Oh, so little time ... but so much genre television syndicated programming! Today's exhibit: Forever Knight enjoyed a solid three-season run after premiering on this day back in 1992 (in the U.S.), giving stars Geraint Wyn Davies, Catherine Disher, and Nigel Bennett ample opportunity to bare their teeth and grin. Here's the series' plot summary -- for this popular Canadian genre show -- as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"800-year-old vampire Nick Knight quests for redemption as a cop in Toronto, trying to hide his vampiric nature from the rest of the world."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Forever Knight garnered a great deal of praise throughout its run -- in the form of nominations -- from the Gemini Awards, the institution honoring achievements in Canadian television. In fact, series' regular Nigel Bennett took home top honors in 1996 in the category of 'Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Dramatic Series.'
"800-year-old vampire Nick Knight quests for redemption as a cop in Toronto, trying to hide his vampiric nature from the rest of the world."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Forever Knight garnered a great deal of praise throughout its run -- in the form of nominations -- from the Gemini Awards, the institution honoring achievements in Canadian television. In fact, series' regular Nigel Bennett took home top honors in 1996 in the category of 'Best Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role In A Dramatic Series.'
Let me tell you this: screenwriter Joseph Stefano knows a little something something about evil. In 1960, he penned the screenplay for Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho -- a film lauded even today for its examination of a certain kind of psychological evil. And in 1988, he crafted the idea and script for Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Skin Of Evil," a tale which rather controversially killed off a member of the Enterprise-D's bridge crew, namely 'Tasha Yar.' He's also responsible for a solid handful of scripts for The Outer Limits for good measure along with producing the original program. As for other forays into the realms of the Fantastic, he penned scripts for Eye Of The Cat (1969), Revenge (1971), Home For The Holidays (1972), Snowbeast (1977), The Kindred (1987), Star Trek: The Next Generation, Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990), and TV's Swamp Thing. Though he's no longer with us, Stefano was born on this day in 1922.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of The Kindred (1987) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- In 1961, Stefano -- along with author Robert Bloch -- received the 'Best Motion Picture' Award for their work in crafting 1960's Psycho for the silver screen from the Edgar Allan Poe Awards.
- In 1987, Stefano was presented with the President's Memorial Award from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films for his ongoing contribution to the world of genre entertainment.
- In 1999, Stefano was nominated by the Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Writer' for the late 1990's screen remake of Psycho.
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I received a promotional copy of The Kindred (1987) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
If IMDB.com is to be believed, then the very last professional credit for the late John S. Ragin was his guest appearance in a sixth season adventure for Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also enjoyed visits to The Six Million Dollar Man and Airwolf. Thhough he's no longer with us, Ragin was born on this day in 1929.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When those dastardly Martians attacked as they did in Tim Burton's Mars Attacks! (1996), the great Jerzy Skolimowski played one of the scientists on-hand trying to decipher the Martian language. In 2012, he also enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard The Marvels for Marvel Entertainment. Skolimowski was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
OMG, but where oh where would modern SciFi be without Lance Henriksen? The Aliens franchise. Fox TV's Millennium. And many other smaller but memorable roles, including some terrific voice-over work. Heck, according to what I've read, James Cameron originally intended Henriksen to be the most renowned cyborg in pop culture history as The Terminator, but it didn't work out that way. (Henriksen is in the film as a police detective.) The man who would be Frank Black was born on this day in 1940.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- In 1988, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized Henriksen with a nomination in the category of 'Best Actor' for his work aboard Pumpkinhead (1988).
- In 1994, Henriksen took home the 'Best Supporting Actor' Saturn Awards for his work in Hard Target (1993) for Universal Pictures.
- In 1997 and 1999, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films recognized Henriksen with a nomination in the category of 'Best Genre TV Actor' for his work aboard Millennium.
- In 2009, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films honored Henriksen by presenting him their Life Career Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In late 2021, I received a promotional copy of The Unhealer (2020) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net, in which Henriksen played a prominent role. Interested in my thoughts on the production? Readers can find them right here.
- In 2022, I caught a broadcast airing of Near Dark (1987) on Turner Classic Movies, in which Henriksen played one of the big leads. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
- In 2022, I received a promotional copy of No Escape (1994) in which Henriksen played a role. Interested in my thoughts on the gem? Readers can find my review right here.
I've kinda/sorta told this story before around these parts, but I thought it entirely appropriate to mention once more. I had the good fortune of meeting Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's resident Cardassian villain -- Gul Dukat -- in Las Vegas at Creation Entertainment's 2013 big Trek convention. Marc Alaimo was one of the big guests for the Friday night shindig. He was polite enough, but he honestly admitted he didn't understand what I was talking about when I explained to him that I thought his portrayal of the signature 'Cardie' made for some downright 'hissable' moments. As it turned out, I learned over the weekend that Alaimo strongly believes that Dukat was a pretty solid portrait of what a contemporary soldier would look and act like. While I tend to disagree -- I think the leader went a bit overboard on more than one occasion -- I'll give Alaimo his due. The actor was born on this day in 1942 ... in Milwaukee, no doubt. (Gul Dukat's a cheesehead?!?!) Go, Packers!
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Arena (1989) -- in which Alaimo had a role -- in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2023, I received a complimentary Blu-ray of Arena (1989) -- in which Alaimo had a role -- in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the film? Readers can find my review right here.
