The Ice Pirates is a mixed bag for me. I vaguely recall seeing it theatrically -- it premiered on this day back in 1984 -- but I honestly don't remember thinking all that much of it. Others I know remember it much more fondly than I do. Robert Urich takes the lead in this comic sci-fi romp. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a distant future scarce of water, space pirates get caught after stealing ice from a spaceship. They are sold to a princess looking for her dad. He might have found a planet abundant with water."
If you'd like to know a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory's QuickFlash Review of The Ice Pirates right here.
"In a distant future scarce of water, space pirates get caught after stealing ice from a spaceship. They are sold to a princess looking for her dad. He might have found a planet abundant with water."
If you'd like to know a bit more, then check out SciFiHistory's QuickFlash Review of The Ice Pirates right here.
Karl Bruck had a very, very small role aboard "The Conscience of a King," a first season episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Bruck was born on this day in 1906.
Norman Stuart (above right) played one of the Vulcan elders aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). He also boasts several small appearances aboard the original Battlestar Galactica. Though he's no longer with us, Stuart was born on this day in 1909.
Leo McKern certainly leaves behind a legacy rich in the realm of drama, but he also dabbled with some prominent work aboard such genre projects as The Prisoner, Space:1999, and Ladyhawke (1985). Though he's no longer with us, McKern was born on this day in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
Back in my youth, I enjoyed the films of Jerry Lewis probably as much as the next kid, and thankfully even Jerry joined the Space Race by appearing in 1966's Way ... Way Out. Though he's no longer with us, Lewis was born on this day in 1926.
The late Irene Champlin played 'Dale Arden' opposite Steve Holland's Flash Gordon aboard the 1950's SciFi serial. Though she's no longer with us, Champlin was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Susan Bay had a few appearances aboard Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as 'Admiral Rollman.' For those in the know, she's also the widow of the late Leonard Nimoy. Bay was born on this day in 1943.
Granville Van Dusen had a pair of great appearances aboard Star Trek: Enterprise. He's also appeared aboard The Bionic Woman, Space: Above and Beyond, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Van Dusen was born on this day in 1944.
Erik Estrada showed up packin' heat and ready to fight aboard the SciFi/Horror flick Chupacabra Vs. The Alamo (2013). Estrada was born on this day in 1949.
Victor Garber can do no wrong. He was terrific in ABC TV's Alias (from JJ Abrams back when JJ Abrams knew how to tell a compelling story without flash and sizzle), and he's equally interesting in the more saccharin Legends Of Tomorrow on the CW. Garber was born on this day in 1949.
Kate Nelligan dabbled in the realm of high Fantasy with a role aboard Walt Disney's TV adaptation of A Wrinkle In Time. Nelligan was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Andy Hankins played a role aboard the SciFi/Adventure Star Raiders: The Adventures Of Saber Raine (2017) for Fusion Factory Films. Hankins was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I kid you not: I, at one time, actually shared a family physician with none of than Spawn's creator himself, Todd McFarlane. (And, no, it wasn't like we were seeing her at the same appointment: she knew of my one-time interest in comic books, and she explained that she knew the man.) McFarlane was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard HBO's popular Game Of Thrones adaptation, the talented Jerome Flynn plays Bronn, one of my favorite characters in that universe. Flynn was born on this day in 1963.
