So many SciFi series, so little time ... It never fails to amaze me when I find yet one more Science Fiction program that sounds interesting and yet I've never heard of it. In any event, I happened one titled Space Island One which apparently features the day-to-day adventures of a space station crew, focusing on a character-driven narrative as opposed to big spectacles that boom and pop. I've read that it incorporated respectful special effects, as well. This one might be worth another look.
January 7, 1929 is revered as the newspaper 'birthdate' of the legendary space hero, Buck Rogers! (The novel itself had its first installment released in Amazing Stories a few months earlier in 1928.) The Philip Francis Nowlan comic strip continued for years, and it is often credited for introducing Science Fiction to the masses at large, joining the ranks of works from such other legends as Jules Verne and Edgar Rice Burroughs.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
January 7, 1934 has been long regarded as the birthdate of Flash Gordon as that was the day the popular comic strips of Alex Raymond were first published. "Flash" inspired a whole slew of imitators, but no other sci-fi hero has stood the test of time against the mighty Earth man! So Happy Birthday Flash Gordon! Here's hoping you're around for another century and beyond!
Even to this day, Gene L. Coon remains one of Star Trek's greatest unsung heroes. He's been credited with creating the Klingon Empire as well as strengthening Trek's trinity relationship -- that of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy -- throughout the program's original run on television. While he's only credited with a handful of scripts for the show, the rumor has long persisted that he performed quite a bit of uncredited rewrites while episodes were in production. It's also been said that he left the show (in a production capacity) as he didn't get along well with the actors, but he continued penning scripts for the third season. Though he's no longer with us, Coon was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's likely remembered more for her work in more mainstream fare, the lovely Terry Moore enjoyed a visit to the Batcave itself in the late 1960's camp television show. She also enjoyed a bit of exposure in such projects as Mighty Joe Young (1949), Death Dimension (1978), Knight Rider, and Fantasy Island. Moore was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Steven Williams was one of those great smaller roles that made Fox TV's The X-Files such a wonderful viewing experience. His aptly named Mr. X would show up, do something dastardly, and then disappear into the shadows before FBI agents Mulder and Scully could do anything about it! Williams was born on this day in 1949.
Lovely Anne Schedeen enjoyed the good fortune of playing in the universe of Science Fiction in both dramas and comedies. Her television debut was back in 1974 on the popular The Six Million Dollar Man. In 1976, she guested on The Bionic Woman as well as making an appearance in the SciFi-themed film Embryo. Then -- in the late 80's -- she starred on the hit sitcom ALF. Schedeen was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The estimable George Buza has enjoyed exposure in a variety of fantastic properties. The actor has scored roles aboard Droids (animated), Ewoks (animated), Amerika (miniseries), The Brain (1988), The Twilight Zone, X-Men (animated), First Wave, X-Men (2000), Odyssey 5, and Mutant X. Buza was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back in the days of my youth, I can remember chatting up the merits of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century with friends of mine; but you wouldn't be caught dead talking about the show without bringing up Buck's 'gal pal' on the show -- 'Colonel Wilma Derring' -- played by the stunning Erin Gray. Her role seemed a bit cut back during the show's shortened second season, perhaps even given young, interested males such as myself less of a reason to watch. (Curse you, NBC!) Gray was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before going on to a massive career aboard Coronation Street, a young Helen Worth appeared on "Colony In Space," one of the earlier Doctor Who serials for the BBC. Worth was born on this day in 1951.
The lovely Eugenia Wright leaves behind a legacy of small roles in some pretty interesting properties, including work aboard Man From Atlantis, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, and TV's Blue Thunder. Though she's no longer with us, Wright was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her career, the lovely Lise Hilboldt enjoyed a guest spot aboard the SciFi/Cult series, Space:1999. She also appeared briefly in Superman -- The Movie (1978), The Hunger, Something Is Out There, Hard Time on Planet Earth, and UPN's Time Trax. Hilboldt was born on this day in 1954.
