You youngsters got it pretty plush, I'd say, by having so many entertainment choices, but when I was growing up all we had for Flash Gordon was the legendary strongman himself, Buster Crabbe! Granted, he was paired with some pretty cheesy effects, and they dressed him like a drum majorette, but he was still Flash, rocketing across the galaxy to face down Ming the Merciless in one epic battle after another. Not only did Crabbe play Flash, but he also took turns as Tarzan, Billy the Kid, and even Buck Rogers.
In fact, it was during the 80's that Crabbe had the chance to join one of his contemporaries -- Gil Gerard -- in an episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. His name in that singular episode? "Brigadier Gordon." You tell me if that isn't genius.
Though he's no longer with us, Crabbe was born on this day in 1908.
In fact, it was during the 80's that Crabbe had the chance to join one of his contemporaries -- Gil Gerard -- in an episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. His name in that singular episode? "Brigadier Gordon." You tell me if that isn't genius.
Though he's no longer with us, Crabbe was born on this day in 1908.
Visionary storyteller Alejandro Jodorowsky almost gave audiences one more look at a visually rich adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune ... but, alas, it wasn't meant to be. Still, he's contributed scripts to Metal Hurlant Chronicles, and that has to count for something, no? Jodorowsky was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
The great Gloria Talbott managed to squeeze a veritable lifetime into only a few decades within the entertainment industry. Genre fans might know her best from work aboard The Cyclops (1957) and I Married A Monster From Outer Space (1958). Though she's no longer with us, Talbott was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Gareth Hunt turned up aboard the Doctor Who serial "Planet Of The Spiders" during the 1974 television season. He also enjoyed a guest spot aboard Space:1999. Though he's no longer with us, Hunt was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Pete Postlethwaite hunted dinosaurs for us in Jurassic Park: The Lost World (the lazier of the JURASSIC sequels, so far as I'm concerned), but he had so many greater things to do in so many other flicks. Sadly, he's no longer with us, but Postlethwaite was born on this day in 1946.
1978's Laserblast is a SciFi film reknowned for its utter crappiness, and Kim Milford played one of the key characters in the cult flick. Though he's no longer with us, Milford was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, God, I loved this guy's work! The talented and always underrated Miguel Ferrer had an innate ability to do so much with even the smallest of scenes. With over 100 screen credits to his name, fans know him best for work aboard Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Robocop (1987), DeepStar Six (1989), Twin Peaks, The Stand (TV miniseries), and Bionic Woman. Though he's no longer with us, Ferrer was born on this day in 1955.
One of comedian Emo Philips' first screen appearances was aboard Journey To The Center Of The Earth (1988), a SciFi/Fantasy from Golan-Globus Productions. Philips was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
And before he invented 'snark' James Spader had a weird cinema career, going from one pictures to the next without a whole lot of cohesion to his choices. One of his more memorable appearances -- especially so far as sci-fi fans are concerned -- was when he headlined 1994's Stargate alongside Kurt Russell. Spader was born on this day in 1960, and he continues to be one of the most sought after actors in TV today.
Eddie Izzard (shown above from his role in 2009's TV miniseries, The Day of the Triffids) turns up in a host of unusual projects, many of which end up defying definition just a bit. I loved his appearances recently aboard NBC's underrated Hannibal where he somewhat masterfully showed how easily you can be subtle and chew scenery alongside others doing the same. Izzard was born on this day in 1962.
