I often find myself reminding folks that the original Star Trek enjoyed a good handful of actors who enjoyed multiple appearances as either new or even the same character through its run. Today's evidence: the great Michael Barrier enjoyed three visits to Gene Roddenberry's creation in the guise of 'DeSalle.' Barrier was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
When it comes to that nexus where Science Fiction and Horror collide, can you get any purer property than the original Frankenstein? Well, Mel Brooks and friends set out to parody those characters and the concept as a whole and succeeded beyond everyone's wildest dreams with the zany Young Frankenstein (1974). Funnyman Marty Feldman put his particular imprint on the character of 'Igor,' the hump-backed assistant (whose hump kept changing sides) willing to do anything to keep the good doctor in good spirits. Though he's no longer with us, Feldman was born on this day in 1934.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oft-decorated actor Jeffrey Tambor dabbled in some quality Fantasy with work aboard Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). Tambor was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Composer Jay Chattaway scored an incredible number of episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Chattaway was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of Kim Darby's earliest appearances was in the guise of 'Miri' aboard the classic episode of Star Trek. She also made time for a guest visit to Fox TV's The X-Files. Darby was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Critical darling Anjelica Huston (above right) definitely slummed for some SciFi laughs in the part of 'Maida' for The Ice Pirates (1984). Two years later, she joined Michael Jackson in the Disney/Epcot SciFi 3D adventure Captain Eo. Huston was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I'll admit that I never watched Roswell. I did tune in for the pilot episode, but it didn't seem for me. Maybe I was a bit older than the demographic they sought? In any event, the venerable Mary Ellen Trainor played 'Diane Evans' on the program for its run. The lovely lady also appeared in such properties as The Goonies (1985), Amazing Stories, The Monster Squad (1987), Scrooged (1988), and Back To The Future II (1988). Though she's no longer with us, Trainor was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Matthew Marsh has an exceedingly impressive resume over on IMDB.com. SciFi fans may recall him from a guest spot aboard the cult(ish) Red Dwarf (above left). Marsh was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alan Stock enjoyed a great guest-starring role in "The Gun On Ice Planet Zero," one of the two-part episodes of the original Battlestar Galactica. (In fact, that work was his professional debut! Praise the Lords of Kobol for that!) The actor went on to a career that lasted a few decades, and his resume includes appearances aboard such genre staples as Voyagers!, Time Walker (1982), Frightmare (1983), The A-Team, and Airwolf. Stock was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Indeed, Katherine Moffat looks like one lovely, cool customer, and she hatched a plan that she nearly got away with aboard an hour of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The actress also appeared aboard The Beast Within (1982), Knight Rider, Starman, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Sliders. Moffat was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
I realize that Kevin Bacon may not be to everyone's critical tastes, but he did do a pretty solid job playing against his usual type in 2000's SciFi flick Hollow Man. Also, he made a very solid villain in 2011's X-Men: First Class. And ... Tremors (1990), anyone? His comic turn in the film helped launched that SciFi/Fantasy franchise which continues to delight even to this day. Bacon was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lori Hallier shared some screen time with Robert Beltran as a guest star aboard an episode of UPN's Star Trek: Voyager. She's also appeared on The Twilight Zone, War Of The Worlds, Forever Knight, RoboCop, Total Recall 2070, and PSI Factor: Chronicles Of The Paranormal. Hallier was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Robert Knepper has been afforded the opportunity to play in many, many universes. While he's currently shooting the final two films of The Hunger Games, he's also a recognizable player in the WB's Arrow, Stargate Universe, Heroes, 2008's The Day The Earth Stood Still remake, Carnivale, Star Trek: Voyager, Seven Days, Haunted, Species III (2004), Point Pleasant, Earth's Final Hours (2011), R.I.P.D. (2013), The Flash, Twin Peaks, The Orville, iZombie, and WarHunt (2022). Knepper was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Syfy's Defiance program, Lee Tergesen played 'General Rahm Tak' (pictured above), a male Castithan and leader of the Votanis Collective. The versatile actor has also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard such projects as Cast A Deadly Spell (1991), Wild Palms, Honey I Shrunk The Kids: The TV Show, Weird Science, Touched By An Angel, The 4400, The Forgotten, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006), Masters Of Horror, Life On Mars, The River, The Collection (2012), American Horror Story, The Strain, Outcast, Daredevil, The Purge, and HBO's Watchmen. Tergesen was born on this day in 1965.