Jodi Long's acting gifts make her capable of performing equally in dramas or comedies, but she's sparingly delved into Science Fiction and Fantasy projects. However, her credits include work in RoboCop 3 (1993), Eastwick, Legion (2016), and Falling Water. Long was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: per the actress via Twitter]
[Source: per the actress via Twitter]
David Marciano is one of those 'bit players' who steals scenes in big properties every chance he's given. Sadly, he hasn't done much Science Fiction, but he has appeared on Superboy, SeaQuest 2032, and Syfy's 12 Monkeys in guest roles. Marciano was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the traits of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that I appreciated most was the fact that the creators fashioned an incredible assortment of lovable characters to keep the audience interested, and one of the more lovable was a guy you never quite knew enough about: Mark Allen Shepherd played the bar patron Morn throughout the show's seven season run. Shepherd was born on this day in 1961.
Ah, the power of a terrific talent in a winning script! Such is the plight of Hallie Todd who managed to win the hearts of viewers and break them as well in a touching third season entry for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Todd was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
SciFi franchises don't get any bigger than Transformers, and big guy Lester Speight helped dish out some SciFi action aboard Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011). Speight was born on this day in 1963.
Critically acclaimed director Darnell Martin has had ample opportunity to leave her mark on the world of genre entertainment. During her time in the big chair, she's contributed to such programs as Masters Of Science Fiction, Life On Mars, The Vampire Diaries, Grimm, The Walking Dead, Beyond, Incorporated, Sleepy Hollow, APB, Lore, and The I-Land. Martin was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
To my surprise, actor Nicolas Cage has done very little Science Fiction. One would think that an actor who is rumored to be a bit 'brainy' would certainly be drawn to SciFi's more cerebral material, no? The only significant role to date was as the M.I.T. professor drawn into a mystery where the numbers didn't quite add up in 2009's under-appreciated Knowing. No, it wasn't perfect, but it certainly dealt with some compelling ideas. Cage was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I was provided via a distributor with complimentary streaming access to Arcadian (2024), a SciFi/Fantasy in which Cage starred. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I was provided via a distributor with complimentary streaming access to Arcadian (2024), a SciFi/Fantasy in which Cage starred. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Irrfan Khan thought he knew how to best handle the developing tragedy behind Jurassic World (2015). Irrfan Khan was wrong! (And suffered dearly for it.) Though he's no longer with us, Khan was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! David Yost played Billy Cranston -- aka The Blue Ranger -- aboard several incarnations of the popular SciFi-lite television franchise. Yost was born on this day in 1969.
Kevin Rahm tends to stick to more mainstream dramas and comedies, but he did enjoy a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Rahm was born on this day in 1971.
Aside from staking out his place in the Marvel cinematic universe, Jeremy Renner continues to impress fans and critics alike. In 2008, he braved one of the many zombie apocalypses as of late in 28 Weeks Later. Renner was born on this day in 1971.
Russian-born actress Svetlana Metkina has a pretty slim resume, but thankfully she dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a role aboard Barbarian (2003) so that I can give her a proper shout-out here. Metkina was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Tom Harper continues to seek out and explore new and exciting projects both within and beyond the realm of genre entertainment. Fans perhaps recognize him best for contributions to such properties as Demons, Misfits, and Amazon's Electric Dreams. Harper was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Right now, Lauren Cohan can do no wrong. Her star is definitely on the rise as she's turned in some truly impressive work as Maggie Greene on AMC's popular The Walking Dead. Looks like that appearance in the direct-to-video Death Race 2 did her no harm. In 2014, she added voice acting to her resume, providing some work to the SciFi-themed Destiny video game. Cohan was born on this day in 1982.
Ruth Negga lit up the small screen with some work aboard ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for a long while. Negga was born on this day in 1982.
The lovely Samantha E. Hunt continues to build her resume with one quality performance after another. Earlier on, she got her start with uncredited roles aboard the BBC's Doctor Who and its spinoff, The Sarah Jane Adventures. Hunt was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brett Dalton made a name for himself in the role of Grant Ward (aka Hive) aboard Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Dalton was born on this day in 1983.
Max Riemelt has garnered critical praise for his work aboard the Wachowskis' SciFi-themed Netflix original, Sense8. Riemelt was born on this day in 1984.
If you're looking for a good reason to start drinking coffee, then look no further than having the lovely face of Lyndsy Fonseca serve you a cup. (The above is from her appearances aboard ABC TV's Agent Carter.) This actress has been openly flirting with genre roles for quite some time now, securing time aboard Heroes, Kick-Ass (2010), Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), and the forthcoming Curvature (2017). Fonseca was born on this day in 1987.
