For what it's worth, I don't remember ever being able to tune in to Wayward Pines, a genre program that premiered on this day back in 2015 (in the U.S.). It seemed to me that it may've been shuffled around in a timeslot (though I could be wrong), and even though it garnered a bit of positive praise I think it was just lost in the noise for so many. Here's the series' premise as provided by the good people at IMDB.com:
"A Secret Service agent goes to Wayward Pines, Idaho in search of two federal agents who have gone missing in the bucolic town. He soon learns that he might never get out of Wayward Pines alive."
"A Secret Service agent goes to Wayward Pines, Idaho in search of two federal agents who have gone missing in the bucolic town. He soon learns that he might never get out of Wayward Pines alive."
A few years before he started with trying to bring down the entire legacy of Doctor Who in his return to the franchise, Russell T. Davies created a little something-something called Years And Years for the BBC. (FYI: it first premiered on this day in the United Kingdom back in 2019.) Here's the series' premise for the SciFi/Drama as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"As Britain slowly turns into a dictatorship throughout the years, the lives of a typical busy family from Manchester converge on one crucial night in 2019."
"As Britain slowly turns into a dictatorship throughout the years, the lives of a typical busy family from Manchester converge on one crucial night in 2019."
George Lucas has been called many things:
Whatever he is, he certainly deserves our respect for bringing to life some strange new worlds and new civilizations, so, at the very least, we say 'Happy birthday' to George on this, his special day! Lucas was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
- A visionary for seeing the future of filmmaking;
- A genius for creating a franchise custom-made for toys;
- A drunkard for thinking up JarJar.
Whatever he is, he certainly deserves our respect for bringing to life some strange new worlds and new civilizations, so, at the very least, we say 'Happy birthday' to George on this, his special day! Lucas was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though he's probably far more well known for his work in conventional programming and comedies, the late Richard Deacon enjoyed a handful of appearances in Science Fiction and Fantasy, including roles in Invaders From Mars (1953), Them! (1954), This Island Earth (1955), Abbott And Costello Meet The Mummy (1955), My Favorite Martian, The Twilight Zone, The Lost Saucer, and Piranha (1978). Though he's no longer with us, Deacon was born on this day in 1921.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Late in his professional career, Terence Longdon turned in a great performance as the 'Wise Martian' aboard the somewhat poorly received TV miniseries adaptation of Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles. Though he's no longer with us, Longdon was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kay Elliot's brief flirtation with Trekness was when she appeared in the guise of 'Stella Mudd' aboard the second season episode of Star Trek, "I, Mudd." Though she's no longer with us, Elliot was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Siân Phillips chewed suitably scenery as the Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam in 1984's Dune (pictured). Then -- the very next year -- she enjoyed a small role in George Lucas's TV venture, Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. With over 60 years in the entertainment business, this actress is one hard act to follow. Phillips was born on this day in 1933.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Michael Preston chewed scenery ably with his work aboard Metalstorm: The Destruction Of Jared-Syn (1983) ... but his appearances in genre projects didn't stop there. Since launching into his professional career, he's been a part of Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981), Faerie Tale Theatre, Airwolf, Shadow Chasers, Max Headroom, Superboy, Alien Nation, Super Force, and Highlander. Preston was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
IMDB.com reports that the father of Veruschka von Lehndorff was actually involved in one of the alleged many plots to assassinate Adolf Hitler. (How's that for some backstory, eh?) Her professional career is a bit light -- especially when discussing genre circles -- but she did steal a scene here and there aboard 1985's The Bride for good measure. Von Lehndorf was born on this day in 1939.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Prentis Hancock made waves throughout fandom playing mission specialist Paul Morrow as part of Space:1999's first season. The actor also booked appearances on Alien Attack, Survivors, and Doctor Who. Morrow was born on this day in 1942.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, kids: daddy hates sounding old, but it's honestly been so long since I watched David Lynch's version of Dune that I honestly don't remember much of it. (To be fair, I preferred the Syfy Channel's adaptation anyway.) Still, kudos to the lovely Francesca Annis (centered above) for bringing Lady Jessica to cinematic life. Annis was born on this day in 1945.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Model and actress Yutte Stensgaard lit up the silver screen aboard The Love Factor (1969) for Tigon Studios, the tale of lovely space women kidnapping Earth's loveliest in an attempt to repopulate their species. Stensgaard was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tamara Dobson played the exotic space beauty 'Samantha' aboard CBS's Saturday morning SciFi/Children's program Jason Of Star Command. Though she's no longer with us, Dobson was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I just love the 'otherworldyness' of TV's Twin Peaks, and Walter Olkewicz was just one of the many actors afforded the opportunity to play within it. Genre fans might also recognize him from work aboard Futureworld (1976), Wizards And Warriors, The Charmings, The Flash, The Visitor, Sliders, and Good Vs Evil. Though he's no longer with us, Olkewicz was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Aaaah, poor Taaffe O'Connell! This lovely lady made film history compliments of her work aboard Galaxy Of Terror (1981) wherein she underwent a close encounter of a somewhat amorous and -- erm -- gooey kind. Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, she enjoyed a pretty solid string of guest appearances in such properties as Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, and Knight Rider. O'Connell was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That rather seriously looking fellow beneath the headset is none other than rather serious film director Robert Zemeckis. The director has been responsible for pioneering digital effects on film as well as bringing the family-friendly Science Fiction comedy trilogy Back To The Future to audiences. Zemeckis was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In my humble estimation, Rob Tapert is a producing genius, as he's martialed such properties to the small or silver screen as Darkman (1992), M.A.N.T.I.S., Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, Timecop (1994), Cleopatra 2525, Legend of the Seeker, Starz Network's stellar Spartacus series, and Ash vs Evil Dead. That, my friends, is some resume. Tapert was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
