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On this day back in 2009 (in France), Eternelle (aka The Awakening) enjoyed its small screen launch.  Starring Claire Keim, Guillaume Cramoisan, Boris Terral, Antoine Duléry, Serge Riaboukine, and others, the SciFi/Fantasy lasted only a single season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the series' premise:

"A mysterious woman wakes up in the hospital. She has no identity and has lost her memory. She soon develops supernatural powers."

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On Space: 1999, Richard Johnson played 'Lee Russell,' a space explorer who -- long feared dead -- suddenly found himself on the other side of the galaxy back in the arms of his loving wife ... all with no explanation!  And speaking of the dead, he came face-to-face with them (as well) with his work aboard Lucio Fulci's Zombie (1979).  Though he's no longer with us, Johnson was born on this day in 1927. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Victor Wong delighted audiences with his ability to move between serious and comic roles with relative ease.  Genre fans probably recognize him from appearances in Big Trouble In Little China (1986), The Golden Child (1986), Beauty and the Beast, Tremors (1990), and Poltergeist: The Legacy.  Though he's no longer with us, Wong was born on this day in 1927. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Alan Curtis enjoyed the role of 'Major Green' aboard the Doctor Who serial "The War Machines" for the 1966 TV season.  Though he's no longer with us, Curtis was born on this day in 1930. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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With nearly 100 different credits to his name, William Wintersole has managed to visit many genres across the entertainment spectrum.  Genre fans probably know him best from appearances aboard The Outer Limits, The Wild Wild West, The Invaders, Star Trek, Coma (1978), Voyagers, and Airwolf.  Though he's no longer with us, Wintersole was born on this day in 1931. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Michael Bell played the duplicitous Groppler Zorn (pictured above right) when Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered with "Encounter at Farpoint" back in 1987.  The actor has an amazing resume of voice acting work, including roles in such projects as Voltron: Defender of the Universe, The Transformers, as well as the Star Trek video games.  Bell was born on this day in 1938.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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The venerable Frances de la Tour (above right) played one of the creepy cannibal survivors who briefly befriended (with ulterior motives, I might add) Denzel Washington in The Book of Eli (2010).  De la Tour was born on this day in 1944.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Actor William Atherton has a long and distinguished career starring in many conventional dramas, but he has flirted with the world of Science Fiction.  His Professor Jerry Hathaway in the Sci-Fi comedy Real Genius (alongside Val Kilmer) was a delight; and he's also appeared in Ghostbusters, The Outer Limits, and Stargate: SG-1.  Atherton was born on this day in 1947.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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In 1984, he showed us what the future might look like as The Terminator.  In 1987, he fought the Predator in order to save the rest of us from it.  That same year, he ran for his own life in The Running Man.  In 1990, he went to Mars and joined the Resistance in Total Recall.  And in 1991, he joined up with James Cameron once again to show us what sci-fi action movies should strive to be in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

Granted, I could go on and on with examples, but methinks you get the point: you can't think about science fiction movies in this generation and not think about all of the ways Arnold "Screw Your Freedoms" Schwarzenegger has done for them.  He continues to work in our genre, as well as continuing to turn out action films when his schedule permits; and I for one am happy he found a place to build such a lasting contribution to film.

