If you know your RoboCop history, then you're well aware that TV has definitely had an on-again-off-again love affair with the character of RoboCop, but on this day in 1994 a series launched into a fairly interesting version thematically similar to the first (and best) motion picture. If I remember correctly, it aired in syndication, and I only saw it sparingly during that first go'round, but I've been led to believe it's out there for consumption on the World Wide Web. I wasn't entirely thrilled with what I did find, but -- at the end of the day -- it is what it is. It did have some nice spots. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"Alex Murphy is RoboCop, a cybernetic policeman. A creation of a vast corporation, he fights crime and occasional corporate conspiracy in the near-future of Old Detroit."
For the record:
Produced in Canada, RoboCop: The Series managed to rack up a bit of professional praise. At the 1995 Gemini Awards (which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and television), the show enjoyed nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Original Music Score for a Program or Mini-Series,' 'Best Writing in a Dramatic Series,' 'Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series,' 'Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series,' and 'Best Guest Performance in a Series by an Actor.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, the good people at Liberation Hall provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of RoboCop: The Series. Readers interested in knowing what I thought about the show can find my review right here.
"Alex Murphy is RoboCop, a cybernetic policeman. A creation of a vast corporation, he fights crime and occasional corporate conspiracy in the near-future of Old Detroit."
For the record:
Produced in Canada, RoboCop: The Series managed to rack up a bit of professional praise. At the 1995 Gemini Awards (which recognizes excellence in Canadian film and television), the show enjoyed nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Original Music Score for a Program or Mini-Series,' 'Best Writing in a Dramatic Series,' 'Best Direction in a Dramatic Program or Mini-Series,' 'Best Direction in a Dramatic or Comedy Series,' and 'Best Guest Performance in a Series by an Actor.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, the good people at Liberation Hall provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray of RoboCop: The Series. Readers interested in knowing what I thought about the show can find my review right here.
While I had a handful of thematic issues with the new-fangled Battlestar Galactica, I'd never argue that the producers didn't cast some talented players ... even if that meant switching the original gender of the character in order to make good use of the actors and actresses. Grace Park filled Boomer's shoes probably as well as anyone could (given the restrictions of the writing), and the actress turns another year older, another year wiser today. Park was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Hamilton Dyce managed to squeeze an incredible one hundred and thirteen different screen roles in under twenty-five years in the entertainment business. Genre fans might recognize him from roles aboard such entities as The Saint, Adam Adamant Lives!, The Avengers, Out Of The Unknown, Doctor Who, and Doomwatch. Though he's no longer with us, Dyce was born on this day in 1912.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Whoa. It looks like somebody certainly woke up on the wrong side of the bed! Under that rather unglamorous appearance is none other than actress Harriet Medin. While her name might not be as memorable as others, her professional career shows that she played a part in some rather impressive undertakings. Fans might know her from Black Magic (1949), Mill Of The Stone Women (1960), The Horrible Dr. Hichcock (1962), The Ghost (1963), Black Sabbath (1963), The Whip And The Body (1963), Blood And Black Lace (1964), The Murder Clinic (1966), Schlock (1973), Death Race 2000 (1975), The Bermuda Triangle (1979), Blood Beach (1980), The Terminator (1984), The Witches Of Eastwick (1987), and Quantum Leap. Though she's no longer with us, Medin was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Screen veteran Michael Caine has made a huge impact in genre entertainment fairly late in his career, appearing in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, Children of Men (2006), and Inception (2010). Caine was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I have always liked the work of Raymond J. Barry. He's a terrific character actor who all-too-often gets cast as a somewhat dubious character, but it's certainly a skill he manages very well. Genre fans might recognize him from appearances aboard Tales from the Crypt, The X-Files, Lost, The 100, LA Apocalypse (2015), The Purge: Election Year (2016), Gotham, and The Gifted. Barry was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Not long after bringing the Fantasy The NeverEnding Story (1984) to the silver screen, Wolfgang Petersen gave Science Fiction a try for size by directing Enemy Mine (1985). Though he's no longer with us, Petersen was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1986, Petersen shared a nomination with Edward Khmara and Barry Longyear from the Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for their work in bringing Enemy Mine to the screen.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 1986, Petersen shared a nomination with Edward Khmara and Barry Longyear from the Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation' for their work in bringing Enemy Mine to the screen.
