The Tholians made their grand entrance into Trekdom when, on this day in 1968, "The Tholian Web" premiered on NBC. The story pitted the crew of the Enterprise -- less Capt. Kirk, whom they believe to be missing-in-action -- against the dastardly aliens intent on snaring the starship in a huge galactic web.
Actor Lewis Stone enjoyed a big role aboard The Lost World (1925), one of the earliest cinematic adaptations of the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel. Though he's no longer with us, Stone was born on this day in 1879. [Source: IMDB.com]
Geoffrey Toone leaves behind an acting resume rich in just over one hundred different screen credits. Genre fans probably know him best for his work aboard Dr. Who And The Daleks (1965) as well as an appearance in the television world of Doctor Who. Though he's no longer with us, Toone was born on this day in 1910. [Source: IMDB.com]
Later in her professional career, Carol Bruce dipped her toes into the realm of Fantasy with a guest spot aboard the 1980's incarnation of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone. Though she's no longer with us, Bruce was born on this day in 1919. [Source: IMDB.com]
Cinematographer Richard H. Kline has used his talents to enhance such genre projects as The Andromeda Strain (1971), Soylent Green (1973), Battle For The Planet Of The Apes (1973), The Terminal Man (1974), King Kong (1976), The Fury (1978), Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Howard The Duck (1986), and My Stepmother Is An Alien (1988). Though he's no longer with us, Kline was born on this day in 1926. [Source: IMDB.com]
In my regular research for the site, I've always stumbled upon references to The Satan Bug (1965), a mid-1960's SciFi-lite thriller ... and I finally had the chance to watch it the other day. Lo and behold, what do I find but a younger (but still gruff) Ed Asner in the role as one of the heavies responsible for stealing some chemical warfare agent. Go figure. Though he's no longer with us, Asner was born on this day in 1929. [Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, Gloria Foster's earthy, natural appeal is what gave The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded much of its needed humanity in order to make the downright otherworldly environments palatable. Though she's no longer with us, Foster was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Joanna Barnes enjoyed a guest spot aboard the short-lived TV incarnation of Planet Of The Apes in 1974. Also worthy of note? Early in her professional career, she played 'Jane' opposite the seminal jungle man aboard Tarzan, The Ape Man (1959) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Barnes was born on this day in 1934. [Source: IMDB.com]
During his time in the entertainment business, actor Danny Kamekona enjoyed a handful of appearances in some solid genre properties including Robot Jox (1989), Robot Wars (1993), and Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero. Though he's no longer with us, Kamekona was born on this day in 1935. [Source: IMDB.com]
If you're gonna take a small part in a Science Fiction film, then make sure said picture is destined to be a classic. That very well may be the advice given Yaphet Kotto, who met an untimely demise at the hands of Ridley Scott's Alien (1979). He also had a role in The Running Man as well as an appearance on SeaQuest 2032. Though he's no longer with us, Kotto was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
For the record: I penned a few words regarding Kotto's passing in 2021, and interested readers can check it out right here.
More for the record: An interesting little tidbit regarding the actor is that showrunner Seth MacFarlane named the gelatinous character 'Yaphit' aboard his SciFi/Comedy program The Orville after the late actor as he was inspired by watching the man's work in Live And Let Die (1973), a James Bond film. [Source: The Orville Wiki]
Even more for the record: Fans of behind-the-scenes information regarding Star Trek: The Next Generation might recall that Kotto was apparently on the 'short list' of actors preferred to play the role of -- ahem -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard for the Trek rebirth on television. As history goes, the man was offered the part but turned it down, allegedly feeling that a return to TV after establishing himself as a motion picture talent would not be good for his career. [Source: ScreenRant]
Still even more for the record: It would seem that regarding Kotto's near misses with Science Fiction, one franchise was not enough! Allegedly, he was even in the running for a top role in the wider Star Wars universe! He mentioned in an interview late in life that he was first approached to fill the shoes of Lando Calrissian aboard Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back by no less than director Irvin Kershner. In this respect, it's been alleged that the actor turned it down, fearing his character would inevitably be killed off -- a fate similar to that he befell in Alien. [Source: TheForce.Net]
For the record: I penned a few words regarding Kotto's passing in 2021, and interested readers can check it out right here.
