Sigh. At some point, I really do need to sit down and binge Orphan Black. (FYI: It premiered on this day back in 2013.) I watched its first season while it aired originally; but when it came back for its second season I somehow lost interest in it fairly quickly. I can only say I was a bit confused with how the plot turned into a different area -- that's all I recall specifically -- and I do believe I need to give it another try. If anything, the show definately established the merits of actress Tatiana Maslany on the global stage, and I wish her the best of luck in whatever she pursues. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her."
"A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her."
Not many women would Hollywood claim could rival the sex appeal of the legendary Marilyn Monroe, but -- truth be told -- Greta Thyssen certainly gave the blonde bombshell a run for her money. This Danish-born beauty -- often known as the 'Queen Of The B-Movies' -- was a favorite of photographers of that bygone era, and her career boasts appearances in such features as Terror Is A Man (1959) and Journey To The Seventh Planet (1961). Though she's no longer with us, Thyssen was born on this day in 1927. [Source: IMDB.com]
The Thing (1982) is one of those films wherein I find myself disagreeing with most SciFi fans: sure, it's good, but it feels more than a bit bloated to me. Still, kudos to the great Richard Dysart for his work in the picture. Though he's no longer with us, Dysart was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Riddle me this: what's John Astin have to do with Science Fiction? Well, for one thing, he enjoyed a recurring role as scientist Professor Wickwire on Fox TV's delicious The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.! Best known as the patriarch for The Addams Family, Astin was born on this day in 1930. [Source: IMDB.com]
Norwegian lovely Anna-Lisa enjoyed a bit of interesting exposure in the realm of Science Fiction of the by-gone era. In 1959, she joined the Three Stooges aboard their theatrical comedy Have Rocket -- Will Travel for Columbia Pictures. One year later, she re-upped her experience in the Final Frontier with a role aboard 12 To The Moon also for Columbia. She completed the Trifecta with an appearance in the Irwin Allen SciFi series Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea in 1964. Though she's no longer with us, Anna-Lisa was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
In life, you pick and choose your battles, but I've completely given up on trying to convince folks on why I feel Dick Tracy (1990) isn't really a Fantasy film at all. They typically respond with the argument that it presents an entirely fictitious 'secondary world' wherein these bigger than life characters commit and/or fight crime, and I guess that's good enough to give it a nod here. Hollywood legend Warren Beatty played the signature detective in the motion picture, and Beatty was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Kenneth Welsh enjoys a resume of well over two hundred different screen credits. For me, I'll always remember his work in the legendary Twin Peaks and maybe his appearances aboard Syfy's The Expanse during the early episodes. Though he's no longer with us, Welsh was born on this day in 1942. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Gabrielle Drake -- purple hair and all -- found fandom via UFO, Gerry Anderson's somewhat dark exploration of an alien race killing humans in order to harvest their body parts. Drake was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Dana Gillespie made a few visits to the realm of Fantasy, appearing in such projects as The Lost Continent (1968) and The People That Time Forgot (1977). Gillespie was born on this day in 1949. [Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Robbie Coltrane played a big role aboard the entire Harry Potter franchise, as well as dipping his feet into the world of James Bond in Goldeneye (1995) and The World Is Not Enough (1999). Back in 1989, he appeared in the Mark Hamill SciFi/Cult film Slipstream. Though he's no longer with us, Coltrane was born on this day in 1950. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Lisa Harrison enjoyed small roles aboard ABC TV's short-lived SciFi/Serial Invasion as well as a background part in Superman Returns (2006). Harrison was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
At some point, director James Cameron must've seen something very different in the face of lovable comedian Paul Reiser. I say that because Cameron cast Reiser as the nefarious Carter Burke in Aliens, giving the yuckster the opportunity to play a spineless corporate toadie to terrific acclaim. Reiser was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Maurice LaMarche is a legend in the voice-acting business. A seasoned veteran of an immeasurable number of fantastic projects, SciFi fans typically know him best from his work on Futurama, Tripping the Rift, Pinky and The Brain, and Captain Planet and the Planeteers. LaMarche was born on this day in 1958. [Source: IMDB.com]
