Well, well, well ... impressive indeed! On this day in 1994, the past met the present in Star Trek: The Next Generation's theatrical debut motion picture, Star Trek: Generations, which saw the venerable Capt. James T. Kirk meeting his demise in an act of bravery that saved everyone aboard the Enterprise-B ... or so we were led to believe.
In reality, Kirk was secreted away into some distant corner of some cosmic dimension known as 'The Nexus,' a temporal ribbon wrecking havoc on its journey across our galaxy. Somewhere down the road, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D encounter a series of circumstances that bring about their own respective tragedies, with Picard also being sucked into this alternate reality. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before the two captains would meet, team up, and save life as we knew it once more ... but not without tragic circumstances all of their own.
The picture met with some controversy -- some felt Kirk's death was a bit dismissive of his role in the franchise while others felt it served no real purpose. Whatever your take, Generations was a force to be reckoned with.
In reality, Kirk was secreted away into some distant corner of some cosmic dimension known as 'The Nexus,' a temporal ribbon wrecking havoc on its journey across our galaxy. Somewhere down the road, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D encounter a series of circumstances that bring about their own respective tragedies, with Picard also being sucked into this alternate reality. Naturally, it was only a matter of time before the two captains would meet, team up, and save life as we knew it once more ... but not without tragic circumstances all of their own.
The picture met with some controversy -- some felt Kirk's death was a bit dismissive of his role in the franchise while others felt it served no real purpose. Whatever your take, Generations was a force to be reckoned with.
As much as I loved The Twilight Zone as a kid (and I did love The Twilight Zone, indeed), I'll still admit that some episodes were just more memorable than others. Such is the case with "Eye of the Beholder," a journey wherein audiences were presented with an all-new interpretation of what beauty is. George Keymas appeared briefly in the episode, but he also turned in work aboard Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel, The Invaders, and The Six Million Dollar Man for good measure. Though he's no longer with us, Keymas was born on this day in 1925.
The great Brenda Vacarro starred aboard Capricorn One (1977), arguably one of the best SciFi/Conspiracy flicks of all time. Vacarro was born on this day in 1939.
Now, mind you: Margaret Atwood doesn't write what anyone would call "pure Science Fiction" tales. Her ventures into our beloved realm are still much more personal dramas, and a fine example of such would be The Handmaid's Tale (1990), a cautionary tale involving a future society restricting freedom and sexuality among the classes. Also, I'd be remiss if I failed to mention that that work in particular is currently undergoing a serialized updating, so keep your eyes peeled for that one soon. Atwood was born on this day in 1939.
So far as this reviewer is concerned, Contamination (1980) isn't a very good film; but this respectable B-Movie clearly riffs on the dark ideas and themes introduced in Ridley Scott's far superior Alien in an appreciable way. Ian McCulloch was one of the stars of the motion picture, and he'd previously established his SciFi-bonafides in the BBC's Survivors series. McCulloch was born on this day in 1939.
American audiences may not recognize the face of Aussie actor Max Phipps (pictured above), though he's had a long and pretty distinguished career in front of the camera. Where sci-fi fans quite possibly know him best is as 'the Toadie' from one of the greatest fairy tales of the Apocalypse even captured on celluloid: 1981's Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. Late in his career, Phipps also had a nice guest spot on Syfy's spectacular Farscape. Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Phipps was born on this day in 1939.
Equilibrium (2002) is another one of those rare SciFi releases that I just didn't "get" as much as most did, but such occasionally is life (as they say). In any event, David Hemmings joined the popular Christian Bale for the feature, and -- though he's no longer with us -- Hemmings was born on this day in 1941.
I know, I know: SciFi has always had its camp sensibilities, and more often than not this meant that producers would cast some lovely lady, put her in a purple wig, and stand around as 'atmosphere.' Be that as it may, few of them looked as perfectly cast as did Andrea Allan from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's UFO. Allan was born on this day in 1946.
While the resume of Maggie Thrett (above left) may not exactly be overflowing with Science Fiction credits, the lovely dark-haired maiden was one of the original ladies to serve as "Mudd's Women" aboard the classic Star Trek. She also appeared in a little something called Dimension 5 alongside Star Trek's Jeffrey Hunter. Thrett was born on this day in 1946.
