Maybe it's blasphemous for me to say this, but -- as good as Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone is -- I've always found there are only a rare few as powerful today as they were quite possibly when they originally aired. "Eye of the Beholder" qualifies, mostly because it has one simple point to make, and it does so winningly. Some of this is obviously owed to its star, the lovely Maxine Stuart, who found herself truly and bizarrely beautiful in a world much less so. Though she's no longer with us, Stuart was born on this day in 1918. [Source: IMDB.com]
Meh. I know most of fandom loves Spaceballs. I wasn't all that impressed. It was good, sure, but like so much of Mel Brooks' style of zany humor, it took far too many easy ways out. It does have a few classic bits, though, and for that I'm thankful. Brooks (pictured above right) was born on this day in 1926.
When you enjoy a career as eclectic as the Karate Kid's Pat Morita, then you have to make some room for SciFi. Pat did, sporting roles in such projects as Man From Atlantis, The Incredible Hulk, Slapstick of Another Kind (1982), Harry and the Hendersons, Space Rangers, Timemaster (1995), Earth Minus Zero (1996), and The Outer Limits. Though he's no longer with us, Morita was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tony Young (above right) played 'Kryton' aboard Star Trek's "Elaan of Troyius" episode. He also made visits to the worlds of Gemini Man, The Six Million Dollar Man, Spider-Woman (animated), Knight Rider, and Quantum Leap. Though he's no longer with us, Young was born on this day in 1937.
Funnyman John Byner dabbled in SciFi/Comedy with a role aboard Robodoc (2009). He also provided some voicework to Walt Disney's 1985 animated Fantasy picture The Black Cauldron. Byner was born on this day in 1937.
The talented Marilyn Lightstone has lent her face and voice to a variety of genre-related projects, including work aboard Heavy Metal (1981), Spasms (1983), Challenge of the GoBots, Starman, Abraxas: Guardian of the Universe (1990), Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventures, The NeverEnding Story (TV), and Stargate: Infinity. Lightstone was born on this day in 1940.
Have I ever mentioned before that Science Fiction has more than its fair share of cheesy entries? Take, for example, Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965), which features a villain whose devious plot involves using an army of bikini-clad women to seduce the world's most powerful men. Allegedly, the film's single redeeming quality is that its 'fembots' were the inspiration for the same assassin used in the Austin Powers flick; but I'd argue a second redeeming quality is casting the dreamy Pamela Rodgers to wear a golden bikini. Hubba-hubba, Pam. Rodgers was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
Throughout an impressive, illustrative career, veteran character actor Bruce Davison has popped in and out of a handful of Sci-Fi properties. He's probably best known as the politician who was opposed to the mutants in the first X-Men movie, but he's also appeared in Last Resort, Lost, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, the rebooted Battlestar Galactica, and Star Trek: Enterprise among many, many others. Davison was born on this day in 1946.
Actress Kathy Bates made a rare foray into the realm of Science Fiction with an appearance as a figure of authority in the 2008 remake of The Day The Earth Stood Still. Bates was born on this day in 1948.
The talented Sandy Gore had a small handful of roles in the world of Syfy's popular Farscape television series, and she also starred aboard Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn Left in the 1993-1994 TV season. Gore was born on this day in 1950.
Sorry, folks, but I don't game. Still, I've heard plenty about the Halo property, and I've read that actor Steve Downes provides the voice for 'Master Chief' in all iterations of the game. Downes was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
As a companion to Doctor Who, the lovely Lalla Ward went from guest star into the role of 'Romana' when another actress opted out of the program. The woman even married costar Tom Baker and remained his wife for little over a year before divorcing. Ward was born on this day in 1951.
Oh, Hollywood, you cruel, cruel beast! After the original Star Trek series was canceled, it found strange, new life in TV syndication. It was, literally, on all of the time. So Paramount Pictures decided they'd do another series, this one called Star Trek: Phase II. Of the Enterprise's original members, Leonard Nimoy wasn't interested in returning, and a young David Gautreaux was cast to play a new Vulcan crewmember, Xon. (Given Spock's popularity, producers believed this new Vulcan was destined for pop culture success with an audience hungry for more Trek.) Well, Star Wars happened, so Paramount kinda/sorta scrapped plans for that spin-off series; but, thankfully, Gautreaux was still given a role in Star Trek: The Motion Picture so's I can mention him here. Gautreaux was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
You may not know her name, but the odds are quite good that you've seen one of the films she's produced. Raffaella De Laurentiis has helped bring some unique visions to the screen, including such properties as Conan The Barbarian (1982), Timebomb (1991), Dragonheart (1996), Kull the Conqueror (1997), and Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004). De Laurentiis was born on this day in 1954. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Alice Krige brought an unmistakably sensual creepiness to her portrayal of the Borg Queen as part of the uber-successful Star Trek: First Contact movie, a role she reprised in Star Trek: Voyager's series finale, "Endgame." Krige continues to work in terrific character roles, but she'll always be remembered for her properties of assimilation. Krige was born on this day in 1954.
