Earth 2 was one of those network SciFi properties that pretty much can and went in a single season, a fate suffered by far too many stellar programs. I don't much remember it -- seems to me I was turned off by its kinda/sorta wacky visuals that involved some camera trickery involving alien communication -- but I do remember thinking it had a very solid cast (the great Clancy Brown and the luminous Debrah Farentino come to mind instantly). It lives on in the hearts of those who've chosen to not forget it -- as well as those who picked up its DVD release a number of years back -- and who knows? Maybe it'll eventually suffer a Hollywood reboot if the right producer comes a'calling.
Lost In Space's Jonathan Harris is credited as being one of the best reasons to watch the program -- well, despite the fact that it's classic Science Fiction, that is. Despite some misgivings I've had over the years with the stores explored on the program, the character of Mr. Smith arguably is iconic in our genre if for no better reason than serving as the ultimate coward and narcissist you love to hate to watch; and I guess that means something. Though Harris is no longer with us, he was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, Jonathan Harris took home a trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Television Performance.' There's no indication that this special recognition was tied to any production specifically, so I'm wondering if this was, perhaps, one of those award given in recognition of a talent's body of work.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
At the 1978 Saturn Awards, Jonathan Harris took home a trophy in the category of 'Outstanding Television Performance.' There's no indication that this special recognition was tied to any production specifically, so I'm wondering if this was, perhaps, one of those award given in recognition of a talent's body of work.
Screen veteran Sally Field got the chance to play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe by taking up the role of 'Aunt May' in both The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The talented and popular actress also paid visits to such genre projects as Moon Pilot (1962), The Flying Nun, Home For The Holidays (1972), Night Gallery, The Girl With Something Extra, Kiss Me Goodbye (1982), and Little Evil (2017). Field was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Pull up a chair, and let me tell you a few things about Carolyn Seymour. She boasts a resume that's stretching toward five decades of work, and much of it has touched on quality genre entertainment. Back in 1975, she took a role in the BBC's Survivors, and it's been one project after another since then. Since then, she's appeared on Space: 1999, The Greatest American Hero, Blue Thunder, The Twilight Zone, The Flash, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, and the list goes on and on ... and that doesn't even begin to mention all of the voice work she's done in animation and video games. Seymour was born on this day in 1947.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Like so many actors of a generation, Brad Davis squeezed in a role aboard the fate-twisting The Twilight Zone. Though he's no longer with us, Davis was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A dashing Nigel Havers (pictured above, in the tuxedo) walked down the aisle with a SciFi icon on a very special two-part episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures. Havers was born on this day in 1949.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and producer Theresa Tilly has a handful of genre credentials to her credit, appearing in such projects as Oz The Great And Powerful (2013) and The Prototype (2018). If IMDB.com is to be believed, then it would appear the lady got her start in the entertainment industry aboard the groundbreaking Horror/Fantasy The Evil Dead (1981). That is some beginning! Tilly was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Ron Underwood delivered a solid SciFi/Comedy classic with his work in bringing Tremors to the silver screen. He's continued to work both in films and television, and fans might recognize his name from contributions to such universes as Heart And Souls (1993), Mighty Joe Young (1998), The Adventures Of Pluto Nash (2002), Reaper, Heroes, No Ordinary Family, Once Upon A Time In Wonderland, Witches Of East End, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., BrainDead, No Tomorrow, Evil, Tales Of The Walking Dead, Fear The Walking Dead, and La Brea. Underwood was born on this day in 1953.
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
ExtraExtra Alert:
[Source: IMDB.com]
For the record:
- At the 1994 Saturn Awards, Underwood earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Director' for his work in bringing Heart And Souls (1993) to the screen.
- At the 2003 Razzie Awards, the man earned a nomination in the category of 'Worst Director' for his work in bringing The Adventures Of Pluto Nash to audiences.
ExtraExtra Alert:
- In 2020, I received an all-new home video release of Tremors (1990) from a distributor in exchange for review coverage on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my review right here.
- In 2022, I reviewed an episode of AMC's Tales Of The Walking Dead -- "Evie/Joe" (S01E01) -- for SciFiHistory.Net. Interested readers can find my thoughts right here.
