Though I've not been able to confirm in the single season of animated genre property Dallas & Robo (which premiered on this day in 2018) is the only one the program will ever achieve, I have uncovered rumblings that it's itching for a continuation. It started as a YouTube.com project and apparently had enough steam to reach beyond, so we'll keep our fingers crossed. I've not watched any of it, but here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Follows a space trucker named Dallas and a cowboy hat-wearing robot named Robo as they journey through the universe looking for work. The two are interplanetary big rig drivers navigating the dangers of cannibal bikers, rival space truckers and vending machine burritos all looking to make a little cash."
"Follows a space trucker named Dallas and a cowboy hat-wearing robot named Robo as they journey through the universe looking for work. The two are interplanetary big rig drivers navigating the dangers of cannibal bikers, rival space truckers and vending machine burritos all looking to make a little cash."
On this day in 2012, IDW Comics went boldly where no one had gone before when it premiered an epic crossover event, and this one was indeed one for the ages: Doctor Who landed in the Star Trek universe! The storyline -- official titled "Assimilation2" -- involved a dastardly union of the Cybermen and the Borg, and the action saw Matt Smith's Doctor leaping into both the TOS and TNG creations. Having read it, I give it an enthusiastic thumbs out, though the action does kinda/sorta peter out toward the big finish.
Hollywood heavyweight Howard Hawks didn't lend his clout to many films in the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy, but he certainly brought one of the most memorable to the silver screen: 1951's The Thing From Another World continues to delight and inspire to this day. Though he's no longer with us, Hawks was born on this day in 1896. [Source: IMDB.com]
As is so often the case with so very much of sci-fi, fans never really know the faces much less the names of those who worked behind-the-scenes to bring some of the very best of our beloved genre to life. Pictured above is the late Franklin J. Schaffner, the man who directed 1968's unforgettably awesome Planet of the Apes. After that? He went on to do a little film called Patton. A few years later, he went on to direct another film with some sci-fi-lite elements called The Boys From Brazil. Though he's no longer with us, Schaffner was born on this day in 1920.
Screen veteran Clint Walker may've built his reputation on playing cowboys but he also faced down evil of a different sort (Fantasy-themed) in Killdozer (1974). Though he's no longer with us, Walker was born on this day in 1927.
Let me be the first to admit that -- unlike so many others -- I wasn't won over with Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Sure, it had some powerful visuals backed up with an interesting, intelligent story; but that ending drug trip probably meant more culturally for its time and place in history than it does today. I could be wrong. I have been before. In any event, I did like Keir Dullea's workmanlike performance in the film; certainly his role as Dr. Dave Bowman gave audiences one of the first looks at what would happen in the ol' "man vs. machine" showdown. Dullea was born on this day in 1936.
Deanna Lund got small for a cause. The cause? It was her work aboard the SciFi/Action series Land Of The Giants from the mind of TV's Irwin Allen. Lund was born on this day in 1937. [Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his career, the great Michael J. Pollard gave a stand-out performance aboard "Miri," an episode of the classic Star Trek. Though he's no longer with us, Pollard was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
Star Trek fans owe a debt of gratitude to the late Michael Piller. While he was with us, Piller had his creative fingers into every incarnation of Trek for the time, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. He was also given screenplay credit for the largely maligned Star Trek: Insurrection movie, a film that I'll agree had some narrative problems but still managed to be entertaining. Though he's no longer with us, Piller was born on this day in 1948.
One of those talented guys who seemingly appears everywhere when you're least expecting it, Stephen Tobolowsky even managed a supporting spot in Mel Brooks' Spaceballs (1987) for good measure. Tobolowsky was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Colm Meaney was another actor who pretty much started out as just a 'face' in the background on Star Trek: The Next Generation, but, after a few strong years in a supporting role, he was promoted over to Station Chief at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Meaney brought a wonderful humanity to the portrayal of a non-commissioned officer in Starfleet, and both shows were greatly enriched by having him around. Meaney was born on this day back in 1953.