Funnyman Michael Palin found himself trapped in a never-ending series of dire circumstances -- historically speaking, that is -- with his work aboard the Fantasy-themed Time Bandits (1981). Palin was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
John Rhys-Davies first came to everyone's attention when he played the faithful 'Sallah,' a kinda/sorta sidekick to archaeologist Indiana Jones in the unforgettable Raiders of the Lost Ark. He made another splash as 'Gimli the Dwarf' in The Lord of the Rings series. And lest we forget Fox TV's Sliders? As for other genre stops along the way, Rhys-Davies can be found making contributions -- in one way or another -- to such properties as Grizzly II: Revenge (1984), Sword Of The Valiant (1984), King Solomon's Mine (1985), The Living Daylights (1987), Waxwork (1988), The Trial Of The Incredible Hulk (1989), Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989), The Gifted One (1989), Tales From The Crypt, The Lost World (1992), Return To The Lost World (1992), Batman: The Animated Series, The Unnamable II: The Statement Of Randolph Carter (1992), The Pirates Of Dark Water, The Legend Of Prince Valiant, Cyborg Cop (1993), and many, many more. Rhys-Davies was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Roger Rees had the talent to play both comic and straight roles for audiences of the big and small screen. To many, he'll always be the evil Sheriff of Nottingham from Mel Brooks' wacky Robin Hood: Men In Tights, but he actually put in some wonderful appearances in genre entertainment, including roles aboard M.A.N.T.I.S., The Scorpion King, The Invasion (2007), and Syfy's Warehouse 13. Though he's no longer with us, Rees was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The late Marc Zuber leaves behind a legacy of nearly one hundred different screen credits, though much of it involves work in fairly conventional roles. Still, genre fans might know him from appearances in Gerry Anderson's Space:1999 as well as Blake's 7. Though he's no longer with us, Zuber was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor and voiceover specialist Nicholas Guest appeared as one of the cadets asked to grow up quickly in serving Starfleet aboard Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan (1982) for Paramount Pictures. Guest was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fans of 1980's television will likely remember the lovely Melinda Culea from her work aboard the signature action/adventure program of its generation -- The A-Team -- but Trek enthusiasts remember her as Soren from the fifth season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "The Outcast," where she promptly broke Will Riker's heart. She also made a guest appearance on Fox TV's The X-Files. Culea was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lisa Jane Persky has trafficked in small roles aboard several SciFi properties including appearances aboard The Incredible Hulk, Amazing Stories, The Twilight Zone, Mann & Machine, Quantum Leap, The X-Files, and Invasion. Persky was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lovely Lisa Eilbacher had the stuffing scared out of her in 1989's undersea Science Fiction monster movie, Leviathan. She also boasted guest star appearances in Shazam!, TV's Logan's Run, Man from Atlantis, and The Twilight Zone. Eilbacher was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Award-winning actor Richard E. Grant proved himself a worth adversary for Doctor Who in a handful of interesting installments of the popular BBC SciFi series. Grant was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Back during NBC's Heroes' first season (the good one), the young Santiago Cabrera played struggling artist Isaac Mendez with great dramatic flair ... and a nightmarish vision for the future! Cabrera was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pretty Alana Curry enjoyed a small role aboard Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines (2003) for Columbia Pictures. Curry was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Instead of playing a creepy character in the past, Mad Men's Vincent Kartheiser went into the future, joining no less than wannabe thespian Justin Timberlake in 2011's derivative In Time. Kartheiser was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Zach McGowan has been a fabulous addition to the realm of genre projects. He's turned up aboard Terminator Salvation (2009), Dracula Untold (2014), The 100, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and AMC's juggernaut The Walking Dead. McGowan was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in her professional career, the dreamy Danielle Fishel enjoyed a pair of appearances to the Fantasy TV serial Harry And The Hendersons. Fishel was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Henry Cavill might be a huge name in genre entertainment in the future as he continues to play the legendary last man from Krypton, Kalel ... better known as Superman! His first outing -- Man of Steel -- hit theatres in 2013, and he donned the cape again in 2016's Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017's Justice League. Cavill was born on this day in 1983.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pauline Egan has enjoyed roles in Elysium, Syfy's Sanctuary, the CW's Supernatural, and Olympus, a production exploring the adventures of a young Hercules. Egan was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Clark Duke played time travel for its obvious laughs aboard Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015) for Paramount Pictures. Duke was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Brooke Hogan put her considerable assets (ahem) to good use by headlining one of those SciFi-lite direct-to-DVD video franchises, this one spawning both Sand Sharks and Two-Headed Shark Attack. No word on whether a third installment is in the offing. Hogan was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, we should all be so fortunate as to have a face as lovely as Ellie Gall's discover our respective origins ... just as she did aboard the Web-based serial Stargate Origins (2018). Gall was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Bobby Coleman joined Lake Bell in helping to bring NBC's Surface to the ... well ... surface, I guess. Apparently, the water-based SciFi property sank more than it swam, no fault of the young man's. Coleman was born on this day in 1997.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1951 (in Japan), Rocketship X-M rocketed onto the silver screen. Directed by Kurt Neumann, the SciFi/Drama starred Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, and John Emery. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
"An astronaut crew on their way to the Moon are unexpectedly propelled by gravitational forces and end up on Mars instead."
For the record:
For those who like this sort of trivia, Rocketship X-M went on to be nominated for the Best Dramatic Presentation for the 1951 Hugo Awards, which were actually held retroactively in 2001. (The film lost the Hugo to George Pal's Destination Moon.)
ExtraExtra Alert:
I received a complimentary DVD release of Rocketship X-M in 2022. Interested in knowing what I thought about the movie? Readers can find my review right here.
On this day in 1952 (in Sweden), The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Robert Wise, the SciFi feature starred Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, and Hugh Marlowe. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in the former Soviet Union), Ya Byl Sputnikom Solntsa (aka I Was A Sputnik Of The Sun) enjoyed its first theatrical exhibition of record. Directed by Viktor Morgenstern from a script by Vladimir Kapitanovsky and Vladimir Shreiberg, the SciFi/Drama starred Pavel Makhotin, Vladimir Yemelyanov, and Georgiy Shamshurin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The first manned trip to the space is - of course - a big success of a soviet science. The movie shows in detail the tremendous work with the preparation of the flight. In the key scene of the film the astronaut Andrei must make a difficult choice. Will he go home from the space and leave the robotic probe packed with priceless information behind or send the probe to Earth and thus sacrifice his own life on altar of the scientific progress of the mankind?"
"The first manned trip to the space is - of course - a big success of a soviet science. The movie shows in detail the tremendous work with the preparation of the flight. In the key scene of the film the astronaut Andrei must make a difficult choice. Will he go home from the space and leave the robotic probe packed with priceless information behind or send the probe to Earth and thus sacrifice his own life on altar of the scientific progress of the mankind?"