That fellow tucked in behind a goofy Simon Pegg is none other than Christopher Doohan, son of the late James Doohan (Scotty from the original Star Trek franchise). The younger Doohan continues to bring the elder Doohan back to life as part of his contribution to the web series Star Trek: Continues wherein he plays the Enterprise's signature engineer. Doohan was born on this day in 1959.
Elizabeth Barondes is no stranger to the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Though her resume appears somewhat light as of late, she still maintains credentials for work aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Night of the Scarecrow (1995), Not of This Earth (1995), Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (video game), and The Cell 2 (2009). Barondes was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
I tried watching USA Network's Falling Water. I really did. But my patience with mind-bending premises got in the way, so I tuned it out. In any event, kudos to actress Jessica Hecht for squeezing in an appearance or two on the show. She's also participated with Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Limitless, and Netflix's Jessica Jones. Hecht was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: according to IMDB.com, the lovely Mary Stuart Masterson received her big screen debut as one of the li'l urchins aboard The Stepford Wives (1975). Masterson was born on this day in 1966.
The beautiful Sara Stewart has managed to squeeze in a few genre appearances between her mainstream fare. She's been aboard such items as Space Island One, Doctor Who (voicework), Batman Begins (2005), Demons, Ashes to Ashes, Wizards Vs Aliens, and Transformers: The Last Knight (2017). Stewart was born on this day in 1966.
Political activist and occasional actor John Cusack experienced the Mayan Prophecy up close and personal aboard Roland Emmerich's 2012 (2009). Cusack was born on this day in 1966.
Though he's quite possible best known for his work in Fox TV's quirky Ally McBeal, Gil Bellows (pictured above left) has a respectable resume when it comes to the realm of Science Fiction. Most recently, he had a lead role in Syfy's Ascension, but he's also had parts in The Twilight Zone, Final Days of Planet Earth, Smallville, FlashForward, Sanctuary, and Extraterrestrial. Bellows was born on this day in 1967.
Full disclosure: I didn't much care for what Man of Steel did to the Superman mythology, essentially making Superman's father Jor-El into a bloated action figure, but it is what it is. I did like the work the lovely Ayelet Zurer did in bringing the life of Lara -- Superman's mother -- to cinema life. Zurer was born on this day in 1969.
In Steven Spielberg's alien abduction miniseries Taken, actor Steve Burton played Captain Russell Keys (pictured above right), a patriot who suffered some cruel treatment at the hands of scientists. Burton was born on this day in 1970.
The talented Benito Martinez guested aboard Fox TV's short-lived Almost Human in 2013. He's also enjoyed exposure aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, Firefly, Torchwood, and Supernatural. Martinez was born on this day in 1971.
Visionary industrial Elon Musk took a few moments off of leading mankind into the future to make a brief cameo aside Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man 2 (2010). Musk was born on this day in 1971.
I know a lot of folks didn't care for Jurassic Park III, but I honestly had fun with it. For starters, it's always great for another visit to the island itself, and the cast did a great job trying to recapture some of the magic of the original film. A young Alessandro Nivola (pictured above left) joined Sam Neill (from the original film, you might recall), and he did a fine job as the young upstart with a knack for adventure. Nivola was born on this day in 1972.
When Universal Pictures re-imagined The Thing back in 2011, studio suits cast the talented Carsten Bjørnlund in the role of 'Karl.' Bjørnlund was born on this day in 1973.
Scottish-born Kirsty Mitchell faced down some hungry predators in the SciFi/Horror hybrid Lake Placid 3 (2010). Mitchell was born on this day in 1974.
Jeff Geddis has been squeezing big ideas into small parts since he launched on his professional career. Fans might recognize him from work aboard PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, Earth: Final Conflict, Jason X (2001), Odyssey 5, and Monster Island (2004). Geddis was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you don't love Felicia Day (shown above from her work in Dragon Age), then that only proves you don't know Felicia Day. This self-professed genre geek is a pure delight, cleverly managing her addition to all things nerdy by attaching herself to some wonderfully insane projects themselves. Check out Rock Jocks (2012) if you haven't seen it, where she plays a lovely computer technician whose responsible for secretly keeping the Earth safe from all of those impending meteor strikes. Day was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Elaine Tan (above left) enjoyed a guest spot aboard "Sleep No More," a ninth season episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Tan was born on this day in 1979.
Director Jon Watts is eager to put his stamp on the Marvel Cinematic Universe with his gig bringing Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) to the silver screen. Watts was born on this day in 1981.
