Ah, when are your dreams not quite the stuff of dreams? Welll, that would be when your narcoleptic fits turn out to be the stuff of astral projections! Such is the subject matter of the Canadian SciFi property NarcoLeap which premiered on this day in 2018. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the series' premise for this award-winning project:
"When college student Kelsey Atkins unexpectedly leaps into the bodies of other people during her bouts of narcolepsy, she becomes a target in the deadly world of military espionage."
"When college student Kelsey Atkins unexpectedly leaps into the bodies of other people during her bouts of narcolepsy, she becomes a target in the deadly world of military espionage."
Good grief! We might be better served by stating all of the franchises that Terry O'Quinn hasn't been a part of! His is such a familiar face, and he's a brilliant character actor whether he's taking part in Harsh Realm or Lost or Star Trek or The X-Files or even Falling Skies. Mr. O'Quinn was born on this day back in 1952, so join me in wishing him a very Happy Birthday!
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) -- in which O'Quinn played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I received a promotional copy of SpaceCamp (1986) -- in which O'Quinn played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Ken Lynch is a veteran character actor with over 189 project citations to his name. SciFi fans might best remember him from his work in the memorable first season outing for Star Trek, "The Devil In The Dark" (pictured above right alongside Leonard Nimoy). To his credit, he also appeared in The Twilight Zone, The Invaders, Time Express, Battlestar Galactica, and Galactica 1980. Though he's no longer with us, Lynch was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard 'Dick' Geary got the chance to play an Andorian for Star Trek. (FYI: those are the blue aliens with antennae, for those of you uninformed.) He also had a small handful of uncredited parts on the popular late 60's Science Fiction program for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Geary was born on this day in 1925.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the seminal Science Fiction classic Blade Runner (1982), Joe Turkel (above right) played Dr. Eldon Tyrell, a scientist equally blessed and cursed with having created a whole new race of synthetic life forms. Though he's no longer with us, Turkel was born on this day in 1927.
As 'Stringfellow Hawke,' Jan Michael Vincent (pictured above) flew Airwolf, the futuristic combat helicopter from the cult TV series of the same name. Vincent has also appeared in such SciFi projects as Damnation Alley, The Return, Alienator, and X-Tro II: The Second Encounter. Though he's no longer with us, Vincent was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jesse Ventura -- formerly known as Jesse 'The Body' Ventura from his days in (ahem) professional wrestling -- is a bit of a weird duck. Weird politically. Weird socially. Just plain weird. Still, that doesn't stop him from finding other avenues with which to explore his weirdness, including starring alongside his buddy Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Running Man and Predator (shown above). Ventura was born on this day in 1951.
It was an uncredited role in the phenomenal Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan as Khan's kinda/sorta son and heir Joachim that helped actor Judson Scott's star rise to prominence in the sci-fi community. He followed that work up with some solid genre appearances as part of NBC's V and even more guest work in the Trek community on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager. Scott was born on this day in 1952.
Take note: if you're flown a spaceship, then odds are very good that SciFiHistory.Net is going to find you! Celia Imrie flew a starfighter on behalf of the good people of Naboo in George Lucas's Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. She's also appeared on the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Imrie was born on this day in 1953.
Forest Whitaker is an amazingly gifted actor. He's also an amazingly busy actor. (Seriously, check out his profile on IMDB.com some time.) To bad for us he doesn't do a lot of Science Fiction, but he did appear alongside Jude Law in 2010's Repo Men (pictured above). Whitaker was born on this day in 1961.
Initially, I think Hollywood dismissed the lovely Brigitte Nielsen as little more than Sylvester Stallone's gal-pal. But over time she proved that's quite possibly what she was best at. Still, could you imagine the utterly craptastic Galaxis (pictured above) without her headlining performance? I sure couldn't. And she did make Red Sonja palatable. Nielsen was born on this day in 1963.
Great screen villains can be the stuff of cinema legends, but Galyn Görg's Angie in RoboCop 2 (1990) was hamstrung with an uneven script. Still, the actress embraced genre, going on to work in such properties as Twin Peaks, M.A.N.T.I.S., Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Xena: Warrior Princess, Star Trek: Voyager, Stargate: SG-1, and Lost. Though she's no longer with us, Görg was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Shari Headley joined Scott Bakula for an episode of NBC's stellar Quantum Leap back in the popular program's second season. Headley was born on this day in 1964.
Hers may not be a household name, but Amanda Foreman has certainly appeared in several motion pictures which are known worldwide, including Star Trek (2009), Super 8 (2011), and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013). Foreman was born on this day in 1966.
At a glance, it would seem noted author Christopher Golden dabbles in a wealth of genre properties. Indeed, the Internet Speculative Fiction Database lists him as tinkering in the realms of Science Fiction, Juvenile Fantasy, the Supernatural, and several others. Shame on me as I was only familiar with his work co-authoring a few classic Battlestar Galactica novels with original BSG star Richard Hatch. (Shows what I know!) Golden was born on this day in 1967.
London-born actress Rachel Pickup enjoyed a wee bit of screen time aboard Wonder Woman (2017). She also paid a visit to the world of TV's House Of Anubis. Pickup was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actually, Brian Austin Green made a pretty phenomenal addition to the ensemble that was Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Now, the show never quite lived up to its potential -- imagine how difficult it is to do something like The Terminator on a weekly scale and you get what I mean -- but the young man brought plenty of machismo to the game while it was on-the-air. Green was born on this day in 1973.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: AMC's Humans was one of the better SciFi/Dramas of the 2000's. Great stories. Relatable characters and circumstances. Also, fabulous stars and guest stars, of which the lovely Jill Halfpenny is included. Halfpenny was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The always interesting Diane Kruger sported a guest spot aboard Fox TV's Fringe during the program's run, but that's really her only foray into Science Fiction that I've stumbled across. Hopefully she'll do more. Kruger was born on this day in 1976.