On this day in 1961 (in West Germany), Atlantis: The Lost Continent rose from the depths (and perhaps sank again). Directed by George Pal, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sal Ponti, Joyce Taylor, and John Dall. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
"A Greek Fisherman brings an Atlantean Princess back to her homeland which is the mythical city of Atlantis. He is enslaved for his trouble. The King is being manipulated by an evil sorcerer who is bent on using a natural resource of Atlantis to take over the world. The Atlanteans, or rather the slaves of Atlantis, are forced to mine a crystalline material which absorbs the suns rays. These crystals can then be used for warmth. The misuse of science has created weapons out of the crystals that can fire a heat ray to destroy whatever it touches."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Journey Beneath The Desert enjoyed its very first reported theatrical engagement. Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and Frank Borzage, the script emerged from the minds of Pierre Benoit, Remigio Del Grosso, and Ugo Liberatore. The film starred Haya Harareet, Jean-Louis Trintignant, and Georges Riviere. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A helicopter crashes in the desert, and the crew winds up in the underground city of Atlantis and get mixed up in a slave revolt."
"A helicopter crashes in the desert, and the crew winds up in the underground city of Atlantis and get mixed up in a slave revolt."
A star is born! On this day in 1965 (in France), Jean-Luc Godard's revered SciFi flick Alphaville enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Godard, the SciFi/Mystery starred Eddie Constantine, Anna Karina, and Akim Tamiroff. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A U.S. secret agent is sent to the distant space city of Alphaville where he must find a missing person and free the city from its tyrannical ruler."
For the record:
At the 1965 Berlin International Film Festival, Alphaville took home top honors in the category of 'Best Film.'
"A U.S. secret agent is sent to the distant space city of Alphaville where he must find a missing person and free the city from its tyrannical ruler."
For the record:
At the 1965 Berlin International Film Festival, Alphaville took home top honors in the category of 'Best Film.'
On this day in 1972 (in Ireland), The Andromeda Strain delivered a cinematic virus ... from space! Directed by Robert Wise from a script by Michael Crichton and Nelson Gidding, the SciFi/Drama starred James Olson, Arthur Hill, and David Wayne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"A team of top scientists work feverishly in a secret, state-of-the-art laboratory to discover what has killed the citizens of a small town and learn how this deadly contagion can be stopped."
For the record:
The Andromeda Strain enjoyed a pair of Oscar nominations -- 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction' and 'Best Film Editing' -- at the 1972 Academy Awards ceremony but, alas, lost out in both categories. It also received an impressive Hugo Award nominations for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1978 (in Finland), 2001: A Space Odyssey enjoyed a theatrical re-release. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the SciFi feature starred Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, and William Sylvester. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
"After discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the Lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer H.A.L. 9000."
For the record:
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey remains one of Science Fiction's benchmark motion pictures. At the 1969 Oscars, the film was nominated in the categories of 'Best Art Direction - Set Direction,' 'Best Writing, Story and Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Effects, Special Visual Effects' ... but it only took home the trophy for Best Effects. Also in 1969, the film did take home the 'Best Dramatic Presentation' from the Hugo Awards.
A star is born! On this day in 1978 (in the United Kingdom), Warlords Of Atlantis (aka Warlords Of The Deep) submerged for its silver screen debut. Directed by Kevin Connor from a script by Brian Hayles, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Doug McClure, Peter Gilmore, and Shane Rimmer. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two deep-sea explorers and their crew must survive a master race of beings and monstrous creatures when they discover the fabled city of Atlantis."
"Two deep-sea explorers and their crew must survive a master race of beings and monstrous creatures when they discover the fabled city of Atlantis."
On this day in 1983 (in Portugal), 1990: The Bronx Warriors gave New Yorkers a look at a dark future. Written (in part) and directed by Enzo G. Castellari, the Apocalypse/Thriller starred Vic Morrow, Mark Gregory, and Fred Williamson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
"In a post-apocalyptic New York City, a policeman infiltrates the Bronx, which has become a battleground for several murderous street gangs."
On this day in 1983 (in Mexico), Inseminoid squirted its way into theaters. (Ewwwww!) Directed by Norman J. Warren, the SciFi release starred Robin Clarke, Stephanie Beacham, and Jennifer Ashley. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
Inseminoid is not without its praise. In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival. In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival. And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
"A crew of interplanetary archaeologists is threatened when an alien creature impregnates one of their members, causing her to turn homicidal and murder them one by one."
For the record:
Inseminoid is not without its praise. In 1981, the film won the Festival Award for 'Best Music Composer' from the Madrid International Film Festival. In 1982, it was nominated for 'Best Film' at the Fantasporto Film Festival. And also in the same year, it won 'Best Special Effects' from the Fantafestival Film Festival.
On this day in 1983 (in Australia), Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back enjoyed its theatrical re-release. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the film starred Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"After the Rebels are brutally overpowered by the Empire on the ice planet Hoth, Luke Skywalker begins Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader and a bounty hunter named Boba Fett all over the galaxy."
For the record:
At the 1981 Academy Awards, The Empire Strikes Back took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Sound' along with a Special Achievement Oscar for 'Visual Effects.' At the 1981 Saturn Awards, the film took home trophies in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' Also in 1981, it took home the Hugo Award in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... and then it's set on fire! On this day in 1984 (in the big, big city of Wilmington, North Carolina), the silver screen adaptation of Stephen King's Firestarter set the box office ablaze. Directed by Mark L. Lester, the SciFi/Horror starred young Drew Barrymore, David Keith, and George C. Scott. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Firestarter enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Horror Film.'
"A couple who participated in a potent medical experiment gain telepathic ability and then have a child who is pyrokinetic."
For the record:
At the 1985 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Firestarter enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' and 'Best Horror Film.'
On this day in 1988 (in Hungary), The Final Countdown finally made it to the silver screen. Directed by Don Taylor, the SciFi feature starred Martin Sheen, Kirk Douglas, and Katharine Ross. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
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.
