An all-new franchise is born when, on this day back in 1963 (in the United Kingdom), the legendary BBC SciFi/Fantasy program Doctor Who began with the airing of its first episode ever, titled "An Unearthly Child." 26 seasons later (in 1989), the Doctor would end only the first of his runs; he was resurrected for a telefilm as well as a kinda/sorta reboot in 2005. He/she/it/they/them lives on today, but you could consider him born over five decades ago today. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs."
For the record:
"The adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs."
For the record:
- In 1975, Doctor Who took home top honors from the Writers' Guild Of Great Britain when the show was recognized as the 'Best Childrens' Drama Script.'
- At the 2006 BAFTA Awards, the all-new Doctor Who program won top honors in the category of 'Best Drama Series.'
- At the 2008 Saturn Awards, Doctor Who took home top honors with the win of the coveted trophy in the category of 'Best International Series.'
- At the 2008 BAFTA Awards, screenwriter Steven Moffat was awarded the 'Best Writer' trophy for his work in crafting the episode "Blink" for the program.
- At the 2016 Saturn Awards, the Doctor Who episode "The Husbands Of River Song" went home with the trophy in the category of 'Best Presentation On Television.'
For those unaware, The Expanse is clearly a Science Fiction program not intended for everyone. Some of this is owed to the way the storytellers have unfolded an incredibly 'slow burning' tale, and one might argue that narrative could use a bit of spice from time-to-time. However, the SciFi/Drama benefits from solid source materials (an ongoing book series from author James S.A. Corey) and an incredibly gifted cast and crew, making it easy to forgive the program's arduous pace. In fact, I'd fully tuned it out after a few episodes, only to take it up again at the urging on some online fans. By the end of Season 1, I'd been won over: I had found it occasionally quirkily edited -- some plot developments are delivered more some unnecessary narrative trickey -- but very satisfying. Enjoy it while you can, as I suspect such quality won't be around forever. It first premiered on this day (in the U.S.) in 2015. Here's the series' premise as provided by IMDB.com:
"The disappearance of rich-girl-turned-political-activist links the lives of Ceres detective, accidental ship captain and U.N. politician. Amidst political tension between Earth, Mars and the Belt, they unravel the greatest conspiracy."
For the record:
"The disappearance of rich-girl-turned-political-activist links the lives of Ceres detective, accidental ship captain and U.N. politician. Amidst political tension between Earth, Mars and the Belt, they unravel the greatest conspiracy."
For the record:
- Though the show never took home any of the usual Saturn Awards, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films awarded it in 2021 with a special 'Television Spotlight Award.'
- Over the show's impressive run, it scored three big wins -- 2017, 2022, and 2023 -- from the Hugo Awards in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation - Short Form.'
For reasons I've given up trying to figure out, I just love those Science Fiction and Fantasy programs that deal with ordinary-looking synthetic robots trying to find their place in routine society; and Russia's Better Than Us -- which premiered on this day back in 2018 -- was reasonably interesting though a bit 'soapy' in places. It was understandably domestic in places that gave its players something interesting to work with, but it kinda/sorta devolved just a bit into some larger conspiracy that was a touch too predictable for my tastes. Here's the series' premise as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"A family on the brink of splitting up become the owners of a cutting-edge robot being sought by a corporation, homicide investigators and terrorists."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Better Than Us garnered a bit of extra attention across its run from the APKiT Awards, the organization that recognizes excellence in production in Russia. In 2019, the show earned a total of four nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Visual Effects,' 'Best Actress In A TV/Movie Series,' and 'Best Television Mini-series.' Of those nods, the show took home two trophies for its effects and make-up. Well done!
"A family on the brink of splitting up become the owners of a cutting-edge robot being sought by a corporation, homicide investigators and terrorists."
For the record:
To the show's credit, Better Than Us garnered a bit of extra attention across its run from the APKiT Awards, the organization that recognizes excellence in production in Russia. In 2019, the show earned a total of four nominations in the categories of 'Best Make-Up,' 'Best Visual Effects,' 'Best Actress In A TV/Movie Series,' and 'Best Television Mini-series.' Of those nods, the show took home two trophies for its effects and make-up. Well done!
Screen legend Boris Karloff was a part of so many successful pictures over the years, but he's perhaps best known as the ultimate 'thing' who came back from the dead in 1931's Frankenstein. It was a role he returned to twice more with The Bride Of Frankenstein (1935) and Son Of Frankenstein (1939). No stranger to genre projects, he also turned in solid work aboard The Mummy (1932), The Ghoul (1933), The Raven (1935), The Invisible Ray (1936), The Walking Dead (1936), The Man Who Lived Again (1936), The Man They Could Not Hang (1939), The Man With Nine Lives (1940), The Ape (1940), The Devil Commands (1941), House Of Frankenstein (1944), The Body Snatcher (1945), Isle Of The Dead (1945) ... and the list goes on and on. His last credited screen role debuted after his death in the curious Alien Terror (aka The Incredible Invasion) for Columbia Pictures. Though he's no longer with us, Karloff was born on this day in 1887.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties properly celebrating the work of a true master in Horror and Fantasy if I failed to mention that in 2017 Fangoria Magazine posthumously awarded the actor witih the Fangoria Lifetime Achievement Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
I'd be remiss in my duties properly celebrating the work of a true master in Horror and Fantasy if I failed to mention that in 2017 Fangoria Magazine posthumously awarded the actor witih the Fangoria Lifetime Achievement Award.
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2023, I received a promotional set of the Mr. Wong, Detective series of films -- in which Karloff played the lead -- from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Fans interested in my reviews can find them in the following links: 1938's Mr. Wong, Detective (link); 1939's The Mystery Of Mr. Wong (link); and 1939's Mr. Wong In Chinatown (link).