Schwarzenegger was born on this day in 1947.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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Critical darling Jean Reno took a chance on Dean Devlin and Roland Emmerich by agreeing to appear in their 1998 reboot of the classic Godzilla.  Unfortunately, that film was awful.  Reno was born on this day in 1948.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Carel Struycken has some pretty distinguished features that make him perfect for many unique roles, not the least of which has been some rather interesting work in Men in Black, Twin Peaks, the Addams Family big screen flicks, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.  Struycken was born on this day in 1948.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Going face-to-face with any version of the quintessential aliens of our time deserves a mention, and Phil Davis (pictured from the oft-maligned Alien 3) definitely wins a shout-out.  In 2008, the actor also turned up in an episode of the BBC's Doctor Who.  Davis was born on this day in 1953.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Ken Olin dipped his feet into SciFi's influence with a prominent role in the telefilm, Evolution's Child (1999).  The actor tends to keep busy these days with producing and directing efforts.  Olin was born on this day in 1954.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Delta Burke's isn't a name that springs to mind when one considers the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  However, the talented comedienne has crossed into the light, making appearances on such properties as Automan and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.  Burke was born on this day in 1956.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Richard Burgi served up some military justice -- Space Marine style -- to some menacing alien bugs in Starship Troopers 2: Hero of the Federation (2004).  The actor has also appeared aboard The Flash (CBS), Viper, The Sentinel, and Firefly.  Burgi was born on this day in 1958.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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In The Matrix Trilogy of films, actor Laurence Fishburne played Morpheus, the man who helps bring Neo into the fold of what's truly happened to Earth and its inhabitants.  Can you imagine anyone else performing in the role?  I certainly can't.  Fishburne was born on this day in 1961.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Monique Gabrielle maintains a resume rich in B-Movie goodness.  She's been involved with such glittering gems as Deathstalker II (1987), Not Of This Earth (1988), Something Is Out There, The Return Of Swamp Thing (1989), and (ahem) Planet of the Erotic Ape (2002).  Gabrielle was born on this day in 1963. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Perhaps the best that can be said for 2024's series Time Bandits -- the tepid rebranding of a beloved 80's Fantasy movie -- is that somehow someone had the bright idea to bury it on Apple+ where few if any had the chance to watch it.  I've read somewheres that actress Lisa Kudrow -- despite making a career out of playing 'dumb blondes' -- is one of Hollywood's smartest ladies.  Well, if that's the case, how do you reconcile her willingness to sign aboard such a wretched remake?  Good grief!  Kudrow was born on this day in 1963.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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The late Beckie Mullen was part of GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling back in its day; and she used that celebrity to great effect, occasionally turning up in genre circles (and beyond) for good measure.  Fans might recognize her from such projects as Hard Time On Planet Earth, Cast A Deadly Spell (1991), and Black Scorpion.  Though she's no longer with us, Mullen was born on this day in 1963.

[Source: IMDB.com]

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I caught a cable broadcast airing of Cast A Deadly Spell (1991) -- in which Mullen played a role -- on a platform to which I subscribe.  Interested readers can find my review right here.

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Actress Vivica A. Fox put her best foot (ahem!) forward in helping to save the planet from certain doom in 1996's Independence Day.  She stood by her man; she found the First Lady and tried to help her out; and she did a faux strip job to raise money to raise her kid.  Not too shabby.  Fox was born on this day in 1964.

[Source: IMDB.com]

 ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) -- in which Fox played a role -- when it made the rounds in theaters near me.  Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
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Kevin Blatch continues to turn up in some quality screen projects.  He's been a part of such entities as Strange Luck, Poltergeist: The Legacy, Millennium, The Sentinel, Seven Days, The Outer Limits, The Dead Zone, Stargate: SG-1, and Flash Gordon (TV).  Blatch was born on this day in 1965.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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Early in his acting career, tough guy Terry Crews (above right) tried Science Fiction on for size with a role in the Arnold Schwarzenegger picture, The 6th Day.  Crews was born on this day in 1968.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Well before he wowwed CBS weekly audiences in the crime procedural better known as The Mentalist, actor Simon Baker took a trip to Mars itself in 2000's Red Planet.  Baker was born on this day in 1969.

[Source: IMDB.com]