"In 1980, the assistant of the Department of Defense Warren Lasky is assigned by his mysterious chief Richard Tideman to visit the aircraft carrier USS Nimtz commanded by Capt. Matthew Yelland as an observer of the routines. Lasky finds that Wing Commander Richard T. Owens has a great knowledge of history. Out of the blue, the vessel faces a weird storm and they find that they have traveled back in time to the eve of the attack of Pearl Harbor on 06 December 1941. When the two Japanese Zeros attack the motorboat of Senator Samuel Chapman, the crew of the Nimitz rescues the senator and his assistant Laurel Scott. But sooner Lasky learns that the senator had disappeared on that day and Capt. Matthew Yelland is planning to attack the Japanese. Will these actions create a time paradox?"
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! On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), C.H.U.D. II: Bud The Chud became a cinematic reality. Directed by David Irving from a script by Ed Naha, the film starred Brian Robbins, Bill Calvert, and Tricia Leigh Fisher. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A military experiment to create a race of super-warriors go awry, and legions of murderous zombies are unleased upon a surburan neighborhood."
"A military experiment to create a race of super-warriors go awry, and legions of murderous zombies are unleased upon a surburan neighborhood."
On this day in 1989 ( in Ireland), the SciFi/Comedy My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed its theatrical release. Directed by Richard Benjamin, the feature starred Dan Aykroyd, Kim Basinger, and Jon Lovitz. Here’s the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
More for the record:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
“An alien is sent on a secret mission to Earth, where she appears as a gorgeous, attractive, and single lady. Her mission is to make contact with a rather nerdy young scientist, who's quite overwhelmed by her attentions, and isn't aware of the connection between her arrival and his work.”
For the record:
At the 1990 Saturn Awards, My Stepmother Is An Alien enjoyed a pair of nominations -- but no wins -- in the categories of 'Best Actress' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
More for the record:
In late 2021, I had the good fortune of receiving a copy of a new Blu-ray release of the film. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts of the SciFi/Comedy, you can find them right here.
On this day in 1994 (in Germany), RoboCop got into the holiday spirit with the release of RoboCop 3. Directed by Fred Dekker, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Robert John Burke, Nancy Allen, and Mario Machado; and 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 1997 (in Sweden), the 1983-produced Metalstorm: The Destruction Of Jared-Syn enjoyed a special airing on television. Directed by Charles Band, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jeffrey Byron, Tim Thomerson, and Kelly Preston. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seeker named Dogen rescues Dhyana after her father is murdered by the evil Jared-Syn. To avenge her father's death, Dogen must find Jared-Syn's hideout in the mysterious "Lost City", but the only person who knows where it is an aging, burned-out seeker named Rhodes. Along the way, they will need to do battle against the hunter Baal and his Cyclopean minions for engaging Jared-Syn in a final encounter."
For the record:
Metalstorm was the recipient of the 'Best Special Effects' Award from the 1984 Fantafestival.
"A seeker named Dogen rescues Dhyana after her father is murdered by the evil Jared-Syn. To avenge her father's death, Dogen must find Jared-Syn's hideout in the mysterious "Lost City", but the only person who knows where it is an aging, burned-out seeker named Rhodes. Along the way, they will need to do battle against the hunter Baal and his Cyclopean minions for engaging Jared-Syn in a final encounter."
For the record:
Metalstorm was the recipient of the 'Best Special Effects' Award from the 1984 Fantafestival.
A star is born! On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Tidal Wave: No Escape washed up with its very first U.S. television broadcast. Directed by George Miller from a script by Tedi Sarafian and George Malko, the telefilm starred Corbin Bernsen, Julianne Phillips, and Gregg Henry. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When brutal tidal waves suddenly destroy many coastal communities in a short period of time, John Wahl, a nobel prize winner, is brought out of his lazy retirement and back into service as a consultant. He teams up with a Navy officer to find out the cause of the disaster. But when a ransom of one billion dollars is demanded, Wahl is the government's number one suspect."
"When brutal tidal waves suddenly destroy many coastal communities in a short period of time, John Wahl, a nobel prize winner, is brought out of his lazy retirement and back into service as a consultant. He teams up with a Navy officer to find out the cause of the disaster. But when a ransom of one billion dollars is demanded, Wahl is the government's number one suspect."
On this day in 2000 (in Spain), Pitch Black enjoyed a rough touchdown in theaters. Written (in part) and directed by David Twohy, the SciFi/Horror starred Vin Diesel, Radha Mitchell, and Cole Hauser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
"A commercial transport ship and its crew are marooned on a planet full of bloodthirsty creatures that only come out to feast at night. But then, they learn that a month-long eclipse is about to occur."
For the record:
Besides birthing another franchise for Science Fiction and Fantasy, Pitch Black drew the attention of those organizations that award cinematic excellence. In 2000, the screenwriter team of David Twohy, Ken Wheat, and Jim Wheat were blessed with the nomination for the Bram Stoker Award. Also, the film was nominated for the 2000 Saturn Award for 'Best Science Fiction Film.' In 2001, the International Horror Guild nominated it for the year's 'Best Movie.' For 2001's Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, Pitch Black enjoyed nominations (but no wins) for 'Best Makeup/Creature FX,' 'Best Screenplay,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' and 'Best Wide-Release Film.'
On this day in 2001 (in New Zealand), Destination Space enjoyed its debut. (As I understand it, this SciFi feature was originally a pilot produced for the 1959 television season which was never picked up.) Directed by Joseph Pevney from a script by Alford Van Ronkel, the project starred Harry Townes, John Agar, and Charles Aidman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"From space pioneers to modern day missions, it's a thrilling look at man's quest to conquer space."
"From space pioneers to modern day missions, it's a thrilling look at man's quest to conquer space."