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Suzanne Krull built a solid career around playing everyday yet mildly quirky irregulars. She turned up for a few episodes of ABC TV's Lost for good measure. Furthermore, she paid visits to such properties as Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Phil Of The Future, Charmed, and Race To Witch Mountain (2009). Though she's no longer with us, Krull was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Marcus Chong was part of the ensemble who found Sci-Fi fame when he appeared in 1999's The Matrix, the film that put the Wachowski Bros. (now better known as 'The Wachowski Siblings') on Hollywood's map. His character Tank only appeared in the first film, but Chong continues working (though mostly on the small screen) ever since. Chong was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Weatherly first dropped onto fandom's radar when he appeared as Logan Cale (pictured above) alongside Jessica Alba in Fox TV's cult sensation Dark Angel back in 2000 - 2002. Weatherly was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For what it's worth, Watchmen is an acquired taste. And -- for what it's worth -- so are the graphic works of its creator Alan Moore. Still, I appreciate the film visually; I just didn't find the story all that interesting. In the dynamic picture, Billy Crudup starred as Jon Osterman, aka Dr. Manhattan (pictured above). Crudup was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The deliciously sexy Nikita Ager joined Star Trek: Enterprise in a guest spot (as a deliciously sexy villain!!!) during the program's third season. Ager was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In an episode of Fox TV's popular The X-Files, the lovely Wendy Benson-Landes (above left) played one-half of a pair of teenage girls who found themselves 'gifted' with a telekinetic power. She also had a role in the TV adaptation of the SciFi classic, Brave New World, back in 1998. Benson-Landes was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Amy O'Neill (above center) was part of the cast catapulted to instant fame in 1989 when Walt Disney's Sci-Fi odyssey Honey, I Shrunk The Kids found worldwide audience appeal. She returned for the film's sequel in 1992, but otherwise her acting career appears to have quieted quite a bit. O'Neill was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
1985's Explorers explored the story of three young boys making first contact with a curious intergalactic intelligence, and the lovely Amanda Peterson played the love interest in the film. A few years later -- in 1988 -- she saddled up for some future adventure in the Roger Corman produced The Lawless Land for Concorde Pictures. Though she's no longer with us, Peterson was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screenwriter, Producer, and Director Joe Russo is just one of the driving creative forces behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, helping to bring such hits as Captain America: Civil War (2016), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019) to the silver screen. Russo was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning (and she is stunning) Kathleen Robertson joined Zooey Deschanel aboard the SciFi/Fantasy miniseries Tin Man back in 2007. Otherwise the actress' work tends to gravitate toward much more conventional fare. Robertson was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Iyari Limon is no slouch. Though born in Mexico, her family migrated to Caifornia, and she eventually launched herself into an impressive acting career. Genre fans might know her best from her recurring role aboard the fondly remembering Buffy The Vampire Slayer during its run. Other projects include a small role in King Cobra (1999) as well as some impressive voicework as part of the Dead Space video game franchise. Limon was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Milo Ventimiglia found out what life would be with superpowers aboard NBC's popular Heroes. He also turned up briefly aboard Fox TV's Gotham. Ventimiglia was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide (2011), an Apocalypse/Drama that saw Ventimiglia as one of the survivors of a nuclear assault on the U.S. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I had the good fortune of stumbling across a pay cable airing of The Divide (2011), an Apocalypse/Drama that saw Ventimiglia as one of the survivors of a nuclear assault on the U.S. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
The popular Sophia Bush voiced the part of 'Voyd' in the Walt Disney / Pixar blockbuster The Incredibles 2 (2018). Bush was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Schuyler Fisk enjoyed a modest amount of screen time in an episode of AMC's Fear The Walking Dead. She also paid a visit to the world of Hulu's Castle Rock during its run. Fisk was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The talented (and gymnastically athletic!) Tarah Paige had a role in one of the most exciting web-based projects I've followed in years -- Star Trek: Renegades -- as Petrona. Paige was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You can never have too much Alicia Vela-Bailey! This talented actress and stuntwoman enjoyed a recurring role aboard ABC TV's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. Vela-Bailey was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pouty lips and all, young Alexis Dziena was part of the ensemble that tried to lift ABC TV's Invasion to stellar heights. Unfortunately, the program just didn't have legs -- much less UFO-inspired wings -- and it lasted only a season. Still, Dziena's career marches on, though in far more mainstream projects. Dziena was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jake McDorman has a wealth of quality credentials that link into the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy, some of them being a bit more grounded in 'real life' than others. For the 2015-2016 U.S. television season, he took on leading role responsibilities in Limitless, the series that was inspired by the 2011 movie of the same name. In 2019, he not only paid a visit to the world of HBO's incarnation of Watchmen but also enjoyed a recurring role in the popular Fantasy/Comedy What We Do In The Shadows. Then in 2020 he brought to life astronaut 'Alan Shepard' in the Disney streaming adaptation of The Right Stuff. McDorman was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