Dona Speir is a stunning blonde who made a small career about of playing stunning blondes in film. Her SciFi bonafides are light, her resume boasting appearances aboard Automan and Knight Rider. Speir was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jason Gedrick always seemed like more of a 'blue collar' actor to me: he goes in, does his work, and moves on to the next project. He hasn't done much in the realm of pure Science Fiction, but he does have credits from such vehicles as The Outer Limits, Supernatural, Grimm, and Beauty and the Beast to his record. Gedrick was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
David Nykl's resume shows some impressive contributions to the world of quality genre entertainment. Since beginning his career in 1988, he's booked roles on such properties as Seven Days, The Dead Zone, Jake 2.0, Stargate: SG-1, Eureka, Sanctuary, Stargate: Atlantis, Fringe, Continuum, Arrow, Supernatural, and Tomorrowland. Nykl was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
Hollywood, take note: there's always room for another quality ginger! The lovely Robyn Lively hasn't given Science Fiction a whole lot to celebrate, but roles aboard TV's Starman, The X-Files, Quantum Leap, and Knight Rider will always get you a mention on these pages. Lively was born on this day in 1972.
Phyllis Spielman (aka London Grace) found a bit of exposure aboard the SciFi/Adventure Stasis (2017) for PraxiScope Productions. Spielman was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
I don't watch Continuum. I caught the pilot, and it seemed a bit too sugary for my tastes. I may catch up with it on DVD at some point, but, in the meantime, I've got other shows to screen. But Victor Webster is a part of its cast of regulars, and that deserves a shout-out, indeed. Webster was born on this day in 1973.
When but an urchin, young Cory Danziger enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Brothers." Danziger was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Ashton Kutcher has built a career playing men making poor choices, so perhaps it was only karma that he did the same in the SciFi-themed The Butterfly Effect (2004). Kutcher was born on this day in 1978.
Though her career began as part of the sci-fi-themed Power Rangers franchise, the lovely Cerina Vincent has graduated to much more adult and (ahem) revealing performances. A true original, Vincent was born on this day in 1979.
In the guise of 'Constance Clootie,' the lovely Rayisa Kondracki turned in some glowing work aboard Syfy's SciFi-lite Wynnona Earp. Kondracki was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, the young Clara Bryant enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Move Along Home," a first season episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Bryant was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she looks a lot different today, Tina Majorino is still just a cute li'l face! She went on to some much bolder choices, but one of his first roles was part of Kevin Costner's Waterworld (1995). Majorino was born on this day in 1985.
As a young actress, Tegan Moss had the good fortune of playing a young 'Dana Scully' aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. The actress has also turned in some voice performances aboard such SciFi properties as War Planets, Robocop: Alpha Command, and ReDaKai. Moss was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Like so many fanboys, I fell head over heels for Deborah Ann Woll with her portrayal of 'Jessica Hamby' aboard HBO's True Blood, and I'm glad to say that she kept that audience in mind when she joined Netflix's Daredevil as 'Karen Page.' Woll was born on this day in 1985.
David Castro trafficks heavily in the realm of Fantasy aboard TV's Shadowhunters: The Mortal Instruments. Castro was born on this day in 1996. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1987 (in Japan), The Red Spectacles enjoyed a theatrical run. The feature starred Shigeru Chiba and Machiko Washio, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A surreal science fiction noir involving a man trapped in a future where seemingly everyone is a government spy and all-night noodle stands are outlawed."
"A surreal science fiction noir involving a man trapped in a future where seemingly everyone is a government spy and all-night noodle stands are outlawed."
On this day in 1997 (in South Africa), Savage tamed the hearts of audiences. The feature starred Olivier Gruner and Jennifer Grant, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Tital Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Tital Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
On this day in 2017, Moontrap: Target Earth crashed down to Earth ... or was that the moon? In any event, the feature starred Sarah Butler and Niki Spiridakos, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A long forgotten ancient spacecraft discovered on Earth. Investigations carried out by Scout transport her to the moon whereupon she meets the impressive machines preserving the wisdom of that long lost civilization."
"A long forgotten ancient spacecraft discovered on Earth. Investigations carried out by Scout transport her to the moon whereupon she meets the impressive machines preserving the wisdom of that long lost civilization."
On this day in 1967, The Invaders aired "Genesis." This served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"David Vincent discovers the aliens have taken over a sea lab for sinister purposes."
"David Vincent discovers the aliens have taken over a sea lab for sinister purposes."
