As I'm always apt to point out, Science Fiction and Fantasy are not restricted to adult fare, and Wicked Science is exactly the kind of programming production houses churn out to light fires of inspiration in the very youngest of hearts. It lasted two seasons on televisions and even managed to garner an award and some nominations, and that's no small affair in the land of broadcast TV. Here's the show's plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
While working on a class assignment with the teacher's pet, Toby is struck with a wave of energy that makes him a super genius in science.
While working on a class assignment with the teacher's pet, Toby is struck with a wave of energy that makes him a super genius in science.
As I've mentioned many times, I was a slow convert to Syfy's updated Battlestar Galactica. The chief problem I had with it initially was that I thought the pacing on the original miniseries was just plain awful: as it turned out, I watched it on DVD when it was released, and I found that it played better without the massive advertising breaks Syfy had broken it up with on its first airing. Then, I explored the program on DVD except for the final season which I did watch live.
Hats off to veteran character actor Edward James Olmos from bringing his immeasurable gravitas to the production. While I could nitpick some of the lesser players, Olmos was always showing up with his A game intact; and while I'll probably always prefer the original Battlestar for nostalgia's sake I can appreciate what this man and others accomplished with the reboot.
Olmos was born on this day in 1947.
Hats off to veteran character actor Edward James Olmos from bringing his immeasurable gravitas to the production. While I could nitpick some of the lesser players, Olmos was always showing up with his A game intact; and while I'll probably always prefer the original Battlestar for nostalgia's sake I can appreciate what this man and others accomplished with the reboot.
Olmos was born on this day in 1947.
John Vernon built a career out of playing either 'the authority figure' or 'the authority figure who gets kinda/sorta ridiculed' in well over two hundred screen appearances. Still, he popped up in a wealth of genre projects -- either in live action or voiceovers -- and contributed to the legacies of The Six Million Dollar Man, The Greatest American Hero, Automan, Airwolf, Knight Rider, Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988), The Ray Bradbury Theatre, Batman: The Animated Series, The Incredible Hulk (animated), and Star Trek: Klingon Academy (video game). Though he's no longer with us, Vernon was born on this day in 1932.
James Farentino found he had a date with destiny in the SciFi/Cult film The Final Countdown (1980). He also headlined the TV series adaptation of Blue Thunder. Though he's no longer with us, Farentino was born on this day in 1938.
The great James Sloyan played a Romulan defector aboard "The Defector," a terrific hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation. As far as Science Fiction goes, the actor has also booked appearances aboard Wonder Woman, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Misfits of Science, Quantum Leap, The X-Files, Strange Luck, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Sloyan was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Rarely am I a huge fan of having fictional family members showing up aboard my SciFi procedurals, but part of what made The X-Files so phenomenal (when it was phenomenal) was that creator Chris Carter and his crew fleshed out legitimately interesting parents and siblings for leads Mulder and Scully to appreciate. Such was the case with Sheila Larken when she played mama to Dana Scully. Larken was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Barry Bostwick has had a very diverse acting career. While he's made great strides in both drama and comedy, I remember him best as 'Cmdr. Ace Hunter' from 1982's gloriously cultish so-bad-it's-worse-than-expected Megaforce for Golden Harvest Company. Bostwick was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
She put on the uniform so she deserves a shout-out: Evelyn Guerrero had a small role giving Commander Riker directions when he got lost trying to find the holodeck aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's premiere episode, "Encounter at Farpoint." Guerrero was born on this day in 1949.
Did you know that the great Helen Shaver had a role in Tremors 2: Aftershocks? I didn't, though I was aware that the original film spawned a small franchise. I'm far more inclined to see it now that I know she's in it. Shaver was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mark Moses is one of those celebrated character actors who shows up in a whole lot of creative properties and has an amazing gift for doing big things with little time. He's had guest spots aboard Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise, and he recently filled in as the American President struggling to provide a future country decimated by plague with some measure of hope on TNT's The Last Ship. Moses was born on this day in 1958.
Beth Broderick came and saw what life was like Under The Dome for Stephen King and CBS television. She also enjoyed a recurring role aboard ABC TV's Lost. Broderick was born on this day in 1959.
The great Emilio Rivera stood up against the zombie hordes in Syfy's Z Nation. He's also spent time aboard The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., The X-Files, and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Rivera was born on this day in 1961.
