Although Hollywood insiders might know the name Norman Lloyd far more as a big-time producer or director, SciFi fans know it for his work as the venerable 'Dr. Isaac Mentor' on UPN's terrific time travel drama, Seven Days. Interestingly enough, the man also has a track record executive producing projects, including such genre gems as Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1957-1962), Journey To The Unknown (1968-1969), and Tales Of The Unexpected (1982-1985). Though he's no longer with us, Lloyd was born on this day in 1914.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
You play an alien -- especially a scheming Romulan -- and you definitely deserve a mention here! Nicholas Kepros joined fan-favorite Denise Crosby for two episodes as 'Movar' aboard Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Redemption." Though he's no longer with us, Kepros was born on this day in 1932.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
François Petit went up against some galactic bad guys for his work aboard Mortal Kombat (1995), a cinematic adaptation based on the popular video game. Petit was born on this day in 1951.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Alfre Woodard went all Rambo is her attempts to protect the Earth's first warp-capable vehicle from what she believed was an invading force in 1996's hugely popular Star Trek: First Contact. The talented actress has actually an impressive resume in quality genre roles including spots in Special Report: Journey To Mars, K-PAX, A Wrinkle In Time, True Blood, and TNT's The Last Ship. Woodard was born on this day in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The curvaceous Randi Brooks enjoyed an ample amount of screen time aboard such genre properties as Looker (1981), The Greatest American Hero, Wizards And Warriors, Airwolf, Knight Rider, and TerrorVision (1986). Brooks was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Richard Curtis certainly wears many hats: producer, writer, and director. Though his focus definitely steers more toward conventional fare, he was responsible for writing and directing About Time, a Fantasy about a man's personal journey through time and space and love. Furthermore, he penned "Vincent And The Doctor," one of Matt Smith's finest hours in all of his tenure as Doctor Who. Curtis was born on this day in 1956.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Phil Fondacaro joined the entertainment business with a small role in 1981's subversive comedy Under the Rainbow. Since that time, he's dabbled in quality genre work, making appearances in Star Wars: Episove VI - Return of the Jedi, Willow, Invaders from Mars, Superboy, Quantum Leap, Sliders, and much more. Fondacaro was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Cinema tough guy Jeff Speakman has really only flirted with Science Fiction, appearing in Timelock (1996), Escape from Atlantis (1997), and Scorpio One (1998). Speakman was born on this day in 1958.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With nearly 150 different roles to his name, kudos to Don McManus for even giving Science Fiction a try on for size. He's booked appearances aboard Knight Rider 2010 (1994), Star Trek: Voyager, The Invisible Man, The 6th Day (2000), Ben 10: Race Against Time (2007), Journeyman, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010), and The Maze Runner (2014). McManus was born on this day in 1959.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When an alien spacecraft crashes down into his beloved Moscow, Oleg Menshikov finds himself racing against time to contain the fallout as well as the danger to his only teenage daughter in Fedor Bondarchuk's Attraction (2017). Menshikov was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Actor Michael Nyqvist played astronaut Andrei Blok in 2013's criminally-ignored SciFi flick Europa Report. Check it out on home video when you get the chance. Though he's no longer with us, Nyqvist was born on this day in 1960.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
One-time teen sensation Leif Garrett has had roles even SciFi fans can relate to. He's worked in Wonder Woman, Superboy, and Monsters. Garrett was born on this day in 1961.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bradley Gregg saw the future in his role aboard the SciFi/Cult film Class of 1999 (1990). He's also sported roles aboard Explorers (1985), The Twilight Zone, and Fire in the Sky (1993). Gregg was born on this day in 1966.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Kamar de los Reyes enjoyed a career that may not have been as rich in the world of genre entertainment as some, but he definitely leaves a legacy worth a bit of extra attention. Genre fans might notice his contributions to such worlds as Total Recall 2070, Touched By An Angel, Early Edition, The Cell (2000), LA Apocalypse (2015), Sleepy Hollow, Amelia 2.0 (2017), The Gifted, and The Passage. Though he's no longer with us, de los Reyes was born on this day in 1967.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
