Take this for what it's worth, but I've always thought that spin-offs were a very, very difficult sell to audiences. For starters, the spin-off may come with some of the narrative baggage shackled back to whatever program original inspired it, and storytellers might find themselves always painted into a corner in trying to make both properties as valuable to one another as they are independently. Also, the derivation has to come with a narrative reason to exist independent of the original ... otherwise, why not just incorporate this story into an already existing universe? Lastly, there has to be a character or cast of characters who compelling take viewers on this new journey without relying on nods back to where it all came from, and these traits alone make for extreme challenges.
For all it tried, Torchwood never quite felt "finished" to me. (For those unaware, Torchwood spun off from the greater worlds of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who.) Of course, Captain Jack was his charming self, and I think his character alone was a solid reason to take audiences where it hadn't been before. But did it? The stories I watched -- I hung with most of its first season, and then I've only seen it sparingly after -- just didn't have the weight I think they needed to fully stand on its own. The characters were just fine; I just wasn't all that captivated by what they endured.
For all it tried, Torchwood never quite felt "finished" to me. (For those unaware, Torchwood spun off from the greater worlds of the BBC's long-running Doctor Who.) Of course, Captain Jack was his charming self, and I think his character alone was a solid reason to take audiences where it hadn't been before. But did it? The stories I watched -- I hung with most of its first season, and then I've only seen it sparingly after -- just didn't have the weight I think they needed to fully stand on its own. The characters were just fine; I just wasn't all that captivated by what they endured.
John Zaremba had already enjoyed an acting career for over fifteen years when he was cast as a series regular for Irwin Allen's The Time Tunnel in 1966. He was often found playing figures of authority such as doctors or military leaders, and he also booked appearances on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Invaders, The Twilight Zone, Men Into Space, and Land of the Giants. Though he's no longer with us, Zaremba was born on this day in 1908.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Star Wars (1977). Alien (1979). Blade Runner (1982). What do these films have in common? Well, they're all Science Fiction and Fantasy, true, but the other thing? They had the studio backing of Alan Ladd, Jr. As the head of 20th Century Fox, Ladd gave George Lucas the greenlight to go ahead with his space opera, an action that certainly paved the way to change the face of movies as any of us knew them. Though he's no longer with us, Ladd was born on this day in 1937.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The venerable Derek Jacobi made an appearance in the Doctor Who universe, turning up as 'Professor Yana' in the 2007 episode titled "Utopia." Jacobi was born on this day in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Veteran character actor has a whole career we all could talk about, but what's more important than his role as Dr. Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future trilogy? Mr. Lloyd was born on this day back in 1938.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Sheila Leighton played a guest-starring role aboard Star Trek's third season outing, "Spock's Brain." Leighton was born on this day in 1940.
Though most don't know it, the late editor and publisher Jim Baen had an awful lot to do with getting quality science fiction to the masses. After a career in editing magazines, he started his own online SciFi magazine in 1999 called Webscriptions (it was later renamed Baen Books), which ended up making history as the first profitable e-book outlet. Go figure: SciFi had an audience AND it was profitable to boot! Though he's no longer with us, Baen was born on this day in 1943.
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
[Source: Wikipedia.org]
Richard McGonagle's career spans several decades, all of which have given him the opportunity to appear in plenty of memorable genre projects. He's had roles in The Twilight Zone, Howard the Duck, Quantum Leap, Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, and Star Trek: Voyager to name but a few. McGonagle was born on this day in 1946.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Science Fiction and fatherhood don't always go together very well, unless you're talking about oil and water. You need an example? How about Darth Vader? Not exactly in the running for 'Dad of the Year' I'd think. Another disapproving dad was dear ol' Mr. Rico, father to Johnny Rico of Starship Troopers fame. To be fair, Mr. Rico had a much different role in the Robert Heinlein book (spoiler alert: he eventually joins his son as a soldier on the front lines of the war), but actor Christopher Curry did the best with what the film script gave him to work with. He's also booked appearances on Star Trek: Voyager, Babylon 5, and Quantum Leap. Curry was born on this day in 1948.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Jeff Goldblum has always done interesting work. He captivated audiences as the scientist slowly losing his mind -- but not his humanity -- in David Cronenberg's remake of The Fly (1986). He walked us through the paces of Chaos Theory in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park (1993). And lest we forget to celebrate our Independence Day (1996) and its sequel Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)? Mr. Goldblum was born on this day back in 1952.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
In the role of 'The People Eater,' John Howard braved the nitro-fueled Apocalypse at the heart of Mad Max: Fury Road. He also had a significant role in The Girl From Tomorrow telefilm and subsequent TV mini-series. Howard was born on this day in 1952.
