The venerable Richard Denning made appearances in such properties as Unknown Island (1948), Creature From The Black Lagoon (1954), Creature With The Atom Brain (1955), Day The World Ended (1955), and The Black Scorpion (1957). Though he's no longer with us, Denning was born on this day in 1914. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, nothing says "vintage Science Fiction" like a scantily-clad woman down on all fours with a monster on her back, and that lovely lady is none other than Tandra Quinn, featured as 'Tarantella' in Mesa Of Lost Women (1953). She appeared in four films that same year, which also saw the release of her SciFi-themed The Neanderthal Man (1953) for Global Productions, both films of which definitely took advantage of her undenaibly strong sex appeal. (Woof!) Though she's no longer with us, Quinn was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning David Janssen faced the Final Frontier for his role aboard Marooned (1969), a SciFi/Drama from Columbia Pictures Corporation. His genre appearances were few: I've only located two -- 1955's Cult Of The Cobra and 1972's Moon Of The Wolf. Though he's no longer with us, Janssen was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Patrick Newell left behind a resume rich in over one hundred and fifty different screen credits. He served time aboard such properties as The Avengers, Doctor Who, Kinvig, Young Sherlock Holmes (1985), and Galloping Galaxies! Though he's no longer with us, Newell was born on this day in 1932. [Source: IMDB.com]
Poor Julian Glover (above right). Not only has he had the misfortune of playing characters who've drawn the ire and attention of Darth Vader and Indiana Jones, but he also ticked off an entire Martian species in Quatermass and the Pit aka Five Million Years To Earth (1967). The actor also had a pretty grand appearance in the world of HBO's Game Of Thrones for good measure. Glover was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
Voluptuous pin-up model June Wilkinson didn't only use her considerable assets to benefit the pages of Playboy Magazine. She enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard Batman and Frankenstein's Great Aunt Tillie (1984) for good measure. Wilkinson was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Austin Pendleton is another one of those actors who turns up all over the place but never quite seems to find the stardom his work deserves. As far as genre projects, he's been a part of The Muppet Movie (1979), Simon (1980), Short Circuit (1986), and the US version of Life On Mars. Pendleton was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
1976's visionary Logan's Run is one of those films that Hollywood has been chomping at the bit to remake for several years now, and I just wish they'd leave it alone. Even when considering the piece's dated production values, it still maintains a charm today, and the theme remains relevant for anyone looking. In it, a young Michael York played the key role of 'Logan,' a Sandman on the run when he realizes his time is running out. York was born on this day in 1942.
For the record:
In 1978, Michael York was nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' in his work in the cinematic adaptation of The Island Of Dr. Moreau.
For the record:
In 1978, Michael York was nominated for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Actor' in his work in the cinematic adaptation of The Island Of Dr. Moreau.
Grant McCune was a Special Effects wizard responsible largely for working with miniatures aboard such projects as Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977), Battlestar Galactica (ABC), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Firefox (1982), and Spaceballs (1987). Though he's no longer with us, McCune was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
For his work aboard George Lucas's groundbreaking Star Wars, McCune shared an Academy Award Oscar in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' He also enjoyed an Academy Award nomination (in the same category) for his work in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
For the record:
For his work aboard George Lucas's groundbreaking Star Wars, McCune shared an Academy Award Oscar in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects.' He also enjoyed an Academy Award nomination (in the same category) for his work in 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
Size matters not in the realm of Fantasy, as the career of the late John Edward Allen attests. In his lifetime, he managed to squeeze in roles aboard Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Blade Runner (1982), Tales From The Darkside, Swamp Thing, Superboy, and Snow White: A Tale Of Terror (1997). Though he's no longer with us, Allen was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
The resume of Mark Northover is very slim (only five professional entries), but he still managed to make appearances aboard Willow (1988) and Hardware (1990), one of the creepier SciFi films of its generation. Though he's no longer with us, Northover was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mark Stetson is an Academy Award winning Special Effects wizard who has contributed to such projects as Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Blade Runner (1982), Solarbabies (1986), Total Recall (1990), Waterworld (1995), The Fifth Element (1997), and Peter Jackson's The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Stetson was born on this day in 1952.
For the record:
Stetson's career has been rewarded with a lot of great praise. While he was nominated for his visionary effects work in 1985 (2010: The Year We Make Contact) and 2007 (Superman Returns), he took home the Oscar for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' in 2002 for his contributions to The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001). Furthermore, he's been nominated for the Saturn Award with his effects work in 1998 (The Fifth Element), 2002 (The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring), and 2007 (Superman Returns).