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received a promotional DVD for an all-new home video release of Red Planet (2000) -- in which Baker played a role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net.  Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
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Yes, yes, yes.  I get that everyone these days seems to be head-over-heels in love with the collective works of Christopher Nolan (his Interstellar comes to mind), but -- again -- I find myself in the minority as I find much of what he's done to be incomprehensible.  Still, kudos for bringing more people to the theatres, especially at a time when home video and streaming tends to keep everyone on the couch.  Nolan was born on this day in 1970. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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The always stunning Christine Taylor dipped her princess-like toes into the realm of Fantasy in the Telefilm To The Ends Of Time (1996).  Taylor was born on this day in 1971. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Certainly Hilary Swank's claim-to-fame will always be her Academy Award winning performance in Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby.  But that star turn doesn't take anything away from her role as Major Rebecca Childs, one member of a team sent to save the planet to set the Earth's core spinning again in 2003's The Core.  Swank was born on this day in 1974.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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John Reardon saw the future at the heart of Syfy's time travel procedural, Continuum, with the always lovely Rachel Nichols.  He's also booked roles on The Twilight Zone, Andromeda, Tru Calling, Painkiller Jane, Eureka, TRON: Legacy (2010), and The Philadelphia Experiment (2012).  Reardon was born on this day in 1975.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Are you kidding me?  Any chance I get to showcase the talents of the lovely Jaime Pressly I'm gonna take!  While she's arguably best known for her Playboy pictorial and her delightful comic work on NBC's My Name Is Earl, Pressly took charge as a delicious virtual reality program as part of an episode of that newfangled The Twilight Zone.  She was born on this day in 1977.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Actress Clotilde Hesme played a woman with some dark secrets that tied into the full story behind the French-language Zombie/Drama The Returned when it aired on television.  Hesme was born on this day in 1979.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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OMG, I just can't take my eyes of April Bowlby in DC's Doom Patrol!  Modestly put, she's the least weird contingent of the Superhero Comedy/Drama in the guise of 'Elasti-Girl,' and she plays this somewhat displaced 40's era screen siren to absolute perfection.  Plus, it doesn't hurt matters that she's a damn fine-looking lady!  Bowlby was born on this day in 1980. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Fandom knows Yvonne Strahovski best for her stint on the charming Chuck, but she's also done some terrific genre work.  She appeared as part of 24: Live Another Day -- aiding and abetting the fugitive Jack Bauer in Europe -- as well as appearing alongside Aaron Eckhart in 2014's Fantasy-themed I, Frankenstein.  For what it's worth, SciFiHistory.Net definitesly thinks she's one to watch with some impressive work aboard The Predator (2018), The Handmaid's Tale, and The Tomorrow War (2021).  Strahovski was born on this day in 1982. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I caught a cable streaming o The Tomorrow War (2021) -- in which Strahovski played a role -- on a platform to which I subscribe.  Interested readers can find my review right here.

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Fan-friendly Martin Starr had a brief blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in 2008's under-appreciated The Incredible Hulk.  Here's hoping he finds his way back into SciFi soon!  Starr was born on this day in 1982.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Gina Rodriguez joined Nataliei Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh in braving the possible Annihilation (2018) for Paramount Pictures.  Rodriguez was born on this day in 1984. 

​[Source: IMDB.com]

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Without a doubt, Star Trek: Discovery had a glut of truly annoying characters (I said what I said), and actress Mary Wiseman still did her best to make the program's 'Wesley Crusher' less of a ... well ... 'Wesley Crusher.'  (She failed.  I said what I said.)  I've even read online that some folks called her Trek's equivalent of JarJar Binks.  Ouch.  That's gotta leave a mark.  Still, she persevered -- much like her character would -- and lasted the entire run of the uninspired program as well as made visits to a spin-off.  Wiseman was born on this day in 1985.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Young Aml Ameen enjoyed a big screen role as part of the ensemble at the heart of The Maze Runner.  Since then, he's found a home on Netflix as part of the Wachowski's curiously meaningless Sense8 program.  Ameen was born on this day in 1985.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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When she was but an urchin, Danielle Keaton found a bit of break-out success as part of the cast that reinvigorated the Village Of The Damned (1995) for director John Carpenter and Universal Pictures.  Other forays into the realms of the Fantastic include work aboard Pinocchio's Revenge (1996), The Pretender, Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction, Tarzan (1999), Puppet Master Vs Demonic Toys (2004), Darkening Sky (2010), and Grieve (2023).  Keaton was born on this day in 1986.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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Fresh-faced Alexander Vlahos enjoyed the role of 'Mordred' aboard the BBC's Fantasy series Merlin.  Vlahos was born on this day in 1988. 

​[Source: Doctor Who Online Guide]

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The resume of young Molly McCook is mostly mainstream fare, but she managed to squeeze in a guest spot aboard Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. so that we can mention her here.  McCook was born on this day in 1990.

[Source: IMDB.com]
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After a breakout performance in FX's crime drama Justified, newcomer Jacob Lofland made a SciFi splash by joining Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials in 2015.  Lofland was born on this day in 1996.

[Source: IMDB.com]

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As one of the new additions to the ID4 franchise, Joey King brought some needed youthful energy to Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) in the role of Sam, a young lass trying to keep her family together after those pesky aliens blast the Earth nearly into Kingdom Come.  King was born on this day in 1999.

[Source: IMDB.com]

​ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I caught a theatrical screening of Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) -- in which King played a role -- when it made the rounds in theaters near me.  Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.