At one time revered on stage and screen for her sexiness, the late Anita Morris really gravitated more toward conventional fare more than she did genre work. Thankfully, she did veer into a few genre properties so that I can mention her in this space. In 1989, she enjoyed a small role in Martians Go Home. In 1991, she appeared in an episode of Tales From The Crypt. And in 1992 she dropped by Eerie, Indiana for a single episode. Though she's no longer with us, Morris was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That's right, people: I'm just one of those really rare smilers who didn't much care for The Princess Bride (1987). It was clever, yes ... just not all that interesting. Still, kudos for a heavily made-up Billy Crystal for making an appearance in Fantasy so that I can mention him here. Crystal was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Season Hubley had a small role aboard John Carpenter's Escape From New York, a part which only lasted until the subterranean street crazies decided to eat her for dinner. As for other adventures in the realms of the Fantastic? Hubley booked screen time aboard The Twilight Zone, Tomorrow's A Killer (1987), Stepfather 3 (1992), Humanoids From The Deep (1996), Children Of The Corn V: Fields Of Terror (1998). Hubley was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Deborah Hedwall enjoyed a modest bit of screen time with a one-off appearance aboard Netflix's Jessica Jones series back in 2015. Hedwall was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kat Sawyer-Young hasn't appeared in much Science Fiction, but an appearance as a guest star aboard Star Trek: Voyager's sixth season definitely deserves a mention. Sawyer-Young was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Like so many celebrities, Adrian Zmed squeezed his way into a role aboard the once-burgeoning franchise built around Sharknado with an appearance in Sharknado 4: The 4th Awakens. Thankfully, that wasn't his only foray into the realm of genre entertainment as fans can see him aboard The Final Terror (1983), Honey I Shrunk The Kids (tv show), and Shira: The Vampire Samurai (2005). The actor also lent his voice to a character aboard the Star Wars: Jedi Starfighter video game in 2002. Zmed was born on this day in 1954.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While not a particular good film, 1989's Slipstream still managed to recruit an impressive assortment of players to its cast. Actress Eleanor David joined Bill Paxton, Mark Hamill, Ben Kingsley, and Robbie Coltrane in the SciFi/Adventure set in the near future exploring Earth's demise. David was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With over 100 screen credits to his name, Garwin Sanford has certainly been around the genre block. SciFi fans might recognize him best from work aboard Airwolf, Quarantine (1989), Sliders, Viper, NightMan, First Wave, Earth: Final Conflict, Seven Days, The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, Dark Angel, Smallville, The 4400, Stargate: Atlantis, Eureka, Painkiller Jane, and Arrow. Sanford was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress/Stuntwoman Faith Minton gave an uncredited performance as a love-smitten Klingon female aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season episode, "Hide and Q." She's enjoyed other appearances in genre projects, including stops to Fantasy Island, Knight Rider, Misfits Of Science, Alien Nation, Harry And The Hendersons, Stay Tuned (1992), and Last Action Hero (1993). Minton was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As much as I probably enjoyed The Walking Dead more than most, I'll always admit that, yeah, it kinda/sorta lost its way in the later seasons. That's no fault of the talent, however, so bravo to actress Laila Robins showing up and giving the Apocalypse some of her best work. As for other genre appearances? Well, she has a few. Fans might recognize her from such properties as Female Perversions (1996), Witchblade, Person Of Interest, Island Zero (2018), The Handmaid's Tale, The Boys, Gen V, and American Horror Stories. Robins was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If IMDB.com has its facts right, then it would appear that actress Anna Katarina got her small screen debut with a small role aboard a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. As for other genre appearances? She served time aboard The Blood Of Heroes (1989), The Death Of The Incredible Hulk (1990), Batman Returns (1992), Omega Doom (1996), and Star Trek (2009). Katarina was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I've appreciated the work of actress Penny Johnson in just about everything I've seen her in. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fans know her best as 'Kasidy Yates,' the ship captain who tamed The Prophet's heart, but I clearly remember her comic work back in the days of HBO's The Larry Sanders Show and even her stint on 24 as Sherry Palmer. Plus, need I mention Fox TV's The Orville? Johnson was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Robert Allen Mukes dressed himself up appropriately for the role of 'the Behemoth' aboard HBO's Westworld. The actor has also enjoyed roles aboard Sliders, Sinbad: Beyond The Veil of Mists (2000), Monster Night (2006), and Person Of Interest. Mukes was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though she doesn't do much genre work, the lovely Elise Neal has given fans a few great roles to appreciate, including work aboard SeaQuest 2032, Mission To Mars (2000), The Cape, and Logan (2017). Neal was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Megan Follows is just another one of the many great guest stars who appeared aboard Fox TV's long-running The X-Files. She's also visited The Ray Bradbury Theatre and The Outer Limits. Follows was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Despite taking a drubbing from both critics and fanboys alike (but for different reasons), TRON: Legacy still seemed perfectly entertaining as a suitable popcorn sequel to me. I quite enjoyed the high-tech update building on what had been established in the original. One of the actors who gave it his all in one of the secondary roles was veteran character actor James Frain. Frain was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The comely Meredith Salenger enjoyed a small role aboard Walt Disney's Race To Witch Mountain (2009). Salenger was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It may not be much, but as I always say we genre fans take what we can get! Actress Betsy Brandt squeezed herself into a small role aboard an episode of No Ordinary Family back in 2011. Brandt was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Spider-Man 2 (2004), the young Daniel Gillies played the equally young John Jameson. He's also booked appearances aboard Cleopatra 2525 and Jeremiah. Gillies was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman and impractical joker Brian Quinn paid a visit to the world of Syfy's 12 Monkeys during its run on the channel. Quinn was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Corey Stoll brought the menace to Ant-Man (2015) for Marvel and Walt Disney. He's also appeared aboard FX's vampire drama The Strain. Stoll was born on this day in 1976.