Back in the 1990's, Fox TV was desperate to come up with any SciFi-style program to pair up with its wildly popular The X-Files on Friday nights. VR5 was one of those that went as quickly as it came. The main character -- Sidney, as played by Lori Singer -- spent much of her time experimenting inside virtual worlds. Singer was born on this day in 1957.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
And lest we not forget all of the wisecracks compliments of Trace Beaulieu, only one of the team of MST3Kers that made the show so unforgettable! Beaulieu was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Oh, what a wild, wild ride was Fox TV's Fringe! It dabbled in so many influences across all of Science Fiction, but the central driving mythology for the program involved The Observers and what effect their actions were having (if any) on the timelines of various universes. Michael Cerveris played the primary Observer, and the actor was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Lance Kerwin played a small but significant role in 1985's Enemy Mine. The actor also booked screen time aboard such properties as Shazam!, Escape to Witch Mountain, Wonder Woman, The Bionic Woman, and Outbreak. Though he's no longer with us, Kerwin was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Director Kerry Conran delivered the visionary Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow to a box office that largely ignored the CGI-heavy motion picture. Conran was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Peter DeLuise first embraced his SciFi roots when he joined the cast of SeaQuest DSV and its spin-off SeaQuest 2032 in the mid 90's. Then, he kept the faith by booking work on such franchises as The Outer Limits, Stargate: SG-1, Sanctuary, Supernatural, and SGU: Stargate Universe. Give it up for a real SciFi hero! DeLuise was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Understandably, fanboys fell head-over-heels for dreamy Kelly Rutherford in the role of Dixie Cousins when she joined Bruce Campbell in Fox TV's SciFi-friendly The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. Though she went on to much more mainstream fare, methinks fandom would welcome her back any time she likes. Rutherford was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In Gattaca (1997), Ethan Hawke played Vincent Freeman, a genetically flawed man who assumes the identity of a better one in order to pursue his dreams ... which somehow included Uma Thurman in them. Hawke was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Before the X-Men franchise had the lovely Jennifer Lawrence filling in the blue shoes to play the mysterious Mystique, the luminous Rebecca Romijn suited up wonderfully in blue for three motion pictures. Romijn was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You look like that in a costume, and fandom is definitely going to notice! In The Chronicles of Riddick (2004), Thandie Newton played Dame Vaako opposite Vin Diesel ... but let me tell you no one was looking at Vin Diesel! Newton was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
That lovely lady is none other than producer Susan Downey, one of the driving forces behind her hubby (Robert Downey Jr.) and his catalogue of films, like Iron Man 2 (2010) and the Sherlock Holmes flicks. As far as Science Fiction goes, she's also produced The Invasion (2007). Downey was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
While she certainly isn't well known for any particular SciFi appearance, the luscious Zoe McLellan has booked appearances on Star Trek: Voyager (pictured, above left) and the cult favorite Sliders. Zoe, you're welcome to join us any time you like! McLellan was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I suspect most viewers recognize Taryn Manning more from her work aboard Netflix's occasionally interesting Orange Is The New Black, I prefer to think of her in things like the far more socially relevant Zombie Apocalypse (2011). Manning was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Comely Vera Filatova played computer specialist Svetlana aboard the BBC's SciFi-themed miniseries, The Deep. Filatova was born on this day in 1982.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Patina Miller helped to lead the resistance in the role of Commander Paylor in The Hunger Games franchise. Miller was born on this day in 1984.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One of the most popular actresses of her generation, Emma Stone took up the role of Gwen Stacy in 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man and its sequel, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). Stone was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Sorry, folks, but I totally skipped Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets during its theatrical run. (That many tepid reviews will scare off even this old dog!) Still, kudos to the young and up'coming Kris Wu for taking a shot on Science Fiction. Wu was born on this day in 1990.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1952 (in Denmark), the original Science Fiction classic The Day The Earth Stood Still enjoyed a theatrical premiere. Edmund H. North adapted the written story by Harry Bates, and Robert Wise directed the feature. The film starred Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, and Hugh Marlowe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
"An alien lands in Washington, D.C. and tells the people of Earth that they must live peacefully or be destroyed as a danger to other planets."
For the record:
In all honesty, The Day The Earth Stood Still didn't really catch much attention so far as awards ceremonies go back in the 1950's. It's greatest claim to fame, however, is that it's grown increasingly well-regarded in the years since, so much so that, in 1995, it was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry which seeks to preserve pictures for their lasting artistic and aesthetic contribution.
On this day in 1953 (in Finland), the original Science Fiction classic The War Of The Worlds premiered theatrically. Directed by Byron Haskin, the feature starred Gene Barry and Ann Robinson in a cinematic adaptation of the H.G. Wells' novel, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
"The residents of a small town in California are excited when a flaming meteor lands in the hills. Their joy is tempered somewhat when they discover that it has passengers who are not very friendly."
For the record:
Those who follow Science Fiction and Fantasy are well aware of The War Of The Worlds importance in the genre as it's been revisited countless times. There have been multiple film and television incarnations. As for the original? It won the 1954 Academy Award for 'Best Special Effects.' It won the 1954 Hugo Award for 'Best Dramatic Presentation.' And in 2011 it was inducted into the National Film Registry so that it can be preserved for the ages.