For the record:
Stetson's career has been rewarded with a lot of great praise. While he was nominated for his visionary effects work in 1985 (2010: The Year We Make Contact) and 2007 (Superman Returns), he took home the Oscar for 'Best Effects - Visual Effects' in 2002 for his contributions to The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001). Furthermore, he's been nominated for the Saturn Award with his effects work in 1998 (The Fifth Element), 2002 (The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring), and 2007 (Superman Returns).
There's no doubt in my mind that Caroline Williams is best known for her work in the realm of traditional Horror flicks, but she has dabbled elsewhere, including work aboard the ever-growing Sharknado franchise. Williams was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
To most folks, that's award-winning actor Stephen Dillane; but to many that's the ill-fated Stannis Baratheon from HBO's Game Of Thrones. Dillane was born on this day in 1957.
Not only has Adrian Rawlins had the good fortune of appearing in the greater Harry Potter universe, but he's also made a visit to the realms of Doctor Who. Rawlins was born on this day in 1958.
SciFi novelist Kevin J. Anderson has taken a crack a fashioning spin-off novels for a variety of franchises, including Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E. and The X-Files. Anderson was born on this day in 1962.
I'm not as gaga over the works of Quentin Tarantino as are most film nerds, but I do appreciate how he has cleverly incorporated elements of Fantasy into his storytelling. He even briefly flirted with the notion of making a Star Trek film, which definitely would've been interesting given the man's narrative sensibilities. Tarantino was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Clive Rowe (above right) made an appearance aboard "Voyage of the Damned," a 2007 episode of the BBC's Doctor Who. Rowe was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though much of her work is in more conventional fare, Paula Trickey dabbled elsewhere with work aboard Time Trax, Black Scorpion, and Sliders. Trickey was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Talisa Soto turned heads (if by no other means than swift-kicking them) for her work aboard the 1990's Mortal Kombat films. Soto was born on this day in 1967. [Source: IMDB.com]
The work of Sandra Hess certainly deserves celebration amongst those who appreciate genre appearances. She's been a part of SeaQuest 2032, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Baywatch Nights, Beastmaster III: The Eye of Braxus (1996), Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997), TV's Highlander, Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD (1998), Sliders, and Gargoyle (2005). Hess was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Audiences might not know it, but NCIS's Pauley Perrette actually maintains some pretty impressive SciFi credentials. First off, she provided vocals for the 1997 Blade Runner video game. A few years later, she did some voicework for the fondly remembered Batman Beyond. In the 2001-2002 TV season, she enjoyed multiple appearances aboard Special Unit 2, a short-lived procedural involving monsters on-the-loose in Chicago. Lastly, she provided the voice of 'Lois Lane' aboard the DC Comics direct-to-DVD release of Superman vs. The Elite (2012). Perrette was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kevin Corrigan enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard Fox TV's popular Fringe during the SciFi show's run. Corrigan was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Here's a tip for aspiring SciFi showrunners: if you want an audience, then cast the lovely Elizabeth Mitchell in it somewhere. I swooned for this beauty initially with her small role in 2000's Frequency, and I was thrilled she joined the ensemble that was ABC TV's Lost. I honestly didn't much care for the V reboot she appeared in, but that's not her fault: I just found the writing subpar. More recently, she turned up aboard the SciFi series The Expanse. Mitchell was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
And what acclaim has the actress received in exchange for her continuing work in genre entertainment? Well, she does have a Saturn Award (thus far) but has been nominated an incredible six times for her acting in our realm ... and that's no small feat, indeed. Though she's moved into some more mainstream fare at present, let's definitely hope we haven't seen the last of her in Science Fiction and Fantasy.
For the record:
And what acclaim has the actress received in exchange for her continuing work in genre entertainment? Well, she does have a Saturn Award (thus far) but has been nominated an incredible six times for her acting in our realm ... and that's no small feat, indeed. Though she's moved into some more mainstream fare at present, let's definitely hope we haven't seen the last of her in Science Fiction and Fantasy.
As I've mentioned before, I just didn't get into Firefly or its spinoff movie Serenity (2005). It isn't that I didn't see merit in the characters and situations; rather it just never struck a chord with me as anything all that interesting. ("To each his own ...") In many ways, it felt an awful lot like Starhunter but with vastly better scripts. In any event, I did appreciate the performances, of which Nathan Fillion sure turned in a big damn doozy. Fillion -- always a fan favorite and an alleged supporter of questionable workplace ethics (link) (link) (link) -- was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
In 2005, Fillion enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Breakthrough Performance Of The Year' for his work in Joss Whedon's Serenity from the Golden Schmoes Awards.
