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. Though he's no longer with us, Matheson was born on this day in 1926.
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." Though she's no longer with us, Dusay was born on this day in 1936.
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.' Beymer was born on this day in 1938.
Screen heavy Brion James (above right) left an indelible mark on Science Fiction, chewing scenery in such projects as Blade Runner, The Fifth Element, and Enemy Mine. He also enjoyed work on Amazing Stories, Steel Dawn, Cherry 2000, Nemesis, Frogtown II, M.A.N.T.I.S., and Millennium. Though he's no longer with us, James was born on this day in 1945.
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. Strauss was born on this day in 1947.
The luminous Jennifer O'Neill shone with her efforts aboard the David Cronenberg directed SciFi/Cult flick Scanners (1981). O'Neill was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
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]
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. Head was born on this day in 1954.
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]
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.
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.
Fox TV's single season sci-fi 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 sci-fi-dom. Rodney Rowland -- one of the main players -- celebrates his birthday today! Rowland was born on this day in 1964.
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]
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]
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.
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]
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]
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.
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]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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]
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.
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."
"Scientist becomes obsessed with the idea of communicating with his dead wife."
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."
"A spider escapes from an isolated desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
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."
"The muscular Hercules performs his Labors, sails with the Argonauts, and romances the fair Iole."
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."
"A kind, small-town doctor mistakenly ingests pills made from vampire bat blood and they turn him into a dangerous fanged creature."
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.
"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.
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."
"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."
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."
"Baron von Weser keeps a menagerie of carnivorous plants, but takes great care of one particular specimen."
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?"
"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?"
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
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."
"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."
A star is born! 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."
"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."
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."
"A teenage boy must fight in an interplanetary war as the only available pilot to a revolutionary new giant battle robot."
On this day in 1953, Adventures Of Superman aired "Ghost Wolf." 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."
"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."
On this day in 1953, 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."
"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."
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."
"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."
On this day in 1968, The Invaders aired "The Vise." 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."
"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."
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."
"With the Doctor and Jo being held prisoner, the Master convinces Mailer to help him steal the Thunderbolt."
"Home Soil" was part of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season, and it first aired on this day in 1988. Here's the episode summation, as provided by the fine folks at IMDB.com:
"On Velara III, Geordi and Data discover a microscopic life form responsible for the death of an engineer stationed on the base."
"On Velara III, Geordi and Data discover a microscopic life form responsible for the death of an engineer stationed on the base."
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."
"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."
On this day in 1989, War of the Worlds aired "Unto Us A Child Is Born." 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."
"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."
"Birthright" is probably one of those rare occasions where, in the Star Trek: The Next Generation writers' room, the idea sounded a heckuva lot better than what audiences were given with the finished product. The first part -- it first aired on this day in 1993 -- was a bit of a crossover with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (I recall Dr. Bashir being in attendance), but it smacked of gimmickry, and Trek fans always deserve better than that. Thankfully, it's second part was a bit better, but not by much.
On this day in 1994, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Foundling." 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."
"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."
If Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" episode nearly got Paramount Pictures sued by the makers of the James Bond films, then its "Shadowplay" shouldn't seen them sued by the makers of the musical Brigadoon. Same story, different planet. The hour first aired on this day in 1994, and here's the summary, compliments of 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."
"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."
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."
"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."
Confession time: as much as I loved the Ferengi race, I didn't always care for the way they were treated as a part of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's mythology. Too often, the writers used them largely for comic relief or as the butt-end of some predictable humor, and, as much as I can appreciate a good 'rub' as the next viewer, I wish they'd been given a bit more respect. On this day in 1995, "Prophet Motive" aired as part of DS9's third season, and here's the summary from 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."
"Grand Nagus Zek is acting bizarre by giving away money and rewriting the Rules of Acquisition. Quark attempts to get the old Nagus back."
I kid you not: this episode of Star Trek: Voyager -- a program I largely didn't much care for -- remains one of my personal favorite all-time Treks. It didn't do anything big or elaborate, but -- like the best Treks do -- it posed a simple dilemma that grew more and more complicated as the crew tried to 'solve it,' and I think it's all handled remarkably. On this day in 1995, Voyager aired "Eye Of The Needle," the sixth episode of its first season, and 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."
"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."
On this day in 1998, Stargate: SG-1 aired "There But For The Grace Of God." 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)."
"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)."
On this day in 1999, 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."
"Jimmy Olsen finds his life complicated when his friendship with Superman publicly blows out of proportion."
On this day in 2004, 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."
"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."
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."
"A political consultant uses the Devil's power to turn her winning candidates into puppets."
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."
"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."
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!"
"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!"
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."
"Jack persuades Martha Jones to go undercover at the Pharm, a sinister research facility, which is experimenting in the drug 'Reset', releasing alien parasites into the body to 'reset' it and cure disease. She is exposed by the Pharm's head, Dr. Copley and injected with Reset before the Torchwood team ride to her rescue."
On this day in 2009, 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."
"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."
On this day in 2015, 12 Monkeys aired "The Red Forest," another episode that deepened the time travel mystery. 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."
"When Jake discovers his powers he goes on a journey to the future."