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Audiences who suffered through the unnecessary Rollerball (2002) remake were rewarded with Chris Klein in a role previously tailor-made for James Caan (in the 1975 original). No fault of Klein's as remakes usually turn out the way this one did. Klein was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the guise of 'Harmony Kendall,' the lovely Mercedes McNab was willing the suck the life out of anyone during her stint aboard both Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel. She's also been a part of Harry and the Hendersons, The Adventures Of Brisco County Jr., The Fantastic Four (1994), Escape From Atlantis (1997), and Supernatural. McNab was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Hatchet (2006) -- in which McNab played a key role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Hatchet (2006) -- in which McNab played a key role -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Aboard the short-lived Alphas, Ryan Cartwright brought the character of 'Gary Bell' to life in his quest to help right the wrongs of the world. Cartwright was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When but an urchin, Kate Maberly found herself trapped in the realm of Fantasy by way of Stephen King's invention with her work aboard the TV miniseries The Langoliers. Other forays into the realms of the Fantastic include work aboard The Secret Garden (1993), Gulliver's Travels, Boogeyman 3 (2008), Rites Of Passage (2012), and The Ghastly Love Of Johnny X (2012). Maberly was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his professional career, Johnny Flynn played a teenager who stole his mother's time machine and traveled back to the days of the Crusades in the SciFi/Fantasy feature Crusade In Jeans (2006). Flynn was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jamie Bell joined Star Wars' Hayden Christensen aboard Jumper (2008), the tale of a secret society of teleporters. He also appeared as Ben Grimm aka 'The Thing' aboard Fantastic Four (2015). Bell was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science fiction, my friends, comes in all shapes and sizes; and it is in that spirit that we recognize the lovely Sasha Grey for her work aboard the very adult-themed This Ain't Star Trek XXX (2009) parody. Grey was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
It's hard not to love a show like The CW's Apocalypse/Drama The 100 when they cast the young, tough, and pretty Rhiannon Fish as a young, tough, and pretty survivor. Fish was born on this day in 1991.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The young Ansel Elgort has worked as one of the regular cast for the entire Divergent (2014) series of films. Elgort was born on this day in 1994.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1936 (in the U.S.), The Walking Dead strolled into its full domestic theatrical release (after an exclusive premiere two weeks previously in New York City, New York). Directed by Michael Curtiz from a story by Ewart Adamson, Peter Milne, Robert Hardy Andrews, Lillie Hayward, and Joseph Fields, the Horror/Thriller starred Boris Karloff, Ricardo Cortez, Marguerite Churchill, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After hapless pianist and ex-con John Elman is framed for murder, he is resurrected by a scientist after his execution."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2024, I received an all-new home video release of The Walking Dead (1936) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"After hapless pianist and ex-con John Elman is framed for murder, he is resurrected by a scientist after his execution."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In late 2024, I received an all-new home video release of The Walking Dead (1936) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
A star is born!
On this day in 1944 (in the U.S.), the good people of Chicago, Illinois were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Lady And The Monster. Directed by George Sherman from a story by Dane Lussier, Frederick Kohner, and Curt Siodmak, the SciFi/Horror starred Vera Ralston, Erich von Stroheim, Richard Arlen, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A millionaire's brain is preserved after his death, and telepathically begins to take control of those around him."
"A millionaire's brain is preserved after his death, and telepathically begins to take control of those around him."
On this day in 1952 (in Mexico), Lost Continent was found on the silver screen. Directed by Sam Newfield from a story by Richard H. Landau, Carroll Young, and Orville H. Hampton, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Cesar Romero, Hillary Brooke, Chick Chandler, and others. Here's the plot summary as provided by the folks at IMDB.com:
"Major Joe Nolan heads a rescue mission in the South Pacific to recover a downed atomic rocket. The crew crashlands on a mysterious island, and spends much time rock-climbing. They meet up with a native girl, a big lizard, and some dinosaurs."
"Major Joe Nolan heads a rescue mission in the South Pacific to recover a downed atomic rocket. The crew crashlands on a mysterious island, and spends much time rock-climbing. They meet up with a native girl, a big lizard, and some dinosaurs."
On this day in 1969 (in Ireland), audiences were assured that -- despite what you've heard -- Some Girls Do. Directed by Ralph Thomas, the feature starred Richard Johnson, Daliah Lavi, and Beba Loncar. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A series of unexplainable accidents befall the people and companies responsible for developing the world's first supersonic airliner (SST1). A British agent is sent to investigate and with the help of another agent uncovers a plot masterminded by Carl Petersen who stands to gain eight million pounds if the aircraft is not ready by a certain date. The evil Petersen has developed a number of "robots" (actually rather beautiful girls with "electronic brains") to help him sabotage the SST1 project by means of "infrasound" (extreme low frequency sound waves) which can be directed at people or objects with devastating results."
"A series of unexplainable accidents befall the people and companies responsible for developing the world's first supersonic airliner (SST1). A British agent is sent to investigate and with the help of another agent uncovers a plot masterminded by Carl Petersen who stands to gain eight million pounds if the aircraft is not ready by a certain date. The evil Petersen has developed a number of "robots" (actually rather beautiful girls with "electronic brains") to help him sabotage the SST1 project by means of "infrasound" (extreme low frequency sound waves) which can be directed at people or objects with devastating results."
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in West Germany), The Girl From Rio spent her time in the limelight of the silver screen. Directed by Jesus Franco from a story by Sax Rohmer, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Shirley Eaton, Richard Stapley, George Sanders, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Jeff Sutton arrives in Rio de Janeiro with a suitcase with 10 million dollars, and the powerful mobster Sir Masius sends his henchman Carl with his gangsters to follow Jeff and get the money. Jeff has one affair with the manicure Leslye and succeeds to escape from Sir Masius' mobsters. Meanwhile, Sumuru, the leader of the women of the City of Femina that wants to defeat the men and take over the world, captures Jeff and brings him to Femina expecting to get the money. Sumuru has several prisoners locked in glass cages, including Ulla Rossini, who knows Jeff Sutton. Jeff discloses to Ulla that his arrival is part of a plan to save her from Sumuru. Jeff Sutton becomes a pawn in the middle of the war between Masius and Sumuru."
"Jeff Sutton arrives in Rio de Janeiro with a suitcase with 10 million dollars, and the powerful mobster Sir Masius sends his henchman Carl with his gangsters to follow Jeff and get the money. Jeff has one affair with the manicure Leslye and succeeds to escape from Sir Masius' mobsters. Meanwhile, Sumuru, the leader of the women of the City of Femina that wants to defeat the men and take over the world, captures Jeff and brings him to Femina expecting to get the money. Sumuru has several prisoners locked in glass cages, including Ulla Rossini, who knows Jeff Sutton. Jeff discloses to Ulla that his arrival is part of a plan to save her from Sumuru. Jeff Sutton becomes a pawn in the middle of the war between Masius and Sumuru."