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On this day in 1934 (in Denmark), Gold enjoyed its theatrical debut.  Directed by Karl Hartl from a script by Rolf E. Vanloo, the SciFi/Drama starred Hans Albers, Friedrich Kayßler, Brigitte Helm, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"After his colleague and a mentor, Prof. Achenbach dies in a set-up accident, while trying to produce gold from the lead, Werner Holk seeks revenge. Meanwhile, a British millionaire suggests that Holk work on him on a similar project."

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On this day in 1943 (in the U.S.), The Bowery Boys were up to their shenanigans again with the theatrical release of Ghosts On The Loose.  Directed by William Beaudine from a story by Kenneth Higgins, the Horror/Comedy starred Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, and Bobby Jordan.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"The East Side Kids try to fix up a house for newlyweds, but find the place next door "haunted" by mysterious men."

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A star is born!
On this day in 1958 (in Japan), audiences were thrilled with the theatrical debut of The Man In The Moonlight Mask (aka Gekko kamen).  Directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi from a story by Kohan Kawauchi, the Fantasy feature starred Izumi Hara, Mitsue Komiya, and Hiroko Mine.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A mysterious masked hero combats crime in Japan."

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On this day in 1958, War Of The Colossal Beast enjoyed its New York theatrical premiere.  (It would appear the greater US release date has been lost to history.)  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Glenn Manning, "The Amazing Colosasal Man," believed dead after falling from the Hoover Dam, reemerges in rural Mexico, brain damaged, disfigured, and very hungry."

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On this day in 1960 (in Japan), Jigoku (aka Hell) lit a fire in its wake.  Written (in part) and directed by Nobuo Nakagawa, the Horror/Fantasy starred Shigeru Amachi, Utako Mitsuya, and Yoichi Numata.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A group of sinners involved in interconnected tales of murder, revenge, deceit and adultery all meet at the Gates of Hell."

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On this day in 1962 (in Sweden), The Doll enjoyed its theatrical release.  Directed by Arne Mattsson from a story by Lars Forssell and Eva Seeberg, the film starred Per Oscarsson, Gio Petré, Tor Isedal, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A lonely night watchman at a department store develops a fixation on one of the store's mannequins. He soon steals her and brings her to his home, where he can be with her all the time. One day, she comes to life..."

For the record:
To the film's credit, The Doll earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.

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On this day in 1966 (in the U.S.), the camp-incarnation of the Caped Crusader and his loyal sidekick took to the silver screen with the release of Batman: The Movie.  Directed by Leslie H. Martinson, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Adam West, Burt Ward, and Lee Meriwether.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"The Dynamic Duo faces four supervillains who plan to hold the world for ransom with the help of a secret invention that instantly dehydrates people."

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On this day in 1974 (in the U.S.), Fantasy and parody collided on the silver screen with the release of the Adult-themed Flesh Gordon.  Directed by Michael Benveniste and Howard Ziehm, the campy thriller starred Jason Williams, Suzanne Fields, and Joseph Hudgins.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Emperor Wang is leader of the planet Porno and sends his mighty 'Sex Ray' towards Earth, turning everyone into sex-mad fiends. Only one man can save the Earth, football player Flesh Gordon."

For the record:
Believe it or not, this 1974 Adult-themed parody of the original Flash Gordon actually scored a 1975 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'  According to IMDB.com, the film also earned a bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.

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On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Squirm crawled up out of the infested ground and slithered across the silver screen.  Written and directed by Jeff Lieberman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Don Scardino, Patricia Pearcy, and R.A. Dow.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A storm causes some power lines to break and touch the ground, drawing millions of man-eating worms out of the earth, and into town where they quickly start munching on the locals."

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On this day in 1977 (in Japan), Hausu (aka House) first opened its doors for theatrical business.  Directed by Nobuhiko Ōbayashi from a story by Chiho Katsura and Chigumi Ôbayashi, the film starred Kimiko Ikegami, Miki Jinbo, Kumiko Ôba, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A schoolgirl and six of her classmates travel to her aunt's country home, which turns out to be haunted."