True story: I was in one of those web chatrooms a few years back watching a debate over everyone's favorite Marvel movies. Even though I'd made it clear I was mostly a DC Comics guy, the participants were still pretty friendly and all. Anyway, when it got to me, I remarked that the only two Marvel flicks I genuinely love (I think many middling-to-great popcorn flicks) I responded with the first Captain America movie and Edward Norton's The Incredible Hulk. So I get blasted with: "The Incredible Hulk ISN'T a Marvel movie!" I don't know how many times. Idiots. In any event, critical darling Tim Roth played baddie Emil Blonsky in it, and I'm sticking with my answer. Roth was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Maybe I'm a bit naive, but I think few actors working in the business these days can seriously pull of the level of charisma and seething menace to play true villains. So kudos to Danny Huston for being a reliable go-to guy when a nemesis is needed. He played Nigel in 2006's stellar Children of Men, and he was Stryker opposite Hugh Jackman in 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine. (And if you like period-detailed crime drama, check out Starz Network's horrifically underrated Magic City on home video for good measure.) Plus, need I mention Wonder Woman (2017)? Huston was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Nancy Sorel is certainly no stranger to the realm of Science Fiction. She's appeared aboard Highlander, The X-Files, Welcome To Paradox, The Outer Limits, First Wave, Seven Days, The Twilight Zone, Stargate: SG-1, The 4400, and Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. Sobel was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Greg Davies put his best foot forward -- or is that 'head'? -- for his work aboard "The Husbands of River Song," a holiday-themed adventure from the realm of Doctor Who. Davies was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Ah, dreamy Cate Blanchett! I'm sorry to say that you were just utterly, utterly wasted in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls. Loved the accent. Pretty much hated the film and what it did to the franchise. Still, kudos for showing up and putting in a good day's work. Blanchett was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Has there ever been a franchise whose premise unravelled faster than NBC's Heroes did? I know I'm not aware of another. Still, that's rarely any fault of the onscreen talent, of which the comely Deanne Bray is considered. Bray was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and director Sofia Coppola snuck in a little screen time as a royal maiden with a small role aboard George Lucas' Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Coppola was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Gabriel Mann has dabbled in the realm of Marvel animated projects by voicing Bruce Banner aboard The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes as well as in the Wolverine and the X-Men cartoon program. Mann was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I just love the work Indira Varma does. She's the kind of actress who shows up in so many terrific genre properties, and she always turns in a great performance even in supporting role. Right now, she's chewing scenery on Game Of Thrones, but SciFi fans might recall she had a guest star gig in the 2006 season of BBC's Torchwood. Varma was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Ada Nicodemou enjoyed a fleetingly-brief appearance aboard The Matrix, arguably one of the most important Science Fiction films of its generation, and she embodied the 'White Rabbit' that sent Neo on his mind-bending journey. Nicodemou was born on this day in 1977.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jim Howick is certainly no stranger to works involving greater imagination. He's appeared on such projects as Hellboy (2004), Hyperdrive, No Heroics, The Aliens, and Yonderland. Howick was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Jessica Raine turned up aboard "Hide," a 2013 episode of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Raine was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Another day, another Power Rangers citation! Sally Martin suited up quite nicely in the guise of 'Tori Hanson aka The Blue Wind Ranger.' Martin was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Miranda Cosgrove experienced her professional acting debut in the guise of a young 'Lana Lang' aboard the popular Smallville television series. Cosgrove was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young McKaley Miller has enjoyed exposure in some televised serial Fantasies like The Gates and Walt Disney's Wizards Of Waverly Place. Miller was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you wanted to see how Netflix's Stranger Things would be without the leadership of a good storyteller, then check out JJ Abrams' awful Super 8 (2011). The only thing the film did well was waste the performances of so many great young actors including relative newcomer Riley Griffiths. Those kids deserved better. That same year, he also paid a visit to the world of TV's R.L. Stine's The Haunting Hour. Griffiths was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), the dead were rising (again) with the theatrical release of King Of The Zombies. Directed by Jean Yarbrough from a script by Edmond Kelso, the Horror/Comedy starred Dick Purcell, Joan Woodbury, and Mantan Moreland. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"On a spooky island, three stranded travelers find an evil doctor working with foreign spies and in control of zombies."