Simona Williams brought her measure of toughness and loveliness to the role of 'Taxan' aboard 2003's SciFi/Fantasy Sumuru. Williams was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though I absolutely hated Escape from L.A. and the layer of tarnish it applied to Escape from New York's superior reputation, I still appreciated the journey to the John Carpenter universe. In L.A., a lovely Valeria Golino made an appearance as Taslima, and I do so love me some Valeria Golino. She was born on this day in 1965.
Producer Spike Jonze helped give audiences a look at relationships with Artificial Intelligence with Her (2013). Jonze was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Saffron Burrows joined a team of scientists searching for a cure to Alzheimers in the shark-infested SciFi flick Deep Blue Sea (1999). She's also enjoyed -- as of late -- a recurring role on ABC TV's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Burrows was born on this day in 1972.
Oh, we knew this was going to end badly! The lovely Carmen Ejogo brought a knife to a spacefight aboard Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant (2017). Needless to say, she lost. Ejogo was born on this day in 1973.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
[Source: IMDB.com]
ExtraExtra Alert:
In 2017, I attended a screening of Alien: Covenant (2017) during its original theatrical run. Interested readers can find my review right here.
Though he's no doubt vastly more well known for his role as D.J. in the long-running Roseanne sitcom, Michael Fishman did sport a small role in Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001). Fishman was born on this day in 1981.
One of the things I think that the WB's Smallville did fairly well was introduce other heroes into the program from the greater DC Universe. Kyle Gallner played the speedster named 'Impulse' over several episodes in the long-running program, and Gallner was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
On this day in 1965 (in Italy), Operation Atlantis blended spy elements with some SciFi/Fantasy for audiences who found it of interest. Directed by Domenico Paolella, the feature starred John Ericson and Bernardina Sarrocco, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"An American agent discovers that the Red Chinese have built a secret atomic city from which they will attempt to invade America."
"An American agent discovers that the Red Chinese have built a secret atomic city from which they will attempt to invade America."
On this day in 1971 (in Italy), the silver screen came alive with the release of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Roald Dahl adapted his book for the project that was directed by Mel Stuart. The cast included the incomparable Gene Wilder along with Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum in central roles. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
"The world is astounded when Willy Wonka, for years a recluse in his factory, announces that five lucky people will be given a tour of the factory, shown all the secrets of his amazing candy, and one will win a lifetime supply of Wonka chocolate. Nobody wants the prize more than young Charlie, but as his family is so poor that buying even one bar of chocolate is a treat, buying enough bars to find one of the five golden tickets is unlikely in the extreme. But in movieland, magic can happen. Charlie, along with four somewhat odious other children, get the chance of a lifetime and a tour of the factory. Along the way, mild disasters befall each of the odious children, but can Charlie beat the odds and grab the brass ring?"
For the record:
In 2014, Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory was inducted into the U.S.'s National Film Registry, selected for its historical, cultural, and aethetic contributions to filmdom.
On this day in 1976, the French-language SciFi film Hu-Man opened for audiences attending the San Francisco International Film Festival. The feature starred Terence Stamp and Jeannue Moreau, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An actor is placed in dangerous situations and his fear will be broadcast to the television audience. The audience's emotions will determine whether he is sent into the future or the past."
"An actor is placed in dangerous situations and his fear will be broadcast to the television audience. The audience's emotions will determine whether he is sent into the future or the past."
Make no mistake: Halloween III: Season Of The Witch is one bizarre 'franchise' film. Centrally, it has nothing to do with the bulk of the Halloween franchise. It truly isn't a horror film, and it truly isn't a Science Fiction film, either: it just kinda sorta skirts both influences by way of Fantasy. It premiered on this day in 1982, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Kids all over America want Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween. Doctor Daniel Challis seeks to uncover a plot by Silver Shamrock owner Conal Cochran."