What would any Olympics be without a possible defection? In "Olympiad," Buck Rogers In The 25th Century decides to take in the 25th century version of the Olympics, only Buck is quickly drawn into a plot involving long-distance lovers and the possibility of defection. It aired on this day back in 1980 as episode 17 of the first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Buck attends a new version of the Olympics. He meets Lara one of the athletes who tells him that she is involved with Jorex an athlete from a planet that's ruled by a dictator who has Jorex under his thumb. She's asking for Buck's help so that Jorex can defect to Earth. Buck calls Wilma and Huer who agree to help. They decide to consult another refugee from Jorex's planet. He tells them that the dictator will do whatever he has to keep him from escaping eve kill him. However Allerick, the man in charge of Jorex learns of the plan and abducts Lara."
"Buck attends a new version of the Olympics. He meets Lara one of the athletes who tells him that she is involved with Jorex an athlete from a planet that's ruled by a dictator who has Jorex under his thumb. She's asking for Buck's help so that Jorex can defect to Earth. Buck calls Wilma and Huer who agree to help. They decide to consult another refugee from Jorex's planet. He tells them that the dictator will do whatever he has to keep him from escaping eve kill him. However Allerick, the man in charge of Jorex learns of the plan and abducts Lara."
On this day in 1981, Doctor Who aired "The Keeper Of Traken: Part 2." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Tremas claims counselor privilege to protect the Doctor and Adric from execution, though it binds his fate to theirs if they're found guilty of murder. Melkur strengthens his hold over Kassia while Seron decides to have rapport with The Keeper to learn truth, and Adric finds evidence of another TARDIS in the area."
"Tremas claims counselor privilege to protect the Doctor and Adric from execution, though it binds his fate to theirs if they're found guilty of murder. Melkur strengthens his hold over Kassia while Seron decides to have rapport with The Keeper to learn truth, and Adric finds evidence of another TARDIS in the area."
On this day in 1986, Knight Rider aired "Knight Of A Thousand Devils." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael's CIA pal Lew Jonas gets killed during a raid on crime boss Ronald Becker. Becker plans to get out of the country using the illegal Baja race to Mexico as a cover. Michael vows to catch Becker if it's the last thing he does."
"Michael's CIA pal Lew Jonas gets killed during a raid on crime boss Ronald Becker. Becker plans to get out of the country using the illegal Baja race to Mexico as a cover. Michael vows to catch Becker if it's the last thing he does."
On this day in 1986, Misfits of Science aired "Against All Oz." This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
"When Billy attempts to break the world record for staying awake, he begins to have hallucinations concerning his past adventures. He finds himself in an alternate reality where all his friends have different personalities and different jobs."
On this day in 1988, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "A Summoning Of Thunder, Part 1." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"It is the 15th anniversary of Dr. Stuart Power's death. As Jonathan Power is lost in memories while visiting his fathers grave, Overmind urges Lord Dread to take this opportunity to ambush his adversary."
"It is the 15th anniversary of Dr. Stuart Power's death. As Jonathan Power is lost in memories while visiting his fathers grave, Overmind urges Lord Dread to take this opportunity to ambush his adversary."
On this day in 1990, Quantum Leap aired "Her Charm." This served as the fifteenth episode of the show's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As an FBI agent Sam has to protect a female witness when the people after her seem to know his every step."
"As an FBI agent Sam has to protect a female witness when the people after her seem to know his every step."
On this day in 1992, The Ray Bradbury Theater aired "The Utterly Perfect Murder." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a boy, piano prodigy Douglas was tormented by a gang of bullies led by Ralph. Now, fifty years later, Doug looks for closure in his life--by traveling back to his hometown and murdering Ralph."
"As a boy, piano prodigy Douglas was tormented by a gang of bullies led by Ralph. Now, fifty years later, Doug looks for closure in his life--by traveling back to his hometown and murdering Ralph."