Kevin Smith found stardom in the realm of Fantasy with prominent, recurring appearances aboard Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. Though he's no longer with us, Smith was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Spanish-born Belén Rueda enjoyed a role aboard the SciFi/Drama Orbiter 9 (2017) for Cactus Flower and Mono Films. Rueda was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Judah Friedlander enjoyed a cameo-style appearance as an unnamed bar patron aboard Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015). No word yet on any forthcoming action figure. Friedlander was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Tamara Hambly provided some uncredited work as a background crewmember aboard UPN's Star Trek: Enterprise during the program's run. Hambly was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
These days, you practically can't speak of SciFi without someone mentioning the vastly overrated Firefly saga -- a product of the recently fallen-from-grace Joss Whedon -- and one of its key players was long-time character actor and fan favorite Alan Tudyk. Tudyk has done some great work in a handful of smaller films and television programs, but fans like him best when he's flying that little damn ship. More recently, he voiced 'K-2SO' for Rogue One (2016) and headlined the SciFi/Comedy Resident Alien for Syfy. Tudyk was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely lady Sienna Guillory has been a part of the Resident Evil franchise for a few of its installments. She also had a role in the 2002 reboot of The Time Machine. Guillory was born on this day in 1975.
Paul Schneider dipped into the realm of Fantasy with a prominent role aboard Syfy's Channel Zero. Schneider was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Brooke Burns (above right) made an appearance aboard the Mortal Kombat: Conquest TV series back in 1999. Burns was born on this day in 1978.
Sophie Hunter enjoyed a guest spot aboard the BBC's series/miniseries Torchwood: Children of Earth. The lovely lady was born on this day in 1978.
Felisha Terrell continues to be an imminently watchable talent. Genre fans have enjoyed her presense added to such properties as Teen Wolf, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Lucifer. Terrell was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
It may not count for much, but we red-blooded male SciFi fans take any contribution seriously ... so kudos to the young and the lovely Alexandra Daddario for giving us a plumb guest role aboard ABC's Americanization of the BBC's Life On Mars to wonder about. Here's one aging fanboy who hopes she hops aboard the SciFi train and stays for a long, long ride. The mighty Heavens opened up, and Daddario was born on this day in 1986.
Don't let the face of an angel fool you: Isabelle Allen is no slouch, proven as she headlined the SciFi/Thriller Let's Be Evil (2016) for Posterity Pictures. As I'm also one of the world's biggest Superman fans, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that she also starred aboard a Super-short, Superboy: Son of Tomorrow. Allen was born on this day in 2002. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1925 (in the former Soviet Union), Luch Smerti (aka Death Ray) enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever! Directed by Lev Kuleshov, the SciFi/Action film starred Porfiri Podobed and Vsevolod Pudovkin, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In an unknown capitalist country, workers stage a revolt but are heavily repressed by the boss and fascists. One of them, Tomas Lann, manages to escape to USSR where he meets engineer Podobed who invented the "death ray", a powerful laser beam. However capitalist spies manage to steal the device and use it to repress strikes in their country. Eventually, Tomas manages to recuperate the device to fight back."
"In an unknown capitalist country, workers stage a revolt but are heavily repressed by the boss and fascists. One of them, Tomas Lann, manages to escape to USSR where he meets engineer Podobed who invented the "death ray", a powerful laser beam. However capitalist spies manage to steal the device and use it to repress strikes in their country. Eventually, Tomas manages to recuperate the device to fight back."
On this day in 1931 (in Bulgaria), The Mysterious Island submerged from the depths! According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a volcanic island near the kingdom of Hetvia rules Count Dakkar, a benevolent leader and scientist who has eliminated class distinction among the island's inhabitants. Dakkar, his daughter Sonia and her fiance, engineer Nicolai Roget have designed a submarine which Roget pilots on its initial voyage just before the island is overrun by Baron Falon, despotic ruler of Hetvia. Falon sets out after Roget in a second submarine and the two craft, diving to the ocean's floor, discover a strange land populated by dragons, giant squid and an eerie undiscovered humanoid race."
"On a volcanic island near the kingdom of Hetvia rules Count Dakkar, a benevolent leader and scientist who has eliminated class distinction among the island's inhabitants. Dakkar, his daughter Sonia and her fiance, engineer Nicolai Roget have designed a submarine which Roget pilots on its initial voyage just before the island is overrun by Baron Falon, despotic ruler of Hetvia. Falon sets out after Roget in a second submarine and the two craft, diving to the ocean's floor, discover a strange land populated by dragons, giant squid and an eerie undiscovered humanoid race."