For what it's worth, I'm willing to bet odds that the delightful and delicious Liz Katz has forgotten more about cosplay, games, comic books, and Science Fiction than you'll ever know ... and with a commanding presence who can stuff herself into one of the best 'Slave Leia' interpretations anywhere she's definitely her own 'Force' to be reckoned with. Katz was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Shazad Latif has found fame and fortune by going boldly where no one has gone before with his work aboard the dismal CBS All Access property Star Trek: Discovery. Latif was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: Memory Alpha]
[Source: Memory Alpha]
Maya Hawke is just but one of the many great talents helping to bring alive the wide, wide world of Netflix's expanding SciFi/Fantasy drama Stranger Things. Hawke was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young actor Jaden Smith is making choices he hopes will allow him to follow in his father's footsteps ... and those are some pretty big shoes when your dad is big screen action star Will Smith. The young Mr. Smith was born on this day in 1998.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Whoever said nepotism always worked in one's favor? The 2014 Razzie Awards not only presented the young actor with their coveted trophy in the category of 'Worst Actor' for his work in After Earth but also awarded both him and his father with 'Worst Screen Combo' for their theatrical collaboration. Not ouch ... but double ouch!
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
Whoever said nepotism always worked in one's favor? The 2014 Razzie Awards not only presented the young actor with their coveted trophy in the category of 'Worst Actor' for his work in After Earth but also awarded both him and his father with 'Worst Screen Combo' for their theatrical collaboration. Not ouch ... but double ouch!
How do you follow up a career that begins with the blockbuster Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)? Why, you appear in the next installment -- Jurassic World: Dominion -- to help bring out the close to a dinosaur trilogy. That's exactly what the young Isabella Sermon did, and Sermon was born on this day in 2006.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1920 (in the United States), theater audiences were treated to the second chapter in the ongoing SciFi/Serial The Invisible Ray. Directed by Harry A. Pollard, the feature starred Ruth Clifford, Jack Sherrill, and Sidney Bracey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
"A scientist discovers a death ray and locks it in a box, giving the key to his daughter, who soon finds herself hunted by criminals looking to steal the deadly mineral."
On this day in 1952 (in Japan), audiences were propelled into the wild frontier on a Flight To Mars. Directed by Lesley Selander, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Marguerite Chapman, Cameron Mitchell, and Arthur Franz; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Five astronauts successfully fly to Mars where they encounter seemingly friendly and advanced inhabitants who harbor covert plans to use their ship to invade Earth."
"Five astronauts successfully fly to Mars where they encounter seemingly friendly and advanced inhabitants who harbor covert plans to use their ship to invade Earth."
On this day in 1960, Japan's Battle In Outer Space enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred Ryô Ikebe and Kyôko Anzai, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The nations of the Earth unite in a common cause to fight off an invader from outer space."
"The nations of the Earth unite in a common cause to fight off an invader from outer space."
On this day in 1966 (in Ireland), Around The World Under The Sea enjoyed a theatrical release. The SciFi feature starred David McCallum and Lloyd Bridges, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
"The crew of a five-man submarine travels the world oceans, planting sensors on the ocean floor to warn scientists of any impending earthquakes."
My, my, my, somebody got big! On this day in 1966, Japan's Frankenstein Conquers The World enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The feature starred Tadao Takashima and Nick Adams, and here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"During WWII, a human heart taken from a certain lab in Europe (Dr. Frankenstein's) is kept in a Japanese lab, when it gets exposed to the radiation of the bombing of Hiroshima. The heart grows in size, mutates and sprouts appendages, and eventually grows into a complete body and escapes. Later, a feral boy with a certain physical deformity (a large head with a flat top) is captured by scientists who refer to the boy as Frankenstein. The creature grows to the height of 20 feet, escapes again, fights police and army, and is practically indestructible. Later, a reptilian monster goes on a rampage. Eventually the Frankenstein creature and the reptile face off in a terrible battle."
"During WWII, a human heart taken from a certain lab in Europe (Dr. Frankenstein's) is kept in a Japanese lab, when it gets exposed to the radiation of the bombing of Hiroshima. The heart grows in size, mutates and sprouts appendages, and eventually grows into a complete body and escapes. Later, a feral boy with a certain physical deformity (a large head with a flat top) is captured by scientists who refer to the boy as Frankenstein. The creature grows to the height of 20 feet, escapes again, fights police and army, and is practically indestructible. Later, a reptilian monster goes on a rampage. Eventually the Frankenstein creature and the reptile face off in a terrible battle."
On this day in 1966 (in West Germany), destinies collided with the silver screen release of Jesse James Meets Frankenstein's Daughter. Directed by William Beaudine, the SciFi/Horror starred John Lupton, Narda Onyx, and Cal Bolder. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Old West! It was back when times were tough, the land was harsh, vigilantes were unforgiving and outlaws... were apparently pretty nice guys!"
"The Old West! It was back when times were tough, the land was harsh, vigilantes were unforgiving and outlaws... were apparently pretty nice guys!"
On this day in 1968 (in Denmark), audiences felt The Power. (Well, cinematically, that is.) John Gay adapted the Frank M. Robinson novel, and award-winning Byron Haskin (of the 1953 adaptation of The War Of The Worlds) directed the project. The SciFi/Thriller starred George Hamilton, Suzanne Pleshette, and Richard Carlson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"One by one members of a special project team are being killed by telekinesis - the ability to move things with the power of the mind alone. The race is to determine which of the remaining team members is the murderer and how to stop them."
"One by one members of a special project team are being killed by telekinesis - the ability to move things with the power of the mind alone. The race is to determine which of the remaining team members is the murderer and how to stop them."
On this day in 1970 (in France), The Time To Die enjoyed its full theatrical release in its native country. Written (in part) and directed by André Farwagi, the SciFi/Thriller starred Anna Karina, Bruno Cremer, and Jean Rochefort; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman witnesses a video taped murder and is marked for elimination by the killer."
"A woman witnesses a video taped murder and is marked for elimination by the killer."
"Strap in, fellahs! Next stop ... Pride Month!" On this day in 1976 (in West Germany), the 1972-produced SciFi/Telefilm Doomsday Machine tried to show audiences what our collective doom looked like. The feature starred Bobby Van and Ruta Lee, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Spies discover that the Red Chinese have built a "doomsday machine" capable of destroying the surface of the Earth, and that they plan to use it within a matter of days. Meanwhile, Project Astra, a manned U.S. space mission to Venus, is in its final hours before launch when it is taken over by the military and nearly half of its all-male crew is replaced by women. The reason for this becomes apparent when, shortly after Astra leaves orbit, the Earth is completely destroyed in a global cataclysm! Is the human race doomed? What dangers and wonders await the crew of the Astra on their journey to Venus?"
"Spies discover that the Red Chinese have built a "doomsday machine" capable of destroying the surface of the Earth, and that they plan to use it within a matter of days. Meanwhile, Project Astra, a manned U.S. space mission to Venus, is in its final hours before launch when it is taken over by the military and nearly half of its all-male crew is replaced by women. The reason for this becomes apparent when, shortly after Astra leaves orbit, the Earth is completely destroyed in a global cataclysm! Is the human race doomed? What dangers and wonders await the crew of the Astra on their journey to Venus?"
On this day in 1983 (in West Germany), audiences opened up the Treasure Of The Four Crowns. Directed by Ferdinando Baldi, the Fantasy/Adventure starred Tony Anthony, Ana Obregón, and Gene Quintano; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of adventurers are gathered together to retrieve some mystical gems which are in the possession of a deadly cult."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Treasure Of The Four Crowns in exchange for a product review. Interested in knowing what I thought of it? You can find the article right here.
"A group of adventurers are gathered together to retrieve some mystical gems which are in the possession of a deadly cult."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray of Treasure Of The Four Crowns in exchange for a product review. Interested in knowing what I thought of it? You can find the article right here.
On this day in 1988 (in Japan), the SciFi/Comedy Too Much enjoyed its premiere on home video. The feature starred Bridgette Andersen and Masato Fukazama, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"When Suzie and her parents take a visit to Japan her father's business partner, an inventor called Tetsuro decides to make Suzie a robot. The robot's name is 'Too Much' (or TM for short) and he and Suzie become the best of friends. But when the day comes for Suzie to return home she finds she's not allowed to take TM with her, so they run away together. However, they must watch out for a rival inventor of Tetsuro's is looking for them so that he can examine TM's programming. Will TM and Suzie manage to escape from his clutches and prove that love conquers all?"
"When Suzie and her parents take a visit to Japan her father's business partner, an inventor called Tetsuro decides to make Suzie a robot. The robot's name is 'Too Much' (or TM for short) and he and Suzie become the best of friends. But when the day comes for Suzie to return home she finds she's not allowed to take TM with her, so they run away together. However, they must watch out for a rival inventor of Tetsuro's is looking for them so that he can examine TM's programming. Will TM and Suzie manage to escape from his clutches and prove that love conquers all?"
Class ... DISMISSED! On this day in 1994 (in the United Kingdom), class was called back into session with the home video release of Class Of 1999 II: The Substitute. Directed by Spiro Razatos, the Horror/SciFi starred Sasha Mitchell, Caitlin Dulany, and Nick Cassavetes; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The substitute teacher of the future is a robot who answers spit-wads with bullets. He'll clean up the gang situation at the school, too, if a government agent doesn't catch him first for an experimental robot army."
"The substitute teacher of the future is a robot who answers spit-wads with bullets. He'll clean up the gang situation at the school, too, if a government agent doesn't catch him first for an experimental robot army."
On this day in 1994 (in the United Kingdom), Fortress opened its door theatrically. The SciFi feature starred Christopher Lambert and Kurtwood Smith, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"In a future, private underground prison/Fortress, the inmates are computer controlled with CCTV, dream readers and devices that can cause pain or death. John and his illegally pregnant wife are inside but want to escape before birth."
"In a future, private underground prison/Fortress, the inmates are computer controlled with CCTV, dream readers and devices that can cause pain or death. John and his illegally pregnant wife are inside but want to escape before birth."
On this day in 1997, the Albert Pyun written and directed Omega Doom took another look at Earth's dire future. It starred Rutger Hauer and Shannon Whirry, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
"After earth is taken over by an army of robots, the small number of humans left are forced into hiding. In the nuclear winter, only droids walk the face of the earth, in fear of the rumored human resurgence, and in search of a hidden cache of weapons. One robot, his evil circuits destroyed, enters a small town where a robot civil war is taking place. He tries to convince both sides to join forces in search of the weapons, all the while having a hidden agenda, and an affinity for one of the local droids."
On this day in 1998 (in Finland), Nemesis III: Time Lapse delivered a little blood alongside its SciFi premise. Written (in part) and directed by Albert Pyun, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sue Price, Tim Thomerson, and Norbert Weisser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
"Alex again fighting the cyborg mercenaries in 1998 East Africa. This time, Alex finds that she has 20 half sisters who are waiting for her to return to 2077. Central Command wants Alex captured alive and scanned to see if her DNA is a strong and more powerful strain than the normal. But Alex may be too tough for Farnsworth to capture."
On this day in 2002 (in London), Resident Evil held its United Kingdom premiere in its capital city. Written and directed by Paul W.S. Anderson, the SciFi/Horror starred Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, and Ryan McCluskey; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
This day marked the film's full U.S. (and Canada) theatrical release, though it actually enjoyed its first theatrical screening in Los Angeles on March 12, 2002. At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
"A special military unit fights a powerful, out-of-control supercomputer and hundreds of scientists who have mutated into flesh-eating creatures after a laboratory accident."
For the record:
This day marked the film's full U.S. (and Canada) theatrical release, though it actually enjoyed its first theatrical screening in Los Angeles on March 12, 2002. At the 2003 Saturn Awards, Resident Evil enjoyed a pair of nominations -- 'Best Actress' and 'Best Horror Film' -- but missed out on the trophy in both cases.
On this day in 2005 (in Finland), King Cobra slithered its way onto television and into the hearts of viewers. Written and directed by the team of David and Scott Hillenbrand, the feature film 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 2006, the SciFi/Horror/Telefilm Slayer first aired on the Boob Tube. Written and directed by Kevin VanHook, the feature starred Casper Van Dien, Tony Plana, and Jennifer O'Dell. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An elite commando squad led by longtime soldier buddies Hawk and Grives run afoul of lethal and powerful vampires in a South American rain forest. Grieves gets turned into a vampire and becomes leader of a savage roving herd. Moreover, Hawk has to rescue his scientist ex-wife Dr. Laurie Williams from the bloodsuckers' evil clutches."
"An elite commando squad led by longtime soldier buddies Hawk and Grives run afoul of lethal and powerful vampires in a South American rain forest. Grieves gets turned into a vampire and becomes leader of a savage roving herd. Moreover, Hawk has to rescue his scientist ex-wife Dr. Laurie Williams from the bloodsuckers' evil clutches."
On this day in 2014 (via the internet in the U.S. and Canada), Perfect: Android Rising toyed with the dangers of artificial intelligence. Written and directed by Chris R. Notarile, the feature starred Kasey Williams, Samantha Talbott, and Dana Jesberger. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
"Set in the near future, LIA (the perfect killing machine) is sent into a war zone to eradicate the rebel threat. But when a sneak attack EMP blast shuts down her CPU, LIA is captured by the resistance and reprogrammed to think and feel."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Peak Performance" as the twenty-first episode to the program's second season. According to our friends at TrekCore.com, here's what you need to know about it:
"The Enterprise undertakes Federation war-games, as Zakdorn tactical observer Kolrami observes. Picard is pitted against Riker in a maneuver that is harmless until a Ferengi attack puts the crew of the Enterprise in a no-win situation."
"The Enterprise undertakes Federation war-games, as Zakdorn tactical observer Kolrami observes. Picard is pitted against Riker in a maneuver that is harmless until a Ferengi attack puts the crew of the Enterprise in a no-win situation."
On this day in 1993 (in Canada), Matrix aired "Shadows From The Past." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by Trakt.TV:
"When a little girl witnesses a hired killing, the men who did the killing need to find her to get back a valuable disk she took with her. The blind man takes Matrix back into the past, where Tony Goff is abused by his father, in an attempt to convince Matrix to 'think like a child', and also to give him the tools he needs to save the little girl."
"When a little girl witnesses a hired killing, the men who did the killing need to find her to get back a valuable disk she took with her. The blind man takes Matrix back into the past, where Tony Goff is abused by his father, in an attempt to convince Matrix to 'think like a child', and also to give him the tools he needs to save the little girl."
On this day in 1993 (in Japan), She-Wolf Of London aired "She-Devil." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lonely bachelor is killed after answering a personal ad in the newspaper. Ian and Randi trace the ad to a college love of Ian's who has developed a special pheromone potion which brings out the "sexual animal" in people."
"A lonely bachelor is killed after answering a personal ad in the newspaper. Ian and Randi trace the ad to a college love of Ian's who has developed a special pheromone potion which brings out the "sexual animal" in people."
On this day in 1995 (in Australia), Sky Trackers aired "Ice Balls." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by AustralianTelevision.Net:
"As Tony is preparing to leave for America and the shuttle mission, Nikki discovers a comet. To verify her discovery, she needs to use the optical scope at a nearby observatory. Whilst at school, Nikki and Mike fight because word leaks among the other students about their relationship. Mike farewells his father sullenly while Nikki gets a ride to the observatory. Nikki farewells Tony, who jokes that if he sees the comet whilst he's in the shuttle, he'll bring it back for Nikki. Nikki finally verifies her comet's existence at the observatory."
"As Tony is preparing to leave for America and the shuttle mission, Nikki discovers a comet. To verify her discovery, she needs to use the optical scope at a nearby observatory. Whilst at school, Nikki and Mike fight because word leaks among the other students about their relationship. Mike farewells his father sullenly while Nikki gets a ride to the observatory. Nikki farewells Tony, who jokes that if he sees the comet whilst he's in the shuttle, he'll bring it back for Nikki. Nikki finally verifies her comet's existence at the observatory."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Mercy Point aired "Second Chances." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A patient is prematurely aging following an illegal operation that transplanted the mind of an old scientist into a younger man's body. Maxwell is conflicted on how to proceed as one of the minds must be sacrificed to save the other. Haylen and Dru argue over the best treatment for a patient whose arteries are clogged by synthetic blood, and ANI continues to research human emotions."
