In the 1980's, TV veteran Marc Singer had a terrific run as the face of the Earth's resistance against the alien threat of NBC's V (both the pair of miniseries and the subsequent television program). As 'Mike Donovan,' he showed those pesky, flesh-eating lizards a thing or two, didn't he? And which of the ladies can ever forget his turn as 'Dar' in The Beastmaster (1982) for Leisure Investment Company? Singer was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though Victor Mature's resume is full of much main mainstream fare as opposed to genre entries, he did make appearances aboard One Million B.C. (1940) and TV's Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea. Though he's no longer with us, Mature was born on this day in 1913. [Source: IMDB.com]
For a short time (about half a television season), actor Robert Pastene played legendary spaceman Buck Rogers aboard the early 1950's TV serial of the same name. Though he's no longer with us, Pastene was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though the overwhelming bulk of her career was spent in mainstream fare, the lovely Dorothy Malone did squeeze in a genre appearance aboard The Being (1983) for Bill Osco Productions. Though she's no longer with us, Malone was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Katharine Ross showed the world what consequences beauty could bring in her work aboard the seminal The Stepford Wives (1975). Back in 2001, she enjoyed a role aboard the Fantasy/Cult film Donnie Darko for Pandora Cinema. Ross was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
That immortal classic -- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope -- is populated by faces that'll occupy our collective consciousness for centuries, if not longer. Today's evidence: actor Peter Sumner played the uncredited role of 'Lt. Pol Treidum' oh-so-briefly in the film, but he'll be remembered by fanatics forever because of it. Though he's no longer with us, Sumner was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tom Selleck has enough charisma that even he can add gravitas to an unusually dull picture. Case in point: 1984's Runaway -- which incidentally was written and directed by the late Michael Crichton. Selleck plays an officer named 'Ramsay' who specializes in stopping malfunctioning robots. The film cast rock band KISS frontman Gene Simmons (the one with the tongue) as the heavy in his first theatrical role. Coolness. Selleck was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of Ann Jillian's earliest screen appearances was aboard an episode of Rod Serling's landmark Fantasy television series The Twilight Zone. Jillian was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Paul Fusco is the talented actor who gave the puppety ALF his vocal existence across a handful of television properties. Fusco was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
It takes a mighty big lady to make a grand entrance into the wide, wide world of cinematic Fantasy, and there are none heftier than media mogul Oprah Winfrey. She was one of the giant players recruited to headline Walt Disney's A Wrinkle In Time (2018) adaptation of the beloved Madeleine L'Engle novel. Perhaps deservedly (based on the reviews), the film crashed and burned at the box office. Winfrey was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
The always impressive Terry Kinney played a troubled school teacher who finds himself distraught over what's become of his world aboard "The Father Thing," an episode of Amazon Studio's interesting Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams. Kinney was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
Long-time television actress Judy Norton enjoyed a guest appearance aboard the long-running Stargate SG-1. She also visited the weird of TV's So Weird. Norton was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Leif Andrée played a man frustrated at the intrusion of technology into his daily life aboard the Swedish SciFi original Real Humans. (I've seen this first season on DVD, and it's quite good, though I think I prefer the AMC adaptation more.) Andrée was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jeph Loeb roared on to the comics' writing scene penning some absolutely stellar stories involving key characters like Batman, Superman, Spider-man, and the Hulk. It wasn't long before Hollywood came calling, and he's worked on such programs as Lost, Smallville, Heroes, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Loeb was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jenny McShane hasn't done much by way of Science Fiction or Fantasy, but a recurring guest spot aboard NBC's popular Grimm deserves a mention. Plus she did have a role aboard Cyborg Cop III (1995) for Millennium Films. McShane was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Strong, confident women have a terrific history in filling out some wonderful roles in science fiction movies and television. And it doesn't hurt when you're as easy on the eyes as Bobbie Phillips. She first came to my attention in a wonderful yet small role in an episode of The X-Files, but she followed it up with even meatier work on Stargate: SG-1 and a trilogy of made-for-TV films (Chameleon) where she played a super-killer female cyborg. Phillips was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Critical darling Edward Burns tried Science Fiction on for size with a leading role in 2005's A Sound Of Thunder, an ambitious cinematic adaptation of a Ray Bradbury short story. Burns was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