HubbaHubba Alert! The perfectly scrumptious Kitana Baker is one of the ladies willing to play dress up in the guise of comicdom's Vampirella for artists who can use her as a muse. Why, doesn't she just look picture perfect in the role? Baker was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back when ABC TV's Lost was still interesting, the delicious Lana Parrilla -- one of the hardest working women in television -- had a role in a few episodes aboard the underwater base. Parrilla was born on this day in 1977.
Greg Sestero brought his particular brand of spark to such projects as Gattaca (1997), Retro Puppet Master (1999), and Alien Presence (2009). Sestero was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The addition of Supergirl to the CBS line-up for the fall of 2015 was spectacular (shame on you, CBS, for not renewing it!); and the single greatest reason was that it gave one of the loveliest actresses to grace the Boob Tube in quite some time an entry into the DC Universe ... the fetching Laura Benanti! She played the sometimes duplicitous Astra as well as the gracefully noble Alura Zor-El in a dual role. Benenti was born on this day in 1979.
In all honesty, I only checked out Warcraft (2016) solely due to the fact that the fabulous Travis Fimmel was in the cast. I loved his work about the TV show Vikings for several seasons, and I was hoping for something special. While I didn't find it, Warcraft was an interesting diversion that felt only half-conceived. Fimmel was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
2018's Aquaman was a fabulous introduction to the world of the DC superhero, even going so far as to introduce one of his greatest supervillains: 'Black Manta' was played by the talented Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The actor also scored a fabulous role aboard the HBO adaptation of DC Comics' Watchmen for the cable channel. Abdul-Mateen II was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Aimee Carrero has lent her voice to a handful of genre creations including no less than 'She-Ra' herself aboard She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power for Netflix. Carrero was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In all fairness, Medalion Rahimi may not have an awful lot of genre projects under her belt, but -- as I've always said -- let's be thankful for small favors. She did made an appearance in The CW's The Outpost, and hopefully we'll be seeing more of her in the years ahead. Rahimi was born on this day in 1992.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1920 (in Japan), A Trip To Mars broke the bonds of Earth in cinematic fashion. Directed by Holger-Madsen and adapted by Ole Olsen from the Sophus Michaëlis novel ("Himmelskibet"), the silent era SciFi/Drama 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."
For the record:
If you're interested in knowing a bit more about this silent era Science Fiction film, Janne Wass (over at Scifist 2.0) has penned a wonderful report. You can find it right here.
"A group of researchers from Earth travel in a spaceship to Mars, where, to big surprise, they find a peaceful vegetarian and pacifist civilization."
For the record:
If you're interested in knowing a bit more about this silent era Science Fiction film, Janne Wass (over at Scifist 2.0) has penned a wonderful report. You can find it right here.
On this day in 1920, U.S. theaters aired the third episode of the silent SciFi/Serial The Invisible Ray. Written for the screen by Guy McConnell and directed by Harry A. Pollard, the feature starred Ruth Clifford, Jack Sherrill, and Sidney Bracey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
A star is born! On this day in 1948, Kirk Alyn took flight as the visitor from another planet with the release of the first chapter of the Superman serial for Sam Katzman Productions. Directed by Spencer Gordon Bennet and Thomas Carr, the feature also starred Noel Neill, Tommy Boyd, and Carol Forman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jor-El (Nelson Leigh), a scientist on the planet Krypton rockets his infant son to Earth just before Krypton explodes. The boy is found on Earth by a farmer, Eben Kent (Ed Cassidy) and his wife, Martha (Virginia Carroll) and they name him Clark Kent (Kirk Alyn). When Clark grows up, his foster father asks him to use his amazing super powers only for good. The mild-mannered Clark gets a job on the Daily Planet as a reporter, and soon, as his alter-ego Superman (Kirk Alyn'), and soon tangles with The Spider Lady (Carol Forman), who considers herself Queen of the Underworld. Meanwhile, a fragment from the planet Krypton reaches earth and falls in her possession. It is the only substance that can render Superman helpless."
"Jor-El (Nelson Leigh), a scientist on the planet Krypton rockets his infant son to Earth just before Krypton explodes. The boy is found on Earth by a farmer, Eben Kent (Ed Cassidy) and his wife, Martha (Virginia Carroll) and they name him Clark Kent (Kirk Alyn). When Clark grows up, his foster father asks him to use his amazing super powers only for good. The mild-mannered Clark gets a job on the Daily Planet as a reporter, and soon, as his alter-ego Superman (Kirk Alyn'), and soon tangles with The Spider Lady (Carol Forman), who considers herself Queen of the Underworld. Meanwhile, a fragment from the planet Krypton reaches earth and falls in her possession. It is the only substance that can render Superman helpless."
On this day in 1966 (in Finland), Around The World Under The Sea enjoyed theatrical release ... well above sea level, that is. Directed by Andrew Marton, the SciFi feature starred Lloyd Bridges, Shirley Eaton, and Keenan Wynn; 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."
A star is born! On this day in 1966 (in Italy), the curiously-titled Who Wants To Kill Jessie? enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the Trieste SciFi Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Václav Vorlícek, the Czech-language SciFi/Fantasy starred Dana Medrická, Jirí Sovák, and Olga Schoberová; and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
""What if someone had an absurd dream and the visions ran out in the street?" a scientist asks Rose, a researcher who discovers a way to engender beneficial dreams (to produce contented, productive workers). There's a problem: after an injection of her elixir, dream elements become real. Rose learns this after dosing her husband Henry to stop his dreaming about Jessie, a curvaceous comic-book heroine who has anti-gravitational gloves he needs to study so he can solve a problem at the factory where he's chief engineer: Henry wakes up with Jessie asleep next to him pursued by a cowboy and a super hero. Jealousy consumes Rose. All this plus satire aimed at the Czechoslovak state."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Who Wants To Kill Jessie? enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
""What if someone had an absurd dream and the visions ran out in the street?" a scientist asks Rose, a researcher who discovers a way to engender beneficial dreams (to produce contented, productive workers). There's a problem: after an injection of her elixir, dream elements become real. Rose learns this after dosing her husband Henry to stop his dreaming about Jessie, a curvaceous comic-book heroine who has anti-gravitational gloves he needs to study so he can solve a problem at the factory where he's chief engineer: Henry wakes up with Jessie asleep next to him pursued by a cowboy and a super hero. Jealousy consumes Rose. All this plus satire aimed at the Czechoslovak state."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Who Wants To Kill Jessie? enjoyed a modest bit of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1972 (in Spain), The Girl From Rio enjoyed a super-limited theatrical run in the city of Seville. Directed by Jesús Franco, Fantasy/Adventure starred Shirley Eaton, Richard Stapley, and George Sanders; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sumuru, the beautiful leader of the all-female kingdom of Femina, plans to use her women to take over the world."