A star is born! On this day in 2005 (in the U.S.), Cerebral Print: The Secret Files played for audiences in attendance of the Bare Bones Film Festival. Written and directed by Ford Austin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jed Rowen, Felissa Rose, and Richard Grove. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 1967, a secret government organization called The Cerebral Print Program, or "The Print", was created to capture and study extra terrestrials. Once in the lab, Scientists scoop out the alien brains and chuck them into a harvester which extracts and records the final memory so it can be viewed at a later date. The end result: a Cerebral Print. A group of government agents try their damnedest to keep the program a secret while the little grey bastards attempt to probe their way to freedom. This is a compilation of Cerebral Print Files."
"In 1967, a secret government organization called The Cerebral Print Program, or "The Print", was created to capture and study extra terrestrials. Once in the lab, Scientists scoop out the alien brains and chuck them into a harvester which extracts and records the final memory so it can be viewed at a later date. The end result: a Cerebral Print. A group of government agents try their damnedest to keep the program a secret while the little grey bastards attempt to probe their way to freedom. This is a compilation of Cerebral Print Files."
A star is born! On this day in 2012 (in Japan), Space Brothers launched into film history. Directed by Yoshitaka Mori from a script by Chûya Koyama and Mika Ohmori, the SciFi/Comedy starred Buzz Aldrin, Shun Oguri, and Kumiko Aso. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One night, as children, Mutta and Hibito saw what they thought was an UFO passing close to the Moon. Becoming fascinated by space, they promised each other they'd be astronauts and that one day they'd meet in outer space. Years later, Hibito, the younger brother, has been selected as the first Japanese astronaut that will participate in a mission to the Moon. Meanwhile Mutta, the older one, had given up on those dreams and has recently lost his job as a car designer. It's then that he receives a call from his brother who asks him to remember that one night of their childhood and their promise."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Space Brothers scored a couple of big wins on the film festival circuit.
"One night, as children, Mutta and Hibito saw what they thought was an UFO passing close to the Moon. Becoming fascinated by space, they promised each other they'd be astronauts and that one day they'd meet in outer space. Years later, Hibito, the younger brother, has been selected as the first Japanese astronaut that will participate in a mission to the Moon. Meanwhile Mutta, the older one, had given up on those dreams and has recently lost his job as a car designer. It's then that he receives a call from his brother who asks him to remember that one night of their childhood and their promise."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Space Brothers scored a couple of big wins on the film festival circuit.
On this day in 2012 (in Russia), Target enjoyed its premiere on television. Written and directed by Aleksandr Zeldovich, the SciFi/Drama starred Maksim Sukhanov and Justine Waddell, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In 2020, a group of wealthy Muscovites traveling to a complex of abandoned astrophysics, where rumors say they have enough power to stop the aging process."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Target earned a good amount of praise from both theatrical screenings as well as festival appearances. A complete list of its notices can be found right here.
"In 2020, a group of wealthy Muscovites traveling to a complex of abandoned astrophysics, where rumors say they have enough power to stop the aging process."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Target earned a good amount of praise from both theatrical screenings as well as festival appearances. A complete list of its notices can be found right here.
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark! On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), Gallowwalkers trod mightily across the fertile cinematic soil. (FYI: it shows as a 'limited release.') Written (in part) and directed by Andrew Goth, this Fantasy release starred Wesley Snipes and Riley Smith, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mysterious gunman, Aman, is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman - all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa. Aman enlists Fabulos, a new young warrior, to fight by his side."
"A mysterious gunman, Aman, is the son of a nun who breaks her covenant with God to ensure his survival. This act brings a curse upon Aman - all those that die by his gun will return. Soon, he is hunted by a gang of his undead former victims, led by the vicious Kansa. Aman enlists Fabulos, a new young warrior, to fight by his side."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), the SciFi/Telefilm SnakeHead Swamp swam its way into our collective consciousness. Directed by Don E. FauntLeRoy from a script by Greg Mitchell, it starred Ross Britz, Sloane Coe, and Melissa Cordero. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Terror strikes when a swarm of Snakehead fish invade the Louisiana swamp land."
"Terror strikes when a swarm of Snakehead fish invade the Louisiana swamp land."
On this day in 2015 (in France), Earth refugees went into space aboard AE: Apocalypse Earth. Written and directed by Thunder Levin, the SciFi/Thriller starred Adrian Paul, Richard Grieco, and Bali Rodriguez; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When the Earth is attacked by alien forces, a mass evacuation leads to a small group of survivors crash landing on a planet inhabited by cloaked figures. To get off the doomed planet a green-skinned humanoid girls reckons a downed spaceship will do the trick."
"When the Earth is attacked by alien forces, a mass evacuation leads to a small group of survivors crash landing on a planet inhabited by cloaked figures. To get off the doomed planet a green-skinned humanoid girls reckons a downed spaceship will do the trick."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), the Apocalypse heated up again with the release of Road Wars. Written and directed by Mark Atkins, the SciFi/Fantasy feature starred Chloe Farnworth, Cole Parker, and John Freeman. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When an amnesiac wakes up in a post apocalyptic world ravaged by a rabies type virus, he must band together with a small group of survivors."
"When an amnesiac wakes up in a post apocalyptic world ravaged by a rabies type virus, he must band together with a small group of survivors."
The truth is out there! On this day in 2017, Alienate enjoyed its U.S. digital release via the Internet. Directed by Michael Shumway, the SciFi/Drama starred Blake Webb, Tatum Langton, and Jaclyn Hales. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man separated from his wife fights to return home while the Earth falls to invasion."
"A man separated from his wife fights to return home while the Earth falls to invasion."
A star is born! Promoted as the first Science Fiction film from Bangladesh, the SciFi feature Porobashinee enjoyed its premiere in that land on this day in 2017. Written and directed by Swapan Ahmed, the film starred Sabyasachi Chakrabarty, Mamnun Hasan Emon, and June Malia. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the (edited) plot summary:
"Many Countries use Nuclear Weapons to fight among themselves and due to Nuclear Radiation the world faces destruction. The scientists predicts Human won't survive On Eath in near future. So They start looking for another planet for Human Settlement. A Group of Bangladeshi Scientists discovers an ideal planet "aris-32" for human settlement, and think about building a settlement in order to Save people from Nuclear Radiation but The Aliens Percieve the plan so They come to earth with a mission to destroy the Satellite Technology. The mission is led by a talented Alien Mehez (Mehzabein Chowdhury).The Aliens Come Very close to Destroying the Satellite Technology but Mehez falls in love with Nirob. Mehez Gets exposed to Humans and Nirob fights to save her."