Earlier in his professional career, John Terlesky swaggered his way into Fantasy with a starring role in Deathstalker II (1987). He's since built an impressive career as a director for episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and NBC's Timeless. Terlesky was born on this day in 1961. [Source: IMDB.com]
Chicago-born Tonya Pinkins continues to impress in the field of Science Fiction and Fantasy. She's been a part of 11.22.63, Gotham, and The Strain. Pinkins was born on this day in 1962.
Tracey Childs (above left) joined Peter Capaldi the first time he appeared in the universe of Doctor Who (in a role other than being a Timelord, that is); it was an episode called "The Fires Of Pompeii." Childs was born on this day in 1963.
HubbaHubba Alert! The lovely Cynthia Gouw did what she could with the material she was given to elevate William Shatner's vanity project Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) to the stars. Gouw was born on this day in 1963. [Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor Mark Sheppard has been a part of so many incredible franchises. The X-Files. Supernatural. Warehouse 13. Doctor Who. And, of course, Syfy's the newfangled Battlestar Galactica. What I find uniquely amazing is that -- no matter where he pops up -- he always (always) turns in a terrific performance. Also, in 2013 I had the chance to meet him at the Star Trek Las Vegas Convention, and he's just flat-out a nice, amiable fellow. Sheppard was born on this day in 1964.
That fresh-faced smiler with the mildly disheveled hair is none other than Duncan Jones. The writer/director pretty much burst onto the SciFi scene when, in 2009, his film Moon drew critical praise from around the planet. (Get the wordplay there, folks?) Also, he directed 2011's Source Code, probably one of the slickest and most interesting time travel flicks most folks have never seen. If you haven't, then I encourage you to give it a spin. It's very good. Jones was born on this day in 1971.
The lovely Minae Noji has been providing professional voice acting to such properties as Earth and Beyond (video game), Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 (video game), and X-Men: Destiny (video game). Noji was born on this day in 1973.
The lovely Rachael Stirling gave up a bit of that loveliness to play 'Ada' who was smitten by "The Crimson Horror" on Doctor Who. Stirling was born on this day in 1977.
Though it would appear much of her work is more mainstream fare, the talented Jenny Mollen did enjoy a role aboard Extraction aka Extracted (2012). Mollen was born on this day in 1979.
Catherine Corcoran found herself traumatized -- or is that Troma-tized? -- for her work aboard Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 1 and Return To Nuke 'Em High Volume 2. Corcoran was born on this day in 1992. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kudos to your actor Jake Short for bringing SciFi-lite to the young-at-heart as part of the cast of TV's Mighty Med. Short was born on this day in 1997.
Young Jared Gilmore has found fame and fortune in the realm of Fantasy as he's a regular aboard ABC TV's long-running Once Upon A Time. Gilmore was born on this day in 2000.
On this day in 1934 (in Portugal), the Island Of Lost Souls opened up their dock for the moviegoing masses-at-large. Based upon H.G. Wells' 'The Island Of Dr. Moreau' novel and directed by Erle C. Kenton, the Fantasy/Horror starred Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, and Richard Arlen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
A star is born! On this day in 1936 (in the U.S.), Undersea Kingdom took audiences well beneath the deep blue sea! This 12-part Republic Serial was directed by B. Reeves Eason and Joseph Kane. It starred Ray Corrigan, Lois Wilde, and Monte Blue. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)"
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know a bit more about Undersea Kingdom? I've penned a general information piece I'll expand as I uncover more details, but interested readers can find it right here.
"Crash Corrigan, a recent graduate of Annapolis, and Diana, a go-getting reporter, join Professor Norton for a search for the source of a string of earthquakes, Atlantis. They ride Prof. Norton's rocket submarine searching the sea and little Billy Norton, the professor's son stows away, of course. When they find Atlantis they are caught in a war between peaceful Atlanteans, note their white capes, and war-monging Atlanteans, note their black capes. After many harrowing moments for Crash, Diana, Prof. Norton and Billy, they barely get away with their lives when they escape a tower of Atlantis raised to the surface for the sole purpose of dominating or destroying the Earth (Which one depends on the compliance of the upper world dwellers.)"