For the record:
In 2005, Fillion enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Breakthrough Performance Of The Year' for his work in Joss Whedon's Serenity from the Golden Schmoes Awards.
Jason Narvy (above left) had the good fortune of playing in the realm of Power Rangers across several TV incarnations. Narvy was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
There's a solid history of rockstars who've dabbled in filmdom, and Fergie is no slouch, having a small role aboard Planet Terror (2007), the better half of Miramax's Grindhouse cinematic experiment. Fergie was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Roger Velasco leapt into the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy with his work aboard Power Rangers In Space amongst other Ranger properties. Velasco was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aboard Containment (2015), Louise Brealey played one of an ensemble who came together in the face of mankind's fall. Brealey was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, the li'l Ashley Bank enjoyed a role aboard the fondly-remembered cinematic Fantasy The Monster Squad (1987). Bank was born on this day in 1981. [Source: IMDB.com]
One of Jon Steuer's earliest professional gigs was playing (the first) Alexander Rozhenko aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation. Though he's no longer with us, Steuer was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
[NOTE: Sadly, Jon took his own life on January 1, 2018. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
[NOTE: Sadly, Jon took his own life on January 1, 2018. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please share the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255. It's never too late to save a life.]
Science Fiction loves the ginger! Bonnie Gordon wore the Starfleet uniform for her role aboard the web-based Shield Of Tomorrow, a Star Trek related something-or-other. Gordon was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you've missed out on Amazon Studios SciFi/Anthology series Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams, then you're missing something special. Not all installments are perfect -- such is the nature of anthology shows -- but there are some terrific gems in there worth your time, including Holliday Grainger's episode, "The Hood Maker." Grainger was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Rosabell Laurenti Sellers turned quite deadly for her role as 'Tyene Sand' aboard HBO's popular Fantasy/Drama, Game Of Thrones. Sellers was born on this day in 1996.
Pretty newcomer Natasha Calis is only just starting to build her resume. Thus far, she's squeezed in performances aboard Impact and Donovan's Echo (2011) worthy of notice to genre fans, but hopefully she'll be exploring more. Calis was born on this day in 1999. [Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1959 (in the Netherlands), Sinbad took to the high seas once more with The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad. Directed by Nathan Juran, the Fantasy film starred Kerwin Mathews, Kathryn Grant, and Richard Eyer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
"When a princess is shrunken by an evil wizard, Sinbad must undertake a quest to an island of monsters to cure her and prevent a war."
For the record:
At the 1959 Hugo Awards, the film enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation,' but -- curiously enough -- no film apparently received enough votes to win the top honors that year. Also, it bears mentioning that in 2008, The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve films that have contributed to the wider legacy of the medium.
On this day in 1968 (in Los Angeles, California), Planet Of The Apes enjoyed its release in theatres. The feature starred Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
"An astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet in the distant future where intelligent talking apes are the dominant species, and humans are the oppressed and enslaved."
On this day in 1972 (in Sweden), the original Family/Classic Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory delivered its sugary goodness to theaters. Roald Dahl adapted his book for the project that was directed by Mel Stuart. The cast included the incomparable Gene Wilder along with Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum in central roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
A star is born! On this day in 1975 (in Italy), science finally harnessed the potential behind something men and women could universally agree upon with the theatrical release of The Sex Machine. Written and directed by Pasquale Festa Campanile, the SciFi/Comedy starred Gigi Proietti, Agostina Belli, and Eleonora Giorgi. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2037, depletion of natural fuels has ended electrical power throughout the world. No light, no heat, no TV. Until a team of award-winning scientists succeeds in harnessing energy from the world's oldest source of reciprocating motion."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Sex Machine climaxed with one big win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
"In 2037, depletion of natural fuels has ended electrical power throughout the world. No light, no heat, no TV. Until a team of award-winning scientists succeeds in harnessing energy from the world's oldest source of reciprocating motion."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Sex Machine climaxed with one big win from a screening on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 1979 (in Portugal), the apes were again up to their dirty work with the theatrical release of Conquest Of The Planet Of The Apes. Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Roddy McDowall, Don Murray, and Ricardo Montalban. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
"In a futuristic world that has embraced ape slavery, Caesar, the son of the late simians Cornelius and Zira, surfaces after almost twenty years of hiding out from the authorities, and prepares for a slave revolt against humanity."
On this day in 1980 (in Spain), the crew of the Starship Enterprise were back with the silver screen debut of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Directed by Robert Wise, the original crew of the Starship Enterprise all returned to active duty for the film; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
"When an alien spacecraft of enormous power is spotted approaching Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk resumes command of the overhauled USS Enterprise in order to intercept it."