"Sumuru, the beautiful leader of the all-female kingdom of Femina, plans to use her women to take over the world."
On this day in 1974 (in Norway), Soylent Green turned up in the audience's cinematic diet. Directed by Richard Fleischer and adapted by Stanely R. Greenberg from the Harry Harrison novel, the SciFi/Drama starred Charlton Heston, Edward G. Robinson, and Leigh-Taylor Young; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
"In 2022, Earth is overpopulated and totally polluted; the natural resources have been exhausted and the nourishment of the population is provided by Soylent Industries, a company that makes a food consisting of plankton from the oceans. In New York City, when Soylent's member of the board William R. Simonson is murdered apparently by a burglar at the Chelsea Towers West where he lives, efficient Detective Thorn is assigned to investigate the case with his partner Solomon "Sol" Roth. Thorn comes to the fancy apartment and meets Simonson's bodyguard Tab Fielding and the "furniture" (woman that is rented together with the flat) Shirl and the detective concludes that the executive was not victim of burglary but executed. Further, he finds that the Governor Santini and other powerful men want to disrupt and end Thorn's investigation. But Thorn continues his work and discovers a bizarre and disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green."
For the record:
I always thought that Soylent Green was really one of the first "environmentally conscious" Science Fiction films, something which tried to look at our world as a whole and what we were perhaps doing to it. I'd argue that it certainly sparked a trend in SciFi flicks to go a bit deeper into subject matter than just warp drive and laser pistols. The film was recognized by many to be worthy of acclaim. In 1974, it won the Nebula Award for Best Dramatic Presentation as well as taking the Grand Prize at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival. In 1975, it won the Golden Scroll for Best Picture from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.
On this day in 1981 (in France), Contamination infected theaters with its SciFi/Horror blend. Written (in part) and directed by Luigi Cozzi, the feature starred Louise Marleau, Ian McCulloch, and Marino Masé; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A former astronaut helps a government agent and a police detective track the source of mysterious alien pod spores, filled with lethal flesh-dissolving acid, to a South American coffee plantation controlled by alien pod clones."
"A former astronaut helps a government agent and a police detective track the source of mysterious alien pod spores, filled with lethal flesh-dissolving acid, to a South American coffee plantation controlled by alien pod clones."
On this day in 1982 (in Italy), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now a race begins between computers (HAL) and human (Bowman) to reach the monolith placers. The winner will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"Sometime in the distant past, someone or something nudged evolution by placing a monolith on Earth (presumably elsewhere throughout the universe as well). Evolution then enabled humankind to reach the moon's surface, where yet another monolith is found, one that signals the monolith placers that humankind has evolved that far. Now a race begins between computers (HAL) and human (Bowman) to reach the monolith placers. The winner will achieve the next step in evolution, whatever that may be."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1982 (in the Netherlands), Megaforce revved up its engines and roared onto the silver screen. Directed by Hal Needham, the SciFi/Actioner starred Barry Bostwick, Persis Khambatta, and Michael Beck; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
For the record:
I guess it can't be all that bad ... or can it? At the 1983 Razzie Awards, Megaforce enjoyed three nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Worst Supporting Actor,' 'Worst Director,' and 'Worst Picture.'
I tell you the world has gone to the dogs! On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Monster Dog growled with its release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Claudio Fragasso, the Horror/Fantasy starred Alice Cooper, Victoria Vera, and Carlos Santurio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A rock star returns to his childhood home to shoot a music video while a pack of wild dogs are on the loose killing off the local residents."
"A rock star returns to his childhood home to shoot a music video while a pack of wild dogs are on the loose killing off the local residents."
On this day in 1989 (in South Korea), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure took audiences on a wild ride through time. Directed by Stephen Herek, the film starred Alex Winter, Keanu Reeves, and George Carlin; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today.
"Two seemingly dumb teens set off on a quest to prepare the ultimate historical presentation with the help of a time machine."
For the record:
I've always been pleased as punch to consider Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure one of SciFi and Fantasy's smaller franchises. And, yes, it certainly is a franchise as it gave birth to not only a popular animated television series as well as a short-lived live action one but also a pair of big screen sequels: Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey (1991) and Bill & Ted Face The Music (2020). That's no small affair in the modern era of filmmaking. Though the quality of the content has varied, I think the original maintains its charm even today.
A star is born! And who doesn't appreciate a good Apocalypse? On this day in 1989, Empire Of Ash III made its grand debut on home video. Written and directed by the team of Michael Mazo and Lloyd A. Simandl (with some writing work also from Saul Urbonas), the SciFi/Thriller starred Melanie Kilgour, Thom Schioler, and Frank Wilson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"It's the year 2050, and the world has become a wasteland after a fatal virus has ravaged the human race. Those few that have survived are forced to fight against a powerful warrior empire that seeks total control over the new world. The price of freedom in this New World is death. In a desperate stand for true civilization, the last of the warriors for freedom wage an all out assault against the evil empire."
"It's the year 2050, and the world has become a wasteland after a fatal virus has ravaged the human race. Those few that have survived are forced to fight against a powerful warrior empire that seeks total control over the new world. The price of freedom in this New World is death. In a desperate stand for true civilization, the last of the warriors for freedom wage an all out assault against the evil empire."