"A patient is prematurely aging following an illegal operation that transplanted the mind of an old scientist into a younger man's body. Maxwell is conflicted on how to proceed as one of the minds must be sacrificed to save the other. Haylen and Dru argue over the best treatment for a patient whose arteries are clogged by synthetic blood, and ANI continues to research human emotions."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Mercy Point aired "No Mercy." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Maxwell is placed under high scrutiny when a high proportion of alien deaths occur at Mercy Point, leading to the arrival of a team of researchers at the hospital. A patient requires an eye transplant, but Haylen becomes concerned on discovering the woman has already received several transplants from Jurado in the past."
"Maxwell is placed under high scrutiny when a high proportion of alien deaths occur at Mercy Point, leading to the arrival of a team of researchers at the hospital. A patient requires an eye transplant, but Haylen becomes concerned on discovering the woman has already received several transplants from Jurado in the past."
It all began right here*: on this day in 2003, Alienated blended Science Fiction with Comedy for those angling for such mixtures. The first installment was titled "Meatloaf Lunch," and here's the premise from TVGuide.Com:
"The Blundells are scanned by alien beams while eating their weekly meatloaf lunch."
( * = For clarity's sake, IMDB.com reports that Alienated premiered on this day in 2003 while TVGuide states that the premiere was on July 9th. Since SciFiHistory.Net typically cites IMDB.com's dates, that's the one we're going with for now.)
"The Blundells are scanned by alien beams while eating their weekly meatloaf lunch."
( * = For clarity's sake, IMDB.com reports that Alienated premiered on this day in 2003 while TVGuide states that the premiere was on July 9th. Since SciFiHistory.Net typically cites IMDB.com's dates, that's the one we're going with for now.)
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Doomsday." This served as the thirteenth episode of the re-launched program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
"Earth becomes a battleground for the Daleks and the Cybermen. With the whole planet at stake and the Genesis Ark activated, how much will the Doctor sacrifice in order to end the war?"
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "Our Mrs. Reynolds." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A woman claiming to be Mal's wife appears aboard Serenity."
"A woman claiming to be Mal's wife appears aboard Serenity."
On this day in 2007, The 4400 aired "The Truth And Nothing But The Truth." This served as the fourth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Diana catches her sister April, who has survived a promicine shot and gained an ability the full potential of which she fails to grasp - to make anyone answer truthfully to any question posed by her. She has teamed up with a man she loves and they are blackmailing people who have dirty secrets. But then they bite more than they can chew and April's beloved gets murdered. The only way to get the people responsible to answer for their crimes would be for April to turn herself into NTAC custody and lose her precious freedom... Meanwhile, Shawn decides to run for the mayor's office and Isabelle helps Kyle translate the coded section of the White Light book - which results in a shocking revelation."
"Diana catches her sister April, who has survived a promicine shot and gained an ability the full potential of which she fails to grasp - to make anyone answer truthfully to any question posed by her. She has teamed up with a man she loves and they are blackmailing people who have dirty secrets. But then they bite more than they can chew and April's beloved gets murdered. The only way to get the people responsible to answer for their crimes would be for April to turn herself into NTAC custody and lose her precious freedom... Meanwhile, Shawn decides to run for the mayor's office and Isabelle helps Kyle translate the coded section of the White Light book - which results in a shocking revelation."
On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Stormworld aired "Luce Island." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence; and here's the plot summary as provided by AustralianTelevision.Net:
"With the assistance of their new friend, Gundril, the Stormrider crew race to find the map fragment before Khelioz."
"With the assistance of their new friend, Gundril, the Stormrider crew race to find the map fragment before Khelioz."
On this day in 2010 (in Hungary), Doctor Who aired "The Runaway Bride." Officially, this served as the start to the Modern Era's third season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
"The Doctor is baffled when a young woman is transported to the TARDIS on her wedding day, and attempts to find out how she is connected to an alien plot to destroy Earth."
On this day in 2011, Torchwood began its fourth season with the airing of "The New World." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In an American prison child killer Oswald Danes is given a lethal injection but fails to die. CIA agent Rex Matheson is one of several severely injured hospital patients who should be dead but survive. The phenomenon is worldwide and the press dub it Miracle Day,when noone dies. Rex's colleague Esther Drummond attempts to contact the long disbanded Torchwood and is visited by Jack as a result. The pair survive an attack by a bomber - after Jack - whilst the bomber,though blown to bits,goes on breathing. Gwen and Rhys Williams are living in seclusion in Wales with their baby when Gwen's old colleague Andy tells her that her father Geraint is one of the sick people who cannot die and that the world will be over-populated in a matter of days. Rex and Jack arrive in Wales to bring Gwen back to the States with them."
