I gave Syfy's expensive dystopian SciFi program Defiance a look ... for about all of six episodes. Nothing about the characters and situations really grabbed me. Sure, it had a nice vibe to some of the alien cultures, but there was too little to maintain my interest. Actress Julie Benz -- as Mayor Amanda Rosewater -- gave the show some of its moral core. Plus, who doesn't appreciate a smokin' hot blonde? Benz was born on this day back in 1972.
Screen legend Glenn Ford only dabbled briefly in the wonderful world of science fiction, but perhaps his most memorable contribution was playing (to perfection) the role of Jonathan Kent in 1978's Superman - The Movie. Though he's no longer with us, Ford was born on this day in 1916.
John Meredyth Lucas was only one of many Jack-Of-All-Trades who toiled behind-the-scenes to help make the original Star Trek what it was as a classic Science Fiction series. He not only produced hours but also wrote and directed them, contributing to such adventures as "The Changeling," "Patterns of Force," and "Journey to Babel." Additionally, he scripted several episodes of the popular mid-1970's SciFi/Action series The Six Million Dollar Man. Though he's no longer with us, Lucas was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
Dan O'Herlihy enjoyed a small but pivotal role in the original Robocop. Still, he also had great small roles in the original Battlestar Galactica, The Bionic Woman, The Last Starfighter, and the cult favorite Twin Peaks. Though he's no longer with us, O'Herlihy was born on this day in 1919.
Veteran television director Ralph Senensky directed six episodes of the classic Star Trek -- including the popular "This Side Of Paradise" and "Metamorphosis" -- as well as an episode of The Twilight Zone and TV's Planet of the Apes. Though he's no longer with us, Senensky was born on this day in 1923.
The lovely Joy Harmon blazed a trail in cinema history for the way she washed a car in Cool Hand Luke (1967), but thankfully she committed some time to genre projects like The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Batman, and Village Of The Giants (1965) so that we can mention her here. Harmon was born on this day in 1940.
Dennis Creaghan (above right) enjoyed a guest spot aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Family," a fourth season hour that saw Jean-Luc Picard recuperating at home from his experiences with the Borg. The actor also made appearances on Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987), Robo Warriors (1996), and NBC's Dark Skies. Creaghan was born on this day in 1942.
Stephen Macht is one of those actors who has been around long enough that he's such a familiar face. From a small role in The Six Million Dollar Man to the part of a love-struck space sergeant in Galaxina all the way to his appearances on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, he's built a resume of quality work deserving recognition here. Macht was born on this day in 1942.
IMDB.com reports that the last screen gig for English-born Cyd Hayman was in the late 1990's, but she managed to squeeze in nearly fifty different roles before then. Though much of her work is in more conventional projects, she does have some solid exposure in the world of genre, including appearances aboard Space:1999, The Boy Merlin, The Godsend (1980), and Tales Of The Unexpected. Hayman was born on this day in 1944. [Source: IMDB.com]
Of course I realize that a fondly remembered Doctor Who skit on the Comic Relief telethon isn't considered official "canon," but how could would it have been to see the lovely Joanna Lumley incarnated as a female version of the legendary time traveler? Sign me up! Lumley was born on this day in 1946.
Veteran character actor John Diehl has been a part of dozens of productions. He can be seen in Escape from New York, The Dark Side of the Moon, Stargate, and The X-Files. Diehl was born on this day back in 1950.
The glamorous Dyana Ortelli trafficked in the realm of Science Fiction with a role in Alienator (1990) as well as the short-lived 1992 television series, Intruders. Ortelli was born on this day in 1961.
Ben Reed is certainly not known for his contributions to genre work, but he does have something in-the-pipeline that might bring him more notice. Otherwise, he's been featured aboard Scanner Cop (1994), Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and The X-Files. Reed was born on this day in 1965.