If you've never seen the BBC's quirky superhero drama Misfits, then you've no idea of what you're missing. Though he left the show after its second season, the young Robert Sheehan was always one of my favorites. He's a great talent who's definitely destined for more work. Sheehan was born on this day in 1988.
What's a Batgirl to do? In all honesty, when the announcement that Warner Bros. intended to bring the character of Batgirl to the screen -- at a time when no one in particular was clamoring for a Batgirl movie -- I thought the news was a curious development. Casting news followed very quickly, and actress and singer Leslie Grace was given the role. Then -- damn near on the eve of when the project was going to finally released to the masses-at-large -- Warner Bros. curiously stated that the movie was being fully shelved -- never to see the light of day -- and its costs would be written off as a tax loss. Ouch. How bad must that flick have been? We may never know. Grace was born on this day in 1995.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1931 (in Japan), Woman In The Moon showed her lovely face to Earth audiences. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A tenacious scientist blasts off for the moon in hopes of riches that may be found there."
"A tenacious scientist blasts off for the moon in hopes of riches that may be found there."
A star is born! On this day in 1939 (in the U.S.), The Phantom Creeps turned up the chills at the U.S. box office. Directed by Ford Beebe and Saul A. Goodkind, this SciFi/Horror Serial starred Bela Lugosi, Dorothy Arnold, and Robert Kent. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military intelligence officer and a pretty reporter try to find a scientist whose inventions can destroy the world."
For the record:
IMDB.com's Trivia Page regarding The Phantom Creeps indicates that this was the last of the serials that Bela Lugosi ever filmed.
"A military intelligence officer and a pretty reporter try to find a scientist whose inventions can destroy the world."
For the record:
IMDB.com's Trivia Page regarding The Phantom Creeps indicates that this was the last of the serials that Bela Lugosi ever filmed.
On this day in 1954 (in Norway), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Byron Haskin, the film starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
On this day in 1956 (in Italy), This Island Earth arrived in terrestrial theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for this Science Fiction classic:
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
"Aliens come to Earth seeking scientists to help them in their war."
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in the U.S.), Missile Monsters enjoyed its theatrical launch. Directed by Fred C. Brannon from a story by Ronald Davidson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Walter Reed, Lois Collier, and James Craven. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Feature version of 1950 serial "Flying Disc Man from Mars.""
"Feature version of 1950 serial "Flying Disc Man from Mars.""
On this day in 1959 (in Turkey), Curse Of The Demon gave audiences an early look into the world of the paranormal. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the feature starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, and Niall MacGinnis. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born ... but, argh, that's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 1977, the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive premiere engagement of The Sentinel. Written (in part) and directed by Michael Winner, the Horror/Fantasy starred Cristina Raines, Ava Gardner, and Chris Sarandon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young woman moves into an apartment in a building which houses a sinister evil."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Sentinel enjoyed four big nominations -- but, alas, no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A young woman moves into an apartment in a building which houses a sinister evil."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), The Sentinel enjoyed four big nominations -- but, alas, no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Horror Film.'
A star is born ... or is that porn? On this day in 1981 (in France), La femme-objet came to life for fans of discerning Science Fiction with a decidedly Adult angle. Written and directed by Claude Mulot, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Marilyn Jess, Catherine Marsile, and Nadine Roussial. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A science-fiction writer creates a sexy robot-girl."
For the record:
To the film's credit, La femme-objet took home top honors at the 1986 Adult Video News Awards in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
"A science-fiction writer creates a sexy robot-girl."
For the record:
To the film's credit, La femme-objet took home top honors at the 1986 Adult Video News Awards in the category of 'Best Foreign Film.'
On this day in 1982 (in Peru), the crew of the Galactica finally made it to Earth with the theaterical screening of Conquest Of The Earth. Springing from the imagination of Glen A. Larson, the film starred Kent McCord, Lorne Greene, and Barry Van Dyke. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
For the record:
Based on my reading of IMDB.com, this does appear to be the very first theatrical engagement, but the site mentions a US airing in 1980. I'm inclined to think that, perhaps, that citation is little more than a reference to the original episodes airing on US television. Since I can't be certain, I'm not advertising it as such in this space.
