor."

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On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Shadowplay."  Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Odo and Dax investigate the mysterious disappearance of people from a village. Kira tries to keep a close eye on Quark, while Vedek Bareil unexpectedly visits."

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On this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom), Space Precinct aired "Predator And Prey."  Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A series of dance girl murders including an undercover cop stumps the squad until a long thought dead species is revealed but finding him is not as easy as they might think. Apprehending him will be even harder."

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On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Prophet Motive."  Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third season.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Grand Nagus Zek is acting bizarre by giving away money and rewriting the Rules of Acquisition. Quark attempts to get the old Nagus back."

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On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "Eye Of The Needle."  Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season.  Here's the premise from IMDB.com:

"When the Voyager crew encounters a wormhole and makes contact with a Romulan ship on the other side, it raises the crew's hopes of getting back to Earth."

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On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "There But For The Grace Of God."  Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode of the long-running program's first season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:

"While collecting artifacts on a distant planet, Daniel Jackson is knocked out after touching a mirror-like object. He awakens in the same room but is unable to locate the other members of SG-1. Assuming that they left without him, he dials up his return home but gets there to find that he is in a different reality. In this world, General Jack O'Neill and Catherine Langford are in charge of the Stargate program; Hammond is a Colonel reporting to O'Neill; and Sam Carter is a civilian scientist working on the project (and also engaged to O'Neill)."

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On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Superman: The Animated Series aired "Superman's Pal."  Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Jimmy Olsen finds his life complicated when his friendship with Superman publicly blows out of proportion."

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On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Heroes: Part 2."  Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"The documentarian still a thorn in their side, SGC encounters an unforeseen predicament. With half of SG-13 off-world engaging enemy Jaffa, SG teams 1, 5, and 7 go in as backup. In the midst of heavy fire, O'Neill takes a staff blast to the chest. Many deaths from the encounter hit SGC hard and Senator Kinsey orders a full investigation into the matter."

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On this day in 2005 (in Canada), The Collector aired "The Campaign Manager."  Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A political consultant uses the Devil's power to turn her winning candidates into puppets."

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On this day in 2008 (in France), the animated Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline aired "A Matter Of Time."  Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:

"Alcia and her Moonbase resistance members intercept a message from Vlagos at the expense of revealing their own secret location. Pirna's attack destroys the Moonbase, but Alcia and the others successfully pass the info on to Valerian and Laureline, who set out to an unknown planet to foil Pirna's plans."

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On this day in 2008 (in France), Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline aired "A Waste Of Time."  Officially, this served as the thirty-sixth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:

"Prince Baral reveals to the Galactic Council the information that Valerian and Laureline brought back from Planet X-34, indicting Vlagos, but then a report arrives that implicates Baral himself in the murder of a Vlagosian scientist! This is the beginning of the end for the Aldebaran Empire!"

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On this day in 2008 (in the United Kingdom), Torchwood aired "Reset."  Officially, this served as the sixth episode in 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."

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On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Syfy aired the sixteenth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth season.  It was an hour titled "Deadlock."  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Ellen and Boomer travel to the Galactica. Saul is entranced at the sight of his wife while Adama puts Boomer in the brig. Ellen is not so pleased when she learns that Caprica Six is pregnant by Saul. Her interference and jealousy leads Six to have a miscarriage. Sam Anders survived the operation but now seems to be brain dead. Ellen is disappointed that the Final Five cannot be completely reunited. By majority vote, the Five agree that they will go off on their own, leaving the Colonial Fleet behind. Adama has agreed to have the cracks in the Galactica's hull repaired using a Cylon living resin."

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On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), 12 Monkeys aired "The Red Forest," another episode that deepened the time travel mystery.  Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"When Jake discovers his powers he goes on a journey to the future."
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