Danitza Kingsley (and her wonderful midriff) lit up the small screen with a guest spot aboard the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. She had previously shown a wee bit more skin for her starring role in the Fantasy-themed Amazons (1986) for Aries Film International. Kingsley was born on this day in 1959. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Like it or not, Ian Ziering remains all that stands between mankind and the insurmountable juggernaut known as the Sharknado. He's even guested aboard Syfy's Defiance for good measure. Ziering was born on this day in 1964. [Source: IMDB.com]
The stunning Juliet Landau has lent her voice to such properties as Justice League Unlimited, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, and Green Lantern: The Animated Series. Landau was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
When it was announced that the popular T-800 Terminator would be appearing on the silver screen again aboard the kinda/sorta saga reboot Terminator Salvation (2009), there was much speculation about how an aging Arnold Schwarzenegger would step back into a role he had created decades earlier. (The bodybuilder even informed members of the press that he would be back in the gym again to get in shape.) However, my understanding has always been that actor Roland Kickinger provided the brawn while Arnold only provided the brain ... erm, face, that is. Watch the flick on home video yourself, and you be the judge. Kickinger was born on this day in 1968. [Source: IMDB.com]
Forgive the expression, but Lisa Danielle's a 'Jack of all trades!' This actress and model and female wrestler has the right stuff to stand tall with the best of them, and genre fans might know her best from brief appearances aboard Spider-Man (2002) and Minority Report (2002). Danielle was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Heidi Schanz teamed up with no less than Jean-Claude Van Damme himself in order to help bring Universal Soldier: The Return (1999) to life for Columbia TriStar Films. She also squeezed into roles aboard Virtuosity (1995) and TV's incarnation of another Jean-Claude Van Damme property, Timecop. Schanz was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
As Sha'uri in 1994's cinematic Stargate, actress Mili Avital found love in the heart of Dr. Daniel Jackson. She's since gone on to far more regular dramas, but methinks fandom would welcome her back. Avital was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Barry Sonnenfeld's modern era revisioning of the classic SciFi/Fantasy television series The Wild Wild West really lost an awful lot of the charm of the original, but it didn't spare any of the show's penchant for showing the loveliest ladies imaginable, even when they were dastardly companions. Sofia Eng served the nefarious Dr. Arliss Loveless admirably, and -- for that -- fans can be thankful. Eng was born on this day in 1972. [Source: IMDB.com]
Lillo Brancato (above left) played a role in the SciFi/Comedy The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002) with Eddie Murphy. Brancato was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Matt Doran joined Keanu Reeves on the very first theatrical journey into the world of The Matrix. No stranger to SciFi, Doran has also booked roles in Syfy's Farscape as well as an appearance in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones. Doran was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
A sultry Rebecca Love played SciFi and Fantasy for all of its camp sensibilities with her work in Bikini Girls From The Lost Planet (2006). She amped it up even further in the SciFi/Comedy Housewives From Another Planet (2010) for Infinity. Love was born on this day in 1976. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jose Pablo Cantillo is a talent who always turns in a solid performance. He's been a part of such projects as Virtuality (2009), Elysium (2013), Constantine, and Chappie (2015). Cantillo was born on this day in 1979. [Source: IMDB.com]
Well, it just looks like a lovely the caliber of Fiona Gubelmann doesn't do Science Fiction. Early in her career, she had roles aboard Blue Demon (2004), the retooled Knight Rider, and Lucifer, but her resume suggests she tends to gravitate toward largely mainstream fare. Gubelmann was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
When she was but an urchin, the lovely Lindsay Parker used her powers of persuasion in some pretty 'big girl' ways. Genre fans can check out her skills in such properties as Beauty And The Beast, Critters 2 (1988), Shocker (1989), and Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Parker was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
The fetching Winter Ave Zoli dipped her delicate toes into the Marvel Television Universe with a guest spot aboard Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. for good measure. Zoli was born on this day in 1980. [Source: IMDB.com]
The talented Jason Dohring hasn't exactly burnt up the charts among genre work, but he has had a few solid appearances in such properties as Deep Impact (1998), Roswell (TV), Moonlight (TV), Supernatural, The Tomorrow People, iZombie, and The Originals. Dohring was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Helena Mattsson has taken fandom by storm, appearing in Species: The Awakening, Surrogates, Legend of the Seeker, and Iron Man 2. While she's certainly kept busy in more mainstream, conventional fare, Science Fiction always embraces tough women. Mattsson was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
California born and raised Tessa Ferrer enjoyed a recurring role aboard the CBS summer SciFi series Extant during its 2014 season. Ferrer was born on this day in 1986. [Source: IMDB.com]