- In early 2023, I caught a broadcast airing of 1931's Frankenstein, and I penned a review for the website. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
- In late 2023, I attended a special Halloween theatrical screening of 1932's The Mummy in which Karloff played the seminal monster. Interested readers can find my thoughts on the production right here.
- In late 2023, I received a promotional copy of 1963's The Terror from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In late 2023, I received a promotional copy of 1963's Black Sabbath from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2024, I received a promotional copy of 1932's The Mask Of Fu Manchu from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2024, I received a promotional copy of 1983's House Of The Long Shadows from a distibutor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
You think you've got patience? Let me tell you about Bess Flowers, a largely forgotten actress whose career began in silent pictures and stretched across five decades with the lady never quite finding stardom ... despite appearing in nearly 1,000 different roles! She was mostly one of those background players brought in to fill up a space, but if you're watching closely you might catch her in such projects as The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms (1953), Adventures Of Superman, The She-Creature (1956), The Fly (1958), I Married A Monster From Outer Space (1958), or The Lost World (1960). Though she's no longer with us, Flowers was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
IMDB.com reports that the lovely Ellen Drew (aka Terry Ray) was 'discovered' when she worked as little more than a clerk in an ice cream shop: Hollywood called, and she responded! Though the bulk of her career was spent in fairly conventional fare, she did find work in such genre projects as Isle Of The Dead (1945) and a pair of episodes for the fondly remembered Science Fiction Theatre. Though she's no longer with us, Drew was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Leaving behind a career with nearly three hundred different screen credits to his name, the late John Dehner certainly was a force worthy of some consideration on screens big and small. Genre fans probably remember him best for his contributions to The Catman Of Paris (1946), Aladdin And His Lamp (1952), The Twilight Zone, Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Land Of The Giants, and The Boys From Brazil (1978). Though he's no longer with us, Dehner was born on this day in 1915.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Well before he made a splash on the silver screen played Alfred for the Michael Keaton incarnation of Batman, the venerable Michael Gough had already made waves in the universe of Doctor Who: in 1966, he starred as the Toymaker, and in 1983 he played Councillor Hedin. Though he's no longer with us, Gough was born on this day in 1916.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of 1959's Horrors Of The Black Museum from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2024, I received a promotional copy of 1959's Horrors Of The Black Museum from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
When I was a little guy and first saw Beneath The Planet Of The Apes (1970), I can remember being stunned by the finality of it all. In that seminal film of the Apes franchise, the venerable Paul Richards played 'Mendez,' one of those dwelling in secrecy beneath the surface and waiting to bring about certain doom. Though he's no longer with us, Richards was born on this day in 1924.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If you've been an alien, then the odds are good that SciFiHistory.Net is going to find you! Such is the case for Robert Easton, the actor who played the all-important Klingon judge from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. The man enjoyed an amazing career with nearly 150 projects to his name, including participation in The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953), The Neanderthal Man (1953), Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea (1961), Stingray, Lost In Space, The Giant Spider Invasion (1975), and The Bionic Woman. Though he's no longer with us, Easton was born on this day in 1930.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cinema great Franco Nero had an uncredited role aboard The Visitor (1979), a drama that mixed SciFi and fantasy elements as the long-standing tough guy played no less than a blond Jesus Christ (above center). Nero was born on this day in 1941.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Many SciFi fans love John Carpenters' The Thing (1982) far more than I do. Don't get me wrong: I think as a film it's as technically accomplished as perhaps anything the director has done, but the story just didn't involve me as much as I would've liked. Still, it was graced with a stellar cast, including Peter Maloney as George Bennings. Maloney was born on this day in 1944.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As little more than a talking head, funnyman Bruce Vilanch -- an actor, writer, and producer -- squeezed in a few laughs aboard the SciFi/Comedy The Ice Pirates (1984) for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Vilanch was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I caught a cable airing of The Ice Pirates when it made the round in broadcast rotation. Interested readers can find my quick thoughts on the production right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017, I caught a cable airing of The Ice Pirates when it made the round in broadcast rotation. Interested readers can find my quick thoughts on the production right here.
A brilliant David Rappaport helped elevate Time Bandits (1981) to box office gold for fans of SciFi and Fantasy. Though he's no longer with us, Rappaport was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Maxwell Caulfield dipped into the realm of Science Fiction with a role aboard Nightmare City 2035 (2007). Caulfield was born on this day in 1959
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Few actresses can pull off 'delight' and 'wickedness' with as much vigor as the lovely Michelle Gomez displayed in her incarnation as 'The Master' aboard the BBC's long-running Doctor Who. Gomez was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Salli Richardson-Whitfield played 'Allison Blake' as part of Eureka for its run on SyFy. She also appeared briefly alongside Will Smith in 2007's I Am Legend. Richardson-Whitfield was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Tough guy Oded Fehr has been doing what he can to survive the Apocalypse at the heart of the Resident Evil franchise. No stranger to quality genre work, Fehr was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Genre fans and #MeToo enthusiasts everywhere recognize the face and opinions of Chris Hardwick. Outside of hosting responsibilities for television programming centered on general pop culture, he's turned up with roles aboard The Zeta Project (animated), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), and Video Game High School. His career was nearly ended early when allegations came forth from a former girlfriend about some very inappropriate behavior. Hardwick was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Being as photogenic as Kelly Brook appears to be, she's definitely bound for bigger things. Still, she's served some time in the realm of Science Fiction, taking roles aboard the WB's Smallville as well as the somewhat maligned Metal Hurlant Chronicles. Brook was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jonathan Sadowski (shown above from his work in Chernobyl Diaries) enjoyed a recurring role aboard Fox TV's Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Sadowski was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hopefully, actor Ricky Whittle has seen better days in his tenure as Lincoln aboard the CW's SciFi-lite The 100. He moved on to the Starz Network's adaptation of American Gods. Whittle was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017 -- with the premiere of American Gods on the Starz Network -- I reviewed the pilot episoe for SciFiHistory.Net. Interested fans can find my thoughts right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
Back in 2017 -- with the premiere of American Gods on the Starz Network -- I reviewed the pilot episoe for SciFiHistory.Net. Interested fans can find my thoughts right here.