"Many Countries use Nuclear Weapons to fight among themselves and due to Nuclear Radiation the world faces destruction. The scientists predicts Human won't survive On Eath in near future. So They start looking for another planet for Human Settlement. A Group of Bangladeshi Scientists discovers an ideal planet "aris-32" for human settlement, and think about building a settlement in order to Save people from Nuclear Radiation but The Aliens Percieve the plan so They come to earth with a mission to destroy the Satellite Technology. The mission is led by a talented Alien Mehez (Mehzabein Chowdhury).The Aliens Come Very close to Destroying the Satellite Technology but Mehez falls in love with Nirob. Mehez Gets exposed to Humans and Nirob fights to save her."
On this day in 2017 (in Spain), Realive enjoyed a release on home video. Written and directed by Mateo Gil, the SciFi/Drama starred Tom Hughes, Charlotte Le Bon, and Oona Chaplin. Here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Marc (Tom Hughes) is diagnosed with a disease and is given one year left to live. Unable to accept his own end, he decides to freeze his body. Sixty years later, in the year 2084, he becomes the first man to be revived in history. It is then he discovers that the love of his life, Naomi (Oona Chaplin), has accompanied him this entire time in a way that he'd never expected."
For the record:
To its credit, Realive has a handful of trophies attesting to its merit. In 2017, the film captured the 'Best Film' and 'Best Screenplay' awards from the Fantasporto International Fantasy Film Festival. In 2018, it was nominated as 'Best Spanish Film' for the Dias de Cinema Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for 'Best Visual Effects' for the 2018 Gaudi Awards.
"Marc (Tom Hughes) is diagnosed with a disease and is given one year left to live. Unable to accept his own end, he decides to freeze his body. Sixty years later, in the year 2084, he becomes the first man to be revived in history. It is then he discovers that the love of his life, Naomi (Oona Chaplin), has accompanied him this entire time in a way that he'd never expected."
For the record:
To its credit, Realive has a handful of trophies attesting to its merit. In 2017, the film captured the 'Best Film' and 'Best Screenplay' awards from the Fantasporto International Fantasy Film Festival. In 2018, it was nominated as 'Best Spanish Film' for the Dias de Cinema Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for 'Best Visual Effects' for the 2018 Gaudi Awards.
On this day in 1951 (in the U.S.), Space Patrol aired "The Major's Dilemma." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Solarguard.com:
"During a routine inspection of the Space Patrol Maintenance Shop, Major Robertson discovers a heavy purchase of surplus battle cruisers by the Pluto Transport Company. Suspicious, he tells the owner of the company that he can no longer buy these ships and immediately "accidents" begin happening in the shop. When Commander Corry and Cadet Happy attempt to test fly the Secretary General's new ship they nearly crash as a result of sabotage."
"During a routine inspection of the Space Patrol Maintenance Shop, Major Robertson discovers a heavy purchase of surplus battle cruisers by the Pluto Transport Company. Suspicious, he tells the owner of the company that he can no longer buy these ships and immediately "accidents" begin happening in the shop. When Commander Corry and Cadet Happy attempt to test fly the Secretary General's new ship they nearly crash as a result of sabotage."
On this day in 1956 (in the U.S.), Adventures Of Superman aired "The Girl Who Hired Superman." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wealthy and spoiled Myra Van Clever (Gloria Talbott) hires Superman (George Reeves) to entertain at a party. What Myra doesn't know is that she has been manipulated into a criminal scheme cooked up by her guardian Jonas Rockwell (John Eldredge), who intends to use Superman as an unwitting courier for a set of counterfeit plates. Ultimately, Jonas tips his hand and locks Myra into a safe with reporters Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson), Lois Lane (Noel Neill) and Clark Kent--who of course is Superman in disguise, but is unable to "transform" himself in full view of his fellow prisoners!"
"Wealthy and spoiled Myra Van Clever (Gloria Talbott) hires Superman (George Reeves) to entertain at a party. What Myra doesn't know is that she has been manipulated into a criminal scheme cooked up by her guardian Jonas Rockwell (John Eldredge), who intends to use Superman as an unwitting courier for a set of counterfeit plates. Ultimately, Jonas tips his hand and locks Myra into a safe with reporters Jimmy Olsen (Jack Larson), Lois Lane (Noel Neill) and Clark Kent--who of course is Superman in disguise, but is unable to "transform" himself in full view of his fellow prisoners!"
On this day in 1961, The Twilight Zone aired "Shadow Play." This served as the twenty-sixth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Adam Grant is found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced he lashes out telling everyone that he will not be murdered again. Grant claims to be having a recurring nightmare where he is found guilty and executed. The characters around him change and so he argues that all of them will vanish if he dies. It leads newspaperman Paul Carson to question what is real and what might just be a figment of someone else's imagination. DA Henry Ritchie visits Grant in jail and decides to try and do something about his claims, no matter how far-fetched his claims might be."
"When Adam Grant is found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced he lashes out telling everyone that he will not be murdered again. Grant claims to be having a recurring nightmare where he is found guilty and executed. The characters around him change and so he argues that all of them will vanish if he dies. It leads newspaperman Paul Carson to question what is real and what might just be a figment of someone else's imagination. DA Henry Ritchie visits Grant in jail and decides to try and do something about his claims, no matter how far-fetched his claims might be."
On this day in 1973 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Planet Of The Daleks: Part 5." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends ambush two Daleks as part of their planet to get back into the city but the Daleks are on the verge of unleashing their virus."
"The Doctor and his friends ambush two Daleks as part of their planet to get back into the city but the Daleks are on the verge of unleashing their virus."