In her youth, the lovely Marley McClean enjoyed a recurring guest spot as one of the urchins aboard Star Trek: Voyager. McClean was born on this day in 1987. [Source: IMDB.com]
Adult film temptress Capri Anderson helped recreate an iconic moment from superhero filmdom (albeit with a decidedly mature spin) with her work aboard Spider-Man XXX: A Porn Parody for Vivid Entertainment. She also delved further into her craft (ahem) with appearances in Superman Vs. Spider-Man XXX: An Axel Braun Parody (2012), This Isn't The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - The XXX Parody Part 2 (2012), and E.T. XXX (2013). What can I say? A girl's gotta eat ... In any event, Anderson was born on this day in 1988. [Source: IMDB.com]
Texas native Allie Gonino continues to grow her resume to the delight of a burgeoning fan base. Viewers may've caught the lady's talents on display in such properties as Power Rangers HyperForce or High Voltage (2018). Gonino was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Armed and ready for action, the lovely Rola (above left) made her big screen debut aboard Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016). Rola was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Cassandra Scerbo put on the Starfleet uniform for one of those web-based projects, Star Trek: Progeny (2016). Her fans have been treated to her gutsy performance as part of the greater Sharknado universe of existence as well. Scerbo was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
Russian-born actress Irina Starshenbaum discovered the life and love might not be only bound to Earth in the SciFi/Romance Attraction (2017). Starshenbaum was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1979, Buck Rogers In The 25th Century enjoyed its U.S. theatrical release. Directed by Daniel Haller, the SciFi feature starred Gil Gerard and Erin Gray, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1987, Captain William "Buck" Rogers pilots his space shuttle Ranger 3 on a mission but a meteor storm freezes him into an orbit that returns him to Earth - 500 years later. In 2491, his shuttle is found and captured by the Draconian flagship, under the command of Princess Ardala and her second-in-command Kane. Reviving him, they return him to Earth after secretly planting a homing beacon aboard his shuttle to track a path through Earth's defense barrier. Buck is under arrest and learns that Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries in his absence following a nuclear holocaust. Buck Rogers must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Terrans that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
"In 1987, Captain William "Buck" Rogers pilots his space shuttle Ranger 3 on a mission but a meteor storm freezes him into an orbit that returns him to Earth - 500 years later. In 2491, his shuttle is found and captured by the Draconian flagship, under the command of Princess Ardala and her second-in-command Kane. Reviving him, they return him to Earth after secretly planting a homing beacon aboard his shuttle to track a path through Earth's defense barrier. Buck is under arrest and learns that Earth has been rebuilt over the centuries in his absence following a nuclear holocaust. Buck Rogers must adjust to the 25th century, and convince the Terrans that the Draconians are secretly planning to conquer Earth."
For the record:
Thankfully, there are a few nuggets of gold found in this curiously-dated version of the Buck Rogers saga. At the 1980 Saturn Awards sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films, Buck took hold the statue in the category of 'Best Costumes' but missed out in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' (for Pamela Hensley). However, at the 1979 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards, genre favorite Erin Gray had to endure a nomination for 'Worst Actress.' Ouch.
On this day in 1979, the original Star Wars opened in the great nation of Poland. The feature starred Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
On this day in 1985 (in Sweden), Caravan Of Courage: The Ewok Adventure aired on television. Directed by John Korty, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Aubree Miller and Eric Walker, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
"Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children, Mace and Cindel, on a quest to find their parents."
A star is born! On this day in 1985, audiences in attendance of the USA Film Festival were treated to the very first theatrical exhibition of The Stuff! (FYI: full U.S. release would follow a few months later.) Written and directed by Larry Cohen, the SciFi/Horror starred Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, and Garrett Morris; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A delicious, mysterious goo that oozes from the earth is marketed as the newest dessert sensation, but the tasty treat rots more than teeth when zombie-like snackers who only want to consume more of the strange substance at any cost begin infesting the world."
"A delicious, mysterious goo that oozes from the earth is marketed as the newest dessert sensation, but the tasty treat rots more than teeth when zombie-like snackers who only want to consume more of the strange substance at any cost begin infesting the world."
A star is born! On this day in 1988, The Invisible Kid enjoyed its theatrical debut in New York City. The SciFi/Comedy starred Jay Underwood and Chynna Phillips, and here's the plot summary as provided via IMDB.com:
"A nerdy teenage scientist discovers a formula for invisibility, and uses it to take revenge on all those who have wronged him--and also to spy on the girls' shower room."
"A nerdy teenage scientist discovers a formula for invisibility, and uses it to take revenge on all those who have wronged him--and also to spy on the girls' shower room."
A star is ... erm ... raised from the ooze! Cowabunga, dude! On this day in 1990, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles traveled onto the silver screen in a big budget extravaganza. Directed by Steve Barron, the film starred Judith Hoag and Elias Koteas, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from a gang of criminal ninjas."
"Four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from a gang of criminal ninjas."
On this day in 1993, Arcade opened on U.S. home video, delivering a screenplay developed by David S. Goyer and directed by Albert Pyun to the masses. Here's the (brief) plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"A virtual reality game begins taking over the minds of teenagers."
"A virtual reality game begins taking over the minds of teenagers."
On this day in 2000 (in Iceland), The Lost World enjoyed its release on home video. Bob Keen directed this adaptation of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel, and the film starred Patrick Bergin, Jayne Heitmeyer, and Julian Casey. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A scientist discovers dinosaurs on a remote plateau in Mongolia."
"A scientist discovers dinosaurs on a remote plateau in Mongolia."
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in Japan), WXIII: Patlabor The Movie III opened theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi/Anime:
"Two police detectives and SV2 investigate a series of mysterious acts of deadly destruction occuring in and around Tokyo Bay."
"Two police detectives and SV2 investigate a series of mysterious acts of deadly destruction occuring in and around Tokyo Bay."
On this day in 2011 (in Belgium), Battle Los Angeles invaded theaters. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the SciFi feature 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."
On this day in 2018, the 1950-produced Destination Moon played as part of a special engagement in the United States. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
"After their latest rocket fails, Dr. Charles Cargraves and retired General Thayer have to start over again. This time, Gen. Thayer approaches Jim Barnes, the head of his own aviation construction firms to help build a rocket that will take them to the moon. Together they gather the captains of industry and all pledge to support the goals of having the United States be the first to put a man on the moon. They build their rocket and successfully leave the Earth's gravitational pull and make the landing as scheduled. Barnes has miscalculated their fuel consumption however and after stripping the ship bare, they are still 100 lbs too heavy meaning that one of them will have to stay behind."
On this day in 2018 (in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the U.S.), The Titan roared into its internet release. Directed by Lennart Ruff, the SciFi/Drama starred Sam Worthington and Tom Wilkinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
"A military family takes part in a ground-breaking experiment of genetic evolution and space exploration."
On this day in 1960, Men Into Space aired "Shadows on the Moon." This served as the twenty-fifth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Moon survey mission finds a curiously-shaped rock formation. A month later, members of the return mission encounter other mysterious events and suspect that they are not alone."
"A Moon survey mission finds a curiously-shaped rock formation. A month later, members of the return mission encounter other mysterious events and suspect that they are not alone."
In the history of all things Star Trek, "The Alternative Factor" aired on this day back in 1967. Here's the skinny as listed over at IMDB.com:
"While mapping the uninhabited planet below, the Enterprise - indeed the entire galaxy - is affected by a powerful force after which a single human, Lazarus, is found on the planet. He claims to be after an evil creature who destroyed his entire civilization, but Spock can identify no other creature on the planet. Lazarus is in fact a time traveler who has been battling an alternate version of himself from an alternate universe. When Lazarus' opponent steals the ship's dilithium crystals, solving the mystery becomes a matter of life and death for Kirk and the crew."
"While mapping the uninhabited planet below, the Enterprise - indeed the entire galaxy - is affected by a powerful force after which a single human, Lazarus, is found on the planet. He claims to be after an evil creature who destroyed his entire civilization, but Spock can identify no other creature on the planet. Lazarus is in fact a time traveler who has been battling an alternate version of himself from an alternate universe. When Lazarus' opponent steals the ship's dilithium crystals, solving the mystery becomes a matter of life and death for Kirk and the crew."
On this day in 1968, Doctor Who aired "Fury From The Deep, Part 3." This served as the thirty-first episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While the Doctor begins his investigation into the weed creatures, Robson is attacked by one at the refinery."
"While the Doctor begins his investigation into the weed creatures, Robson is attacked by one at the refinery."