As one of the Internet's most rabid Superman fans, I can't begin to tell you how much I hated Superman Returns ... but that was no fault of its talented cast (for the most part). And I love Parker Posey, who made an appearance in the film as one of Lex Luther's henchmen. More recently, the lovely lady took up the role of the nefarious 'Dr. Smith' aboard Netflix's revamp of the SciFi/Classic television series Lost In Space. Posey was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Bruno Gunn definitely dabbles in quality genre entertainment from time to time, and he's had roles in The Hunger Games franchise as well as HBO's Westworld. Gunn was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though a glance at her IMDB.com page would suggest that she's taken a break from the whole acting thing (her last professional credit was in 2006), Roxana Zal still leaves us a resume worth a quick review. She dipped her toes into the world of All Things Superman with a guest spot aboard Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman. In 1996, she turned up in the lukewarm SciFi/Thriller Firestorm. And she also managed to squeeze her into such entities as The Pretender, Primal Force (1999), and Skin Walker (2004). Zal was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
USA Network had a solid hit on their hands with some breakout ratings for Colony, the saga of an aftermath of an unanticipated alien invasion. Gonzalo Menendez had a great role in the first season, and Menendez was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The cinema critical community quickly christened lovely Gretchen Mol as the next 'it girl' to watch after she appeared in 1999's virtual reality drama The Thirteenth Floor, but then she kinda/sorta disappeared from genre entertainment. She was found again in the Americanized version of BBC's stellar Life On Mars before finding another breakout performance on HBO's epic crime drama Boardwalk Empire. Recently, she made a welcome return to the world of SciFi aboard the Syfy adaptation of George R.R. Martin's Nightflyers, a program that sadly was starting to get interesting at which the point the network cancelled it. Mol was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Early in his career, the talented Matthew Rhys dabbled deep in the heart of Fantasy with a prominent role aboard a BBC adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Lost World (2001). Rhys was born on this day in 1974.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Within the last few years, Tara Reid's acting career earned a second wind ... a gale-force one, too ... compliments of her inclusion in Syfy's curiously goofy Sharknado franchise. Reid was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fandom has all but forgotten Barb Wire (1996) and probably with good reason: it's story essentially ripped off the classic Casablanca except for giving the picture an added dose of estrogen compliments of central star Pamela Anderson. But we here at SciFiHistory.Net remember it, and we celebrate all of its performers, including the lovely Jennifer Banko in the role of 'Spike.' Banko was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The great Keir O'Donnell has certainly trafficked in some great genre properties. Fan might know him from work aboard ABC TV's popular Lost, Flashforward, Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes (2014), of FX's superhero drama Legion. O'Donnell was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
I realize many fans didn't much care for X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), but the film did Dania Ramirez a chance to strut her stuff on the big screen as Callisto. Continuing in the superhero theme, she followed that up with a role on NBC's Heroes. Ramirez was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Those serious eyes (and eyebrows!) belong to none other than actress Brooke Lyons. Her career is definitely much more "mainstream" as opposed to genre projects, but she has enjoyed a recurring guest spot aboard The CW's Fantasy iZombie for good measure. Lyons was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Slowly but surely, Jocelin Donahue has become one to watch in the world of the more cerebral Horror/Thrillers. She's certainly turned up in other genres as well, but I think it's safe to say that audiences have embraced her in this realm perhaps more than conventional stuff. Look for her talents on display in The Burrowers (2008), The House Of The Devil (2009), Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013), I Trapped The Devil (2019), Doctor Sleep (2019), and Offseason (2021). Donahue was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Offseason (2021) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2022, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Offseason (2021) in exchange for a review on SciFiHistory.Net. Interested in my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
Azura Skye has trafficked just a bit in genre. Most recently, she's turned up as a guest star aboard Grimm and Fox TV's Minority Report, but she's also been a part of the WB's Smallville program. Additionally, she's been the voice of Ashara Zavros in a few Star Wars: The Old Republic video games. Skye was born on this day in 1981.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