"Kids all over America want Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween. Doctor Daniel Challis seeks to uncover a plot by Silver Shamrock owner Conal Cochran."
On this day in 1982, psychic abilities were all the rage with the theatrical release of The Sender. Directed by Roger Christian, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Kathryn Harrold and Zeljko Ivanek, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A disturbed telepathic man is unable to fully control his ability to transmit his dreams and visions into the minds of the people around him, or even influence reality. A female therapist tries to help him, but his mother gets in the way."
"A disturbed telepathic man is unable to fully control his ability to transmit his dreams and visions into the minds of the people around him, or even influence reality. A female therapist tries to help him, but his mother gets in the way."
On this day in 1998 (in Portugal), audiences were stung with the release of The Wasp Woman. The SciFi/Horror feature starred Jennifer Rubin and Doug Wert, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In this remake of the 1959 classic, the owner of a cosmetic company works with a doctor who has been experimenting with a miracle cure for aging. He has extracted an enzyme from queen wasps that eventually change Janice into a giant insect."
"In this remake of the 1959 classic, the owner of a cosmetic company works with a doctor who has been experimenting with a miracle cure for aging. He has extracted an enzyme from queen wasps that eventually change Janice into a giant insect."
Science Fiction takes all shapes and sizes ... and on this day in 1999, the SciFi/Telefilm Evolution's Child aired. The feature starred Ken Olin and Taylor Nichols, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Fertility expert Dr. James Mydell accidentally impregnates Elaine Cordell with the sperm of a 3,000 year old Bronze Age caveman. Elaine gives birth to son Adam, a special boy who can talk to the animals, predict the weather, and has mystical healing powers. How long can Mydell keep Adam's true origins a secret from his parents and the rest of the world?"
"Fertility expert Dr. James Mydell accidentally impregnates Elaine Cordell with the sperm of a 3,000 year old Bronze Age caveman. Elaine gives birth to son Adam, a special boy who can talk to the animals, predict the weather, and has mystical healing powers. How long can Mydell keep Adam's true origins a secret from his parents and the rest of the world?"
On this day in 2003 (in Belgium), Alien burst out of the silver screen's chest! (Well, to be perfectly honest, this was a special director's cut edition.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
"After a space merchant vessel receives an unknown transmission as a distress call, one of the crew is attacked by a mysterious life form and they soon realize that its life cycle has merely begun."
On this day in 2010 (in Japan), War Wolves tried to take a bite out of its competition with a release on home video. Written and directed by Michael Worth, the Horror/Fantasy starred John Saxon, Tim Thomerson, and Natasha Alam. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A special forces unit heads back to the USA to hunt down a soldier infected with a werewolf virus. Little do they know that three of the female soldiers serving in the unit have also been infected and transformed into she-wolves."
"A special forces unit heads back to the USA to hunt down a soldier infected with a werewolf virus. Little do they know that three of the female soldiers serving in the unit have also been infected and transformed into she-wolves."
On this day in 2014 (in Sweden), Asteroid Vs. Earth enjoyed its release on home video. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"When a shower of massive meteors threatens an extinction level event on Earth, the world's greatest minds devise a dangerous plan that will take the planet off its axis in order to avoid the impact."
"When a shower of massive meteors threatens an extinction level event on Earth, the world's greatest minds devise a dangerous plan that will take the planet off its axis in order to avoid the impact."
On this day in 2014 (in the United Kingdom), Hangar 10 opened its doors for cinematic business for audiences in attendance of the Colchester Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Daniel Simpson, the SciFi feature starred Robert Curtis and Abbie Salt, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"33 years after the infamous Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, three metal detector enthusiasts hunting for Saxon gold in the same region, capture incredible footage of UFO's whilst filming their expedition. As night falls and with their navigation equipment failing, they find themselves facing a terrifying encounter with an unforgiving alien presence."
"33 years after the infamous Rendlesham Forest UFO incident, three metal detector enthusiasts hunting for Saxon gold in the same region, capture incredible footage of UFO's whilst filming their expedition. As night falls and with their navigation equipment failing, they find themselves facing a terrifying encounter with an unforgiving alien presence."
On this day in 1951, Tom Corbett, Space Cadet aired an episode whose name has sadly been lost to history. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The cadets are endangered by dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures while exploring a previously uncharted plant in the Alpha Centauri system."
