For a whole generation of Star Trek fans, the late great Ricardo Montalban never received enough credit for helping to resurrect our franchise from near-cinema obscurity as a borderline cult fascination and pushed it well into the light for all to see; this is because even today many revere Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan as being the series' highwater mark. In fact, one could make a strong case that the only reason JJ Abrams and his willing co-conspirators thought Khan was a character worth revisiting was precisely because of the strength of the character as portrayed by Montalban.
He first appeared as such in TOS's stellar Space Seed, introducing Khan Noonien Singh to audiences. It was clear that the script intended the character to be a villain, but, with Montalban's touches, the strongman bred to lead a world into the future had a charisma that, years later, director Nicholas Meyer resurrected so that the character could experience a fully realized story arc. That film -- and its performances -- have become legendary.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Montalban was born on this day back in 1920.
He first appeared as such in TOS's stellar Space Seed, introducing Khan Noonien Singh to audiences. It was clear that the script intended the character to be a villain, but, with Montalban's touches, the strongman bred to lead a world into the future had a charisma that, years later, director Nicholas Meyer resurrected so that the character could experience a fully realized story arc. That film -- and its performances -- have become legendary.
Though he's no longer with us, Mr. Montalban was born on this day back in 1920.
It's often been jokingly observed that you know you've made it in the realm of Science Fiction when there's an action figure made and sold after a character played in a popular film, and -- if that is indeed the standard -- then let's all be thankful for the work of Shelagh Fraser: in the guise of 'Aunt Beru' (from the original Star Wars), she did what she could to bring up that young and rebellious Luke Skywalker without the influence of his father, though in the end the boy was eventually drawn to The Force. Though she's no longer with us, Fraser was born on this day in 1920. [Source: IMDB.com]
For TV viewers of a certain generation, Noel Neill remains the definitive Lois Lane, playing the spirited reporter in Adventures of Superman from 1953 until 1958. She enjoyed a cameo appearance in both Superman - The Movie (1978) and Superman Returns (2006) and even continues to this day participating in celebrations honoring the Man of Steel. Though she's no longer with us, Neill was born on this day in 1920.
Legendary sci-fi author Poul Anderson enjoyed an especially prolific writing career, garnering himself seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards in his lifetime. He was best known for crafting some larger-than-life characters and setting them against a backdrop of a real world with real world consequences for their actions. If you're interested in knowing more about the vast library of his work, including his fantasy and historical novels, I'd strongly encourage you to check out his bio here at Wikipedia as there's a great amount to investigate further. Though he's no longer with us, Anderson was born on this day in 1926.
Jeffrey Hunter, Star Trek fans barely knew ye, but, boy oh boy, they sure embraced the legacy you helped spawn. Appearing in the original pilot to our beloved first series, Hunter was the first intended captain of the USS Enterprise 1701; he was the original Christopher Pike, and no one can take that away from him ... not even JJ Abrams. TOS viewers first saw you in the magnificent first season two-parter, "The Menagerie", where your flashbacks served as the emotional undercurrent for the episode. It wasn't until years later -- in 1986 -- that Paramount Pictures saw fit to recover, re-edit, and release "The Cage" to home video, finally giving fans a chance to see just what could've been had NBC not encouraged Gene Roddenberry to go another way with the franchise. Though he's no longer with us, Hunter was born on this day in 1929.
Veteran character actor Harry Landis enjoyed a small role aboard Doug Liman's stellar Edge Of Tomorrow (2014), one of the finer SciFi/Action films of the 2000's. He also enjoyed an uncredited role aboard the 1955 SciFi/Serial Quatermass II. Landis was born on this day in 1931. [Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction and Fantasy could've used a bit more of Kathryn Grant than it received. She leaves us two solid performances in both genres: she lit up the screen aboard SciFi's The Night The World Exploded (1957) and followed that up not long thereafter as 'Princess Parisa' aboard Fantasy's The 7th Voyage Of Sinbad (1958). Grant was born on this day in 1933. [Source: IMDB.com]
Singer and actress Beverly Washburn is perhaps best known to TV audiences of SciFiHistory.Net as the petite short-haired crewman 'Arlene Galway' who joined the landing party for Star Trek's second season adventure, "The Deadly Years." What'd she get for all her troubles? An accelerated aging virus! Washburn was born on this day in 1943. [Source: IMDB.com]
All indications were that John Larroquette's character introduced in an episode of Fox TV's Almost Human was intended to be a recurring role; sadly, the program enjoyed only a single, shortened season on the network, and who knows what heights it could've reached. Larroquette was born on this day in 1947.
Veteran character actor Tracey Walter was given the opportunity to suit up as a Ferengi not once but twice during Star Trek: The Next Generation's stellar run. He was Kayron in "The Last Outpost" and then morphed in Berik (above center) for the fan favorite "Rascals." He's also made appearances aboard Timerider: The Adventure of Lyle Swann (1982), Conan The Destroyer (1984), Repo Man (1984), Airwolf, Amazing Stories, Timestalkers (1987), ALF, Not Of This World (1991), Cyborg 2: Glass Shadow (1993), The Adventures of Brisco County Jr., Ultraman: The Ultimate Hero, Independence Day, and Impostor (2001). How's THAT for a resume? Walter was born on this day in 1947.
There may be small roles, but -- when it comes to Science Fiction -- SciFiHistory.Net believes there are no small performances: the lovely Joyce Cohen played an unnamed reported aboard Independence Day (1996), one of the finer alien invasion flicks of a generation. Cohen was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Bombshell-turned-actress Monique St. Pierre was just one of the several delicious ladies who braved the Apocalypse at the heart of SciFi's Stryker (1983). St. Pierre was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
Ahem. Well, let it be known that the screenplays for Fantastic Four (2005) and Fantastic 4: Rise Of The Silver Surfer (2007) may not rank among his best work, so let's be thankful that Mark Frost has made greater and more memorable contributions to the evolving world that is TV's Twin Peaks, eh? Frost was born on this day in 1953. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Darlanne Fluegel played a small but pivotal role (the love interest!) in Roger Corman's deliciously campy Battle Beyond the Stars (1980). Though she's no longer with us, Fluegel was born on this day back in 1958.
Kevin Chamberlin played a recurring role aboard NBC's Heroes early in its run, though he appears to be absent from the retooled Heroes Reborn (as are many from the original). Chamberlin was born on this day in 1963.
Dougray Scott turns in quality work in no matter the genre, but I'm thankful for his appearance alongside Matt Smith in the episode "Hide" from Doctor Who. Scott was born on this day in 1965.
It's the end of the world and he knew it! The venerable Billy Burke headed up TV's Apocalypse drama Revolution but it just wasn't meant to be. While the talented actor often times finds himself in roles of seedier characters, don't let that fool you: he's got the chops to head up a SciFi franchise, and I for one would love to see him land something grand. More recently, he took charge aboard CBS's SciFi summer series Zoo. Burke was born on this day in 1966.
Robocop 3 gets maligned an awful lot for being the weakest of the original franchise films, and sure it's a bit schlocky ... but on the upside it all stars a yummy Jill Hennessy (above left) as the Robo-pal, Dr. Marie Lazarus. That's no small feat. Hennessy was born on this day in 1968.
I've always thought that Christina Applegate was arguably one of the most talented actress on the small screen who just never seemed to garner enough attention ... well, except when she played into a certain type, much like she did in Timothy Burton's SciFi comedy Mars Attacks! Most folks dismissed the film, but I loved it. Applegate was born on this day in 1971.
Great genre projects benefit from the addition of actresses like Stefanie von Pfetten. Since beginning a career in entertainment, she's shown up in The Net, The Sentinel, First Wave, Y2K, Seven Days, Special Unit 2, The Twilight Zone (2002), Jeremiah, Decoys, Andromeda, Battlestar Galactica (Syfy), Termination Point, Eureka, Battlestar Galactica: Razor, and Amazon's The Man In The High Castle. She's also enjoyed screen time aboard the Fantasy feature Odysseus: Voyage To The Underworld (2008). Von Pfetten was born on this day in 1973.
CBS's Jericho was in many ways dismissed as doing little more than bringing TV audiences what the aftermath of a nuclear event might look like 'on a budget.' I stuck with it from start to finish, mostly cause I thought it had a pretty winning cast. Among the regulars was Kenneth Mitchell (shown above in the passenger seat), a talent who continues to seek out some of the best guest starring roles available today. Mitchell was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress Marianthi Evans (shown above: impressed parties can thank me later) played 'Gail' in Syfy's signature SciFi series Defiance. Evans was born on this day in 1977.