Lia Marie Johnson (above right) took a wild ride aboard The Thinning, a web-based series involving Earth's future efforts to combat overpopulation. Johnson was born on this day in 1996.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born!
On this day in 1930 (in the U.S.), the Fantasy/Musical Just Imagine enjoyed its first theatrical screening ever. Directed by David Butler, the film starred El Brendel, Maureen O'Sullivan, and John Garrick. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
"New York, 1980: airplanes have replaced cars, numbers have replaced names, pills have replaced food, government-arranged marriages have replaced love, and test tube babies have replaced ... well, you get the idea. Scientists revive a man struck by lightning in 1930; he is rechristened "Single O". He is befriended by J-21, who can't marry the girl of his dreams because he isn't "distinguished" enough -- until he is chosen for a 4-month expedition to Mars by a renegade scientist. The Mars J-21, his friend, and stowaway Single O visit is full of scantily clad women doing Busby Berkeley-style dance numbers and worshiping a fat middle-aged man."
On this day in 1934 (in Sweden), the visionary The Tunnel broke ground ... cinematically, that is. Directed by Curtis Bernhardt, the feature starred Paul Hartmann, Olly von Flint, and Attila Hörbiger; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An engineer is hired to plan and oversee the construction of a undersea tunnel between Europe and the US. However, certain interests don't want to see the tunnel built and use every means at their disposal, including sabotage and murder, to stop its construction."
"An engineer is hired to plan and oversee the construction of a undersea tunnel between Europe and the US. However, certain interests don't want to see the tunnel built and use every means at their disposal, including sabotage and murder, to stop its construction."
A star is born!
On this day in 1957 (in the U.S.), I Was A Teenage Frankenstein explored the Frankenstein mythos by way of Hollywood's fascination with teenagers. Directed by Herbert L. Strock, the film starred Whit Bissell, Phyllis Coates, and Robert Burton. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Professor Frankenstein creates a hulking teenager from the body of an accident victim; his "creation" awakens and goes on a killing spree."
"Professor Frankenstein creates a hulking teenager from the body of an accident victim; his "creation" awakens and goes on a killing spree."
A star is born ... and this one looks mighty red!
On this day in 1959 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to a trip to ... The Angry Red Planet! Written (in part) and directed by Ib Melchior, the SciFi/Thriller starred Gerald Mohr, Nora Hayden, and Les Tremayne. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"One of only two survivors from a Martian expedition is so traumatized she doesn't remember the circumstances of the trip."
"One of only two survivors from a Martian expedition is so traumatized she doesn't remember the circumstances of the trip."
A star is born!
On this day in 1961 (in Denmark and the United Kingdom), the Apocalypse/Thriller The Day The Earth Caught Fire set audiences ablaze! Figuratively! Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the film starred Edward Judd, Janet Munro, and Leo McKern. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When the U.S. and Russia unwittingly test atomic bombs at the same time, it alters the nutation (axis of rotation) of the Earth."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Day The Earth Caught Fire enjoyed a 1962 BAFTA Award win in the category of 'Best British Screenplay.' Also, it enjoyed a 1963 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of purchasing a Blu-ray copy of this film in 2022 as it kept popping up in my research and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts on it, you can find my review right here.
"When the U.S. and Russia unwittingly test atomic bombs at the same time, it alters the nutation (axis of rotation) of the Earth."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Day The Earth Caught Fire enjoyed a 1962 BAFTA Award win in the category of 'Best British Screenplay.' Also, it enjoyed a 1963 Hugo Award nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of purchasing a Blu-ray copy of this film in 2022 as it kept popping up in my research and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. If you're interested in knowing my thoughts on it, you can find my review right here.
On this day in 1962 (in Finland), the 1933-produced King Kong -- still the story's very best -- enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, and Bruce Cabot, the film used some pioneering special effects to bring the king to life; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
"A film crew goes to a tropical island for an exotic location shoot and discovers a colossal ape who takes a shine to their female blonde star. He is then captured and brought back to New York City for public exhibition."
For the record:
In 1991, King Kong was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, which seeks to preserve films for the ages that have demonstrated significant historical, cultural, or aesthetic contributions to the genre.
On this day in 1962 (in Mexico), The Wasp Woman stung unsuspecting audiences. Directed by the great Roger Corman, the SciFi/Horror starred Susan Cabot, Anthony Eisley, and Barboura Morris; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The head of a major cosmetics company experiments on herself with a youth formula made from royal jelly extracted from wasps, but the formula's side effects have deadly consequences."
"The head of a major cosmetics company experiments on herself with a youth formula made from royal jelly extracted from wasps, but the formula's side effects have deadly consequences."
On this day in 1972, a monster came a'callin' when Zaat played for audiences in Tampa, Florida. Written (in part) and directed by Don Barton, the SciFi/Horror starred Marshall Grauer, Wade Popwell, and Paul Galloway; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad scientist (and apparent former Nazi) unleashes his master plan: to transform himself into a mutated walking catfish, gain revenge on those who have spurned him, and kidnap nubile young women to similarly transform so that he can breed."
"A mad scientist (and apparent former Nazi) unleashes his master plan: to transform himself into a mutated walking catfish, gain revenge on those who have spurned him, and kidnap nubile young women to similarly transform so that he can breed."