As much as others loved Q and the whole idea of the Q Continuum, rarely did I see him and/or them as little more than a convenient plot device. Now, that doesn't mean they weren't used well, but in Q's only appearance aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine there really wasn't much call for him. "Q-Less" aired as part of the first season in 1993 -- the show's sixth episode -- and I found it largely forgettable.
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Missing." This hour served as the second in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Darien tries to make a withdrawal from an ATM, he is mugged and the muggers also take Selma. So with a veteran cop he tries to get her back."
"When Darien tries to make a withdrawal from an ATM, he is mugged and the muggers also take Selma. So with a veteran cop he tries to get her back."
On this day in 1997, Red Dwarf aired "Duct Soup." This served as the fourth episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kryten thinks Lister likes Konchanski better than him and is making a fuss about it. When the primary power goes off and they all get stuck in a room they have no choice but to climb into the ventilation ducts and try to escape. While inside the ducts they discover Lister is claustrophobic! After hours of scurrying around they end up back out in the same room."
"Kryten thinks Lister likes Konchanski better than him and is making a fuss about it. When the primary power goes off and they all get stuck in a room they have no choice but to climb into the ventilation ducts and try to escape. While inside the ducts they discover Lister is claustrophobic! After hours of scurrying around they end up back out in the same room."
On this day in 1998, Superman: The Animated Series aired "Apokolips ... Now! Part 1." This served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Orion, an alien escapee from the planet Apokolips, seeks Superman's help in his effort to stop Darkseid from conquering Earth."
"Orion, an alien escapee from the planet Apokolips, seeks Superman's help in his effort to stop Darkseid from conquering Earth."
On this day in 1999, The X-Files aired "Two Fathers." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The alien rebels return to kill abductees including Scully and Cassandra Spender. With the Syndicate in shambles, the Cigarette Smoking Man reveals the truth to Agent Spender hoping that he will continue his work."
"The alien rebels return to kill abductees including Scully and Cassandra Spender. With the Syndicate in shambles, the Cigarette Smoking Man reveals the truth to Agent Spender hoping that he will continue his work."
On this day in 2000, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Scorched Earth." This served as the fourteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Bombings begin at embassies and Liam believes they may reignite the SI (Sino-Indian) War, which ended with an armistice several years before. An old intelligence agency friend of Renee's has interesting holographic technology."
"Bombings begin at embassies and Liam believes they may reignite the SI (Sino-Indian) War, which ended with an armistice several years before. An old intelligence agency friend of Renee's has interesting holographic technology."
On this day in 2001, UPN's Seven Days aired "Raven." This served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A missile test disaster sends Parker back in time to find a beautiful revenge-minded thief who has stolen the device that will cause the disaster."
"A missile test disaster sends Parker back in time to find a beautiful revenge-minded thief who has stolen the device that will cause the disaster."
To its credit, Star Trek: Voyager did find some very creative ways to visit some of the characters and species we were vastly more familiar with from the Alpha Quadrant. "Prophecy" -- it aired on this day in 2001 -- saw the ship coming across a Klingon transport that left its home over 100 years ago; when these newly-discovered Klingons receive word of B'Elanna's pregnancy, they believe the child may very well be their savior.
On this day in 2001, Starhunter aired the fifteenth episode of its first season, an hour aptly titled "Dark and Stormy Night." According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's what it was all about:
"Darius comes aboard the Tulip to talk with Dante and his daughter Luc. There he reveals information about the Divinity Cluster and Luc's mission to investigate those who are changing because of it. He also asks Dante to work for the Orchard and tells him that he is more involved than he realizes. He explains that Dante's deceased wife Penny, (once a geneticist on Titan), was close to unlocking the secrets of the Cluster herself and that her experiments on their son Travis, were very important in the research. Upon leaving, Darius' shuttle explodes leaving Luc to fend for herself against the treachery of the Orchard."