More for the record: An interesting little tidbit regarding the actor is that showrunner Seth MacFarlane named the gelatinous character 'Yaphit' aboard his SciFi/Comedy program The Orville after the late actor as he was inspired by watching the man's work in Live And Let Die (1973), a James Bond film. [Source: The Orville Wiki]
Even more for the record: Fans of behind-the-scenes information regarding Star Trek: The Next Generation might recall that Kotto was apparently on the 'short list' of actors preferred to play the role of -- ahem -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard for the Trek rebirth on television. As history goes, the man was offered the part but turned it down, allegedly feeling that a return to TV after establishing himself as a motion picture talent would not be good for his career. [Source: ScreenRant]
Still even more for the record: It would seem that regarding Kotto's near misses with Science Fiction, one franchise was not enough! Allegedly, he was even in the running for a top role in the wider Star Wars universe! He mentioned in an interview late in life that he was first approached to fill the shoes of Lando Calrissian aboard Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back by no less than director Irvin Kershner. In this respect, it's been alleged that the actor turned it down, fearing his character would inevitably be killed off -- a fate similar to that he befell in Alien. [Source: TheForce.Net]
Late in his professional career, Thalmus Rasulala enjoyed a somewhat ill-fated guest spot aboard an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also visited the worlds of The Twilight Zone, The Incredible Hulk, and The Greatest American Hero. Though he's no longer with us, Rasulala was born on this day in 1939. [Source: IMDB.com]
I have a soft spot for good conspiracy thrillers, and Capricorn One (1977) remains one of the best. In it, Sam Waterson (above left) plays one of the astronauts forced to go along with faking a moon mission when the American space agency determines a real one isn't worth the risk; lo and behold, those astronauts will soon have to go away, too. Waterson was born on this day in 1940. [Source: IMDB.com]
Director Roger Donaldson planted his flag in the realm of Science Fiction with his work in bringing Species (1995) to silver screen life, launching that franchise for interested audiences. Donaldson was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bob Gunton is an actor we don't often see in genre entertainment, but -- when we do -- it's always worth tuning in. He's appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation; had a stop at the subversive Wild Palms; helped Demolition Man into the next century; and visited The Outer Limits. Gunton was born on this day in 1945. [Source: IMDB.com]
The always lovely Beverly D'Angelo had a role in the 1987 television version of The Man Who Fell To Earth. A decade later, she took flight (of a sort) aboard the Fantasy/Comedy Pterodactyl Woman From Beverly Hills (1997) for Troma Entertainment. D'Angelo was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Early in her professional career, the lovely Judith Chapman enjoyed roles in several SciFi franchises, including The Incredible Hulk, Buck Rogers In The 25th Century, Galactica 1980, Beyond Westworld, and Knight Rider. Chapman was born on this day in 1951. [Source: IMDB.com]
Playboy Playmate Ashley Cox dabbled with some small roles during her time in the business, and SciFi fans might recognize her from an appearance aboard the seminal Logan's Run (1976) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Cox was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Margaret Reed enjoyed a visit to the wide, wide world of Star Trek: The Next Generation during its run on syndicated television. Reed was born on this day in 1956. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ray McKinnon is one of those faces you see but never quite see enough of. While I'll probably always remember him for his work on HBO's Western Deadwood, I'm glad he's been a part of The Stand, Roswell, UPN's Legend, The Pretender, and The X-Files so that I can feature him here. McKinnon was born on this day in 1957. [Source: IMDB.com]
The luminous Maggie O'Neill took charge against an impending alien threat aboard the SciFi/TV-Miniseries Invasion: Earth (1998). O'Neill was born on this day in 1962. [Source: IMDB.com]
Kevin J. O'Connor is only one of the many curious characters it took to help bring to life Stephen King's 11.22.63, the time travel yarn centered on stopping John F. Kennedy's assassination. O'Connor was born on this day in -- uh-oh -- 1963!!! [Source: IMDB.com]
Rachel True is one of the few and the proud who've had to face down those pesky airborne sharks at the heart of the Sharknado phenomenon in Sharknado 2: The Second One (2014). True was born on this day in 1966. [Source: IMDB.com]
According to IMDB.com, the very first professional credit for David Kajganich was the screenplay for the 2007 SciFi/Drama The Invasion from Warner Bros. Kajganich was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
In 2011, when "A Good Man Goes To War" as part of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who, the talented Danny Sapani showed up in uniform. Sapani was born on this day in 1970. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jay Harrington enjoyed a terrific guest spot aboard a seventh season episode of Star Trek: Voyager. Otherwise, his career has largely been in much more mainstream fare. Harrington was born on this day in 1971. [Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, we do so love the ladies who play dress-up! The lovely Vanessa Vander Pluym did just that, dressing up as the 'Queen Of Hearts' for TNT's Fantasy program The Librarians in 2015. Pluym was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Sydney Tamiia Poitier was one of the lovely ladies who tried to aid the Knight Rider reboot for the 2008-2009 TV season. Sadly, that version just didn't stick. Poitier was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
USA Network enjoyed a break-out SciFi hit in Colony, and no one but no one deserved more to be a part of that success than the lovely Kathleen Rose Perkins. Perkins was born on this day in 1974. [Source: IMDB.com]
She was little more than a budding cadet when Star Trek: The Next Generation fans first fell in love with the lovely J.C. Brandy. As the spunky Marta Batanides (in the stellar sixth season episode "Tapestry"), she made even our hearts break with the realization that she couldn't be all that she wanted with the young Jean-Luc Picard, but that didn't keep her from pursuing a career in her own rights. Brandy was born on this day in 1975. [Source: IMDB.com]