"The cadets are endangered by dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures while exploring a previously uncharted plant in the Alpha Centauri system."
On this day in 1955, Science Fiction Theatre aired "Target: Hurricane." Officially, this served as the twenty-sixth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Miami Hurricane Bureau leaps into action when a killer storm mysteriously appears offshore. Besides keeping the public informed of the threat, James Tyler is worried about his son who's on a camping trip with his Boy Scout troop."
"The Miami Hurricane Bureau leaps into action when a killer storm mysteriously appears offshore. Besides keeping the public informed of the threat, James Tyler is worried about his son who's on a camping trip with his Boy Scout troop."
On this day in 1966, Doctor Who aired "The Tenth Planet: Part 3." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's fourth season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"With the Doctor out of action, it is up to Polly, Ben and Barclay to stop Cutler using the Z-Bomb and devastating half the world."
"With the Doctor out of action, it is up to Polly, Ben and Barclay to stop Cutler using the Z-Bomb and devastating half the world."
On this day in 1976, Holmes & Yoyo aired "The Last Phantom." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by TV.com:
"An attempt is made on a movie director."
"An attempt is made on a movie director."
On this day in 1977 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Invisible Enemy: Part 4." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's fifteenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In trying to retrieve the clones from inside the Doctor, the alien virus is brought from the microbial world into the macro-world, and it's ready to spawn."
"In trying to retrieve the clones from inside the Doctor, the alien virus is brought from the microbial world into the macro-world, and it's ready to spawn."
On this day in 1977, Space Academy aired "Monkey Business." Officially, this served as the seventh episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The Alturus agricultural asteroid is plunged into a deep freeze when its reflecting mirror becomes misaligned. Chris and Paul with stowaways Loki and chimpanzee Jake hope to arrive in time to save the crops."
"The Alturus agricultural asteroid is plunged into a deep freeze when its reflecting mirror becomes misaligned. Chris and Paul with stowaways Loki and chimpanzee Jake hope to arrive in time to save the crops."
On this day in 1982, Knight Rider aired "Slammin' Sammy's Stunt Show Spectacular." This served as the fifth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Michael and K.I.T.T. join a stunt show which a wealthy banker is trying to force out of business. It doesn't take long for them to become the main attraction, even if K.I.T.T. has to face the undignified distinction of being decorated all over with stars."
"Michael and K.I.T.T. join a stunt show which a wealthy banker is trying to force out of business. It doesn't take long for them to become the main attraction, even if K.I.T.T. has to face the undignified distinction of being decorated all over with stars."
On this day in 1983, Terrahawks aired "Thunder-Roar." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"When Zelda releases one of her allies, Lord Sram, from suspended animation and sends him to Earth. Sram is shot down by Kate Kestrel. But the alien survives the crash - and makes life very uncomfortable for Tiger Ninestein."
"When Zelda releases one of her allies, Lord Sram, from suspended animation and sends him to Earth. Sram is shot down by Kate Kestrel. But the alien survives the crash - and makes life very uncomfortable for Tiger Ninestein."
On this day in 1986, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers aired "Mistwalker." This (technically) served as the sixth episode of the program's first season (these episodes aired wildly out of order), and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The Blackhole gang starts causing havoc on a planet trying to find Stargems. Foxx and Zozo arrive on the planet to check on a researcher whose learning about the natives. The conditions on the planet interferes with advanced technology, communicators, lasers, Foxx's series five implant. Mistwalker, the leader of the natives, demonstrates how nature can be used as a defense."
"The Blackhole gang starts causing havoc on a planet trying to find Stargems. Foxx and Zozo arrive on the planet to check on a researcher whose learning about the natives. The conditions on the planet interferes with advanced technology, communicators, lasers, Foxx's series five implant. Mistwalker, the leader of the natives, demonstrates how nature can be used as a defense."
On this day in 1990 (in Denmark), Star Trek: The Next Generation aired "Encounter At Farpoint." Officially, this served as the first episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
"On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion."
On this day in 1993, The X-Files continued the run through its inaugural season, airing an hour curiously titled "Shadows." According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Mulder and Scully investigate the deaths of two men believed to have been killed by a powerful pyschokinetic force."