True Blood's Sam Trammell (above center) played a role aboard 2007's disappointing Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem for 20th Century Fox. Trammell was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
If national treasure Heather Graham isn't a gift from God, then I don't know who is? I loved her when she burst onto the scene back in the early 90's as part of TV's Twin Peaks, and I loved her even more when she took over the role of 'Judy Robinson' in the Lost In Space reboot. Too bad that property didn't survive. Graham was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
During his time on our plane of existence, the late Brad Sihvon enjoyed a guest spot aboard the long-running Stargate: SG-1. Though he's no longer with us, Sihvon was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sharif Atkins has only dabbled in the realm of Fantasy with some small roles aboard The 4400, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and Sleepy Hollow. Atkins was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation: Tracy Lynn Cruz played the 'Yellow Ranger' aboard a small handful of Power Rangers' properties. Cruz was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, be still my fragile heart! The shockingly beautiful Suzie Kennedy is one of the world's most beautiful Marilyn Monroe lookalikes, and she enjoyed a background role as the screen siren herself aboard Blade Runner 2049 (2017). Kennedy was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Long before Stephen Amell did the Green Arrow justice aboard the popular Arrow program on the CW, Justin Hartley did it during his stint on the WB's Smallville. Hartley was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Andrew Keegan found himself shirtless and immortal as the star of 2002's Apocalyptic Teenage Caveman. He's also enjoyed brief screen time in the original Independence Day (1996). Keegan was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Around about the time when young Jason James Richter was taking a stand on behalf of whales everywhere to Free Willy, he also made an appearance in the underwhelming SciFi flick, Laserhawk. Richter was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
Remember what William Shakespeare said (at least, I think it was Shakespeare): watch out for a woman scorned! That lovely lady -- with the Transforming prosthetics coming out of her mouth -- is the comely Isabel Lucas. She appeared as Alice in the craptacular Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009). Lucas was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Everyone knows that good Fantasy is Science Fiction's "kissin' cousin," so kudos to the lovely Jessica Marais for her role as 'Denna' aboard the short-lived Legend of the Seeker. The actress also turned in excellent work as part of Starz Network's Magic City, a 60's era crime drama. Marais was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Catrin Stewart has enjoyed several popular appearances as the character of 'Jenny Flint' in the universe of Doctor Who! Stewart was born on this day in 1988. [Source: Doctor Who Online]
Fresh-faced MacKenzie Porter lit up the small screen during her guest run aboard the period drama Hell On Wheels, and thankfully she's appeared aboard such properties as Supernatural and Ice Quake (2010) so that I can give her a shoutout from these humble pages. More recently, she enjoyed major focus as part of the time travel mystery Travelers. Porter was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in the Philippines), Flash Gordon Conquers The Universe enjoyed a theatrical release. Directed by Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor, the SciFi/Adventure starred Buster Crabbe, Carol Hughes, and Charles Middleton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov return to the planet Mongo for an antidote to the Purple Death, which wreaking destruction on Earth. However, Ming the Merciless has other plans for them."
"Flash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Zarkov return to the planet Mongo for an antidote to the Purple Death, which wreaking destruction on Earth. However, Ming the Merciless has other plans for them."
A star is born! On this day in 1956 (in Japan), audiences were delivered a dire Warning From Space (aka Uchûjin Tôkyô ni arawaru)! Kôji Shima directed from a story emerging from the minds of Gentaro Nakajima and Hideo Oguni; and the film starred Keizô Kawasaki, Toyomi Karita, and Bin Yagisawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"UFOs are seen around Tokyo. Because they look like giant starfish the aliens cannot approach us without creating panic. Hence one of them sacrifices itself and takes the form of a popular female singer. It/she warns mankind that a meteor will crash on Earth. While the approaching meteor causes hotter and hotter weather, mankind runs and builds a last-chance anti-meteor weapon."
For the record:
At the 1956 Asia-Pacific Film Festival, Warning From Space took home three big wins, scoring trophies in the categories of 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Special Effects.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Iin 2020, I was fortunate to have received a complimentary Blu-ray of Warning From Space from the good people at Arrow Films. Interested in knowing what I thought of this SciFi/Fantasy throwback? My review can be found right here.
"UFOs are seen around Tokyo. Because they look like giant starfish the aliens cannot approach us without creating panic. Hence one of them sacrifices itself and takes the form of a popular female singer. It/she warns mankind that a meteor will crash on Earth. While the approaching meteor causes hotter and hotter weather, mankind runs and builds a last-chance anti-meteor weapon."