A star is born! On this day in 1957 (in France), things got small with the theatrical release of Girl In His Pocket. Directed by Pierre Kast from an adaptation of the novel "Amour de poche" by Waldemar Kamempfert, the SciFi/Comedy starred Jean Marais, Geneviève Page, and Jean-Claude Brialy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A professor experimenting in suspended animation accidentally shrinks his dog and later, his female lab assistant, when she drinks the liquid by accident and shrinks to 3 inches tall. The professor keeps her in his pocket until he can find an antidote. Sometimes she's naked, too."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Girl In His Pocket enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"A professor experimenting in suspended animation accidentally shrinks his dog and later, his female lab assistant, when she drinks the liquid by accident and shrinks to 3 inches tall. The professor keeps her in his pocket until he can find an antidote. Sometimes she's naked, too."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Girl In His Pocket enjoyed a wee bit of praise from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born ... and isn't she lovely? On this day in 1965 (in the U.S.), camp and charisma collided with the theatrical release of Dr. Goldfoot And The Bikini Machine. Directed by Norman Taurog and Ishiro Honda, the SciFi/Comedy starred Vincent Price, Frankie Avalon, and Susan Hart. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A skirt-chasing spy and a millionaire bachelor must foil mad scientist Dr. Goldfoot's plot to use his army of bikini-clad robots to seduce wealthy men into signing over their assets."
"A skirt-chasing spy and a millionaire bachelor must foil mad scientist Dr. Goldfoot's plot to use his army of bikini-clad robots to seduce wealthy men into signing over their assets."
A star is born ... or was it made? On this day in 1968 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the theatrical delight better known under the name of How To Make A Doll. Written (in part) and directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis, the SciFi/Comedy starred Robert Wood, Bobbi West, and Jim Vance. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A nerdy professor who has no luck with women builds beautiful female robots to satisfy his sexual desires."
"A nerdy professor who has no luck with women builds beautiful female robots to satisfy his sexual desires."
A star is born! On this day in 1975, the SciFi/Telefilm Beyond The Bermuda Triangle submerged from the depths for broadcast television. Directed by William A. Graham from a story by Charles McDaniel, the feature starred Fred MacMurray, Donna Mills, and Sam Groom. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A retired businessman notices that there has been a rash of ships and planes disappearing off the Florida coast, and he starts to investigate."
For the record:
I've not found much information about Beyond The Bermuda Triangle in my research. Charles McDaniel penned the script, and it looks to be his only serious genre attempt; otherwise, he crafted scripts for conventional dramas and police procedurals of the day. Director William A. Graham worked for just over four decades in the entertainment business, and he helped bring to life a handful of genre episodes with such franchises as Otherworld, Seven Days, and The X-Files.
"A retired businessman notices that there has been a rash of ships and planes disappearing off the Florida coast, and he starts to investigate."
For the record:
I've not found much information about Beyond The Bermuda Triangle in my research. Charles McDaniel penned the script, and it looks to be his only serious genre attempt; otherwise, he crafted scripts for conventional dramas and police procedurals of the day. Director William A. Graham worked for just over four decades in the entertainment business, and he helped bring to life a handful of genre episodes with such franchises as Otherworld, Seven Days, and The X-Files.
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in West Germany), Erotic Nights Of The Living Dead first surfaced from the beyond. Directed by Joe D'Amato from a story by George Eastman, the Horror/Fantasy starred Eastman along with Laura Gemser, Dirce Funari, and Mark Shannon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With a 20 year lease on an tropical island, horny John heads out with Fiona on a yacht skippered by horny Larry, to inspect the island for resort development. They meet Luna/Laura Gemser. John didn't expect zombies."
"With a 20 year lease on an tropical island, horny John heads out with Fiona on a yacht skippered by horny Larry, to inspect the island for resort development. They meet Luna/Laura Gemser. John didn't expect zombies."
One of the funniest Fantasy movies of the 1980's -- Time Bandits -- was released on this day (in the U.S.) in 1981. Written by Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin (and directed by Gilliam himself), the Fantasy feature starred Sean Connery, John Cleese, and Shelley Duvall; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
"Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvelous world of adventure?"
For the record:
Time Bandits proved itself a worthy competitor at the international box office, and there's even been talk of rebooting the franchise in the modern era.
- At the 1982 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), Time Bandits was presented with the President's Award -- the very first given by the organization -- a title bestowed for quality genre entertainment that's given in honor of one of the Academy's founder, Dr. Donald A. Reed. The film was also nominated for trophies in the categories of 'Best Supporting Actor,' 'Best Writing,' 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best International Film.'
- At the 1982 Hugo Awards, Time Bandits received a nomination in the category of 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
On this day in 1982 (in Finland, per Wikipedia.org), Mystery Of The Third Planet came down to Earth's theatres. Directed by Roman Kachanov and Glenn Stanton from a story by Kir Bulychyov, this Family-friend adventure featured the voices of Olga Gromova, Vsevolod Larionov, and Yuriy Volyntsev. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Zoologist professor Steel, his small daughter Christine and captain Green leave Earth in search for rare space animals. The journey turns into adventurous and dangerous mission involving space pirates and a missing captain of a ship."
"Zoologist professor Steel, his small daughter Christine and captain Green leave Earth in search for rare space animals. The journey turns into adventurous and dangerous mission involving space pirates and a missing captain of a ship."
On this day in 1986 (in Australia), Critters tried to take a bite out of the box office. Written (in part) and directed by Stephen Herek, the SciFi/Satire starred Dee Wallace, M. Emmet Walsh, and Billy Green Bush. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of small but vicious alien creatures called Crites escape from an alien prison transport vessel and land near a small farm town on earth, pursued by two shape-shifting bounty hunters."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, actor Scott Grimes earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' for his work aboard Critters (1986).
