One of the things that Space: Above and Beyond did exceedingly well (in my opinion) is the program shackled its main characters with some terrific emotional baggage upon which the actors could mete out a stronger performance.
Case in point: "Never No More," an hour which first aired on this day in 1996. The story featured Lt. Vansen abandoning the Fighting 58th in order to serve briefly with another squadron, this one commanded by an old boyfriend. They've been stalking an alien hit-and-run artist -- an aerial wizard the star fighters can't see coming before they've been hit -- and Vansen confuses having "something to prove" with "nothing to lose."
Case in point: "Never No More," an hour which first aired on this day in 1996. The story featured Lt. Vansen abandoning the Fighting 58th in order to serve briefly with another squadron, this one commanded by an old boyfriend. They've been stalking an alien hit-and-run artist -- an aerial wizard the star fighters can't see coming before they've been hit -- and Vansen confuses having "something to prove" with "nothing to lose."
Yes, peeps, there was a time when so much set decorating for Science Fiction films looked like little more than condoms inflated and stuck to walls; and such was the case for a short scene aboard the campy Invaders From Mars (1953), a film which boasts an appearance by William Phipps. So far as genre work is concerned, he also appeared aboard The War Of The Worlds (1953), Science Fiction Theatre, Cat-Women Of The Moon (1953), The Snow Creature (1954), Men Into Space, The Twilight Zone, Space Force, and Time Express. Though he's no longer with us, Phipps was born on this day in 1922. [Source: IMDB.com]
Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants was one of those shows that never quite fell on my radar for years until I discovered it in television syndication -- the true stomping ground for all great SciFi shows -- and then I didn't exactly fall in love with it. It was good -- a bit campy at times, like much of Allen's library -- and suitable Fantasy entertainment. Gary Conway played 'Captain Steve Burton' aboard this true original, and Conway was born on this day in 1936. [Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, George A. Romero's 'Living Dead' films are far more Horror than they are true Science Fiction, but -- as grandma used to say -- "An apocalypse is an apocalyse." Thus, I fell compelled to give perhaps the greatest creator of End Times since God himself credit in this space. Though he's no longer with us, Romero was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor John Schuck played a terrific Klingon ambassador in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, as can be seen above when he was trying to convince the Federation council just how bad a renegade Capt. James T. Kirk was. He turned up again in the same role as part of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Additionally, I remember him from a mid-70's SciFi/Comedy called Holmes and Yo-Yo, the ongoing stories of a cop and his android partner. Schuck was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Beck burst onto the silver screen as the star of The Warriors in 1979. He found Science Fiction in 1982 as the star of the forgettable Battletruck, following that up with the equally forgettable Megaforce. About two decades later, he secured roles in the fan-favorite Babylon 5 and its short-lived spin-off, Crusade. Beck was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
Patrick Bergin is another one of those actors who I thought would have a bigger, broader career. Still, he has given genre projects a fair go, appearing in such properties as Highway To Hell (1992), Frankenstein (1993), Lawnmower Man 2: Beyond Cyberspace (1996), The Lost World (1999), Escape Velocity (1999), Merlin: The Return (2000), Beneath Loch Ness (2001), and Smallville. Bergin was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
It would appear that the beautiful Lisa Eichhorn tends to gravitate toward far more conventional fare as opposed to genre entertainment, but she did join genre favorite Michael Paré aboard the poorly-reviewed but fondly-remembered Moon 44 (1990). Her resume also includes guest spots aboard Tales Of The Unexpected and TV's Swamp Thing for good measure. Eichhorn was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Since beginning his career in 1978, Richard Lineback has appeared in many high-profile SciFi properties. He's booked appearances on Knight Rider, Max Headroom, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Stephen King's The Stand, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Lineback was born on this day in 1952. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, the young Pamelyn Ferdin joined William Shatner aboard "And The Children Shall Lead," a third season adventure for the classic Star Trek. Ferdin was born on this day in 1959. [Source: IMDB.com]
Not content enough with being just a pretty face, the lovely Jenette Goldstein decided to defy the odds, and thank goodness she did so with conviction! In 1986, she starred as the memorable 'Vasquez' -- the smart-mouthed, trash-talking Colonial Marine -- in Jim Cameron's Aliens. Goldstein was born on this day in 1960. [Source: IMDB.com]
I only watched the first season or two of Andromeda, so unfortunately I really couldn't tell you much about Brandy Ledford's character or performance, Doyle. From the picture above, though, I'd say she's rough, tough, and ready to rumble! Ledford was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dreamy Gabrielle Anwar had her body snatched in 1993's aptly titled Body Snatchers, a loose remake of the original Cold-War area SciFi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Anwar was born on this day in 1970.