A star is born!
On this day in 1978 (in Japan), Blue Christmas (aka Burû Kurisumasu) appeared out of the ether. Directed by Kihachi Okamoto from a story by Sô Kuramoto, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Hiroshi Katsuno, Keiko Takeshita, and Eiji Okada. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"UFOs appear on Earth, and people who actually see them suddenly find that their blood has turned blue. Soon panic and hysteria result in the new "blue-bloods" being persecuted by the rest of mankind, and eventually certain all-too-familiar measures begin to be taken against them."
"UFOs appear on Earth, and people who actually see them suddenly find that their blood has turned blue. Soon panic and hysteria result in the new "blue-bloods" being persecuted by the rest of mankind, and eventually certain all-too-familiar measures begin to be taken against them."
On this day in 1978 (in Argentina and Colombia), Damnation Alley went into high gear in its depiction of our world's apocalypse. Directed by Jack Smight as adapted from a novel by Roger Zelany, the film starred George Peppard, Jan-Michael Vincent, and Dominque Sanda. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a group of survivors travel and find other settlements in huge custom designed all terrain vehicles."
A star is born!
On this day in 1979 (in the U.S.), the very first broadcast airing of Captain America II: Death Too Soon took place. Directed by Ivan Nagy, the film starred Reb Brown, Connie Sellecca, and Len Birman. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The star spangled hero must battle a villain's plan to poison America with a chemical that horrifically accelerates the aging process."
"The star spangled hero must battle a villain's plan to poison America with a chemical that horrifically accelerates the aging process."
On this day in 1979 (in Norway), the face of reprogramming was very pretty with the release of The Stepford Wives. Directed by Bryan Forbes, the SciFi/Drama starred Katharine Ross, Paula Prentiss, and Peter Masterson; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me.
"Joanna Eberhart has come to the quaint little town of Stepford, Connecticut with her family, but soon discovers there lies a sinister truth in the all too perfect behavior of the female residents."
For the record:
Believe it or not, this franchise has gams -- as it were -- proving that nothing can keep a SciFi property down for all that long. This original release led to Revenge Of The Stepford Wives (1980), The Stepford Children (1987), The Stepford Husbands (1996), and even the inevitable remake in 2004. That's a none-too-shabby record, if you ask me.
On this day in 1983 (in France), Android delivered its androidy goodness to audiences. Directed by Aaron Lipstadt, the SciFi/Drama starred Klaus Kinski, Don Keith Opper, and Brie Howard. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A strange doctor secretly experiments with androids on his space station. His assistant is Max, a curious android who wants to see the world and meet a girl. Criminals hide on their station and soon violence erupts."
For the record:
Along with some positive praise from screenings on the film festical circuit, Android enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination (from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Low-Budget Film.'
"A strange doctor secretly experiments with androids on his space station. His assistant is Max, a curious android who wants to see the world and meet a girl. Criminals hide on their station and soon violence erupts."
For the record:
Along with some positive praise from screenings on the film festical circuit, Android enjoyed a 1983 Saturn Award nomination (from the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films) in the category of 'Best Low-Budget Film.'
On this day in 1984 (in Denmark), Firestarter kinda/sorta fizzled at the box office. 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 1985 (in Taiwan), Lifeforce delivered a Horror and Science Fiction mix to the silver screen. Directed by Tobe Hooper, the script by Dan O'Bannon and Don Jakoby was an adaptation of the Colin Wilson novel ("The Space Vampires"). The SciFi/Thriller starred Steve Railsback, Mathilda May, and Colin Firth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
"A race of space vampires arrives in London and infects the populace, beginning an apocalyptic descent into chaos."
For the record:
At the 1986 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Lifeforce enjoyed a pair of nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects, and 'Best Horror Film.'
ExtraExtra Alert:
I had the good fortune of viewing the Shout Factory special edition release of the film sometime in the 2014/2015 timeframe. Interested in knowing what I thought of the film? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! Or is that ... born again?
On this day in 1988 (in the U.S.), Cocoon: The Return enjoyed its theatrical debut. Directed by Daniel Petrie, the SciFi/Drama starred Don Ameche, Wilford Brimley, and Courteney Cox. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The seniors return to Earth to visit their relatives. Will they all decide to go back to the planet where no one grows old, or will they be tempted to stay back on Earth?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cocoon: The Return enjoyed a solid four nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), including a nod in the much-coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film' category.
"The seniors return to Earth to visit their relatives. Will they all decide to go back to the planet where no one grows old, or will they be tempted to stay back on Earth?"
For the record:
To the film's credit, Cocoon: The Return enjoyed a solid four nominations from the 1990 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), including a nod in the much-coveted 'Best Science Fiction Film' category.
On this day in 1990 (in Ireland), RoboCop 2 took his crimefighting skills back to the streets. Directed by Irvin Kershner, the SciFi/Actioner starred Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, and Belinda Bauer; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
"After a successful deployment of the Robocop Law Enforcement unit, OCP sees its goal of urban pacification come closer and closer, but as this develops, a new narcotic known as "Nuke" invades the streets led by God-delirious leader Cane. As this menace grows, it may prove to be too much for Murphy to handle. OCP tries to replicate the success of the first unit, but ends up with failed prototypes with suicidal issues... until Dr. Faxx, a scientist straying away from OCP's path, uses Cane as the new subject for the Robocop 2 project, a living God."
For the record:
Despite an underwhelming story, RoboCop 2 did score three impressive nominations from the 1991 Saturn Awards: Best Science Fiction Film, Best Performance By A Younger Actor, and Best Special Effects. It lost in all three categories.
A star is born ... and a TV franchise began!