"A group of small but vicious alien creatures called Crites escape from an alien prison transport vessel and land near a small farm town on earth, pursued by two shape-shifting bounty hunters."
For the record:
At the 1987 Saturn Awards, actor Scott Grimes earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor' for his work aboard Critters (1986).
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to the exclusvie theatrical premiere engagement of Steel Dawn. Directed by Lance Hool from a story by Doug Lefler, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Patrick Swayze, Lisa Niemi, and Anthony Zerbe. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by the leader of a murderous gang who's after the water they control."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by the leader of a murderous gang who's after the water they control."
On this day in 1990 (in France), Slipstream found its way through the ether and onto the silver screen. Directed by Steven Lisberger (the writer/director for the original SciFi/Classic Tron), the feature starred Bob Peck, Mark Hamill, and Bill Paxton, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the near future, where Earth has been devastated by natural disasters, and giant winds rule the planet, bounty hunter Matt kidnaps a murderer out of the hands of two police officers, planning to get the bounty himself. These in turn try to hunt the two men down."
For the record:
Slipstream is one of those B-Films that folks tend to love or hate (there's very little middleground, it would seem). IMDB.com reports that not only did the film essentially bankrupt producer Gary Kurtz but also it was Mark Hamill's first return to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy after his (then) swan song of playing 'Luke Skywalker' in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983) for 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm.
ExtraExtra Alert:
"In the near future, where Earth has been devastated by natural disasters, and giant winds rule the planet, bounty hunter Matt kidnaps a murderer out of the hands of two police officers, planning to get the bounty himself. These in turn try to hunt the two men down."
For the record:
Slipstream is one of those B-Films that folks tend to love or hate (there's very little middleground, it would seem). IMDB.com reports that not only did the film essentially bankrupt producer Gary Kurtz but also it was Mark Hamill's first return to the realm of Science Fiction and Fantasy after his (then) swan song of playing 'Luke Skywalker' in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return Of The Jedi (1983) for 20th Century Fox and Lucasfilm.
ExtraExtra Alert:
A star is born! On this day in 1991 (in the U.S.), Silent Night, Deadly Night 5: The Toy Maker delivered a yuletide fright for audiences of home video. Written (in part) and directed by Martin Kitrosser, the Horror/Fantasy starred William Thorne, Jane Higginson, and Mickey Rooney. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An elderly toy maker and his son make killer toys designed to kill their customers' children."
"An elderly toy maker and his son make killer toys designed to kill their customers' children."
On this day in 1996 (in the Philippines), Earth fell and rose again with the theatrical release of Independence Day. Written (in part) and directed by Roland Emmerich (with longtime creative partner Dean Devlin), the space fantasy starred Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Bill Pullman; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
"The aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive."
For the record:
Without a doubt, Independence Day remains one of the best popcorn flicks ever. The film even won an Oscar in 1997 in the category of 'Best Effects - Visual Effects,' while having to settle for a nomination alone in the category of 'Best Sound.' For the 1997 Saturn Awards (sponsored by the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films), the feature received an incredible eleven nominations (top prizes were awarded only in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Director,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film'). It was also a nominee for the 1997 Hugo Award as 'Best Dramatic Presentation.'
A star is born ... or was it manufactured? On this day in 1997 (in France), the Alien franchise grew by one more film when the people of Paris were treated to the silver screen debut of Alien: Resurrection. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Sigourney Weaver, Winona Ryder, and Dominique Pinon. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Two centuries after her death, a powerful human/alien hybrid clone of Ellen Ripley aids a crew of space pirates in stopping the aliens from reaching Earth."
For the record:
Despite 1997's Alien: Resurrection being somewhat poorly received by fans, the finished film did garner a bit of attention from the good people at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
"Two centuries after her death, a powerful human/alien hybrid clone of Ellen Ripley aids a crew of space pirates in stopping the aliens from reaching Earth."
For the record:
Despite 1997's Alien: Resurrection being somewhat poorly received by fans, the finished film did garner a bit of attention from the good people at the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films.
- At the 1998 Saturn Awards, the feature enjoyed six nominations in the categories of 'Best Special Effects,' 'Best Costumes,' 'Best Director,' 'Best Supporting Actress,' 'Best Actress,' and 'Best Science Fiction Film.'
- At the 2004 Saturn Awards, the franchise's home video release -- the Alien Quadrilogy -- earned a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
- At the 2011 Saturn Awards, the franchise's home video release -- the Alien Anthology -- took home top honors in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
On this day in 1997 (in Portugal), Habitat enjoyed a new home video release. Written and directed by Rene Daalder, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Balthazar Getty, Alice Krige, and Laura Harris. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a future world where Earth's ozone layer has been completely destroyed, a brilliant but obsessed scientist, Hank Symes uses illegally obtained biological materials for an experiment that he hopes will save the world. In the course of his work, a terrible accident occurs, transforming him into a fantastic otherworldly lifeform and changing his house into a huge living entity which threatens all who enter."
