From what I can recall, The Middleman -- which premiered on this day in 2008 -- is another one of those Science Fiction series wherein I watched the pilot episode and pretty much immediately decided, "Yeah, that's not for me." That isn't intended as an insult; rather, I'm pretty frugal with my viewing habits, so I tend to zone out programs which just don't tickle my fancy fairly early in their broadcast run in favor of exploring them later on home video or reruns. Still, it had a solid good vs. evil vibe to what I did watch, so there's something to be said for 'keeping it simple.' It lasted a single (if short) season.
Think what you may, sci-fi fans, but there's never been a better 'Part 1' in all of sci-fi television than Star Trek: The Next Generation's third season finale, "The Best of Both Worlds." (It aired in syndication on this day back in 1990.) Could they stakes have been any higher? Riker in personal and professional crisis? Picard seized by the Borg? Starfleet facing possible eradication? Audiences were left on the edge of their seats all summer thanks to this winning script by writer Michael Piller.
History shows that there are far too many Science Fiction authors out there for any of us to try them all in a single lifetime, but one of those who should be on everyone's bucket list is Murray Leinster. Somewhere within the volumes of material he penned, I suspect there will be something to each of our liking. Though he's no longer with us, Leinster was born on this day in 1896. [Source: Wikipedia.org]
With only twenty-five screen credits to her name, Ilona Massey still managed to leave a mark on cinema history and genre fans, especially, with her work aboard Invisible Agent (1942) and Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man (1943). Though she's no longer with us, Massey was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Faith Domergue played Dr. Ruth Adams as part of the scientific ensemble at the middle of 1955's sci-fi classic This Island Earth. In fact, she practically ruled cinema sci-fi that year as she also headlined The Atomic Man and It Came From Beneath The Sea for willing audiences. Though she's no longer with us, Domergue was born on this day in 1924. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bill Cobbs is an actor who maintains an incredible body of work. SciFi fans probably recognize him best from guest roles in such properties as Demolition Man (1993), The Outer Limits, and Star Trek: Enterprise. Cobbs was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
It doesn't appear as if Michael Culver has done any professional acting in the past few years, but his resume quite possibly still draws the interest of genre fans. He's enjoyed appearances aboard The Avengers, Doomwatch, Space:1999, and a little something called Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). Culver was born on this day in 1938. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, you never forget your first doctor, do you? Doctor Who, that is! Carole Ann Ford was there at the beginning of the seminal Time Traveling opus in the role of Susan Foreman, aka the Doctor's granddaughter. The veteran actress clocked in an amazing fifty-two episodes of the program, and she still found time to make appearances in other properties, including 1963's The Day of the Triffids. Ford was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
During her time "in the business," the lovely Suzan Farmer turned up in a few wonderful guest spots, including work aboard Gerry Anderson's UFO and Blake's 7. Though she's no longer with us, Farmer was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Joan Van Ark has turned up in a few SciFi-specific roles, checking aboard The Six Million Dollar Man, Wonder Woman, and the cult favorite SciFi comedy, Quark. Van Ark was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Anyone in the market for a good Ginger? Well, then how about a great one? The lovely Valerie Mahaffey looks even lovelier every time we see her, but I wish she did more Science Fiction. She had a great guest role aboard the popular Quantum Leap, so I guess I should be thankful for that. Mahaffey was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
Funny lady Laurie Metcalf dipped her toes into the realm of genre projects with a guest-starring role aboard an episode of Supergirl. Metcalf was born on this day in 1955. [Source: IMDB.com]
To me, Ian Buchanan has one of those faces that practically screams, "For God's sake, man, I'm an actor!" Those stylish good looks helped him land a guest role aboard Syfy's popular Stargate SG-1. That's for sure! Buchanan was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though I'm sure I'll probably always remember John Balma for his brilliant comic turn on NBC's Parks and Recreation, I'm glad he had an appearance on Star Trek: Enterprise so that I can feature his talent here. Balma was born on this day in 1959.
Playing a mayor? No big deal. Playing Mayor Kuzak in Robocop 2 (1990)? Well, that definitely deserves a mention in these parts of cyberspace. Willard Pugh did just that! The actor was born on this day in 1959.
Legendary screen heavy Arnold Vosloo might just be this generation's Peter Cushing. Or maybe even Christopher Lee. Typically, he's cast as the villain, and I suspect the actor has forgotten more about playing a bad dude than most of his age have ever learned. He's often most recognized from his work in The Mummy series of films, but SciFi fans might recall his work in Gor, Steel Dawn, Darkman II: The Return of Durant, Progeny, Strange World, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and Grimm. Always a pleasure to watch, Vosloo was born on this day in 1962.
Clifton Collins Jr. has one of those familiar faces, and that's largely because he's been a part of so many interesting programs. He was manipulating a conspiracy on NBC's The Event. He was a Romulan baddie as part of JJ Abrams' Star Trek reboot (2009). He was also part of the team ridding the Earth of monsters in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim (2013). Collins was born on this day in 1970.
Long before James Patrick Stuart turned up in a hilariously memorable role on NBC's Seinfeld, he was helping to lead the remaining Galacticans to that shining star known as Earth aboard Galactica 1980 as the mysterious Dr. Zee. Stuart was born on this day in 1970.
John Cho. Star Trek. Mr. Sulu. Need I say more? Well, I will. While I'll admit I haven't been all that enamored with the current cinematic incarnation of the Gene Roddenberry creation, I do enjoy the work of several key players, John Cho definitely being one of them. Cho was born on this day in 1972.
With 20th Century Fox's The Martian currently screening popularly on home video, why not take a moment to pick up author Andy Weir's novel that inspired the flick? Weir was born on this day in 1972.
As I've often said, "Science Fiction loves the bit players." For without these bit players -- without these talented actors and actresses toiling away in the background turning in some quality work -- SciFi would have no flavor indeed. Today's smiler is the lovely Enid-Raye Adams. Fans might recognize her in the role of Firell from the Babylon 5 telefilm, The Legend of the Rangers: To Live and Die In Starlight (insert photo left), but she's also booked roles on The Lone Gunmen, The Outer Limits, The Dead Zone, Stargate SG-1, Taken, The Twilight Zone, Jake 2.0, Jeremiah, Fringe, and iZombie. Adams was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
I totally missed ABC's Invasion when it aired originally, but I think I have a copy around the house on DVD that I need to screen for myself sometime. In any event, star Eddie Cibrian played one of the principles on the program, and I've been told he did some good work. Cibrian was born on this day in 1973.
Fred Koehler is an immensely talented character actor who turns up all over the place, including great guest roles aboard ABC TV's Lost and, more recently, Torchwood: Miracle Day, for the Starz Network. Koehler was born on this day in 1975.
Daniel Brühl is relatively new to the Marvel Movie Universe, recently turning up as Zemo in Captain America: Civil War (2016). Brühl was born on this day in 1978.
I've seen fresh-faced Missy Peregrym in a handful of mainstream fare, but I'd completely forgotten that she'd dabbled in some quality Science Fiction. She had a bit part in Dark Angel as a small screen debut, and since then she's also appeared in Jake 2.0, Smallville, Andromeda, and Heroes. Peregrym was born on this day in 1982.
As a young one, Olivia Hack turned up briefly aboard Star Trek: Generations (1994) as one of Captain Picard's children, and she's since gone one to some impressive voice work including appearances aboard one of my favorite programs, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Hack was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Think what you like, Marvel fans, but -- for my tastes -- I still think Ed Norton played the best theatrical version of Bruce Banner to date. One of his co-stars (albeit briefly) from The Incredible Hulk (2008) was the very fetching Débora Nascimento, who was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
Abby Elliott enjoyed a small role aboard the theatrical reboot of the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014) franchise. Elliott was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kelly Blatz has a couple of what I'd call SciFi-lite properties under his acting belt, including work for Walt Disney's Aaron Stone and their telefilm, Skyrunners (2009). Blatz was born on this day in 1987.