On this day in 1997 (in the U.S.), NightMan enjoyed its first broadcast airing on television. Directed by the team of Nick Daniel, Mark Jones, and Glen A. Larson, the film starred Matt McColm, Earl Holliman, and Derek Webster. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Johnny Domino is a musician. While performing for some VIP's he is struck by a lightning bolt. He then thinks he hears things but no one it talking, and the things that he hears are terrible. Johnny is then told by s doctor that his mind can pick up thoughts like a radio picks up certain frequencies. But the frequency he is picking up is the frequency of evil, which explains why the things he hears are terrible. Among the things he heard were the thoughts of a government man who is looking for some men who are planning to sell weapons built for the U.S. to enemies of the U.S. In the meantime, the traitors fearing that Johnny is a treat tries to kill him but fails. Believing that Johnny is the only person he can trust, Raleigh Jordan, a man who works for the government man tells Johnny what's going and shows him the weapons, a bullet proof suit, anti-gravity belt, a cape that render a man invisible, and an eye piece that can emit a laser. When Raleigh gives them to Johnny and puts them and becomes a superhero who goes after the traitors."
"Johnny Domino is a musician. While performing for some VIP's he is struck by a lightning bolt. He then thinks he hears things but no one it talking, and the things that he hears are terrible. Johnny is then told by s doctor that his mind can pick up thoughts like a radio picks up certain frequencies. But the frequency he is picking up is the frequency of evil, which explains why the things he hears are terrible. Among the things he heard were the thoughts of a government man who is looking for some men who are planning to sell weapons built for the U.S. to enemies of the U.S. In the meantime, the traitors fearing that Johnny is a treat tries to kill him but fails. Believing that Johnny is the only person he can trust, Raleigh Jordan, a man who works for the government man tells Johnny what's going and shows him the weapons, a bullet proof suit, anti-gravity belt, a cape that render a man invisible, and an eye piece that can emit a laser. When Raleigh gives them to Johnny and puts them and becomes a superhero who goes after the traitors."
A star is born!
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), audiences were taken on The Journey: Absolution when it was released on home video. Directed by David Cocteau from a story by Chafflin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Jaime Pressly, Mario Lopez, and Richard Grieco. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Most of Earth has been destroyed by an asteroid. A small military colony, New America, has managed to survive in the Arctic. When a soldier goes missing at the colony, authorities send Ryan Murphy to investigate."
Editor's Note:
Technically, the release information for The Journey: Absolution are a bit sketchy. For example, IMDB.com indicates that the film was produced in 1997; and yet it doesn't show any previous release information except for this date in 1999 when it premiered on home video. While I suspect it may've been screened previous to this, I'm still using this date for it's SciFi/Fantasy debut.
"Most of Earth has been destroyed by an asteroid. A small military colony, New America, has managed to survive in the Arctic. When a soldier goes missing at the colony, authorities send Ryan Murphy to investigate."
Editor's Note:
Technically, the release information for The Journey: Absolution are a bit sketchy. For example, IMDB.com indicates that the film was produced in 1997; and yet it doesn't show any previous release information except for this date in 1999 when it premiered on home video. While I suspect it may've been screened previous to this, I'm still using this date for it's SciFi/Fantasy debut.
A star is born!
On this day in 2001, The Day The World Ended showed audiences how the world ended. The feature starred Nastassja Kinski and Bobby Edner, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
"When a killer alien creature, who is misunderstood, begins killing specific members of a small town, a school psychologist learns of its link to a young boy's tragic childhood, and his adoptive father's dark secret."
On this day in 2004 (in Canada), the 1970-produced Colossus: The Forbin Project enjoyed its release on home video. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the SciFi/Drama starred Eric Braeden, Susan Clark, and Gordon Pinsent; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Colossus received the nomination for the 1971 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"Thinking this will prevent war, the US government gives an impenetrable supercomputer total control over launching nuclear missiles. But what the computer does with the power is unimaginable to its creators."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Colossus received the nomination for the 1971 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born!
On this day in 2004 (in Russia), Unseen Evil II (aka Alien 3000) enjoyed being seen again with its release on home video. Directed by Jeff Leroy, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lorenzo Lamas, Priscilla Barnes, and Corbin Timbrook. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a series of brutal, unexplained murders in a remote forest, a rogue military unit is recruited to hunt for whoever - or whatever - has rendered the attacks. In order to carry out the investigation, they need the help of the only survivor, Kate. But first they have to get her released from the mental institution she's been confined to since the horrific attack."
"After a series of brutal, unexplained murders in a remote forest, a rogue military unit is recruited to hunt for whoever - or whatever - has rendered the attacks. In order to carry out the investigation, they need the help of the only survivor, Kate. But first they have to get her released from the mental institution she's been confined to since the horrific attack."
On this day in 2006 (in Sweden), The Fountain played for audiences in attendance of the Stockholm International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Darren Aronofsky, the SciFi/Drama starred Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz, and Sean Patrick Thomas. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
In 2007, the film enjoyed Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
"As a modern-day scientist, Tommy is struggling with mortality, desperately searching for the medical breakthrough that will save the life of his cancer-stricken wife, Izzi."
For the record:
In 2007, the film enjoyed Saturn Award nominations for 'Best Actor,' 'Best Special Effects,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
On this day in 2007 (in Japan), Transmorphers transmorphed themselves onto the screen. Written and directed by Leigh Scott, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Matthew Wolf, Amy Weber, and Shaley Scott. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A race of alien robots have conquered Earth and forced humanity underground. After 400 years, a small group of humans develop a plan to defeat the mechanical invaders in the ultimate battle between man and machine."
"A race of alien robots have conquered Earth and forced humanity underground. After 400 years, a small group of humans develop a plan to defeat the mechanical invaders in the ultimate battle between man and machine."