"In a future world where Earth's ozone layer has been completely destroyed, a brilliant but obsessed scientist, Hank Symes uses illegally obtained biological materials for an experiment that he hopes will save the world. In the course of his work, a terrible accident occurs, transforming him into a fantastic otherworldly lifeform and changing his house into a huge living entity which threatens all who enter."
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Arrival II (aka The Second Arrival) found its way into our collective consciousness. Directed by Kenneth Tenney from a story by David Twohy and Mark David Perry, the SciFi/Thriller starred Patrick Muldoon, Jane Sibbett, and Michael Sarrazin. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A computer hacker (Patrick Muldoon) learns of the plot of the backwards-kneed aliens to take over the Earth using their shape-shifting talents."
"A computer hacker (Patrick Muldoon) learns of the plot of the backwards-kneed aliens to take over the Earth using their shape-shifting talents."
On this day in 1998 (in Hungary), Dollman Vs. Demonic Toys enjoyed a television broadcast premiere. Written (in part) and directed by Charles Band, the Fantasy/Thriller starred Tim Thomerson, Tracy Scoggins, and Melissa Behr. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Judith Grey teams with Brick Bardo (Dollman) and his girlfriend Ginger to face the evil Demonic Toys for one final battle."
"Judith Grey teams with Brick Bardo (Dollman) and his girlfriend Ginger to face the evil Demonic Toys for one final battle."
A star is born! On this day in 1999 (in Japan), Godzilla 2000 first sprang into bold cinematic life for audiences of the Tokyo International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Takao Okawara, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Takehiro Murata, Hiroshi Abe, and Naomi Nishida. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"An independent group of researchers actively track Godzilla as a giant meteor is discovered. The mysterious rock begins to levitate as its true intentions for the world and Godzilla are revealed."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, Godzilla 2000 earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
"An independent group of researchers actively track Godzilla as a giant meteor is discovered. The mysterious rock begins to levitate as its true intentions for the world and Godzilla are revealed."
For the record:
At the 2001 Saturn Awards, Godzilla 2000 earned a nomination in the category of 'Best Home Video Release.'
On this day in 1999 (in Germany), producers released yet another version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World. Directed by Bob Keen and based on the literary classic from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the feature starred Patrick Bergin, Jayne Heitmeyer, and Juluian Casey. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A scientist discovers dinosaurs on a remote plateau in Mongolia."
"A scientist discovers dinosaurs on a remote plateau in Mongolia."
A star is born! On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Red Planet enjoyed its theatrical premiere. Directed by Antony Hoffman from a story by Chuck Pfarrer and Jonathan Lemkin, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Val Kilmer, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Tom Sizemore. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Astronauts, and their robotic dog AMEE (Autonomous Mapping Evaluation and Evasion), search for solutions to save a dying Earth by searching on Mars, only to have the mission go terribly awry."
"Astronauts, and their robotic dog AMEE (Autonomous Mapping Evaluation and Evasion), search for solutions to save a dying Earth by searching on Mars, only to have the mission go terribly awry."
A star is born! On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), things got downright Jurassic with the release of Raptor on home video. Directed by the team of Jim Wynorski and John Blush, the SciFi feature starred Eric Roberts, Melissa Brasselle, and Tim Abell. Here's the premise that's listed on IMDB.com:
"When a series of unexplained vicious animal attacks strikes his community, Sheriff Jim Tanner and his assistant Barbara trace them back to a Dr. Hyde, a former military researcher whose government funding for a dinosaur cloning project was cut. When the Pentagon discovers Hyde obtained foreign backing to continue his experiments, they send in a strike team to save Tanner and Barbara and stop Hyde."
"When a series of unexplained vicious animal attacks strikes his community, Sheriff Jim Tanner and his assistant Barbara trace them back to a Dr. Hyde, a former military researcher whose government funding for a dinosaur cloning project was cut. When the Pentagon discovers Hyde obtained foreign backing to continue his experiments, they send in a strike team to save Tanner and Barbara and stop Hyde."
A star is born! On this day in 2004 (in the U.S.), Centipede! crawled its way into the zeitgeist with its broadcast television premiere. Written and directed by Gregory Gieras, the Horror/Fantasy starred Margaret Cash, Larry Casey, and Trevor Murphy. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"David Stone, his ex-girlfriend, Sara, and six other youth, five men, one with a morbid fear of bugs, and a woman, decide to go to the Shankali, Hyderabad, India to explore an underground cave. At the outskirts of the city, they are met by their tourist guide, Kafi, and taken several miles underground. This is where their trip will turn into an nightmare as an underground quake will block their return path, virtually burying them amongst giant centipedes."
"David Stone, his ex-girlfriend, Sara, and six other youth, five men, one with a morbid fear of bugs, and a woman, decide to go to the Shankali, Hyderabad, India to explore an underground cave. At the outskirts of the city, they are met by their tourist guide, Kafi, and taken several miles underground. This is where their trip will turn into an nightmare as an underground quake will block their return path, virtually burying them amongst giant centipedes."