Detroit-born Anne Fletcher is another one of those 'Jack of all trades' who can do anything. Not only is she an actress but also she dances, choreographs, produces, and directs! Seriously, she can do it all! In fairness, her genre credentials are a bit light, but she's enjoyed a modest amount of screen time aboard Scream 2 (1997) and the ill-fated Catwoman (2004) so I'll still give her props. Fletcher was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, what can I say about the luminous Carrie Stevens that hasn't already been said? It's like she's been lifted out of the pages of Playboy Magazine -- well, she was! -- and deposited in a handful of projects only true genre fans can appreciate. She's been a part of Weird Science, Black Scorpion, Dinocroc Vs Supergator (2010), and Birdemic 2: The Resurrection (2013). Stevens was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
As of late, the talented Bailey Chase is one of those 'faces' I see popping up all over the place. He's had roles aboard Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dark Metropolis (2010), Lucifer, and Grimm. Chase was born on this day in 1972.
The lovely English-born Andrea Lowe enjoyed a guest spot aboard the Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood, in 2008. Lowe was born on this day in 1975.
Italian singer and actress Violante Placido openly flirted with genre celebrity with a role aboard Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011). Placido was born on this day in 1976.
James Badge Dale braved the end of the world in 2013's lukewarm World War Z, the same year he graduated into the Marvel Universe with a plumb role in Iron Man 3. Dale was born on this day in 1978.
The vision of loveliness more commonly known as Ana Claudia Talancón enjoyed a guest spot aboard Joss Whedon's Dollhouse during its 2009 season. Talancón was born on this day in 1980.
Before he was into showing everybody "his business" as part of the 50 Shades franchise, a kinder and gentler Jamie Dornan played Sheriff Graham Humbert aboard ABC TV's fanciful Once Upon A Time. Dornan was born on this day in 1982.
Critically-acclaimed actress Kerry Bishé shines whenever she's given the chance. Genre fans have been able to appreciate her gifts from appearance in Life On Mars, Virtuality (2009), Amazing Stories, and Penny Dreadful: City Of Angels. Bishé was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
Like so many, I was surprised that NBC jumped back into the Heroes franchise so (relatively) soon after ending it the first time (considering how the consensus seemed to be it grew all messed up), but Heroes Reborn wasn't exactly a barn-burning follow-up. Still, kudos to Henry Zebrowski for his role in the project. Zebrowski was born on this day in 1984.
Early in his professional career, the young Nicholas Braun made an appearance aboard the Fantasy-themed Sky High (2005). Braun was born on this day in 1988.
Young and fit Caitlin Stasey (pictured above left) finds herself at the heart of a centuries old mystery in 2014's I, Frankenstein, a monster movie revisioning that failed to reignite our culture's passion for monster movies. Stasey was born on this day in 1990.
Ariel Gade certainly holds the distinction of being one of the youngest actors I've had the good fortune to feature here on SciFiHistory.Net. The li'l actress appeared in the ABC SciFi drama Invasion, the 2009 TV miniseries Meteor, as well as a small role in 2007's Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem. Now get to bed, li'l lady! Gade was born on this day in 1997.
A star is born! On this day in 1957, the good people of Los Angeles, California were treated to the silver screen premiere of The Deadly Mantis. Directed by Nathan Juran, the Creature Feature starred Craig Stevens, William Hopper, and Alix Talton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
"A giant prehistoric praying mantis, recently freed from the Arctic ice, voraciously preys on American military at the DEW Line and works its way south."
On this day in 1963, The Mind Benders enjoyed a very limited engagement when it was screened in the city of New York only. Directed by Basil Dearden, the SciFi/Drama starred Dirk Bogarde, Mary Ure, and John Clements; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
"Dedicated British scientist Dr. Henry Laidlaw Longman (Sir Dirk Bogarde) tests the possibility of brainwashing. If the experiment succeeds, he will stop loving his wife Oonagh (Mary Ure)."
On this day in 1967 (in Denmark), Racquel Welch showed mankind her best assets aboard One Million Years B.C. Directed by Don Chaffey, the Fantasy feature also starred John Richardson, Percy Herbert, and Martine Beswick; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
"Prehistoric man Tumak is banished from his savage tribe and meets pretty Loana, who belongs to a gentler coastal tribe but he must fight caveman Payto to win her favors."
On this day in 1968, the good people of Sydney, Australia were treated to their continent's first showing of Stanley Kubrick's groundbreaking 2001: A Space Odyssey. The SciFi/Drama starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
"The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world's greatest supercomputer."
On this day in 1968, the SciFi/Drama Countdown enjoyed a special theatrical engagement in New York City. The feature starred James Caan and Robert Duvall, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Desperate to reach the moon first, N.A.S.A. sends a man and shelter separately, one-way. He must find it to survive. He can't return until Apollo is ready."