With note even two decades in the entertainment field, Magda Apanowicz has built an impresive resume in Science Fiction. Her debut was in the apocalyptic-themed Jeremiah, but she's since logged time on Bionic Woman, the TV miniseries remake of The Andromeda Strain, Slither (2006), Kyle XY, Caprica, Snowmageddon (2011), GAIA: The Series, and Continuum. Apanowicz was born on this day in 1985.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Canadian-born actress Kaniehtiio Horn has led an incredible career in genre entertainment over the years, and yet it's safe to say that she's not quite yet become a household name. Genre fans might recognize her stealing some quality scenes aboard such properties as Journey To The Center Of The Earth (2008), A Flesh Offering (2010), Being Human, The Theatre Bizarre (2011), Immortals (2011), Alphas, Embrace Of The Vampire (2013), Supernatural, Hemlock Grove, Beauty And The Beast, The Strain, The Man In The High Castle, Creeped Out, and Possessor (2020). Horn was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Young Jessica Lowndes discovered that the skies were not so friendly in 2010's Altitude. She also enjoyed a guest starring role on Kyle XY. Lowndes was born on this day in 1988.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The delicious Akari Endo stepped into the realm of Fantasy with a plum role aboard Sharktopus Vs. Pteracuda (2014), a venue she followed up with Sharktopus Vs. Whalewolf (2017). Endo was born on this day in 1989.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A star is born! On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), The Horror Of Frankenstein enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever. Springing from the studio known as Hammer Films, the SciFi/Horror was written (in part) and directed by Jimmy Sangster. The feature starred Ralph Bates, Kate O'Mara, and Veronica Carlson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The brilliant but misunderstood scientist Frankenstein builds a man made up of a collection of spare body parts. The monster becomes alive but he has mental capabilities much below par. The monster is aggressive and wreaks havoc outside the laboratory."
Editor's Note:
If you don't recognize that fellow playing the monster, that may not be all that much of a surprise. A few years after this, he'd become somewhat famous for playing no less than the Dark Lord of the Sith himself -- under armor and cape -- better known as Star Wars' 'Darth Vader.' His name? David Prowse.
"The brilliant but misunderstood scientist Frankenstein builds a man made up of a collection of spare body parts. The monster becomes alive but he has mental capabilities much below par. The monster is aggressive and wreaks havoc outside the laboratory."
Editor's Note:
If you don't recognize that fellow playing the monster, that may not be all that much of a surprise. A few years after this, he'd become somewhat famous for playing no less than the Dark Lord of the Sith himself -- under armor and cape -- better known as Star Wars' 'Darth Vader.' His name? David Prowse.
On this day in 1977 (in Greece), the original Star Wars opened theatrically. The feature starred Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookie, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
"Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookie, and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader."
On this day in 1985 (in East Germany), Krull dished out a hearty piece of Science Fiction and Fantasy cheesery. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
"A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet."
On this day in 1985 (in Denmark), Ridley Scott's foray into Fantasy better known as Legend enjoy its very first theatrical engagement ever! Starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, the film delivered big on theatrical spectacle but small on box office returns; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
"A demon who seeks to create eternal night by destroying the last of the unicorns and marrying a fairy Princess is opposed by the forest boy Jack and his elven allies in this magical fantasy."
For the record:
I had the good fortune of being provided an incredible Blu-ray DVD re-release of Legend in 2021 from Arrow Video. I penned a review of the U.S. Theatrical Version which readers can find right here.
More for the record:
Legend enjoyed a singular Oscar Award for 'Best Make-up,' but the trophy went elsewhere that year. It secured three nominations from the 1986 BAFTA Awards: 'Best Costume Design,' 'Best Make Up Artist,' and 'Best Special Visual Effects.' (Again, no wins.) Lastly, it secured the nomination for 'Best Make-up' also from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films ... but lost there as well. Sigh.
On this day in 1986 (in Malaysia), James Cameron upped the ante considerably with his theatrical entry of Aliens. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"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."
A star is born! On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), Babylon 5: The River Of Souls enjoyed its first airing on television. Janet Greek directed this telefilm from a script by J. Michael Straczynski, and it starred Jerry Doyle, Tracy Scoggins, and Jeff Conaway. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of Soul Hunters come to Babylon 5 demanding the return of something that was stolen from them."
"A group of Soul Hunters come to Babylon 5 demanding the return of something that was stolen from them."
Fantasy doesn't get much more fantastical than Richard Curtis' About Time, which opened on this day theatrically in the United States back in 2013. The feature starred Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"At the age of 21, Tim discovers he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world a better place by getting a girlfriend turns out not to be as easy as you might think."