"The Battlestar Galactica and its ragtag fleet of ships finally locate the Earth, only to discover that the planet is not prepared for the inevitable Cylon invasion."
For the record:
Based on my reading of IMDB.com, this does appear to be the very first theatrical engagement, but the site mentions a US airing in 1980. I'm inclined to think that, perhaps, that citation is little more than a reference to the original episodes airing on US television. Since I can't be certain, I'm not advertising it as such in this space.
On this day back in 1994, Joe Lara flexed his acting muscles in American Cyborg: Steel Warriors for U.S. audiences. (Methinks they weren't impressed!) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the nuclear war people are sterile and ruled by the artifical intelligences they created in this violent world. The only woman who was able to give life to a child has to take the child through the dangerous city to the ship to save it. She is followed by an immortal killer robot through all the dangers, and only one guy tries to help her survive and protect her from the killing machine."
"After the nuclear war people are sterile and ruled by the artifical intelligences they created in this violent world. The only woman who was able to give life to a child has to take the child through the dangerous city to the ship to save it. She is followed by an immortal killer robot through all the dangers, and only one guy tries to help her survive and protect her from the killing machine."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), The Thing Below (aka SeaGhost) rose from the depths for its premiere on video. Directed by genre master Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Horror flick starred Billy Warlock, Warren Christie, and Katherine Lough Haggquist. Here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A top secret drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico raises a dormant alien creature from the depths. Once loose, the creature goes on a murderous rampage."
"A top secret drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico raises a dormant alien creature from the depths. Once loose, the creature goes on a murderous rampage."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.), White Noise was heard ... well, it was heard theatrically, that is. Directed by Geoffrey Sax from a story by Niall Johnson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Michael Keaton, Deborah Kara Unger, and Ian McNeice. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An architect's desire to speak with his wife from beyond the grave becomes an obsession with supernatural repercussions."
"An architect's desire to speak with his wife from beyond the grave becomes an obsession with supernatural repercussions."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), television audiences were treated to the home broadcast debut of Caved In. Directed by Richard Pepin from a story by Neil Elman, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Colm Meaney, Christopher Adkins, and Angela Featherstone. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Disguised as extreme adventurers, a group of high profile thieves unknowingly lead a group of wealthy tourists on an expedition through an abandoned salt mine that is guarded by ancient creatures."
"Disguised as extreme adventurers, a group of high profile thieves unknowingly lead a group of wealthy tourists on an expedition through an abandoned salt mine that is guarded by ancient creatures."
Never forget: Science Fiction and Fantasy has never been only about phasers and aliens! On this day in 2006 (in Hungary), Play-Mate Of The Apes enjoyed its premiere on television. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Three sexy astronauts crash land on a planet where apes rule. They attract the attention of human-friendly scientist Dr Kweera and the wild woman Uvala and soon unbridled female lust threatens ape society."
"Three sexy astronauts crash land on a planet where apes rule. They attract the attention of human-friendly scientist Dr Kweera and the wild woman Uvala and soon unbridled female lust threatens ape society."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), sports and Horror collided with the release of Flexing With Monty. Written and directed by John Albo, the feature film starred Rudi Davis, Trevor Goddard, and Venus Le Dome. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Macho bodybuilding big brother uses little brother's smarts en route to becoming head of an athletic department till a nun's visit causes a permanent change to their interlocked relationship."
"Macho bodybuilding big brother uses little brother's smarts en route to becoming head of an athletic department till a nun's visit causes a permanent change to their interlocked relationship."
On this day in 2011, the Fantasy-themed Season Of The Witch enjoyed its full U.S. theatrical debut. Directed by Dominic Sena, the feature starred Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A 14th century Crusader returns to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. A beleaguered church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands the two knights to transport an accused witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence. A priest, a grieving knight, a disgraced itinerant and a headstrong youth who can only dream of becoming a knight join a mission troubled by mythically hostile wilderness and fierce contention over the fate of the girl. When the embattled party arrives at the abbey, a horrific discovery jeopardises the knight's pledge to ensure the girl fair treatment, and pits them against an inexplicably powerful and destructive force."