Funnyman Rob Corddry faced the end of life as we know it aboard the Horror/SciFi/Comedy Warm Bodies (2013). Corddry was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
An alumnus of Second City, funny lady Lauren Ash tried Fantasy on for size with a role in Syfy's popular Lost Girl. Ash was born on this day in 1983.
Among other things, Hannibal Buress provided the voice for Justice League Action's 'Mister Terrific,' no small feat indeed. Buress was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Creatively, Bug Hall has been all over the map, though it would appear the actor fits most easily into conventional comedies. As far as SciFi/Fantasy goes, he's sported roles aboard The Day The Earth Stopped (2008), Arachnoquake (2012), and NBC's short-lived Revolution. Hall was born on this day in 1985.
Lewis Tan has had the opportunity to flex his muscles aboard AMC's SciFi-lite property Into The Badlands in its 2018 season. Tan was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
You face the Apocalypse, and you deserve a mention: newcomer Kyla Kenedy lasted as long as she could against the oncoming hoardes behind AMC's The Walking Dead. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Kenedy was born on this day in 2003. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1983, David Cronenberg's Videodrome premiered in theatres. The film starred James Woods and Debbie Harry, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A sleazy cable-TV programmer begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a very unusual fashion when he acquires a new kind of programming for his station."
"A sleazy cable-TV programmer begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a very unusual fashion when he acquires a new kind of programming for his station."
On this day in 2004 (in Italy), Dark Descent (aka Descent Into Darkness) premiered on home video. The SciFi feature starred Dean Cain and Scott Wiper, and here's the premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Deep in the Mariana Sea Trench, a corporate underwater mining complex has been built - an industrial Atlantis. When an accident in a dry-dock chamber kills several miners an investigator is sent to find the cause and immediately finds out that it was not an accident. He becomes caught in the middle of a deadly conflict between the miners and the corporation, and fights to stay alive and uncover the truth."
"Deep in the Mariana Sea Trench, a corporate underwater mining complex has been built - an industrial Atlantis. When an accident in a dry-dock chamber kills several miners an investigator is sent to find the cause and immediately finds out that it was not an accident. He becomes caught in the middle of a deadly conflict between the miners and the corporation, and fights to stay alive and uncover the truth."
On this day in 2005, the Indie/SciFi flick called Planetfall came crashing down in theatres. The feature starred Rachel Adams and Jonathan Adams, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spaghetti western in science fiction clothing. Competing female bounty hunters track down the ultimate treasure on a planet wracked with turmoil. A drug named psylenol has hit the streets, stolen from a secret military program and reconditioned to be an over-the-counter psychedelic. When the general populace starts developing telekinetic powers, the corrupt government of Zita declares martial law. When the film starts, a confiscated shipment of the drug has been stolen. Now the race is on to obtain the last supply of the most powerful drug in the universe!"
"A spaghetti western in science fiction clothing. Competing female bounty hunters track down the ultimate treasure on a planet wracked with turmoil. A drug named psylenol has hit the streets, stolen from a secret military program and reconditioned to be an over-the-counter psychedelic. When the general populace starts developing telekinetic powers, the corrupt government of Zita declares martial law. When the film starts, a confiscated shipment of the drug has been stolen. Now the race is on to obtain the last supply of the most powerful drug in the universe!"
On this day in 1985, the United Kingdom was treated to the fifth episode of Chocky's Children, the second season of the Chocky franchise. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Albertine has been discovered in hiding and she is taken to the London clinic for her tests. She is assessed hypnotically by a doctor employed by Deacon. Deacon is interested in cosmic energy that Albertine knows about through her dealings with Chocky. He wishes to get this power and use it for his own ends. Matthew is guided by Chocky and he tries to get to the clinic and rescue Albertine."