A star is born ... and this one has gone to the dogs!
On this day in 2012 (in Finland), Vampire Dog tried to take a bite out of the competition with its premiere on home video. Directed by Geoff Anderson from a story by Tracy McMenemy and Willem Wennekers, this Family/Fantasy starred Collin MacKechnie, Julia Sarah Stone, and Amy Matysio. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A boy unwittingly adopts a 600 year old talking vampire dog and soon discovers that when they face their fears they can do anything."
"A boy unwittingly adopts a 600 year old talking vampire dog and soon discovers that when they face their fears they can do anything."
A star is born!
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), B.C. enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Directed by Ben Trimp from a story by Rocky Burnwork and Ryan Joint, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Mark Banning, Patrick Bradford, and Lily Chun. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a 4000 year old mammoth is accidentally unleashed from the Museum of Natural History in the small town of Salida, Colorado, a rancher, the museum's janitor, and a runaway teenager must join forces to hunt it down and kill it."
Editor's Note:
Occasionally, even a great amount of research produces no tangible results; and such is the case involving B.C., a production that has extremely little exposure on IMDB.com as well as the Information Superhighway. I've crafted the above graphic to serve as a placeholder until such time that I can locate more compelling ones; and I'll be happy to update this Daily Citation Page as necessary.
"When a 4000 year old mammoth is accidentally unleashed from the Museum of Natural History in the small town of Salida, Colorado, a rancher, the museum's janitor, and a runaway teenager must join forces to hunt it down and kill it."
Editor's Note:
Occasionally, even a great amount of research produces no tangible results; and such is the case involving B.C., a production that has extremely little exposure on IMDB.com as well as the Information Superhighway. I've crafted the above graphic to serve as a placeholder until such time that I can locate more compelling ones; and I'll be happy to update this Daily Citation Page as necessary.
On this day in 2013, the SciFi/Telefilm Stonados proved once again that 'Global Warming' is the least of our worries. The feature starred Paul Johansson and Sebastian Spence, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"When a tornado appears in the waters south of Boston, former storm chaser Joe Randall is intrigued by the unusual weather. But as twisters begin to strike across the Boston shoreline, Joe quickly realizes this is no ordinary storm front. As the storms threaten to move inland, the citizens of Boston find themselves trapped in a tempest turning deadlier by the minute. With the city under siege, Joe, his sister Maddy and his old storm chasing partner Lee realize they're dealing with a never before seen weather phenomenon known as Stonados. The only chance of stopping the storm is an untested theory about weather manipulation... the same theory that Joe has been trying to prove for over a decade. But with the storm spreading and threatening the entire Eastern Seaboard-as well as Joe's children who are trapped in a storm-besieged stadium-Joe and his motley crew will have to give it a try, either saving the world... or accelerating its destruction!"
"When a tornado appears in the waters south of Boston, former storm chaser Joe Randall is intrigued by the unusual weather. But as twisters begin to strike across the Boston shoreline, Joe quickly realizes this is no ordinary storm front. As the storms threaten to move inland, the citizens of Boston find themselves trapped in a tempest turning deadlier by the minute. With the city under siege, Joe, his sister Maddy and his old storm chasing partner Lee realize they're dealing with a never before seen weather phenomenon known as Stonados. The only chance of stopping the storm is an untested theory about weather manipulation... the same theory that Joe has been trying to prove for over a decade. But with the storm spreading and threatening the entire Eastern Seaboard-as well as Joe's children who are trapped in a storm-besieged stadium-Joe and his motley crew will have to give it a try, either saving the world... or accelerating its destruction!"
A star is born!
On this day in 2014 (in the U.S.), 10,000 Days enjoyed its theatrical unveiling. Written and directed by Eric Small, the SciFi/Drama starred John Schneider, Peter Wingfield, and James Harvey Ward. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Ten thousand days ago, Comet 23 struck Earth with the magnitude of all the nuclear weapons in the world sending the planet into a deep freeze. Now, 27 years in the future, those who survived are locked in an epic battle of life or death."
"Ten thousand days ago, Comet 23 struck Earth with the magnitude of all the nuclear weapons in the world sending the planet into a deep freeze. Now, 27 years in the future, those who survived are locked in an epic battle of life or death."
On this day in 2017 (in Japan), Juarez 2045 enjoyed its launch on television. Written and directed by Chris Le, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Danny Trejo, Alexander P. Heartman, and Blake Webb. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Its the year 2045. War on drugs in Mexico has escalated as a ruthless drug Cartel use robots to enforce their operations."
"Its the year 2045. War on drugs in Mexico has escalated as a ruthless drug Cartel use robots to enforce their operations."
On this day in 2018 (in Australian), audiences in attendance of the Monster Fest enjoyed a theatrical screening of At First Light. Written (in part) and directed by Jason Stone, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Stefanie Scott, Théodore Pellerin, and Saïd Taghmaoui. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
For the record:
At the 2019 Leo Awards (the organization recognizing excellence in film production in British Columbia), At First Light enjoyed taking home the covet trophy in the category of 'Best Visual Effects In A Motion Picture.' Alas, producers had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound In A Motion Picture.'
"Alex is floating unconscious in a lake when light from a UFO of light saves her by enhancing her abilities such as telekinesis and healing power. Her friend Sean helps her. The authorities want her - not just for stealing a police car."
For the record:
At the 2019 Leo Awards (the organization recognizing excellence in film production in British Columbia), At First Light enjoyed taking home the covet trophy in the category of 'Best Visual Effects In A Motion Picture.' Alas, producers had to settle for the honor of a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound In A Motion Picture.'