"In an American prison child killer Oswald Danes is given a lethal injection but fails to die. CIA agent Rex Matheson is one of several severely injured hospital patients who should be dead but survive. The phenomenon is worldwide and the press dub it Miracle Day,when noone dies. Rex's colleague Esther Drummond attempts to contact the long disbanded Torchwood and is visited by Jack as a result. The pair survive an attack by a bomber - after Jack - whilst the bomber,though blown to bits,goes on breathing. Gwen and Rhys Williams are living in seclusion in Wales with their baby when Gwen's old colleague Andy tells her that her father Geraint is one of the sick people who cannot die and that the world will be over-populated in a matter of days. Rex and Jack arrive in Wales to bring Gwen back to the States with them."
On this day in 2012, Falling Skies aired "Love And Other Acts Of Courage." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A familiar face returns to the 2nd Mass, but his intentions remain unknown. Meanwhile, a skitter is captured and brought back to the camp as a prisoner."
"A familiar face returns to the 2nd Mass, but his intentions remain unknown. Meanwhile, a skitter is captured and brought back to the camp as a prisoner."
On this day in 2013, Syfy's Defiance came to the end of its first season with the airing of "Everything Is Broken." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Earth Alliance Colonel Galen Marsh reveals that he is after the Voltan weapons system hidden at the bottom of the mines and Yewll is prepared to deal with them. There are two artifacts hidden inside Irisa, the keys that can can trigger the Voltan's secret weapon. Nolan is searching for Irisa and finds her at the Irathian camp. He tells her they are going to head south and along the way find a doctor to remove the Votan keys in her body. Before they can do so however mercenaries hired by the Earth Republic, led by Jonah Keller, arrive at the Irathian camp. Meanwhile, Datak tells Stahma that he knows she betrayed him and she tells Kenya that she is running away - and wants Kenya to join her. The election results are announced but it's a bittersweet victory."
"Earth Alliance Colonel Galen Marsh reveals that he is after the Voltan weapons system hidden at the bottom of the mines and Yewll is prepared to deal with them. There are two artifacts hidden inside Irisa, the keys that can can trigger the Voltan's secret weapon. Nolan is searching for Irisa and finds her at the Irathian camp. He tells her they are going to head south and along the way find a doctor to remove the Votan keys in her body. Before they can do so however mercenaries hired by the Earth Republic, led by Jonah Keller, arrive at the Irathian camp. Meanwhile, Datak tells Stahma that he knows she betrayed him and she tells Kenya that she is running away - and wants Kenya to join her. The election results are announced but it's a bittersweet victory."
On this day in 2013, CBS's Under The Dome aired "Manhunt." This served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a Deputy is killed, Big Jim organizes a search party to hunt down the culprit. Meanwhile, Joe and Norrie continue to experience strange seizures."
"After a Deputy is killed, Big Jim organizes a search party to hunt down the culprit. Meanwhile, Joe and Norrie continue to experience strange seizures."
On this day in 2013, Warehouse 13 aired "The Truth Hurts." This served as the twentieth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The evil alchemist Paracelsus is on the run, and Pete and Myka must stop him before he achieves immortality - or something worse. Myka fights what appears to be a losing battle against cancer, while Steve learns Artie's been keeping life-altering information from Claudia."
"The evil alchemist Paracelsus is on the run, and Pete and Myka must stop him before he achieves immortality - or something worse. Myka fights what appears to be a losing battle against cancer, while Steve learns Artie's been keeping life-altering information from Claudia."
On this day in 2016, Syfy's Killjoys aired "Wild, Wild Westerley." This served as the second episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Davin back on the team, the Killjoys return to the ruins of Old Town to hunt eight escaped convicts but soon discover their most dangerous nemesis is the company fixer who issued the warrant."
"With Davin back on the team, the Killjoys return to the ruins of Old Town to hunt eight escaped convicts but soon discover their most dangerous nemesis is the company fixer who issued the warrant."
On this day in 2017, Orphan Black aired "Ease For Idle Millionaires." This served as the fifth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Sarah and Kira spend time at home bonding, Cosima unlocks the island's biggest secret, discovering a link between the village's so-called creature and the science around Kira."
"While Sarah and Kira spend time at home bonding, Cosima unlocks the island's biggest secret, discovering a link between the village's so-called creature and the science around Kira."