A star is born! On this day in 2005, Category 7: The End of the World served up the ultimate cataclysm. The two-part television miniseries starred Cameron Daddo, Gina Gershon, and Randy Quaid. Here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
"A deadly category 7 storm wreaks havoc on the world. Meanwhile, kidnappers threaten to make matters even worse."
For the record:
Though it would appear that Category 7 suffered a bit of critical drubbing, the presentation was not without some praise. Not only was it nominated in the category of 'Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special' for the 2006 Primetime Emmy Awards but also the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated for the 2006 Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Television Presentation.'
On this day in 2014 (in Singapore), The Scribbler drew up what box office it could. Directed by John Suits from a story by Dan Schaffer, the SciFi/Thriller starred Katie Cassidy, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Garret Dillahunt. Here's the plot summary that's provided via IMDB.com:
"A young woman is facing her destructive multiple personalities using an experimental new procedure known as 'The Siamese Burn.'"
"A young woman is facing her destructive multiple personalities using an experimental new procedure known as 'The Siamese Burn.'"
On this day in 2016 (in the U.S.), audiences were titillated (snicker snicker) with the release of Killer Rack. Directed by Gregory Lamberson from a script by Paul McGinnis, the Horror/Comedy/Musical starred Jessica Zwolak, Debbie Rochon, and Michael Thurber. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Comedy about a woman suffering from low self esteem who gets breast enhancement surgery, unaware that her surgeon worships H.P. Lovecraft's elder gods, and the surgery is part of a diabolical plot to rule the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Killer Rack racked up a little bit of acclaim from screenings on the film festival circuit.
"Comedy about a woman suffering from low self esteem who gets breast enhancement surgery, unaware that her surgeon worships H.P. Lovecraft's elder gods, and the surgery is part of a diabolical plot to rule the world."
For the record:
To the film's credit, Killer Rack racked up a little bit of acclaim from screenings on the film festival circuit.
A star is born! On this day in 2017 (in Argentina), The Unseen (aka Los Ultimos) enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Written (in part) and directed by Nicolás Puenzo, the SciFi/Thriller starred Germán Palacios, Peter Lanzani, and Juana Burga. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic era, somewhere in the desert highlands, the protagonists, a young couple played by Peter Lanzani and Juana Burga, live in a refugee camp during the Water War. Upon learning of the young woman's pregnancy, they decide to escape to the sea in search of a better future for their son. For this they begin a journey through kilometers of desert terrain and devastated by industrial exploitation, meeting a war correspondent in the middle of the trip."
"In a post-apocalyptic era, somewhere in the desert highlands, the protagonists, a young couple played by Peter Lanzani and Juana Burga, live in a refugee camp during the Water War. Upon learning of the young woman's pregnancy, they decide to escape to the sea in search of a better future for their son. For this they begin a journey through kilometers of desert terrain and devastated by industrial exploitation, meeting a war correspondent in the middle of the trip."
On this day in 1964 (in the U.S.), Jonny Quest aired "The Robot Spy." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's only season of original broadcast existence. Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As Dr. Quest works on an revolutionary new weapon, Dr. Zin sends an advanced and unstoppable spider-like robot to examine it."
"As Dr. Quest works on an revolutionary new weapon, Dr. Zin sends an advanced and unstoppable spider-like robot to examine it."
On this day in 1968 (in the United Kingdom), The Champions aired "The Survivors." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The murder of three students in their tent by a lake in Austria is the latest unsolved case of homicide in the last fifteen years in that area and the Champions investigate. The popular view is that treasure stolen by the Nazis is hidden in the lake but local official Franz Reitz dismisses this. Craig and Richard are shot at as they prepare to investigate the lake, but later find a map leading them to a disused iron mine, which they enter. They meet an old man who tells them that Nazis who wished to continue the war hid a cache of weapons in the mine, but then all three are trapped by an explosion, causing a rockfall. Sharron overcomes Reitz and uses her powers to shift the rocks and joins her colleagues and the old man in the mine. They are confronted by Reitz's twin brother, a deranged colonel and sole survivor of the Nazi troop who wished to continue fighting the war. Another explosion traps the Champions in the tunnel and yet again they must bring their powers into play in order to escape."
"The murder of three students in their tent by a lake in Austria is the latest unsolved case of homicide in the last fifteen years in that area and the Champions investigate. The popular view is that treasure stolen by the Nazis is hidden in the lake but local official Franz Reitz dismisses this. Craig and Richard are shot at as they prepare to investigate the lake, but later find a map leading them to a disused iron mine, which they enter. They meet an old man who tells them that Nazis who wished to continue the war hid a cache of weapons in the mine, but then all three are trapped by an explosion, causing a rockfall. Sharron overcomes Reitz and uses her powers to shift the rocks and joins her colleagues and the old man in the mine. They are confronted by Reitz's twin brother, a deranged colonel and sole survivor of the Nazi troop who wished to continue fighting the war. Another explosion traps the Champions in the tunnel and yet again they must bring their powers into play in order to escape."