For the record:
At the 1956 Asia-Pacific Film Festival, Warning From Space took home three big wins, scoring trophies in the categories of 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Special Effects.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
Iin 2020, I was fortunate to have received a complimentary Blu-ray of Warning From Space from the good people at Arrow Films. Interested in knowing what I thought of this SciFi/Fantasy throwback? My review can be found right here.
A star is born! Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb is the kind of film that scholars love to call science fiction. In some respects, I suppose that's an accurate characterization (even IMDB.com lists it as that), but it's clearly much more of a comedy with satirical elements than it is anything else. Whatever the case, I'll happily list it here, as it was first released theatrically on this day in 1964.
What?! You've never seen Zaat?!?! Oh, dear Lord, you've no idea what you're missing! This cult SciFi stinker was released in theatres on this day in 1971. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer."
"A mad scientist transforms himself into an aquatic killer."
On this day in 1972 (in Italy), Short Night Of Glass Dolls enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Aldo Lado, the Fantasy/Horror starred Ingrid Thulin, Jean Sorel, and Mario Adorf. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An American journalist temporarily stationed in Central Europe searches for his new girlfriend, who has suddenly disappeared."
"An American journalist temporarily stationed in Central Europe searches for his new girlfriend, who has suddenly disappeared."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), George Lucas's original SciFi/Fantasy classic Star Wars opened in theatres. The feature starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader."
On this day in 1988, Biggles: Adventures In Time found limited theatrical success. The feature starred Neil Dickson and Fiona Hutchison, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Daring British WWI fighter pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth and 1980s low-level business executive Jim Ferguson discover that they can time travel to each other's eras. They try to stop the Germans from changing the outcome of WWI."
"Daring British WWI fighter pilot James "Biggles" Bigglesworth and 1980s low-level business executive Jim Ferguson discover that they can time travel to each other's eras. They try to stop the Germans from changing the outcome of WWI."
A star is born! On this day in 1989, the gruesome spectacle that was Lobster Man From Mars first found theatrical release. The feature starred Deborah Foreman and Dean Jacobsen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Young film student tries to sell his weird movie to a desperate film producer who is in need of a tax write-off. The producer screens the film "Lobster Man From Mars". What follows is one of the most bizarre and funny film within-a-film sendups: Mars suffers from an air leakage, and send the dreaded Lobster Man to Earth to steal its air. The plot is foiled by a mad scientist, a girl, and an army colonel. The producer buys the movie, but it makes a huge profit and the producer is sent to jail, with the film student taking his place as the studio hot shot."
"Young film student tries to sell his weird movie to a desperate film producer who is in need of a tax write-off. The producer screens the film "Lobster Man From Mars". What follows is one of the most bizarre and funny film within-a-film sendups: Mars suffers from an air leakage, and send the dreaded Lobster Man to Earth to steal its air. The plot is foiled by a mad scientist, a girl, and an army colonel. The producer buys the movie, but it makes a huge profit and the producer is sent to jail, with the film student taking his place as the studio hot shot."
On this day in 1993, Albert Pyun's Nemesis premiered theatrically. Given the fact that it was directed by Pyun, I suspect the film's plot summary makes it sound much better than it actually is (a little something I've termed 'the Pyun Paradox' over the years):
"An retired cyborg Los Angeles policeman is forced out of retirement and is assigned to apprehend his former partner whom is smuggling data to a terrorist organization that plots to assassinate government officials."
"An retired cyborg Los Angeles policeman is forced out of retirement and is assigned to apprehend his former partner whom is smuggling data to a terrorist organization that plots to assassinate government officials."
On this day in 1993 (in Romania), Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall enjoyed a run at the multiplexes. The SciFi feature starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or does he?"
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Chupacabra Terror enjoyed its home video debut. Written (in part) and directed by John Shepphird, the Fantasy/Horror starred John Rhys-Davies, Dylan Neal, and Chelan Simmons. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When cryptozoologist Dr. Peña traps the legendary Chupacabra on a remote Caribbean island, he smuggles it aboard a cruise ship with disastrous results."
"When cryptozoologist Dr. Peña traps the legendary Chupacabra on a remote Caribbean island, he smuggles it aboard a cruise ship with disastrous results."
On this day in 2009 (in Estonia), Category 7: The End Of The World served up a visual spectacle exploring the end of the world as we know it. The project starred Cameron Daddo, Gina Gershon, and Shannen Doherty. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2011, the SciFi/Telefilm Super Tanker saw its fortunes squandered. The feature starred Callum Blue and Jon Mack, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A Super Tanker is commissioned to carry a deadly cold war artifact (ICE-10, an anti-matter weapon developed from fragments brought to Earth by a meteor) and drop it in the deepest trench in the world. However the material is quite unstable and it should be contain until reach destination."
"A Super Tanker is commissioned to carry a deadly cold war artifact (ICE-10, an anti-matter weapon developed from fragments brought to Earth by a meteor) and drop it in the deepest trench in the world. However the material is quite unstable and it should be contain until reach destination."
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Germany), Arrowhead (aka Alien Arrival) enjoyed its first exhibition ever with a home video release to the masses-at-large. Written and directed by Jesse O'Brien, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dan Mor, Aleisha Rose, and Mark Redpath. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tech is sprung from prison by a revolutionary leader who promises him an opportunity to save his father from a scheduled execution if he completes a data-stealing mission. But it goes awry, stranding him on a strange alien moon."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrowhead enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A tech is sprung from prison by a revolutionary leader who promises him an opportunity to save his father from a scheduled execution if he completes a data-stealing mission. But it goes awry, stranding him on a strange alien moon."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Arrowhead enjoyed a wee bit of attention from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Marvel's Black Panther enjoyed its first theatrical engagement when it was screened for audiences in Los Angeles, California. Written (in part) and directed by Ryan Coogler, the Fantasy feature starred Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, and Lupita Nyong'o. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"T'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past."
For the record:
Black Panther was the recipient of a great amount of attention throughout the cinema's awards season.
"T'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past."
For the record:
Black Panther was the recipient of a great amount of attention throughout the cinema's awards season.
- At the 2018 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the film brought home trophies in the categories of 'Best Comic-To-Film Motion Picture,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Director.' Unfortunately, it had to settle for nominations only the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Editing,' 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Writing.'
- At the 2019 Academy Awards, the film brought home trophies in the categories of 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score),' 'Best Achievement in Costume Design,' and 'Best Achievement in Production Design.' It did have to settle for the honor of receiving a nomination alone in the categories of 'Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song),' 'Best Motion Picture Of The Year,' 'Best Achievement In Sound Editing,' and 'Best Achievement In Sound Mixing.'
- At the 2019 Hugo Awards, Black Panther enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Long Form.'
On this day in 1955, Space Patrol aired "Double Trouble." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Yula and Ramo think that the Space Patrolmen have been abandoned in deep space so they travel to Terra to unlease their androids to capture the central world of the United Planets. In a final attempt to perserve the United Planets, Buzz Corry and Cadet Happy come back to Terra to confront Ramo and Yula."
"Yula and Ramo think that the Space Patrolmen have been abandoned in deep space so they travel to Terra to unlease their androids to capture the central world of the United Planets. In a final attempt to perserve the United Planets, Buzz Corry and Cadet Happy come back to Terra to confront Ramo and Yula."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "A Mighty Mite." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"T.J. is constantly teased about his diminutive stature - that is until the Polaris springs a deadly fuel link and only a man T.J.'s size can affect the repairs to save the ship and its crew."
"T.J. is constantly teased about his diminutive stature - that is until the Polaris springs a deadly fuel link and only a man T.J.'s size can affect the repairs to save the ship and its crew."
On this day in 1960, Rod Serling through open the door for another look into The Twilight Zone. "The Fever" was the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An elderly man catches gambling fever from a slot machine that he believes is calling his name."
"An elderly man catches gambling fever from a slot machine that he believes is calling his name."
On this day in 1972, Doctor Who began an all-new adventure as part of his ninth season. The fifth episode was titled "The Curse of Peladon: Part 1," and the action as recorded by IMDB.com is as follows:
"The Doctor and Jo arrive on the medieval planet Peladon, where the Doctor is mistaken for the Earth Delegate of the Galactic Federation and Jo is mistaken for a princess. Where the Doctor uncovers a conspiracy, as he exposes the evil scheme of the high-priest Hepesh who bids to prevent King Peladon from joining the galactic Federation."
"The Doctor and Jo arrive on the medieval planet Peladon, where the Doctor is mistaken for the Earth Delegate of the Galactic Federation and Jo is mistaken for a princess. Where the Doctor uncovers a conspiracy, as he exposes the evil scheme of the high-priest Hepesh who bids to prevent King Peladon from joining the galactic Federation."
On this day in 1976, Space:1999 started ticking down the final episodes of its first season with the airing of "Space Brain." Here's the plot summary, as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alien hieroglyphics appear on all of Alpha's screens and Koenig sends an Eagle to investigate. The Eagle is lost and the pilot is taken over by a huge, alien 'Space Brain', using him as a channel to make the Alphans do its bidding. Koenig has to destroy it."
"Alien hieroglyphics appear on all of Alpha's screens and Koenig sends an Eagle to investigate. The Eagle is lost and the pilot is taken over by a huge, alien 'Space Brain', using him as a channel to make the Alphans do its bidding. Koenig has to destroy it."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "Mad New Ruler of Spectra." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Professor Doriarity is recruited by Spectra to make a robot horse army. The Great Spirit makes the Professor the new Ruler of Spectra in exchange for the army and G-Force goes to Spectra to stop him. They arrive to find that Spectra has turned on the Professor and they must now rescue the Professor and stop the robot horse army."
"Professor Doriarity is recruited by Spectra to make a robot horse army. The Great Spirit makes the Professor the new Ruler of Spectra in exchange for the army and G-Force goes to Spectra to stop him. They arrive to find that Spectra has turned on the Professor and they must now rescue the Professor and stop the robot horse army."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "Dark Island." This was the first official episode of the recurring series (following the pilot telefilm), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Salvage 1 crew become stranded on a remote island off the coast of Africa and are menaced by a gigantic ape."
"The Salvage 1 crew become stranded on a remote island off the coast of Africa and are menaced by a gigantic ape."
On this day in 1981, Buck and Hawk discover a curious box with the ability to shift time in "The Guardians" on a second season episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.
On this day in 1990, Alien Nation aired "Generation to Generation." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Several parties claim ownership of a mysterious Tenctonese box that leaves a trail of death in its wake, including Francisco's eccentric Uncle Moodri."
"Several parties claim ownership of a mysterious Tenctonese box that leaves a trail of death in its wake, including Francisco's eccentric Uncle Moodri."
On this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired "Time to Reap." This served as the eleventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"The Eternal instructs Malzor on how he can go back in time to 1953 in the aftermath of the failed invasion to ensure victory by inoculating his brethren from Earth's bacteria in order to change the course of history in the favour of the Morthren race. However, Blackwood and Kincaid have followed him through the same time tunnel to stop him from succeeding in giving the aliens a huge advantage in their conquest."
"The Eternal instructs Malzor on how he can go back in time to 1953 in the aftermath of the failed invasion to ensure victory by inoculating his brethren from Earth's bacteria in order to change the course of history in the favour of the Morthren race. However, Blackwood and Kincaid have followed him through the same time tunnel to stop him from succeeding in giving the aliens a huge advantage in their conquest."
"Sub Rosa" has deservedly been dubbed one of the worst episodes in Star Trek: The Next Generation's seven year run. A love story and a ghost story set on a distant planet where Dr. Crusher gets her groove back with a disappearing alien? Say it isn't so! This stinker first aired on this day back in 1994, and methinks it's all best just forgotten.
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired "Voices of Authority." This served as the fifth episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sheridan has an interesting time dealing with the new Political Officer stationed by EarthGov and Ivonova visits the planet below Babylon 5 in search of the "first ones"."
"Sheridan has an interesting time dealing with the new Political Officer stationed by EarthGov and Ivonova visits the planet below Babylon 5 in search of the "first ones"."
On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Crossfire" as part of its fourth season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"First Minister Shakaar visits the station, despite a threat of assassination. He falls in love with Kira much to Odo's dismay."
"First Minister Shakaar visits the station, despite a threat of assassination. He falls in love with Kira much to Odo's dismay."
Oh, salamander commander! On this day in 1996, Star Trek: Voyager showed us what happens when a pilot goes too far too fast ... and then he spoons with his captain! Here's the episode summary for "Threshold," compliments of TrekCore.com:
"Paris attempts to travel in a shuttle at Warp 10 and successfully breaks the barrier, but then he begins to mutate into an amphibian and his tongue falls out. Though the Doctor devises a treatment, Paris escapes, kidnapping Janeway and forcing her to transform as well."
"Paris attempts to travel in a shuttle at Warp 10 and successfully breaks the barrier, but then he begins to mutate into an amphibian and his tongue falls out. Though the Doctor devises a treatment, Paris escapes, kidnapping Janeway and forcing her to transform as well."
On this day in 1997, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Coda" ... and a whole world of slash fan-fiction was brought to life. Here's the episode summary for this hour which aired during the program's third season:
"Chakotay and Janeway crash on a planet and are are stuck in a time loop where Janeway dies."
"Chakotay and Janeway crash on a planet and are are stuck in a time loop where Janeway dies."
On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "A Matter of Time." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Stargate Command opens a wormhole to a planet with a black hole in orbit."
"Stargate Command opens a wormhole to a planet with a black hole in orbit."
On this day in 2000, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Camelot" into television syndication. This served as the fourteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a powerful 16-year-old king takes a liking to her, Marguerite finds herself in trouble."
"When a powerful 16-year-old king takes a liking to her, Marguerite finds herself in trouble."
On this day in 2001, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "The Mathematics Of Tears." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Trance has taken an unannounced vacation, Dylan and the rest of the crew investigate the remains of a derelict High Guard starship, the Pax Magellanic. There they find the last of the crew over 300 years old, but seemingly unaffected by age. They claim that it is due to radiation from the destroyed planet nearby and since their slipstream drive was irreparably damaged, they have remained in the asteroid ruins of the planet."
"While Trance has taken an unannounced vacation, Dylan and the rest of the crew investigate the remains of a derelict High Guard starship, the Pax Magellanic. There they find the last of the crew over 300 years old, but seemingly unaffected by age. They claim that it is due to radiation from the destroyed planet nearby and since their slipstream drive was irreparably damaged, they have remained in the asteroid ruins of the planet."
On this day in 2002, the WB's Smallville aired "Shimmer." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex and his girlfriend, Victoria, are attacked by an invisible entity. Suspicion falls upon the Palmer family, who are caretakers at Lex's mansion. Chloe believes that daughter Anna Palmer is responsible because of her jealousy of Victoria."
"Lex and his girlfriend, Victoria, are attacked by an invisible entity. Suspicion falls upon the Palmer family, who are caretakers at Lex's mansion. Chloe believes that daughter Anna Palmer is responsible because of her jealousy of Victoria."
On this day in 2003, Odyssey 5 aired the next episode in its only season. It was called "Follow the Leader," and here's the summary from TV.com:
"The team uncovers a Sentient plot to use elementary school students in the creation of a Doomsday weapon."
"The team uncovers a Sentient plot to use elementary school students in the creation of a Doomsday weapon."
On this day in 2010, Star Wars: The Clone Wars unveiled "The Mandalore Plot" as the twelfth episode of the show's second season. According to IMDB.com, here's the summary:
"Firmly opposed to war, Duchess Satine of Mandalore heads The Council of Neutral Systems. Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates rumors of the resurgence of the so-called Death Watch on her planet."
"Firmly opposed to war, Duchess Satine of Mandalore heads The Council of Neutral Systems. Obi-Wan Kenobi investigates rumors of the resurgence of the so-called Death Watch on her planet."
On this day in 2011, Primeval aired the sixth episode of its fourth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the relevant plot points for those interested:
"Doglike Hyenadons come through an anomaly in the basement of a stately home and when the team go to investigate they meet ex-ARC worker Jenny Lewis,who is about to get married in the hall. It is a true epiphany for Jennifer's groom,unaware of her background,as he and other terrified guests watch Jenny and her old colleagues push the creatures back through the portal. Jess saves Becker from being killed by a booby trap rigged up by Ethan,whose police record from 1900 shows him to be a wanted assassin and anarchist in his own time. Matt learns that Emily was once the subject of a marriage of convenience before promising his expiring father, Gideon,that he will catch Ethan."
"Doglike Hyenadons come through an anomaly in the basement of a stately home and when the team go to investigate they meet ex-ARC worker Jenny Lewis,who is about to get married in the hall. It is a true epiphany for Jennifer's groom,unaware of her background,as he and other terrified guests watch Jenny and her old colleagues push the creatures back through the portal. Jess saves Becker from being killed by a booby trap rigged up by Ethan,whose police record from 1900 shows him to be a wanted assassin and anarchist in his own time. Matt learns that Emily was once the subject of a marriage of convenience before promising his expiring father, Gideon,that he will catch Ethan."
On this day in 2016, Fox TV's Second Chance aired "From Darkness, The Sun." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pritchard tries to prove to Duval that he was a better police officer and man than his son ever knew. Meanwhile, he and Duval go up against a deadly psycho and another father-son duo that is out to cause trouble."
"Pritchard tries to prove to Duval that he was a better police officer and man than his son ever knew. Meanwhile, he and Duval go up against a deadly psycho and another father-son duo that is out to cause trouble."