ExtraExtra Alert:
Want to know a bit more about Undersea Kingdom? I've penned a general information piece I'll expand as I uncover more details, but interested readers can find it right here.
On this day in 1980 (in West Germany), Operation Ganymed was undertaken ... cinematically, of course. Written and directed by Rainer Erler, the German-language SciFi/Drama starred Horst Frank, Dieter Laser, and Jürgen Prochnow. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A spaceship returns to Earth after several years of space exploration and finds it desolate. Landing in what they believe is Mexico, the crew decides to travel north, and try to find out what happened to Earth during the years they were gone."
"A spaceship returns to Earth after several years of space exploration and finds it desolate. Landing in what they believe is Mexico, the crew decides to travel north, and try to find out what happened to Earth during the years they were gone."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), The Final Countdown began ticking its way down for interested audiences. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Kirk Douglas, Martin Sheen, and Katharine Ross, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
"A modern aircraft carrier is thrown back in time to 1941 near Hawaii, just hours before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor."
For the record:
The Final Countdown received a bit of extra love from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films as it was nominated for 'Best Actor' and 'Best Science Fiction Film' from the 1981 Saturn Awards ceremony.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2021, I was fortunate enough to receive a complimentary Blu-ray from the folks at Blue Underground, so I penned a review of the film. Interested readers can find it right here.
A star is born! Argh. So little time. So many cheesy SciFi movies! Premiering on this day theatrically back in 1990, The Dark Side of the Moon (aka Parasite in some countries) came and went as quickly as a shadow on the dark side of the moon. Here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"It is the year 2022. A mysterious systems failure causes the crew of a spaceship to be stranded on the dark side of the moon, while rapidly running out of fuel and oxygen. They are surprised to discover a NASA space shuttle floating in space, and board it in the hope of salvaging some supplies. One by one, the crew is possessed and killed, and it is up to Paxton Warner to find the links between the dark side of the moon, the Bermuda Triangle, and the Devil himself."
"It is the year 2022. A mysterious systems failure causes the crew of a spaceship to be stranded on the dark side of the moon, while rapidly running out of fuel and oxygen. They are surprised to discover a NASA space shuttle floating in space, and board it in the hope of salvaging some supplies. One by one, the crew is possessed and killed, and it is up to Paxton Warner to find the links between the dark side of the moon, the Bermuda Triangle, and the Devil himself."
On this day in 1991 (in Portugal), politics entered the bedroom again with the theatrical release of The Handmaid's Tale. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
"Under a dystopian religious tyranny, most women cannot conceive children. Those young women who can live in a form of sexual slavery to provide children for influential families."
On this day in 2002 (in Germany), Shadow Fury enjoyed its release to the consumer home video market. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Madsen, a bounty hunter with a bad liver and an even worse attitude, with the help of the lovely Dr. Forster, must stop Dr. Oh and Takeru and restore order to the world."
"Madsen, a bounty hunter with a bad liver and an even worse attitude, with the help of the lovely Dr. Forster, must stop Dr. Oh and Takeru and restore order to the world."
On this day in 2007 (in France), 1959's The World, The Flesh, And The Devil enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. The SciFi/Apocalypse-Drama starred Inger Stevens and Harry Belafonte, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"A miner trapped in a cave-in resurfaces, and upon discovering mankind has been wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, sets out to find other survivors."
"A miner trapped in a cave-in resurfaces, and upon discovering mankind has been wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, sets out to find other survivors."