On this day in 1974, Doctor Who aired "The Monster of Peladon, Part 2." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's eleventh season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor is rescued by Gebek, prompting him to try and help the miners, but his advice results in Ettis launching another attack on the armoury."
"The Doctor is rescued by Gebek, prompting him to try and help the miners, but his advice results in Ettis launching another attack on the armoury."
On this day in 1980, Galactica 1980 aired the curiously titled "Spaceball." This served as the sixth episode to the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Treacherous Xaviar, the renegade Galactican, in disguise sends Troy and Dillon on a phony space mission that makes them targets of a Russian killer satellite, so that he can take as hostage the earthbound Galactican children who Jamie has entered in what turns out to be a hilarious, out-of-this-world charity baseball game."
"Treacherous Xaviar, the renegade Galactican, in disguise sends Troy and Dillon on a phony space mission that makes them targets of a Russian killer satellite, so that he can take as hostage the earthbound Galactican children who Jamie has entered in what turns out to be a hilarious, out-of-this-world charity baseball game."
On this day in 1982, Doctor Who aired "Time-Flight, Part 4." This served as the twenty-sixth episode of the program's nineteenth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Incorporating the Xeraphin race into his TARDIS power system, the Master has won, but technical obstacles and a bit of sabotage from friendlies give the Doctor a bargaining chip for the lives of the hijacked and enslaved airline passengers and crews - with maybe, just maybe, some hope for the Xeraphin race as well."
"Incorporating the Xeraphin race into his TARDIS power system, the Master has won, but technical obstacles and a bit of sabotage from friendlies give the Doctor a bargaining chip for the lives of the hijacked and enslaved airline passengers and crews - with maybe, just maybe, some hope for the Xeraphin race as well."
On this day in 1984, Doctor Who aired "The Twin Dilemma, Part 4." This served as the twenty-fourth episode of the program's twenty-first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Edgeworth deduce that the real plan of Mestor, the gastropod ruler of Jaconda, will not only destroy Jaconda but lead to the devastation of other planets. Together they hope to thwart him despite his formidable ability at slipping into people's minds and controlling them."
"The Doctor and Edgeworth deduce that the real plan of Mestor, the gastropod ruler of Jaconda, will not only destroy Jaconda but lead to the devastation of other planets. Together they hope to thwart him despite his formidable ability at slipping into people's minds and controlling them."
On this day in 1985, Doctor Who aired "Revelation of the Daleks, Part 2." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's twenty-second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Davros running Tranquil Repose has only been a figurehead - literally just a head, created and animated by Davros himself. Now, the real Davros wheels forth to face the Doctor, but his own immoral dealings have fostered an uneasy surrounding situation, riddled with treachery, that only a few might escape."
"The Davros running Tranquil Repose has only been a figurehead - literally just a head, created and animated by Davros himself. Now, the real Davros wheels forth to face the Doctor, but his own immoral dealings have fostered an uneasy surrounding situation, riddled with treachery, that only a few might escape."
On this day in 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Nth Degree." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When assigned to investigate an unknown probe, Lt. Barclay is electrocuted through a shuttlecraft's computer, where he receives an unexplainable boost of confidence and a vast increase in his knowledge."
"When assigned to investigate an unknown probe, Lt. Barclay is electrocuted through a shuttlecraft's computer, where he receives an unexplainable boost of confidence and a vast increase in his knowledge."
And now here's a program I've heard nothing about: Super Force. According to IMDB.com, Super Force's premise was that -- in the year 2020 -- an astronaut became a vigilante in order to serve justice after his brother (a cop) is murdered, but that's about all she wrote. On this day in 1991, the show aired the 25th episode of its first season, an hour called "Carcinoma Angels." Here's the summary from TV.com:
"Zach rushes to help a woman who was once invloved with his brother. Will Super Force save her from her evil ex-husband in time?"
"Zach rushes to help a woman who was once invloved with his brother. Will Super Force save her from her evil ex-husband in time?"
On this day in 1995, William Shatner's TekWar aired "Chill Factor." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A convicted felon is about to be on ice but injects himself with a deadly virus which causes the ice computer to believe it is a real threat and stops the freezing as well as undoing several others. The computer tries to kill all infected."
"A convicted felon is about to be on ice but injects himself with a deadly virus which causes the ice computer to believe it is a real threat and stops the freezing as well as undoing several others. The computer tries to kill all infected."