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On this day in 1979 (in Spain), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century enjoyed its run in theatres.  Directed by Daniel Haller, the SciFi feature starred Gil Gerard, Erin Gray, and Pamela Hensley.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"In 1987, Captain William "Buck" Rogers pilots his space shuttle Ranger 3 on a mission but a meteor storm freezes him into an orbit that returns him to Earth - 500 years later. In 2491, his shuttle is found and captured by the Draconian flagship, under the command of Princess Ardala and her second-in-command Kane. Reviving him, they return him to Earth after secretly planting a homing beacon aboard his shuttle to track a path through Earth's defense barrier. Buck is under arrest and learns that Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries in his absence following a nuclear holocaust. Buck Rogers must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Terrans that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."

For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga.  At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley).  However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.'  Ouch.​

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On this day in 1981 (in the Netherlands), Roger Corman's Battle Beyond The Stars crashed down into theatres.  Directed by Jimmy T. Murakami and Roger Corman, the feature starred Richard Thomas, Darlanne Fluegel, and Sybil Danning; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"Shad, a young farmer, assembles a band of diverse mercenaries in outer space to defend his peaceful planet from the evil tyrant Sador and his armada of aggressors. Among the mercenaries are Space Cowboy, a spacegoing truck driver from Earth; Gelt, a wealthy but experienced assassin looking for a place to hide; and Saint-Exmin, a Valkyrie warrior looking to prove herself in battle."

For the record:
Though many dismiss Battle Beyond The Stars as little more than a Star Wars knock-off (as if that's a bad thing), it's the kind of release for which legendary B-movie director Roger Corman became known for in the 1980's.  With a script from John Sayles, the story essentially takes a page from 1954's Seven Samurai but transplants the warriors into deep space wherein they agree to defend peaceful farmers from an aggressive warlord.  To the film's credit, it enjoyed four Saturn Award nominations (though didn't win any): 'Best Science Fiction Film,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Make-Up,' and 'Best Special Effects.'  For all of her work in genre entertainment, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films did award actress Sybil Danning the 'Golden Scroll Of Merit' in 1981 ... no small feat, indeed.
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Walt Disney's Flight Of The Navigator (1986) is another one of those films where I diverge from the majority opinion of SciFi fans. Many remember it fondly -- a story of a young boy who suddenly finds himself in charge of an alien spacecraft -- but I found it largely forgettable.  Directed by Randal Kleiser from a story by Mark H. Baker, Michael Burton, and Phil Joanou, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Joey Kramer, Paul Reubens, Cliff De Young, and others.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:​

"In 1978, a boy travels 8 years into the future and has an adventure with an intelligent, wisecracking alien ship."
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For the record:
The film certain took flight with the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 1987 Saturn Awards in the categories of 'Best Director,' 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'

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On this day in 1988 (in Portugal), Death Street USA (aka Nightmare At Noon) premiered.  Written (in part) and directed by Nico Mastorakis, the SciFi/Horror starred George Kennedy, Wings Hauser, and Bo Hopkins.  According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Scientists poison the water supply of a small town, turning the residents into homicidal maniacs who kill each other and anybody who passes through."

For the record:
To the film's credit, Nightmare At Noon enjoyed a wee bit of praise on the film festival circuit.

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray for a new release of Nightmare At Noon.  Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project?  Readers can find my review right here.

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A star is born!
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), Journey To The Center Of The Earth took another theatrical swing at showing audiences what lies beneath.  Directed by Rusty Lemorande and Albert Pyun, the Fantasy feature starred Nicola Cowper, Ilan Mitchell-Smith, and Jaclyn Bernstein.  Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"Young people exploring a cave in Hawaii fall into a hole, wind up in the lost city of Atlantis."
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On this day in 1990 (in Spain), Total Recall sent audiences on a dangerous trip to the Red Planet.  Directed by Paul Verhoeven and based on a story from Philip K. Dick, the film starred Arnold 'Screw Your Freedom' Schwarzenegger, Michael Ironside, Sharon Stone, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real."

For the record:
Truth be told, Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall languished in development for some time; I've read that it was written in the late 1970's and jumped around awhile before landing with the director and Schwarzenegger to complete.  And complete it they did to an awful lot of praise from industry executives and film organizations.  In 1991, it won an Academy Award for 'Special Achievement' in the field of visual effects.  That same year, it took home the 'Best Science Fiction Film' Saturn Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films.  Alas, it lost the 1991 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' to -- ahem -- Tim Burton's Edward Scissorhands.  Sigh.