"Desperate to reach the moon first, N.A.S.A. sends a man and shelter separately, one-way. He must find it to survive. He can't return until Apollo is ready."
On this day in 1968, the United States enjoyed its theatrical release of the Hammer Films' Fantasy The Vengeance Of She. The feature starred the lovely Olga Schoberová and John Richardson, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"A beautiful young European girl, Carol, is taken over by the spirit of mysterious Ayesha, queen of the lost city of Kuma. Carol is taken to Kuma to succeed the almost-immortal Ayesha as empress of Kuma."
"A beautiful young European girl, Carol, is taken over by the spirit of mysterious Ayesha, queen of the lost city of Kuma. Carol is taken to Kuma to succeed the almost-immortal Ayesha as empress of Kuma."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Mission Galactica: The Cylon Attack put our Colonial Warriors up on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Running low on fuel, the Battlestar Galactica receives the help of the supposedly lost Battlestar Pegasus which is taking the offensive with the Cylons."
"Running low on fuel, the Battlestar Galactica receives the help of the supposedly lost Battlestar Pegasus which is taking the offensive with the Cylons."
A star is born! On this day in 1981 (in Canada), Outland enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever! Written and directed by Peter Hyams, the SciFi/Drama starred Sean Connery, Peter Boyle, and Frances Sternhagen, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Marshal O'Niel's assigned to a mining colony on Io, one of Jupiter's moons. He soon encounters miners who are dying, due to use of an illegal amphetamine. O'Niel follows the trail, and now O'Niel must watch his back, as he's now their target."
For the record:
Indeed, 1981's Outland is a film that earned some praise during its original theatrical run. In 1982, it was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Frances Sternhagen won top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress,' but everyone one else had to be content with nominations only in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Outland enjoyed a 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the Hugo Awards.
"Marshal O'Niel's assigned to a mining colony on Io, one of Jupiter's moons. He soon encounters miners who are dying, due to use of an illegal amphetamine. O'Niel follows the trail, and now O'Niel must watch his back, as he's now their target."
For the record:
Indeed, 1981's Outland is a film that earned some praise during its original theatrical run. In 1982, it was nominated for the Oscar in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), actress Frances Sternhagen won top honors in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress,' but everyone one else had to be content with nominations only in the categories of 'Best Music,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Lastly, Outland enjoyed a 'Best Dramatic Presentation' nomination from the Hugo Awards.
On this day in 1985 (in Peru), The Terminator had both the cyborg assassin and a dedicated soldier racing through time to the delight of audiences. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, and Michael Biehn; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
"A human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in West Germany), Land Of Doom enjoyed its debut on home video. Screenwriter Craig Rand adapted a novel by Peter Kotis, and Peter Maris provided directing duties. The Apocalypse/Thriller starred Deborah Rennard, Garrick Dowhen, and Daniel Radell; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth has been ravaged by a nuclear war, and a feminist warrior is forced to join up with a soldier of fortune in her journey to find a rumored "paradise" as they battle gangs of rampaging bandits."
For the record:
As can happen from time-to-time, Land Of Doom's original premiere date is presently lost to history. In fact, the only release information provided by IMDB.com is the month of May for 1986 -- which is why I'm substituting the first of the month -- for any entertainment exposure whatsover. If I'm able to uncover more specific information, then I'll happily adjust in this space.
"Earth has been ravaged by a nuclear war, and a feminist warrior is forced to join up with a soldier of fortune in her journey to find a rumored "paradise" as they battle gangs of rampaging bandits."
For the record:
As can happen from time-to-time, Land Of Doom's original premiere date is presently lost to history. In fact, the only release information provided by IMDB.com is the month of May for 1986 -- which is why I'm substituting the first of the month -- for any entertainment exposure whatsover. If I'm able to uncover more specific information, then I'll happily adjust in this space.
On this day in 1992, Split Second chewed up what profits it could find at the U.S domestic box office. The SciFi/Horror starred Rutger Hauer and Kim Cattrall, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human."
"In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human."