"At the age of 21, Tim discovers he can travel in time and change what happens and has happened in his own life. His decision to make his world a better place by getting a girlfriend turns out not to be as easy as you might think."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), audiences in attendance of the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival were treated to the big screen debut of Echo Dr. Written and directed for the screen by Patrick Ryan Sims, the SciFi/Drama starred Dane Bowman, Claire Gordon-Harper, and Johnathan Hurley. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When their home security system malfunctions, a family struggles to survive an attack against a state of the art patrol guard that believes they are intruders."
"When their home security system malfunctions, a family struggles to survive an attack against a state of the art patrol guard that believes they are intruders."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), a work-in-progress cut of The Human Race enjoyed its first exhibition ever when it was screened for audiences of the Festival International de Science Fiction de Nantes. Written and directed for the screen by Paul Hough, the SciFi/Drama starred Paul McCarthy-Boyington, Eddie McGee, and Trista Robinson. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In THE HUMAN RACE a group of 80 people are ripped out of their daily lives and all re-appear in an undisclosed location. These people are from all walks of life: young and old, athletic and disabled, white-collared and homeless. The rules to a race boom in their heads, in their own voice and language, laying out what will become a horrific race of terror: 'If you are lapped twice, you die. If you step off the path, you die. If you touch the grass, you will die. Race... or die."
"In THE HUMAN RACE a group of 80 people are ripped out of their daily lives and all re-appear in an undisclosed location. These people are from all walks of life: young and old, athletic and disabled, white-collared and homeless. The rules to a race boom in their heads, in their own voice and language, laying out what will become a horrific race of terror: 'If you are lapped twice, you die. If you step off the path, you die. If you touch the grass, you will die. Race... or die."
A star is born! On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Unidentified was first screened with a debut at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Jason Richard Miller, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Parry Shen, Colton Dunn, and Eddie Mui. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Four friends go to Las Vegas to win a poker game. When the friends lose, they run from a loan shark and end up in the desert."
"Four friends go to Las Vegas to win a poker game. When the friends lose, they run from a loan shark and end up in the desert."
A star is born! On this day in 2015 (in Italy), Andron enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever when it was screened for audiences in attendance of the Trieste Science+Fiction Festival. Written and directed by Francesco Cinquemani, the SciFi/Drama starred Leo Howard, Gale Harold, and Michelle Ryan. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A group of people are plunged into a dark, claustrophobic maze, where they must fight to survive, as the outside world watches."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Andron in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
"A group of people are plunged into a dark, claustrophobic maze, where they must fight to survive, as the outside world watches."
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2016, I had the good fortune of receiving a complimentary DVD of Andron in exchange for a review. Interested in knowing my thoughts on the project? Readers can find my review right here.
A star is born! (Or is that ... porn?) On this day in 2016, the Adult-themed SciFi opus Cosmic Calendar Girls enjoyed its debut on home video. The feature starred August Ames and Carter Cruise, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Ilya, the galaxy's hottest model, travels to Earth in search of an exciting new location for her next calendar photo shoot. However, she accidentally becomes trapped in Earth's atmosphere and begins to transform into a hideous monster."
"Ilya, the galaxy's hottest model, travels to Earth in search of an exciting new location for her next calendar photo shoot. However, she accidentally becomes trapped in Earth's atmosphere and begins to transform into a hideous monster."
A star is born! (Or is that ... porn?) As I always say, Science Fiction comes in all shapes and sizes ... and on this day in 2016 the adult-themed Escape From Pleasure Planet landed on Earth. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Princess has her erotic vacation interrupted when a renegade alien force, led by her arch enemy, Aria, attacks Pleasure Planet. A quick escape lands her in even more hot water as the Princess and her busty bodyguard crash land on Earth."
"A Princess has her erotic vacation interrupted when a renegade alien force, led by her arch enemy, Aria, attacks Pleasure Planet. A quick escape lands her in even more hot water as the Princess and her busty bodyguard crash land on Earth."
Ouch! That doesn't look like it's going to end well! Then again, it is the third season of Star Trek. "For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched The Sky" probably wins the award for the most curiously named hour of Trek ever. It first aired on this day back in 1968 as the eighth episode of the show's third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Enterprise discovers an apparent asteroid that is on a collision course with a planet is actually an ancient populated generation ship."
"The Enterprise discovers an apparent asteroid that is on a collision course with a planet is actually an ancient populated generation ship."
- Here's the episode trailer from YouTube.com: http://youtu.be/K-9fXz3Oog0
On this day in 1972 (in the United Kingdom), Ace Of Wands aired "The Beautiful People: Part 1." Officially, this served as seventeenth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
"When Mikki is refused entry to a small town fête run by two astonishing beautiful girls, Dee and Emm, Tarot investigates. He uncovers a complicated plot organized by a group of extra terrestrials - beautiful people with very special powers."
On this day in 1975 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired the third installment of "Pyramids of Mars." Here's the episode summary, compliments of IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and Sarah try to destroy Sutekh's rocket but the Osiran's mental powers prove too great for them."
"The Doctor and Sarah try to destroy Sutekh's rocket but the Osiran's mental powers prove too great for them."
Oh, what's a Buck to do? Capt. Buck Rogers was almost willing to do anything to save the Earth, but turnabout is fair play when he's forced to submit himself as property for an auction in his first season adventure, "Planet of the Amazon Women." The episode of Buck Rogers In The 25th Century aired on this day back in 1979.
- I couldn't find the episode trailer on YouTube.com, but I did find this: http://youtu.be/cHlfQ_s7JdU
- If you're interested in knowing a bit more, then why not check out SciFiHistory.Net's collection of screencaps from this episode? You can access them by clicking the link right here.
On this day in 1980 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "Full Circle: Part 3." Officially, this served as the eleventh episode of the program's eighteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Infection from a spider bite causes Romana's personality to change. Meanwhile the Doctor, after discovering that the spaceship society is in a perpetual state of repair and upgrade, has morality issues with the ship's leading scientist who readies himself to perform gruesome experiments on the live marshchild while it's fully conscious."
"Infection from a spider bite causes Romana's personality to change. Meanwhile the Doctor, after discovering that the spaceship society is in a perpetual state of repair and upgrade, has morality issues with the ship's leading scientist who readies himself to perform gruesome experiments on the live marshchild while it's fully conscious."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Knight Rider aired "Knight Sting." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The entire roster of FLAG personnel goes undercover to stop an American diplomat from selling a biological weapon to 'The Hammer of the Desert'. K.I.T.T. is disguised as a '55 Lynx Imperial racing car they plan to offer for sale. RC3 poses as the middle man, Bonnie as the seller, 'Alicia Craven-Hall'. Michael pretends to be hired killer Johnny Hajeck and even Devon joins in, playing the part of a newsreader."
"The entire roster of FLAG personnel goes undercover to stop an American diplomat from selling a biological weapon to 'The Hammer of the Desert'. K.I.T.T. is disguised as a '55 Lynx Imperial racing car they plan to offer for sale. RC3 poses as the middle man, Bonnie as the seller, 'Alicia Craven-Hall'. Michael pretends to be hired killer Johnny Hajeck and even Devon joins in, playing the part of a newsreader."
On this day in 1985 (in the U.S.), Misfits of Science aired "Sort Of Looking For Gina." Officially, this served as the fifth episode of the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Johnny is fascinated by a woman he's met, Gina. But whenever he meets her she disappears when he's not looking. At the same time some of the misfits believe to have seen a monster in the sewer system, so all of them go down again to investigate. They discover a young boy who's become unconscious due to supposedly bad air. Also at the same time a party is being planned for the opening of an exhibition of valuable relics from the Titanic at the museum. It turns out that Gina is working together with a group of criminals, who were planning on placing a bomb in the sewer ..."
"Johnny is fascinated by a woman he's met, Gina. But whenever he meets her she disappears when he's not looking. At the same time some of the misfits believe to have seen a monster in the sewer system, so all of them go down again to investigate. They discover a young boy who's become unconscious due to supposedly bad air. Also at the same time a party is being planned for the opening of an exhibition of valuable relics from the Titanic at the museum. It turns out that Gina is working together with a group of criminals, who were planning on placing a bomb in the sewer ..."
On this day in 1986 (in the U.S.), Doctor Who aired "The Trial Of A Time Lord: Part 10." Officially, this served as the tenth episode in the program's twenty-third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A lethal booby-trap in the Hydroponic Center awakens the genetically engineered fruit pods in storage, and passengers and crewmen alike start disappearing without trace. There's a murderer on board and the Doctor means to find out who he or she is."
"A lethal booby-trap in the Hydroponic Center awakens the genetically engineered fruit pods in storage, and passengers and crewmen alike start disappearing without trace. There's a murderer on board and the Doctor means to find out who he or she is."
On this day in 1987 (in the U.S.), Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "And Study War No More." Officially, this served as the eighth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"While investigating Dread communications in sector 12, Power and his team find an underground sanctuary called Haven, where they are welcome to stay and live the war out in peace."
"While investigating Dread communications in sector 12, Power and his team find an underground sanctuary called Haven, where they are welcome to stay and live the war out in peace."
On this day in 1989 (in the United States), Doctor Who aired "The Curse Of Fenric: Part 3." Officially, this served as the tenth episode of the long-running program's twenty-sixth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"The Doctor and his friends come under attack from the Haemavores, allowing Millington to retrieve the flask containing Fenric's essence."
"The Doctor and his friends come under attack from the Haemavores, allowing Millington to retrieve the flask containing Fenric's essence."
On this day in 1989 (in the U.S.), NBC's Quantum Leap aired "Good Morning, Peoria." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Sam is a radio DJ and has to help bring Rock and Roll to Peoria."
"Sam is a radio DJ and has to help bring Rock and Roll to Peoria."
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), "Beautiful Songbird" aired as the eighteenth episode of Time Trax's (split) first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Darien runs into a girl who is destined to be a great singer. A man from the future who is obsessed with her wants to control her."
"Darien runs into a girl who is destined to be a great singer. A man from the future who is obsessed with her wants to control her."
On this day in 1995 (in the U.S.), SeaQuest 2032 aired "Spindrift." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Henderson is captured and put on trial by Macronesia while rescuing children from a disabled vessel. Once found guilty and sentenced to death some members of Seaquest attempt an unsanctioned rescue attempt."
"Henderson is captured and put on trial by Macronesia while rescuing children from a disabled vessel. Once found guilty and sentenced to death some members of Seaquest attempt an unsanctioned rescue attempt."
On this day in 1996 (in the U.S.), Sliders aired "Dragonslide." Officially, this served as the seventh episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the fine folks at Earth Prime:
"Quinn saves a beautiful girl (Melinda) in the forest and wants to do the right thing by her by returning her to her home. However, home is the castle of an evil wizard who wants to impregnate her with a child that he will take possession of to gain immortality. Quinn’s rescue attempt backfires when the dark mage mistakes Quinn for a wizard, and takes over his body. To save him, Arturo must prove Quinn is mortal and levels a lethal blow. Only Melinda has the healing power to save Quinn, but she must abandon a spell of beauty she wove over her burned face if she is to do so. Outraged, the dark wizard sends his most fearsome ally to attack them — a fire breathing dragon. Meanwhile, Rembrandt attempts to win the heart of a woman he once knew with a love potion, but the spell leaves him enchanted with Wade."
"Quinn saves a beautiful girl (Melinda) in the forest and wants to do the right thing by her by returning her to her home. However, home is the castle of an evil wizard who wants to impregnate her with a child that he will take possession of to gain immortality. Quinn’s rescue attempt backfires when the dark mage mistakes Quinn for a wizard, and takes over his body. To save him, Arturo must prove Quinn is mortal and levels a lethal blow. Only Melinda has the healing power to save Quinn, but she must abandon a spell of beauty she wove over her burned face if she is to do so. Outraged, the dark wizard sends his most fearsome ally to attack them — a fire breathing dragon. Meanwhile, Rembrandt attempts to win the heart of a woman he once knew with a love potion, but the spell leaves him enchanted with Wade."
On this day in 1998 (in the U.S.), The X-Files launched its sixth season with the airing of "The Beginning." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After the events of The X Files (1998) movie, Mulder and Scully's new boss, Kersh, assigns agents Spender and Fowley to work on the X-Files instead of them. Ignoring this, Mulder takes Scully on a hunt for a rampaging alien."