Earlier in his professional career, young Sean Murray dabbled in Fantasy with a role aboard Hocus Pocus (1993). Murray was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though she's largely recognized from more mainstream fare, Susie Abromeit is welcome in our beloved genre any time she likes. On the big screens, she braved the alien invasion that was Battle Los Angeles; and -- on the small screen -- she's booked time on the CW's Supernatural and Legends of Tomorrow. Abromeit was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
I know, I know: most of you didn't much care for Tron: Legacy, but I gotta say I totally dug it from start to finish. The lovely Yaya DaCosta had a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in the film, and she's also been seen in In Time (2011). DaCosta was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mexican-born temptress Yanet Garcia tried Science Fiction and Fantasy on for size with a role aboard Sharknado 5: Global Swarming (2017) for Syfy and The Asylum. Garcia was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
The up'n'coming Laci J Mailey continues to find success in every role she chooses. She's secured screen time aboard Arrow, TNT's Falling Skies, and Syfy's Continuum. Mailey was born on this day in 1990. [Source: IMDB.com]
California girl Shailene Woodley burst on fandom's radar with the title role of Tris in 2014's Divergent, hoisting the mighty franchise based on the young adult novels onto her more than capable shoulders. Woodley was born on this day in 1991. [Source: IMDB.com]
Emma Dumont is currently checking out her superpowers aboard The Gifted, a Marvel-themed Fantasy on Fox. Dumont was born on this day in 1994. [Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1958 (in New York City), Layton Film Productions, Inc. launched Missile To The Moon! Directed by Richard E. Cunha, the SciFi/Drama starred Richard Travis, Cathy Downs, and K.T. Stevens; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Escaped convicts Gary and Lon are caught hiding in a rocket by scientist Dirk Green, who forces them to pilot the ship to the moon. Dirk, who's secretly a moon being, wants to return to his home satellite. Dirk's partner Steve Dayton and his fiancé June stowaway on the ship by accident. Will they all make it back safely?"
"Escaped convicts Gary and Lon are caught hiding in a rocket by scientist Dirk Green, who forces them to pilot the ship to the moon. Dirk, who's secretly a moon being, wants to return to his home satellite. Dirk's partner Steve Dayton and his fiancé June stowaway on the ship by accident. Will they all make it back safely?"
On this day in 1967, audiences set sail for the Island Of The Doomed! Directed by Ernst Ritter von Theumer, the SciFi/Horror starred Cameron Mitchell, Elisa Montes, and Kai Fischer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A group of tourists travel to an island to see its exotic botanicals. There they meet Baron von Weser (played by Cameron Mitchell), a reclusive scientist studying rare horticulture and experimenting with crossbreeding dangerous varieties of plants. One of the Baron's creations is draining the blood of human beings (through a small hole in their cheek) and the tourists are dying one by one."
"A group of tourists travel to an island to see its exotic botanicals. There they meet Baron von Weser (played by Cameron Mitchell), a reclusive scientist studying rare horticulture and experimenting with crossbreeding dangerous varieties of plants. One of the Baron's creations is draining the blood of human beings (through a small hole in their cheek) and the tourists are dying one by one."
A star is born! On this day in 1977 (in New York City), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever, letting audiences know what writer/director Steven Spielberg thought about whether or not we were alone in the universe. The SciFi/Drama starred Richard Dreyfuss, Teri Garr, and François Truffaut; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Roy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches."
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, the film took home top honors in the categories of 'Best Music' and 'Best Director' while having to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' 'Best Actor,' 'Best Writing,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.' At the 1978 Academy Awards, Close Encounters took home a single Oscar -- 'Best Cinematography' -- though Frank E. Warner also took home as Special Achievement Award for his work on the project. The flick had to settle for nominations alone in the categories of 'Best Actress In A Supporting Role,' 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' 'Best Film Editing,' 'Best Sound,' 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration,' and 'Best Director.' Lastly, the Hugo Awards nominations the film in its category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1979 (in Malaysia), Alien birthed itself into existence theatrically. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Science Fiction film:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
On this day in 1985 (in Denmark), Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome enjoyed its theatrical release. The SciFi/Thriller starred Mel Gibson as Max himself, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
"After being exiled from the most advanced town in post apocalyptic Australia, a drifter travels with a group of abandoned children to rebel against the town's queen."
On this day in 1989, Meet The Hollowheads turned out Science Fiction by way of Comedy. The feature starred John Glover and Nancy Mette, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"The Hollowheads are a strange, futuristic family that live in a Jetsons type world complete with many cool gadgets. Henry is hoping for a promotion at the slime factory in which he works and decides to bring his boss home for dinner and to meet the family. The horny, pervert, rude boss does not know what he is up against when he begins with his advances towards Mrs. Hollowhead and his abundance of rudeness."
For the record:
Presently, the original theatrical debut date for Meet The Hollowheads is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was first screened in January, 1989, at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in France, but I've been unable to locate anything further specific than that.
"The Hollowheads are a strange, futuristic family that live in a Jetsons type world complete with many cool gadgets. Henry is hoping for a promotion at the slime factory in which he works and decides to bring his boss home for dinner and to meet the family. The horny, pervert, rude boss does not know what he is up against when he begins with his advances towards Mrs. Hollowhead and his abundance of rudeness."
For the record:
Presently, the original theatrical debut date for Meet The Hollowheads is lost to history. IMDB.com reports that it was first screened in January, 1989, at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival in France, but I've been unable to locate anything further specific than that.
On this day in 1990 (in Argentina), Total Recall enjoyed its run in theaters. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the Paul Verhoeven directed feature:
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
"When a man goes for virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?"
On this day in 1996 (in Switzerland), Pamela Anderson brought out her big guns with the silver screen release of Barb Wire. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In the early 21st century, the USA is in the wake of the Second Civil War. The whole country is in a constant state of emergency. What was formerly called the American Congress now rules the country with fascistic methods. There is only one free city left, Steel Harbor, a coastal California industrial town which is headquarters for the resistance. This is the home town of Barb Wire, owner of the Hammerhead nightclub. As times aren't good, Barb has a second job. She's a bounty hunter and you probably wouldn't want her after you. Barb's credo is to never take sides for anybody and that's the only way to survive these days in the crime-ridden streets of Steel Harbor. One evening, her former lover Axel Hood appears at the club asking for a favor to help him and his lover Cora D flee the country to Canada, Barb suddenly finds herself to be key player on high political stage. Now she has to take sides."
"In the early 21st century, the USA is in the wake of the Second Civil War. The whole country is in a constant state of emergency. What was formerly called the American Congress now rules the country with fascistic methods. There is only one free city left, Steel Harbor, a coastal California industrial town which is headquarters for the resistance. This is the home town of Barb Wire, owner of the Hammerhead nightclub. As times aren't good, Barb has a second job. She's a bounty hunter and you probably wouldn't want her after you. Barb's credo is to never take sides for anybody and that's the only way to survive these days in the crime-ridden streets of Steel Harbor. One evening, her former lover Axel Hood appears at the club asking for a favor to help him and his lover Cora D flee the country to Canada, Barb suddenly finds herself to be key player on high political stage. Now she has to take sides."
On this day in 2002 (in Czechia), the 1924-produced Aelita: Queen Of Mars played for audiences in attendance of the CinEd@ys Film Week. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
"A mysterious radio message is beamed around the world, and among the engineers who receive it are Los, the hero, and his colleague Spiridonov. Los is an individualist dreamer. Aelita is the daughter of Tuskub, the ruler of a totalitarian state on Mars in which the working class are put into cold storage when they are not needed. With a telescope, Aelita is able to watch Los. As if by telepathy, Los obsesses about being watched by her. After some hugger-mugger involving the murder of his wife and a pursuing detective, Los takes the identity of Spiridonov and builds a spaceship. With the revolutionary Gusev, he travels to Mars, but the Earthlings and Aelita are thrown into prison by the dictator. Gusev and Los begin a proletarian uprising, and Aelita offers to lead the revolution, but she then establishes her own totalitarian regime. Los is shocked by this development and attempts to stop Aelita, and then reality and fantasy become confused, and Los discovers what has really happened."
On this day in 2005, the 1953-produced The War Of The Worlds enjoyed its DVD premiere in Greece. 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."
A star is born! On this day in 2006 (in Belgium and the Netherlands), the Fantasy-themed Crusade In Jeans enjoyed its run at the cineplex. The feature starred Johnny Flynn and Stephanie Leonidas, and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"After using his mother's newly built time machine, Dolf gets stuck in the year 1212. He ends up in a children's crusade where he confronts his new friends with modern techniques. However, the Crusade turns out to be even trickier than he first imagined."
"After using his mother's newly built time machine, Dolf gets stuck in the year 1212. He ends up in a children's crusade where he confronts his new friends with modern techniques. However, the Crusade turns out to be even trickier than he first imagined."
On this day in 2013 (in Spain), The Returned took another look at our impending zombie future. The SciFi/Horror starred Emily Hampshire and Shawn Doyle, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a world where a deadly zombie virus has infected mankind, a single cure has been found. The cure, a treatment called the "Return Protein" which stays the effects of the virus in its host. With injections every 36 hours, the "Returned" are able to live as though they were never bit, despite the virus still coursing through their veins. When it is discovered that the protein stock is running low, chaos hits the streets. Returned who run out of the protein turn to zombies and wreak havoc, protesters turn to murderers as they try to rid the streets of the returned, and right in the middle of it all are Alex and Kate. Kate a leading doctor in the field of zombie virus' and Alex a musician with a dark secret, he is a Returned. As death and fear run rampant, Alex's secret becomes known and his dosage runs low, he and Kate must fight for a chance to live before he becomes a zombie."
"In a world where a deadly zombie virus has infected mankind, a single cure has been found. The cure, a treatment called the "Return Protein" which stays the effects of the virus in its host. With injections every 36 hours, the "Returned" are able to live as though they were never bit, despite the virus still coursing through their veins. When it is discovered that the protein stock is running low, chaos hits the streets. Returned who run out of the protein turn to zombies and wreak havoc, protesters turn to murderers as they try to rid the streets of the returned, and right in the middle of it all are Alex and Kate. Kate a leading doctor in the field of zombie virus' and Alex a musician with a dark secret, he is a Returned. As death and fear run rampant, Alex's secret becomes known and his dosage runs low, he and Kate must fight for a chance to live before he becomes a zombie."
On this day in 2019, Radioflash flashed onto the silver screen, albeit briefly. Written (in part) and directed by Ben McPherson, the Apocalypse drama starred Brighton Sharbino, Dominic Monaghan, and Will Patton; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a nuclear device causes an electromagnetic pulse that kills power to more than 200 million people, a teenage girl must help lead her family to survival in a dark new world."
"When a nuclear device causes an electromagnetic pulse that kills power to more than 200 million people, a teenage girl must help lead her family to survival in a dark new world."
On this day in 1952, Space Patrol aired "Powerdive." Officially, this served as the forty-sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Space Patrol: Missions of Daring in the Name of Early Television:
"Colonization has begun on the most remote outpost of the United Planets, a strange uninhabited planet in the solar system of the great double star Sirius. When the Space Patrol learns that cargo ships are being sabotaged, they investigate -- but their ship is rigged to crash so that an unscrupulous firm can collect insurance."
"Colonization has begun on the most remote outpost of the United Planets, a strange uninhabited planet in the solar system of the great double star Sirius. When the Space Patrol learns that cargo ships are being sabotaged, they investigate -- but their ship is rigged to crash so that an unscrupulous firm can collect insurance."
On this day in 1972, Ace Of Wands aired "The Beautiful People: Part 2." This served as the seventeenth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
On this day in 1974, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The Midas Touch." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Oscar Goldman has disappeared while inspecting the Bull Frog gold mine near Elk Horn, Nevada by request of his old friend Bert Carrington. Colonel Steve Austin refuses to believe his friend and superior is involved in a gold-raid and decides to do some investigating."
"Oscar Goldman has disappeared while inspecting the Bull Frog gold mine near Elk Horn, Nevada by request of his old friend Bert Carrington. Colonel Steve Austin refuses to believe his friend and superior is involved in a gold-raid and decides to do some investigating."
Things were indeed looking pretty grim for the Doctor when -- on this day in 1975 -- the BBC aired the fourth and final part of Doctor Who's "Pyramids of Mars" storyline. Here's the summary, compliments of our good friends over at IMDB.com: "Sutekh forces the Doctor to transport Scarman and a mummy to Mars, where the Doctor and Sarah try to stop them destroying the Eye of Horus."
The late Gary Coleman guest-starred in a very special episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century on this day back in 1979 as the "Cosmic Whiz Kid," an intergalactic genius who happens to be the president of a world in chaos. Buck agrees to rescue the kid after he's been kidnapped ... and a good time was had by all.
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired "Olympiad." Officially, this served as the seventeenth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Buck attends a new version of the Olympics. He meets Lara, one of the athletes, who tells him that she is involved with Jorex, an athlete from a planet, that's ruled by a dictator, who has Jorex under his thumb. She's asking for Buck's help so that Jorex can defect to Earth. Buck calls Wilma and Huer, who agree to help. They decide to consult another refugee from Jorex's planet. He tells them that the dictator will do whatever he has to do to keep him from escaping, even kill him. However, Allerick, the man in charge of Jorex, learns of the plan and abducts Lara."
"Buck attends a new version of the Olympics. He meets Lara, one of the athletes, who tells him that she is involved with Jorex, an athlete from a planet, that's ruled by a dictator, who has Jorex under his thumb. She's asking for Buck's help so that Jorex can defect to Earth. Buck calls Wilma and Huer, who agree to help. They decide to consult another refugee from Jorex's planet. He tells them that the dictator will do whatever he has to do to keep him from escaping, even kill him. However, Allerick, the man in charge of Jorex, learns of the plan and abducts Lara."
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Full Circle: Part 4." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Marshmen invade the Terradonian ship thanks to Romana, who seems to be in communion with them. While the ship's inhabitants flee for their lives, the Doctor discovers a crucial fact why these humanoids can never return to the planet Terradon."
"Marshmen invade the Terradonian ship thanks to Romana, who seems to be in communion with them. While the ship's inhabitants flee for their lives, the Doctor discovers a crucial fact why these humanoids can never return to the planet Terradon."
On this day in 1980, Star Fleet aired "X-Bomber Goes Forth!" Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the X-Bomber Wiki:
"X-Bomber returns to Moonbase after its encounters with the Skull, Lamia speculates on her possible connection with the Skull. Dr. Benn tells Lamia although she received the message, it may not have been for her, and asks her not do anything without further proof."
"X-Bomber returns to Moonbase after its encounters with the Skull, Lamia speculates on her possible connection with the Skull. Dr. Benn tells Lamia although she received the message, it may not have been for her, and asks her not do anything without further proof."
On this day in 1985, Knight Rider aired "Many Happy Returns." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Michael is celebrating his fourth 'birthday' as a new man when Devon recruits him for a mission to find a stolen experimental hovercraft with great destructive power."
"Michael is celebrating his fourth 'birthday' as a new man when Devon recruits him for a mission to find a stolen experimental hovercraft with great destructive power."
On this day in 1985, Misfits of Science aired "Sonar ... And Yet So Far." This served as the sixth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"El's friend Eddie's closest friend is Donald the dolphin, with whom he can communicate using electronics. But when Donald produces a picture of a skeleton and two flamingos deep underwater, things get very dangerous for them both."
"El's friend Eddie's closest friend is Donald the dolphin, with whom he can communicate using electronics. But when Donald produces a picture of a skeleton and two flamingos deep underwater, things get very dangerous for them both."
On this day in 1985, The Jetsons aired "Dog Daze Afternoon." Officially, this served as the thirty-fourth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mix-up of computer discs causes George to act like a dog."
"A mix-up of computer discs causes George to act like a dog."
On this day in 1986, Doctor Who aired "Trial Of A Time Lord: Part 11." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's twenty-third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A course change that takes the Hyperion III closer to a black hole could prove unwise when there are so many aboard ship with hidden agendas. Disappearances continue, a murderer remains at large, and one person finally crumbles under the strain of harboring a guilty secret."
"A course change that takes the Hyperion III closer to a black hole could prove unwise when there are so many aboard ship with hidden agendas. Disappearances continue, a murderer remains at large, and one person finally crumbles under the strain of harboring a guilty secret."
On this day in 1987, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "The Intruder." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Two resistance fighters, Andy Jackson and Jim Mitchell want to join Captain Power's soldiers. Andy manages to sneak aboard the Jumpship and into the Power base. But the Soldiers are far from pleased that their base has been compromised."
"Two resistance fighters, Andy Jackson and Jim Mitchell want to join Captain Power's soldiers. Andy manages to sneak aboard the Jumpship and into the Power base. But the Soldiers are far from pleased that their base has been compromised."
On this day in 1989, the long-running Doctor Who aired "The Curse Of Fenric: Part 4." This served as the eleventh episode in the program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Fenric is loose and planning to use the Ancient Haemovore to poison the Earth with chemicals, unless the Doctor can defeat him in their centuries old game."
"Fenric is loose and planning to use the Ancient Haemovore to poison the Earth with chemicals, unless the Doctor can defeat him in their centuries old game."
On this day in 1989, Quantum Leap aired "Thou Shalt Not ..." This served as the seventh episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam leaps into a rabbi to prevent his host's sister-in-law from falling for a sleazy author."
"Sam leaps into a rabbi to prevent his host's sister-in-law from falling for a sleazy author."
On this day in 1993, "Photo Finish" aired as the nineteenth episode of Time Trax's (split) first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A fugitive from the future uses an invention of his that that acts as an undetectable steroid, to fix horse races for money."
"A fugitive from the future uses an invention of his that that acts as an undetectable steroid, to fix horse races for money."
On this day in 1995, Seaquest DSV (now Seaquest 2032) aired "Equilibrium." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Seaquest goes up against Bridger over an ecological problem that Seaquest created 12 years ago. Bridger believes the problem with solve itself, but Lucas has a different opinion."
"Seaquest goes up against Bridger over an ecological problem that Seaquest created 12 years ago. Bridger believes the problem with solve itself, but Lucas has a different opinion."
On this day in 1996, Sliders aired "The Fire Within." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"During a jump the sliders encounter a world consumed by fire. As they wait for the next jump, a matter of seconds, Quinn sees some diffused object coming towards them. They jump through the portal as the 'thing' follows them. They arrive in an oil town that has disturbing under currents of union and company actions. The flame creature reveals itself and begins burning everything, multiplying as it goes. As Quinn considers events at the world, he wonders what was really going on. The Sliders go to work at the oil refinery to get money and quickly become embroiled in the union violence. Quinn realizes the significance of the flame creature and its possible intelligence. The Sliders realize their responsible for bringing the flame to this world and the need to rectify things. Arturo and Quinn begin experimenting with ways to communicate. Meanwhile Wade confesses to Rembrandt she wants to have a baby in the near future."
"During a jump the sliders encounter a world consumed by fire. As they wait for the next jump, a matter of seconds, Quinn sees some diffused object coming towards them. They jump through the portal as the 'thing' follows them. They arrive in an oil town that has disturbing under currents of union and company actions. The flame creature reveals itself and begins burning everything, multiplying as it goes. As Quinn considers events at the world, he wonders what was really going on. The Sliders go to work at the oil refinery to get money and quickly become embroiled in the union violence. Quinn realizes the significance of the flame creature and its possible intelligence. The Sliders realize their responsible for bringing the flame to this world and the need to rectify things. Arturo and Quinn begin experimenting with ways to communicate. Meanwhile Wade confesses to Rembrandt she wants to have a baby in the near future."
On this day in 1998, The X-Files aired "Drive." Officially, this served as the second episode in the long-running program's sixth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A man tormented by a piercing sound that could make his head explode unless he heads west as fast as possible takes Mulder hostage to drive for him, while Scully rushes to find the cause of this affliction that also killed the man's wife."