On this day in 2018 (in Australia), John Carpenter's Escape From New York played for audiences in attendance of Monster Fest. The SciFi film starred Kurt Russell, Adrienne Barbeau, and Lee Van Kleef; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
"In the future, crime is out of control and New York City's Manhattan is a maximum security prison. Grabbing a bargaining chip right out of the air, convicts bring down the President's plane in bad old Gotham. Gruff Snake Plissken, a one-eyed lone warrior new to prison life, is coerced into bringing the President, and his cargo, out of this land of undesirables."
On this day in 2019 (in Italy), the 1932-produced Island Of Lost Souls played for audiences in attendance of the Torino Film Festival. Based on the H.G. Wells novel 'The Island Of Dr. Moreau,' the film was starred Charles Laughton, Bela Lugosi, and Leila Hyams; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
"A mad doctor conducts ghastly genetic experiments on a remote island in the South Seas, much to the fear and disgust of the shipwrecked sailor who finds himself trapped there."
On this day in 1951, Tales Of Tomorrow aired "Enemy Unknown." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"A government on the verge of meltdown requests the help of a renown astrophysicist who refuses their plea for assistance."
"A government on the verge of meltdown requests the help of a renown astrophysicist who refuses their plea for assistance."
On this day in 1956, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Signals From The Moon." Officially, this served as the twenty-ninth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An ambassador is shot by a would-be assassin. To remove the bullet, a surgeon needs to consult a colleague on a cruise ship in the Pacific. Scientists bounce a TV signal off the moon to the ship so he can watch and direct the operation."
"An ambassador is shot by a would-be assassin. To remove the bullet, a surgeon needs to consult a colleague on a cruise ship in the Pacific. Scientists bounce a TV signal off the moon to the ship so he can watch and direct the operation."
On this day in 1970, Timeslip aired "The Time Of The Ice Box: Part 3." This served as the ninth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An increasingly duplicitous Traynor convinces Simon to return through the time barrier against the wishes of Liz's parents."
"An increasingly duplicitous Traynor convinces Simon to return through the time barrier against the wishes of Liz's parents."
On this day in 1974, Partridge Family 2200 A.D. aired "The Switch." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary from the Partridge Family 2200 A.D. online website:
"When Danny pulls the lever on Dr. Binkey's Molecular Transformer, Keith and a gorilla switch bodies! The Family does its show with a crowd-pleasing addition. Danny gets his due as Veenie mistakenly flips the switch while Danny and a pig are demontsrating the machine."
"When Danny pulls the lever on Dr. Binkey's Molecular Transformer, Keith and a gorilla switch bodies! The Family does its show with a crowd-pleasing addition. Danny gets his due as Veenie mistakenly flips the switch while Danny and a pig are demontsrating the machine."
On this day in 1975, The Six Million Dollar Man aired "The White Lightning War." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Several agents from the U.S. Treasury Department have died from snake bites while investigating an illegal moonshine ring in Morgantown, Georgia. Steve Austin volunteers to go undercover and pose as the leader of a rival gang."
"Several agents from the U.S. Treasury Department have died from snake bites while investigating an illegal moonshine ring in Morgantown, Georgia. Steve Austin volunteers to go undercover and pose as the leader of a rival gang."
On this day in 1981 (in the United Kingdom), Astronauts aired "One Week To Go." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"After five weeks of constant surveillance, relations between the crew and Ground Control are strained. So when Beadle disappears for lunch, the astronauts decide to get even."
"After five weeks of constant surveillance, relations between the crew and Ground Control are strained. So when Beadle disappears for lunch, the astronauts decide to get even."
On this day in 1981, Blake's 7 aired "Sand." This served as the ninth episode to the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Marooned on the arid desert world of Virn, Tarrant and his enemy must confront each other, and the past, whilst trying to solve the mystery of a lost Federation expedition. Meanwhile, time is running out for the struggling Scorpio and Orac."
"Marooned on the arid desert world of Virn, Tarrant and his enemy must confront each other, and the past, whilst trying to solve the mystery of a lost Federation expedition. Meanwhile, time is running out for the struggling Scorpio and Orac."
On this day in 1984, the invaders of V pressed forward their plot to claim Earth's resources as their own. The episode, "Visitor's Choice," aired, and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"The Resistance, led by Donovan, Julie, and Ham, stage a daring sabotage at a convention of Visitor commanders in a seaside estate where Diana intends to show off the ultimate device in processing humans for food."
"The Resistance, led by Donovan, Julie, and Ham, stage a daring sabotage at a convention of Visitor commanders in a seaside estate where Diana intends to show off the ultimate device in processing humans for food."
On this day in 1985, CBS's Airwolf aired "Jennie." This served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary that's listed on IMDB.com:
"Hawke helps a woman rescue children refugees from a mad scientist' unmanned tanks."
"Hawke helps a woman rescue children refugees from a mad scientist' unmanned tanks."
It all came down to this ...
On this day in 1985, The Tripods aired its series finale titled "The Forest of Death." This served as the twelfth episode of the second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Almost captured by the Black Guard, Will and Beanpole are hidden by a traveling circus. After finding out the leader is going to betray them to the Tripods, Will convinces the other kids working there to escape with them to The White Mountains."
On this day in 1985, The Tripods aired its series finale titled "The Forest of Death." This served as the twelfth episode of the second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Almost captured by the Black Guard, Will and Beanpole are hidden by a traveling circus. After finding out the leader is going to betray them to the Tripods, Will convinces the other kids working there to escape with them to The White Mountains."
On this day in 1988 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Silver Nemesis: Part 1." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's twenty-fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Earth faces imminent destruction. Nemesis, a comet containing a statue composed of validium (living metal) is due to strike, needing only its bow and arrow to achieve critical mass and become active. Four converging parties know of its power: the Doctor, neo-Nazi assault troops from South America, a 17th century noblewoman steeped in the black arts (in whose image the Nemesis statue was fashioned), and discreet but lethal extra-terrestrials."