"A 14th century Crusader returns to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. A beleaguered church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands the two knights to transport an accused witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence. A priest, a grieving knight, a disgraced itinerant and a headstrong youth who can only dream of becoming a knight join a mission troubled by mythically hostile wilderness and fierce contention over the fate of the girl. When the embattled party arrives at the abbey, a horrific discovery jeopardises the knight's pledge to ensure the girl fair treatment, and pits them against an inexplicably powerful and destructive force."
On this day in 2020 (in the U.S.), Being enjoyed its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Douglas C. Williams, the SciFi/Drama starred Robert John Burke, Lance Henriksen, and Ben Browder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A festive gathering in a secluded small-town farmhouse in the mountains is brought to a halt when a bright burst of light explodes from the barn. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, they carefully investigate, making a discovery not of this world."
"A festive gathering in a secluded small-town farmhouse in the mountains is brought to a halt when a bright burst of light explodes from the barn. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, they carefully investigate, making a discovery not of this world."
On this day in 1956, Captain Midnight aired "The Runaway Suitcase." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"A police officer is accused of stealing a suitcase full of money. He is forced to resign and turns to Captain Midnight to help clear his name."
"A police officer is accused of stealing a suitcase full of money. He is forced to resign and turns to Captain Midnight to help clear his name."
On this day in 1956, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Sound Of Murder." Officially, this served as the thirty-seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist accused of murder uses his professional knowledge to prove his innocence."
"A scientist accused of murder uses his professional knowledge to prove his innocence."
On this day in 1965 (in Finland), Gerry Anderson's Stingray aired the first pilot in its broadcast history. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Investigating the loss of a submarine, the crew of Stingray are captured by their new enemy, King Titan of the Aquaphibians."
"Investigating the loss of a submarine, the crew of Stingray are captured by their new enemy, King Titan of the Aquaphibians."
On this day in 1969 (in Spain), Star Trek aired "The Cage," the original pilot episode of Gene Roddenberry's SciFi/Classic television series. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Underworld: Part 1." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Materializing at the edge of the cosmos, the frontier of creation, The Doctor, Leela & K-9 encounter four ancient space travelers from Minyos, the first race ever contacted by the Time Lords. All but extinct due to their Time Lords encounter, the Minyans (rejuvenated 1000 times each) have been embarked on a long 100,000 year old quest, searching the universe for the lost race bank of their species to take to a new home world. But their equally old ship is finally failing, succumbing to the gravitational pull of a newly forming sun and taking the Doctor and his party with it."
"Materializing at the edge of the cosmos, the frontier of creation, The Doctor, Leela & K-9 encounter four ancient space travelers from Minyos, the first race ever contacted by the Time Lords. All but extinct due to their Time Lords encounter, the Minyans (rejuvenated 1000 times each) have been embarked on a long 100,000 year old quest, searching the universe for the lost race bank of their species to take to a new home world. But their equally old ship is finally failing, succumbing to the gravitational pull of a newly forming sun and taking the Doctor and his party with it."
On this day in 1978, Jaime Summers went undercover one more time as The Bionic Woman aired "All for One" as part of its third (and final) season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Jaime enrolls in college to find a computer hacker who's been raiding several bank accounts, including the OSI."
"Jaime enrolls in college to find a computer hacker who's been raiding several bank accounts, including the OSI."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Blake's 7 aired "Aftermath." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Liberator is damaged in the battle against the alien invasion fleet of Andromeda and the crew abandons ship whilst the automatic repair system on-board repairs the ship. Avon finds himself on the tribal planet Sarren, where he is rescued by Dayna and her father, Federation fugitive Hal Mellanby, only to find Servalan, the newly installed president, has too arrived on Sarran. Returning to the Liberator, Avon and Dayna find that the ship has been taken over by a Federation death squad."
"The Liberator is damaged in the battle against the alien invasion fleet of Andromeda and the crew abandons ship whilst the automatic repair system on-board repairs the ship. Avon finds himself on the tribal planet Sarren, where he is rescued by Dayna and her father, Federation fugitive Hal Mellanby, only to find Servalan, the newly installed president, has too arrived on Sarran. Returning to the Liberator, Avon and Dayna find that the ship has been taken over by a Federation death squad."