On this day in 1976, The Bionic Woman aired the very provocatively titled "Fly Jaime." This served as the eleventh episode to the popular program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jaime is undercover as stewardess Miss Winters to keep an eye on Rudy Wells who is transporting a top secret Cobalt 247 formula. The plane goes down in an electrical storm and the passengers end up on a deserted island where the conspirators will do anything to get the formula from Rudy."
"Jaime is undercover as stewardess Miss Winters to keep an eye on Rudy Wells who is transporting a top secret Cobalt 247 formula. The plane goes down in an electrical storm and the passengers end up on a deserted island where the conspirators will do anything to get the formula from Rudy."
On this day in 1987, Max Headroom ended his first season on television with an hour titled "The Blanks." Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"A group of unidentified anarchists who are known only as Blanks terrorize the city's central computer systems."
"A group of unidentified anarchists who are known only as Blanks terrorize the city's central computer systems."
On this day in 1988, Max Headroom aired "Lessons." This served as the seventh episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Education becomes a crime when Blanks start pirating elite educational programming for poor children."
"Education becomes a crime when Blanks start pirating elite educational programming for poor children."
First showing ever! On this day in 1990, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "The Most Toys." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When transporting a dangerous material to the Enterprise, Data is kidnapped and the crew is led to believe he is dead when the shuttlecraft he was piloting explodes enroute."
"When transporting a dangerous material to the Enterprise, Data is kidnapped and the crew is led to believe he is dead when the shuttlecraft he was piloting explodes enroute."
It all began right here: on this day in 1992 (in the U.S. and Canada), Forever Knight aired its series pilot episode, an adventure titled "Dark Knight." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"While searching for a serial killer, Nick Knight discovers a chance to end his vampire curse. While Schanke tracks down leads in the human world, Nick learns that the murder may be the work of the man who made him a vampire 700 years ago."
"While searching for a serial killer, Nick Knight discovers a chance to end his vampire curse. While Schanke tracks down leads in the human world, Nick learns that the murder may be the work of the man who made him a vampire 700 years ago."
On this day in 1992, Super Force aired "The End of Everything: Part 1." This served as the nineteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Zach discovers that three evil humanoids have acquired lethal materials and they plan to destroy the world."
"Zach discovers that three evil humanoids have acquired lethal materials and they plan to destroy the world."
And it all came down to this ...
Sam Beckett spent five, fun-filled season leaping about time in NBC's stellar Quantum Leap, but on this day in 1993 it would come to the inevitable series finale with the airing of "Mirror Image." As the twenty-second story of the fifth season, this adventure turned in what I felt was a pitch perfect finale, certainly leaving open the prospect for a follow-up (one has been rumored at for years) yet also summing it all up in bittersweet fashion. As for the tale itself? Here's the summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a bar with a bartender that's more than he appears. When Sam looks into a mirror, he sees his own reflection. In the future, they realize that Sam has leaped into himself, they search history for Sam. Sam learns more about Quantum Leap, and who's responsible for his leaps. Before he takes his next leap, he realizes he must correct something that could affect his personal history."
Sam Beckett spent five, fun-filled season leaping about time in NBC's stellar Quantum Leap, but on this day in 1993 it would come to the inevitable series finale with the airing of "Mirror Image." As the twenty-second story of the fifth season, this adventure turned in what I felt was a pitch perfect finale, certainly leaving open the prospect for a follow-up (one has been rumored at for years) yet also summing it all up in bittersweet fashion. As for the tale itself? Here's the summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a bar with a bartender that's more than he appears. When Sam looks into a mirror, he sees his own reflection. In the future, they realize that Sam has leaped into himself, they search history for Sam. Sam learns more about Quantum Leap, and who's responsible for his leaps. Before he takes his next leap, he realizes he must correct something that could affect his personal history."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), The Outer Limits aired "Virtual Future." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Dr. Jack Pierce realizes in shock that the VR device he's been developing allows its users to see into their future. His financier, industrialist Bill Trenton, abuses this power to run for the Senate. Jack has to stop him."
"Dr. Jack Pierce realizes in shock that the VR device he's been developing allows its users to see into their future. His financier, industrialist Bill Trenton, abuses this power to run for the Senate. Jack has to stop him."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), the Fox TV cyber-drama VR5 aired the eleventh episode of its first and only season. The hour was called "The Many Faces of Alex," and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"An increasingly careless and disillusioned Oliver assigns Sydney to an unknown contact. This contact turns out to be Oliver's former lover, Alex, who may know the whereabouts of Sydney's father."
"An increasingly careless and disillusioned Oliver assigns Sydney to an unknown contact. This contact turns out to be Oliver's former lover, Alex, who may know the whereabouts of Sydney's father."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5 aired "Conflicts of Interest." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ivanova prepares for her first resistance broadcast."
"Ivanova prepares for her first resistance broadcast."
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "Children Of Time." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The DS9 crew discovers a small colony on a remote world that was originally populated by them 200 years earlier due to a time-travel accident with the Defiant. The current colonists lives depend on making sure that accident happens again, even though they've now forwarned the crew that it will happen. Each crew member needs to decide if they are willing to give up their lives on DS9 in order to preserve the history of the colony."
"The DS9 crew discovers a small colony on a remote world that was originally populated by them 200 years earlier due to a time-travel accident with the Defiant. The current colonists lives depend on making sure that accident happens again, even though they've now forwarned the crew that it will happen. Each crew member needs to decide if they are willing to give up their lives on DS9 in order to preserve the history of the colony."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine aired "When It Rains." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Kira gets sent behind Cardassian lines in an effort to train them in resistance fighting. When Dr. Bashir learns of the deadly disease Odo is infected with, he meets with resistance whilst trying to obtain Odo's medical records from Starfleet. Martok gets blindsided by Gowron when he arrives on DS9, announcing he has assumed command of the Klingon fleet."