On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind showed audiences that we were not alone. Written (in part) and directed by Steven Spielberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, François Truffaut, and others; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1979 (in France), Pluk, naufragé de l'espace (aka Little Orbit The Astrodog And The Screechers From Outer Space) came to bold animated life. Written (in part) and directed by Jean Image, the animated feature starred the voices of Anne Osty, Christian Parisy, and Maurice Vamby. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zillionair playboy Terry has built a spaceship so that he can see the galaxy together with his girlfriend Ferma. Along comes a spaced-out alien who needs to find back to his planet. The trio brings along Little Orbit the Astrodog to assist in the search. On their fantastical journey they battle a phantom space-bird, asparagus monsters (with Bronx accents) that want them for lunch, and a race of space-robots on a machine planet."
"Zillionair playboy Terry has built a spaceship so that he can see the galaxy together with his girlfriend Ferma. Along comes a spaced-out alien who needs to find back to his planet. The trio brings along Little Orbit the Astrodog to assist in the search. On their fantastical journey they battle a phantom space-bird, asparagus monsters (with Bronx accents) that want them for lunch, and a race of space-robots on a machine planet."
On this day in 1979 (in Spain), the good people of Seville were treated to the theatrical release of Superman. Directed by Richard Donner, the Superhero/Fantasy starred Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, Gene Hackman as his nemesis 'Lex Luthor,' and Margot Kidder as 'Lois Lane.' According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero."
For the record:
At the 1979 Academy Awards, Superman failed to take home the trophy for 'Best Music, Original Score,' 'Best Film Editing,' and 'Best Sound' ... but it was awarded a Special Achievement Award for its pioneering visual effects work. Thankfully, the 1979 Saturn Awards corrected any critical oversight when it awarded the film recognition in the categories of 'Best Production Design,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' The feature film also took home the 1979 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1979 (in France), the 1960-produced version of The Time Machine enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Directed by genre master George Pal from a script by David Duncan (adapting the H.G. Wells' novel), the film starred Rod Taylor, Yvette Mimieux, Alan Young, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
"A man's vision for a utopian society is disillusioned when travelling forward into time reveals a dark and dangerous society."
For the record:
- At the 1961 Academy Awards, The Time Machine took home top honors in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Effects.'
- The film also enjoyed a 1961 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Japan), audiences were thrilled with the cinematic juggernaut that was Kamen Rider Super-1: The Movie! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Dogma Kingdom attacks the Matagi (mountain tribe) village of Yamabiko to steal the sacred Flying Dragon Fortress and wreak havoc all over Japan. Six children from the fallen village take refuge in a nearby town, keeping their identities as Matagi citizens a secret. Kamen Rider Super-1 must protect these children from the Dogma Kingdom, as they hold the secret to the Flying Dragon Fortress' weakness."
"The Dogma Kingdom attacks the Matagi (mountain tribe) village of Yamabiko to steal the sacred Flying Dragon Fortress and wreak havoc all over Japan. Six children from the fallen village take refuge in a nearby town, keeping their identities as Matagi citizens a secret. Kamen Rider Super-1 must protect these children from the Dogma Kingdom, as they hold the secret to the Flying Dragon Fortress' weakness."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Japan), a phenomenon is born when Mobile Suit Gundam was released in theatres. Directed (in part) by Ryôji Fujiwara, the film starred the voices of Tôru Furuya, Hirotaka Suzuoki, and Fuyumi Shiraishi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A teenage boy must fight in an interplanetary war as the only available pilot to a revolutionary new giant battle robot."
"A teenage boy must fight in an interplanetary war as the only available pilot to a revolutionary new giant battle robot."
On this day in 1985 (in Mexico), Spasms enjoyed its theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by William Fruet (adapted from the novel "Death Bite"), the SciFi/Horror starred Peter Fonda, Oliver Reed, Kerrie Keane, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gigantic serpent is captured on a remote island and shipped to an American college for experimentation. A British millionaire and an American scientist find themselves in hot pursuit of the beast when it escapes from captivity and starts to kill innocent people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Spasms enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A gigantic serpent is captured on a remote island and shipped to an American college for experimentation. A British millionaire and an American scientist find themselves in hot pursuit of the beast when it escapes from captivity and starts to kill innocent people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Spasms enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Chopping Mall enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kelli Maroney, Tony O'Dell, and Russell Todd. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of young shopping mall employees stay behind for a late night party in one of the stores. When the mall goes on lock-down before they can get out, the robot security system malfunctions, and goes on a killing spree."
"A group of young shopping mall employees stay behind for a late night party in one of the stores. When the mall goes on lock-down before they can get out, the robot security system malfunctions, and goes on a killing spree."
A star is born ... but, man, is he butt ugly! On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Rawhead Rex took to the silver screens for his first appearance up in the lights. Directed by George Pavlou from a script by Clive Barker, the Horror/Fantasy starred David Dukes, Kelly Piper, and Hugh O'Conor. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ancient creature called Rawhead is awakened from its slumber near an Irish village and goes on a rampage killing anyone in sight."
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Rawhead Rex enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtraAlert:
I had the good fortune of watching Rawhead Rex on home video in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought of the monster movie? You can find my review right here.
"An ancient creature called Rawhead is awakened from its slumber near an Irish village and goes on a rampage killing anyone in sight."