On this day in 1985, the United Kingdom was treated to the premiere for the second season of the Chocky franchise, Chocky's Children. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"While his parents are abroad, Matthew travels to the country to stay with his aunt. There he meets a girl called Albertine who is a maths genius who has a very strict father. The pair soon discover that they can communicate telepathically, but they are unaware that sinister forces are observing them closely."
"While his parents are abroad, Matthew travels to the country to stay with his aunt. There he meets a girl called Albertine who is a maths genius who has a very strict father. The pair soon discover that they can communicate telepathically, but they are unaware that sinister forces are observing them closely."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Loud As A Whisper" as part of its second season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew ferries a deaf mediator to Solais V to negotiate an end to a civil war."
"The crew ferries a deaf mediator to Solais V to negotiate an end to a civil war."
The X-Files started off the new year in 1994 by bringing in the always exciting Brad Dourif in as a guest star. "Beyond the Sea" is the thirteenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Scully believes that the pyschic predictions of a death row inmate are the only hope in apprehending a vicious murderer."
"Scully believes that the pyschic predictions of a death row inmate are the only hope in apprehending a vicious murderer."
On this day in 1996, Space Above and Beyond welcomed in their new year with an episode titled "Who Monitors the Birds?" Here's the summary from TV.com:
"Hawkes is left stranded and practically defenseless on an alien world when he accepts an assassination mission which is supposed to buy him an immediate Honorable Discharge from the Marines."
"Hawkes is left stranded and practically defenseless on an alien world when he accepts an assassination mission which is supposed to buy him an immediate Honorable Discharge from the Marines."
On this day in 1997, The Burning Zone brought in the New Year with the airing of "Midnight of the Carrier." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The team find themselves protecting a former Nazi who carries a valuable capsule inside him from white supremacists who want the contents to power a deadly weapon."
"The team find themselves protecting a former Nazi who carries a valuable capsule inside him from white supremacists who want the contents to power a deadly weapon."
It all began right here: on this day in 1998 (in the United Kingdom), Space Island One lifted off on television. The first installment was titled "Message From Keeler," and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Newly arrived environmental specialist Paula Hernandez finds slotting into place with the rest of the Unity team is harder than she expected after her over-curiosity triggers a bomb left behind by her mysterious predecessor."
"Newly arrived environmental specialist Paula Hernandez finds slotting into place with the rest of the Unity team is harder than she expected after her over-curiosity triggers a bomb left behind by her mysterious predecessor."
On this day in the year 2000, Farscape aired the episode "Nerve" as part of its inaugural season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Aeryn has been critically wounded. She needs some tissue samples to heal. The only source is the Secret base the Peacekeeper mentioned. Crichton and Chiana go to the base, to get the samples. They encounter an old friend, and a new enemy."
"Aeryn has been critically wounded. She needs some tissue samples to heal. The only source is the Secret base the Peacekeeper mentioned. Crichton and Chiana go to the base, to get the samples. They encounter an old friend, and a new enemy."
On this day in 2011, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Nightsisters." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Darth Sidious orders Lord Tyrannus to eliminate Asajj Ventress, lest her becoming too powerful. But Ventress escapes and manages to make her way back to her home planet of Dathomir, vowing revenge on Count Dooku."
"Darth Sidious orders Lord Tyrannus to eliminate Asajj Ventress, lest her becoming too powerful. But Ventress escapes and manages to make her way back to her home planet of Dathomir, vowing revenge on Count Dooku."
On this day in 2014, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "The Magical Place." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"S.H.I.E.L.D. organizes a full scale hunt for Coulson. Centipede tries to resurface the memories on what happened after Coulson died."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. organizes a full scale hunt for Coulson. Centipede tries to resurface the memories on what happened after Coulson died."
On this day in 2018, Star Trek: Discovery aired "Despite Yourself." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While in unfamiliar territory, the U.S.S. Discovery crew is forced to get creative in their next efforts to survive opposing and unprecedented forces and return home."
"While in unfamiliar territory, the U.S.S. Discovery crew is forced to get creative in their next efforts to survive opposing and unprecedented forces and return home."