"Albertine has been discovered in hiding and she is taken to the London clinic for her tests. She is assessed hypnotically by a doctor employed by Deacon. Deacon is interested in cosmic energy that Albertine knows about through her dealings with Chocky. He wishes to get this power and use it for his own ends. Matthew is guided by Chocky and he tries to get to the clinic and rescue Albertine."
So far as this die-hard Trek enthusiast is concerned, one of the best episodes to come out of Star Trek: The Next Generation's first few seasons was "A Matter of Honor," which aired on this day in 1989. The hour saw Will Riker serving a tour of duty aboard a Klingon vessel as part of an officers' exchange program, and it put him in the singular position of having to demand a surrender from his commanding officer, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard. A brilliant hour, and a great showcase for some Klingon culture and make-up!
On this day in 1992, Super Force aired "The Viral Staircase: Part 1." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TV.com:
"Based on a colleague's tip, Zach becomes suspicious of a Hungerford researcher."
"Based on a colleague's tip, Zach becomes suspicious of a Hungerford researcher."
On this day in 1994, "Lazarus" aired as the fifteenth hour of The X-Files' first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The consciousness of a dangerous criminal possesses an FBI agent who is also Scully's ex-boyfriend."
"The consciousness of a dangerous criminal possesses an FBI agent who is also Scully's ex-boyfriend."
On this day in 1997, The Burning Zone aired "Death Song." This served as the thirteenth episode to the program's first and only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TV.com:
"The team is called in when cases of devastating bone demineralisation are reported. Michael meets a famous singer, who is also involved."
"The team is called in when cases of devastating bone demineralisation are reported. Michael meets a famous singer, who is also involved."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "The Paragon Of Animals." This served as the third episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Military crises threaten the ongoing formation of the InterStellar Alliance, but Sheridan asserts its power."
"Military crises threaten the ongoing formation of the InterStellar Alliance, but Sheridan asserts its power."
On this day in 1998, everyone's favorite bar patron comes to terms with his own mortality -- or does he? -- as part of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's sixth season. Here's the summary of "Who Mourns for Morn?" as provided by IMDB.com:
"A former patron of Quark's bequeaths everything to him."
"A former patron of Quark's bequeaths everything to him."
On this day in 2002, Mutant X aired "Blood Ties." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jesse is roped into a deadly undercover mission by his estranged father, who is working against Eckhart."
"Jesse is roped into a deadly undercover mission by his estranged father, who is working against Eckhart."
On this day in 2008, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles aired "Heavy Metal." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"While John continues to have more difficulty coming to terms with a student who committed suicide and felt he was powerless to prevent it, he becomes separated from Sarah and Cameron while they're searching for some stolen cargo when he's accidentally trapped in the back of an armored truck loaded with enough metal to build 500 endoskeletons. But instead, John finds another Terminator with an unknown mission. Meanwhile, the murder of a plastic surgeon that Agent Ellison is investigating leads him to a surprising suspect, while Cromartie, the terminator who followed Sarah, John, and Cameron into the future, continues to rebuild his bio image into another person."
"While John continues to have more difficulty coming to terms with a student who committed suicide and felt he was powerless to prevent it, he becomes separated from Sarah and Cameron while they're searching for some stolen cargo when he's accidentally trapped in the back of an armored truck loaded with enough metal to build 500 endoskeletons. But instead, John finds another Terminator with an unknown mission. Meanwhile, the murder of a plastic surgeon that Agent Ellison is investigating leads him to a surprising suspect, while Cromartie, the terminator who followed Sarah, John, and Cameron into the future, continues to rebuild his bio image into another person."
On this day in 2015, 12 Monkeys aired "Atari." This served as the fourth episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fight for the future ensues when a dangerous band of marauders hunting for Cole and Ramse threatens the mission to save the past."
"A fight for the future ensues when a dangerous band of marauders hunting for Cole and Ramse threatens the mission to save the past."
On this day in 2016, Colony aired "Blind Spot." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Will earns the respect of his new colleagues. A Resistance attack comes to the home front and brings the Bowman family together. Katie gets to know Will's team. Maddie finds a new job that makes the most of her talents."
"Will earns the respect of his new colleagues. A Resistance attack comes to the home front and brings the Bowman family together. Katie gets to know Will's team. Maddie finds a new job that makes the most of her talents."