The lovely Sherrie Rose joined Rick Rossovich in New Crime City (1994), a futuristic thriller about a killer virus on the loose in what's left of Los Angeles. The actress also played a recurring role in the SciFi Black Scorpion franchise. Rose was born on this day in 1966.
Kudos to Ben Miller for helping to keep mankind safe from threats somewhat Jurassic in the BBC SciFi series Primeval. He also turned up aboard Doctor Who in a guest spot as the Sheriff of Nottingham. Miller was born on this day in 1966.
These days, so much of his career seems to be relegated to B-Movies and/or direct-to-DVD releases. That isn't necessarily a bad thing for the great Billy Zane who did turn in great work aboard the Back To The Future flicks and The Phantom (1996) but I'd love him to land a great franchise if he were interested. Zane was born on this day in 1966.
On the big screen, Johnathan Ward befriended an alien in 1988's Mac and Me. The actor also visited The Twilight Zone in its 1985 reboot. Ward was born on this day in 1970.
Readers, thank your lucky stars that the lovely Bonnie Sommerville made an appearance in a 2003 episode of The Twilight Zone so that we can feature her loveliness here. Sommerville was born on this day in 1974.
The hunky Jack Derges turns heads as the sexually-active synthetic aboard AMC's Humans. He's also appeared in the Fantasy/Telefilm Dungeons & Dragons: The Book of Vile Darkness (2012). Derges was born on this day in 1987.
Newcomer Alexander Koch found himself trapped Under The Dome, the CBS/Fantasy serial based on the Stephen King novel. Koch was born on this day in 1988.
A star is born! On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Aladdin And His Lamp conjured up what theatrical magic it could. Directed by Lew Landers, the film starred Johnny Sands, Patricia Medina, and Richard Erdman. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A poor young man finds a lamp with a genie trapped inside. The genie promises to grant the man three wishes if he frees him from the lamp."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that the feature was originally produced for television, but apparently executives were impressed enough with the quality that they produced additional footage, expanding it for a theatrical release.
"A poor young man finds a lamp with a genie trapped inside. The genie promises to grant the man three wishes if he frees him from the lamp."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that the feature was originally produced for television, but apparently executives were impressed enough with the quality that they produced additional footage, expanding it for a theatrical release.
A star is born! (Huh. I don't know about you, but I see three guys in the picture, and not a one of them are transparent!) On this day in 1960 (in the U.S.), The Amazing Transparent Man appeared in theatres. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer from a script by Jack Lewis, the feature starred Douglas Kennedy, James Griffith, and Marguerite Chapman. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A crazed scientist invents an invisibility formula. He plans to use the formula to create an army of invisible zombies."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that the film was the final theatrical performance for Ms. Chapman in her role as 'Laura Matson.' Also, it bears mentioning that The Amazing Transparent Man was lampooned by the yucksters at Mystery Science Theatre 3000 during their original run on television.
"A crazed scientist invents an invisibility formula. He plans to use the formula to create an army of invisible zombies."
For the record:
IMDB.com reports that the film was the final theatrical performance for Ms. Chapman in her role as 'Laura Matson.' Also, it bears mentioning that The Amazing Transparent Man was lampooned by the yucksters at Mystery Science Theatre 3000 during their original run on television.
On this day in 1966 (in Mexico), The Slime People oozed its way into theatres. Directed by Robert Hutton, the SciFi/Horror starred Les Tremayne and Robert Burton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After Los Angeles is invaded by an army of subterranean monsters, a small group of people must fight for survival in the deserted metropolis."
"After Los Angeles is invaded by an army of subterranean monsters, a small group of people must fight for survival in the deserted metropolis."
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in France), Assignment Terror rattled at least one lady's sense to her feminine core. IMDB.com reports that the finished project was brought to the screen by several different directors, and the film starred Michael Rennie, Craig Hill, and Karin Dor. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien scientist and his team are sent to earth from their dying planet to exterminate the human population by unleashing monsters like vampires, werewolves, and mummies in order to inherit the earth."
"An alien scientist and his team are sent to earth from their dying planet to exterminate the human population by unleashing monsters like vampires, werewolves, and mummies in order to inherit the earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1972 (in Italy), the SciFi/Fantasy/Comedy known as When Women Lost Their Tails served up laughs at prehistoric man's expense. The feature was directed by Pasquale Festa Campanile and starred Senta Berger and Lando Buzzanca. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two tribes of dimwitted cavemen prepare for war against each other."
"Two tribes of dimwitted cavemen prepare for war against each other."