Sadly, it doesn't appear as if Jill Flint does much in the realm of genre entertainment, but she did enjoy a small role aboard The Amazing Spider-man (2012) so that I may feature her here. Flint was born on this day in 1977. [Source: IMDB.com]
In a move that had many sci-fi fans scratching their head and asking "Why, God, why?", someone got the bright idea that 1987's spectacular RoboCop needed an upgrade ... erm ... make that remake. Relative newcomer Joel Kinnaman took over the franchise as its lead. Kinnaman was born on this day in 1979.
2013's Upstream Color is fascinating Science Fiction that isn't exactly a crowd-pleaser. It's a thought-provoking story that honestly takes about the entire length of the 90-plus minutes to be thoroughly understood, and it does this with a story told in minimal exposition other than its visuals. Amy Seimetz gives a grounded performance as a woman trying to put her life back into some sense of normalcy in this less-than-normal set of circumstances. She also had an aggressive role aboard Ridley Scott's disappointing Alien: Covenant (2017). Seimetz was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
God bless us our girls who keep us safe at night! The lovely Natalia Cordova-Buckley kicked butt, took names, and broke hearts in the role of Elena 'YoYo' Rodriguez aboard ABC-TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Cordova-Buckley was born on this day in 1982.
Haley Webb certainly left a welcome impression on fandom with her work aboard the TV/Fantasy series Teen Wolf (2013-2017). Webb was born on this day in 1985. [Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of Laurel Lance (aka Black Canary), Katie Cassidy has been kicking butts and taking names on the CW's Arrow, The Flash, and its forthcoming Legends of Tomorrow. Always turning heads, Cassidy was born on this day in 1986.
On this day in 1964, Voyage To The End Of The Universe arrived in U.S. theatres. The feature starred Zdenek Stepánek and Frantisek Smolík, and here's the plot summary compliments of IMDB.com:
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the Universe, to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
"The year is 2163. Starship Ikaria XB 1 embarks on a long journey across the Universe, to search for life on the planets of Alpha Centauri."
On this day in 1977 (in Canada), Close Encounters Of The Third Kind tried to answer the question about whether or not mankind was truly alone in the universe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
"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."
On this day in 1977 (in Spain), audiences were treated to one of the best Dystopian thrillers from the 1970's when Logan's Run enjoyed its debut. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth."
"A police officer in the future uncovers the deadly secret behind a society that worships youth."
On this day in 1983 (in Portugal and Sweden), Megaforce served up a big bucket of SciFi cheesery. Directed by Hal Needham, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Barry Bostwick, Michael Beck, and Persis Khambatta; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
"Ace Hunter is the leader of Megaforce, an elite group of American soldiers who travel the world to fight Evil. In this case, Evil is represented by a third rate dictator who they must blow to bits."
On this day in 1983 (in Italy), the SciFi/Drama Raiders Of Atlantis premiered in theatres. The feature starred Christopher Connolly and Tony King, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A team of scientists working to raise a sunken Russian nuclear submarine on an ocean platform off the coast of Miami, Florida, unearth an ancient Atlantean relic from the sea floor and bring in an expert to make some sense of it. But while attempting to raise the sub, radioactive leakage from its missles triggers the re-emergence of Atlantis, and the resulting tidal wave destroys the platform and leaves only a small group of survivors. Rescued by two Vietnamvets-turned-heavies who are out relaxing after their latest job, their boat eventually runs aground on a Carribean island nearby where, upon going ashore, it is discovered that everything has been destroyed and everybody killed. The culprits, a vicious group of well-armed raiders, and their leader, Crystal Skull, are descendants of Atlantis' original race who set about reclaiming the world and adding the survivors to the list of victims as they struggle to stay alive and defeat the raiders and send Atlantis back to the ocean floor."
"A team of scientists working to raise a sunken Russian nuclear submarine on an ocean platform off the coast of Miami, Florida, unearth an ancient Atlantean relic from the sea floor and bring in an expert to make some sense of it. But while attempting to raise the sub, radioactive leakage from its missles triggers the re-emergence of Atlantis, and the resulting tidal wave destroys the platform and leaves only a small group of survivors. Rescued by two Vietnamvets-turned-heavies who are out relaxing after their latest job, their boat eventually runs aground on a Carribean island nearby where, upon going ashore, it is discovered that everything has been destroyed and everybody killed. The culprits, a vicious group of well-armed raiders, and their leader, Crystal Skull, are descendants of Atlantis' original race who set about reclaiming the world and adding the survivors to the list of victims as they struggle to stay alive and defeat the raiders and send Atlantis back to the ocean floor."
On this day in 1989 (in Japan), filmmakers proved it ain't easy being green with the theatrical release of The Return Of Swamp Thing. Directed by Jim Wynorski, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Dick Durock, Heather Locklear, and Louis Jourdan; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Swamp Thing returns to battle the evil Dr. Arcane, who has a new science lab full of creatures transformed by genetic mutation, and chooses Heather Locklear as his new object of affection."
"The Swamp Thing returns to battle the evil Dr. Arcane, who has a new science lab full of creatures transformed by genetic mutation, and chooses Heather Locklear as his new object of affection."
On this day in 1994 (in Brazil and Denmark), the streets of time were once again safe as they were properly patrolled by no less than Jean Claude Van Damme as the legendary Timecop. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
"Max Walker, an officer for a security agency that regulates time travel, must fend for his life against a shady politician who's intent on changing the past to control the future."
On this day in 2008, the Fantasy-themed Merlin And The War Of The Dragons enjoyed its premiere on home video. Directed by Mark Atkins, the feature starred Simon Lloyd-Roberts and Jürgen Prochnow, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In 5th Century Britain, a young Merlin struggles for his place in his known land under the tutelage of The Mage, a local wizard whom sees the young man's potential for magic, as well as face off against his evil former friend, Vendiger, whom plots with a feudal warlord king to conquer all of Britian using an army of flying dragons, and only Merlin with the alliance of the local Prince Uther and Ingraine and a pair of mystical goddesses, can have the power to stop the evil from taking over the land."
"In 5th Century Britain, a young Merlin struggles for his place in his known land under the tutelage of The Mage, a local wizard whom sees the young man's potential for magic, as well as face off against his evil former friend, Vendiger, whom plots with a feudal warlord king to conquer all of Britian using an army of flying dragons, and only Merlin with the alliance of the local Prince Uther and Ingraine and a pair of mystical goddesses, can have the power to stop the evil from taking over the land."
On this day in 2016 (in Australia), the 1986-produced Aliens enjoyed a rare theatrical re-release. Written (in part) and directed by James Cameron, the SciFi/Thriller starred Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, and Paul Reiser; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
"Fifty-seven years after surviving an apocalyptic attack aboard her space vessel by merciless space creatures, Officer Ripley awakens from hyper-sleep and tries to warn anyone who will listen about the predators."
On this day in 1959, Men Into Space aired "Asteroid." This served as the eighth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An asteroid straying close to Earth becomes the subject of an experiment. It is decided to scout the asteroid with a view of turning it into a mobile space station. If not the rock must be destroyed."
"An asteroid straying close to Earth becomes the subject of an experiment. It is decided to scout the asteroid with a view of turning it into a mobile space station. If not the rock must be destroyed."
On this day in 1965 (in the United Kingdom), Thunderbirds aired "End Of The Road." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A construction team finishes work on a new road in Asia, and Eddie Housman decides to take a holiday and visit an old girlfriend - Tin Tin. Arriving at the island, Eddie soon becomes emotionally attached to Tin Tin, much to the annoyance of Alan. A phone call summons Eddie back to the construction site and International Rescue is suddenly caught in one of the most dangerous rescues they've attempted, all while trying to hide their identities from Eddie."
"A construction team finishes work on a new road in Asia, and Eddie Housman decides to take a holiday and visit an old girlfriend - Tin Tin. Arriving at the island, Eddie soon becomes emotionally attached to Tin Tin, much to the annoyance of Alan. A phone call summons Eddie back to the construction site and International Rescue is suddenly caught in one of the most dangerous rescues they've attempted, all while trying to hide their identities from Eddie."
On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "Amok Time." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
"In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood."
On this day in 1981, The Greatest American Hero aired "Hog Wild." This served as the fourth episode to the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"When a motorcycle gang learns about Ralph and the suit, they grab Bill and force Ralph to help them get back at the Sheriff who humiliated them."
"When a motorcycle gang learns about Ralph and the suit, they grab Bill and force Ralph to help them get back at the Sheriff who humiliated them."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Changeling." This (technically) served as the program's fiftieth (they were aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Deltoid Prison Rock is taken over by the General who plans on using it to start a new campaign. Gooseman is sent in undercover to the prison to deactivate the prison's self-destruct."
"Deltoid Prison Rock is taken over by the General who plans on using it to start a new campaign. Gooseman is sent in undercover to the prison to deactivate the prison's self-destruct."