On this day in 1992 (in Hungary), the last Star Trek film to feature the original crew -- Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country -- enjoyed its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
"On the eve of retirement, Kirk and McCoy are charged with assassinating the Klingon High Chancellor and imprisoned. The Enterprise crew must help them escape to thwart a conspiracy aimed at sabotaging the last best hope for peace."
On this day in 1993 (in South Korean), the SciFi/Thriller Brain Twisters found its way into theatres. It starred Farrah Forke and Terry Londeree, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Employees of a software company discover a conspiracy to use the games made by the company to control the thoughts of its customers."
"Employees of a software company discover a conspiracy to use the games made by the company to control the thoughts of its customers."
A star is born! On this day in 1993 (in Japan), the unstoppable RoboCop returned to police the streets in RoboCop 3. Directed by Fred Dekker who collaborated with comics giant Frank Miller on the story and screenplay, the feature film starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"Robocop saves the day once more. This time the half man/half robot takes on ruthless developers who want to evict some people on 'their' land."
For the record:
I wouldn't exactly say that 'the third times a charm' for RoboCop as audiences and critics were largely disappointed with this outing. Not only did we lose the greater Peter Weller in the central role, but the script also kills off Murphy's parter, Anne Lewis (Nancy Allen). Still, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films gave it nominations (in 1994) for 'Best Supporting Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 1994, Beyond The Rising Moon enjoyed its U.S. home video release. The feature starred Tracy Davis and Hans Bachmann, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien spaceship is being sought by various factions on Earth. A female cyborg and a rogue trader team up to stop evil forces from taking over the ship."
"An alien spaceship is being sought by various factions on Earth. A female cyborg and a rogue trader team up to stop evil forces from taking over the ship."
On this day in 1997 (in Hungary), Barb Wire exposed itself to hungry audiences. This SciFi/Action feature starred Pamela Anderson and Xander Berkeley, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
"During the Second American Civil War in 2017, Barb Wire owns a nightclub called the Hammerhead. Things become complicated when her ex-lover Axel Hood, who is married to the fugitive Corrina Devonshire, re-enters her life."
On this day in 1997 (in Germany), The Arrival posited a possible alien invasion was well under way. Written and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Thriller starred Charlie Sheen, Ron Silver, and Lindsay Crouse; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMBD.com:
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
"Zane, an astronomer, discovers intelligent alien life. But the aliens are keeping a deadly secret, and will do anything to stop Zane from learning it."
A star is born! On this day in 2002, Storm Watch (aka Code Hunter) stirred up a ruckus. It starred Nick Cornish and Adrian Paul, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"America's best player is being pulled in to the ultimate cyber-terror. The game's mastermind has stolen his identity, put him on the FBI's Most Wanted List, and is blackmailing him to take a part in a real twisted plan of world destruction. With just hours left, can the code be broken to save the world from total annihilation?"
"America's best player is being pulled in to the ultimate cyber-terror. The game's mastermind has stolen his identity, put him on the FBI's Most Wanted List, and is blackmailing him to take a part in a real twisted plan of world destruction. With just hours left, can the code be broken to save the world from total annihilation?"
A star is born! On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Illegal Aliens enjoyed its debut on home video. Written (in part) and directed by David Giancola, the SciFi/Comedy starred Anna Nicole Smith, Gladise Jiminez, and Lenise Sorén; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
""Charlie's Angels" goes sci-fi, with a touch of "Men In Black" thrown in for good measure, when three aliens morph into super-hot babes and arrive to protect Earth from the intergalactic forces of evil. Guided by Syntax, their holographic mentor, these illegal aliens are willing to use every trick in the book and every sexy outfit in their wardrobe to accomplish their mission! This film is filled with high-energy action, low-brow spoofs and the high-camp acting reminiscent of the classic B-Movie genre how else could this film get away with Anna Nicole Smith saving the world? "Illegal Aliens" pokes fun at today's Hollywood and pays tribute to the so-called "Bad Movies" we all love to hate!"
""Charlie's Angels" goes sci-fi, with a touch of "Men In Black" thrown in for good measure, when three aliens morph into super-hot babes and arrive to protect Earth from the intergalactic forces of evil. Guided by Syntax, their holographic mentor, these illegal aliens are willing to use every trick in the book and every sexy outfit in their wardrobe to accomplish their mission! This film is filled with high-energy action, low-brow spoofs and the high-camp acting reminiscent of the classic B-Movie genre how else could this film get away with Anna Nicole Smith saving the world? "Illegal Aliens" pokes fun at today's Hollywood and pays tribute to the so-called "Bad Movies" we all love to hate!"