After an impressive debut aboard the vampire thriller Let The Right One In, young Kåre Hedebrant (above center) entered the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Sweden's Real Humans. Hedebrant was born on this day in 1995.
On this day in 1957, Beginning of the End enjoyed its U.S. theatrical debut. The feature starred Peter Graves and Peggie Castle, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Audrey Ames, an enterprising journalist, tries to get the scoop on giant grasshoppers accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm. She endeavors to save Chicago, despite a military cover-up."
"Audrey Ames, an enterprising journalist, tries to get the scoop on giant grasshoppers accidentally created at the Illinois State experimental farm. She endeavors to save Chicago, despite a military cover-up."
On this day in 1957, the SciFi/Chiller The Unearthly found itself in front of audiences. The film starred John Carradine and Myron Healey, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Mad doctor uses patients at his isolated psychiatric institute as subjects in his attempts to create longevity by surgically installing an artificial gland in their skulls, with disastrous results."
"Mad doctor uses patients at his isolated psychiatric institute as subjects in his attempts to create longevity by surgically installing an artificial gland in their skulls, with disastrous results."
On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), The Absent Minded Professor lifted up the hearts and minds of audiences with the help of flubber. The feature starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
On this day in 1991, Scanners 2: The New Order returned viewers to the SciFi/Horror hybrid universe. The feature starred David Hewlett and Deborah Raffin, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
"A scanner discovers a plot by renegade elements in the city government to take power with the help of evil scanners."
On this day in 1993, the SciFi/Telefilm Lifepod enjoyed its initial run on television. The feature starred Robert Loggia and Stan Shaw, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
"Lifepod chronicles the trip of eight passengers after the ship on which they were traveling blew up on Christmas Eve 2168. Immediately people start dying. The passengers begin to investigate why the ship blew up and how it relates to them."
On this day in 1996 (in Sweden), Pamela Anderson's Barb Wire let herself loose cinematically. Joining her aboard the SciFi/Satire were Xander Berkeley and Jennifer Banko, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
On this day in 2006, X-Men's Bryan Singer did what he could to bring down the DC Comics movie universe with his awful, awful film - Superman Returns. It starred Brandon Routh as Big Blue, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Superman reappears after a long absence, but is challenged by an old foe who uses Kryptonian technology for world domination."
"Superman reappears after a long absence, but is challenged by an old foe who uses Kryptonian technology for world domination."
On this day in 2012 (in South Korea), the 2009-produced Nine Miles Down enjoyed a brief theatrical run. The feature starred Adrian Paul and Amanda Douge, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A security expert is sent to a remote scientific camp to investigate strange things that are happening."
"A security expert is sent to a remote scientific camp to investigate strange things that are happening."
On this day in 2017, Okja enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. The feature starred Tilda Swinton and Paul Dano, and here's the plot summary that's been provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja."
"A young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend - a fascinating beast named Okja."
On this day in 1962, The Andromeda Breakthrough aired "Cold Front." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Andromeda has survived her fall into the underground pool. She and John Fleming go on the run from the British authorities."
"Andromeda has survived her fall into the underground pool. She and John Fleming go on the run from the British authorities."
On this day in 1985 (in West Germany), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Space Rockers." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
"When an evil rock impresario devises a means to implant a hypnotic signal into a rock band's music to drive their young audience berserk, Buck must thwart his schemes of conquest."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "Invasion." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"After accidentally shooting down a spacecraft, the Sliders are pursued between worlds by the eye-eating Kromaggs, in their first appearance, as this new enemy hunts and then interrogates them for their home coordinates while in prison on Earth 113."
"After accidentally shooting down a spacecraft, the Sliders are pursued between worlds by the eye-eating Kromaggs, in their first appearance, as this new enemy hunts and then interrogates them for their home coordinates while in prison on Earth 113."
On this day in 2002, Stargate: SG-1 aired the fourth episode of its sixth season. The hour was called "Frozen," and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The SG-1 team travels to the Antarctic science station when the scientists there discover an ancient body in the ice. The age of the ice core samples would indicate that the body predates mankind. As they thaw the body, it comes to life. It's a young woman who they call Ayiana. As Ayiana gains strength, those around her all fall ill having contracted an unknown virus which they believe Ayiana carried. The new arrival also shows healing powers and can seemingly cure any illness just by touch. As she does so however she weakens to the point of death. In the end, only Col. O'Neill remains untreated and SGC seeks the help of the Tok'ra who offer an unexpected solution."