On this day in 1983 (in Australia), Battletruck roared theatrically across the silver screen. Directed by Harley Cokeliss, the feature starred Michael Beck and Annie McEnroe, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
"Post World War III futuristic tale of collapsed governments & bankrupt countries heralding a new lawless age."
On this day in 1984, The Noah's Ark Principle first premiered theatrically in West Germany. For those unfamiliar with it, the project was written and directed by Roland Emmerich ... the same Roland Emmerich who would go on a few years later to fashion one of the perfect SciFi popcorn movies ever, Independence Day. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"Near the end of the 20th century, WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) are retired. However, certain factions plan to use a science space station as a weapon against each other. The astronauts inside will decide the world's fate."
"Near the end of the 20th century, WMDs (weapons of mass destruction) are retired. However, certain factions plan to use a science space station as a weapon against each other. The astronauts inside will decide the world's fate."
On this day in 1988 (in Colombia), Cherry 2000 mixed SciFi with palatable Romance. Directed by Steve De Jarnatt, the feature starred Melanie Griffith and Pamela Gidley, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
"In 2017, a successful businessman travels to the ends of the earth to find that the perfect woman is always under his nose. He hires a sexy renegade tracker to find an exact duplicate of his android wife."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Toxie proved that once was never enough when he returned to cinematic glory with the release of The Toxic Avenger Part II. Directed by Michael Herz and Lloyd Kaufman, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ron Fazio, John Altamura, and Phoebe Legere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Toxic Avenger is tricked into traveling to Tokyo to search for his estranged father, leaving Tromaville open to complete domination by an evil corporation."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Toxic Avenger Part II garnered a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"The Toxic Avenger is tricked into traveling to Tokyo to search for his estranged father, leaving Tromaville open to complete domination by an evil corporation."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Toxic Avenger Part II garnered a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the peace and quiet was intruded upon ... by Alien Intruder! (Well, it released on home video, anyway.) Directed by Ricardo Jacques Gale from a script by Nick Stone, the SciFi/Thriller starred Maxwell Caulfield, Tracy Scoggins, and Billy Dee Williams. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Space traveling convicts become the victims of their own fantasies when virtual reality is made to go wrong."
"Space traveling convicts become the victims of their own fantasies when virtual reality is made to go wrong."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in Uruguay), audiences found out that there was ... No Escape! Directed by Martin Campbell, the SciFi/Thriller starred Ray Liotta, Lance Henriksen, and Stuart Wilson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A soldier convicted for murdering his commanding officer is dumped and left to die on a prison island inhabited by two camps of convicts."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated the flick in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' for the 1995 Saturn Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving the latest and greated home video release of No Escape from the good people at Unearthed Films. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A soldier convicted for murdering his commanding officer is dumped and left to die on a prison island inhabited by two camps of convicts."
For the record:
To the film's credit, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated the flick in the category of 'Best Science Fiction Film' for the 1995 Saturn Awards.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving the latest and greated home video release of No Escape from the good people at Unearthed Films. Interested in knowing what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1995 (in Uruguay), Timecop chased the clock theatrically. Directed by Peter Hyams, the SciFi feature starred Jean-Claude Van Damme and Mia Sara, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), The Arrival arrived on home video. Written and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi feature starred Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Crouse, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
On this day in 1997 (in the United Kingdom), Dark Breed scared up business in the home video market. Directed by Richard Pepin, the SciFi feature starred Jack Scalia and Cindy Ambuehl, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Captain Saxon, and agent for the top secret Omega agency, has been given the assignment of tracking down and either capturing or killing the crew members of a secret space mission who returned to Earth against orders. It seems that they were all infected with an alien parasite, and they were trying to bring its eggs back to Earth. The eggs were lost in an accident, and both Saxon and the astronauts are trying to locate them. What could the government want them for?"
"Captain Saxon, and agent for the top secret Omega agency, has been given the assignment of tracking down and either capturing or killing the crew members of a secret space mission who returned to Earth against orders. It seems that they were all infected with an alien parasite, and they were trying to bring its eggs back to Earth. The eggs were lost in an accident, and both Saxon and the astronauts are trying to locate them. What could the government want them for?"