A star is born! On this day in 2010 (in Japan), Takashi Miike dabbled in the Superhero business (in only the way Takasha Miike can) with the release of Zebraman 2: Attack On Zebra City. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zebraman awakens fifteen years in the future, unclear on what has happened to him, and quickly discovers that the evil Zebra Queen has a hold on Tokyo."
"Zebraman awakens fifteen years in the future, unclear on what has happened to him, and quickly discovers that the evil Zebra Queen has a hold on Tokyo."
On this day in 2014 (in Singapore), Alien Abduction took another look at a confusing phenomenon. The feature starred Katherine Sigismund and Riley Polanski, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A vacationing family encounters an alien threat in this thriller based on the real-life Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon in North Carolina."
"A vacationing family encounters an alien threat in this thriller based on the real-life Brown Mountain Lights phenomenon in North Carolina."
On this day in 1953, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Evil Within." This served as the thirty-seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Scientist perfects a chemical unleashing the beast within, but before he can create an antidote, his neglected wife accidentally is dosed when he has to rush a batch home to keep it refrigerated. Her mild resentment of his endless hours at the lab accelerates into a torrent, after she gobbles pie on which the potion dripped."
"Scientist perfects a chemical unleashing the beast within, but before he can create an antidote, his neglected wife accidentally is dosed when he has to rush a batch home to keep it refrigerated. Her mild resentment of his endless hours at the lab accelerates into a torrent, after she gobbles pie on which the potion dripped."
On this day in 1964, the man who would become Star Trek's favored helmsman (George Takei) guest-starred on an episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. The episode was titled "The Encounter," and it served as the thirty-first episode to the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A man, Fenton, is cleaning out his attic when a Japanese gardener, Arthur Takamori, stops by asking if he would like his grass cut. Fenton invites him up for a beer but having served in the Pacific during World War II isn't quite sure what to make of his visitor. He has his prejudices but wavers as Arthur says he was born in the USA and is no different than any other American. As they discuss their pasts, it's revealed that both men have lied and are haunted by what happened to them."
"A man, Fenton, is cleaning out his attic when a Japanese gardener, Arthur Takamori, stops by asking if he would like his grass cut. Fenton invites him up for a beer but having served in the Pacific during World War II isn't quite sure what to make of his visitor. He has his prejudices but wavers as Arthur says he was born in the USA and is no different than any other American. As they discuss their pasts, it's revealed that both men have lied and are haunted by what happened to them."
On this day in 1965, Doctor Who aired "The Dimensions Of Time." This served as the twenty-seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Now back on their proper time track, the Doctor and his friends must work to avoid the future they saw for themselves."
"Now back on their proper time track, the Doctor and his friends must work to avoid the future they saw for themselves."
On this day in 1971, Doctor Who aired "The Colony In Space, Part 4." This served as the eighteenth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor descends into the Primitive city to try and find Jo while the colonists receive a visit from the Adjudicator."
"The Doctor descends into the Primitive city to try and find Jo while the colonists receive a visit from the Adjudicator."
On this day in 1979 (in Italy), Star Trek aired "The Cage." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
"Dr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies."
It all began right here: on this day in 1983 (in the United States), Kenneth Johnson's V began its journey into our collective consciousness with the television premiere of Part 1 of his two-part original miniseries. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An armada of extraterrestrial spaceships hovers over the major cities of Earth. The humanoid aliens called the 'Visitors' claim they came in peace to seek human help, but soon strange things begin to occur. Cameraman Michael Donovan secretly goes on board one of their ships to investigate."
"An armada of extraterrestrial spaceships hovers over the major cities of Earth. The humanoid aliens called the 'Visitors' claim they came in peace to seek human help, but soon strange things begin to occur. Cameraman Michael Donovan secretly goes on board one of their ships to investigate."
On this day in 1989, War of the Worlds aired "So Shall Ye Reap." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The team set up in Chicago to investigate a spate of kidnappings but encounter resistance from the local police. Nevertheless they discover a secret cell of alien scientists, who are trying to create a designer drug which turns addicts into frenzied killers."