For the record:
At the 1942 Academy Awards, King Of The Zombies enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Music, Scoring Of A Dramatic Picture.'
"On a spooky island, three stranded travelers find an evil doctor working with foreign spies and in control of zombies."
For the record:
At the 1942 Academy Awards, King Of The Zombies enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Best Music, Scoring Of A Dramatic Picture.'
On this day in 1953 (in Madrid), the original SciFi/Classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its premiere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
On this day in 1956 (in Denmark), Invaders From Mars enjoyed a visit to Earth's theaters. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, the SciFi/Horror starred Jimmy Hunt and Helena Carter, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
"A young boy learns that space aliens are taking over the minds of earthlings."
On this day in 1956 (in South Africa), Tarantula crawled onto the silver screen. Directed by Jack Arnold, the SciFi feature starred John Agar and Mara Corday, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
"A spider escapes from an isolated Arizona desert laboratory experimenting in giantism and grows to tremendous size as it wreaks havoc on the local inhabitants."
On this day in 1959 (in Italy), Curse Of The Demon reached out of the silver screen for new life in the frightened hearts of viewers. Directed by Jacques Tourneur, the feature starred Dana Andrews, Peggy Cummins, and Niall MacGinnis. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"American professor John Holden arrives in London for a parapsychology conference, only to find himself investigating the mysterious actions of Devil-worshiper Julian Karswell."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Curse Of The Demon enjoyed a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was fortunate to catch a broadcast airing of Curse Of The Demon when it made the rotation on Turner Classic Movies in the U.S. Interested in learning what I thought of the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! On this day in 1969 (in the U.S.), Nightmare In Wax enjoyed its first theatrical airing. Directed by Bud Townsend from a story by Rex Carlton, the Horror/Fantasy starred Cameron Mitchell, Anne Helm, and Scott Brady. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The disfigured curator of a wax museum murders his enemies and then uses their bodies as exhibits in his museum."
"The disfigured curator of a wax museum murders his enemies and then uses their bodies as exhibits in his museum."
A star is born! On this day in 1973 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the theatrical premiere of Hot Channels. Directed by R.G. Benjamin, this Adult-themed SciFi/Fantasy starred Davy Jones, Darby Lloyd Rains, and Andrea True. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Harry is tired of his wife and has bought a MARK III sex simulator to replace her."
"Harry is tired of his wife and has bought a MARK III sex simulator to replace her."
On this day in 1981 (in the Philippines), Saturn 3 enjoyed its release in theaters. The SciFi feature brought together Kirk Douglas and Farrah Fawcett in the cautionary tale, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
"Two lovers stationed at a remote base in the asteroid fields of Saturn are intruded upon by a retentive technocrat from Earth and his charge: a malevolent eight foot robot."
On this day in 1982 (in Greece and the U.S.), Arnold Schwarzenegger made his big screen debut in the guise of Robert E. Howard's Conan The Barbarian. Directed by John Milius, the Fantasy feature also starred James Earl Jones and Sandahl Bergman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young boy, Conan, becomes a slave after his parents are killed and tribe destroyed by a savage warlord and sorcerer, Thulsa Doom. When he grows up he becomes a fearless, invincible fighter. Set free, he plots revenge against Thulsa Doom."
"A young boy, Conan, becomes a slave after his parents are killed and tribe destroyed by a savage warlord and sorcerer, Thulsa Doom. When he grows up he becomes a fearless, invincible fighter. Set free, he plots revenge against Thulsa Doom."
A star is born! You can chalk this one up to 'Just Plain Odd,' folks: in the far off lands of Poland back on this day in 1984, the SciFi adventure comedy Sexmission premiered theatrically and, even today, it remains one of the country's highest regarded films. Here's the summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"Two scientists are chosen as guinea pigs for a time experiment: they are placed in hibernation and should be brought back to life after three years. In the meantime, however, the World War III breaks out and life have been wiped out of the surface of the Earth. When they wake up, it turns out that not only 50 years have passed but also that they are the only living specimens of the male sex in a new, underground society composed exclusively of women. Max used to be woman-chaser so he finds himself in heaven. Albert, on the other hand, forgot all about love and sex as a serious scientist, but is willing to learn. So are the Amazons, who after a kiss turn into pliant kittens. The Council of Women is going to decide their fate, so they are trying to win more time. Eventually they make it to the surface, helped by beautiful Lamia. On the surface it turns out that there is life there and somebody has been living a decent life..."