"A man tormented by a piercing sound that could make his head explode unless he heads west as fast as possible takes Mulder hostage to drive for him, while Scully rushes to find the cause of this affliction that also killed the man's wife."
On this day in 1999, Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict aired "A Little Bit Of Heaven." This served as the seventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's been provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"Liam and Renee investigate a dead pregnant woman missing her fetus. They discover a town that Da'an helped after a nuclear meltdown and a suspicious brother and sister who were part of an early experiment to combine human and Taelon DNA."
"Liam and Renee investigate a dead pregnant woman missing her fetus. They discover a town that Da'an helped after a nuclear meltdown and a suspicious brother and sister who were part of an early experiment to combine human and Taelon DNA."
On this day in 1999 (in the United Kingdom), My Parents Are Aliens aired "The Home Team." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Brian decides that he and everyone else should become a proper family so Brian enters a quiz night, however Lucy doesn't want to join so she goes to join Wendy's team and ends up playing against her family. Who will win and what will happen?"
"Brian decides that he and everyone else should become a proper family so Brian enters a quiz night, however Lucy doesn't want to join so she goes to join Wendy's team and ends up playing against her family. Who will win and what will happen?"
On this day in 2000, Seven Days aired "Deloris Demands." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Someone who calls herself Deloris calls Neverland and knows about Backstep and is making threats, which they don't take seriously. But she then gets a sample of Frank's voice and makes a phone call which makes them think Frank has gone mad. But when they learn it was Deloris, they send Frank back to deal with her. And when he arrives, Deloris wants to play games with him. So he carries it out while they try to find out who Deloris is."
"Someone who calls herself Deloris calls Neverland and knows about Backstep and is making threats, which they don't take seriously. But she then gets a sample of Frank's voice and makes a phone call which makes them think Frank has gone mad. But when they learn it was Deloris, they send Frank back to deal with her. And when he arrives, Deloris wants to play games with him. So he carries it out while they try to find out who Deloris is."
On this day in 2000, Star Trek: Voyager continued its 'trek' toward home with "Body and Soul." Here's the episode summary from IMDB.com:
"When attacked by a species that detests holographic beings, Seven download the Doctor's program into her implants. Kim and Seven are captured and Seven begins to exhibit some of the Doctor's personality traits. On Voyager, Tuvok finally starts to exhibit Pon Farr, the Vulcan mating time."
"When attacked by a species that detests holographic beings, Seven download the Doctor's program into her implants. Kim and Seven are captured and Seven begins to exhibit some of the Doctor's personality traits. On Voyager, Tuvok finally starts to exhibit Pon Farr, the Vulcan mating time."
On this day in the year 2000, Starhunter aired the third episode of its first season. The hour was titled "Family Values," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"While hunting down a con man on Mars named Etienne, Dante and Luc are caught in the middle of an attack by The Raiders — a gang of marauders who destroy colonies and kidnap their children which was the fate of Dante's family back on Titan a decade ago. Percy uses a remote drone to destroy a Raider ship and Dante finds a young boy in the wreckage named Jeb. Dante believes Jeb could be his lost son Travis who was kidnapped by the Raiders and he takes him back to his ship for a DNA test. When the results show Jeb is not his son, Dante takes him back to his original family."
"While hunting down a con man on Mars named Etienne, Dante and Luc are caught in the middle of an attack by The Raiders — a gang of marauders who destroy colonies and kidnap their children which was the fate of Dante's family back on Titan a decade ago. Percy uses a remote drone to destroy a Raider ship and Dante finds a young boy in the wreckage named Jeb. Dante believes Jeb could be his lost son Travis who was kidnapped by the Raiders and he takes him back to his ship for a DNA test. When the results show Jeb is not his son, Dante takes him back to his original family."
On this day in 2002, Firefly aired "Ariel." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season on original broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Serenity travels to the core world Ariel and Simon comes up with a plan to steal drugs from the hospital."
"Serenity travels to the core world Ariel and Simon comes up with a plan to steal drugs from the hospital."
On this day in 2003, Starhunter 2300 aired the fourteenth episode of its second (and final) season. The hour was titled "The Prisoner," and here's the plot summary from Wikipedia.org:
"Travis is hired to transport a Jane Doe amnesiac prisoner to Ganymede Neural and her psychologist Dr. Alora Kir. When Jane meets Travis, she has a flashback of him when he was a Raider and shooting a man dead in alleyway brawl, and she reacts by trying to kill him. After securing her in the brig, Travis becomes obsessed with finding out who she really is and his mood swings begin to alienate him from his fellow crew. On Mars, members of a newly reformed Orchard begin their plot to control hyperspace travel through the secrets of the Divinity Cluster. Their leader Murchison, sends out an agent, Tristan Catchpole, to find those who have unlocked their cluster genes, and he targets Travis once he learns of his whereabouts."