"Kira gets sent behind Cardassian lines in an effort to train them in resistance fighting. When Dr. Bashir learns of the deadly disease Odo is infected with, he meets with resistance whilst trying to obtain Odo's medical records from Starfleet. Martok gets blindsided by Gowron when he arrives on DS9, announcing he has assumed command of the Klingon fleet."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Voyager aired "11:59." Officially, this served as the twenty-second episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Capt. Janeway recalls her ancestor, Shannon O'Donnell, with great reverence, but historical records don't back up the family story."
"Capt. Janeway recalls her ancestor, Shannon O'Donnell, with great reverence, but historical records don't back up the family story."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Chris Carter's Harsh Realm began winding down its last episodes. "Manus Domini" was its seventh episode, and here's the plot summary compliments of TV.com:
"Florence takes off to warn her people - The Sisters, a religious order of healers - that Santiago's Republican Guard is approaching. Hobbs and Pinocchio follow, fall victim to a mine field and meet The Sisters. Surviving their ordeal requires faith, even in Harsh Realm."
"Florence takes off to warn her people - The Sisters, a religious order of healers - that Santiago's Republican Guard is approaching. Hobbs and Pinocchio follow, fall victim to a mine field and meet The Sisters. Surviving their ordeal requires faith, even in Harsh Realm."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), The X-Files aired "Release." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An eerily brilliant cadet from Scully's class directs Doggett to a current murder case that may have something to do with a case that went unsolved 9 years prior - the murder of Doggett's young son."
"An eerily brilliant cadet from Scully's class directs Doggett to a current murder case that may have something to do with a case that went unsolved 9 years prior - the murder of Doggett's young son."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Reawakening." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The team help the crew of an ocean research station threatened by a prehistoric creature - previously thought to be extinct."
"The team help the crew of an ocean research station threatened by a prehistoric creature - previously thought to be extinct."
On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired "E2." Officially, this served as the twenty-first episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Trying to pass through a subspace corridor, Enterprise is stopped by a version of itself from the future."
"Trying to pass through a subspace corridor, Enterprise is stopped by a version of itself from the future."
On this day in 2006 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "The Empty Child." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the modern era of Doctor Who, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a spaceship crashes in the middle of the London Blitz the Doctor, Rose and the enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness find themselves investigating a plague of physical injuries and a little boy in a gas mask."
"When a spaceship crashes in the middle of the London Blitz the Doctor, Rose and the enigmatic Captain Jack Harkness find themselves investigating a plague of physical injuries and a little boy in a gas mask."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Lazarus Experiment." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the modern era of Doctor Who, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The famous Dr Lazarus has appeared to discover the secret of eternal youth - but do his experiments hide a sinister secret?"
"The famous Dr Lazarus has appeared to discover the secret of eternal youth - but do his experiments hide a sinister secret?"
On this day in 2007 (in the U.S.), Star Trek aired its remastered version of "Tomorrow Is Yesterday." Officially, this served as the nineteenth episode in the program's original run on television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise is thrown back in time to 1960s Earth."
"The Enterprise is thrown back in time to 1960s Earth."
On this day in 2012 (in the U.S.), Green Lantern: The Animated Series aired the tenth episode of its only season on television. The adventure was titled "Regime Change," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at TV.com:
"When Queen Iolande's brother Ragnar becomes an evil Red Lantern, Hal and the others must return to Betrassus to stop him."
"When Queen Iolande's brother Ragnar becomes an evil Red Lantern, Hal and the others must return to Betrassus to stop him."
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Continuum aired "Second Thoughts." Officially, this served as the third episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Sonya continues expanding Liber8's business dealings with the Coalition Kings biker gang who carried out the mayors killing. Travis however has his own plans not only to end Sonya's control but to unify all the different criminal gangs in the process. A shooting at the airport where four Coalition Kings are killed by a single gunman leads Kiera to believe that Travis has gone to war with Sonya and her associates. After getting into a car accident, Alec gets a ride home from Kiera. The driver had taken a drug called flash, but Kiera tells him it shouldn't be available for another 10 years. She suspects Liber8 may be behind its early appearance and recalls the effect the drug had on her younger sister Hannah. Matthew denies any involvement in producing the drug. He tells her about his business alliance with Alec. Jason, the man from the future Kiera had met earlier, is looking for her. He says that freelancers - itinerant time travelers who protect the time line from abuse - have arrived. Julian is still in prison and his mother tells him of a conspiracy among drug manufacturers. After a good deal of bloodshed, Sonya re-examines her tactics and has a change of heart."
"Sonya continues expanding Liber8's business dealings with the Coalition Kings biker gang who carried out the mayors killing. Travis however has his own plans not only to end Sonya's control but to unify all the different criminal gangs in the process. A shooting at the airport where four Coalition Kings are killed by a single gunman leads Kiera to believe that Travis has gone to war with Sonya and her associates. After getting into a car accident, Alec gets a ride home from Kiera. The driver had taken a drug called flash, but Kiera tells him it shouldn't be available for another 10 years. She suspects Liber8 may be behind its early appearance and recalls the effect the drug had on her younger sister Hannah. Matthew denies any involvement in producing the drug. He tells her about his business alliance with Alec. Jason, the man from the future Kiera had met earlier, is looking for her. He says that freelancers - itinerant time travelers who protect the time line from abuse - have arrived. Julian is still in prison and his mother tells him of a conspiracy among drug manufacturers. After a good deal of bloodshed, Sonya re-examines her tactics and has a change of heart."
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), Warehouse 13 aired "Savage Seduction." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Pete, Myka, and Artie help Kelly Hernandez (Pete's ex-girlfriend) save her grandmother who is trapped inside a Telenovela, and in the process "fall in" and become characters of this Latino Soap Opera themselves. Meanwhile, Claudia and Steve investigate a strange accident at a university that leads them to discover an artifact that literally duplicates its users."
"Pete, Myka, and Artie help Kelly Hernandez (Pete's ex-girlfriend) save her grandmother who is trapped inside a Telenovela, and in the process "fall in" and become characters of this Latino Soap Opera themselves. Meanwhile, Claudia and Steve investigate a strange accident at a university that leads them to discover an artifact that literally duplicates its users."