"Mulder and Scully investigate the deaths of two men believed to have been killed by a powerful pyschokinetic force."
In "Ray Butts," Lt. Colonel Raymond Butts (played by veteran character actor and Trek veteran Steve Rankin) makes an unapproved landing aboard the USS Saratoga after his top secret mission goes horribly wrong. Still, he'll beg, borrow, and steal members of the Fighting 58th (aka 'The Wild Cards') in order to see his mission successfully completed. The episode first aired as part of Space: Above and Beyond on this day back in 1995.
On this day in 1999, Harsh Realm aired the third episode -- "Inga Fossa" -- of its only season. According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sophie continues to look into Hobbes' death by following Inga Fossa into a run down military installation where Inga Fossa uses a portal to move back to Harsh Realm. Inga Fossa enters however Sophie is locked out. Fossa materialises in Santiago City where she informs Santiago of her plans of conquest. In Harsh Realm, Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence attempt to gain forged ID chips so they can enter Santiago city and gain access to the portal. They find the man they need for the job, just as Walters and a team of commandos raid the building and capture Florence. The rest manage to escape through a glitch that leads them directly Santiago's barracks. Hobbes manages to break into the chamber where the portal is and with reluctant help from Inga Fossa, they enter. Fossa tells Hobbes that unless he kills Santiago now in Harsh Realm there would not be a world for Hobbes to return to as Santiago plans to destroy it. Hobbes decides to stay in Harsh Realm as Fossa gives him the letter Sophie wrote him. She also gives him the key to the cell where Pinocchio and Florence are being kept. In the real world, Sophie has been waiting for Inga Fossa to return. Fossa is surprised but lies to Sophie that she couldn't get the letter to Hobbes."
"Sophie continues to look into Hobbes' death by following Inga Fossa into a run down military installation where Inga Fossa uses a portal to move back to Harsh Realm. Inga Fossa enters however Sophie is locked out. Fossa materialises in Santiago City where she informs Santiago of her plans of conquest. In Harsh Realm, Hobbes, Pinocchio and Florence attempt to gain forged ID chips so they can enter Santiago city and gain access to the portal. They find the man they need for the job, just as Walters and a team of commandos raid the building and capture Florence. The rest manage to escape through a glitch that leads them directly Santiago's barracks. Hobbes manages to break into the chamber where the portal is and with reluctant help from Inga Fossa, they enter. Fossa tells Hobbes that unless he kills Santiago now in Harsh Realm there would not be a world for Hobbes to return to as Santiago plans to destroy it. Hobbes decides to stay in Harsh Realm as Fossa gives him the letter Sophie wrote him. She also gives him the key to the cell where Pinocchio and Florence are being kept. In the real world, Sophie has been waiting for Inga Fossa to return. Fossa is surprised but lies to Sophie that she couldn't get the letter to Hobbes."
Also on this day in 1999, the crew of Stargate: SG-1 experienced "Jolinar's Memories," the twelfth episode of the show's third season. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A delegation from the Tok'ra arrives at Stargate Command with the news that Sam Carter's father Jacob has been taken prisoner by Sokar. He is being held in Sokar's prison on a moon orbiting his home world. The only person known to have escaped from that prison is Jolinar and the Tok'ra hope that Sam's memories will provide the information they need to stage a successful rescue. The rescuers have little difficulty getting onto the prison planet but the keeper, Bynarr, and his first prime maintain tight control of the prison population. While Sam manages to determine how Jolinar escaped, they are all taken aback when the first prime reveals his true identity."
"A delegation from the Tok'ra arrives at Stargate Command with the news that Sam Carter's father Jacob has been taken prisoner by Sokar. He is being held in Sokar's prison on a moon orbiting his home world. The only person known to have escaped from that prison is Jolinar and the Tok'ra hope that Sam's memories will provide the information they need to stage a successful rescue. The rescuers have little difficulty getting onto the prison planet but the keeper, Bynarr, and his first prime maintain tight control of the prison population. While Sam manages to determine how Jolinar escaped, they are all taken aback when the first prime reveals his true identity."
On this day in 2000, Code Name: Eternity aired "The Box." This served as the twenty-second episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Laura and Ethaniel infiltrate the compound of the Militia Volunteer Force. They are a group of 'