Gotta be honest: I personally never much cared for Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy novel. It's on my Bucket List to re-read, however, as I probably didn't give it a fair enough shake at the time. I recall being a bit put off by the humor, thinking it was layered on a bit too thick for my tastes. But -- as they say -- to each his own. In any event, the BBC aired a reasonably popular television adaptation of the book which premiered on this day back in 1981. Here's the plot summary for the award-winning program that's provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect escape the destruction of Earth only to face incredible trials, tribulations and adventures in space and time."
"Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect escape the destruction of Earth only to face incredible trials, tribulations and adventures in space and time."
One never knows what kind of 'truth' there is to find out there on the World Wide Web, but according to a blurb or two I've read the Wachowskis -- the creative siblings who launched SciFi into the 2000's with their property The Matrix -- have credited the Australian Science Fiction program The Girl From Tomorrow as one of their inspirations behind the franchise. Having never seen the serial, I can't attest to how well the inspiration served, but it does give one 'inspiration' to seek out and explore the show. Furthermore, Girl does have a fairly solid viewer rating on IMDB.com, so this one might be worth another look. In any event, the show premiered (in Australia) on this day in back in 1991.
As a person who totally digs programs involving artificial beings taking the shape of regular humans, I'd put out the call for recommendations once, and a nice fellow recommended Eve to me. (It premiered on this day in the United Kingdom back in 2015.) He did warn me that he found some of the drama to be a bit more kid-friendly than he expected, but that's no problem for me. Alas, I haven't had the time to get around to it yet, nor have I found it immediately available on any platforms I'm currently subscribed to. I will have to seek it out and explore, though, in the future. In any event, here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Life changes beyond recognition for the Clarke family when Eve, the world's first fully sentient 'artificial person', comes to live under their roof."
"Life changes beyond recognition for the Clarke family when Eve, the world's first fully sentient 'artificial person', comes to live under their roof."
For a few generations of comic book fans, George Reeves was Superman, that visitor from a distant planet with abilities beyond those of mortal men. He was cast as the iconic strongman in 1952, and Adventures of Superman lasted for six crime-fighting seasons, though the quality varied just a bit. Still, it was an impressive body of work that put him front-and-center in the entertainment industry, and fans continue to flock to the property thanks to Reeves contribution to it. Though he's no longer with us, Reeves was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek's first season offered up "The Man Trap," in which the venerable Alfred Ryder had a brief appearance alongside Kirk and company. Ryder also booked appearances on The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Invaders, Land of the Giants, The Six Million Dollar Man, and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Though he's no longer with us, Ryder was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in his professional career, the venerable Dan Sturkie had a terrific guest role as an aging starfighter pilot aboard the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century episode, "Return of the Fighting 69th." Though he's no longer with us, Sturkie was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert Duvall captained a shuttlecraft he hoped would save our planet from certain doom in Deep Impact (1998). Though he's best known for his dramatic work, Duvall does occasionally look at sci-fi projects only when the writing is smart. He was born on this day in 1931, and he continues to be one of the hardest working men in his profession today.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With only thirty screen credits to her name, genre fans may not have ever heard of Cynthia Chenault, though she did enjoy a small role aboard the Horror/SciFi flick I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957) for Sunset Productions. Chenault was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The beautiful Dany Saval flirted with the Final Frontier by way of appearing aboard the SciFi/Comedy Moon Pilot (1962) for Walt Disney Pictures. Saval was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Roger Spottiswoode has played in the James Bond universe, wherein he directed Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), but he's also given Science Fiction a try with Arnold Schwarzenegger's The 6th Day (2000). Spottiswoode was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days when Woody Allen focused on being funnier more than socially and/or critically relevant, the lovely Diane Keaton joined him aboard the SciFi/Comedy Sleeper (1973) for United Artists. Keaton was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
How do you make a generation of young men and women who grew up watching you as TV's original Nancy Drew forget all about it so you can segue into more adult fare? Well, one way might be posing for a Playboy picture, which the lovely Pamela Sue Martin did. I don't know. I honestly think those young boys -- and maybe some girls -- might be searching those photos out as they grew up alongside you on television, but maybe that's just me. In 1990, the actress headlined the SciFi/Fantasy Sky Trackers for Australian Children's Television Foundation and the Disney Channel. Martin was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A lovely Cisse Cameron announced her presence with authority in the MST3K-maligned Space Mutiny (1988), but SciFi fans are always quick to forgive those who play dress-up. Cameron was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've got nothing but respect for the work of character actor Clancy Brown. From his days in Highlander all the way up to his voicework as Lex Luther in Superman: The Animated Series, the man continues to delight his fans with one smart characterization after another. Get that man a franchise! Brown was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Growing up as I did on a steady diet of Batman comic books, I can tell you with convinction that one of my favorite villainous creations of the past few decades was Bane, the man who broke the Bat. Sadly, I hated what the movie Batman and Robin (1997) did with the character, but that's not fault attributed to the late Jeep Swenson who played him on the silver screen. Though he's no longer with us, Swenson was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Suzi Amis closed out her professional acting career with a role aboard Judgment Day (1999), and that's not the Terminator sequel but an Ice-T SciFi-lite flick. Interesting tidbit: not long after that, she married James Cameron, director of the first two Terminator films. Go figure. Amis was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Like so many long-time Star Wars fans, I thought much of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was pretty epic. To be honest, I especially liked Wen Jiang's grizzled warrior 'Baze Malbus' quite a bit. Jiang was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Classic sexiness like that belong to actress Emily Longstreth never goes out of style. Though she's probably remember more for her work aboard comedies, she did give SciFi fans work in Star Crystal (1986) and Wired to Kill (1986) to appreciate. Longstreth was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Once more, it's a face you may not know, but undoubtedly you're familiar with the work of J.H. Wyman. He's part of the team of folks JJ Abrams had running the highly sci-fi-centric Fringe on Fox TV. After that, he called the shots behind-the-scenes for the equally interesting Almost Human. Wyman was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Playing 'Lt. Colonel John Sheppard,' actor Joe Flanigan helped keep the good ship known as Stargate: Atlantis alive for all of its five seasons on Syfy. Since then, he's gone on to work in such projects as Warehouse 13, Fringe, Ferocious Planet, and Metal Hurlant Chronicles. Flanigan was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Paul McGillion played 'Dr. Carson Beckett' on Stargate: Atlantis for several seasons, and he even enjoyed a minor role in Star Trek (2009) as a barracks leader. McGillion was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jason Miller - shown above from his appearance in Battle Planet (2008) - has built an incredible resume in both live action and animated projects. You can check out his profile on IMDB.com right here, and Miller was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
After serving her country with a brief stint in the U.S. Navy, the lovely temptress Diamond Foxx went out to serve all of mankind by starring in some decidedly more Adult-themed fare. Genre fans might know her from appearances in Space 2077 (2004), Wonder Woman XXX: A Hardcore Parody (2010), or PRON: The XXX Parody (2011). Foxx was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In 2011's SciFi/Drama Limitless, Bradley Cooper discovered he required the use of drugs in order to be special, and the actor also provides the voice of Rocket in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy property. Cooper was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely January Jones played the equally lovely Emma Frost in X-Men: First Class (2011). I'm sure she said plenty of things in the promotional interviews she enduring during the build-up to the film, but the only thing I can honestly recall is she admitted absolutely loving all of her various costumes. I, for one, am glad she did. Jones was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I think I first fell in love with America Olivo when she appeared in the Cult flick, Bitch Slap (2009). Admittedly, it isn't Science Fiction -- nothing close to it -- but I had a lot of fun with it anyway. In any event, she's gone on to roles aboard Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Warehouse 13, Defiance, and FX's The Strain for good measure. Olivo was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Spanish actress Alba Ribas continues to explore genre projects as they come her way. Genre fans might recognize her from work aboard Paranormal Experience 3D (2011) and The Ministry Of Time. Ribas was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, save it, buttercup! I know some of you out there in cyberspace take issue with my recognizing the -- ahem -- genre contributions of our beloved Adult Film stars, and -- as I always say -- I just don't care! I'm merely giving them an acknowledgement, one that's well-deserved if you suit up in pursuit of justice the way temptress Alison Tyler did aboard Batman V Superman XXX: An Axel Braun Parody. Tyler was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Perhaps the inevitable upside to Hollywood's fascination with adapting Young Adult novels for the silver screen is that it truly gives some young, budding talent to show their stuff, and such is the case for Suki Waterhouse, one of the players aboard the Insurgent franchise. Waterhouse was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Franz Drameh played Jefferson 'Jax' Jackson (aka Firestorm) aboard The CW's popular SciFi/Superhero program, Legends of Tomorrow. Drameh was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1920 (in Finland), the secrets of the Red Planet were revealed when mankind finally took A Trip To Mars. Directed by Holger-Madsen, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gunnar Tolnæs, Zanny Petersen, and Nicolai Neiiendam. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of researchers from Earth travel in a spaceship to Mars, where, to big surprise, they find a peaceful vegetarian and pacifist civilization."
"A group of researchers from Earth travel in a spaceship to Mars, where, to big surprise, they find a peaceful vegetarian and pacifist civilization."
On this day back in 1950, The Flying Saucer opened theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the film's plot summary:
"Both the CIA and KGB investigate UFOs in Alaska: friend or foe?"
"Both the CIA and KGB investigate UFOs in Alaska: friend or foe?"
On this day in 1951 (in Portugal), Destination Moon landed in theatres. The SciFi classic starred John Archer and Warner Anderson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
A star is born! On this day in 1951, the black'n'white SciFi-themed Two Lost Worlds premiered theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the American clipper ship "The Queen" is attacked by pirates off the Hebrides in 1830, Mate Kirk Hamilton is injured and must be put ashore at Queensland Colony, Australia, for treatment and recuperation. There, he meets and falls in love with Elaine Jeffries, daughter of the magistrate and all-but-fiancée to rancher Martin Shannon. She also finds herself attracted to Kirk, and a rivalry develops between the two men. Meantime the pirates, led by Captain Hackett, decide to raid the colony and, in the process kidnap Elaine and her friend, Nancy. Kirk and Shannon lead the pursuit, having not only the romantic triangle to resolve but the pirates to overcome and, along the way, being stranded on a volcanic island inhabited by dinosaurs..."
"When the American clipper ship "The Queen" is attacked by pirates off the Hebrides in 1830, Mate Kirk Hamilton is injured and must be put ashore at Queensland Colony, Australia, for treatment and recuperation. There, he meets and falls in love with Elaine Jeffries, daughter of the magistrate and all-but-fiancée to rancher Martin Shannon. She also finds herself attracted to Kirk, and a rivalry develops between the two men. Meantime the pirates, led by Captain Hackett, decide to raid the colony and, in the process kidnap Elaine and her friend, Nancy. Kirk and Shannon lead the pursuit, having not only the romantic triangle to resolve but the pirates to overcome and, along the way, being stranded on a volcanic island inhabited by dinosaurs..."
On this day in 1961 (in Mexico), the Battle In Outer Space played out theatrically. Directed by Ishirô Honda, the SciFi feature starred Ryô Ikebe and Minoru Takada, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Munchkin-like aliens invade Earth full force with their flying saucers and laser weapons, rendering cities helpless. All eyes turn to the most powerful nations on Earth as they unite to concoct a plan to vanquish the aliens and return Earth to the hands of humans, thus, resulting in the most fierce and ultimate battle royale in outer space the galaxy as ever seen."
"Munchkin-like aliens invade Earth full force with their flying saucers and laser weapons, rendering cities helpless. All eyes turn to the most powerful nations on Earth as they unite to concoct a plan to vanquish the aliens and return Earth to the hands of humans, thus, resulting in the most fierce and ultimate battle royale in outer space the galaxy as ever seen."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the silver screen premiere of Agent For H.A.R.M. Directed by Gerd Oswald from a script by Blair Robertson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Peter Mark Richman, Wendell Corey, and Carl Esmond. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Secret agent tries to stop a scientist who has devised a bacterium that devours the body from within."
"Secret agent tries to stop a scientist who has devised a bacterium that devours the body from within."
On this day in 1967 (in Australia), Around The World Under The Sea opened theatrically. Directed by Andrew Marton, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lloyd Bridges and David McCallum, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
On this day in 1981 (in Sweden), The Final Countdown ticked down to zero theatrically. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Martin Sheen and Kirk Douglas, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
On this day in 1985 (in the Philippines), Arthur The King took another stab at the royal myth. Directed by Clive Donner, the film starred Candace Bergen, Malcolm McDowell, and Edward Woodward. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The story of a woman in falling into an icy cave at Stonehenge and waking up in Arthurian times amidst the love triangle between Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, and King Arthur, as the Queen is kidnapped by the King's evil sister Morgan La Fey."
"The story of a woman in falling into an icy cave at Stonehenge and waking up in Arthurian times amidst the love triangle between Lancelot, Queen Guinevere, and King Arthur, as the Queen is kidnapped by the King's evil sister Morgan La Fey."
On this day in 1990 (in Mexico), the mighty Leviathan submerged from the murky depths for an airing in theaters. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Weller, Richard Crenna, and Amanda Pays. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
"Underwater deep-sea miners encounter a Soviet wreck and bring back a dangerous cargo to their base on the ocean floor with horrifying results. In a story owing a lot to Alien and The Thing, the crew of the mining base must fight to survive against a genetic mutation that hunts them down one by one."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Leviathan enjoyed a wee bit of praise from the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1994, the Fantasy-themed Quest Of The Delta Knights enjoyed its release to the U.S. home video market. Directed by James Dodson, the feature starred David Warner and Corbin Allred, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy named Tee is sold into slavery, and bought by the beggar Raydoor, who takes him on as an apprentice. When Raydoor realizes that Tee is the subject of a prophecy, he reveals himself as one of the Delta Knights, a secret order dedicated to helping humanity. Trained by Raydoor, Tee also becomes a Delta Knight and joins forces with a ne'er-do-well painter named Leonardo (from the small town of Vinci), and a tavern girl, Thena. Pursued by Lord Vultare, minion of the wicked Mannerjay, they set out on a quest to find the lost treasures of Archimedes."
"A young boy named Tee is sold into slavery, and bought by the beggar Raydoor, who takes him on as an apprentice. When Raydoor realizes that Tee is the subject of a prophecy, he reveals himself as one of the Delta Knights, a secret order dedicated to helping humanity. Trained by Raydoor, Tee also becomes a Delta Knight and joins forces with a ne'er-do-well painter named Leonardo (from the small town of Vinci), and a tavern girl, Thena. Pursued by Lord Vultare, minion of the wicked Mannerjay, they set out on a quest to find the lost treasures of Archimedes."
I've seen enough Terry Gilliam films to know that I'm not much fan of Terry Gilliam films, but, if anything, his Twelve Monkeys -- from 1995 -- is probably one of his more commercial vehicles. It's certainly one of his most successful and relatable. Bruce Willis stars as a convict sent back thru time to uncover what he can about a devastating virus that's wiped out much of humanity.
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant film ... and even more brilliant science fiction is Children of Men, which premiered theatrically on this day back in 2007. It's an amazingly dark look at a probable tomorrow when mankind suddenly and mysteriously loses the ability to reproduce, meaning that our run on the planet Earth will inevitably come to an end. Of course, into all of this madness comes a puzzle: a young woman becomes pregnant, and the race is on to save her from the ongoing bloodshed in order to save ourselves from annihilation.
On this day in 2008, Beyond Loch Ness was first screen to the television masses, largely compliments I'm guessing of the Syfy Channel (formerly 'SciFi'). The flick starred Brian Krause, Niall Matter, Don S. Davis, and the undeniably fetching Carrie Genzel, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"James Murphy is a rugged cryptozoologist, who thirty years earlier, during a trip to Loch Ness, Scotland encountered the fabled "Nessie" creature that killed his father, and left James with a deep facial scar. Thirty years later, James is hunting for Nessie, when his search leads him to the sleepy town of Pike Island, Ashburn, on Lake Superior. Hiring Josh Riley as his guide, James and Josh bond over their mutual scientific interests and deceased fathers, while James tries to convince Josh's mother, Sheriff Karen Riley, that the 60-foot plesiosaur is killing and breeding."
"James Murphy is a rugged cryptozoologist, who thirty years earlier, during a trip to Loch Ness, Scotland encountered the fabled "Nessie" creature that killed his father, and left James with a deep facial scar. Thirty years later, James is hunting for Nessie, when his search leads him to the sleepy town of Pike Island, Ashburn, on Lake Superior. Hiring Josh Riley as his guide, James and Josh bond over their mutual scientific interests and deceased fathers, while James tries to convince Josh's mother, Sheriff Karen Riley, that the 60-foot plesiosaur is killing and breeding."
On this day in 2012 (in Belgium and the Netherlands), Cold Fusion struck up a bit of energy by way of its broadcast on television. Directed by Ivan Mitov with a script from Nate Atkins, the SciFi/Thriller starred Adrian Paul, Sarah Brown, and Michelle Lee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1979 a UFO is spotted over Ukrainian territory in the Soviet Union. A squadron of MIG23 fighters are dispatched to intercept it."
"In 1979 a UFO is spotted over Ukrainian territory in the Soviet Union. A squadron of MIG23 fighters are dispatched to intercept it."
On this day in 2016 (in France), the Tremors universe grew by another entry with the release of Tremors 5: Bloodlines on home video. Directed by Don Michael Paul, the SciFi/Comedy starred Michael Gross, Brandon Auret, and Natalie Becker. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Burt and Travis battle ass-blasters and graboids in South Africa."
"Burt and Travis battle ass-blasters and graboids in South Africa."
On this day in 2018 (in Turkey), the SciFi/Comedy ARIF V 216 crashed down into theatres. Directed by Kivanç Baruönü, the feature starred Cem Yilmaz and Ozan Güven, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After 8 years, Arif's old friend 216 from planet GORA pays a visit to Earth.Together they go on a quest where they'll be visiting 60's."
"After 8 years, Arif's old friend 216 from planet GORA pays a visit to Earth.Together they go on a quest where they'll be visiting 60's."
On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), Fanged Up took a bite out of the streaming competition when it was released to audiences via the internet. Directed by Christian James, the Horror/Comedy starred Daniel O'Reilly (who also collaborated on the script), Danielle Harold, and Stu Bennett. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young rogue is thrown into prison for the weekend, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims."
"A young rogue is thrown into prison for the weekend, unaware that the guards are blood-sucking vampires and the inmates are their victims."
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "Flowers Of Death." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"A threat made by a prisoner being dematerialized into suspended animation against the lives of Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, Major Robertson and a Space Patrol lieutenant is carried out. A bouquets of deadly Narcola flowers is delivered to each of the four potential victims. The illegal, innocent appearing flowers give off a very fatal fragrance and Buzz and Happy are caught in a room full of them."
"A threat made by a prisoner being dematerialized into suspended animation against the lives of Commander Corry, Cadet Happy, Major Robertson and a Space Patrol lieutenant is carried out. A bouquets of deadly Narcola flowers is delivered to each of the four potential victims. The illegal, innocent appearing flowers give off a very fatal fragrance and Buzz and Happy are caught in a room full of them."
On this day in 1959 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC aired the third installment of Quatermass and the Pit. "Imps and Demons" served as the third part (of six), and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Journalist James Fullalove helps Quatermass research the history of Hobbs Lane, finding its name derives from Hob - the devil. A technician, Sladden, succeeds in opening a sealed compartment in the capsule, revealing three petrified alien insects."
"Journalist James Fullalove helps Quatermass research the history of Hobbs Lane, finding its name derives from Hob - the devil. A technician, Sladden, succeeds in opening a sealed compartment in the capsule, revealing three petrified alien insects."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired "The Galileo Seven." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Galileo, under Spock's command, crash-lands on a hostile planet. As the Enterprise races against time to find the shuttlecraft, Spock's strictly logical leadership clashes with the fear and resentment of his crew."
"The Galileo, under Spock's command, crash-lands on a hostile planet. As the Enterprise races against time to find the shuttlecraft, Spock's strictly logical leadership clashes with the fear and resentment of his crew."
"The Gamesters of Triskelion" saw Kirk, Chekov, and Uhura trapped on an alien world where they -- along with others -- were forced to perform like gladiators for the amusement of their powerful overlords. The Star Trek episode first aired on this day back in 1968.
The very last of the Harlan Ellison conceived early 1970's sci-fi show, The Starlost, was titled "Space Precinct," and, from all indications, it was a relatively cookie-cutter plot. According to TV.com, the series regular named Garth to play 'detective' when some space police officers show up on the space station. Meh.
On this day in 1981 (in Austria), Star Maidens aired "Escape To Paradise." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Medusa, torn from orbit around Proxima Centauri by a comet, was sent careering through space. Ages later, with Medusa now in orbit between Uranus and Neptune, Adam and Shem escape the autocratic all-female Medusan society and head to earth."
"Medusa, torn from orbit around Proxima Centauri by a comet, was sent careering through space. Ages later, with Medusa now in orbit between Uranus and Neptune, Adam and Shem escape the autocratic all-female Medusan society and head to earth."
It all began right here: on this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), the BBC launched the first episode in their adaptation of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The story of The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins when a 6-foot ape descendant named Arthur Dent is saved from the destruction of planet Earth thanks to Ford Prefect, who is in fact from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betlegeuse, and not from Guildford as Arthur had first thought."
"The story of The Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy begins when a 6-foot ape descendant named Arthur Dent is saved from the destruction of planet Earth thanks to Ford Prefect, who is in fact from a small planet somewhere in the vicinity of Betlegeuse, and not from Guildford as Arthur had first thought."
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who premiered its twenty-first season. The adventure was titled "Warriors of the Deep: Part 1," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Tegan and Turlough land inside an undersea secret military base in wartime Earth, 2084. The base is about to be attacked on two fronts. Enemy agents within work to neutralize the base while an assault team of aquatic Silurians prepare without for a surprise attack."
"The Doctor, Tegan and Turlough land inside an undersea secret military base in wartime Earth, 2084. The base is about to be attacked on two fronts. Enemy agents within work to neutralize the base while an assault team of aquatic Silurians prepare without for a surprise attack."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Airwolf aired "Condemned." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's second season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"String and Caitlin travel to a deserted island where a cure is being researched for a biological plague that was developed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the plague has already gotten out of control and the researchers are all dead. Complicating matters, the Russians have also dispatched a submarine to the island to attempt to recover the cure first. When String, Caitlin and the sub's crew all get exposed to the virus, they must work together to find the cure before they all go mad and either kill one another or die."
"String and Caitlin travel to a deserted island where a cure is being researched for a biological plague that was developed in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the plague has already gotten out of control and the researchers are all dead. Complicating matters, the Russians have also dispatched a submarine to the island to attempt to recover the cure first. When String, Caitlin and the sub's crew all get exposed to the virus, they must work together to find the cure before they all go mad and either kill one another or die."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who blasted back onto the airwaves with the premiere of its twenty-second season. The adventure was titled "Attack of the Cybermen: Part 1," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Cybermen plan on destroying Earth in order to prevent the destruction of their home world, Mondas. The Doctor also discovers the Cyber Controller is far from dead."
"The Cybermen plan on destroying Earth in order to prevent the destruction of their home world, Mondas. The Doctor also discovers the Cyber Controller is far from dead."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Amazing Stories aired "The Sitter." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Jamaican babysitter uses voodoo to tame a pair of mischievous, stir-crazy boys."
"A Jamaican babysitter uses voodoo to tame a pair of mischievous, stir-crazy boys."
On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), "Data's Day" aired as part of Star Trek: The Next Generation's fourth season. Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of that season, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Data tries to comprehend the complex emotions between O'Brien and Keiko, who are about to be married."
"Data tries to comprehend the complex emotions between O'Brien and Keiko, who are about to be married."
On this day in 1992 (in Australia), The Girl From Tomorrow aired its pilot episode, "Future Shock." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alana, a girl from the year 3000, accidentally ends up in the year 1990, after an experiment with a time machine has gone wrong. Jenny Kelly, a girl, who lives in 1990, befriends her and gives the bewildered Alana a place to hide."
"Alana, a girl from the year 3000, accidentally ends up in the year 1990, after an experiment with a time machine has gone wrong. Jenny Kelly, a girl, who lives in 1990, befriends her and gives the bewildered Alana a place to hide."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "A Tale Of Two Sweeties." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into Marty Elroy a traveling salesman who is also a bigamist who has two families. One of them lives in Brooklyn while the other live in Pompano Beach. He's managed to keep them apart up to now but faces a major challenge when his Brooklyn family decides to drive to Florida to surprise him. Al tells Sam that he's there to pick between the two families but has little guidance for him on which family he should choose. He suggests that Sam just spend time with each of them and then choose. That isn't Marty's only problem however. He's something of a gambler and is in debt. His bookie gives him 24 hours to come up with $2000 or else. As for choosing between the two families, he decides that honesty is the best policy."
"Sam leaps into Marty Elroy a traveling salesman who is also a bigamist who has two families. One of them lives in Brooklyn while the other live in Pompano Beach. He's managed to keep them apart up to now but faces a major challenge when his Brooklyn family decides to drive to Florida to surprise him. Al tells Sam that he's there to pick between the two families but has little guidance for him on which family he should choose. He suggests that Sam just spend time with each of them and then choose. That isn't Marty's only problem however. He's something of a gambler and is in debt. His bookie gives him 24 hours to come up with $2000 or else. As for choosing between the two families, he decides that honesty is the best policy."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), TekWar aired "Posse," the third episode of the program's first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all the fuss was about:
"A former attorney general puts together a military SWAT team to hunt down Teklords named the Tek Posse. They recruit Jake to help out but he finds some of their methods may not be completely justified."
"A former attorney general puts together a military SWAT team to hunt down Teklords named the Tek Posse. They recruit Jake to help out but he finds some of their methods may not be completely justified."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "War Of The Coprophages." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While looking for signs of alien ships in the sky above a small town, Mulder learns of a series of deaths supposedly caused by metallic cockroaches. He turns to sexy entomologist Bambi for help, which makes Scully angrily rush to his aid."
"While looking for signs of alien ships in the sky above a small town, Mulder learns of a series of deaths supposedly caused by metallic cockroaches. He turns to sexy entomologist Bambi for help, which makes Scully angrily rush to his aid."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Lethal Weapon." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad inventor plans to blow up the buildings of Metropolis, and Superman can't control his powers in order to stop him."
"A mad inventor plans to blow up the buildings of Metropolis, and Superman can't control his powers in order to stop him."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Weird Science aired "I Dream Of Gene." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's fifth (and final) season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lisa is lonely, looks for another genie and finds one named Gene that lives in Texas in a teapot."
"Lisa is lonely, looks for another genie and finds one named Gene that lives in Texas in a teapot."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Live Free Or Die." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Navy Seal major Raymond McIntyre kidnaps Da'an and demands to know where his men are. They were involved in a inter-dimensional space flight test that went wrong."
"Navy Seal major Raymond McIntyre kidnaps Da'an and demands to know where his men are. They were involved in a inter-dimensional space flight test that went wrong."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Team Knight Rider aired "Et Tu Dante." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Team Knight Rider works to stop a mysterious mad man from bombing local Washington D.C. historical sites, the TKR cars are infected by a virus that makes them turn on their drivers."
"While Team Knight Rider works to stop a mysterious mad man from bombing local Washington D.C. historical sites, the TKR cars are infected by a virus that makes them turn on their drivers."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), the trials and tribulations of John Crichton and his friends truly dialed up to eleven during Farscape's second season with the episode "Liars, Guns, and Money, Part 1: A Not So Simple Plan." Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"D'Argo finally gets a lead on his son, Jothee. He will do anything to get him back, but Jothee will be sold as a slave. They need a lot of money to buy Jothee's freedom. The crew will steal from a depository to get the money they need to free Jothee. Stark, back from the dead, is the author of the plan."
"D'Argo finally gets a lead on his son, Jothee. He will do anything to get him back, but Jothee will be sold as a slave. They need a lot of money to buy Jothee's freedom. The crew will steal from a depository to get the money they need to free Jothee. Stark, back from the dead, is the author of the plan."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Seven Days aired "The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An unknown confrontation between a U.S. Navy ship and a Chinese sub leads to total destruction and loss of life on both vessels and heightened tensions between the countries. Parker must somehow convince two head strong Naval officers to do otherwise."
"An unknown confrontation between a U.S. Navy ship and a Chinese sub leads to total destruction and loss of life on both vessels and heightened tensions between the countries. Parker must somehow convince two head strong Naval officers to do otherwise."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Chain Reaction." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"General Hammond mysteriously retires from the SGC and a new general is brought in, who breaks up SG-1: Daniel and Sam are scientists, Teal'c is with SG-3 and O'Neill commands a new SG-1. O'Neill tries to convince Gen. Hammond to return, but he finds out that someone ordered Hammond to leave or they would hurt his grandchildren. While the others are occupying the new general, O'Neill tries to find out who that "someone" is. Thereto he must place his trust in the one person he hates most: Maybourne."
"General Hammond mysteriously retires from the SGC and a new general is brought in, who breaks up SG-1: Daniel and Sam are scientists, Teal'c is with SG-3 and O'Neill commands a new SG-1. O'Neill tries to convince Gen. Hammond to return, but he finds out that someone ordered Hammond to leave or they would hurt his grandchildren. While the others are occupying the new general, O'Neill tries to find out who that "someone" is. Thereto he must place his trust in the one person he hates most: Maybourne."
On this day in 2002 (in the United Kingdom), Atlantis High aired the eighteenth episode in its only season of broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Giles and Jet continue to search for their missing friend, Beanie. An amorous Sophie works her way through the phone book with the goal of seducing every man she can in Sunset Cove. Reporters for the press latch onto the rumors that Giles is an alien. Silver Lining is forced to work overtime after the town is threatened by its first genuine criminal, the villainous Bad Mood."
"Giles and Jet continue to search for their missing friend, Beanie. An amorous Sophie works her way through the phone book with the goal of seducing every man she can in Sunset Cove. Reporters for the press latch onto the rumors that Giles is an alien. Silver Lining is forced to work overtime after the town is threatened by its first genuine criminal, the villainous Bad Mood."
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Lost aired "Whatever The Case May Be." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jack, Kate and Sawyer fight over possession of a newly discovered locked metal briefcase which might contain insights into Kate's mysterious past. More of fugitive Kate's background story is revealed, showing her participating in a bank robbery in New Mexico just to uncover something hidden in one of the safety deposit boxes. Meanwhile, Sayid asks a reluctant Shannon to translate notes he took from the French woman. A rising tide threatens to engulf the fuselage and the entire beach encampment, and Rose and a grieving Charlie tentatively bond over Claire's baffling disappearance."
"Jack, Kate and Sawyer fight over possession of a newly discovered locked metal briefcase which might contain insights into Kate's mysterious past. More of fugitive Kate's background story is revealed, showing her participating in a bank robbery in New Mexico just to uncover something hidden in one of the safety deposit boxes. Meanwhile, Sayid asks a reluctant Shannon to translate notes he took from the French woman. A rising tide threatens to engulf the fuselage and the entire beach encampment, and Rose and a grieving Charlie tentatively bond over Claire's baffling disappearance."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Missing In Action." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Colonel Gascon and the five droids of D-Squad have arrived at the remote town of Pons Ora on the planet Abafar and find a clone commando suffering from amnesia."
"Colonel Gascon and the five droids of D-Squad have arrived at the remote town of Pons Ora on the planet Abafar and find a clone commando suffering from amnesia."
It all began right here: on this day in 2015 (in the United Kingdom), Eve premiered on television with the airing of its first episode, "All About Eve." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Life changes beyond recognition for the Clarke family when Eve, the world's first fully sentient 'artificial person', comes to live under their roof."
"Life changes beyond recognition for the Clarke family when Eve, the world's first fully sentient 'artificial person', comes to live under their roof."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), The Expanse aired "Back To The Butcher." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew has survived the loss of the Canturbury and the Donnager and are contacted by an unlikely ally. Miller, on Ceres, continues his investigation and his thoughts of a conspiracy grow."
"The crew has survived the loss of the Canturbury and the Donnager and are contacted by an unlikely ally. Miller, on Ceres, continues his investigation and his thoughts of a conspiracy grow."