"Darius comes aboard the Tulip to talk with Dante and his daughter Luc. There he reveals information about the Divinity Cluster and Luc's mission to investigate those who are changing because of it. He also asks Dante to work for the Orchard and tells him that he is more involved than he realizes. He explains that Dante's deceased wife Penny, (once a geneticist on Titan), was close to unlocking the secrets of the Cluster herself and that her experiments on their son Travis, were very important in the research. Upon leaving, Darius' shuttle explodes leaving Luc to fend for herself against the treachery of the Orchard."
On this day in 2003, Farscape aired its sixteenth episode of its fourth (and final) season, an hour titled "Bringing Home The Beacon." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The girls are out looking for an item that will camouflage Moya from long-range scans on an outpost in Tormented Space. While they are waiting for their part, they spot Braca and Grayza with a complement of Peacekeepers searching for them. They must lay low for 4 hours while they wait for their technology to be ready."
"The girls are out looking for an item that will camouflage Moya from long-range scans on an outpost in Tormented Space. While they are waiting for their part, they spot Braca and Grayza with a complement of Peacekeepers searching for them. They must lay low for 4 hours while they wait for their technology to be ready."
On this day in 2003, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Metamorphosis." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Russian SG team brings back a man who claims that his people are being experimented on by Nirrti. SG-1 investigate where the experiments are conducted, with the Russian SG team as backup. The inhabitants worship Nirrti as their god and savior from a terrible plague. SG-1 attempts to use the same device Nirrti used on the people to reverse the mutations, but the people turn on them at the arrival of Nirrti."
"The Russian SG team brings back a man who claims that his people are being experimented on by Nirrti. SG-1 investigate where the experiments are conducted, with the Russian SG team as backup. The inhabitants worship Nirrti as their god and savior from a terrible plague. SG-1 attempts to use the same device Nirrti used on the people to reverse the mutations, but the people turn on them at the arrival of Nirrti."
On this day in 2006, Hyperdrive aired "Clare." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While scanning the galaxy for drug smugglers, the Camden Lock encounters the ship of the round-the-galaxy solo spacewoman, Clare Winchester. Concerned for her mental wellbeing, Henderson decides to put the mission on hold to do a little bonding. He finds Clare a mass of neuroses and superstitions - she also appears to have a tortuous relationship with a 'Mr. Cup'. When his poster of an orangutan fails to improve her outlook, the two row. Desperate to cheer her up, Henderson doles out more and more flattery until she finally forgives him. However, when he goes to leave, Clare has other ideas. York's newly instated self-defense drills are toughening the crew up, but will they be hard enough to rescue the commander?"
"While scanning the galaxy for drug smugglers, the Camden Lock encounters the ship of the round-the-galaxy solo spacewoman, Clare Winchester. Concerned for her mental wellbeing, Henderson decides to put the mission on hold to do a little bonding. He finds Clare a mass of neuroses and superstitions - she also appears to have a tortuous relationship with a 'Mr. Cup'. When his poster of an orangutan fails to improve her outlook, the two row. Desperate to cheer her up, Henderson doles out more and more flattery until she finally forgives him. However, when he goes to leave, Clare has other ideas. York's newly instated self-defense drills are toughening the crew up, but will they be hard enough to rescue the commander?"
It all came down to this: on this day in 2009, Demons bowed out of existence with the airing of "Nothing Like Nebraska." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Luke starts having nightmares. An old adversary returns, and sets to work turning Luke against Rupert. Luke discovers the truth about the car accident in which his father died."
"Luke starts having nightmares. An old adversary returns, and sets to work turning Luke against Rupert. Luke discovers the truth about the car accident in which his father died."
On this day in 2018, The X-Files aired "Kitten." This served as the sixth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Skinner goes AWOL when his past comes back to haunt him. As Mulder and Scully try to track him down, their growing mistrust of him reaches its apex."
"Skinner goes AWOL when his past comes back to haunt him. As Mulder and Scully try to track him down, their growing mistrust of him reaches its apex."