"The SG-1 team travels to the Antarctic science station when the scientists there discover an ancient body in the ice. The age of the ice core samples would indicate that the body predates mankind. As they thaw the body, it comes to life. It's a young woman who they call Ayiana. As Ayiana gains strength, those around her all fall ill having contracted an unknown virus which they believe Ayiana carried. The new arrival also shows healing powers and can seemingly cure any illness just by touch. As she does so however she weakens to the point of death. In the end, only Col. O'Neill remains untreated and SGC seeks the help of the Tok'ra who offer an unexpected solution."
Also on this day in 2002, Farscape aired the fourth episode of its fourth (and final) season. The title was a play on words -- "Lava's A Many Splendored Thing" -- and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The crew is on the way to rendezvous with Moya. After ingesting a concoction of Noranti's they stop for a break on a planet. Rygel is captured and entombed in amber by raiders."
"The crew is on the way to rendezvous with Moya. After ingesting a concoction of Noranti's they stop for a break on a planet. Rygel is captured and entombed in amber by raiders."
On this day in 2003, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "Decisive Fire." This served as the thirty-eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2011, the BBC's Primeval aired the final episode of its televised existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Abby and Matt follow Connor through the anomaly,finding themselves in a vast wasteland,in which they fight off predators before returning to their own time. Eventually realising that he has been used by Helen Cutter Burton sacrifices himself along with the destruction of the New Dawn machine but the team still have to close off the giant anomaly by merging it with the smaller one created by Connor and causing it to implode. The world is saved but,as the team heads off on another mission, Matt has a disturbing confrontation."
"Abby and Matt follow Connor through the anomaly,finding themselves in a vast wasteland,in which they fight off predators before returning to their own time. Eventually realising that he has been used by Helen Cutter Burton sacrifices himself along with the destruction of the New Dawn machine but the team still have to close off the giant anomaly by merging it with the smaller one created by Connor and causing it to implode. The world is saved but,as the team heads off on another mission, Matt has a disturbing confrontation."
On this day in 2012 (in Finland), Doctor Who aired "Army of Ghosts." This served as the twelfth episode in the relaunched program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
"As the ghosts of loved ones appear, the whole world celebrates. But as the Doctor investigates he believes that there is a more sinister motive behind their appearence. And deep within the Torchwood tower, a mysterious sphere containing the greatest enemies of the Doctor is opened..."
On this day in 2012, Disney's TRON: Uprising aired "Identity." This served as the fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Beck's memory falls to pieces after his identity disc is stolen; he and Tron must find it before his alter-ego is revealed."
"Beck's memory falls to pieces after his identity disc is stolen; he and Tron must find it before his alter-ego is revealed."
On this day in 2015, TNT's Falling Skies premiered its fifth and final season with the airing of "Find Your Warrior." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tom's life hangs in the balance as his beamer drifts into space during which he encounters a surprising guest. Meanwhile, the 2nd Massachusetts go on the offensive against the Espheni."
"Tom's life hangs in the balance as his beamer drifts into space during which he encounters a surprising guest. Meanwhile, the 2nd Massachusetts go on the offensive against the Espheni."
For AMC, it all started right here: on this day in 2015, Humans premiered on the cable network. This adaptation of the show starred Gemma Chan and Pixie Davis, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Hawkins family acquire a Synth named Anita, which creates new tensions for Laura; Leo is on the run with his Synth; Pete feels pushed aside by his wife's Synth; George won't part with his."
"The Hawkins family acquire a Synth named Anita, which creates new tensions for Laura; Leo is on the run with his Synth; Pete feels pushed aside by his wife's Synth; George won't part with his."
On this day in 2015, World Trigger aired "The Have-Not." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary compliments of CrunchyRoll.com:
"Aftokrator retreats, but the wounds of the war are deep. Border struggles to revitalize Mikado City, Yuma searches for the missing Replica, and Osamu remains unconscious. In his dreams, he recalls why he joined Border, and why he seeks to protect Chika."
"Aftokrator retreats, but the wounds of the war are deep. Border struggles to revitalize Mikado City, Yuma searches for the missing Replica, and Osamu remains unconscious. In his dreams, he recalls why he joined Border, and why he seeks to protect Chika."
On this day in 2016, Zoo aired "The Day of the Beast." This served as the first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Following the dramatic shift in violent animal behavior, the team attempts to rescue Jamie and the leopard whose DNA may hold the key to curing the animal crisis."
"Following the dramatic shift in violent animal behavior, the team attempts to rescue Jamie and the leopard whose DNA may hold the key to curing the animal crisis."
On this day in 2016, Zoo aired "Caraquet." This served as the second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team discovers a shocking mutation that threatens the life of one of their own."
"The team discovers a shocking mutation that threatens the life of one of their own."
On this day in 1953, The Shadow radio serial aired "Policy Of Death." According to our friends at The Shadow Wiki, all of the details surrounding this particular tale have been sadly lost to history. Not even The Shadow knows!