On this day back in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Space: 1999 continued airing episodes for its inaugural season with an hour called "Black Sun." Here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The moon is approaching a black hole. Professor Bergman is a able to rig up an energy shield around the moonbase, but Commander Koenig feels this is only a desperate measure and has an eagle with six personnel dispatched as the rest of the moonbase await certain death."
"The moon is approaching a black hole. Professor Bergman is a able to rig up an energy shield around the moonbase, but Commander Koenig feels this is only a desperate measure and has an eagle with six personnel dispatched as the rest of the moonbase await certain death."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Ark II aired "Robin Hood." This served as the ninth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a tyrant hoards grain to create fuel while his people starve, a post-apocalyptic Robin Hood arises to right the wrong. The ARK arrives hoping to mitigate the mayhem and mediate a peaceful solution."
"When a tyrant hoards grain to create fuel while his people starve, a post-apocalyptic Robin Hood arises to right the wrong. The ARK arrives hoping to mitigate the mayhem and mediate a peaceful solution."
On this day in 1976 (in the U.S.), Wonder Woman aired "The Feminine Mystique: Part 1." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wonder Woman's sister Drusilla is sent from Paradise Island to Washington to tell Diana to come home. Drusilla discovers her own alter ego, Wonder Girl, and is kidnapped by the Nazis."
"Wonder Woman's sister Drusilla is sent from Paradise Island to Washington to tell Diana to come home. Drusilla discovers her own alter ego, Wonder Girl, and is kidnapped by the Nazis."
On this day in 1978 (in the U.S.), Battle Of The Planets aired "Fearful Sea Anemone." This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"The team has to defend construction of a secret base."
"The team has to defend construction of a secret base."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Round Up." This (technically) served as the program's forty-third episode (they were aired wildly out of sequence), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Blackhole Gang forces a ship down and tries to take the herd of cattle it was transporting. The Ranger chase them off. Now the Rangers must drive the cattle to their destination, and fend off the Blackhole Gang's repeated attacks."
"The Blackhole Gang forces a ship down and tries to take the herd of cattle it was transporting. The Ranger chase them off. Now the Rangers must drive the cattle to their destination, and fend off the Blackhole Gang's repeated attacks."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), Alien Nation aired "Contact." This served as the seventh episode of the program's only season on network television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The murder of an astronomer leads Sykes and Francisco to the discovery of an extra-terrestrial probe passing through the solar system. But is it friend or foe? Sikes's relations with his Newcomer neighbor, Kathy, develops. George and Susan discus having another baby."
"The murder of an astronomer leads Sykes and Francisco to the discovery of an extra-terrestrial probe passing through the solar system. But is it friend or foe? Sikes's relations with his Newcomer neighbor, Kathy, develops. George and Susan discus having another baby."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), War of the Worlds aired "Seft of Emun." This served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Harrison falls in love with an alien who was once a slave to the Morthren and who has been revived from stasis to help them restore their power cells."
"Harrison falls in love with an alien who was once a slave to the Morthren and who has been revived from stasis to help them restore their power cells."
It all came down to this: on this day in 1991 (in the United Kingdom), TV's Time Riders bowed out of its broadcast existence with the airing of its fourth (and final) episode. According to our friends at Wikipedia.org, here's the plot summary:
"Having been recaptured by the Roundheads, BB and Ben incite the suspicions of a witchfinder. They eventually manage to escape and return to the 20th Century, arriving before they originally left. It is implied that BB adopts Ben."
"Having been recaptured by the Roundheads, BB and Ben incite the suspicions of a witchfinder. They eventually manage to escape and return to the 20th Century, arriving before they originally left. It is implied that BB adopts Ben."
Love is in the air! Or is it? On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: The Next Generation finally gave Jean-Luc and Beverly the chance to (ahem) consummate a relationship in the airing of "Attached." This served as the eighth episode of the program's seventh (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as detailed on IMDB.com:
"Captain Picard & Dr. Crusher discover things about one another when they are captured by a opposing alien race, due to the fact that the Enterprise has come to allow the planet's other civilization the choice of being part of the Federation."
"Captain Picard & Dr. Crusher discover things about one another when they are captured by a opposing alien race, due to the fact that the Enterprise has come to allow the planet's other civilization the choice of being part of the Federation."
It all began right here ...
Earth 2 is a cult show, indeed. When it aired originally, it never had much of an audience, but -- with syndication and the explosion of home video -- more and more folks have found it and embraced it. It premiered on this day back in 1994 (in the U.S.), and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Devon Adair and her crew are searching a new home for the human race. The colonization of "Earth 2" is difficult. Some government forces want to destroy the ship of the colonists. But they manage to escape and arrive in orbit around "Earth 2". There the crew has to face some technical problems and they crash land on the planet. Soon they find out that the Earth like planet is inhabited by intelligent humanoid life forms..."