A star is born! On this day in 2004, The Keeper Of Time kept time with its release on home video. Directed by Robert Crombie, the Fantasy feature starred Michael O'Hearn and Adam T. Dawson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Tim, a child living in a medieval world, has been chosen to be the most powerful wizard of his time. Under the protection of teacher Udo and muscular swordsman Bullrock, with a beautiful, mysterious blonde woman Anu along for the ride, Tim travels to the Southern Castle to train under the powerful wizard Martirus so that he can defeat the evil wizard Tor, allowing the forces of good to reign for the next 500 years. His journey is filled with magic and endangered by the dark spells of Tor, who is determined to end the journey before it has a chance to begin."
"Tim, a child living in a medieval world, has been chosen to be the most powerful wizard of his time. Under the protection of teacher Udo and muscular swordsman Bullrock, with a beautiful, mysterious blonde woman Anu along for the ride, Tim travels to the Southern Castle to train under the powerful wizard Martirus so that he can defeat the evil wizard Tor, allowing the forces of good to reign for the next 500 years. His journey is filled with magic and endangered by the dark spells of Tor, who is determined to end the journey before it has a chance to begin."
A star is born! On this day in 2007, the Fantasy/Telefilm Fire Serpent caught fire on television. Directed by John Terlesky, this Fantasy feature was scripted by long-time and popular Star Trek novelists Garfield and Judith Reeves-Stevens (along with creative contributions from William Shatner), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alien creatures emerge from the sun and attack Earth."
"Alien creatures emerge from the sun and attack Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the Netherlands), the Fantasy-themed Portal enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Geoffrey Schaaf, the feature starred Chris Conrad and Kat Hawks, and, according to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Soon after finding their way into the shelter of the mysterious, fog engulfed town of Mercy, two friends plan to rest up for the night, only to realize, as nights turn into nights, that time doesnt exist."
"Soon after finding their way into the shelter of the mysterious, fog engulfed town of Mercy, two friends plan to rest up for the night, only to realize, as nights turn into nights, that time doesnt exist."
A star is born! On this day in 2010, the SciFi/Drama Quantum Apocalypse treated audiences to yet another look into mankind's demise. Directed by Justin Jones, the feature starred Gigi Edgley and Stephany Jacobsen, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A group of talented but rebellious 'rock-star scientists' find themselves in a race against time to save Earth when a comet makes an unexpected turn towards our blue planet where all life may cease to exist within days if our small town heroes fail to find a solution."
"A group of talented but rebellious 'rock-star scientists' find themselves in a race against time to save Earth when a comet makes an unexpected turn towards our blue planet where all life may cease to exist within days if our small town heroes fail to find a solution."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), justice had a new face ... and it was incredibly sexy ... with the home video release of Bikini Avengers. Written and directed by Dean McKendrick, the Adult-themed Fantasy feature starred Erika Jordan, Jacqui Holland, and Cassandra Cruz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the Jade Empress hatches a plan for world domination, it's up to crime-fighting duo Bikini Avenger and Thong Girl to stop her and her nefarious minions."
"When the Jade Empress hatches a plan for world domination, it's up to crime-fighting duo Bikini Avenger and Thong Girl to stop her and her nefarious minions."
A star is born ... and this one was bloody! On this day in 2015 (in Canada and the U.S.), Zombieworld enjoyed its launch on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"There is nowhere to hide...nowhere to run...the Zombie Apocalypse has come, and our world now belongs to the dead! From Ireland, Canada, Australia, Europe and all over the U.S., the bone-chilling news reports tell the same gruesome tale - walking corpses terrorize and devour the living. Only a few desperate humans find the courage to stand and fight for their last chance at survival. But the hordes of undead keep coming, and there's only one thing on the menu - us."
ExtraExtra Alert:
At some time in the distant past, I was offered a complimentary DVD of Zombieworld in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the Horror/Comedy? Readers can find my review right here.
"There is nowhere to hide...nowhere to run...the Zombie Apocalypse has come, and our world now belongs to the dead! From Ireland, Canada, Australia, Europe and all over the U.S., the bone-chilling news reports tell the same gruesome tale - walking corpses terrorize and devour the living. Only a few desperate humans find the courage to stand and fight for their last chance at survival. But the hordes of undead keep coming, and there's only one thing on the menu - us."