While it isn't commonly known, Alan Dean Foster actually ghost-wrote the novelization for Star Wars (which shows as published under George Lucas's name) and stayed in close contact with the franchise for a few years. Lucas tapped Foster to write the first officially licensed sequel to Star Wars: Splinter of the Mind's Eye was a quieter, gentler adventure for Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and their faithful droids that almost hinted at a new narrative direction for the franchise (rumor had it Lucas was hedging his bets in case his first film didn't make enough money he could still continue it in smaller features).
Throughout the years, Foster's built his own resume of sci-fi and fantasy titles, including several forays into the Star Trek universe. Foster was born on this day in 1946.
Throughout the years, Foster's built his own resume of sci-fi and fantasy titles, including several forays into the Star Trek universe. Foster was born on this day in 1946.
Back in the early 1980's, lovely Andrea Marcovicci and her killer legs were cast in the role of ship's android/companion Chalmers as part of the wonderfully campy Spacehunter: Adventures In The Forbidden Zone. I've seen the motion picture, and it always gets my thumbs up! Marcovicci was born on this day in 1948.
When Alien Nation transitioned from the big screen to the small, the great Eric Pierpoint took over the role of Detective George Francisco from Mandy Patinkin. The actor has also contributed guest roles to Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Star Trek: Voyager, UPN's Seven Days, Star Trek: Enterprise, and the short-lived Surface. Pierpoint was born on this day in 1950.
The voice resume of Kath Soucie is definitely worth celebrating by SciFi fans, if for no better reason than to honor her contributions to the likes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Futurama, and Star Wars: Rebels. Soucie was born on this day in 1953.
Features like Aliens in the Attic (2009) only seek to prove that Science Fiction isn't just for adults any more, and funnyman Kevin Nealon did his part by starring in the release. Nealon was born on this day in 1953.
In the role of Father Doug, Oscar Nuñez tries to be a voice of reason aboard the SciFi/Comedy, People of Earth, currently broadcast on TBS. Nuñez was born on this day in 1958.
Babylon 5 remains a program that made excellent use of guest stars, even those appearing in the briefest of moments. Today's evidence: the lovely Shari Shattuck appeared as Julie Musante in "Voices of Authority." She also had roles aboard Knight Rider, Uninvited (1988), Desert Warrior (1988), and Arena (1989). Shattuck was born on this day in 1960.
The great Nick Chinlund has been stealing scenes as long as he's in the business, even stealing from the likes of Vin Diesel aboard The Chronicles of Riddick (2004). Chinlund was born on this day in 1961.
Steven Moffat suffers a lot of grief from fans who feel the current incarnation of the BBC's popular Doctor Who has lost its way creatively, but for my tastes I cut him some slack: after all, how difficult can it be to keep a 50-year-old franchise feeling fresh? Moffat was born on this day in 1961.
Actor Tim Guinee went all military for the part of Major Allen in both Iron Man (2008) and Iron Man 2 (2010). The screen veteran has also appeared aboard Blade (1998), Strange World, Stargate: SG-1, Smallville, and Fringe. Guinee was born on this day in 1962.
Early in his career, Hollywood funnyman Owen Wilson made an appearance in the God-awful Armageddon, the film so bad that director Michael Bay inevitably apologized for making it. Wilson was born on this day in 1968.
Fandom loves Peta Wilson. And why wouldn't they? She stormed onto the genre scene in the TV series adapting Luc Besson's feature film, La Femme Nikita. She followed that up with a big screen role in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen as well as a small role in Superman Returns (2006). Wilson was born on this day in 1970.
Mike Epps is doing what he can to survive the Apocalypse at the core of the Resident Evil franchise. Noted more for his comic chops than anything else, Epps was born on this day in 1970.
The talented Dominic Armato has contributed voicework to a variety of SciFi-friendly projects, including Star Wars: Droidworks, the Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace video game, Star Wars: X-Wing Alliance, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II - Outcast, and several others. Armato was born on this day in 1976.
Although I enjoyed AVP:Aliens Vs. Predator (2004) for its popcorn appeal, Aliens Vs. Predator: Requiem just had no interesting premise or characters. Granted, that's no fault of star Steve Pasquale, but it does bear mentioning. Pasquale was born on this day in 1976.
Pretty as a picture (and with a tiara!), lovely Miranda Raison played a role aboard the BBC's Doctor Who program in its 2007 season. Raison was born on this day in 1977.
Christina Vidal brought her good looks and acting chops to CBS's Limitless for a few episodes during the program's run. Vidal was born on this day in 1981.
Aside from a guest role aboard the WB's long-running Smallville, Devon Weigel's resume is very light on journeys into the realm of Science Fiction; let's hope she finds more soon! Weigel was born on this day in 1983.
Robert Kazinsky (above left) suited up to fight on behalf of Planet Earth in Guillermo del Toro's Pacific Rim (2013). Kazinsky was born on this day in 1983.
Jake Abel played a role in the teen angst SciFi actioner, I Am Number Four. He's also appeared in the Percy Jackson franchise. Abel was born on this day in 1987.
How's this for keeping it 'all in the family'? When she was but an urchin, the precocious Danielle Aykroyd played the Conehead child of her real-life (and movie screen dad) Dan Aykroyd in the SciFi/Comedy, Coneheads (1993)! Talk about a mind trip! Aykroyd was born on this day in 1989.
Young Noah Ringer certainly knows a thing or two about genre entertainment, having already boasted appearances aboard such properties as The Last Airbender (2010) and Cowboys & Aliens (2011). Ringer was born on this day in 1997.
On this day in 1959, Men Into Space aired "Space Trap." This served as the seventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Returning from the Moon with valuable spore samples the crew of MR7 are rendered unconscious. Earth sends a rescue mission but a decision has to be made that could put everyone's life at risk."
"Returning from the Moon with valuable spore samples the crew of MR7 are rendered unconscious. Earth sends a rescue mission but a decision has to be made that could put everyone's life at risk."
On this day in 1962, Fireball XL5 aired "Plant Man From Space." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The evil Dr.Rootes provoke an incident at Space City Power Plant in order that an alien space ship bring a plant seed which invades the planet. Steve, Venus and Matt must accompany Dr.Rootes to Planet Hedra in order to get an antidote to this sudden vegetal invasion..."
"The evil Dr.Rootes provoke an incident at Space City Power Plant in order that an alien space ship bring a plant seed which invades the planet. Steve, Venus and Matt must accompany Dr.Rootes to Planet Hedra in order to get an antidote to this sudden vegetal invasion..."
On this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired "Don't Mess Around With Jim." This served as the third episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Ralph and Bill are knocked out and the suit is taken by their abductors. They're brought some place and are taken to see that the man who abducted them is a millionaire who's suppose to have died recently. He reveals that he knows about the aliens and the suit. He tells them that he entrusted his doctor with his final will and testament which basically gives all of his fortune to charity. But the President of his company convinced the doctor to give him the will so that he could remain in control of the company. So he wants Ralph and Bill to get the will back. They're accompanied by the millionaire's confidant who tells them how the suit works."
"Ralph and Bill are knocked out and the suit is taken by their abductors. They're brought some place and are taken to see that the man who abducted them is a millionaire who's suppose to have died recently. He reveals that he knows about the aliens and the suit. He tells them that he entrusted his doctor with his final will and testament which basically gives all of his fortune to charity. But the President of his company convinced the doctor to give him the will so that he could remain in control of the company. So he wants Ralph and Bill to get the will back. They're accompanied by the millionaire's confidant who tells them how the suit works."
On this day in 1989, Star Trek: The Next Generation aired the ninth episode of its third season in syndication. "The Vengeance Factor" pitted our illustrious crew against a group calling themselves 'The Gatherers,' scavengers forever raiding whatever they can get their hands on.
Here's the preview from YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/xSiE9aatX7M
Here's the preview from YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/xSiE9aatX7M
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "Optic Nerve." This served as the twentieth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A psychotic fugitive from the future whom Darien made blind, blinds Darien and plays a deadly game with him."
"A psychotic fugitive from the future whom Darien made blind, blinds Darien and plays a deadly game with him."
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired the third episode of its fourth season, an hour titled "The Summoning." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mysterious spacecraft heads towards Babylon 5 as Ivanova and Marcus search for more First Ones to aid in the war."
"A mysterious spacecraft heads towards Babylon 5 as Ivanova and Marcus search for more First Ones to aid in the war."