For the record:
Star Trek enjoyed a trio of Academy Awards nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' and 'Best Music - Original Score' -- yet failed to take home any trophies. It did, however, take home the Saturn Award for 'Best Special Effects' in the 1980 ceremony. Lastly, it enjoyed the nomination only for 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the 1980 Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1984, The Passing played for audiences in attendance of the USA Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by John Huckert, the SciFi/Horror starred James Carroll Plaster, Welton Benjamin Johnson, and Lynn Odell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two elderly World War II buddies are living - and dying - together in their small home. One becomes a patient where salvage-worthy, older attributes are combined with useable, younger body parts. He returns, unrecognized by the other."
"Two elderly World War II buddies are living - and dying - together in their small home. One becomes a patient where salvage-worthy, older attributes are combined with useable, younger body parts. He returns, unrecognized by the other."
On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Freejack brought an impressive cast to an undercooked idea involving Science-fueled immortality. Directed by Geoff Murphy, the SciFi/Thriller starred Emilio Estevez, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins, and Mick Jagger. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Bounty hunters from the future transport a doomed race-car driver to 2009 New York, where his mind will be replaced with that of a dead billionaire."
For the record:
Though it didn't go home with any statues from the 1993 Saturn Awards (hosted by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Freejack did enjoy three nominations: 'Best Costumes,' 'Best supporting Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1992 (in Turkey), Prayer Of The Rollerboys delivered a camp-infused look at a (cough cough) high-speed Dystopia. Directed by Rick King from a script by W. Peter Iliff, the film starred Corey Haim, Patricia Arquette, and Christopher Collet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a dystopian near future America, a young man infiltrates a powerful drug dealing rollerblading youth gang that runs his town in order to end their reign for good."
For the record:
At the 1992 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Prayer Of The Rollerboys enjoyed a pair of nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"In a dystopian near future America, a young man infiltrates a powerful drug dealing rollerblading youth gang that runs his town in order to end their reign for good."
For the record:
At the 1992 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Prayer Of The Rollerboys enjoyed a pair of nominations (but no wins) in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2002 (in Spain, Denmark, and Sweden), E.T. - The Extraterrestrial enjoyed another run through theaters as part of its 20th anniversary celebration. Written by Melissa Mathison and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film starred Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, and Peter Coyote. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially. The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues. The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors. It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
"A troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape Earth and return to his home world."
For the record:
Yes, yes, and yes! Though E.T. was no screen monster, the film did monster business, both critically and commercially. The Spielberg feature racked up an incredible nine Academy Award nominations and was able to turn four of them ('Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Effects - Visual Effects') into gold statues. The Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films was a bit more complimentary: the flick received 8 nominations and turned five of them ('Best Poster Art,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Music,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film') into top honors. It did have to settle with only the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the 1983 Hugo Awards, but the feature racked up an impressive number of honors from many organizations.
On this day in 2006, A For Andromeda came down to earth for TV audiences. This starred Tom Hardy and Kelly Reilly, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"In the Yorkshire Dales, a group of scientists receive radio signals from the Andromeda Galaxy. Once decoded, these give them a computer program that can design a human clone. One physicist decides it is a Trojan horse and decides to destroy the computer."
"In the Yorkshire Dales, a group of scientists receive radio signals from the Andromeda Galaxy. Once decoded, these give them a computer program that can design a human clone. One physicist decides it is a Trojan horse and decides to destroy the computer."
On this day in 2006 (in the United Kingdom), things were looked a bit Jurassic with the release of Anonymous Rex. Directed by Julian Jarrold, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sam Trammell, Daniel Baldwin, and Stephanie Lemelin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The dinosaurs didn't go completely extinct when the asteroids hit 65 million years ago. Today, every ten thousandth person in the country is a dinosaur, evolved to be human-sized, wearing sophisticated solid-light holographic disguises to maintain the facade, getting stoned off regular cooking herbs like basil, rosemary and tarragon, and living by their own shadow government's laws; any human who stumbles upon them is to be immediately executed. Two dino private investigators, velociraptor Vincent Rubio and triceratops Ernie Watson, are hired by one of Ernie's old girlfriends to find out why her younger brother committed suicide, and discover a dino cult called Voice Of Progress that wants dinokind to come out of the closet and reclaim the planet."