Sorry, folks, but I don't 'game.' Still, if I did, I'd probably be drawn to the work of the young Mackenzie Mason. She helped bring the character of 'Cortana' to life aboard Halo 4. Mason was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: Alexis G. Zall might be one of the youngest talents to voice a phenom as impressive as 'Lois Lane' herself aboard DC Super Hero Girls animated property ... and why not? This young lady appears to have boundless energy herself, her resume already boasting over forty separate screen credits while just cracking into her twenties. Impressive, indeed! Zall was born on this day in 1998. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in Portugal), When Worlds Collide showed audiences what might happen when ... well ... when worlds collide. Directed by Rudolph Mate, the SciFi feature starred Richard Derr and Barbara Rush, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
"As a new star and planet hurtle toward a doomed Earth, a small group of survivalists frantically work to complete the rocket which will take them to their new home."
On this day in 1976, A Boy And His Dog enjoyed a special theatrical engagement in New York City. Directed by L.Q. Jones, the SciFi feature starred Don Johnson and Jason Robards, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young man and his telepathic dog wander a post-apocalyptic wasteland."
"A young man and his telepathic dog wander a post-apocalyptic wasteland."
On this day in 1993 (in France), Swamp Thing itself returned theatrically for The Return Of Swamp Thing. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
"In this tongue-in-cheek sequel, the benevolent bog creature falls for the vegetarian, plant-loving daughter of the evil scientist who created him."
On this day in 2000 (in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Norway), Supernova exploded on the silver screen. Directed by Walter Hill, the SciFi feature starred Robin Tunney and James Spader, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
"Supernova chronicles the search and rescue patrol of a medical ship in deep space in the early 22nd century and its six-member crew which includes a captain and pilot, a co-pilot, a medical officer, a medical technician, a search and rescue."
How (oh how!) does SciFi get so many curious creature features? Piranhaconda is a telefilm that was spawned on TV audiences first on this day back in 2012, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Two piranha/anaconda hybrid creatures hunt down the scientist who stole their egg and a film crew; making a slasher film in the jungle."
"Two piranha/anaconda hybrid creatures hunt down the scientist who stole their egg and a film crew; making a slasher film in the jungle."
Boom! On this day in 2015, Supernova 45 aired on U.S. television. Directed by Alan J. Levi, this SciFi feature starred Matt Doherty and Sondra Currie, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ganymede Pan, an elite space pilot gone AWOL, is hunted down by the cunning and captivating General Tai, who manipulates him into tracking down a "Golden" boy, trained to control a substance which is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction."
"Ganymede Pan, an elite space pilot gone AWOL, is hunted down by the cunning and captivating General Tai, who manipulates him into tracking down a "Golden" boy, trained to control a substance which is the ultimate weapon of mass destruction."
On this day in 2016, Terrordactyl took to the cinematic skies! Written and directed by Don Bitters III, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Jenny Allford and Bianca Haase, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When ancient flying reptiles attack Los Angeles, it's up to two working-class friends, the unlikeliest of heroes, to save the day."
"When ancient flying reptiles attack Los Angeles, it's up to two working-class friends, the unlikeliest of heroes, to save the day."
On this day in 1956, Adventures Of Superman aired "The Jolly Roger." Officially, this served as the thirteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pirates kidnap Jimmy, Lois and Clark and hide on a remote island the U.S. Navy is about to destroy."
"Pirates kidnap Jimmy, Lois and Clark and hide on a remote island the U.S. Navy is about to destroy."
On this day in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), Fireball XL5 aired "The Fire Fighters." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious cloud sends fiery balls to Earth and causes fires to many areas. While investigating this, Fireball XL5 is victim of one of these balls and is out of order. Professor Matic has an idea to use a device to vacuum the cloud before it causes more damages, like Venus' beach house...."