"The team set up in Chicago to investigate a spate of kidnappings but encounter resistance from the local police. Nevertheless they discover a secret cell of alien scientists, who are trying to create a designer drug which turns addicts into frenzied killers."
On this day in 1991, Quantum Leap aired "Last Dance Before An Execution." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a death row convict moments before his execution. A last minute stay of execution order gives him 48 hours to determine his innocence in a leap with an unclear mission."
"Sam leaps into a death row convict moments before his execution. A last minute stay of execution order gives him 48 hours to determine his innocence in a leap with an unclear mission."
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Frame Of Mind." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Riker begins to question reality when he finds himself in an alien insane asylum and faces the prospect his life on the Enterprise has been a delusion."
"Riker begins to question reality when he finds himself in an alien insane asylum and faces the prospect his life on the Enterprise has been a delusion."
On this day in 1994, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman aired "Barbarians At The Planet." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Lex proposes to a surprised Lois. This in turn also prompts Clark to confess his love for her. Lois on the other hand confronts Superman about her love for him. Someone detonates a bomb at the Daily Planet forcing the paper to its knees, Perry White to early retirement, Jimmy to unemployment, Jack to jail and Lois into the arms of Lex Luthor."
"Lex proposes to a surprised Lois. This in turn also prompts Clark to confess his love for her. Lois on the other hand confronts Superman about her love for him. Someone detonates a bomb at the Daily Planet forcing the paper to its knees, Perry White to early retirement, Jimmy to unemployment, Jack to jail and Lois into the arms of Lex Luthor."
On this day in 1994, Commander Benjamin Sisko was forced to do the unthinkable, teaming up with Cardassian Gul Dukat in order to resolve "The Maquis, Part 2" on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This served as the twenty-first episode to the program's second season (I think it was definitely one of the finer early entries), and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Sisko goes after a captured Dukat, rescuing him from the Maquis. Dukat agrees to help Sisko prove the source of the Cardassian colonists' arms in exchange for Sisko's help in bringing Maquis violence in the DMZ and beyond to a halt."
"Sisko goes after a captured Dukat, rescuing him from the Maquis. Dukat agrees to help Sisko prove the source of the Cardassian colonists' arms in exchange for Sisko's help in bringing Maquis violence in the DMZ and beyond to a halt."
On this day in 1995, Star Trek: Voyager aired "Cathexis." This served as the twelfth episode to the program's largely forgettable first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"Tuvok returns from an away mission with a comatose Chakotay. As the Doctor tries to treat the First Officer, members of the crew are possessed to take inexplicable actions aimed at diverting the ship and harming other crewmen."
"Tuvok returns from an away mission with a comatose Chakotay. As the Doctor tries to treat the First Officer, members of the crew are possessed to take inexplicable actions aimed at diverting the ship and harming other crewmen."
On this day in 1995, the situation looked very grim as sides were shaping up for the upcoming war with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's airing of "The Die Is Cast." This served as the twenty-first episode to the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by TrekCore.com:
"Starfleet orders Sisko to keep the Defiant at the ready in the event of Dominion retaliation against the Cardassian/Romulan offensive. Sisko decides to leave DS9 ahead of schedule and retrieve Odo. What he does not know is that the Dominion has planned for the Cardassian-Romulan assault for a long time..."
"Starfleet orders Sisko to keep the Defiant at the ready in the event of Dominion retaliation against the Cardassian/Romulan offensive. Sisko decides to leave DS9 ahead of schedule and retrieve Odo. What he does not know is that the Dominion has planned for the Cardassian-Romulan assault for a long time..."
On this day in 2002, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "Vox Sola." This served as the twenty-second episode to the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"When a strange, symbiotic alien creature boards Enterprise and captures several crew members, it's up to Hoshi to decipher the creature's complex language."
"When a strange, symbiotic alien creature boards Enterprise and captures several crew members, it's up to Hoshi to decipher the creature's complex language."
On this day in 2010, Doctor Who aired "Flesh and Stone." This served as the fifth episode of the (re-launched) program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Doctor, Amy, Dr. Song and the remaining soldiers manage to escape from the crashed ship and into the forest. The Angels attempt to create a rift in time and space much as the Doctor had found in Amy's room when they first met. Amy meanwhile is counting down from 10 minutes and the Doctor has determined that an Angel has taken over her mind."