"Two scientists are chosen as guinea pigs for a time experiment: they are placed in hibernation and should be brought back to life after three years. In the meantime, however, the World War III breaks out and life have been wiped out of the surface of the Earth. When they wake up, it turns out that not only 50 years have passed but also that they are the only living specimens of the male sex in a new, underground society composed exclusively of women. Max used to be woman-chaser so he finds himself in heaven. Albert, on the other hand, forgot all about love and sex as a serious scientist, but is willing to learn. So are the Amazons, who after a kiss turn into pliant kittens. The Council of Women is going to decide their fate, so they are trying to win more time. Eventually they make it to the surface, helped by beautiful Lamia. On the surface it turns out that there is life there and somebody has been living a decent life..."
A star is born! On this day in 1984 (in France), the good people attending the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the big screen premiere of The Dungeonmaster. An anthology-style thriller directed and written by a handful of professionals, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeffrey Byron, Richard Moll, and Leslie Wing. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A demonic wizard challenges a modern-day computer programmer to a battle of technology vs. sorcery, with the programmer's girlfriend as the prize."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray of The Dungeonmaster via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
"A demonic wizard challenges a modern-day computer programmer to a battle of technology vs. sorcery, with the programmer's girlfriend as the prize."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I was provided a complimentary Blu-ray of The Dungeonmaster via a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
The Element of Crime -- a Lars von Trier kinda/sorta Fantasy which premiered in Denmark on this day in 1984 -- is one of those films that defies classification. I've read where some folks have considered it heavy Science Fiction mainly because it takes place in some 'alternate world' Europe, but I've never seen this one myself so I can't speak to that accuracy. In any event, here's what IMDB.com has to say about the premise:
"A cop in a dystopian Europe investigates a serial killings suspect using controversial methods written by his now disgraced former mentor."
"A cop in a dystopian Europe investigates a serial killings suspect using controversial methods written by his now disgraced former mentor."
A star is born! On this day in 1986 (in France), the audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical launch of Population: 1. Written and directed by Rene Daalder, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tomata Du Plenty, Dino Lee, and Helen Heaven. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the nuclear annihilation of the planet, the last member of a small society of survivors finds himself trapped in an underground control room, where he recounts the history of his world through musical numbers."
"After the nuclear annihilation of the planet, the last member of a small society of survivors finds himself trapped in an underground control room, where he recounts the history of his world through musical numbers."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in West Germany), audiences were treated to the premiere of Beyond The Rising Moon. Written and directed by Philip J. Cook, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Tracy Davis, Hans Bachmann, and Michael Mack. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 1988 (in France), Midnight Movie Massacre churned up a bit of SciFi/Satire for the masses in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival. The feature starred Robert Clarke and Ann Robinson, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Martian begins to attack the patrons and staff of a movie theater during the 1950's as a low budget science fiction film plays on the screen."
"A Martian begins to attack the patrons and staff of a movie theater during the 1950's as a low budget science fiction film plays on the screen."
On this day in 1992, Scanners III: The Takeover took over theatrically. The feature starred Liliana Komorowska and Steve Parrish, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A young female scanner turns from a sweet young thing into a murderous, power-crazed villain after she takes an experimental drug developed by her father. Her brother, who is also a scanner, is the only one powerful enough to stop her."
"A young female scanner turns from a sweet young thing into a murderous, power-crazed villain after she takes an experimental drug developed by her father. Her brother, who is also a scanner, is the only one powerful enough to stop her."
On this day in 1994 (in South Korea), A.P.E.X. enjoyed its initial theatrical run. The feature starred Richard Keats and Lisa Ann Russell, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In postapocalyptic war-torn 2073, a scientist from another timeline must help a resistance group stop the army of indestructible A.P.E.X. terminator robots he'd mistakenly created, even if it means risking erasing himself from existence."
"In postapocalyptic war-torn 2073, a scientist from another timeline must help a resistance group stop the army of indestructible A.P.E.X. terminator robots he'd mistakenly created, even if it means risking erasing himself from existence."
A star is born! On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm TekWar: TekJustice helped put William Shatner's entire Tek franchise on the TV map. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"21st Century detective Jake Cardigan is arrested for murdering the husband of his ex-wife. It seems like a frame up, yet Cardigan refuses to let the authorities investigate further or even deny any involvement in the killing."
"21st Century detective Jake Cardigan is arrested for murdering the husband of his ex-wife. It seems like a frame up, yet Cardigan refuses to let the authorities investigate further or even deny any involvement in the killing."
On this day in 1996, Cyborg 3: The Recycler premiered in Germany (of all places). The third installment in the Cyborg franchise still left Jean-Claude Van Damme in the past, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Prepare yourself for the all too deadly future. Cash, the heroine of Cyborg 2, is living safe in the free zone. But not for long. Biomechanical problems are taking down her systems and a visit to a doctor in Silica confirms her worst fears. She is more then a marvel of cyborg technology. She is the first of her kind to become a creator-she is pregnant."