On this day in 1933 (in Denmark), audiences were treated to the visionary F.P.1 Doesn't Answer. Directed by Karl Hartl from a script by Walter Reisch and Kurt Siodmak, the SciFi/Drama starred Hans Alberts, Sybille Schmitz, and Peter Lorre; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Urged by famous airman Ellissen the Lennartz Company puts into reality the project proposed by his friend Droste: F.P.1, a huge floating platform in the Atlantic that makes long-distance flights viable. Ellissen is in love with company heiress Claire, but when he returns from his adventures to save the endangered F.P.1 he finds out that he has lost her to Droste."
For the record:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray version of F.P.1 Doesn't Answer from the kind folks at Kino Lorber. What to know more? How about checking out my review of the vintage Science Fiction Drama right here.
"Urged by famous airman Ellissen the Lennartz Company puts into reality the project proposed by his friend Droste: F.P.1, a huge floating platform in the Atlantic that makes long-distance flights viable. Ellissen is in love with company heiress Claire, but when he returns from his adventures to save the endangered F.P.1 he finds out that he has lost her to Droste."
For the record:
In 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary Blu-ray version of F.P.1 Doesn't Answer from the kind folks at Kino Lorber. What to know more? How about checking out my review of the vintage Science Fiction Drama right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1961, Walt Disney released The Absent Minded Professor to U.S. audiences. Directed by Robert Stevenson, the SciFi/Comedy starred Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
"A college professor invents an anti-gravity substance which a corrupt businessman wants for himself."
For the record:
The Absent Minded Professor scored a total of three nominations from the 1962 Academy Awards, though the film took home no trophies. Still, it's an honor to be nominated for such expertise as 'Best Effects - Special Effects,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration, Black-and-White,' and 'Best Cinematography, Black-and-White.'
A star is born ... and this one's a bit Jurassic! On this day in 1967 (in Mexico), audiences were thrown back in time to La Isla De Los Dinosaurios (aka The Island Of The Dinosaurs). Directed by Rafael Portillo from a script by Alfredo Salazar, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Armando Silvestre, Alma Delia Fuentes, and Manolo Fábregas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of scientists in search of lost Atlantis are plane wrecked on an uncharted island inhabited by monsters of the prehistoric era."
"A group of scientists in search of lost Atlantis are plane wrecked on an uncharted island inhabited by monsters of the prehistoric era."
A star is born ... or did it fall to Earth?! On this day in 1971 (in West Germany), Supergirl: The Girl From The Stars (aka Supergirl – Das Mädchen von den Sternen) enjoyed its premiere on television. Directed by Rudolf Thome from a script by Max Zihlmann, the SciFi/Comedy stars Iris Berben, Marquard Bohm, and Nikolaus Dutsch. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious, supernaturally beautiful girl from another planet confuses and flusters the men on earth, where she has landed. The men follow her wherever she goes."
"A mysterious, supernaturally beautiful girl from another planet confuses and flusters the men on earth, where she has landed. The men follow her wherever she goes."
On this day in 1973 (in Finland), The Abominable Dr. Phibes played some horrific tunes for audiences. Directed by Robert Fuest, the Horror/Fantasy starred Vincent Price, Joseph Cotten, and Hugh Griffith. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Doctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar Anton Phibes seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for the death of his wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Abominable Dr. Phibes and its star -- Vincent Price -- enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit. Otherwise, it's also interesting to note that the feature was included in a set of other Price pictures -- Vincent Price: MGM Scream Legends Collection -- that was nominated for a 2008 Saturn Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from a distributor in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of this camp classic? (And, yes, it is a bit campy, but in a good way.) Readers can find my review right here.
"Doctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar Anton Phibes seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for the death of his wife."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Abominable Dr. Phibes and its star -- Vincent Price -- enjoyed a bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit. Otherwise, it's also interesting to note that the feature was included in a set of other Price pictures -- Vincent Price: MGM Scream Legends Collection -- that was nominated for a 2008 Saturn Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from a distributor in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing what I thought of this camp classic? (And, yes, it is a bit campy, but in a good way.) Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in the Philippines), The Crazies showed up at the box office. Written (in part) and directed by George A. Romero, the SciFi/Horror starred Lane Carroll, Will MacMillan, and Harold Wayne Jones. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
"The military attempts to contain a manmade combat virus that causes death and permanent insanity in those infected, as it overtakes a small Pennsylvania town."
A star is born ... by Crom! On this day in 1982 (in Spain), Conan The Barbarian took to the silver screen for the very first time with its premiere in Madrid. Written (in part) and directed by John Milius, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, James Earl Jones, and Sandahl Bergman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Beyond the mists of time, having witnessed the brutal death of his blacksmith father and the massacre of the entire village by the murderous followers of Thulsa Doom, the undead evil wizard and servant of the serpent-god, Set, Conan, the orphaned young Cimmerian, is condemned to a life of slavery. Chained to the perpetual Wheel of Pain, the helpless boy grows into a man, and after years of rigorous training as a fierce gladiator, Conan, now an unstoppable mountain of muscle, regains his precious freedom. But, with the image of the blood-soaked raid etched on his mind, Conan teams up with Subotai, the Hyrkanian thief, and Valeria, the Queen of the Bandits, and embarks on a peril-laden journey to the mysterious Mountain of Power, and the impregnable Snake Cult Temple. Will Conan avenge his parents?"
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actress Sandahl Bergman took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in the production. Alas, Conan had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
"Beyond the mists of time, having witnessed the brutal death of his blacksmith father and the massacre of the entire village by the murderous followers of Thulsa Doom, the undead evil wizard and servant of the serpent-god, Set, Conan, the orphaned young Cimmerian, is condemned to a life of slavery. Chained to the perpetual Wheel of Pain, the helpless boy grows into a man, and after years of rigorous training as a fierce gladiator, Conan, now an unstoppable mountain of muscle, regains his precious freedom. But, with the image of the blood-soaked raid etched on his mind, Conan teams up with Subotai, the Hyrkanian thief, and Valeria, the Queen of the Bandits, and embarks on a peril-laden journey to the mysterious Mountain of Power, and the impregnable Snake Cult Temple. Will Conan avenge his parents?"
For the record:
At the 1983 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films), actress Sandahl Bergman took home top honors in the category of 'Best Actress' for her work in the production. Alas, Conan had to settle for the honor of nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Music,' and 'Best Fantasy Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
In early 2024, I received a complimentary new release of Conan The Barbarian in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts of the film? Readers can find them right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1990, Science Fiction treated audiences to yet one more look at the Apocalypse with the release of Ultra Warrior. The feature starred Dack Rambo and Clare Beresford, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After the nuclear holocaust, one man rises from the ashes to become the leader of a ragged gang of survivors. They soon discover that their greatest challenge is yet to come; they must fight a battle for the ages against the evil minions of The Bishop."
"After the nuclear holocaust, one man rises from the ashes to become the leader of a ragged gang of survivors. They soon discover that their greatest challenge is yet to come; they must fight a battle for the ages against the evil minions of The Bishop."
A star is born! On this day in 1991, the SciFi/Telefilm The Girl From Mars aired. The feature starred Sarah Sawatsky and Edward Albert, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl who has telekinetic powers also claims to be a visitor from Mars. The girl's father and a scientist who has befriended her try to discern exactly who she is and what is happening."
"A young girl who has telekinetic powers also claims to be a visitor from Mars. The girl's father and a scientist who has befriended her try to discern exactly who she is and what is happening."