On this day in 1994, Time Trax aired "The Crash." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"Darien, a fugitive, and a small plan full of people, crash land on an island and are hunted by the fugitive's employer, another fugitive from the future."
"Darien, a fugitive, and a small plan full of people, crash land on an island and are hunted by the fugitive's employer, another fugitive from the future."
On this day in 1996, Babylon 5 aired the fourth episode of the program's fourth season. The hour went under the title of "Falling Toward Apotheosis," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at IMDB.com:
"Refugees from worlds destroyed by the Vorlons descend on Babylon 5."
"Refugees from worlds destroyed by the Vorlons descend on Babylon 5."
On this day in 1998, First Wave aired "Breeding Ground." This served as the twelfth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Cade poses as a track coach to investigate reports of superhuman abilities in some of the students at a private school in New England."
"Cade poses as a track coach to investigate reports of superhuman abilities in some of the students at a private school in New England."
It all came down to this: for better or for worse, the immortal journey that was all of Babylon 5 -- so far as the original series' run is concerned -- came to a close on this day in 1998 with the airing of "Sleeping In Light." As the twenty-second episode of the shows fifth season, here's what you need to know about it, compliments again of IMDB.com:
"20 years after he visited Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan knows his time is short and gathers his old comrades together. Afterwards he takes personalized White Star to Babylon 5 where it's going to be decommissioned shortly. The final leg of his journey takes him to Coriana 6 where they ended the Shadow War, and meets with one last person. The old command staff gather on Babylon 5 to watch its decommissioning."
For the record:
To the episode's credit, "Sleeping In Light" enjoyed a 1999 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"20 years after he visited Z'Ha'Dum, Sheridan knows his time is short and gathers his old comrades together. Afterwards he takes personalized White Star to Babylon 5 where it's going to be decommissioned shortly. The final leg of his journey takes him to Coriana 6 where they ended the Shadow War, and meets with one last person. The old command staff gather on Babylon 5 to watch its decommissioning."
For the record:
To the episode's credit, "Sleeping In Light" enjoyed a 1999 Hugo Awards nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 2002, Andromeda aired "And Your Heart Will Fly Away." This served as the ninth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An unknown armored man appears on the command deck of the Andromeda and proceeds to engage Dylan in combat with a katana. After Dylan comes out on top, Tyr leaves in Harper's new and improved slipfighter without a word. The Andromeda encounters a kilometer-tall version of Dylan that opens fire on the ship, but when the Andromeda retaliates the giant replica vanishes. Dylan investigates who attacked him and whom Tyr left to find."
"An unknown armored man appears on the command deck of the Andromeda and proceeds to engage Dylan in combat with a katana. After Dylan comes out on top, Tyr leaves in Harper's new and improved slipfighter without a word. The Andromeda encounters a kilometer-tall version of Dylan that opens fire on the ship, but when the Andromeda retaliates the giant replica vanishes. Dylan investigates who attacked him and whom Tyr left to find."
On this day in 2008, Fringe aired "The Dreamscape." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An employee of Massive Dynamic covered in mysterious cuts jumps out a window believing himself to be attacked by a swarm of butterflies. Meanwhile, Olivia becomes fed up with her visions of John Scott and decides to go back into the sensory deprivation tank to get rid of them."
"An employee of Massive Dynamic covered in mysterious cuts jumps out a window believing himself to be attacked by a swarm of butterflies. Meanwhile, Olivia becomes fed up with her visions of John Scott and decides to go back into the sensory deprivation tank to get rid of them."
On this day in 2011, Sanctuary aired "Fugue." 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:
"FBI Agent Abby Corrigan's life is endangered after she is suddenly attacked by an unfamiliar abnormal during an investigation; Magnus and Will's heated debate over the best way to help Abby threatens to permanently alter their relationship."
"FBI Agent Abby Corrigan's life is endangered after she is suddenly attacked by an unfamiliar abnormal during an investigation; Magnus and Will's heated debate over the best way to help Abby threatens to permanently alter their relationship."
On this day in 2013, Almost Human aired the third episode of its only season. The hour was titled "Are You Receiving?" According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A gang of criminals try to get their demands by taking some hostages. But as it turns out, this was just a diversion to take away police attention from the real crime scene - palladium robbery."
"A gang of criminals try to get their demands by taking some hostages. But as it turns out, this was just a diversion to take away police attention from the real crime scene - palladium robbery."