"Prepare yourself for the all too deadly future. Cash, the heroine of Cyborg 2, is living safe in the free zone. But not for long. Biomechanical problems are taking down her systems and a visit to a doctor in Silica confirms her worst fears. She is more then a marvel of cyborg technology. She is the first of her kind to become a creator-she is pregnant."
On this day in 1996, the SciFi/Telefilm Doctor Who aired on the Fox Television Network in the United States, giving actor Paul McGann his shot as the singular time traveler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what all of the fuss was about:
"The newly-regenerated Doctor takes on the Master on the turn of the millennium, 31 December 1999."
"The newly-regenerated Doctor takes on the Master on the turn of the millennium, 31 December 1999."
A star is born! On this day in 2008 (in France), audiences of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical premiere of Blindness. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, the SciFi/Drama starred Gael Garcia Bernal, Danny Glover, and Julianne Moore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A city is ravaged by an epidemic of instant white blindness."
"A city is ravaged by an epidemic of instant white blindness."
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in France), the audiences in attendance of the Cannes Film Festival were treated to the theatrical debut of Air Doll. Written (in part) and directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu, the Fantasy/Romance starred Bae Doona, Arata Iura, and Itsuji Itao. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A life-size blow-up doll develops a soul and falls in love with a video store clerk."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Air Doll created a bit of buzz from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A life-size blow-up doll develops a soul and falls in love with a video store clerk."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Air Doll created a bit of buzz from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the residents of Hollywood, California were treated to the return of the Terminator franchise to the silver screen with the theatrical premiere of Terminator Salvation. Directed by McG, the SciFi/Thriller starred Christian Bale, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Sam Worthington; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 2018, a mysterious new weapon in the war against the machines, half-human and half-machine, comes to John Connor on the eve of a resistance attack on Skynet. But whose side is he on, and can he be trusted?"
For the record:
Terminator Salvation was an attempt by the studio to kinda/sorta provide a soft reboot to the wider Terminator property, but the film's box office results underperformed expectations and thus the planned remaining installments were abandoned. At the 2010 Saturn Awards, the flick only mustered a single nomination -- in the soft category of 'Best Make-up' -- but lost out on the top prize.
"In 2018, a mysterious new weapon in the war against the machines, half-human and half-machine, comes to John Connor on the eve of a resistance attack on Skynet. But whose side is he on, and can he be trusted?"
For the record:
Terminator Salvation was an attempt by the studio to kinda/sorta provide a soft reboot to the wider Terminator property, but the film's box office results underperformed expectations and thus the planned remaining installments were abandoned. At the 2010 Saturn Awards, the flick only mustered a single nomination -- in the soft category of 'Best Make-up' -- but lost out on the top prize.
Without a doubt, Ciaran The Demon Hunter definitely sounds much more like a Horror property than it does Fantasy, but storytellers have been known to mix the genres just a bit for today's audiences. The feature opened on this day in 2016 (in France), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a rash of demonic possessions occurs in Los Angeles, the Vatican summons an Irish Priest with mysterious powers: Ciaran the Demon Hunter."
"When a rash of demonic possessions occurs in Los Angeles, the Vatican summons an Irish Priest with mysterious powers: Ciaran the Demon Hunter."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the United Arab Emirates), Life Like enjoyed its unveiling via a home video release. Written and directed by Josh Janowicz, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Drew Van Acker, Addison Timlin, and Steven Strait. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An idealistic, attractive young couple acquires a stunning, life-like robot for guilt-free help; but, as the three grow closer, their perception of humanity will be altered forever."
"An idealistic, attractive young couple acquires a stunning, life-like robot for guilt-free help; but, as the three grow closer, their perception of humanity will be altered forever."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in France), The Dead Don't Die enjoyed its theatrical premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, the Horror/Comedy starred Bill Murray, Adam Driver, and Tilda Swinton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two pioneers fight for their lives and their love on the American frontier during the Civil War."
"Two pioneers fight for their lives and their love on the American frontier during the Civil War."
A star is born! On this day in 2019 (in the U.S.), the good people of San Jose were treated to the silver screen premiere of Through The Ashes. Written and directed by Michael Fredianelli, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Keely Dervin, Joseph Camilleri, and Daniel Edward Miller. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a vicious man-made fire, a woman looks for her family amongst the survivors in a post-apocalyptic future."
"After a vicious man-made fire, a woman looks for her family amongst the survivors in a post-apocalyptic future."
A star is born! On this day in 2021 (in the U.S.), Black Easter gave audiences a look at an entirely different existence. Written and directed by Jim Carroll, the Fantasy/Drama starred Jordyn Barrera, Christina Birdsong, and Donny Boaz. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An Extremist group travels back in time to assassinate Christ before the Crucifixion. The fate of the world now depends on a genius with no faith...and a man who has lost his."
"An Extremist group travels back in time to assassinate Christ before the Crucifixion. The fate of the world now depends on a genius with no faith...and a man who has lost his."
