For such a li'l lady, Summer Glau has certainly made an imprint on SciFi. She first dropped onto mankind's radar with a curious role aboard Joss Whedon's Firefly series. Then, she loaded both barrels and took charge as the signature cyborg in Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Since, she's made welcome appearances as part of The 4400, Dollhouse, The Big Bang Theory, The Cape, Alphas, and Arrow. Trust me: everywhere she goes, she's welcome. Glau was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Harry Horner got his start in professional direction with a little something he put together for the silver screen called Red Planet Mars (1952), and I think SciFi fans would agree that's a great way to begin. Though he's no longer with us, Horner was born on this day in 1910.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though director Peter Yates may've shot a lot of truly great films, 1983's Fantasy epic Krull wasn't one of them. It failed to ignite with audiences and remains largely forgotten to this day, except for a small following. Still, kudos to the man for making the attempt to bring the saga from another world to ours. Though he's no longer with us, Yates was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ouch! Think what you may about actors, but the very best of them could weaponize their scowls! And scowl Jacqueline Brookes did at a disgraced Wesley Crusher in "The First Duty," a rather poignant episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though she's no longer with us, Brookes was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable John Aniston didn't venture much into the realm of Science Fiction, and yet a guest spot aboard Star Trek: Voyager still counts for something around here. Aniston was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When "The Galileo Seven" shuttlecraft found itself stranded on an alien world with a slim chance of returning to Starfleet, Phyllis Douglas was one of the crew trapped on the surface. She enjoyed a return to the world of Star Trek with a small role aboard the third season out "The Way To Eden." Though she's no longer with us, Douglas was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mark Goddard was part of the crew who were Lost in Space during the program's run from 1965 thru 1968. His take as the hunky Major Don West probably made ladies' hearts swoon as he was never found all that far from where the action was at. Though he's no longer with us, Goddard was born on this day in 1936.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know. We're all supposed to hate Alien: Resurrection (1997), and it's true that the Joss Whedon-scripted entry into the greater Alien universe pales by comparison to any other entry, but I thought it did serve up some nice small performances, of which Dan Hedaya (above center) can stake a claim. Hedaya was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On occasion, character actor Chris Sarandon has dabbled in the realms of Horror, Science Fiction and Fantasy. He's been seen aboard Fright Night (1985), Frankenstein (1987), Child's Play (1988), The Resurrected (1993), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The Outer Limits, and Charmed. Sarandon was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Although Robert Hays has already secured a place in cinema history for his work in the comedy classic Airplane!, he did dabble briefly in Science Fiction. Starman was a film role made famous by Jeff Bridges, but when the TV networks came calling for a weekly series it was Hayes who filled in the shoes as the alien who returned to Earth years later to be reunited with his son. Hays was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Of course, I realize that playing Wonder Woman may not exactly qualify as Science Fiction, but I'll use any excuse I can muster to feature a creature as lovely as Lynda Carter! As a super-heroine, she made such a lasting impression on a generation that she deserves a mention in any space. Carter was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actress Fiona Reid enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the cinematic adaptation of The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) for New Line Cinema. Reid was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his may not be a household name, Jim Kouf's is quite probably recognized by fans of Science Fiction and Fantasy. As a producer or screenwriter, he's help bring to live such visions as The Hidden (1987), The Hidden 2 (1993), Angel, and NBC's popular Grimm. Kouf was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not only has the esteemed Robert Greenberger penned a novel or two in the various realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, but he's also contributed greatly to the world of comic books while working for both Marvel and DC Comics. He also used to pen some quality articles for the sadly defunct Starlog magazine. Greenberger was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Shawn Weatherly has given Science Fiction and Fantasy a passing glance with in Amazing Stories and Shadowzone (1990). Weatherly was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though her artwork, the talented Colleen Doran has helped to bring to life such properties as Sandman, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Legion Of Superheroes, Marvel Girl Comics, and Red Sonja. Doran was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Julie Graham has had a terrific career, much of it in fairly convention work, but she has visited the creative worlds of Space Island One, Afterlife, Survivors, and The Sarah Jane Adventures. Graham was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sadly, Syfy's incarnation of The Invisible Man (2000-2002) seems to have fallen into the dust bin of history, rarely receiving a mention despite its smart writing and great cast, including character veteran Paul Ben-Victor. Ben-Victor was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Doug Liman dove head-first into Science Fiction by helming the Tom Cruise vehicle Edge Of Tomorrow (2014) for Warner Bros. Liman was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Heavens-to-Betsy, can they make a woman lovelier than Kristin Chenoweth? She made hearts swoon with her role aboard NBC's Pushing Daisies, and she's done the same -- with a dark twist -- in a performance aboard Starz Network's American Gods adaptation. Chenoweth was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though television audiences of a certain era probably know her best for work in more contemporary fare, the lovely Laura Leighton turned up in an episode of the 1990's incarnation of The Outer Limits for good measure. Leighton was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record, I don't feel that Jennifer Lopez is that particularly good as an actress. Or as a media celebrity. Or as a singer. But I think there was a time when she was vastly more serious about the projects she went into, and 2000's The Cell is a good example. Granted, it wasn't a particularly good film, but it showed some promise as Lopez starred as an FBI agent who agreed to use experimental technology to enter the mind of a killer. Lopez was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Former NBA player Rick Fox followed up his career on-the-court with a career in acting, including a guest spot aboard The CW's popular iZombie. Fox was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In more ways than one, director Patty Jenkins proved how important the female perspective can be to the broader universe of DC Comic book movies when she delivered the blockbuster Wonder Woman (2017) to the silver screen. Jenkins was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Giota Trakas has been building a screen career out of small roles whenever and wherever she finds them. If you're watching closely, you might be able to spot her aboard such properties as The Time Traveler's Wife (2009), A Nightmare On Elm Street (2010), Contagion (2011), Sense8, Rampage (2018), and Batwoman. Trakas was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard AMC's Breaking Bad, Laura Fraser proved she can be as ruthless as business requires, but for her appearances in Neverwhere or and fantastical Peter and Wendy (2015), she showed us how easy it is to give in to flights of fancy. Fraser was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Danny Dyer came prepared to fight for his life and all of mankind aboard Doghouse (2009) from Carnaby Film Productions. Dyer was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Rose Byrne is an actress who brings a measured level of gravitas to any role she assumes, and she maintained a terrific presence in the ensemble at the heart of X-Men: First Class. She also braved a zombie Apocalypse as part of 28 Weeks Later. Byrne was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! The delicious Clare Foster staked out her own little corner of Fantasy with her work aboard the short-lived TV series Galavant. Foster was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The truth be told, lovely Anna Paquin didn't exactly come out of nowhere when she rose to prominence as part of the original X-Men ensemble; at that point, she'd already won her first Academy Award! Still, the lady has gone on to more (ahem) revealing work, playing the sexually adventurous 'Sookie Stackhouse' on HBO's fantasy-fueled True Blood. Paquin was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mad Man's Elisabeth Moss (pictured) has only really flirted in genre entertainment. Back in 2005, she had a recurring role in ABC's alien drama Invasion; and in 2011 she lent her voice to the character Arisia in popular DC Comics direct-to-DVD release of Green Lantern: Emerald Knights. More recently, she turned up in The Handmaid's Tale. Moss was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well, now! Doesn't she just look the part of a legend! The lovely Tala Ashe made a big entry into the realm of Fantasy with a breakout role aboard The CW's Legends Of Tomorrow. Ashe was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Jennifer Kretchmer has enjoyed small roles aboard such genre properties as SeaQuest 2032 and Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. Kretchmer was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Megan Park enjoyed a recurring spot aboard the Lifetime Network's venture into Science Fiction -- The Lottery -- back in 2014. Park was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Michael Jones has made saving the world his business for his part aboard the SciFi/Comedy Lazer Team franchise. Jones was born on this day in 1987.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Daveigh Chase's earliest screen roles put her smack dab in the middle of the Donnie Darko universe. She's also put in time aboard A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), The Rats (2002), and S. Darko (2009). Chase was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gregg Lowe stepped with ease into the world of Marvel with a small role aboard X-Men: Days Of Future Past (2014). Lowe was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Penelope Mitchell's career is really just getting started, but she's already made time for genre work with roles aboard The Vampire Diaries. Mitchell was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've yet to seriously explore the WB's Arrow program. I have the first two seasons on video (a sale price way too good to pass up), but I have seen a few of the show's regulars crossover onto The Flash, and I certainly admire their work. One such lady is the absolutely dreamy Emily Bett Rickards who plays Felicity Smoak with smokin' potential. She's also been a part of something called Soldiers of the Apocalypse, but I can't seem to find that anywhere. Go figure. Rickards was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Newcomer Cailee Spaeny fought the good fight with her work aboard Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018) for Legendary Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Spaeny was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1925, U.S. theatergoers were treated to the thirteenth episode in the ongoing silver screen SciFi/Serial The Power God from Ben Wilson Productions. The film starred Ben F. Wilson, Neva Gerber, and Lafe McKee. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Sturgess invents a miraculous engine which can draw unlimited power from the atoms of the air. When the professor is killed, his daughter and her fiance must fight to keep the secret of the power engine out of the hands of evil Weston Dore and his henchmen."
"Professor Sturgess invents a miraculous engine which can draw unlimited power from the atoms of the air. When the professor is killed, his daughter and her fiance must fight to keep the secret of the power engine out of the hands of evil Weston Dore and his henchmen."
A star is born! On this day in 1952, Blackhawk: Fearless Champion of Freedom delivered action with a healthy Fantasy overcoat. The serial starred Kirk Alyn, John Crawford, and Carol Forman, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Based on a successful comic book that began in 1941, the Blackhawks were seven flyers who banded together during WW II to fight the Nazis. After the war, they continued to fight evil where ever they find it. In this movie, they are battling a group of spies and saboteurs bent on destroying democracy. The Blackhawks foil a succession of plots, with a cliff hanger ending in each episode."
For the record:
For those unaware, Blackhawk is a comic book character originally created by Will Eisner, Reed Crandall, and Chuck Cuidera. If you're interested in knowing a bit more about it, then check out the citation of Wikipedia.org.
"Based on a successful comic book that began in 1941, the Blackhawks were seven flyers who banded together during WW II to fight the Nazis. After the war, they continued to fight evil where ever they find it. In this movie, they are battling a group of spies and saboteurs bent on destroying democracy. The Blackhawks foil a succession of plots, with a cliff hanger ending in each episode."
For the record:
For those unaware, Blackhawk is a comic book character originally created by Will Eisner, Reed Crandall, and Chuck Cuidera. If you're interested in knowing a bit more about it, then check out the citation of Wikipedia.org.
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in West Germany), the Horror/SciFi flick The Head scared audiences to death. Written and directed by Victor Trivas, the Horror/SciFi starred Horst Frank, Karin Kernke, and Helmut Schmid; and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"A scientist invents a serum that keeps a dog's head alive after its body dies. When the scientist dies of a heart attack, his crazed assistant cuts off his head and, using the serum, keeps the doctor's head alive and forces it to help him on an experiment to give his hunchbacked nurse assistant a new body."
"A scientist invents a serum that keeps a dog's head alive after its body dies. When the scientist dies of a heart attack, his crazed assistant cuts off his head and, using the serum, keeps the doctor's head alive and forces it to help him on an experiment to give his hunchbacked nurse assistant a new body."
A star is born! On this day in 1985, the Walt Disney Company gave Fantasy another try with the mostly kid-friendly The Black Cauldron. The animated feature starred the voices of Grant Bardsley, Freddie Jones, and Susan Sheridan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy and a bunch of misfit friends embark on a quest to find a dark magic item of ultimate power before a diabolical tyrant can."
"A young boy and a bunch of misfit friends embark on a quest to find a dark magic item of ultimate power before a diabolical tyrant can."
On this day in 1986 (in Germany), the 1940-produced The Invisible Man Returns finally had its premiere on that country's television, a whopping 46 years later. Directed by Joe May, the SciFi/Horror starred Cedric Hardwicke, Vincent Price, and Nan Grey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The owner of a coal mining operation, falsely imprisoned for fratricide, takes a drug to make him invisible, despite its side effect: gradual madness."
For the record:
In 1941, The Invisible Man Returns enjoyed an Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects (alas, it lost) as well as a 1941 Hugo nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form (alas, it also lost).
"The owner of a coal mining operation, falsely imprisoned for fratricide, takes a drug to make him invisible, despite its side effect: gradual madness."
For the record:
In 1941, The Invisible Man Returns enjoyed an Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects (alas, it lost) as well as a 1941 Hugo nomination for Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form (alas, it also lost).
On this day in 1987, the glorious tepid Superman IV: The Quest For Peace pretty much put a nail in the coffin of what was otherwise a pretty solid run at one of the earlier big-screen superhero franchises. (For the record, it premiered on this day in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"The Man of Steel crusades for nuclear disarmament and meets Lex Luthor's latest creation, Nuclear Man."
For the record:
Ouch. History is unkind to Superman IV, and that includes even its star Christopher Reeve who was once remarked to have said it's best to say as few words about the film as possible. On the plus side (ahem), the film did score two 1988 Razzie Awards, one for actress Mariel Hemingway ('Worst Actress') and 'Worst Visual Effects.' Double ouch. Essentially, the poor box office and critical drubbing the film took stalled the entire Superman franchise for years. Triple ouch.
"The Man of Steel crusades for nuclear disarmament and meets Lex Luthor's latest creation, Nuclear Man."
For the record:
Ouch. History is unkind to Superman IV, and that includes even its star Christopher Reeve who was once remarked to have said it's best to say as few words about the film as possible. On the plus side (ahem), the film did score two 1988 Razzie Awards, one for actress Mariel Hemingway ('Worst Actress') and 'Worst Visual Effects.' Double ouch. Essentially, the poor box office and critical drubbing the film took stalled the entire Superman franchise for years. Triple ouch.
A star is born! 1992's Mom and Dad Save the World came out on this day back then, but it didn't exactly score any rave reviews nor forgiving audiences. Directed by Greg Beeman, the SciFi/Comedy starred Teri Garr, Jeffrey Jones, and Jon Lovitz. Maybe a quick look at the plot summary might let you know why it failed to inspire?
"Emperor Tod Spengo sees Marge Nelson and using a giant magnet, kidnaps her and her husband Dick, hoping to make her his bride before blowing up the Earth. He and other inhabitants of his planet are somewhat less than bright, and Dick begins reliving episodes of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers in order to rescue Marge, save the Earth, and restore the rightful king to the throne."
For the record:
Well ... apparently the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was impressed enough to give the film an award nomination in the category of 'Best Costumes' in 1993.
"Emperor Tod Spengo sees Marge Nelson and using a giant magnet, kidnaps her and her husband Dick, hoping to make her his bride before blowing up the Earth. He and other inhabitants of his planet are somewhat less than bright, and Dick begins reliving episodes of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers in order to rescue Marge, save the Earth, and restore the rightful king to the throne."
For the record:
Well ... apparently the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was impressed enough to give the film an award nomination in the category of 'Best Costumes' in 1993.
On this day in 1992 (in Portugal), the 1976-produced The Rat Savior enjoyed a few nibbles of box office business. Directed by Krsto Papic, the SciFi/Horror starred Ivica Vidovic, Mirjana Majurec, and Relja Basic; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A poor writer discovers that a species of rats has banded together to impersonate humans and supplant them unnoticed, in a manner reminiscent of the transformations in Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros, or the covert conspiracy of pod-people in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This film's story is based on a book by the Soviet writer Alexander Greene."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Rat Savior enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
"A poor writer discovers that a species of rats has banded together to impersonate humans and supplant them unnoticed, in a manner reminiscent of the transformations in Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros, or the covert conspiracy of pod-people in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. This film's story is based on a book by the Soviet writer Alexander Greene."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Rat Savior enjoyed a modest amount of praise on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1992 (in Ireland and the United Kingdom), Universal Soldier took the fight to the local box office. Directed by Roland Emmerich, the SciFi feature paired up action stars Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
"Two rival soldiers who were killed in Vietnam are brought back to life in a top secret military experiment that creates superhuman warriors."
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in Germany), the cinematic Fantasy titled Prince Valiant gave Katherine Heigl another chance to find stardom alongside Stephen Moyer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a time now lost in the mists of memory, the great King Arthur rules in the legendary citadel that is Camelot. His Knights of the Round Table commit acts of derring-do and spend their spare time jousting, much to the delight of the local citizens and especially to Princess Ilene, a guest at Camelot. Watching her from afar is a young, inexperienced squire called Valiant, and when the young Welsh princess is sent home to marry Prince Arn, Valiant contrives to accompany her masquerading as Sir Gawain. Meanwhile, the evil sorceress Morgan le Fey, sister to King Arthur, has convinced the tyrannical Sligon, ruler of the Viking kingdom of Thule, that he should steal Arthur's sword, the powerful and magical Excalibur, knowing that its loss could bring about Arthur's downfall. So into the fray comes Sligon's unstable and psychotic brother Thagnar, who manages to steal the sword. Pandemonium reigns."
For the record:
This is an unofficial 'first showing' date. IMDB.com reports that the film may have also played earlier in the month of July, 1997 in Spain; however, since I've not been unable to locate anything more specific, I'm using this screening as its first theatrical record.
"In a time now lost in the mists of memory, the great King Arthur rules in the legendary citadel that is Camelot. His Knights of the Round Table commit acts of derring-do and spend their spare time jousting, much to the delight of the local citizens and especially to Princess Ilene, a guest at Camelot. Watching her from afar is a young, inexperienced squire called Valiant, and when the young Welsh princess is sent home to marry Prince Arn, Valiant contrives to accompany her masquerading as Sir Gawain. Meanwhile, the evil sorceress Morgan le Fey, sister to King Arthur, has convinced the tyrannical Sligon, ruler of the Viking kingdom of Thule, that he should steal Arthur's sword, the powerful and magical Excalibur, knowing that its loss could bring about Arthur's downfall. So into the fray comes Sligon's unstable and psychotic brother Thagnar, who manages to steal the sword. Pandemonium reigns."
For the record:
This is an unofficial 'first showing' date. IMDB.com reports that the film may have also played earlier in the month of July, 1997 in Spain; however, since I've not been unable to locate anything more specific, I'm using this screening as its first theatrical record.
On this day in 1999 (in Indonesia), King Cobra sunk its huge fangs into anything in sight. Written and directed by the team of David and Scott Hillenbrand, the Horror/Thriller starred Pat Morita, Casey Fallo, and Hoyt Axton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mutated snake escapes from a laboratory and terrorizes the residents of a small California brewery town."
"A mutated snake escapes from a laboratory and terrorizes the residents of a small California brewery town."
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in Germany), the SciFi/Horror that is Jason X played for audiences in attendance of the München Fantasy Filmfest. Directed by James Isacc, the feature film starred Kane Hodder, Lexa Doig, and Jeff Geddis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the beginning of the 21st century, and is discovered in the 25th century and taken to space. He gets thawed, and begins stalking and killing the crew of the spaceship that's transporting him."
For the record:
Now, think what you may about the wider Friday The 13th ongoing saga or even the idea of transporting Jason Voorhees into outer space ... but the film did give us a first great look at actress Lexa Doig. In fact, her work in this flick garnered her an award nomination in the category of 'Cinescape Genre Face of the Future Award' for the 2002 Saturn Awards.
"Jason Voorhees is cryogenically frozen at the beginning of the 21st century, and is discovered in the 25th century and taken to space. He gets thawed, and begins stalking and killing the crew of the spaceship that's transporting him."
For the record:
Now, think what you may about the wider Friday The 13th ongoing saga or even the idea of transporting Jason Voorhees into outer space ... but the film did give us a first great look at actress Lexa Doig. In fact, her work in this flick garnered her an award nomination in the category of 'Cinescape Genre Face of the Future Award' for the 2002 Saturn Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in Australia, Switzerland, Chile, Germany, and a whole host of additional countries), The X-Files were opened again for theatrical business with the silver screen premiere of The X-Files: I Want To Believe. Written (in part) and directed by Chris Carter (with Frank Spotnitz also working on the script), the film returned David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson to roles they made famous on television; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent."
"Mulder and Scully are called back to duty by the FBI when a former priest claims to be receiving psychic visions pertaining to a kidnapped agent."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Hunter Prey played for audiences in attendance of the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Sandy Collora, the SciFi feature starred Clark Bartram, Damion Poitier, and Simon Potter; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Prometheus has dropped out of orbit. Communications and life support systems are down. Situation Critical: Status of Crew and Prisoner unknown. With orders to catch their Alien Prisoner alive the surviving crew of the spaceship Prometheus pursue a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with their escaped prisoner on a deserted and barren planet. But, who is the hunter and who is its prey?"
"The Prometheus has dropped out of orbit. Communications and life support systems are down. Situation Critical: Status of Crew and Prisoner unknown. With orders to catch their Alien Prisoner alive the surviving crew of the spaceship Prometheus pursue a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with their escaped prisoner on a deserted and barren planet. But, who is the hunter and who is its prey?"
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Italy), 2047: Sights Of Death enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Alessandro Capone, the SciFi/Thriller starred Danny Glover, Daryl Hannah, and Michael Madsen; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ryan, a Green War rebel agent sent on a mission to collect evidence against the Confederate Central Government, for its heinous crimes. The mission quickly turns chaotic when he meets Tuage, a mutant survivor."
"Ryan, a Green War rebel agent sent on a mission to collect evidence against the Confederate Central Government, for its heinous crimes. The mission quickly turns chaotic when he meets Tuage, a mutant survivor."
A star is born! Well, it looks like anybody can get nuclear power in these precarious times: on this day in 2016, the SciFi/Telefilm Atomic Shark sunk its electrons into mankind. Written (in part) and directed by Lisa Palenica, the SciFi/Horror starred Adam Ambruso, Stacy Baker, and Alex Chayka. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When a lifeguard catches wind of a dangerous anomaly off the coast of San Diego, she commissions a band of unlikely heroes to assist her on a suicide mission to save the west coast from total destruction."
"When a lifeguard catches wind of a dangerous anomaly off the coast of San Diego, she commissions a band of unlikely heroes to assist her on a suicide mission to save the west coast from total destruction."
A star is born! This certainly isn't what I'd call pure Fantasy, but it's a close second: Superpowerless enjoyed its theatrical premiere (in Canada) on this day in 2016 when it played for audiences in attendance of the Fantasia International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Duane Andersen, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Josiah Polhemus, Amy Prosser, and Natalie Lander. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A superhero loses his powers shortly after turning forty and must adjust to his new life."
"A superhero loses his powers shortly after turning forty and must adjust to his new life."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Checkmate." Officially, this served as the thirty-ninth episode of the long-running program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor finally discovers what the Monk is up to and must move fast to prevent his opponent from altering the course of history."
"The Doctor finally discovers what the Monk is up to and must move fast to prevent his opponent from altering the course of history."
On this day in 1971 (in the United Kingdom), UFO aired "Reflections In The Water." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Following the sinking of a freighter ship and the death of an underwater cameraman, Straker and Foster take the submarine 'Skydiver' to examine the ocean bed. They come across a vast domed building and, from a distance, think they see SHADO Lieutenant Anderson in the dome. Back at headquarters Straker interviews Anderson, who claims to know nothing of the dome. It is part of an alien plot to create doubles of the SHADO staff - including Straker - to by-pass SHADO security systems. The dome has to be destroyed with its occupants."
"Following the sinking of a freighter ship and the death of an underwater cameraman, Straker and Foster take the submarine 'Skydiver' to examine the ocean bed. They come across a vast domed building and, from a distance, think they see SHADO Lieutenant Anderson in the dome. Back at headquarters Straker interviews Anderson, who claims to know nothing of the dome. It is part of an alien plot to create doubles of the SHADO staff - including Straker - to by-pass SHADO security systems. The dome has to be destroyed with its occupants."
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Enquiry." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Doomwatch is alerted to a laboratory where a new toxic gas is being developed for military use, available in a 'handy' aerosol can for easy application during conflict. But Quist and Anne's enquiry soon leads them to doubt that the scientists' safety measures concerning the storage of the gas may not be as secure as they think."
"Doomwatch is alerted to a laboratory where a new toxic gas is being developed for military use, available in a 'handy' aerosol can for easy application during conflict. But Quist and Anne's enquiry soon leads them to doubt that the scientists' safety measures concerning the storage of the gas may not be as secure as they think."
On this day in 1981 (in the Netherlands), Battlestar Galactica soared onto the small screen. Officially, the first episode was titled "Saga Of A Star World," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After the Twelve Colonies of Mankind were destroyed in a sneak attack by the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar Galactica leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
"After the Twelve Colonies of Mankind were destroyed in a sneak attack by the Cylon tyranny, the last Battlestar Galactica leads a makeshift fugitive fleet on a desperate search for the legendary planet Earth."
On this day in 1981 (in the Netherlands), Battlestar Galactica aired "Lost Planet Of The Gods: Part 1." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
"When a large number of Colonial Warriors come down with a serious infection, Apollo and Starbuck must train a number of female shuttle pilots to fly Vipers for combat duty."
On this day in 1987 (in Canada), Airwolf (or Airwolf II, depending upon your predilection) aired "Poppy Chain." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In Laos, Mike films evidence against a major cocaine dealer (Grainger Hines), St John's former Vietnam commander."
"In Laos, Mike films evidence against a major cocaine dealer (Grainger Hines), St John's former Vietnam commander."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1995 (in the United Kingdom), Space Precinct bowed out of its televised existence with the airing of "Deathwatch: Part 2." According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After Major Graffa is possessed by the alien meteor found buried beneath Roetem Towers, Captain Weldon steals the meteor fragment that landed at Butler's farm and goes AWOL. She kidnaps Brogan to enlist his help in recovering the meteor from Graffa, but Carson learns that the meteor is a parasitic alien seed and the meteor fragment is a spore to fertilize it - bringing them together will destroy all life on Altor!"
"After Major Graffa is possessed by the alien meteor found buried beneath Roetem Towers, Captain Weldon steals the meteor fragment that landed at Butler's farm and goes AWOL. She kidnaps Brogan to enlist his help in recovering the meteor from Graffa, but Carson learns that the meteor is a parasitic alien seed and the meteor fragment is a spore to fertilize it - bringing them together will destroy all life on Altor!"
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Stargate: SG-1 aired "Need." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the long-running program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Whilst walking through a forest on a planet, Jackson saves the life of a beautiful princess who is about to kill herself. SG1 is taken prisoner, but Daniel is freed by the ruler when he finds out that he saved his daughter. The rest of SG1 is sent to work in the mines for the rest of their lives. Jackson falls in love with the princess, but also becomes intoxicated by frequent use of a Sarcophagus. Will he come to his senses before the rest of SG1 are worked to death?"
"Whilst walking through a forest on a planet, Jackson saves the life of a beautiful princess who is about to kill herself. SG1 is taken prisoner, but Daniel is freed by the ruler when he finds out that he saved his daughter. The rest of SG1 is sent to work in the mines for the rest of their lives. Jackson falls in love with the princess, but also becomes intoxicated by frequent use of a Sarcophagus. Will he come to his senses before the rest of SG1 are worked to death?"
On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), The 4400 aired "Carrier." The hour is listed as the seventh episode of the program's second season. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"After living for 8 years in an alternate world that only Tom and Alana remember the world with the 4400 has returned as it was at the second the 8 years started. A 30 year old 4400 woman wakes up and finds everybody else in her local community dead. Maia puts April's love for her to a test."
"After living for 8 years in an alternate world that only Tom and Alana remember the world with the 4400 has returned as it was at the second the 8 years started. A 30 year old 4400 woman wakes up and finds everybody else in her local community dead. Maia puts April's love for her to a test."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Kyle XY aired "This Is Not A Test." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The kids' first day at school is traumatic for differing reasons, and Kyle still searches for his place in the world. At home, the Trager's plan for a romantic rendez-vous disrupted by the appearance of Tom Foss."
"The kids' first day at school is traumatic for differing reasons, and Kyle still searches for his place in the world. At home, the Trager's plan for a romantic rendez-vous disrupted by the appearance of Tom Foss."
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Eureka aired "Unpredictable." 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 surprise visitor disrupts Jack and Zoe's lives; strange weather must be tracked to its source before it becomes an 'ice funnel of death.'"
"A surprise visitor disrupts Jack and Zoe's lives; strange weather must be tracked to its source before it becomes an 'ice funnel of death.'"
On this day in 2009, Torchwood aired "Children Of Earth: Day Five." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for that installment:
"With little choice now but to give in to their demands, the British authorities begin to round up the children under the pretense of giving them inoculations. Panic begins to set in as parents begin to wonder what is happening to their children. Captain Jack is released as are his daughter and grandson and he tries to find a way fight the 456. Gwen and her husband return home to tell Ianto's sister what has happened but they arrive to find a house full of children, whom they try to save from the arriving soldiers. With Fobisher no longer available, Col. Oduya becomes the intermediary and the 456 reveal the reason they need the children. For Captain Jack his finding a way to fight the 456 forces him to make an incredible sacrifice."
"With little choice now but to give in to their demands, the British authorities begin to round up the children under the pretense of giving them inoculations. Panic begins to set in as parents begin to wonder what is happening to their children. Captain Jack is released as are his daughter and grandson and he tries to find a way fight the 456. Gwen and her husband return home to tell Ianto's sister what has happened but they arrive to find a house full of children, whom they try to save from the arriving soldiers. With Fobisher no longer available, Col. Oduya becomes the intermediary and the 456 reveal the reason they need the children. For Captain Jack his finding a way to fight the 456 forces him to make an incredible sacrifice."
On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), TNT's Falling Skies continued its progress through its inaugural season. "Sanctuary, Part 2" was the seventh episode, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Hal takes the lead fighting an unexpected threat against the children of the 2nd Mass."
"Hal takes the lead fighting an unexpected threat against the children of the 2nd Mass."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), The Alien's Wife aired "Scorpiox." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"With Zagon troops on the way, Irwin and Betty were ready to leave Scorpiox. They had the Worm Bubble controller set to return them to their point of origin - Earth. But they couldn't leave Willy and Myles behind. While looking for them, Betty and Irwin were chased into a deserted space ship they found by Zagon soldiers. The soldiers all looked like Betty. Meanwhile, Agent Fitch is still on Irwin's trail."
"With Zagon troops on the way, Irwin and Betty were ready to leave Scorpiox. They had the Worm Bubble controller set to return them to their point of origin - Earth. But they couldn't leave Willy and Myles behind. While looking for them, Betty and Irwin were chased into a deserted space ship they found by Zagon soldiers. The soldiers all looked like Betty. Meanwhile, Agent Fitch is still on Irwin's trail."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Shelf Life aired "Unreal Estate." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clearly Hero Man doesn't read the paper (Let's face it, he doesn't read anything), because he's gotten himself in trouble with a bad real estate deal. But is he the only one in trouble?"
"Clearly Hero Man doesn't read the paper (Let's face it, he doesn't read anything), because he's gotten himself in trouble with a bad real estate deal. But is he the only one in trouble?"
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Defiance aired "This Woman's Work." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"After an Arkfall crash, Pottinger recruits Nolan to lead their salvage mission but his secret agenda puts them in grave danger against an alien race they've never encountered before. Meanwhile Stahma, rebuked by church elders for her growing sense of female empowerment, makes a shocking power play, while Irisa begins confiding her dark secrets to Tommy."
"After an Arkfall crash, Pottinger recruits Nolan to lead their salvage mission but his secret agenda puts them in grave danger against an alien race they've never encountered before. Meanwhile Stahma, rebuked by church elders for her growing sense of female empowerment, makes a shocking power play, while Irisa begins confiding her dark secrets to Tommy."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Defiance aired "My Name Is Datak Tarr And I Have Come To Kill You." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Defiance is under siege. Nolan, Amanda, Irisa, and the militia defend the town against a Votanis Collective incursion. Datak, recalling his father's chilling lessons, makes a pivotal decision. Stahma takes an unexpected trip."
"Defiance is under siege. Nolan, Amanda, Irisa, and the militia defend the town against a Votanis Collective incursion. Datak, recalling his father's chilling lessons, makes a pivotal decision. Stahma takes an unexpected trip."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Killjoys aired "One Blood." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Top Killjoys from around the Quad are pitted against one another in a race to find Big Joe, a legendary Killjoy gone rogue. But Khlyen is determined to find Big Joe for his own shadowy purposes, and pressures Dutch to get to him first. Meanwhile, with Dutch gone, John and D'avin are forced to team up with an old nemesis."
"Top Killjoys from around the Quad are pitted against one another in a race to find Big Joe, a legendary Killjoy gone rogue. But Khlyen is determined to find Big Joe for his own shadowy purposes, and pressures Dutch to get to him first. Meanwhile, with Dutch gone, John and D'avin are forced to team up with an old nemesis."
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), Day 5 aired "Beacons In The Dark." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex shows her research to Ally; Ellis investigates a mysterious signal."
"Lex shows her research to Ally; Ellis investigates a mysterious signal."
It all began right here: on this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), the summer SciFi series known as Somewhere Between enjoyed its television premiere. The first episode was titled "For One To Live," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Laura and Tom Price lead a dream life in San Francisco with their 8-year-old daughter Serena. Laura is a TV news producer, Tom is the city's D.A, and both are devoted loving parents. Laura and Serena meet charismatic P.I Niko Jackson, who is an ex-cop with a tragic past: he was the star witness against his brother Danny, now on death row for murdering Nico's girlfriend. Out of an inauspicious beginning, Laura and Nico learn their fates are wrapped together when Laura experiences a devastating loss - and a mysterious opportunity to rewrite the future."
"Laura and Tom Price lead a dream life in San Francisco with their 8-year-old daughter Serena. Laura is a TV news producer, Tom is the city's D.A, and both are devoted loving parents. Laura and Serena meet charismatic P.I Niko Jackson, who is an ex-cop with a tragic past: he was the star witness against his brother Danny, now on death row for murdering Nico's girlfriend. Out of an inauspicious beginning, Laura and Nico learn their fates are wrapped together when Laura experiences a devastating loss - and a mysterious opportunity to rewrite the future."
On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Stitchers aired "Just The Two Of Us." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Kirsten wakes up to find that everyone in the stitch lab is missing except Cameron, the two search everywhere but only find a series of mysterious clues."
"When Kirsten wakes up to find that everyone in the stitch lab is missing except Cameron, the two search everywhere but only find a series of mysterious clues."
On this day in 1956, the SciFi/Radio drama X Minus One aired "Stars Are The Styx." Officially, this served as the long-running program's sixty-first episode, and here's the plot summary compliments of the Old Time Radio Downloads website:
"Young Tween is stuck on a space station, waiting for her chance to leave for the stars. Her problem? She's an albino! Carrin has a strange job ferrying dead souls from Earth into outer space. He's lived on Kerbstone, a satellite in space, for twenty years. It's a place where Earth deposits the various misfits of society. He has a co-worker who he finds very attractive, but others might not consider the albino with the ruby eyes quite so beautiful."
"Young Tween is stuck on a space station, waiting for her chance to leave for the stars. Her problem? She's an albino! Carrin has a strange job ferrying dead souls from Earth into outer space. He's lived on Kerbstone, a satellite in space, for twenty years. It's a place where Earth deposits the various misfits of society. He has a co-worker who he finds very attractive, but others might not consider the albino with the ruby eyes quite so beautiful."