On this day in 2001 (in the United Kingdom), The Terminator enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Michael Biehn and Arnold Schwarzenegger, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
"In 1984, a human soldier is tasked to stop an indestructible cyborg killing machine, both sent from 2029, from executing a young woman, whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
On this day in 2004 (in Germany), Dark Descent enjoyed its premiere on home video (aka DVD). The feature starred Lois & Clark's Dean Cain and Scott Wiper, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Deep in the Mariana Sea Trench, a corporate underwater mining complex has been built - an industrial Atlantis. When an accident in a dry-dock chamber kills several miners an investigator is sent to find the cause and immediately finds out that it was not an accident. He becomes caught in the middle of a deadly conflict between the miners and the corporation, and fights to stay alive and uncover the truth."
"Deep in the Mariana Sea Trench, a corporate underwater mining complex has been built - an industrial Atlantis. When an accident in a dry-dock chamber kills several miners an investigator is sent to find the cause and immediately finds out that it was not an accident. He becomes caught in the middle of a deadly conflict between the miners and the corporation, and fights to stay alive and uncover the truth."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in Belgium), One Point O was first screened for audiences in attendance of the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. Written and directed by the team of Jeff Renfroe and Marteinn Thorsson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Richard Rees, Jeremy Sisto, and Udo Kier. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After receiving mysterious empty packages inside his apartment, a young computer-programmer begins a personal investigation into their origins."
For the record:
Along with some praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, One Point O was a bit of a sensation at the 2005 Edda Awards recognizing excellence in film and television production of Iceland. Though the film didn't take home any trophies, it enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Director Of The Year,' 'Best Sound Or Music,' 'Best Artistic Direction,' and 'Best Film.'
"After receiving mysterious empty packages inside his apartment, a young computer-programmer begins a personal investigation into their origins."
For the record:
Along with some praise from screenings on the film festival circuit, One Point O was a bit of a sensation at the 2005 Edda Awards recognizing excellence in film and television production of Iceland. Though the film didn't take home any trophies, it enjoyed nominations in the categories of 'Director Of The Year,' 'Best Sound Or Music,' 'Best Artistic Direction,' and 'Best Film.'
On this day in 2011 (in France and the Philippines), Battle Los Angeles waged on the silver screens. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi/Thriller starred Aaron Eckhart and Michelle Rodriguez, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
"A squad of U.S. Marines becomes the last line of defense against a global invasion."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the South By Southwest Film Festival were treated to the bloody premiere of The Diabolical. Written (in part) and directed by Alistair Legrand, the Horror/Fantasy starred Ali Larter, Arjun Gupta, and Max Rose. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A single mother, and her children, are awoken nightly by an intense presence. She asks her scientist boyfriend to destroy the violent spirit, that paranormal experts are too frightened to take on."
"A single mother, and her children, are awoken nightly by an intense presence. She asks her scientist boyfriend to destroy the violent spirit, that paranormal experts are too frightened to take on."
On this day in 2016 (in the Philippines), the Fantasy/Comedy Dudes & Dragons (aka Dragon Warriors) enjoyed its theatrical run. The feature starred James Marsters and Kaitlin Doubleday, and here's the (edited) premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"An evil wizard, Lord Tensley, seeks the hand and heart of the beautiful princess, Lady Ennogard. When she refuses, he locks her away and releases a deadly dragon, which he controls, to terrorize the land. He vows that, until she accepts his love, his dragon will destroy all who dare display any sign of love throughout the kingdom. Desperate to end the tyranny, she sends an enchanted dragonfly with a mission to find a true "Dragon Warrior" who is fit to release her from her captor and stop the destruction of the dragon."
"An evil wizard, Lord Tensley, seeks the hand and heart of the beautiful princess, Lady Ennogard. When she refuses, he locks her away and releases a deadly dragon, which he controls, to terrorize the land. He vows that, until she accepts his love, his dragon will destroy all who dare display any sign of love throughout the kingdom. Desperate to end the tyranny, she sends an enchanted dragonfly with a mission to find a true "Dragon Warrior" who is fit to release her from her captor and stop the destruction of the dragon."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Japan), the good people of Shinjuku, Tokyo were treated to the silver screen premiere of the live action adaptation of Ghost In The Shell. Directed by Rupert Sanders, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Scarlett Johansson, Pilou Asbæk, and Takeshi Kitano. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the near future, Major Mira Killian is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals."