On this day in 1955, Adventures of Superman aired "Superman Week." This served as the fourth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"While Metropolis gears up to honor its most popular "citizen" during Superman Week, gangster Si Horten (Herbert Vigran) tries to figure out a way to rid the town of the Man of Steel. Taking reporter Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) into his confidence, Horten gives Jimmy a milkshake laced with truth serum, whereupon the boy reveals the location of some hidden Kryptonite--the only substance that can render Superman helpless. Meanwhile, the ever-suspicious Lois Lane (Noel Neill) eagerly anticipates the awkward situation awaiting Clark Kent (George Reeves), who has been assigned to interview Superman on TV."
"While Metropolis gears up to honor its most popular "citizen" during Superman Week, gangster Si Horten (Herbert Vigran) tries to figure out a way to rid the town of the Man of Steel. Taking reporter Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson) into his confidence, Horten gives Jimmy a milkshake laced with truth serum, whereupon the boy reveals the location of some hidden Kryptonite--the only substance that can render Superman helpless. Meanwhile, the ever-suspicious Lois Lane (Noel Neill) eagerly anticipates the awkward situation awaiting Clark Kent (George Reeves), who has been assigned to interview Superman on TV."
On this day in 1955, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired "Exercise For Death." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's that adventure's plot summary:
"The leader of the Solar Guard is less than impressed with the Polaris' crew until Tom and his friends volunteer to destroy a target rocket ship that is out of control and endangering Space Patrol vessels."
"The leader of the Solar Guard is less than impressed with the Polaris' crew until Tom and his friends volunteer to destroy a target rocket ship that is out of control and endangering Space Patrol vessels."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "Johnny Ringo." This served as the thirty-sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earp comes to Steven's rescue and arrests Phineas Clanton, prompting the Clantons to decide to enlist the help of Johnny Ringo."
"Earp comes to Steven's rescue and arrests Phineas Clanton, prompting the Clantons to decide to enlist the help of Johnny Ringo."
On this day in 1979, Battle Of The Planets aired "The Fierce Flowers, Part 2." This served as the thirty-third episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"G-Forced attempted burning the flowers, but it only resulted in the flowers releasing more spores. Princess who was captured by a flower is still missing her fate is unknown."
"G-Forced attempted burning the flowers, but it only resulted in the flowers releasing more spores. Princess who was captured by a flower is still missing her fate is unknown."
On this day in 1979, Salvage 1 aired "Up, Up and Away." This served as the tenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Harry survives a plane crash in a remote canyon but must face crooks determined to retrieve counterfeit currency from the wreck."
"Harry survives a plane crash in a remote canyon but must face crooks determined to retrieve counterfeit currency from the wreck."
On this day in 1988, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired the finale to its first season. The hour was titled "The Neutral Zone," and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at TrekCore.com:
"Data uncovers three frozen humans from the 20th century, and brings them back to the Enterprise for Dr. Crusher to revive. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is ordered to investigate a new Romulan threat."
"Data uncovers three frozen humans from the 20th century, and brings them back to the Enterprise for Dr. Crusher to revive. Meanwhile, the Enterprise is ordered to investigate a new Romulan threat."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1990, War of the Worlds aired their series finale titled "The Obelisk." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As the aliens are losing the fight and dying off they decide to use spores to kill off all native life on Earth."
"As the aliens are losing the fight and dying off they decide to use spores to kill off all native life on Earth."
Think what you will, but I believe Ensign Ro Laren was a character who deserved better closure than what she got from Star Trek: The Next Generation. After her introduction as a crewmember of the Starship Enterprise, she quickly became a fan favorite ... so much so that I'm guessing the writers felt compelled to give her some big finish before the program ended. However, turning her into a traitor to Starfleet? Not the way to go so far as I'm concerned. On this day in 1994, "Preemptive Strike" aired as the twenty-fourth episode of the seventh season, and here's the plot summary according to TrekCore.com:
"The Enterprise receives a visit from Admiral Nechayev, who delivers Picard the message that Starfleet intends to use Ensign Ro to infiltrate the Maquis. She accepts the mission, posing as an ex-Starfleet defector and gaining the acceptance of the Maquis."
"The Enterprise receives a visit from Admiral Nechayev, who delivers Picard the message that Starfleet intends to use Ensign Ro to infiltrate the Maquis. She accepts the mission, posing as an ex-Starfleet defector and gaining the acceptance of the Maquis."
Even though I was never one of Star Trek: Voyager's most ardent supporters, the show explored a few elements that I think the writers and the actors got right. One of these traits was actually using supporting cast members in roles that challenged the audience's long-standing perception of Starfleet and the greater Federation. Martha Hackett's wonderfully duplicitous Seska is a prime example of that quality, and I wish they had explored that dynamic to its greater potential. On this day in 1997, "Worst Case Scenario" aired as the twenty-fifth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary according to TrekCore.com:
"Torres discovers a holodeck scenario set early in Voyager's mission, in which Chakotay leads a mutiny and takes over the ship. It proves so popular with the crew that Tuvok is convinced he must finish it. But when he tries to do so, he discovers that Seska has made some deadly changes in the program."
"Torres discovers a holodeck scenario set early in Voyager's mission, in which Chakotay leads a mutiny and takes over the ship. It proves so popular with the crew that Tuvok is convinced he must finish it. But when he tries to do so, he discovers that Seska has made some deadly changes in the program."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "Tribunal." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's fifth season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Aaron Zgierski, a lawyer and the son of Holocaust survivors, is investigating the Nazi war criminal who murdered members of his family. He gets help from a mysterious time traveler who is able to procure evidence from Auschwitz in 1944."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I viewed "Tribunal" as part of my very own subscription to MGM+ for the purposes of penning a review. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
"Aaron Zgierski, a lawyer and the son of Holocaust survivors, is investigating the Nazi war criminal who murdered members of his family. He gets help from a mysterious time traveler who is able to procure evidence from Auschwitz in 1944."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I viewed "Tribunal" as part of my very own subscription to MGM+ for the purposes of penning a review. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
It all began right here: on this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "Ethaniel's Story." This served as the first episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"An intergalactic assassin arrives on Earth to stop a fellow alien bent on destroying humanity and remaking the world for his own species. He meets up with, and is helped by, a beautiful psychiatrist."
"An intergalactic assassin arrives on Earth to stop a fellow alien bent on destroying humanity and remaking the world for his own species. He meets up with, and is helped by, a beautiful psychiatrist."
On this day in 2001, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Its Hour Come 'Round At Last." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An old memory of Andromeda's is accidentally activated, and Andromeda takes the crew to a place where they encounter the Magog World Ship."
"An old memory of Andromeda's is accidentally activated, and Andromeda takes the crew to a place where they encounter the Magog World Ship."
Never forget it, kids: space is dangerous. On this day in 2003, Star Trek: Enterprise aired "First Flight." This served as the twenty-fourth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TrekCore.com:
"While Enterprise is investigating what appears to be a dark matter nebula, Archer receives news that A.G. Robinson, his old rival in the early days of the NX test program, has died. During a shuttlepod mission, Archer reminisces to T'Pol about the time he and Robinson were pilots competing to break the Warp 2 barrier."
"While Enterprise is investigating what appears to be a dark matter nebula, Archer receives news that A.G. Robinson, his old rival in the early days of the NX test program, has died. During a shuttlepod mission, Archer reminisces to T'Pol about the time he and Robinson were pilots competing to break the Warp 2 barrier."
As a special treat to Star Trek: Enterprise viewers, the network aired a second episode on this day in 2003: "Bounty." This was the twenty-fifth hour to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as listed at TrekCore.com:
"A Tellarite bounty hunter captures Archer intending to turn him over to the Klingons for a substantial reward. Meanwhile, T'Pol is infected with an alien pathogen that unleashes her primal Vulcan urges."
"A Tellarite bounty hunter captures Archer intending to turn him over to the Klingons for a substantial reward. Meanwhile, T'Pol is infected with an alien pathogen that unleashes her primal Vulcan urges."
On this day in 2005, Doctor Who aired "Father's Day." This served as the eighth episode to the (restarted) program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"All of her life, Rose's mother told how great a man her father Pete was. He was killed by a hit and run driver when Rose was just a baby and among her many regrets was that her father died alone, just lying on the street. Rose asks the Doctor to take her back to that day. Rather than just be with him when he dies, she actually saves him and later admits that this was her plan all along. She soon realizes that her parents' marriage was not exactly the golden relationship she had claimed it to be."
"All of her life, Rose's mother told how great a man her father Pete was. He was killed by a hit and run driver when Rose was just a baby and among her many regrets was that her father died alone, just lying on the street. Rose asks the Doctor to take her back to that day. Rather than just be with him when he dies, she actually saves him and later admits that this was her plan all along. She soon realizes that her parents' marriage was not exactly the golden relationship she had claimed it to be."
On this day in 2009, Smallville aired "Doomsday." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark tells Oliver that he must kill Davis, but Clark deals with the fact that he can't take a human life. This leaves the justice league to take the affair on their own hands. Then, Rokk Krinn teleports from the 31st Century to give Clark another Legion time-traveling ring so Clark can exile Davis/Doomsday to the future. But in a surprising twist, Lois confronts Tess about her nefarious plans involving a mysterious crystal and in the fight, Lois accidentally finds Rokk's ring, and gets zapped into the future. Meanwhile, Chloe gets in the middle of Clark and Oliver's fight about Doomsday's human carnage, in which Dianah/Black Cannary and Bart/Impulse intervene. Jimmy finds out Clark's identity, leading to a fateful showdown when Clark attempts to use black kryptonite to split Davis from Doomsday and seal the beast in a large hole in the ground. But nobody is prepared for what Davis will do afterwords."