"Earth faces imminent destruction. Nemesis, a comet containing a statue composed of validium (living metal) is due to strike, needing only its bow and arrow to achieve critical mass and become active. Four converging parties know of its power: the Doctor, neo-Nazi assault troops from South America, a 17th century noblewoman steeped in the black arts (in whose image the Nemesis statue was fashioned), and discreet but lethal extra-terrestrials."
On this day in 1994, Babylon 5 aired "A Distant Star," the fourth episode of the program's second season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's what you need to know about it:
"Captain Sheridan's old commanding officer arrives at the station, and disaster ensues in Hyperspace."
"Captain Sheridan's old commanding officer arrives at the station, and disaster ensues in Hyperspace."
On this day in 1997, Fox TV's The X-Files aired "Detour." This served as the fourth episode in the long-running program's fifth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Agents Mulder and Scully investigate the disappearances of several people and a boy's claims that he was attacked by an invisible creature."
"Agents Mulder and Scully investigate the disappearances of several people and a boy's claims that he was attacked by an invisible creature."
On this day in 1998, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Redemption." This served as the eighth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Siobhan falls while rock climbing. As the others search for her, she dreams that she is on trial for supporting the Taelons. Zo'or questions whether Sandoval's CVI imperative to serve the Taelons has broken down as others are experiencing."
"Siobhan falls while rock climbing. As the others search for her, she dreams that she is on trial for supporting the Taelons. Zo'or questions whether Sandoval's CVI imperative to serve the Taelons has broken down as others are experiencing."
On this day in 2002, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed aired "The Songstress of the Enemy Forces." This served as the eighth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
"A war is under way between genetically enhanced Coordinators and unmodified Naturals."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Mutant X aired "Sign From Above." This served as the eighth episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Three extraterrestrials who pose a serious threat to humanity target Shalimar, so the team set out to save her from their evil clutches."
"Three extraterrestrials who pose a serious threat to humanity target Shalimar, so the team set out to save her from their evil clutches."
On this day in 2013 (in many, many, many countries around the world), home audiences were thrilled to see several Doctors together again with the broadcast airing of Doctor Who's "The Day Of The Doctor." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London's National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion."
"In 2013, something terrible is awakening in London's National Gallery; in 1562, a murderous plot is afoot in Elizabethan England; and somewhere in space an ancient battle reaches its devastating conclusion."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Fox TV's Minority Report aired "Memento Mori." This served as the ninth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Upon learning the Defense Intelligence Agency is on the trail of the precogs, Black withholds pertinent information and Arthur decides to take matters into his own hands to rescue them."
"Upon learning the Defense Intelligence Agency is on the trail of the precogs, Black withholds pertinent information and Arthur decides to take matters into his own hands to rescue them."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Syfy launched what it felt would be an all-new signature Science Fiction program with the debut of The Expanse. The first episode was titled "Dulcinea," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the outer solar system near Saturn, James Holden and the crew of the ice-freighter Canterbury, investigate a distress call from a mysterious derelict ship, the Scopuli. On Ceres Station, Detective Miller begins an off the book investigation of a missing heiress, Julie Mao."
On this day in 2015 (in the U.S.), Syfy launched what it felt would be an all-new signature Science Fiction program with the debut of The Expanse. The first episode was titled "Dulcinea," and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"In the outer solar system near Saturn, James Holden and the crew of the ice-freighter Canterbury, investigate a distress call from a mysterious derelict ship, the Scopuli. On Ceres Station, Detective Miller begins an off the book investigation of a missing heiress, Julie Mao."
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Eve aired "The P.R.I.C.E. Of War." 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:
"The discovery that Mary has cheated death throws the gang into chaos. If Mary were to take control of Eve permanently, she would be unstoppable."
"The discovery that Mary has cheated death throws the gang into chaos. If Mary were to take control of Eve permanently, she would be unstoppable."
It all began right here ...
On this day in 2018 (in Russia), Better Than Us took yet one more look at the world of Artificial Intelligence intruding upon our everyday lives. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for Episode One:
"During visitation rights, Georgy discover's his ex-wife's secret plan to relocate to Australia with their kids, Sonya and Egor. Meanwhile, at the Cronos robot sales company, Director Victor's latest black market acquisition, Arisa, arrives but escapes through a security man's mishandling. Able to harm humans (a rarity), Arisa crosses paths with pre-adolescent Sonya, and a bond is made."
On this day in 2018 (in Russia), Better Than Us took yet one more look at the world of Artificial Intelligence intruding upon our everyday lives. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for Episode One:
"During visitation rights, Georgy discover's his ex-wife's secret plan to relocate to Australia with their kids, Sonya and Egor. Meanwhile, at the Cronos robot sales company, Director Victor's latest black market acquisition, Arisa, arrives but escapes through a security man's mishandling. Able to harm humans (a rarity), Arisa crosses paths with pre-adolescent Sonya, and a bond is made."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Titans aired "Asylum." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When The Messenger reveals that Rachel's birth mother is alive and being held captive by The Organization in a mysterious psychiatric facility, Rachel is determined to rescue her. But once inside, the Titans are faced with their deepest vulnerabilities and fears."
"When The Messenger reveals that Rachel's birth mother is alive and being held captive by The Organization in a mysterious psychiatric facility, Rachel is determined to rescue her. But once inside, the Titans are faced with their deepest vulnerabilities and fears."
On this day in 2018 (in the U.S.), Z Nation aired "Heartland." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The heroes arrive in the farming outpost that produces flour for bizkits and find it overrun by zombies."
"The heroes arrive in the farming outpost that produces flour for bizkits and find it overrun by zombies."