A star is born! On this day in 1989 (in Japan), the giant robots at the center of Patlabor: The Movie lumbered onto the silver screen. Directed by Mamoru Oshii and adapted from the comic, the animated film starred the voices of Toshio Furukawa, David Jarvis, and Doug Erholtz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious suicide and a series of unmanned robot run-aways sparks off a Police investigation into the suspicious software on-board thousands of industrial robots around Tokyo. Step by step, the police find themselves tangled up by the web of a perfect crime which awaits the approaching Typhoon to activate thousands of virus affected robots. As time runs out, Asuma and his team must complete a task that is doomed to be a failure before the Typhoon lands Tokyo."
"A mysterious suicide and a series of unmanned robot run-aways sparks off a Police investigation into the suspicious software on-board thousands of industrial robots around Tokyo. Step by step, the police find themselves tangled up by the web of a perfect crime which awaits the approaching Typhoon to activate thousands of virus affected robots. As time runs out, Asuma and his team must complete a task that is doomed to be a failure before the Typhoon lands Tokyo."
On this day in 1995 (in Spain), he was the law! Sylvester Stallone, that is! Welcome to the silver screen run of Judge Dredd. Directed by Danny Cannon, the film also starred Diane Lane, Max Von Sydow, and Armand Assante; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the year 2139, the Earth has changed into a virtually uninhabitable place called the Cursed Earth. All of the Earth's population have crowded into the cities across the planet, now known as Mega-Cities. The crimes in these Mega-Cities became so violent and so powerful, that the regular justice system was powerless to contain, then it collapsed completely. However, a new justice system came from the ashes, there were three justice systems in one (police, jury and executioner), they were called Judges. In Mega-City One (formerly, New York City), there was a Judge, named Joseph Dredd, who was the toughest and most stringent Judge in history. One day, he was charged with murder, and was tried and sentenced to life in prison because of it."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
"In the year 2139, the Earth has changed into a virtually uninhabitable place called the Cursed Earth. All of the Earth's population have crowded into the cities across the planet, now known as Mega-Cities. The crimes in these Mega-Cities became so violent and so powerful, that the regular justice system was powerless to contain, then it collapsed completely. However, a new justice system came from the ashes, there were three justice systems in one (police, jury and executioner), they were called Judges. In Mega-City One (formerly, New York City), there was a Judge, named Joseph Dredd, who was the toughest and most stringent Judge in history. One day, he was charged with murder, and was tried and sentenced to life in prison because of it."
For the record:
Erm ... I guess the best I can say -- if I'm being kind -- is that this incarnation of Judge Dredd just wasn't meant to be. Stallone is a marquee actor, and I have to wonder if the script wasn't crafted to keep his face out from under Dredd's signature helmet, but it is what it is. Still, the film was technically proficient and definitely looked good. It garnered Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-up,' and 'Best Special Effects,' yet lost in all categories. Stallone and Schneider did have solid chemistry in this buddy picture, so I guess we have to be thankful for small favors.
A star is born! On this day in 1996 (in Argentina), audiences in attendance of the Universidad del Cine in Buenos Aires enjoyed an exclusive theatrical premiere of Moebius. Written (in part) and directed by Gustavo Mosquera R., the SciFi/Fantasy starred Guillermo Angelelli, Roberto Carnaghi, and Annabella Levy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A train on the Buenos Aires subway system suddenly vanishes."
"A train on the Buenos Aires subway system suddenly vanishes."
On this day in 1997, Savage dropped out of the sky and landed in the U.S. home video market. Directed by Avi Nesher (who also worked on the screenplay), the SciFi feature starred Olivier Gruner, Kario Salem, and Jennifer Grant; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Tital Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
"After his family is murdered, and he's left for dead, a farmer awakens in the desert and finds himself transformed into a savage warrior, with all the powers and skills of the ancient gods. Guided by his "spirit masters" he's given a mission; destroy Tital Corporation, the world's most powerful high-tech computer company and its ambitious leader, Michael Burroughs. Burrough's has discovered the technological remains of an ancient race and a secret that will allow him to open the Vortex and achieve immortality. Out in the desert, ancient powers collide with sophisticated technology as the Savage and Burroughs meet in a titanic struggle that could destroy mankind."
On this day in 1998 (in Switzerland), the world almost came to its bitter, bitter end with the cinematic release of Armageddon. Directed by Michael Bay, the SciFi/Thriller starred Bruce Willis, Ben Affleck, and Billy Bob Thornton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas will impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
"After discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas will impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet."
For the record:
Wow. What to say about Armageddon? Well, on April 22, 2013, director Michael Bay finally apologized for loosing the cinematic spectacle upon all of mankind. (Isn't it interesting, though, that one of its principle writers -- JJ Abrams -- remains silent, eh?) To be honest, I didn't think the film was bad enough that we deserved an apology for it: sadly, it was your typical summer blockbuster event, which is to say it was big, loud, dumb, and (mostly) fun. It enjoyed a healthy number of award nominations, and it even won 'Best Science Fiction Film' at the 1999 Saturn Awards (an honor shared with mildly confusing Dark City). Plus the film featured one of Aerosmith's biggest ballads in years -- "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" -- originally penned by the great Diane Warren. Maybe it's best to think of Armageddon as Hollywood's truest case of buyer beware: you never know what you're going to get.
On this day in 1999 (in Hungary), Tale Of The Mummy enjoyed its day in the sun with a release on home video. Written (in part) and directed by Russell Mulcahy, the Fantasy/Horror starred Jason Scott Lee, Louise Lombard, and Sean Pertwee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Centuries ago, under the sands of ancient Egypt, a Prince was buried and his tomb eternally cursed so that no man would ever again suffer from his evil ways. But hundreds of years later on a greedy search for treasure, a group of archaeologists break the cursed seal of the tomb. Every man vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a log book, and a deadly warning of the legend of the bloodthursty Talos. Fifty years later, the log book ends up in the hands of the granddaughter of the head archaeologist, and she defiantly sets out to retrace his steps. Discovering the forbidden treasure, she recovers a sacred amulet and once again unleashes the savage power of the tomb. Racing through the streets of London, and against the force of a rare interplanetary line-up, she, along with the help of her original dig team and an American detective, desperately try to turn back the inhuman curse and to keep Talos from destroying all in his path in an attempt to gain immortal power."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tale Of The Mummy enjoyed a modest amount of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"Centuries ago, under the sands of ancient Egypt, a Prince was buried and his tomb eternally cursed so that no man would ever again suffer from his evil ways. But hundreds of years later on a greedy search for treasure, a group of archaeologists break the cursed seal of the tomb. Every man vanishes without a trace, leaving behind only a log book, and a deadly warning of the legend of the bloodthursty Talos. Fifty years later, the log book ends up in the hands of the granddaughter of the head archaeologist, and she defiantly sets out to retrace his steps. Discovering the forbidden treasure, she recovers a sacred amulet and once again unleashes the savage power of the tomb. Racing through the streets of London, and against the force of a rare interplanetary line-up, she, along with the help of her original dig team and an American detective, desperately try to turn back the inhuman curse and to keep Talos from destroying all in his path in an attempt to gain immortal power."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Tale Of The Mummy enjoyed a modest amount of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2000, the SciFi/Telefilm Countdown: The Sky's On Fire came over the horizon and enjoyed its U.S. broadcast premiere. Directed by Dan Lerner, the feature starred John Corbett, Bradley Whitford, and Josie Bissett; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The ozone is depleted and as a result of this all sorts things are happening like lethal insects flying around. A scientist tries to warn everybody about this but no one seems to believe him. When his predictions come true they now turn to him for help."
"The ozone is depleted and as a result of this all sorts things are happening like lethal insects flying around. A scientist tries to warn everybody about this but no one seems to believe him. When his predictions come true they now turn to him for help."
On this day in 2004 (in Australia, Switzerland, and Germany), The Stepford Wives challenged the woman's role in the nuclear family. (For purists, this is actually a remake/reboot derivative of the 1975 original of the same name.) Directed by Frank Oz, the SciFi/Comedy starred Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, and Glenn Close; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Joanna Eberhart, a wildly successful president of a TV Network, after a series of shocking events, suffers a nervous breakdown and is moved by her milquetoast of a husband, Walter, from Manhattan to the chic, upper-class, and very modern planned community of Stepford, Connecticut. Once there, she makes good friends with the acerbic Bobbie Markowitz, a Jewish writer who's also a recovering alcoholic. Together they find out, much to their growing stupor and-then horror, that all the housewives in town are strangely blissful and, somehow... doomed. What is going on behind the closed doors of the Stepford Men's Association and the Stepford Day Spa? Why is everything perfect here? Will it be too late for Joanna and Bobbie when they finally find out?"
"Joanna Eberhart, a wildly successful president of a TV Network, after a series of shocking events, suffers a nervous breakdown and is moved by her milquetoast of a husband, Walter, from Manhattan to the chic, upper-class, and very modern planned community of Stepford, Connecticut. Once there, she makes good friends with the acerbic Bobbie Markowitz, a Jewish writer who's also a recovering alcoholic. Together they find out, much to their growing stupor and-then horror, that all the housewives in town are strangely blissful and, somehow... doomed. What is going on behind the closed doors of the Stepford Men's Association and the Stepford Day Spa? Why is everything perfect here? Will it be too late for Joanna and Bobbie when they finally find out?"
A star is born ... and then it sank! On this day in 2006 (in Japan), audiences were thrilled beyond belief when they came face-to-face with Doomsday: The Sinking Of Japan. Directed by Shinji Higuchi from a story by Sakyô Komatsu and Masato Katô, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Ko Shibasaki, and Etsushi Toyokawa. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Japan will sink down to the deep sea. The governments only hope is evacuate all Japanese to some other countries."
"Japan will sink down to the deep sea. The governments only hope is evacuate all Japanese to some other countries."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Japan), The Girl Who Leapt Through Time leapt onto the silver screen in animated fashion. Directed by Mamoru Hosoda, the feature starred the voices of Riisa Naka, Takuya Ishida, and Mitsutaka Itakura; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A teenage girl finds that she has the ability to leap through time. With her newfound power, she tries to use it to her advantage, but soon finds that tampering with time can lead to some rather discomforting results."
For the record:
This celebrated film received a good dose of acclaim while on the film festival circuit, but it also cleaned house at the 2007 Tokyo Anime Awards, taking home trophies in the categories of 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Character Design,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Original Story,' 'Best Director,' and 'Animation Of The Year.'
"A teenage girl finds that she has the ability to leap through time. With her newfound power, she tries to use it to her advantage, but soon finds that tampering with time can lead to some rather discomforting results."
For the record:
This celebrated film received a good dose of acclaim while on the film festival circuit, but it also cleaned house at the 2007 Tokyo Anime Awards, taking home trophies in the categories of 'Best Art Direction,' 'Best Character Design,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Original Story,' 'Best Director,' and 'Animation Of The Year.'
On this day in 2009 (in Spain), Showdown At Area 51 enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by C. Roma, the SciFi/Thriller starred Jason London, Gigi Edgley, and Christa Campbell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two aliens who crash on Earth must find a buried weapon that will destroy the planet and their own society if not stopped."
"Two aliens who crash on Earth must find a buried weapon that will destroy the planet and their own society if not stopped."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Germany), Womb played for audiences in attendance of the German Film Week Film Festival, making this the project's very first theatrical engagement ever! Written and directed by Benedek Fliegauf, the SciFi/Drama starred Eva Green, Matt Smith, and Lesley Manville; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman's consuming love forces her to bear the clone of her dead beloved. From his infancy to manhood, she faces the unavoidable complexities of her controversial decision."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Womb enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A woman's consuming love forces her to bear the clone of her dead beloved. From his infancy to manhood, she faces the unavoidable complexities of her controversial decision."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Womb enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Germany), Dark Space enjoyed shining a little light on audiences. Written and directed by Emmett Callinan, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keith Reay, Steve West, and Alana Dietze. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When their shuttle is damaged on the way to Centari Five, six friends are forced to crash land on the surface of a mysterious alien planet. Stranded with little hope of rescue, it soon becomes clear that they are not alone. Hunted by the planet's ferocious inhabitants and targeted by heavily-armed forces, they will have to struggle just to survive."
"When their shuttle is damaged on the way to Centari Five, six friends are forced to crash land on the surface of a mysterious alien planet. Stranded with little hope of rescue, it soon becomes clear that they are not alone. Hunted by the planet's ferocious inhabitants and targeted by heavily-armed forces, they will have to struggle just to survive."
On this day in 2015 (in Spain), Gallowwalkers walked the gallows of a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Goth, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Wesley Snipes, Kevin Howarth, and Riley Smith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cursed gunman (Snipes) whose victims come back from the dead recruits a young warrior to help in the fight against a gang of zombies."
"A cursed gunman (Snipes) whose victims come back from the dead recruits a young warrior to help in the fight against a gang of zombies."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), the animated Phantom Boy soared onto the silver screen. Directed by the team of Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol (who also penned the script), the Superhero/Fantasy starred the voices of Eduoard Baer, Jean-Pierre Marielle, and Audrey Tautou; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A super-powered boy helps a wheelchair-bound policeman in his attempt to bring down a mob kingpin."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Phantom Boy enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A super-powered boy helps a wheelchair-bound policeman in his attempt to bring down a mob kingpin."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Phantom Boy enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2016 (in Canada), audiences in attendance of the Fantasia International Film Festival were treated to the silver screen premiere of Rupture. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Shainberg, the SciFi/Thriller starred Noomi Rapace, Michael Chiklis, and Kerry Bishe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A single mom tries to break free from a mysterious organization that has abducted her."
"A single mom tries to break free from a mysterious organization that has abducted her."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), it was all blood and guts and mayhem with the theatrical release of The Purge: Election Year. Written and directed by James DeMonaco, the Horror/Fantasy starred Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Mykelti Williamson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Former Police Sergeant Barnes becomes head of security for Senator Charlie Roan, a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due to her vow to eliminate the Purge."
"Former Police Sergeant Barnes becomes head of security for Senator Charlie Roan, a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due to her vow to eliminate the Purge."
On this day in 2018 (in South Korea), the 1975-produced SciFi/Drama The Stepford Wives played for audiences in attendance of the BiFan - Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. Directed by Bryan Forbes, the SciFi/Drama starred Katharine Ross, Paula Prentiss, and Peter Masterson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Stepford Wives is about a small suburb where the women happily go about their housework - cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking gourmet meals - to please their husbands. Unfortunately, Bobbie and Joanna discover that the village's wives have been replaced with robots, and Joanna's husband wants in on the action."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
"The Stepford Wives is about a small suburb where the women happily go about their housework - cleaning, doing laundry, and cooking gourmet meals - to please their husbands. Unfortunately, Bobbie and Joanna discover that the village's wives have been replaced with robots, and Joanna's husband wants in on the action."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me. At the 1976 Golden Scroll Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, actress Katharine Ross took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' while the film itself missed out on the 'Best Science Fiction Film' trophy.
On this day in 2019 (in Uruguay), the 1902-produced SciFi/Classic A Trip To The Moon played for audiences in attendance of the Cinemateca Uruguaya. Directed by Georges Méliès, the film starred Bleuette Bernon, Henri Delannoy, and Victor André. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
"A group of astronomers go on an expedition to the Moon."
Star Trek: The Next Generation's second season did take a few baby steps away from the largely forgettable first season; unfortunately, it's second season finale, "Shades of Gray" (which aired on this day back in 1989), was pretty awful. It featured up essentially a bloated clip show format with a rather sketchy story centered on Commander William Riker needed the assistance of his negative emotions to fight off some relatively pesky brain microbes. Blech, indeed.
On this day in 1993 (in Canada), Matrix aired "Lapses In Memory." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by Google.com:
"A woman being subjected to fierce psychological torture must decide if her father was involved in her mother's death."
"A woman being subjected to fierce psychological torture must decide if her father was involved in her mother's death."
On this day in 1994, Robocop: The Series aired "Illusions." This served as the fifteenth episode in the cult series' only season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"RoboCop guards The Chairman of OCP against a mysterious assassin, while Madigan falls under the romantic spell of a handsome young magician who may be the killer."
"RoboCop guards The Chairman of OCP against a mysterious assassin, while Madigan falls under the romantic spell of a handsome young magician who may be the killer."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Sky Trackers aired "Long Distance Call." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Australian Television Online:
"Tony is launched into space aboard the shuttle. Nikki and Mike make up after their argument and the two hurry back from school to speak with Tony in space. The space shuttle is hit by space junk and communication is lost for a few hours. There is also a chance that the damaged shuttle may break up during re-entry into earth's atmosphere. Mike and his father have an emotional conversation just prior to re-entry. The shuttle eventually returns safely to earth."
"Tony is launched into space aboard the shuttle. Nikki and Mike make up after their argument and the two hurry back from school to speak with Tony in space. The space shuttle is hit by space junk and communication is lost for a few hours. There is also a chance that the damaged shuttle may break up during re-entry into earth's atmosphere. Mike and his father have an emotional conversation just prior to re-entry. The shuttle eventually returns safely to earth."
On this day in 1995, Weird Science aired "Quantum Wyatt." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"To try out various careers Wyatt leaps from career to career."
"To try out various careers Wyatt leaps from career to career."
On this day in 1999, Mercy Point aired "Battle Scars." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jurado is in critical condition after being jettisoned out of an airlock. A miner makes a profitable discovery, but contracts an illness that prevents him from enjoying it. Dru helps a teenage drug addict detox even though she could not find the teenager's mother to get her consent."
"Jurado is in critical condition after being jettisoned out of an airlock. A miner makes a profitable discovery, but contracts an illness that prevents him from enjoying it. Dru helps a teenage drug addict detox even though she could not find the teenager's mother to get her consent."
On this day in 1999, Mercy Point aired "Persistence Of Vision." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The medical crew locate a capsule containing a man who chose to live in exile in space rather than go to prison. He claims that his brain disease is the result of communicating with God. Rema Cooke tries to help a woman deal with her nightmares, which threaten to drive her insane."
"The medical crew locate a capsule containing a man who chose to live in exile in space rather than go to prison. He claims that his brain disease is the result of communicating with God. Rema Cooke tries to help a woman deal with her nightmares, which threaten to drive her insane."
On this day in 2002, Witchblade aired "Lagrimas." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During an investigation about a ritual murder, detective Sara Pezzini encounters a mysterious young man and falls in love at first sight. But nothing is like it seems : this man who gives a coin from Cartophilus (the Wandering Jew) for paying a beautiful gift to Sara has a special agenda."
"During an investigation about a ritual murder, detective Sara Pezzini encounters a mysterious young man and falls in love at first sight. But nothing is like it seems : this man who gives a coin from Cartophilus (the Wandering Jew) for paying a beautiful gift to Sara has a special agenda."
On this day in 2003 (in Canada), Alienated aired "Officially Crazy." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After his reappearance, George becomes preoccupied with sex. Meanwhile, Sarah researches alien abductions and worries about the lack of sex in her marriage."
"After his reappearance, George becomes preoccupied with sex. Meanwhile, Sarah researches alien abductions and worries about the lack of sex in her marriage."
On this day in 2003 (in Canada), Alienated aired "Pass The Saltpeter." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roger is overwhelmed by sexual desires; Isabelle makes out with one her female classmates; UFOlogist Carter Treehorn snoops around."
"Roger is overwhelmed by sexual desires; Isabelle makes out with one her female classmates; UFOlogist Carter Treehorn snoops around."
On this day in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Avalon, Part 1." This served as the first episode of the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"With a new commander of the SGC comes a new leader of SG-1, Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell, a former fighter pilot who flew an F-302 in the battle over Antarctica. However, he is deterred by the fact that all the other members of SG-1 are leaving for other ventures: Teal'c to manage the Jaffa Nation, Carter to Area 51 for alien R&D, and Dr. Jackson to Atlantis as an Ancient expert. Mitchell endeavors to keep the members of SG-1 for himself, but they are increasingly tough to convince."
"With a new commander of the SGC comes a new leader of SG-1, Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell, a former fighter pilot who flew an F-302 in the battle over Antarctica. However, he is deterred by the fact that all the other members of SG-1 are leaving for other ventures: Teal'c to manage the Jaffa Nation, Carter to Area 51 for alien R&D, and Dr. Jackson to Atlantis as an Ancient expert. Mitchell endeavors to keep the members of SG-1 for himself, but they are increasingly tough to convince."
On this day in 2005, Stargate: Atlantis aried "The Siege: Part 3." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Daedalus arrives and the two hive ships are destroyed. Atlantis seems saved, then Zelenka detects 12 more ships. Ford seems changed after a fall in the water."
"The Daedalus arrives and the two hive ships are destroyed. Atlantis seems saved, then Zelenka detects 12 more ships. Ford seems changed after a fall in the water."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Jaynestown." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal and the crew of Serenity land to pick up some contraband In Canton, a township on Higgins' Moon, where labor is provided under servitude run by the local magistrate. Jayne had once robbed the boss with a partner but barely escaped by jettisoning from their getaway vehicle his partner (now waiting for revenge) and the money boxes (who have made him a legendary hero). Jayne is recognized by all and "welcomed" accordingly. Sub-plots show Simon and Kaylee face their growing romantic feelings, River first tries to "fix" the Bible and is later traumatized by seeing Book's hair. Meanwhile, Inara is "making a man of" the magistrate's resentful son who helps the crew escape out of spite to his father. But there has been a confrontation with Jayne's abandoned partner whose vengeful shotgun kills one of Jayne's young hero-worshipers, bringing Jayne to verge of philosophy with Mal."
"Mal and the crew of Serenity land to pick up some contraband In Canton, a township on Higgins' Moon, where labor is provided under servitude run by the local magistrate. Jayne had once robbed the boss with a partner but barely escaped by jettisoning from their getaway vehicle his partner (now waiting for revenge) and the money boxes (who have made him a legendary hero). Jayne is recognized by all and "welcomed" accordingly. Sub-plots show Simon and Kaylee face their growing romantic feelings, River first tries to "fix" the Bible and is later traumatized by seeing Book's hair. Meanwhile, Inara is "making a man of" the magistrate's resentful son who helps the crew escape out of spite to his father. But there has been a confrontation with Jayne's abandoned partner whose vengeful shotgun kills one of Jayne's young hero-worshipers, bringing Jayne to verge of philosophy with Mal."
On this day in 2007, The 4400 aired "Try The Pie." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Now that he knows Kyle is Promicin Positive ("P+"), Tom sets out to track him down. His journey leads him to a town that is no longer on the map and the people of which are not ordinary. Meanwhile, Maia has terrible visions of 4400s and P+es being dragged to prison camps. And her visions always come true."
"Now that he knows Kyle is Promicin Positive ("P+"), Tom sets out to track him down. His journey leads him to a town that is no longer on the map and the people of which are not ordinary. Meanwhile, Maia has terrible visions of 4400s and P+es being dragged to prison camps. And her visions always come true."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "Deep Down." Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by Australian Television Online:
"Khelioz sabotages the Stormrider leaving Jason, Lee and Flees trapped inside and stranded on the bottom of the ocean."
"Khelioz sabotages the Stormrider leaving Jason, Lee and Flees trapped inside and stranded on the bottom of the ocean."
On this day in 2010 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "The Shakespeare Code." Officially, this served as the second episode in the Modern Era of Doctor Who's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor takes Martha to London in 1599, where William Shakespeare's new play is being used by three witches in an evil plan."