"Clark tells Oliver that he must kill Davis, but Clark deals with the fact that he can't take a human life. This leaves the justice league to take the affair on their own hands. Then, Rokk Krinn teleports from the 31st Century to give Clark another Legion time-traveling ring so Clark can exile Davis/Doomsday to the future. But in a surprising twist, Lois confronts Tess about her nefarious plans involving a mysterious crystal and in the fight, Lois accidentally finds Rokk's ring, and gets zapped into the future. Meanwhile, Chloe gets in the middle of Clark and Oliver's fight about Doomsday's human carnage, in which Dianah/Black Cannary and Bart/Impulse intervene. Jimmy finds out Clark's identity, leading to a fateful showdown when Clark attempts to use black kryptonite to split Davis from Doomsday and seal the beast in a large hole in the ground. But nobody is prepared for what Davis will do afterwords."
On this day in 2010, A Good Knight's Quest aired the twelfth episode of its only season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Agent Zero has to find a way to get her allies free, without being detected."
"Agent Zero has to find a way to get her allies free, without being detected."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Salvation." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Zod unleashes his army upon the world, forcing Chloe to call in reinforcements from old friends. Zod tells Lois he is The Blur and asks her to steal the Book of Rao from Clark. Torn between Clark and The Blur, Lois asks Clark to come clean with her about everything but he refuses. Chloe and Oliver attempt to reconnect Watchtower's satellite system in order to fight the Kandorians but to Chloe's horror, Oliver gets caught on site and disappears. Tess attempts to stop Zod but he leaves her clinging to life. Clark and Zod battle for control of Earth."
"Zod unleashes his army upon the world, forcing Chloe to call in reinforcements from old friends. Zod tells Lois he is The Blur and asks her to steal the Book of Rao from Clark. Torn between Clark and The Blur, Lois asks Clark to come clean with her about everything but he refuses. Chloe and Oliver attempt to reconnect Watchtower's satellite system in order to fight the Kandorians but to Chloe's horror, Oliver gets caught on site and disappears. Tess attempts to stop Zod but he leaves her clinging to life. Clark and Zod battle for control of Earth."
On this day in 2011, the long-established mythology of Doctor Who received a curious update in the form of an episode titled "The Doctor's Wife." This was the fourth episode to the rebooted program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"While traveling in the TARDIS with Rory and Amy, the Doctor hears a knock on the TARDIS doors. Bewildered and no doubt curious, he answers, only to be presented with a mysterious box which carries a distress signal. Believing it to be from a fellow Time Lord, the cosmic nomad whisks himself and his companions outside the boundaries of the universe on what should be a rescue mission. But what everyone finds is a dark Junk-yard planet populated by the bizarre Auntie, Uncle and Nephew. Last and not least among the strange inhabitants is a mentally unstable woman that goes by the name of Idris who may or may not be "The Doctor's Wife"."
"While traveling in the TARDIS with Rory and Amy, the Doctor hears a knock on the TARDIS doors. Bewildered and no doubt curious, he answers, only to be presented with a mysterious box which carries a distress signal. Believing it to be from a fellow Time Lord, the cosmic nomad whisks himself and his companions outside the boundaries of the universe on what should be a rescue mission. But what everyone finds is a dark Junk-yard planet populated by the bizarre Auntie, Uncle and Nephew. Last and not least among the strange inhabitants is a mentally unstable woman that goes by the name of Idris who may or may not be "The Doctor's Wife"."
On this day in 2014 (in theU.S.), "Unity Day" aired as the ninth episode of The 100's inaugural season. The hour cleverly mixed storylines from aboard the Ark Station with what was developing on the Earth far below, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Finn arranges a meeting with Clarke and the leader of the Grounders in order to bring peace, however a sceptical Clarke warns Bellamy, who along with Jasper and Raven follow them to the meeting with weapons. On the Ark, Diana takes over the exodus ship."
"Finn arranges a meeting with Clarke and the leader of the Grounders in order to bring peace, however a sceptical Clarke warns Bellamy, who along with Jasper and Raven follow them to the meeting with weapons. On the Ark, Diana takes over the exodus ship."
It all began right here: on this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Wayward Pines aired "Where Paradise Is Home." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke begins his investigation into the disappearance of two federal agents."
"Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke begins his investigation into the disappearance of two federal agents."
It all began right here: on this day in 2019 (in the United Kingdom), Years And Years aired the first episode of its only season in original broadcast existence. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One night in 2019, politician Vivienne Rook causes a scandal on live TV. At the same time, the Lyons family is united, as Rosie gives birth to a son."
"One night in 2019, politician Vivienne Rook causes a scandal on live TV. At the same time, the Lyons family is united, as Rosie gives birth to a son."