On this day in 1996, Weird Science aired "You'll Never Eat Brains In This Town Again." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lisa zaps up two real zombies for Gary and Wyatt's movie Night of the Blood-Sucking Zombie Sophomores."
"Lisa zaps up two real zombies for Gary and Wyatt's movie Night of the Blood-Sucking Zombie Sophomores."
On this day in 2001, Farscape aired "Self-Inflicted Wounds, Part 1: Could'a, Would'a, Should'a" as the third episode of its third season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crew searches for a planet where they can plant Zahn, so that she can recover. They encounter a wormhole and stop to investigate. A ship emerges from the wormhole and collides with Moya. Now the two ships are merged together, and stuck inside a wormhole. The two crews must find a way to separate the ships, but if they separate, only one ship will survive."
"The crew searches for a planet where they can plant Zahn, so that she can recover. They encounter a wormhole and stop to investigate. A ship emerges from the wormhole and collides with Moya. Now the two ships are merged together, and stuck inside a wormhole. The two crews must find a way to separate the ships, but if they separate, only one ship will survive."
On this day in 2006, Smallville aired "Hypnotic." This served as the sixteenth episode of the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Simone, a gorgeous blonde, comes to Smallville hypnotizing Clark with a blue pendant ruining his relationship with Lana, as well as hypnotizing Martha and Lex."
"Simone, a gorgeous blonde, comes to Smallville hypnotizing Clark with a blue pendant ruining his relationship with Lana, as well as hypnotizing Martha and Lex."
If you're not seen the BBC's Orphan Black, then let me be the first to tell you that you are missing something special. No, it's not perfect -- no drama or sci-fi show ever truly is -- but it's still pretty spiffy. It premiered on this day in 2013, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Sarah, a streetwise hustler on the run from a lifetime of bad decisions, witnesses the suicide of a stranger who looks just like her. Sarah assumes her identity hoping that cleaning out the dead woman's bank account will solve all of her problems. Instead, the street smart chameleon is thrust headlong into a kaleidoscopic mystery. After taking on the new identity, Sarah quickly finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and must race to find answers."
As first episodes go, this one really is very nice. It ends with the perfect cliffhanger that just begs for you to tune in next week!
"Sarah, a streetwise hustler on the run from a lifetime of bad decisions, witnesses the suicide of a stranger who looks just like her. Sarah assumes her identity hoping that cleaning out the dead woman's bank account will solve all of her problems. Instead, the street smart chameleon is thrust headlong into a kaleidoscopic mystery. After taking on the new identity, Sarah quickly finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and must race to find answers."
As first episodes go, this one really is very nice. It ends with the perfect cliffhanger that just begs for you to tune in next week!
Also on this day in 2013, "The Bells of Saint John" aired as the seventh episode of Doctor Who's seventh season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A chance phone call reunites the Doctor with Clara in the present day. A mysterious organization, lead by the evil Miss Kizlet, sends robots known as "Spoonheads" to steal the minds of people who use the company's WiFi. The Doctor and Clara must work together to find the location of the organization and destroy it before the whole world is trapped by the WiFi."
"A chance phone call reunites the Doctor with Clara in the present day. A mysterious organization, lead by the evil Miss Kizlet, sends robots known as "Spoonheads" to steal the minds of people who use the company's WiFi. The Doctor and Clara must work together to find the location of the organization and destroy it before the whole world is trapped by the WiFi."
On this day in 2015, The Department Of Time aired "Tiempo de pícaros." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Ministry is called to investigate when archaeologists find a cell phone belonging to a missing 21st century corrupt executive in a room that was sealed off in 1520."
"The Ministry is called to investigate when archaeologists find a cell phone belonging to a missing 21st century corrupt executive in a room that was sealed off in 1520."
To be fair, renowned painter Vincent van Gogh had nothing directly to do with the realm of Science Fiction, but I wanted to grant him a birthday shoutout today primarily as he was featured prominent in a few episodes in the 'Matt Smith Era' of Doctor Who. Frankly, I personally believe "Vincent and The Doctor" is one of the finest hours of Science Fiction television produced -- it's as warm and heartfelt as it is tragic and heartbreaking in subtle ways -- and deserves to be seen by fans of the genre. Though he's no longer with us, the real van Gogh was born on this day in 1853. [Source: IMDB.com]