"A mysterious cloud sends fiery balls to Earth and causes fires to many areas. While investigating this, Fireball XL5 is victim of one of these balls and is out of order. Professor Matic has an idea to use a device to vacuum the cloud before it causes more damages, like Venus' beach house...."
On this day in 1997, Babylon 5 aired "Intersections In Real Time." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sheridan has been captured. Now he's being tortured for information. How long can he hold out?"
"Sheridan has been captured. Now he's being tortured for information. How long can he hold out?"
On this day in 1999, Crusade aired "The Long Road." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Gideon mediates between Earth miners and the residents of a planet containing a virus-fighting mineral--and a fire-breathing dragon."
"Gideon mediates between Earth miners and the residents of a planet containing a virus-fighting mineral--and a fire-breathing dragon."
On this day in 2000, Farscape aired "Home on the Remains," the seventh episode of the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crew needs food. Zahn needs to eat meat, she starts spewing spores. Only Aeryn seems to have an tolerance for the spores. While she's on Moya with Zahn, the others find a Budong to get some food."
"The crew needs food. Zahn needs to eat meat, she starts spewing spores. Only Aeryn seems to have an tolerance for the spores. While she's on Moya with Zahn, the others find a Budong to get some food."
It all began right here: on this day in 2008, The Middleman tried to 'cut out the middleman' on television. The pilot episode was titled "Sanction," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
" You know how it is in comic books, how there's always lots of mad scientists, androids and robots, all trying to either destroy the world or take it over? Well, it really does happen like that." So says Wendy's new boss. Wendy gets recruited by a secretive agency after they see her threatened by a body parts monster and still remains cool. Her first assignment with the Middleman is getting to the bottom of Genetically Enhanced Gorillas who first are going to take out the mob and then take over the world."
" You know how it is in comic books, how there's always lots of mad scientists, androids and robots, all trying to either destroy the world or take it over? Well, it really does happen like that." So says Wendy's new boss. Wendy gets recruited by a secretive agency after they see her threatened by a body parts monster and still remains cool. Her first assignment with the Middleman is getting to the bottom of Genetically Enhanced Gorillas who first are going to take out the mob and then take over the world."
On this day in 2013 (in Canada), Continuum aired "Second Listen." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kiera and CSIS agent Gardiner start working together and try to trace the bodies stolen from the morgue. They hit a dead end. Kiera visits Escher who tells her about freelancers who tattoo marks between their fingers. The police do find two deaths where those tattoos were found. Emery Wallace and Tommy Oliver didn't have much in common but theirs wills were handled by the same law firm, Fisker & Associates, and both had the same beneficiary, a Mr. Warren, the same man Gardiner saw driving the truck with the morgue bodies. Alec starts working with Jason who is proving to be quite useful. Kellog isn't pleased. Alec gets home to find some of his roommates dead and the assassin waiting for him."
"Kiera and CSIS agent Gardiner start working together and try to trace the bodies stolen from the morgue. They hit a dead end. Kiera visits Escher who tells her about freelancers who tattoo marks between their fingers. The police do find two deaths where those tattoos were found. Emery Wallace and Tommy Oliver didn't have much in common but theirs wills were handled by the same law firm, Fisker & Associates, and both had the same beneficiary, a Mr. Warren, the same man Gardiner saw driving the truck with the morgue bodies. Alec starts working with Jason who is proving to be quite useful. Kellog isn't pleased. Alec gets home to find some of his roommates dead and the assassin waiting for him."
On this day in 2013, Falling Skies aired the third episode of its third season. It was an hour titled "Badlands," and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The two-year anniversary of the alien invasion is fast approaching as the people of Charleston prepare for another potentially devastating offensive. A sniper attack by an unlikely gunman creates questions and doubts within the new government."
"The two-year anniversary of the alien invasion is fast approaching as the people of Charleston prepare for another potentially devastating offensive. A sniper attack by an unlikely gunman creates questions and doubts within the new government."