ExtraExtra Alert:
For those of you who'd like to know a bit more about Total Recall (1990), please check out the film's official page on SciFiHistory.Net right here.
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A star is born!
On this day in 1994 (in Hong Kong), The Returning enjoyed its original time in the theatrical spotlight.  Written (in part) and directed by Chi Leung 'Jacob' Cheung, the film starred Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Chien-Lien Wu, Sandra Ng, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Chung has a book project that will make his career in publishing: a collector's edition of the work of Siu Lau, a reclusive woman who died mysteriously in 1949. An anonymous benefactor has maintained her house since her death; it's rumored to be haunted. Chung moves into the house with his girlfriend Elaine. While he works long hours at his office, she experiences strange events in the house. She's not sure Chung loves her, and neither is their long-time friend Julia. When Chung asks Elaine to pose for photographs dressed like Siu Lau, Elaine wonders if he isn't in love with a ghost. Plus, are the mysteries of the house about to possess her?"

For the record:
At the 1995 Hong Kong Film Awards, The Returning recieved nominations in the categories of 'Best Cinematography,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' and 'Best Actress.'

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On this day in 1998 (in Hong Kong), Dark City took viewers on a trip into a strange universe.  Written (in part) and directed for the screen by Alex Proyas, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A man struggles with memories of his past, which include a wife he cannot remember and a nightmarish world no one else ever seems to wake up from."

For the record:
Without a doubt, Dark City was a bit of a sensation for the 1999 Saturn Awards, garnering an incredible six nominations ... and yet the only trophy it took home that night was, perhaps, still the most important as it won the coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film.'

ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2025, I received an all-new home video release of Dark City (1998) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net.  Interested readers can find my review right here.
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On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Bloodsuckers tried to drink their audience dry.  Written and directed by Matthew Hastings, the film starred Joe Lando, Dominic Zamprogna, Natassia Malthe, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Intergalactic vampire hunters. "Buffy" meets "Star Trek" in a "Mad Max" world."

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A star is born!
On this day in 2009 (in Kazakhstan and Russia), Aliens In The Attic came down from the attic for a little time on the silver screen.  Directed by John Schultz from a story by Mark Burton and Adam F. Goldberg, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, and Carter Jenkins.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A group of kids must protect their vacation home from invading aliens."

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On this day in 2011 (in the U.S.), Age Of The Dragons enjoyed its broadcast television premiere.  Directed by Ryan Little from a story by Herman Melville, McKay Daines, Gil Aglaure, and Anne K. Black, the film starred Danny Glover, Vinnie Jones, Corey Sevier, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Herman Melville's classic novel Moby Dick, is recreated in a world where Captain Ahab and his crew search for a Great White Dragon."

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A star is born!
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox gave home audiences a small screen interpretation of the stellar comic book story.  Directed by Jay Oliva, the animated feature starred the voices of Justin Chambers, C. Thomas Howell, and Michael B. Jordan.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"The Flash finds himself in a war torn alternate timeline and teams up with alternate versions of his fellow heroes to return home and restore the timeline."

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On this day in 2017 (in Spain), the 1958-produced The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release for audiences of the Barcelona Phenomena.  Directed by Nathan Juran from a story by Ken Kolb and Ray Harryhausen, the film starred Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, Richard Eyer, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:​

"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."

For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year.  Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
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A star is born!
On this day in 2019, the Indie/SciFi thriller Assassinaut enjoyed its general release.  Written and directed by Drew Bolduc, the feature starred Shannon Hutchinson, Vito Trigo, Yael Haskal, and others.  Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A team of four teenage astronauts brave the alien wilderness of a distant planet to save the Earth's President from a deadly assassin."
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On this day in 2021 (in Poland), the 1937-produced SciFi/Drama Skeleton On Horseback enjoyed a special screening for audiences in attendance of the Kino na Granicy.  Written (in part) and directed by Hugo Haas, the feature starred Bedrich Karen, Zdenek Stepánek, and Václav Vydra.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

""The White Sickness", a leprosy-like disease, ravages the world during a war."
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A star is born!
On this day in 2025 (in Belgium, France, Morocco, and Tunisia), Dracula (aka Dracula: A Love Tale) tried to once again sink his fangs into our collective consciousness with an all-new theatrical production.  Directed by Luc Besson who also adapted the original tale from Bram Stoker for the screen, the film starred Caleb Landry Jones, Christoph Waltz, Zoë Bleu, and others.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"When a 15th-century prince denounces God after the loss of his wife he inherits an eternal curse: he becomes Dracula. Condemned to wander the centuries, he defies fate and death, guided by a single hope - to be reunited with his lost love."