ExtraExtra Alert:
At some time in the distant past, I was offered a complimentary DVD of Zombieworld in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the Horror/Comedy? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 2017 (in Bulgaria, Estonia, India, Mauritius, Taiwan, and Vietnam), the Russian-language Space Fantasy Guardians enjoyed its theatrical release. Conceived and directed by Sarik Andreasyan, the feature starred Anton Pampushnyy and Sanjar Madi, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), the SciFi/ShortFilm CC enjoyed its general release. Both written and directed by both Kailey Spear and Sam Spear, the feature starred Jewel Staite and Sharon Taylor, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"A single mom hires/rents an android nanny, CC. When the mom's fired, she wants to look after her Addy and shut off CC, but CC "knows", what's best for Addy."
"A single mom hires/rents an android nanny, CC. When the mom's fired, she wants to look after her Addy and shut off CC, but CC "knows", what's best for Addy."
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in Portugal), Chimera Strain enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Fantasporto Film Festival. Written and directed by Maurice Haeems, the SciFi/Thriller starred Henry Ian Cusick, Kathleen Quinlan, and Erika Ervin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A brilliant but disturbed scientist freezes his children alive, while he races to cure their deadly genetic disease by decoding the DNA of the immortal Turritopsis jellyfish."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chimera Strain enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A brilliant but disturbed scientist freezes his children alive, while he races to cure their deadly genetic disease by decoding the DNA of the immortal Turritopsis jellyfish."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Chimera Strain enjoyed a wealth of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2018 (in Japan), Time Trap sprung on unsuspecting audiences. Written and directed by Mark Dennis, the SciFi feature starred Andrew Wilson and Cassidy Gifford, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
"A group of students venture into the deep caves of remote Texas to locate a favorite archaeology professor who inexplicably has gone missing while searching for the Fountain of Youth. In the course of their pursuit, the group unwittingly rappels into a break in the space-time continuum, where time passes much slower than on the surface. With no hope for rescue, they descend further into the cave and uncover the most coveted urban legend in history and find themselves in the crossfire for its control."
On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "The Mysterious Cube." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's sixth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Before a time limit expires, Superman must find a way to get to a criminal hiding in a giant cube made of incredibly strong material that even the Man of Steel cannot penetrate with his usual powers."
"Before a time limit expires, Superman must find a way to get to a criminal hiding in a giant cube made of incredibly strong material that even the Man of Steel cannot penetrate with his usual powers."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "Flight To Danger." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lieutenant Ninety is learning to be an astronaut with Steve's help. His last test is a solo orbital flight around the Moon. However, the test spaceship has its atomic control out of order, which puts it on fire during the flight. Steve and the crew must attempt to save him from the fiery capsule..."
"Lieutenant Ninety is learning to be an astronaut with Steve's help. His last test is a solo orbital flight around the Moon. However, the test spaceship has its atomic control out of order, which puts it on fire during the flight. Steve and the crew must attempt to save him from the fiery capsule..."
On this day in 1964, The Outer Limits aired "Specimen: Unknown." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Astronauts on an orbiting space station discover a strange and deadly type of plant life. Higher ups are left to consider: should the craft be destroyed with the 4 men aboard, or allowed to land, knowing the plants could destroy all of mankind?"
"Astronauts on an orbiting space station discover a strange and deadly type of plant life. Higher ups are left to consider: should the craft be destroyed with the 4 men aboard, or allowed to land, knowing the plants could destroy all of mankind?"
On this day in 1966, Thunderbirds aired "Brink of Disaster." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"Lady Penelope and Jeff Tracy get asked to become involved in a scam to finance a new monorail system. Brains checks the system over and has grave concerns about the safety backups. Brains' fears appear to be confirmed when a series of unfortunate circumstances lead to Jeff, Brains and the whole project being involved in a series of life-threatening situations that only International Rescue can resolve."
"Lady Penelope and Jeff Tracy get asked to become involved in a scam to finance a new monorail system. Brains checks the system over and has grave concerns about the safety backups. Brains' fears appear to be confirmed when a series of unfortunate circumstances lead to Jeff, Brains and the whole project being involved in a series of life-threatening situations that only International Rescue can resolve."
On this day in 1967, The Time Tunnel aired "Chase Through Time," an hour which has the distinction of employing the veteran Robert Duvall in the role as villain! This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"An enemy agent murders a Project Tic Toc scientist and sabotages the Time Tunnel. But security arrives too quickly and he cannot escape - except through the Tunnel! Now Doug and Tony must find that agent somewhere in time before the deadly bomb he planted destroys the tunnel, kills the people there and strands Doug and Tony forever."