On this day in 1998, Babylon 5 aired "Objects at Rest," the twenty-first episode of its fifth (and final) season. According to IMDB.com, here's what you need to know:
"Garibaldi forms a new Board of Directors for his company. Ta'Lon becomes the new Narn ambassador. Sheridan and Delenn leave for Mimbar. An accident on board their White Star ship creates doubt/hesitation for Lennier, who fails to act appropriately. He leaves the ship, and tells Delenn he'll come back one day to atone for what he's done. Sheridan and Delenn are greeted by Londo on Mimbar who has a gift for them."
"Garibaldi forms a new Board of Directors for his company. Ta'Lon becomes the new Narn ambassador. Sheridan and Delenn leave for Mimbar. An accident on board their White Star ship creates doubt/hesitation for Lennier, who fails to act appropriately. He leaves the ship, and tells Delenn he'll come back one day to atone for what he's done. Sheridan and Delenn are greeted by Londo on Mimbar who has a gift for them."
On this day in 2000, Batman Beyond aired "The Call: Part 2." This served as the eighth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The identity of the traitor is revealed, which set the stage for a confrontation."
"The identity of the traitor is revealed, which set the stage for a confrontation."
On this day in 2000, Cleopatra 2525 aired "Pod Whisperer." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Hel has been captured by the Bailey's. Cleo to the rescue?"
"Hel has been captured by the Bailey's. Cleo to the rescue?"
On this day in 2002, Andromeda aired "For Whom The Bell Tolls." This served as the eighth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"During a terrible solar storm, Dylan, in the Maru, is forced to leave Beka and Harper planetside. He manages to rescue them during a calm in the storm, and while being recovered by the Andormeda the trio discovers a stowaway creature from the planet devouring the Maru's electronics, starting with the guidance systems. Unable to stop the creature from moving to the Andromeda and reproducing, the crew must find the creatures before they permanently cripple the ship."
"During a terrible solar storm, Dylan, in the Maru, is forced to leave Beka and Harper planetside. He manages to rescue them during a calm in the storm, and while being recovered by the Andormeda the trio discovers a stowaway creature from the planet devouring the Maru's electronics, starting with the guidance systems. Unable to stop the creature from moving to the Andromeda and reproducing, the crew must find the creatures before they permanently cripple the ship."
On this day in 2011, Fringe aired the seventh episode of its fourth season. This hour was curiously titled "Wallflower," and here's the plot summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"When a man mysteriously dies by an invisible force, his body rapidly begins turning ghostly white. The Fringe team learns that this is not an isolated incident, and there's evidence that links the predator to someone who passed away with an unknown genetic disorder. Meanwhile, Olivia suffers from migraines."
"When a man mysteriously dies by an invisible force, his body rapidly begins turning ghostly white. The Fringe team learns that this is not an isolated incident, and there's evidence that links the predator to someone who passed away with an unknown genetic disorder. Meanwhile, Olivia suffers from migraines."
On this day in 2013, Fox TV's Almost Human aired the second episode of its only season, an hour aptly titled "Skin." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In night two of the series premiere, Detective John Kennex and Dorian are dispatched to investigate a murder and high-profile missing persons case that lead them into the highly profitable world of IRCs - Intimate Robot Companions - also known as sexbots. Meanwhile, Kennex looks to reconcile a part of his troubled past."
"In night two of the series premiere, Detective John Kennex and Dorian are dispatched to investigate a murder and high-profile missing persons case that lead them into the highly profitable world of IRCs - Intimate Robot Companions - also known as sexbots. Meanwhile, Kennex looks to reconcile a part of his troubled past."
On this day in 2014, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "The Things We Bury." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Coulson and team find themselves in an epic face-off against Hydra to uncover an ancient secret, while Ward kidnaps his brother, Senator Christian Ward, for a violent trip down memory lane."
"Coulson and team find themselves in an epic face-off against Hydra to uncover an ancient secret, while Ward kidnaps his brother, Senator Christian Ward, for a violent trip down memory lane."
On this day in 2014, The Flash aired "The Flash Is Born." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the sixth episode of the program's first season:
"Many people are now aware of the "Red Streak" saving lives, but Barry Allen is eager to make a name for himself. He wants everyone to know who the "Red Streak" really is. Although, his actions cause unexpected consequences."
"Many people are now aware of the "Red Streak" saving lives, but Barry Allen is eager to make a name for himself. He wants everyone to know who the "Red Streak" really is. Although, his actions cause unexpected consequences."