"The dinosaurs didn't go completely extinct when the asteroids hit 65 million years ago. Today, every ten thousandth person in the country is a dinosaur, evolved to be human-sized, wearing sophisticated solid-light holographic disguises to maintain the facade, getting stoned off regular cooking herbs like basil, rosemary and tarragon, and living by their own shadow government's laws; any human who stumbles upon them is to be immediately executed. Two dino private investigators, velociraptor Vincent Rubio and triceratops Ernie Watson, are hired by one of Ernie's old girlfriends to find out why her younger brother committed suicide, and discover a dino cult called Voice Of Progress that wants dinokind to come out of the closet and reclaim the planet."
On this day in 2008 (in Russia and Thailand), it was Doomsday all over again. (Well ... cinematically, that is.) Written and directed by Neil Marshall, the SciFi/Thriller starred Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, and Alexander Siddig. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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 2008 (in Russia), Superhero Movie soared onto the silver screen. Written and directed by Craig Mazin, the Fantasy/Comedy starred Drake Bell, Leslie Nielsen, and Sara Paxton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Orphaned high school student Rick Riker is bitten by a radioactive dragonfly, develops super powers (except for the ability to fly), and becomes a hero."
"Orphaned high school student Rick Riker is bitten by a radioactive dragonfly, develops super powers (except for the ability to fly), and becomes a hero."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Australia), Aa Dekhen Zara delivered some thrills and chills to the silver screen. Directed by Jehangir Surti, the SciFi/Thriller starred Neil Nitin Mukesh, Mukesh Agrohari, and Bipasha Basu. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A photographer has nothing going for him, until he inherits a camera that has the ability to predict the future. In the process, he gains dangerous enemies who wants his camera for illicit goals."
"A photographer has nothing going for him, until he inherits a camera that has the ability to predict the future. In the process, he gains dangerous enemies who wants his camera for illicit goals."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in Canada), Master Key (aka Grande ourse: La clé des possibles) delivered a bit of magical Fantasy to the box office. Directed by Patrice Sauvé from a script by Frédéric Ouellet, the picture starred Marc Messier, Normand Daneau, and Fanny Mallette. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"To save his best friend, Louis-Bernard Lapointe has to transport himself to a parallel world to find the 'Key of Possibilities', a magical and legendary object that allow his user to visit an infinite numbers of universes where everything is possible."
For the record:
At the 2010 Genie Awards (recognizing excellence in film production in Canada), Master Key took home two big wins while having to settle for the honor of nominations alone in an incredible six other categories. At the 2010 Jutra Awards (recognizing excellence in film production in Quebec), the film scored an astonishing nine nominations (but no wins).
"To save his best friend, Louis-Bernard Lapointe has to transport himself to a parallel world to find the 'Key of Possibilities', a magical and legendary object that allow his user to visit an infinite numbers of universes where everything is possible."
For the record:
At the 2010 Genie Awards (recognizing excellence in film production in Canada), Master Key took home two big wins while having to settle for the honor of nominations alone in an incredible six other categories. At the 2010 Jutra Awards (recognizing excellence in film production in Quebec), the film scored an astonishing nine nominations (but no wins).
On this day in 2010 (in Germany), Swamp Devil emerged from the swamp and tooks its place on broadcast television. Directed by David Winning, the SciFi/Horror starred Bruce Dern, Cindy Sampson, and Nicolas Wright; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young girl finds out some disturbing supernatural truths about her father, who has been a suspect to multiple murder cases."
"A young girl finds out some disturbing supernatural truths about her father, who has been a suspect to multiple murder cases."
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), When London Sleeps It Came Alive enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Johnnie Oddball, the SciFi/Comedy starred Nick Acott, Tony Arnold, and Alex Barclay. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mocumentry following a hapless yet determined crew as they try to make a hit sci-fi feature with nothing in the budget but hopes and dreams. Follow the adventures of the crew as they battle with cold weather, lack of funds, bad actors and killer robots from space."
"A mocumentry following a hapless yet determined crew as they try to make a hit sci-fi feature with nothing in the budget but hopes and dreams. Follow the adventures of the crew as they battle with cold weather, lack of funds, bad actors and killer robots from space."
On this day in 2013 (in Spain), The Last Days delivered audiences with one more look at a possible Apocalypse. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"2013. A mysterious epidemic spreads across the planet. Humanity develops an irrational fear of open spaces that causes death within seconds. Soon, the world population is trapped inside buildings. As Barcelona descends into chaos, Marc sets off on a quest to find Julia, his missing girlfriend, without ever going outside."
"2013. A mysterious epidemic spreads across the planet. Humanity develops an irrational fear of open spaces that causes death within seconds. Soon, the world population is trapped inside buildings. As Barcelona descends into chaos, Marc sets off on a quest to find Julia, his missing girlfriend, without ever going outside."