For the record:
At the 2018 Empire Awards (held in the United Kingdom), Ghost In The Shell scored two solid nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Makeup And Hair Styling' and 'Best Visual Effects.'
"In the near future, Major Mira Killian is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals."
For the record:
At the 2018 Empire Awards (held in the United Kingdom), Ghost In The Shell scored two solid nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Makeup And Hair Styling' and 'Best Visual Effects.'
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Verdict in Orbit." This served as the twenty-third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Col. McCauley, while serving on the space station gets word his son has been seriously injured in a hit and run accident near the rocket base. Tension mounts as word comes through the driver of the car has been identified, and appears to be on duty on board the space station. With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide on the station, how will this terrible emotional conundrum be resolved."
"Col. McCauley, while serving on the space station gets word his son has been seriously injured in a hit and run accident near the rocket base. Tension mounts as word comes through the driver of the car has been identified, and appears to be on duty on board the space station. With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide on the station, how will this terrible emotional conundrum be resolved."
On this day in 1962, The Twilight Zone aired "Little Girl Lost." This served as the twenty-sixth episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Awoken in the middle of the night by the cries of his daughter, a father enters the girl's room to find that she has vanished - even though he can still her crying out for help."
"Awoken in the middle of the night by the cries of his daughter, a father enters the girl's room to find that she has vanished - even though he can still her crying out for help."
On this day in 1966, Lost In Space aired "His Majesty Smith." Officially, this served as the twenty-fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Doctor Smith delights that he is made ruler of an alien species until he learns that he is also their sacrifice."
"Doctor Smith delights that he is made ruler of an alien species until he learns that he is also their sacrifice."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Fury From The Deep: Part 1." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria are taken prisoner by the staff of a gas refinery, who have lost contact with their drilling rigs and experienced mysterious drops in pressure."
"The Doctor, Jamie and Victoria are taken prisoner by the staff of a gas refinery, who have lost contact with their drilling rigs and experienced mysterious drops in pressure."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Doomwatch aired "Re-Entry Forbidden." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The first nuclear-powered rocket, Sunfire One, is sent into space with the first British astronaut, Dick Larch, on board. After the rocket enters Earth orbit, Larch enters an incorrect course alteration, and fails to see the error indicator, which results in Sunfire One splashing down in the sea. Quist is asked by Doctor Goldsworthy to determine whether Larch is suitable for any further missions, as another such mistake could result in the spacecraft becoming a nuclear bomb."
"The first nuclear-powered rocket, Sunfire One, is sent into space with the first British astronaut, Dick Larch, on board. After the rocket enters Earth orbit, Larch enters an incorrect course alteration, and fails to see the error indicator, which results in Sunfire One splashing down in the sea. Quist is asked by Doctor Goldsworthy to determine whether Larch is suitable for any further missions, as another such mistake could result in the spacecraft becoming a nuclear bomb."
On this day in 1974 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Death To The Daleks: Part 4." Officially, this served as the fourteenth episode in the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Bellal continue to penetrate the City's defences while Sarah and Jill try to stop the Daleks leaving with the parrinium."
"The Doctor and Bellal continue to penetrate the City's defences while Sarah and Jill try to stop the Daleks leaving with the parrinium."
On this day in 1975, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The Bionic Woman: Part 1." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Steve Austin reunites with his childhood sweetheart only to have her suffer a crippling accident which can only be rectified with bionic implants."
"Steve Austin reunites with his childhood sweetheart only to have her suffer a crippling accident which can only be rectified with bionic implants."
You'll believe a Scout can fly ... well, if that picture is any indication, you will. On this day in 1980, Galactica 1980 aired "The Super Scouts, Part 1" as the fourth episode in its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Troy and Dillon are teaching some of the children raised on the Galactica about what they can expect on Earth if and when they get to go there. But when their vessel is attacked by the Cylons, they escape. But because they can't make it back to the Galactica, they decide to land on Earth. So they try to make the children appear to be like children on Earth."
"Troy and Dillon are teaching some of the children raised on the Galactica about what they can expect on Earth if and when they get to go there. But when their vessel is attacked by the Cylons, they escape. But because they can't make it back to the Galactica, they decide to land on Earth. So they try to make the children appear to be like children on Earth."
On this day in 1982 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Earthshock: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Cybermen are now in control of the ship and they have eliminated their human accomplice. The Doctor, Adric and several members of the crew are now their prisoners. Tegan finds herself separated from Lt.Scott and she too is soon taken prisoner and is reunited with the Doctor who realizes just what the Cybermen are going to do: use the spaceship as a flying bomb. Scott and the other troopers make a rescue attempt. Adric tries desperately desperately to stop the ship from crashing into Earth."
"The Cybermen are now in control of the ship and they have eliminated their human accomplice. The Doctor, Adric and several members of the crew are now their prisoners. Tegan finds herself separated from Lt.Scott and she too is soon taken prisoner and is reunited with the Doctor who realizes just what the Cybermen are going to do: use the spaceship as a flying bomb. Scott and the other troopers make a rescue attempt. Adric tries desperately desperately to stop the ship from crashing into Earth."
On this day in 1983 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The King's Demons: Part 2." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's twentieth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With The Master revealed, two questions remain: Who is impersonating King John and why?"
"With The Master revealed, two questions remain: Who is impersonating King John and why?"
On this day in 1984 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Caves Of Androzani: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Chellak and his men attack Jek's base. The Dr crash lands the ship, and must escape from his captors, find the antidote to Spectrox poisoning and save Peri. He does so, but at the cost of his own life."
"Chellak and his men attack Jek's base. The Dr crash lands the ship, and must escape from his captors, find the antidote to Spectrox poisoning and save Peri. He does so, but at the cost of his own life."
On this day in 1985 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Timelash: Part 2." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's twenty-second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"For his impending confrontation with the mysterious and cloistered Borad, dictator of Karfel, the Doctor takes kontrom crystals from the Timelash to build a 10-second time break device, not knowing of the Borad's mutation and breeding plans for Peri or the interplanetary war he's sparked with the Bandrils, who are on their way to destroy all mammalian life on Karfel."
"For his impending confrontation with the mysterious and cloistered Borad, dictator of Karfel, the Doctor takes kontrom crystals from the Timelash to build a 10-second time break device, not knowing of the Borad's mutation and breeding plans for Peri or the interplanetary war he's sparked with the Bandrils, who are on their way to destroy all mammalian life on Karfel."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Night Terrors." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Happening upon a silent ship, the Enterprise discovers its crew killed one another, and finds that, whatever killed them, transfers over to the Enterprise, leaving their own crew in distress and suffering from hallucinations and paranoia, while the Enterprise itself is trapped in the same rift that caught the other ship."
"Happening upon a silent ship, the Enterprise discovers its crew killed one another, and finds that, whatever killed them, transfers over to the Enterprise, leaving their own crew in distress and suffering from hallucinations and paranoia, while the Enterprise itself is trapped in the same rift that caught the other ship."
On this day in 1993, Quantum Leap aired "The Beast Within." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As a Vietnam veteran, Sam is mistaken for Bigfoot in rural Washington state."
"As a Vietnam veteran, Sam is mistaken for Bigfoot in rural Washington state."
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "And The Sky Full Of Stars." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sinclair is kidnapped by people who want to know what happened when he disappeared in the last battle of the Earth/Minbari war, knowledge that even Sinclair does not know."
"Sinclair is kidnapped by people who want to know what happened when he disappeared in the last battle of the Earth/Minbari war, knowledge that even Sinclair does not know."
On this day in 1997, The X-Files aired "Tempus Fugit." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While investigating the unexplained crash of a commercial airliner the agents' search for answers leads to the bottom of a desolate lake and a startling discovery involving Mulder's alien abductee friend Max Fenig."
"While investigating the unexplained crash of a commercial airliner the agents' search for answers leads to the bottom of a desolate lake and a startling discovery involving Mulder's alien abductee friend Max Fenig."
What's hard not to admire about the whole universe that was Farscape was that nothing -- and I do mean nothing -- happened without consequence. Unlike some SciFi franchises who favor the perennial 'reset button' far too often, no Farscape victory ever really came without some shadow of loss in its inevitable wake. Such was the case on this day back in 2001 with the airing of their third season premiere, "Season of Death." Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Crichton lies on the operating table with the neural chip removed, unable to communicate. Aeryn's cryogenic-ally frozen. The surgeon is able to restore Crichton's ability to speak. A dormant patient awakens and goes after everyone. Zahn attempts to revive Aeryn, but at a very high cost."
"Crichton lies on the operating table with the neural chip removed, unable to communicate. Aeryn's cryogenic-ally frozen. The surgeon is able to restore Crichton's ability to speak. A dormant patient awakens and goes after everyone. Zahn attempts to revive Aeryn, but at a very high cost."
It all began right here: on this day in 2003, the television world of Frank Herbert's Dune grew a little bigger with the airing of the first part of the Children Of Dune miniseries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Twelve years after the emperor's death, the Fremen armies have successfully subdued all known planets, killing off millions in numerous battles. The desert plant Arrakis 'Dune' has become an imperial capital, still thanks to its monopoly on the spice. Now Paul Muad'Dib Atreidis' son and daughter are coming of age, the stage is set for a new power game. The spice guilt has prepared a secret weapon: perfect clones. A reconstructed Duncan Idaho is offered to and accepted as a gift by the reigning Atreides, although Stilgar warns against the sisterhood's crafty power-hunger."
"Twelve years after the emperor's death, the Fremen armies have successfully subdued all known planets, killing off millions in numerous battles. The desert plant Arrakis 'Dune' has become an imperial capital, still thanks to its monopoly on the spice. Now Paul Muad'Dib Atreidis' son and daughter are coming of age, the stage is set for a new power game. The spice guilt has prepared a secret weapon: perfect clones. A reconstructed Duncan Idaho is offered to and accepted as a gift by the reigning Atreides, although Stilgar warns against the sisterhood's crafty power-hunger."
On this day in 2004, Mutant X aired "Age Of Innocence." This served as the sixteenth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mutant X unearths an old military experiment involving an age-reversal serum and is surprised to discover that Jesse's grandfather is a one of the test subjects."
"Mutant X unearths an old military experiment involving an age-reversal serum and is surprised to discover that Jesse's grandfather is a one of the test subjects."
On this day in 2012, Star Wars: The Clone Wars aired "Revenge." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mother Talzin restores Darth Maul's sanity and gives him a better pair of mechanical legs. Now Maul wants revenge on Obi-Wan Kenobi and lures the Jedi to the remote planet of Raydonia."
"Mother Talzin restores Darth Maul's sanity and gives him a better pair of mechanical legs. Now Maul wants revenge on Obi-Wan Kenobi and lures the Jedi to the remote planet of Raydonia."
On this day in 2015, Spain's The Department Of Time aired "Una megociacion a tiempo." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Salvador sends the team to 1491 to save the first discoverer of the time doors from the Spanish Inquisition, and Amelia hides her job at the Ministry by telling her 1880 parents that she has a boyfriend."
"Salvador sends the team to 1491 to save the first discoverer of the time doors from the Spanish Inquisition, and Amelia hides her job at the Ministry by telling her 1880 parents that she has a boyfriend."