For the record:
At the 1987 Fantasporto Film Festival, Rawhead Rex enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Film.'
ExtraExtraAlert:
I had the good fortune of watching Rawhead Rex on home video in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought of the monster movie? You can find my review right here.
A star is born ... or was it animated?!?! On this day in 1987 (in Japan), Original Dirty Pair: Project Eden (aka Dâti pea Gekijô-ban) enjoyed its first public exhibition. Directed by Kôichi Mashimo, the animated film featured the voice talent of Wendee Lee, Lara Cody, and Kerrigan Mahan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"WWWA Trouble Consultants Kei and Yuri team up with a petty thief to stop a mad scientist and his legions of mutated creatures."
"WWWA Trouble Consultants Kei and Yuri team up with a petty thief to stop a mad scientist and his legions of mutated creatures."
On this day in 1990 (in France), Visitor Of A Museum enjoyed its theatrical run. Written and directed by Konstantin Lopushanskiy, the SciFi/Drama starred Viktor Mikhaylov, Vera Mayorova, and Vadim Lobanov; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, in which a large part of the population consists of demented and deformed mutants being kept in reservations, a man embarks upon visiting the ruins of a museum buried under the sea which can only be accessed during low tide."
For the record:
In 1991, Lopushanskiy's Visitor Of A Museum was a nominee for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival.
"In a post-apocalyptic world, in which a large part of the population consists of demented and deformed mutants being kept in reservations, a man embarks upon visiting the ruins of a museum buried under the sea which can only be accessed during low tide."
For the record:
In 1991, Lopushanskiy's Visitor Of A Museum was a nominee for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival.
A star is born ... or is it manufactured?!?! On this day in 1993 (in Turkey), American Cyborg: Steel Warrior made a splash with its first appearance ever on television. Written (in part) and directed by Boaz Davidson, the SciFi/Thriller starred Joe Lara, Nicole Hansen, and John Saint Ryan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a devastating nuclear war, the last fertile woman on Earth joins forces with a tough renegade warrior to fight a team of deadly cyborgs and save the human race from extinction."
"After a devastating nuclear war, the last fertile woman on Earth joins forces with a tough renegade warrior to fight a team of deadly cyborgs and save the human race from extinction."
On this day in 1995, Cyborg Cop II enjoyed its release on home video in the American marketplace. The feature starred David Bradley and Jill Pierce, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A fancy, loner cop loses his partner to a crazed terrorist during a hostage rescue. He settles for the terrorist going to Death Row in jail. What Jack doesn't know is that the terrorist will be taken and turned into a cyborg for the "Anti-Terrorist Group". When the Cyborg "Spartacus" wakes up accidentally, he kills the scientists and their guests, then goes to set things up for a Cyborg Empire. Only Jack and a few friends know how to stop him."
"A fancy, loner cop loses his partner to a crazed terrorist during a hostage rescue. He settles for the terrorist going to Death Row in jail. What Jack doesn't know is that the terrorist will be taken and turned into a cyborg for the "Anti-Terrorist Group". When the Cyborg "Spartacus" wakes up accidentally, he kills the scientists and their guests, then goes to set things up for a Cyborg Empire. Only Jack and a few friends know how to stop him."
A star is born!
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), it was the end of the world as we know (yet again) with the home video release of The Prophecy III: The Ascent. Directed by Patrick Lussier from a story by Gregory Widen, Carl V. Dupré, and Joel Soisson, the Horror/Fantasy starred Christopher Walken, Vincent Spano, Jack McGee, and others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the war between Heaven and Earth rages on, the half-human, half-angel Danyael is mankind's only hope against a diabolical angel that wants to destroy them all."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, The Prophecy III: The Ascent received a nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
"As the war between Heaven and Earth rages on, the half-human, half-angel Danyael is mankind's only hope against a diabolical angel that wants to destroy them all."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, The Prophecy III: The Ascent received a nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
On this day in 2000, the SciFi/Actioner Velocity Trap enjoyed a modest release. The feature starred Olivier Gruner and Alicia Coppola, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A cop framed for murder is the only one not in cryosleep when a team of thieves boards the armored treasury spaceship he's on to steal its load - 40 billion universal dollars - and then ram the ship into a comet to cover their tracks."
"A cop framed for murder is the only one not in cryosleep when a team of thieves boards the armored treasury spaceship he's on to steal its load - 40 billion universal dollars - and then ram the ship into a comet to cover their tracks."
On this day in 2002 (in Greece), the 1975-produced version of Rollerball enjoyed an all-new home video release. Directed by Norman Jewison from a story by William Harrison, the feature film starred James Caan, Maud Adams, John Houseman, and others. According to IMDB.com:
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
"In a corporate-controlled future, an ultra-violent sport known as Rollerball represents the world, and one of its powerful athletes is out to defy those who want him out of the game."
For the record:
Rollerball is one of those Science Fiction films, in my humble opinion, that probably means more for its time and place in history than it does decades later. This is not to say that it hasn't aged well but rather its themes and underlying social commentary has been afforded deeper and perhaps more relevant exposure in SciFi films since its day. In any event, Rollerball won the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film for the organization's 1974/1975 ceremony, no small feat indeed.