"An enemy agent murders a Project Tic Toc scientist and sabotages the Time Tunnel. But security arrives too quickly and he cannot escape - except through the Tunnel! Now Doug and Tony must find that agent somewhere in time before the deadly bomb he planted destroys the tunnel, kills the people there and strands Doug and Tony forever."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), The Changes aired "Lightning!" Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Modern day England, where everyone has rebelled against modern technology and gone back to a pre-industrial revolution way of life."
"Modern day England, where everyone has rebelled against modern technology and gone back to a pre-industrial revolution way of life."
On this day in 1977 (in the U.S.), The Fantastic Journey aired "Children Of The Gods." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The travellers arrive in a new Time Zone and meet a young boy who has escaped from a community inhabited solely by children led by the bullying teenager Alpha."
"The travellers arrive in a new Time Zone and meet a young boy who has escaped from a community inhabited solely by children led by the bullying teenager Alpha."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet Of Fire: Part 2." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the long-running program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the volcanic planet Sarn, Turlough recognizes several Trion artifacts that point to Malkon (the Chosen One among the Sarn people) being his own brother. Meanwhile, Peri flees from Kamelion who has almost been entirely possessed by the Master."
"On the volcanic planet Sarn, Turlough recognizes several Trion artifacts that point to Malkon (the Chosen One among the Sarn people) being his own brother. Meanwhile, Peri flees from Kamelion who has almost been entirely possessed by the Master."
On this day in 1986 (in the Netherlands), Doctor Who aired "Earthshock: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Cybermen are now in control of the ship and they have eliminated their human accomplice. The Doctor, Adric and several members of the crew are now their prisoners. Tegan finds herself separated from Lt.Scott and she too is soon taken prisoner and is reunited with the Doctor who realizes just what the Cybermen are going to do: use the spaceship as a flying bomb. Scott and the other troopers make a rescue attempt. Adric tries desperately desperately to stop the ship from crashing into Earth."
"The Cybermen are now in control of the ship and they have eliminated their human accomplice. The Doctor, Adric and several members of the crew are now their prisoners. Tegan finds herself separated from Lt.Scott and she too is soon taken prisoner and is reunited with the Doctor who realizes just what the Cybermen are going to do: use the spaceship as a flying bomb. Scott and the other troopers make a rescue attempt. Adric tries desperately desperately to stop the ship from crashing into Earth."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Moondial aired the third episode in its only season of original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Minty desperately tries to warn the children of the arrival of a ghost hunter in the village."
"Minty desperately tries to warn the children of the arrival of a ghost hunter in the village."
On this day in 1995, The X-Files aired "Fearful Symmetry." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a small town in Idaho, a man is killed by what seems to be an invisible elephant. Mulder's investigation into the local zoo, its owners and a local animal rights group uncovers evidence of insidious alien experiments."
"In a small town in Idaho, a man is killed by what seems to be an invisible elephant. Mulder's investigation into the local zoo, its owners and a local animal rights group uncovers evidence of insidious alien experiments."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Atonement." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While defending her love for Sheridan to the Minbari, Delenn might be forced to expose an astonishing secret."
"While defending her love for Sheridan to the Minbari, Delenn might be forced to expose an astonishing secret."
"Doctor Bashir, I Presume?" is an episode allegedly so controversial it nearly got Paramount Pictures sued. The hour first aired on this day in 1997, and the action saw the station's resident physician using the holodeck to explore an alter-ego personae he'd created for himself. The character? Well, it looked, dressed, and sounded curiously like a certain MI-6 agent who answers to the name of Bond. James Bond. As the story goes, the episode aired, but Paramount agreed they'd never air it again ... in order to avoid a lawsuit.
On this day in 1999, Seven Days aired "Parkergeist." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An inside job ends up killing Frank in a sabotaged Backstep, but surprisingly he finds he's a ghost and with some help, must stop the security leak and find a way to fix things."
"An inside job ends up killing Frank in a sabotaged Backstep, but surprisingly he finds he's a ghost and with some help, must stop the security leak and find a way to fix things."
On this day back in 1999, the cast and crew of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine decided to lighten the mood, what with all those war storylines of the last few seasons. "Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang" gave 'em all just a little bit something different to do, and -- need I say? -- it involved the space station's favorite holodeck program. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"When a programming glitch won't go away, mobsters take over Vic's and open for business, but the DS9 gang takes it personal when their favorite hangout is no longer their favorite, and they plan to get the new management ousted."
"When a programming glitch won't go away, mobsters take over Vic's and open for business, but the DS9 gang takes it personal when their favorite hangout is no longer their favorite, and they plan to get the new management ousted."