"After the events of The X Files (1998) movie, Mulder and Scully's new boss, Kersh, assigns agents Spender and Fowley to work on the X-Files instead of them. Ignoring this, Mulder takes Scully on a hunt for a rampaging alien."
On this day in 1999 (in the U.S.), Gene Roddenberry's Earth: Final Conflict aired "Thicker Than Blood." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"An old business partner of Augur's is hired by Da'an to get information about the Resistance, resulting in the death of many members. Meanwhile, Sandoval finds out he has a life threatening blood disorder."
"An old business partner of Augur's is hired by Da'an to get information about the Resistance, resulting in the death of many members. Meanwhile, Sandoval finds out he has a life threatening blood disorder."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), UPN's Seven Days aired "Olga's Excellent Vacation." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from TV.com:
"Olga and Parker get romantically involved when he backsteps to save her life after she encounters terrorists blowing up an oil line in the wilderness area where she's vacationing."
"Olga and Parker get romantically involved when he backsteps to save her life after she encounters terrorists blowing up an oil line in the wilderness area where she's vacationing."
On this day in 2000 (in the U.S.), the crew of the Star Trek: Voyager thought they were headed for home much sooner than they had ever expected. "Inside Man" brought Barclay to our intrepid ship with the welcome message, but things didn't quite turn out the way everyone had hoped.
On this day in the year 2000 (in the U.S.), Starhunter aired the second episode of its first season. It was an hour called "Trust," and here's the plot summary compliments of our friends at Wikipedia.org:
"While transporting a pair of criminal cousins, Jeremy and Allister, to an automated prison facility on Mercury, Dante's niece/mechanic Percy goes against his orders to stay away from them and gains the trust of Jeremy, the more charming of the two men. While Percy holo-records him for her diary, she unwittingly assists him in an escape plan and in setting up a trap for Dante and Luc once they reach the prison."
"While transporting a pair of criminal cousins, Jeremy and Allister, to an automated prison facility on Mercury, Dante's niece/mechanic Percy goes against his orders to stay away from them and gains the trust of Jeremy, the more charming of the two men. While Percy holo-records him for her diary, she unwittingly assists him in an escape plan and in setting up a trap for Dante and Luc once they reach the prison."
On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Firefly aired "Safe." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Serenity brings the cattle to a plain and, when Mal is negotiating the selling with the traders, there is a shootout and Shepherd Book is hit. Meanwhile Dr. Simon and River are kidnapped by the residents to work in an isolated area. But Mal needs to leave the planet to seek help for Book and leaves the siblings behind. When the locals discover that River can read minds, they believe she is a witch and wants to burn her at the stake."
"The Serenity brings the cattle to a plain and, when Mal is negotiating the selling with the traders, there is a shootout and Shepherd Book is hit. Meanwhile Dr. Simon and River are kidnapped by the residents to work in an isolated area. But Mal needs to leave the planet to seek help for Book and leaves the siblings behind. When the locals discover that River can read minds, they believe she is a witch and wants to burn her at the stake."
On this day in 2003 (in the U.S.), Starhunter 2300 aired the thirteenth episode of its second season. The adventure came to life under the title of "Stitch in Time," and here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"While transporting a prisoner named Ritson, the Tulip crew encounters a strange gravity anomaly as they pass the asteroid Ida. Suddenly a mining platform called Galantis appears which seems to be the epicenter of the anomaly. Travis and Callie go aboard and return with Captain Parker who claims his Thorium mine on Ida, and all its workers, (a group of Martian convicts), have disappeared. Caravaggio checks the registry, but can find no record of the station's existence, or its mining facilities. Elsewhere, Percy is struck by a gravity wave and wakes up under the consciousness of an inmate from the mine who somehow caused the gravity distortions so she could escape through time. She then volunteers the help of Ritson and plans to take over the ship. Meanwhile Travis tries to figure out how to return Parker and his station back to their proper timeline."