On this day in 2012 (in Sweden), 51 enjoyed its release on DVD for the home video marketplace. The SciFi feature starred Tammi Arender and Jillian Batherson, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
"51 chronicles what happens after political pressure from the American public forces the Air Force to provide a few well-known reporters with limited access to the most secretive base on the planet: Area 51. When one of the base's hidden 'long term visitors' exploits this unprecedented visit as a chance to liberate himself and his fellow alien captives, Area 51 turns from a secure government base to a horrifying destination of terror."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the 1936-produced Cosmic Journey enjoyed a rare theatrical presentation for audiences in attendance of the San Francisco Silent Film Festival. Adapted from the Konstantin Tsiolkovsky novel ('Outside The Earth'), the SciFi/Drama was directed by Vasily Zhuravlyov and starred Sergey Komarov, Ksenai Moskalenko, and Vassili Gaponenko. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1946, the Soviet space program is undergoing turmoil. Professor Sedikh, who is planning to lead the first manned exploration to the moon, is denounced by his rival Professor Karin as being too old and too mentally unstable for the mission. Professor Sedikh, aided by his assistant Marina and a youth named Andryusha, disregard Prof. Karin's authority and make a successful landing on the moon. Although a few problems occur at the moon, including the discovery of a damaged oxygen tank and Professor Sedikh's becoming trapped under a fallen boulder, the expedition is a success and the cosmonauts return to Moscow."
"In 1946, the Soviet space program is undergoing turmoil. Professor Sedikh, who is planning to lead the first manned exploration to the moon, is denounced by his rival Professor Karin as being too old and too mentally unstable for the mission. Professor Sedikh, aided by his assistant Marina and a youth named Andryusha, disregard Prof. Karin's authority and make a successful landing on the moon. Although a few problems occur at the moon, including the discovery of a damaged oxygen tank and Professor Sedikh's becoming trapped under a fallen boulder, the expedition is a success and the cosmonauts return to Moscow."
On this day in 2014, the 1963-produced Science Fiction film X: The Man With The X-Ray Eyes enjoyed a rare theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of a special film event in Barcelona, Spain. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
"A doctor uses special eye drops to give himself x-ray vision, but the new power has disastrous consequences."
On this day in 2016 (in Spain), the original SciFi/Classic The War Of The Worlds enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
"A small town in California is attacked by Martians, beginning a worldwide invasion."
On this day in 1952, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "The Little Black Bag." This served as the thirty-fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A depressed, tired doctor with a shrewish wife is ready to end his practice. Instead he comes into possession of a doctor's kit with miraculous properties. He and his wife disagree ethically on how to use their newfound luck."
"A depressed, tired doctor with a shrewish wife is ready to end his practice. Instead he comes into possession of a doctor's kit with miraculous properties. He and his wife disagree ethically on how to use their newfound luck."
On this day in 1964, the inaugural season of Doctor Who marched on. "The Warriors of Death" aired on the BBC, and here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"Barbara tries to change the course of history - and Ian fights for his life."
"Barbara tries to change the course of history - and Ian fights for his life."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Stingray aired "The Master Plan." Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a Terror Fish attack, Stingray is damaged. When Troy goes to make repairs, an Aquaphibian poisons him with some purple liquid."
"During a Terror Fish attack, Stingray is damaged. When Troy goes to make repairs, an Aquaphibian poisons him with some purple liquid."
On this day in 1970, Doctor Who aired "Inferno: Part 4." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's seventh season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor attempts to convince the alternate Inferno staff that penetrating the earth's crust will cause a disaster but instead is imprisoned with an infected Bromley."
"The Doctor attempts to convince the alternate Inferno staff that penetrating the earth's crust will cause a disaster but instead is imprisoned with an infected Bromley."
On this day in 1988 (in West Germany), Star Trek got groovy with the airing of "The Way To Eden." Officially, this served as the twentieth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
"A group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise."
Universally praised as one of the best hours of Trekdom for all of the series, "The Inner Light" aired in Star Trek: The Next Generation's syndication on this date back in 1992. The story featured the Enterprise-D's crew encountering a space probe that "injects" Captain Picard with the memories of a people who long ago passed into history, and it featured one heartbreaking moment after another.