"The Doctor, Amy, Dr. Song and the remaining soldiers manage to escape from the crashed ship and into the forest. The Angels attempt to create a rift in time and space much as the Doctor had found in Amy's room when they first met. Amy meanwhile is counting down from 10 minutes and the Doctor has determined that an Angel has taken over her mind."
On this day in 1986, the Star Trek novel titled Dreadnought! enjoyed its first mass market release. [Source: Memory Alpha] This tale was written by Diane Carey, and here's the plot summary that's provided via Amazom.com:
"Captain Kirk and the crew of the "Enterprise" match wits with fanatics within the Federation itself as they attempt to stop the commander of a new super-weapon, a dreadnought, from provoking a war with the Klingons."
"Captain Kirk and the crew of the "Enterprise" match wits with fanatics within the Federation itself as they attempt to stop the commander of a new super-weapon, a dreadnought, from provoking a war with the Klingons."
According to the Memory Alpha website, it was on this day in 1992 that V.E. Mitchell's Imbalance was released. The novel featured the crew from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and here's the premise as listed on Amazon.com:
"The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid being with an extreme devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise™ are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of Ambassadors. When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly. They invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate an unprovoked attack on the ship, Now Picard must unravel the aliens' mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"The Jarada are a mysterious race of insectoid being with an extreme devotion to protocol. When this usually reclusive race offer to open diplomatic relations with the Federation, Captain Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise™ are quickly ordered to Jarada to negotiate the exchange of Ambassadors. When the ship arrives, the Jarada seem uncharacteristically friendly. They invite Picard to send down members of his crew and negotiations proceed both quickly and smoothly. Suddenly, however, the Jarada change. They cut off Commander Riker and his away team from the U.S.S. Enterprise and initiate an unprovoked attack on the ship, Now Picard must unravel the aliens' mystery before it's too late for the away team -- and the U.S.S. Enterprise."
On this day back in 1992, the Star Wars saga came to life again when author Timothy Zahn released the first book in an all-new trilogy titled "Heir to the Empire." The tale brought Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo and all of the others from the Original Trilogy back to life in ways no one ever expected to see them again, and Zahn's trilogy re-ignited fandom's love for The Force. Highly recommended, if you haven't already read it.
On this day in 1997, William Shatner's Star Trek novel Avenger was released to the marketplace. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a lethal virus threatens the entire Federation with starvation and dissolution, the long-believed-dead James T. Kirk embarks on a mission to discover the virus's source, while Spock investigates the truth behind his father's death."
"When a lethal virus threatens the entire Federation with starvation and dissolution, the long-believed-dead James T. Kirk embarks on a mission to discover the virus's source, while Spock investigates the truth behind his father's death."
On this day in 2008, Incandescence put SciFi author Greg Egan back in the SciFi spotlight. According to our friends at Amazon.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Amalgam spans nearly the entire galaxy, and is composed of innumerable beings from a wild variety of races, some human or near it, some entirely other. The one place that they cannot go is the bulge, the bright, hot center of the galaxy. There dwell the Aloof, who for millions of years have deflected any and all attempts to communicate with or visit them. So when Rakesh is offered an opportunity to travel within their sphere, in search of a lost race, he cannot turn it down. Roi is a member of that lost race, which is not only lost to the Amalgam, but lost to itself. In their world, there is but toil, and history and science are luxuries that they can ill afford. Rakesh's journey will take him across millennia and light years. Roi's will take her across vistas of learning and discovery just as vast."
"The Amalgam spans nearly the entire galaxy, and is composed of innumerable beings from a wild variety of races, some human or near it, some entirely other. The one place that they cannot go is the bulge, the bright, hot center of the galaxy. There dwell the Aloof, who for millions of years have deflected any and all attempts to communicate with or visit them. So when Rakesh is offered an opportunity to travel within their sphere, in search of a lost race, he cannot turn it down. Roi is a member of that lost race, which is not only lost to the Amalgam, but lost to itself. In their world, there is but toil, and history and science are luxuries that they can ill afford. Rakesh's journey will take him across millennia and light years. Roi's will take her across vistas of learning and discovery just as vast."