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On this day in 1955 (in the U.S.), Science Fiction Theatre aired "The Frozen Sound."  Officially, this served as the fifteenth episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Government agents attempt to rescue a kidnapped research scientist."

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On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Sky Is Falling! (Part 1)"  This served as the forty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:

"Tom, Mark's old friend from the academy, tells him that he has seen Mark's father on Odin, and Mark goes to Riga without telling Chief Anderson. Meanwhile the rest of G-Force is sent to Odin to try and stop the X-3, a doomsday weapon created by Spectra."

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On this day in 1981 (in Netherlands), Battlestar Galactica aired "Lost Planet Of The Gods: Part 2."  Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"After traversing a large void in space, the Galactica and the refugee fleet discover the home planet of their species, Kobol."

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On this day in 1986 (in Finland), Knight Rider aired "Knight Of A Thousand Devils."  Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Michael's CIA pal Lew Jonas gets killed during a raid on crime boss Ronald Becker. Becker plans to get out of the country using the illegal Baja race to Mexico as a cover. Michael vows to catch Becker if it's the last thing he does."

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On this day in 1995, The Outer Limits aired "If These Walls Could Talk."  This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"Physicist and professional debunker Leviticus Mitchell agrees to help professional psychic Lynda Tillman investigate the abandoned mansion where her son and his girlfriend have mysteriously disappeared."

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On this day in 1999, Farscape aired the fourteenth episode of its first season.  The hour was (aptly) titled "Jeremiah Crichton," and here's the plot summary from our friends at IMDB.com:

"Crichton is getting frustrated in his new environment. He takes his ship out for a quick jaunt, but Moya's pregnancy is causing some changes in the Leviathan, she starbursts suddenly without little warning stranding Crichton. He finally settles on a planet, and adjusts to life amongst the natives. Moya's crew comes after him to explain the situation, but does he want to go back?"

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On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "A Current Affair."  Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's fifth (and final) season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"The Sliders jump into a world dominated by media outlets. A chance encounter between Maggie and the current US President leads to wide spread news reporting she is having an affair with the president."

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On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Point of View."  This served as the sixth episode of the long-running program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:

"The quantum mirror Daniel found in "There But for the Grace of God" brings to Area 51 an alternate Kawalsky and Dr. Carter from another reality, this time one where Sam never joined the military but became Jack's wife and the Goa'uld just overran earth. Dr. Carter begins suffering from temporal entropic cascade failure, a paradoxical effect of having two versions of the same person in the same reality and realises that she must return to her own reality or both Sams will eventually perish."

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On this day in 1999, The Outer Limits aired "Stranded."  This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:

"A lonely high school boy finds friendship in an alien that crash lands on earth."

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On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Total Recall 2070 aired "Virtual Justice."  Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"After seeing a fellow cop killing a cornered prison escapee, Hume looks into the dead man's case and finds that the cop may have been taking the law into his own hands."

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On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Thief."  This served as the eleventh episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:

"Banning and his people discover a way to regenerate their bodies, stopping them from reverting back to their true form for a longer length of time. Tawrens discovers the location of this equipment and breaks in to sabotage their experiments. Inside Banning's laboratories he comes across a thief who has beaten him to the prototype, a human female, who gets away from him and Banning's security. Knowing that she doesn't realize what trouble she has got herself into Tawrens, Ethaniel and Laura try to find her before Gant does."

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On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Stargate: Atlantis aired "Thirty Eight Minutes."  Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Sheppard gets bitten by a Wraith-like bug and is dying. While the puddle jumper returns, it gets stuck in the Stargate. There's 38 minutes to find a solution."

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Things were a'changin' as part of Stargate Command!  On this day in 2004, "Zero Hour" aired as part of Stargate: SG-1's eighth season.  Here's the episode's summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:

"As the new head of the SGC, General O'Neill is beginning to feel the weight of his load, and he starts to have second thoughts about the whole idea, questioning his own competency."

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On this day in 2004 (in Australia), Wicked Science aired "Tractor Beam."  Officially, this served as the twenty-third episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"TOBY uses a tractor beam to catch ELIZABETH in an attempt to cancel her genius."

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On this day in 2006, reigning Sci-Fi vixen Summer Glau guest-starred on a special episode of the USA Network's The 4400 called "The Ballad Of Kevin and Tess." This was the eighth episode of the third season, and here's what I've been able to find on the story as listed on IMDB.com:

"Dr. Burkhoff continues his experiments on himself and forces them on another person and Maia has a nightmare where Diana looks like a monster. A rock star tries to involve Shawn in his health that demands almost all of his time."
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On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), The Dead Zone aired "Symmetry."  Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's fifth season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Multiple visions cause Johnny to question his own reality."

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On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Kyle XY aired "What's The Frequency, Kyle?"  Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's second season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Stephen's dad gets sick, and Kyle thinks he's getting messages from him; Jessi struggles to understand her actions."

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It all began right here ...

On this day in 2009 (in France), Éternelle aired the first episode in its single season of broadcast television existence.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Lost in the Parisian suburbs, in the middle of the night and in torrential rain, Yann Voline, an emergency doctor, is looking for his way. His vehicle hits something. It's not something, it's someone. A young woman, unconscious and naked, lying in the middle of the road. The doctor takes her to the hospital. What he still doesn't know is that this meeting will change his life."

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On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the twenty-third episode of its only season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Dorian finally meets The Creator."
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On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Eureka aired "The Story Of O2."  Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fourth season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Allison deals with a major problem during Eureka's space week festival."

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On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Haven aired "Consumed."  Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Audrey sees an old photo in the local newspaper of a woman who could be her mother, she decides to investigate her family origins. Meanwhile, she and Nathan look into an epidemic that threatens the town's livestock and fields."

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On this day in 2012, Alphas aired "The Quick and The Dead."  This served as the second episode of their second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:

"On the hunt for a killer with super-speed, our team realizes his search has lead him directly to them, with deadly consequences."
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On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Warehouse 13 aired "An Evil Within."  Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's fourth season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Pete and Myka investigate a mysterious case where mobs of angry people are hallucinating en masse and attacking innocents."

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On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Beauty And The Beast aired "Shotgun Wedding."  Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Cat and Vincent approach their wedding day; Vincent JT and Tess do all they can to keep a worried Cat focused on her big day."

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On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Dominion aired "A Bitter Truth."  Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's second (and final) season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"His welcome in New Delphi running thin, Alex takes a dangerous step in his hunt for Gabriel as he, Noma and Riesen uncover the truth behind Julian's origin. Claire and Gates got toe-toe with a tenacious assassin as David attempts an alliance with the revolting V1's. Following a turbulent reunion, Michael and Gabriel strike a deal to extract Alex from New Delphi, his fate far from determined."

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On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Under The Dome aired "Ejecta."  Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"As the outside world is rocked by a catastrophic meteor shower, unexpected alliances form under the dome. Meanwhile, Eva tries to indoctrinate Barbie deeper into The Kinship."

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On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Game Of Thrones aired "The Queen's Justice."  Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's seventh season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Jon and Daenerys finally meet. Cersei gains a new ally. Sansa receives an unexpected visitor. Sam is confronted for his actions."

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On this day in 2017, Star Trek Continues released "What Ships Are For" to the web marketplace.  This served as the program's ninth episode, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:

"Kirk struggles with aiding a society whose inhabitants view their isolated world in a very unique way."
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On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Twin Peaks: The Return aired the twelfth part of its single season broadcast television existence.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Let's rock."

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On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Salvation aired "Let The Chips Fall."  Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"Darius and Grace's relationship is tested when her secret is revealed. President Mackenzie tries to unify the fractured country. Re/Syst issues a deadly threat."

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On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), Pandora aired "Masters Of War."  Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A war veteran from the legendary space battle cruiser Sea Hawk makes a shocking revelation to Jax and Greg that could lead Jax to discover who actually killed her parents."

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On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), The 100 aired "Adjustment Protocol."  Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's sixth season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A special Naming Day changes everything in Sanctum. Gabriel comes face to face with an old friend."

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On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), SurrealEstate aired "For Sale By Owner."  Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season.  According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:

"A lovely lake cabin may be haunted or the owner may be faking; a horror novelist seeks inspiration."
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