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in the U.S. and Canada), the post-apocalypse action/drama Doomsday premiered in theatres. If you haven't seen it, don't panic as I've of the opinion that you're honestly not missing much. Though it does star fandom fave Rhona Mitra, who always turns in a pretty convincing performance that thankfully easy on the eyes. Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"A lethal virus spreads throughout Scotland, infecting millions and killing hundreds of thousands. To contain the threat, acting authorities brutally quarantine the country as it succumbs to fear and chaos. The quarantine is successful. Three decades later, the Reaper virus violently resurfaces in London. An elite group of specialists, including Eden Sinclair, is urgently dispatched into Scotland to retrieve a cure by any means necessary. Shut off from the rest of the world, the unit must battle through a landscape that has become a waking nightmare."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Doomsday did enjoy a single nomination in the category of 'Best Make-up.'
"A lethal virus spreads throughout Scotland, infecting millions and killing hundreds of thousands. To contain the threat, acting authorities brutally quarantine the country as it succumbs to fear and chaos. The quarantine is successful. Three decades later, the Reaper virus violently resurfaces in London. An elite group of specialists, including Eden Sinclair, is urgently dispatched into Scotland to retrieve a cure by any means necessary. Shut off from the rest of the world, the unit must battle through a landscape that has become a waking nightmare."
For the record:
At the 2009 Saturn Awards, Doomsday did enjoy a single nomination in the category of 'Best Make-up.'
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), Earthling crashed down to the Earth when it enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever playing for audiences of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written and directed by Clay Liford, the feature starred Rebecca Spence and Peter Greene, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a mysterious atmospheric event, a small group of people wake up to realize that their entire lives have been a lie. They are in fact aliens disguised as humans. Now they have to make a choice. Live amongst men, or try to find a way back home."
"After a mysterious atmospheric event, a small group of people wake up to realize that their entire lives have been a lie. They are in fact aliens disguised as humans. Now they have to make a choice. Live amongst men, or try to find a way back home."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in Kuwait), 3G: A Killer Connection bridged the gap between entertainment and technology. Written (in part) and directed by the team of Shiirshak S. Anand and Shantanu Ray Chhibber, the SciFi/Thriller starred Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sonal Chauhan, and Mrinalini Sharma. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While on holiday in Fiji Sam looses his phone in an excitement to meet his girlfriend Sheena.Sam purchases a new phone with 3G connection where he starts getting calls from unknown number receiving which shows video of a female being killed and her haunted face.Sam starts to loose his mind and also attacks Sheena when she finds about the unknown caller and the video they both try to solve the mystery which leads to unexpected twists."
"While on holiday in Fiji Sam looses his phone in an excitement to meet his girlfriend Sheena.Sam purchases a new phone with 3G connection where he starts getting calls from unknown number receiving which shows video of a female being killed and her haunted face.Sam starts to loose his mind and also attacks Sheena when she finds about the unknown caller and the video they both try to solve the mystery which leads to unexpected twists."
On this day in 2013 (in Germany, Russia, and the Ukraine), the Fantasy/Drama Rubinrot enjoyed its original theatrical release. The feature starred Josefine Preuß and Florian Bartholomäi, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Gwendolyn Shepherd is actually a very normal 16-year-old teen. What's annoying is that her family definitely has a tad too many secrets. They all have to do with the time-travel gene that is passed down in the family. Everyone is certain that Gwen's cousin Charlotte has the gene, and so everything is all Charlotte, all the time. Until the day Gwen, out of the clear blue sky, suddenly finds herself in London at the end of the 19th century. She knows right away that she, and not Charlotte, was born to be a time traveler - even if she could certainly do without it. Just as she could do without Charlotte's arrogant boyfriend Gideon de Villiers, with whom she now has to forge an alliance in order to clear up the biggest secret of her family history. One thing is clear: she will do everything possible to solve the ancient mysteries. What isn't clear is that one should not fall in love between the times. For that really makes things complicated!"
"Gwendolyn Shepherd is actually a very normal 16-year-old teen. What's annoying is that her family definitely has a tad too many secrets. They all have to do with the time-travel gene that is passed down in the family. Everyone is certain that Gwen's cousin Charlotte has the gene, and so everything is all Charlotte, all the time. Until the day Gwen, out of the clear blue sky, suddenly finds herself in London at the end of the 19th century. She knows right away that she, and not Charlotte, was born to be a time traveler - even if she could certainly do without it. Just as she could do without Charlotte's arrogant boyfriend Gideon de Villiers, with whom she now has to forge an alliance in order to clear up the biggest secret of her family history. One thing is clear: she will do everything possible to solve the ancient mysteries. What isn't clear is that one should not fall in love between the times. For that really makes things complicated!"
On this day in 2015 (in Ireland), audiences in attendance of the Dingle International Film Festival were treated to an exclusive screening of The Quiet Hour. Written and directed by Stéphanie Joalland, the SciFi/Drama starred Dakota Blue Richards, Karl Davies, Jack McMullen, and others; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Humans are few and far between since Earth was invaded by unseen extraterrestrial machines that harvest the planet's natural resources and relentlessly kill its inhabitants. In a remote part of the countryside, where starved humans have become as dangerous as the alien machines hovering in the sky, a feisty 19 year old girl, Sarah Connolly, sets out on a desperate attempt to fight back a group of bandits and defend her parents' farm, their remaining livestock, and the solar panels that keep them safe from extraterrestrials. If she doesn't succeed, she will lose her only source of food and shelter; but if she resists, she and her helpless blind sibling will be killed. And if the mysterious intruder dressed like a soldier who claims he can help them turns out to be a liar, then the enemy may already be in the house."
For the record:
I had the opportunity to watch and review The Quiet Hour upon its U.S. home video release, and those interested can check out my thoughts on it right here.
"Humans are few and far between since Earth was invaded by unseen extraterrestrial machines that harvest the planet's natural resources and relentlessly kill its inhabitants. In a remote part of the countryside, where starved humans have become as dangerous as the alien machines hovering in the sky, a feisty 19 year old girl, Sarah Connolly, sets out on a desperate attempt to fight back a group of bandits and defend her parents' farm, their remaining livestock, and the solar panels that keep them safe from extraterrestrials. If she doesn't succeed, she will lose her only source of food and shelter; but if she resists, she and her helpless blind sibling will be killed. And if the mysterious intruder dressed like a soldier who claims he can help them turns out to be a liar, then the enemy may already be in the house."
For the record:
I had the opportunity to watch and review The Quiet Hour upon its U.S. home video release, and those interested can check out my thoughts on it right here.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Canada), One Under The Sun came to life in theaters. Directed by the team of Riyaana Hartley and Vincent Tran, the SciFi/Drama starred Pooja Batra, Gene Farber, and Ava Cantrell. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Astronaut Kathryn Voss, sole survivor of a disastrous space mission, is desperate to reunite with her terminally ill daughter but becomes a fugitive when the government discovers she's returned to earth with an extraordinary gift to save earth."
"Astronaut Kathryn Voss, sole survivor of a disastrous space mission, is desperate to reunite with her terminally ill daughter but becomes a fugitive when the government discovers she's returned to earth with an extraordinary gift to save earth."
A star is born ... and this one went to the dogs! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Robo-Dog: Airborne took flight with its release on home video. Written and directed by Anthony Steven Giordano, the SciFi/Family film starred Michael Campion, Patrick Muldoon, and Kenny Beaumont. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After an accident causes Robo-Dog to get lost and lose his memory, he is taken in by a new family. Tyler enlists the help of Barry as they scour the town in search of their missing robotic best friend."
"After an accident causes Robo-Dog to get lost and lose his memory, he is taken in by a new family. Tyler enlists the help of Barry as they scour the town in search of their missing robotic best friend."
A star is born!
On this day in 2024 (in the U.S.), Omni Loop enjoyed its silver screen premiere when it was screened for the very first time for audiences of the South By Southwest Film Festival. Written and directed by Bernardo Britto, the SciFi/Drama starred Mary-Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, and Carlos Jacott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A woman from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Omni Loop earned a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2025, I received a promotional copy of Omni Loop (2024) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A woman from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Omni Loop earned a wee bit of attention from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2025, I received a promotional copy of Omni Loop (2024) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Diamond Lens." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's first season, and -- despite searching -- I've been unable to locate a plot summary anywhere on the world wide web. In lieu of that, I'm posting the series' premise from IMDB.com:
"Tales of Tomorrow" was a television anthology science fiction series that was aired live between 3 August 1951 - 12 June 1953 and produced by George F. Foley. The show's success, lead to the production of a radio series in 1953 "Tales of Tomorrow". "Tales of Tomorrow" was developed by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson, together with the membership of the "Science Fiction League of America"."
"Tales of Tomorrow" was a television anthology science fiction series that was aired live between 3 August 1951 - 12 June 1953 and produced by George F. Foley. The show's success, lead to the production of a radio series in 1953 "Tales of Tomorrow". "Tales of Tomorrow" was developed by Theodore Sturgeon and Mort Abrahamson, together with the membership of the "Science Fiction League of America"."
On this day in 1964 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Wall of Lies" as part of its first season. Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season. Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor's group manage to rescue Barbara from the Mongols but once more Marco remains unaware of Tegana's involvement."
"The Doctor's group manage to rescue Barbara from the Mongols but once more Marco remains unaware of Tegana's involvement."
On this day in 1967 (in the U.S.), The Invaders aired "The Innocent." Officially, this served as the tenth hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"The aliens take David Vincent up into their spaceship and then attempt to prove they have nothing but peaceful intentions by showing him what they've done to a desert valley. But all is not what it seems."
"The aliens take David Vincent up into their spaceship and then attempt to prove they have nothing but peaceful intentions by showing him what they've done to a desert valley. But all is not what it seems."
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy find themselves being thrown through various eras of a distant planet's past as they try to uncover what happened to that world in Star Trek's "All Our Yesterdays." The episode premiered on this day in 1969, and it guest-starred the very lovely Mariette Hartley.
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Doctor Who And The Silurians: Part 7." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Liz distributes the cure to the virus, the Doctor discovers the Silurians now plan to wipe out humanity by destroying the Van Allen Belt."
"While Liz distributes the cure to the virus, the Doctor discovers the Silurians now plan to wipe out humanity by destroying the Van Allen Belt."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Logopolis: Part 3." Officially, this served as the twenty-seventh episode in the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With Nyssa from Traken unexpectedly rejoining the group, Adric aids the Monitor of Logopolis in trying to save the Doctor before time runs out. The Master, at liberty to prepare, is finally ready to reveal his true target, which unknowingly sets off the biggest catastrophe of all time."
"With Nyssa from Traken unexpectedly rejoining the group, Adric aids the Monitor of Logopolis in trying to save the Doctor before time runs out. The Master, at liberty to prepare, is finally ready to reveal his true target, which unknowingly sets off the biggest catastrophe of all time."
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), Quantum Leap aired "Pool Hall Blues." Officially, this served as the eighteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into an old pool playing acquaintance of Al's and must win a pool game so that his granddaughter doesn't lose her bar."
"Sam leaps into an old pool playing acquaintance of Al's and must win a pool game so that his granddaughter doesn't lose her bar."
On this day in 1992 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Outcast." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Assisting the androgynous J'naii in a search for a shuttle, Riker & J'naii pilot Soren take a shuttlecraft into a 'null zone' to investigate, a trip on which Soren reveals to Riker that she is one of a group of outlaws who embrace the genders of male & female."