Earth 2 is a cult show, indeed. When it aired originally, it never had much of an audience, but -- with syndication and the explosion of home video -- more and more folks have found it and embraced it. It premiered on this day back in 1994 (in the U.S.), and here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"Devon Adair and her crew are searching a new home for the human race. The colonization of "Earth 2" is difficult. Some government forces want to destroy the ship of the colonists. But they manage to escape and arrive in orbit around "Earth 2". There the crew has to face some technical problems and they crash land on the planet. Soon they find out that the Earth like planet is inhabited by intelligent humanoid life forms..."
The third season opener for Babylon 5 was an episode titled "Matters of Honor." It premiered in syndication on this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), and here's the summary from Wikipedia.org:
"The Babylon 5 crew is presented with a new weapon with which to fight the growing Shadow threat. An official from EarthForce comes to the station to investigate Lt. Keffer's recording."
"The Babylon 5 crew is presented with a new weapon with which to fight the growing Shadow threat. An official from EarthForce comes to the station to investigate Lt. Keffer's recording."
On this day in 1999 (in Australia), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World aired "Out of Time" in television syndication. This served as the eighth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Veronica finds an abandoned baby and decides to keep him while Challenger and Summerlee attempt to find the birth parents. Marguerite, Malone, and Roxton embark on a journey to find Jewels to fulfill a Druid prophecy after they tell Marguerite she is their reincarnated princess."
"Veronica finds an abandoned baby and decides to keep him while Challenger and Summerlee attempt to find the birth parents. Marguerite, Malone, and Roxton embark on a journey to find Jewels to fulfill a Druid prophecy after they tell Marguerite she is their reincarnated princess."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Angel Dark, Demon Bright." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Trance tries to pilot the Andromeda through slipstream, and the crew ends up traveling back in time, to the time just before the Commonwealth fell. The crew must decide whether to take actions that could endanger the future."
"Trance tries to pilot the Andromeda through slipstream, and the crew ends up traveling back in time, to the time just before the Commonwealth fell. The crew must decide whether to take actions that could endanger the future."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), Earth: Final Conflict aired "Take No Prisoners." This served as the sixth episode of the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The ANA negotiate amnesty for all resistance members, Liam tries to convince resistance member Halley Simmons to take the offer. Sandoval uses parasites to make volunteers do suicide missions against the resistance."
"The ANA negotiate amnesty for all resistance members, Liam tries to convince resistance member Halley Simmons to take the offer. Sandoval uses parasites to make volunteers do suicide missions against the resistance."
On this day in 2001 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "X-Ray." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Clark discovers that he has X-ray vision, but struggles to use it properly. Meanwhile, shape-shifter Tine Greer robs a bank impersonating Lex Luthor, and then decides that she wants to become Lana Lang - permanently."
"Clark discovers that he has X-ray vision, but struggles to use it properly. Meanwhile, shape-shifter Tine Greer robs a bank impersonating Lex Luthor, and then decides that she wants to become Lana Lang - permanently."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Star Trek: Enterprise aired the seventh episode of its second season, an hour titled "The Seventh." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"T'Pol asks captain Archer to join her on a mission to capture a Vulcan fugitive that escaped her years ago."
"T'Pol asks captain Archer to join her on a mission to capture a Vulcan fugitive that escaped her years ago."
On this day in 2008 (in the U.S.), Smallville aired "Bloodline." This served as the eighth episode of the program's eighth season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Clark receives a crystal that sends him and a visiting Lois to the Phantom Zone where they run into Kara. Kara tries to open a portal for Lois before it's too late but Zod's wife, Faora, manages to escape in Lois's body and proceeds to go on a rampage through the streets of Metropolis."
"Clark receives a crystal that sends him and a visiting Lois to the Phantom Zone where they run into Kara. Kara tries to open a portal for Lois before it's too late but Zod's wife, Faora, manages to escape in Lois's body and proceeds to go on a rampage through the streets of Metropolis."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Pavor Nocturnus." This served as the fifth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary provided by IMDB.com:
"When Dr. Magnus awakes to darkness, she must face a destroyed Sanctuary, city, and even world. But beneath the apocalypse, something deeper awaits her discovery if she can find it in time."
"When Dr. Magnus awakes to darkness, she must face a destroyed Sanctuary, city, and even world. But beneath the apocalypse, something deeper awaits her discovery if she can find it in time."
On this day in 2009 (in the U.S.), the WB's Smallville aired "Kandor." This served as the seventh episode in the program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Jor-El mysteriously arrives at the Kent farm to hide the Book of Rao, but meets Chloe instead. She tells him that his son, Kal-El is on Earth and lives at the farm. Convinced the Blur is Jor-El, Zod enlists Tess's help in finding him to force him to reveal the secret to his powers. Clark realizes Jor-El is alive and on Earth and races to find him before Zod does."
"Jor-El mysteriously arrives at the Kent farm to hide the Book of Rao, but meets Chloe instead. She tells him that his son, Kal-El is on Earth and lives at the farm. Convinced the Blur is Jor-El, Zod enlists Tess's help in finding him to force him to reveal the secret to his powers. Clark realizes Jor-El is alive and on Earth and races to find him before Zod does."