On this day in 2001 (in Australia), The Lost World aired "Under Pressure." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A stranger, Alex, appears from an expedition trying to find a source of the Amazon, and when Veronica and Marguerite fall for him, sparks begin to fly."
"A stranger, Alex, appears from an expedition trying to find a source of the Amazon, and when Veronica and Marguerite fall for him, sparks begin to fly."
On this day in 2002 (in Japan), Cyborg 009 aired "The Fossils Of Evil." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Toonami website:
"Dr Gilmore receives a letter from his very good friend Dr Ross, who writes that since the death of the BG, he has been set free and is now interested in nature and animals. He has discovered a valley where he says that he has found living dinosaurs. He asks for 009 and the others to come visit him and help him to catch the beasts. The team takes off to visit the Doctor, but has he really been freed from the BG?"
"Dr Gilmore receives a letter from his very good friend Dr Ross, who writes that since the death of the BG, he has been set free and is now interested in nature and animals. He has discovered a valley where he says that he has found living dinosaurs. He asks for 009 and the others to come visit him and help him to catch the beasts. The team takes off to visit the Doctor, but has he really been freed from the BG?"
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Andromeda aired "What Happens To A Rev Deferred?" Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew gets a message from Rev Bem. He's on a planet that's about to be destroyed. The Andromeda goes after the wayward Magog."
"The crew gets a message from Rev Bem. He's on a planet that's about to be destroyed. The Andromeda goes after the wayward Magog."
On this day in 2003, Mutant X aired "Once Around." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team step in to protect a main prosecution witness whose life has been threatened prior to the trial."
"The team step in to protect a main prosecution witness whose life has been threatened prior to the trial."
It all began right here ... on this day in 2004 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "The Gift." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Toby and Elizabeth are zapped by a strange ray and become instant scientific geniuses, but the battle lines are drawn when Elizabeth interferes with Toby's first experiment, creating a ravenous T-Rex."
"Toby and Elizabeth are zapped by a strange ray and become instant scientific geniuses, but the battle lines are drawn when Elizabeth interferes with Toby's first experiment, creating a ravenous T-Rex."
On this day in 2006, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Arthur's Mantle." This served as the eighteenth episode in the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam manages to activate an Ancients' device they found at the Glastonbury site and she and Mitchell are shifted into a phase that makes them invisible to everyone. Daniel soon figures out just what is going on but Dr. Lee's proposed solution sends Daniel to the same plane as Sam and Mitchell. There he is able to translate information explaining that Merlin had created a weapon against the Ori - and provides a gate address where it can be found. Meanwhile, Teal'c travels to a Jaffa planet that has sent out a distress call. The two events are related."
"Sam manages to activate an Ancients' device they found at the Glastonbury site and she and Mitchell are shifted into a phase that makes them invisible to everyone. Daniel soon figures out just what is going on but Dr. Lee's proposed solution sends Daniel to the same plane as Sam and Mitchell. There he is able to translate information explaining that Merlin had created a weapon against the Ori - and provides a gate address where it can be found. Meanwhile, Teal'c travels to a Jaffa planet that has sent out a distress call. The two events are related."
On this day in 2006 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "Time Loop." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Angry that Toby and Nikki are together, Elizabeth sticks Toby in a time loop, so he repeats the same day over and over again."
"Angry that Toby and Nikki are together, Elizabeth sticks Toby in a time loop, so he repeats the same day over and over again."
On this day in 2011, The Alien's Wife aired "Los Angeles, California." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Irwin hosts his own Los Angeles-based TV show, while wife Betty's studies at Cal Tech lead to the invention of a "worm bubble" that possesses the ability to transport both to Irwin's home planet."
"Irwin hosts his own Los Angeles-based TV show, while wife Betty's studies at Cal Tech lead to the invention of a "worm bubble" that possesses the ability to transport both to Irwin's home planet."
On this day in 2014, Almost Human aired "Beholder," the twelfth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the summary:
"When a Chrome appears to have died young, Valerie recognizes it as a murder and begins an investigation. Kennex and Dorian realize that the murderer is a serial killer who is using outlawed nanobot plastic surgery to become beautiful."
"When a Chrome appears to have died young, Valerie recognizes it as a murder and begins an investigation. Kennex and Dorian realize that the murderer is a serial killer who is using outlawed nanobot plastic surgery to become beautiful."