"Travis is hired to transport a Jane Doe amnesiac prisoner to Ganymede Neural and her psychologist Dr. Alora Kir. When Jane meets Travis, she has a flashback of him when he was a Raider and shooting a man dead in alleyway brawl, and she reacts by trying to kill him. After securing her in the brig, Travis becomes obsessed with finding out who she really is and his mood swings begin to alienate him from his fellow crew. On Mars, members of a newly reformed Orchard begin their plot to control hyperspace travel through the secrets of the Divinity Cluster. Their leader Murchison, sends out an agent, Tristan Catchpole, to find those who have unlocked their cluster genes, and he targets Travis once he learns of his whereabouts."
On this day in 2009 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Waters Of Mars." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a Mars base the inhabitants are being infected by a mysterious water creature which takes over its victims. The Doctor is thrust into the middle of this catastrophe knowing a larger one is waiting around the corner."
"In a Mars base the inhabitants are being infected by a mysterious water creature which takes over its victims. The Doctor is thrust into the middle of this catastrophe knowing a larger one is waiting around the corner."
On this day in 2010, The Event aired "For The Good Of The Country." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"President Martinez, furious about recent security failures, demands answers from Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling. When he doesn't receive the progress that he desires, Martinez decides to personally interrogate Michael Buchanan about his involvement in the assassination attempt. While Michael holds to his claim that he doesn't know who is involved, he inadvertently reveals incriminating evidence about someone deep inside the President's staff. Meanwhile, Dempsey dispatches Vicky on a new clandestine mission. And, elsewhere, Sean and Leila scramble to stay ahead of the covert ops that are trying to silence them and what they know."
"President Martinez, furious about recent security failures, demands answers from Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling. When he doesn't receive the progress that he desires, Martinez decides to personally interrogate Michael Buchanan about his involvement in the assassination attempt. While Michael holds to his claim that he doesn't know who is involved, he inadvertently reveals incriminating evidence about someone deep inside the President's staff. Meanwhile, Dempsey dispatches Vicky on a new clandestine mission. And, elsewhere, Sean and Leila scramble to stay ahead of the covert ops that are trying to silence them and what they know."
On this day in 2010, The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Goodbye, Sarah Jane Smith: Part 1." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mystery woman Ruby White moves into Bannerman Road and, after an awkward start in which she appears unfriendly,she saves the lives of Sarah Jane and her young friends from an inter-galactic invasion force, revealing that she too is an alien hunter. At the same time Sarah Jane is beginning to feel weak, suffering from memory loss and mindful that she should give up her life fighting space monsters and retire. She duly hands all her knowledge, including control of Mr. Smith,over to Ruby. This proves to be a terrible mistake as Ruby herself is an alien in disguise who has been purposely debilitating Sarah Jane and who chains her up in a cellar."
"Mystery woman Ruby White moves into Bannerman Road and, after an awkward start in which she appears unfriendly,she saves the lives of Sarah Jane and her young friends from an inter-galactic invasion force, revealing that she too is an alien hunter. At the same time Sarah Jane is beginning to feel weak, suffering from memory loss and mindful that she should give up her life fighting space monsters and retire. She duly hands all her knowledge, including control of Mr. Smith,over to Ruby. This proves to be a terrible mistake as Ruby herself is an alien in disguise who has been purposely debilitating Sarah Jane and who chains her up in a cellar."
On this day in 2011 (in Brazil and Poland), the potential Farscape audience grew by leaps and bounds as the show was finally released on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the premise for the entire series:
"Astronaut John Crichton, on an experimental space mission, is accidentally hurled across the universe into the midst of an intergalactic conflict. Trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology and hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton is on an epic odyssey more spectacular than anything he has ever imagined."
"Astronaut John Crichton, on an experimental space mission, is accidentally hurled across the universe into the midst of an intergalactic conflict. Trapped among alien creatures wielding deadly technology and hunted by a merciless military race, Crichton is on an epic odyssey more spectacular than anything he has ever imagined."
On this day in 2014 (in Japan), World Trigger aired "Chika Amatori's Side Effect." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Crunchy Roll:
"Yuichi and Osamu's critical mission to investigate the abnormal gate puts a lot of pressure on Osamu. Meanwhile, Yuma follows Replica’s advice and conducts an investigation of his own. The next morning, Osamu and Yuichi have a fateful meeting with Yuma."
"Yuichi and Osamu's critical mission to investigate the abnormal gate puts a lot of pressure on Osamu. Meanwhile, Yuma follows Replica’s advice and conducts an investigation of his own. The next morning, Osamu and Yuichi have a fateful meeting with Yuma."
On this day in 2016 (in Japan), World Trigger aired "Giev's Thrust." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by ShareTV.com:
"Zeno's devotion to Lilith leads him to treat Yuma and Chika like tools, enraging Osamu. Meanwhile, Gieve and Karon threaten Shizuka City with massive Trion soldiers! As Osamu's team joins Kitora in defending the city, Gieve isolates Osamu and Zeno."
"Zeno's devotion to Lilith leads him to treat Yuma and Chika like tools, enraging Osamu. Meanwhile, Gieve and Karon threaten Shizuka City with massive Trion soldiers! As Osamu's team joins Kitora in defending the city, Gieve isolates Osamu and Zeno."