"While transporting a prisoner named Ritson, the Tulip crew encounters a strange gravity anomaly as they pass the asteroid Ida. Suddenly a mining platform called Galantis appears which seems to be the epicenter of the anomaly. Travis and Callie go aboard and return with Captain Parker who claims his Thorium mine on Ida, and all its workers, (a group of Martian convicts), have disappeared. Caravaggio checks the registry, but can find no record of the station's existence, or its mining facilities. Elsewhere, Percy is struck by a gravity wave and wakes up under the consciousness of an inmate from the mine who somehow caused the gravity distortions so she could escape through time. She then volunteers the help of Ritson and plans to take over the ship. Meanwhile Travis tries to figure out how to return Parker and his station back to their proper timeline."
On this day in 2010 (in the U.S.), The Event aired "I Know Who You Are." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's only season in original broadcast existence, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"President Martinez orders Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling, to root out the mole from their staff, which causes Sterling to question his judgment of people close to him. Sophia reasserts her power over Thomas and the other detainees, and she prepares them for the next leg of their mission. Elsewhere, with the aid of Madeline, Sean continues his hunt for answers, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the covert agents who trail him."
"President Martinez orders Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling, to root out the mole from their staff, which causes Sterling to question his judgment of people close to him. Sophia reasserts her power over Thomas and the other detainees, and she prepares them for the next leg of their mission. Elsewhere, with the aid of Madeline, Sean continues his hunt for answers, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the covert agents who trail him."
On this day in 2010 (in the United Kingdom), The Sarah Jane Adventures aired "Lost In Time: Part 1." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A false newspaper story of an alien sighting lures Sarah Jane and her young friends to an antique shop, whose mysterious owner tells them they must enter a time vortex and locate three separate articles from different periods of history to save the world. Clyde is washed up on the East Anglian coast in 1941 where he and evacuee George escape from a trio of invading Nazis using the object of Clyde's quest, an artefact known as Thor's Hammer, to activate their transmitter. Sarah Jane joins ghost-hunter Emily Morris in a haunted house in 1889, ending up in a room where voices lead them to believe that children will die in a fire in the future. Rani finds herself in the Tower of London with the imprisoned Lady Jane Grey, whom she saves from an assassination attempt with a jewelled dagger, which would appear to be what she is looking for."
"A false newspaper story of an alien sighting lures Sarah Jane and her young friends to an antique shop, whose mysterious owner tells them they must enter a time vortex and locate three separate articles from different periods of history to save the world. Clyde is washed up on the East Anglian coast in 1941 where he and evacuee George escape from a trio of invading Nazis using the object of Clyde's quest, an artefact known as Thor's Hammer, to activate their transmitter. Sarah Jane joins ghost-hunter Emily Morris in a haunted house in 1889, ending up in a room where voices lead them to believe that children will die in a fire in the future. Rani finds herself in the Tower of London with the imprisoned Lady Jane Grey, whom she saves from an assassination attempt with a jewelled dagger, which would appear to be what she is looking for."
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "The Beginning." Officially, this served as the sixth episode of the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Red Dwarf is surrounded by hostile Annihilators and a Simulant death ship,with only two forks and a pencil sharpener for weapons. The crew flee in the shuttle and hide in an asteroid where Rimmer plays a hologram of his father,only to learn he was not his father after all. Free of paternal scorn at last he concocts a clever plan,which destroys the enemies and Red Dwarf lives to see another day."
"The Red Dwarf is surrounded by hostile Annihilators and a Simulant death ship,with only two forks and a pencil sharpener for weapons. The crew flee in the shuttle and hide in an asteroid where Rimmer plays a hologram of his father,only to learn he was not his father after all. Free of paternal scorn at last he concocts a clever plan,which destroys the enemies and Red Dwarf lives to see another day."
On this day in 2014, it all came down to this: "Death In Heaven" aired as the season finale for Doctor Who's eighth season. Misi's secret identity became known, the Cyberman launched a new assault on Earth, and Clara Oswald said goodbye to a very special friend. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"With Cybermen on the streets of London, old friends unite against old enemies and the Doctor takes to the air in a startling new role. As the Doctor faces his greatest challenge, sacrifices must be made before the day is won."
"With Cybermen on the streets of London, old friends unite against old enemies and the Doctor takes to the air in a startling new role. As the Doctor faces his greatest challenge, sacrifices must be made before the day is won."