On this day in 1993, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Dramatis Personae." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The entire station's command staff, save Odo, become power hungry and vie to defeat each other by forming secret alliances and plotting assassinations. Odo tries to figure out the cause of this mysterious behavior."
"The entire station's command staff, save Odo, become power hungry and vie to defeat each other by forming secret alliances and plotting assassinations. Odo tries to figure out the cause of this mysterious behavior."
Tempers started to flare on this day in 2008 when Syfy aired the eighth episode of Battlestar Galactica's fourth season. The hour was titled "Sine Qua Non," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"President Roslin's abduction by the Cylon Hybrid triggers a bitter power struggle within the Colonial Fleet."
"President Roslin's abduction by the Cylon Hybrid triggers a bitter power struggle within the Colonial Fleet."
On this day in 2008, Doctor Who aired "The Poison Sky." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fourth re-launched) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
"With planet Earth choking under the poison sky, the Doctor must stop the Sontarans' threat to the planet."
On this day in 2018, Colony aired "End Of The Road." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During interrogation, Will, Katie and Snyder struggle to maintain their secrets."
"During interrogation, Will, Katie and Snyder struggle to maintain their secrets."
It all began right here: on this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "Aces Wild." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When space truckers Dallas and Robo have their trailer full of particle weapons stolen by the notorious cannibal biker gang, our heroes must go undercover to steal back their load and save the solar system from certain chaos."
"When space truckers Dallas and Robo have their trailer full of particle weapons stolen by the notorious cannibal biker gang, our heroes must go undercover to steal back their load and save the solar system from certain chaos."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "Moonbound And Down." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In order to win a bet and score free booze at The Golden Pathfinder Casino, Dallas and Robo blast off on a high-speed, no-rules, balls-to-the-wall space-trucking moon run."
"In order to win a bet and score free booze at The Golden Pathfinder Casino, Dallas and Robo blast off on a high-speed, no-rules, balls-to-the-wall space-trucking moon run."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "I, Robo." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After receiving some unexpected news about a fellow Moonshiner trucker, Dallas and Robo pay a dangerous visit to Mars's moon."
"After receiving some unexpected news about a fellow Moonshiner trucker, Dallas and Robo pay a dangerous visit to Mars's moon."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "Murder On The Georgia Overdrive." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"It's a dark and solar stormy night aboard The Overdrive as Dallas and Robo attempt to discover which one of their new passengers is secretly a murderous cannibal biker in disguise."
"It's a dark and solar stormy night aboard The Overdrive as Dallas and Robo attempt to discover which one of their new passengers is secretly a murderous cannibal biker in disguise."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "The Joy Of Cooking." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After accidentally unlocking the secret of time travel, Dallas & Robo go back in time and come face-to-face with a couple of real assholes."
"After accidentally unlocking the secret of time travel, Dallas & Robo go back in time and come face-to-face with a couple of real assholes."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "Le Mars." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Dallas and Robo get the opportunity to return to the world of stock car racing, they're forced to square off against their two biggest rivals - Whiskey Johnson and Dallas's ego."
"When Dallas and Robo get the opportunity to return to the world of stock car racing, they're forced to square off against their two biggest rivals - Whiskey Johnson and Dallas's ego."
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "I Was A Teenage Cannibal Biker." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Carol and her gang of cannibal space bikers are planning something big, but with Dallas and Robo in a fight, is there anyone else left in the solar system to stop them?"
"Carol and her gang of cannibal space bikers are planning something big, but with Dallas and Robo in a fight, is there anyone else left in the solar system to stop them?"
On this day in 2018, Dallas & Robo aired "The Stranger, The Dummy, And The King." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Moonshiner Trucking crew has faced their fair share of foes, but they're in for a real fight when three big badies stroll into town in the season finale of Dallas and Robo."
"The Moonshiner Trucking crew has faced their fair share of foes, but they're in for a real fight when three big badies stroll into town in the season finale of Dallas and Robo."