"The Doctor takes Martha to London in 1599, where William Shakespeare's new play is being used by three witches in an evil plan."
On this day in 2011, Torchwood aired "Miracle Day: Rendition." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Rex brings back Jack and Gwen to Washington. At the CIA office Esther realizes that the rendition is being sabotaged from within the organization. On the flight home Rex unexpectedly needs help from Dr. Juarez to get the team safely on the ground. In the meantime the medical community tries to cope with the new reality of non-death."
"Rex brings back Jack and Gwen to Washington. At the CIA office Esther realizes that the rendition is being sabotaged from within the organization. On the flight home Rex unexpectedly needs help from Dr. Juarez to get the team safely on the ground. In the meantime the medical community tries to cope with the new reality of non-death."
On this day in 2012, Falling Skies aired "Homecoming." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Hal stumbles across bodies of de-harnessed kids and finds someone from his past. Tom and Anne grow closer. And Weaver's health deteriorates just as Tom discovers he may have been keeping important matters from the group in order to protect them."
"Hal stumbles across bodies of de-harnessed kids and finds someone from his past. Tom and Anne grow closer. And Weaver's health deteriorates just as Tom discovers he may have been keeping important matters from the group in order to protect them."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S. and Canada), Under The Dome aired "Outbreak." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The town suffers from an outbreak of meningitis. Julia learns that Phil and Barbie are connected to her missing husband. Angie struggles to escape the bomb shelter."
"The town suffers from an outbreak of meningitis. Julia learns that Phil and Barbie are connected to her missing husband. Angie struggles to escape the bomb shelter."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S. and Canada), Killjoys aired "Shaft." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A rescue mission to the Badlands goes wrong when the Killjoys encounter an unexpected enemy in an abandoned mine."
"A rescue mission to the Badlands goes wrong when the Killjoys encounter an unexpected enemy in an abandoned mine."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S. and Canada), Orphan Black aired "Manacled Slim Wrists." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cosima is forced into an alliance with Susan Duncan when an old enemy returns to the Island. Meanwhile, on the mainland, Krystal stumbles onto a vital clue to the Neolution endgame."
"Cosima is forced into an alliance with Susan Duncan when an old enemy returns to the Island. Meanwhile, on the mainland, Krystal stumbles onto a vital clue to the Neolution endgame."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap leapt onto the small screen. The first installment was titled "A Wakeful Slumber," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While having a narcoleptic nap, Kelsey has a vivid nightmare that she is trapped in another person's body. Kelsey's best friend, Aidan, feels that Kelsey just experienced a "lucid dream". Kelsey suspects it was something more."
"While having a narcoleptic nap, Kelsey has a vivid nightmare that she is trapped in another person's body. Kelsey's best friend, Aidan, feels that Kelsey just experienced a "lucid dream". Kelsey suspects it was something more."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Range To Target." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During her leap, Kelsey notices a man with one yellow iris in his eye. Kelsey's AP activity allows Miles to close in on her whereabouts, using the military's tracking technology."
"During her leap, Kelsey notices a man with one yellow iris in his eye. Kelsey's AP activity allows Miles to close in on her whereabouts, using the military's tracking technology."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Something Amiss." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a leap, Kelsey experiences a bloody nose and a migraine. Concerned - and curious if these health issues are clues to the cause of her astral projection abilities - Kelsey visits a doctor. Miles makes contact with Kelsey."
"After a leap, Kelsey experiences a bloody nose and a migraine. Concerned - and curious if these health issues are clues to the cause of her astral projection abilities - Kelsey visits a doctor. Miles makes contact with Kelsey."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "The Lure." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Miles deceives Kelsey by claiming to be a scientist studying astral projection. Aidan suspects Miles has ulterior motives. Colonel Slater fears that Kelsey is a foreign agent."
"Miles deceives Kelsey by claiming to be a scientist studying astral projection. Aidan suspects Miles has ulterior motives. Colonel Slater fears that Kelsey is a foreign agent."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Revelations." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Attracted to Miles, Kelsey starts to spend more time with him, and less with Aidan - who insists that Kelsey can't trust Miles. Aidan helps Kelsey stress into another narcoleptic nap, where she leaps into Miles to discover the truth."
"Attracted to Miles, Kelsey starts to spend more time with him, and less with Aidan - who insists that Kelsey can't trust Miles. Aidan helps Kelsey stress into another narcoleptic nap, where she leaps into Miles to discover the truth."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Unintended Consequences." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Miles brings Kelsey and Aidan - who feel they have but little choice trust him - to a safe house. Miles tells them to keep Kelsey from having another narcoleptic event while he tries to convince Colonel Slater that Kelsey has disappeared."
"Miles brings Kelsey and Aidan - who feel they have but little choice trust him - to a safe house. Miles tells them to keep Kelsey from having another narcoleptic event while he tries to convince Colonel Slater that Kelsey has disappeared."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Desperate Measures." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Still mid-leap, Kelsey and Miles manage to defeat the remaining AP agents chasing them. Kelsey wakes and is horrified to realize that, due to her actions, Aidan has been shot. Miles calls in an old favour to get Aidan help."
"Still mid-leap, Kelsey and Miles manage to defeat the remaining AP agents chasing them. Kelsey wakes and is horrified to realize that, due to her actions, Aidan has been shot. Miles calls in an old favour to get Aidan help."
On this day in 2018 (in Canada), NarcoLeap aired "Lost And Found." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Distraught by the nightmare her life has become, Kelsey is desperate to escape it and takes control of her destiny. What she finds, rocks her to the core."
"Distraught by the nightmare her life has become, Kelsey is desperate to escape it and takes control of her destiny. What she finds, rocks her to the core."
On this day in 2020, The 100 aired "The Flock." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Murphy and Indra must defuse a tense situation. Meanwhile, old friends make new allegiances."
"Murphy and Indra must defuse a tense situation. Meanwhile, old friends make new allegiances."