"Assisting the androgynous J'naii in a search for a shuttle, Riker & J'naii pilot Soren take a shuttlecraft into a 'null zone' to investigate, a trip on which Soren reveals to Riker that she is one of a group of outlaws who embrace the genders of male & female."
Ugh. It's hard to imagine a worse episode than Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "Move Along Home" which aired on this day back in 1993, but I'll bet there is one. For those who want to know more, here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Wadi from the Gamma Quadrant are to make first contact and decide to visit DS9. When they catch Quark cheating they let him off by playing a special game."
"The Wadi from the Gamma Quadrant are to make first contact and decide to visit DS9. When they catch Quark cheating they let him off by playing a special game."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S. and Canada), RoboCop: The Series premiered with the episode titled "The Future of Law Enforcement: Parts 1 and 2." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"This time the future RoboCop is defending Delta City from a scarred maniac. A killer calling himself the Dogtown Ripper is killing thousands of people and stealing their brains. A trouble making pre-teen becomes the foster daughter of Stanely Parks. A secretary is killed but her spirit lives inside the computer mainframe."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, the good folks at Liberation Hall provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray set of RoboCop: The Series. Folks interested in knowing what I had to say about it can find my review right here.
Also -- based on having a complete series set -- I penned an individual review for "The Future Of Law Enforcement." Folks interesed in knowing what I had to say about these episodes can find my review right here.
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S. and Canada), RoboCop: The Series premiered with the episode titled "The Future of Law Enforcement: Parts 1 and 2." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"This time the future RoboCop is defending Delta City from a scarred maniac. A killer calling himself the Dogtown Ripper is killing thousands of people and stealing their brains. A trouble making pre-teen becomes the foster daughter of Stanely Parks. A secretary is killed but her spirit lives inside the computer mainframe."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, the good folks at Liberation Hall provided me with a complimentary Blu-ray set of RoboCop: The Series. Folks interested in knowing what I had to say about it can find my review right here.
Also -- based on having a complete series set -- I penned an individual review for "The Future Of Law Enforcement." Folks interesed in knowing what I had to say about these episodes can find my review right here.
On this day in 1995 (in Cyprus and France), Babylon 5 premiered with the airing of "Midnight On The Firing Line." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
"The Narn attack a Centauri colony, while Raiders attack transport ships. Talia Winters arrives at the station."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles aired an episode titled "Funeral for a Friend." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"S.I.C.O.N. has ordered that the Roughnecks be split up and placed with other units. The Roughnecks take on one last mission before they are separated and take Razak's ashes to a lake to be spread onto it at sunrise and they find Brutto and General Redwing waiting for them. All is not right however and now the Roughnecks are faced with a difficult situation."
"S.I.C.O.N. has ordered that the Roughnecks be split up and placed with other units. The Roughnecks take on one last mission before they are separated and take Razak's ashes to a lake to be spread onto it at sunrise and they find Brutto and General Redwing waiting for them. All is not right however and now the Roughnecks are faced with a difficult situation."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Capt. Dante Montana found himself in particular jeopardy as the twentieth episode of Starhunter aired on television. It was titled "Bad Seed," and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"Dante is abducted off the Tulip by an Orchard agent named Tosca who offers him a chance to find Travis. She believes the boy is the key to the Divinity Cluster and injects Dante with a psychotropic drug in hopes that he will establish a mental link to his son and learn where to find him. Meanwhile another agent, Navarre, helps Luc get Dante back while Percy deals with a computer virus that turns Caravaggio against her. Before Luc brings Dante back, a young Raider, Salomea, comes aboard looking for Dante's interactive hologram of his decease wife Penny. She says Travis wants to "talk to his mother" and offers Percy to come back to meet him."
"Dante is abducted off the Tulip by an Orchard agent named Tosca who offers him a chance to find Travis. She believes the boy is the key to the Divinity Cluster and injects Dante with a psychotropic drug in hopes that he will establish a mental link to his son and learn where to find him. Meanwhile another agent, Navarre, helps Luc get Dante back while Percy deals with a computer virus that turns Caravaggio against her. Before Luc brings Dante back, a young Raider, Salomea, comes aboard looking for Dante's interactive hologram of his decease wife Penny. She says Travis wants to "talk to his mother" and offers Percy to come back to meet him."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), "We're So Screwed III: La Bomba" aired as Farscape's twenty-first episode of its fourth (and final) season. It wasn't their 'big finish' so to speak -- there was one more episode to air -- but it certainly brought some issues to close while still managing to develop others. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Scorpius has betrayed the crew. Now they're all captured. Their plan failed, the crew has little choice but to help Scorpius's true agenda."
"Scorpius has betrayed the crew. Now they're all captured. Their plan failed, the crew has little choice but to help Scorpius's true agenda."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), The Department Of Time aired "Un virus de otro tiempo." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Susana ignores procedure when she orders that Irene be brought back from 1918 after catching the Spanish Flu, putting the modern day Ministry HQ at risk."
"Susana ignores procedure when she orders that Irene be brought back from 1918 after catching the Spanish Flu, putting the modern day Ministry HQ at risk."
On this day in 2018 (in the United Kingdom), DC's Legends Of Tomorrow aired "The Curse Of The Earth Totem." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Sara takes some private time, the Legends follow a lead on the whereabouts of the Earth Totem and find themselves in 1717 on the hunt for Blackbeard's treasure."
"While Sara takes some private time, the Legends follow a lead on the whereabouts of the Earth Totem and find themselves in 1717 on the hunt for Blackbeard's treasure."