- If you'd like to know more, then feel free to read SciFiHistory.Net's review for The Last Days right here.
On this day in 2014 (in Greece and Serbia), Divergent delivered yet one more cinematic adaptation from the Young Adult novel universe to the theaters. The film was directed by Neil Burger, and the script -- based on the Veronica Roth novel ("Divergent") -- was penned by
Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor. The SciFi/Fantasy starred Shailene Woodley, Theo James, and Kate Winslet. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world divided by factions based on virtues, Tris learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late."
For the record:
As the story deals chiefly with young people, the film was the recipient of a good amount of praise from such organizations as the Young Hollywood Awards, the Teen Choice Awards, and the MTV Movie + TV Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Spain), Linko played for audiences in attendance of the Málaga Film Festival. Directed by the team of Rafael Calvo, David Valero, and Xosé Zapata, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Críspulo Cabezas, Manel Barceló, and Daniel Carrillo. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a near future, after a global war has destroyed civilization, pirate gangs attack and loot surviving people. Kurt and his 9 years-old son Icaro manage to live safely in an abandoned airport lost on a remote island. But one day an intruder arrives, the young and wild pirate Linko."
"In a near future, after a global war has destroyed civilization, pirate gangs attack and loot surviving people. Kurt and his 9 years-old son Icaro manage to live safely in an abandoned airport lost on a remote island. But one day an intruder arrives, the young and wild pirate Linko."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Dead Rising: Watchtower took another swing at the whole 'video game adaptation' marketplace. Directed by Zach Lipovsky from a script by Tim Carter, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, and Virginia Madsen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An ineffective vaccine fails to stop an epidemic which is turning people into zombies. The survivors organize themselves to escape from the living dead."
"An ineffective vaccine fails to stop an epidemic which is turning people into zombies. The survivors organize themselves to escape from the living dead."
On this day in 2015 (in Singapore), the 1927-produced Metropolis enjoyed a rare theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of the Endeavours Documentary Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Fritz Lang, the Silent SciFi/Drama starred Brigitte Helm, Alfred Abel, and Gustav Fröhlich. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
"In a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences."
For the record:
There are some who say that it wasn't until Fritz Lang's Metropolis made its silver screen debut that Science Fiction -- as a motion picture -- was truly born, and I suppose there might be a glimmer of truth to that. Arguably, the film probably wasn't as revered in its time as its become as the years have gone by, but the same could be said of other pictures in their respective genres. IMDB.com denotes only a single critical citation back then -- it received a nomination in the category of 'Most Popular Film' at the 1927 Faro Island Film Festival -- and it has racked up some solid accolades since then, especially with its 2002 restoration and subsequent home video releases.
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the International Horror & Sci-Fi Film Festival were treated to the very first theatrical exhibition ever of The Shells. Written and directed by Max Finneran, the Fantasy/Horror starred Anna Andresen, Sara Chase, and Nick Fondulis. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Led by a madly enthusiastic director, a team of amateur filmmakers hole up in a former undercover DOD research facility to make a film about a dream researcher who disappeared while in the midst of a secret neurological experiment."
"Led by a madly enthusiastic director, a team of amateur filmmakers hole up in a former undercover DOD research facility to make a film about a dream researcher who disappeared while in the midst of a secret neurological experiment."
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in the U.S.), Agent stirred up a bit of conspiracy on the silver screen. Written by and directed by Derek Ting (who also starred), the feature also gave roles to Marikah Baran, Eric Keitel, and Olivia Hultgren. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of friends go to the desert for a gun instruction course and accidentally unleash a power so great it overwhelms them where they must choose between family and friends versus the fate of the world."
"A group of friends go to the desert for a gun instruction course and accidentally unleash a power so great it overwhelms them where they must choose between family and friends versus the fate of the world."
A star is born! On this day in 2020, The Arbors enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it played for audiences in attendance of the RiverRun International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Clayton Witmer, the SciFi/Thriller starred Drew Matthews, Ryan Davenport, and Sarah Cochrane; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ethan's life takes an unsettling turn after finding a strange small creature and forming a mysterious connection."
"Ethan's life takes an unsettling turn after finding a strange small creature and forming a mysterious connection."
On this day in 1954, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Space Station Of Danger." According to our friends at the reliable IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"Twin threats imperil Tom and his men on a remote space station: a liquid compound is evaporating into the station's atmosphere sickening the crew while saboteurs plan to destroy the base with a nuclear time bomb."
"Twin threats imperil Tom and his men on a remote space station: a liquid compound is evaporating into the station's atmosphere sickening the crew while saboteurs plan to destroy the base with a nuclear time bomb."
On this day in 1965, Doctor Who aired "The Lion." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The TARDIS lands in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade and the crew help save Richard the Lionheart from an ambush, but Barbara is captured and brought before Saladin."
"The TARDIS lands in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade and the crew help save Richard the Lionheart from an ambush, but Barbara is captured and brought before Saladin."
On this day in 1971, Doctor Who aired "The Claws of Axos, Part 3." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Jo are being held prisoner by Axos while Chinn is forced to organise the worldwide distribution of axonite and the Master returns to the power complex to try and steal the TARDIS."
"The Doctor and Jo are being held prisoner by Axos while Chinn is forced to organise the worldwide distribution of axonite and the Master returns to the power complex to try and steal the TARDIS."
The first season finale of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century aired on this day back in 1980. "Flight of the War Witch" saw Capt. Rogers and Twiki warping into another universe where the people of Pendar are being oppressed by the evil Zarina (played by Julie Newmar). Naturally, oppression doesn't sit well with Buck, so he forms an uneasy alliance with his long-time nemesis, Princess Ardala, in a bid to join forces and free the people.
For those of you who like this sort of thing, I've taken the time to screencap much of this first season episode, and interested parties can check out those pictures right here.
For the record: It's also interesting to note that this episode's costume designer -- Al Lehman -- scored a 1980 Primetime Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Costume Design for a Series.' Though he didn't win the trophy, it's still definitely deserving of mention in this space.
For those of you who like this sort of thing, I've taken the time to screencap much of this first season episode, and interested parties can check out those pictures right here.
For the record: It's also interesting to note that this episode's costume designer -- Al Lehman -- scored a 1980 Primetime Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Costume Design for a Series.' Though he didn't win the trophy, it's still definitely deserving of mention in this space.
It all came down to this: on this day in 1988, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "Retribution, Part 2." This served as the series finale -- the twenty-second episode of the program's first and only season -- and here's the plot summary as detailed by the ever- reliable IMDB.com:
"Lord Dread is about to have his mind transferred into a new machine body. But first he delivers his final strike against Captain Power. Blastarr and his troops attack the Jumpship and prevent it from entering a Teleportation gate by breaching it themselves. The machine forces overrun the Powerbase, manned only by Pilot as Power and the others remain helpless on the outside."
"Lord Dread is about to have his mind transferred into a new machine body. But first he delivers his final strike against Captain Power. Blastarr and his troops attack the Jumpship and prevent it from entering a Teleportation gate by breaching it themselves. The machine forces overrun the Powerbase, manned only by Pilot as Power and the others remain helpless on the outside."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Starship Mine." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Enterprise puts in to space dock for an energy sweep of the ship which is lethal to humans, Picard gets trapped on board with technicians who are not what they appear to be."
"When the Enterprise puts in to space dock for an energy sweep of the ship which is lethal to humans, Picard gets trapped on board with technicians who are not what they appear to be."
On this day in 1994, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Fly Hard." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Criminals burst into the Daily Planet offices and take most of the employees there prisoner. Only Jimmy manages to escape, eventually finding his way into the ventilation ducts. The criminals want to plunder the secret vault of Prohibition era racketeer Dragonetti, and they'll do it thanks to a set of old blueprints and the information provided by their mysterious boss. Superman risks nuclear catastrophe if he attempts to intervene!"
"Criminals burst into the Daily Planet offices and take most of the employees there prisoner. Only Jimmy manages to escape, eventually finding his way into the ventilation ducts. The criminals want to plunder the secret vault of Prohibition era racketeer Dragonetti, and they'll do it thanks to a set of old blueprints and the information provided by their mysterious boss. Superman risks nuclear catastrophe if he attempts to intervene!"
On this day in 1994, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Blood Oath." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Three legendary Klingons come to DS9 to see if Jadzia will participate in a blood oath that they made with Dax's previous host Curzon."
"Three legendary Klingons come to DS9 to see if Jadzia will participate in a blood oath that they made with Dax's previous host Curzon."
On this day in 1998, Power Rangers In Space aired "When Push Comes To Shove." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Cassie loses her diary, which she believes may contain a picture of her that would reveal her identity as a Power Ranger. George, a teen troublemaker, gets ahold of it and uses it as blackmail to make Cassie go on a date with his pal, Lenny, a gentle giant. Meanwhile, Prof. Phenomenus unveils a new plutonium fuel, which plans to use to send Bulk & Skull into space to find aliens. But Astronema becomes aware of this, and has the Elephantitan monster try to topple the skyscraper the fuel is being stored at, in an effort to wipe out Angel Grove. It just so happens to be the same building Cassie & Lenny are having dinner at! Will she Morph in front of him in order to save lives? Or can a new weapon in the Rangers' arsenal arrive in the nick of time?"
"Cassie loses her diary, which she believes may contain a picture of her that would reveal her identity as a Power Ranger. George, a teen troublemaker, gets ahold of it and uses it as blackmail to make Cassie go on a date with his pal, Lenny, a gentle giant. Meanwhile, Prof. Phenomenus unveils a new plutonium fuel, which plans to use to send Bulk & Skull into space to find aliens. But Astronema becomes aware of this, and has the Elephantitan monster try to topple the skyscraper the fuel is being stored at, in an effort to wipe out Angel Grove. It just so happens to be the same building Cassie & Lenny are having dinner at! Will she Morph in front of him in order to save lives? Or can a new weapon in the Rangers' arsenal arrive in the nick of time?"
On this day in 2002, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Acquisition." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Four greedy Ferengis have invaded Enterprise while the crew is unconscious. They have already confiscated numerous valuable supplies, but are still interested in more. They wake up captain Archer to get the know the whereabouts of 'the vault'. Another crew member is still awake in the decontamination chamber, Trip. He wakes T'Pol. Since the weakness of the invaders is not difficult to find, the three try to outsmart the Ferengis."
"Four greedy Ferengis have invaded Enterprise while the crew is unconscious. They have already confiscated numerous valuable supplies, but are still interested in more. They wake up captain Archer to get the know the whereabouts of 'the vault'. Another crew member is still awake in the decontamination chamber, Trip. He wakes T'Pol. Since the weakness of the invaders is not difficult to find, the three try to outsmart the Ferengis."
On this day in 2004, Starhunter 2300 aired "Hyperspace, Part 1" -- the first half for what promised to be a big finish for its second season. According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the plot summary:
"While trying to solve the problems of hyperspace, Marcus finds help in the theories of a Dr. Gregory Lanzig and decides to track him down. Lanzig proves hard to find, but Travis and Callie find his assistant Dr. Vienna Xeylon and learn she and Lanzig are one and the same. Xeylon offers a device called a horizon generator which once installed in the Tulip' will help create a stable warp bubble. Soon, Orchard agents come for Xeylon, and Callie is shot during the ensuing firefight. Callie later dies from a powerful toxin carried by the bullet that destroys muscle tissue. Not wanting Callie's death to be for nothing, Travis and Marcus infiltrate The Orchard's facility on Mars and free Xeylon, but Tristan Catchpole returns and chases the Tulip down. The only chance left for escape is to try Xeylon's device and enter hyperspace."
"While trying to solve the problems of hyperspace, Marcus finds help in the theories of a Dr. Gregory Lanzig and decides to track him down. Lanzig proves hard to find, but Travis and Callie find his assistant Dr. Vienna Xeylon and learn she and Lanzig are one and the same. Xeylon offers a device called a horizon generator which once installed in the Tulip' will help create a stable warp bubble. Soon, Orchard agents come for Xeylon, and Callie is shot during the ensuing firefight. Callie later dies from a powerful toxin carried by the bullet that destroys muscle tissue. Not wanting Callie's death to be for nothing, Travis and Marcus infiltrate The Orchard's facility on Mars and free Xeylon, but Tristan Catchpole returns and chases the Tulip down. The only chance left for escape is to try Xeylon's device and enter hyperspace."
On this day in 2008, Smallville aired "Veritas." This served as the fifteenth episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Brainiac ends up in a confrontation with Clark after trying to coerce Kara into joining him, he takes it out on Lana."
"When Brainiac ends up in a confrontation with Clark after trying to coerce Kara into joining him, he takes it out on Lana."
On this day in 2015, 12 Monkeys aired "Shonin" on Syfy. This served as the eleventh hour to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Cole splinters to Tokyo in 1987 in a last chance effort to stop the Army of the 12 Monkeys."
"Cole splinters to Tokyo in 1987 in a last chance effort to stop the Army of the 12 Monkeys."
On this day in 2001, Star Trek: Away Team was made available for retail to the general public. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what the gameplay was all about:
"Isometric tactical action game about the away team of the USS Incursion, a Federation starship with unique masking technology. The team is joined by Data and Worf. They face a new mysterious threat known as the Wardens."
"Isometric tactical action game about the away team of the USS Incursion, a Federation starship with unique masking technology. The team is joined by Data and Worf. They face a new mysterious threat known as the Wardens."
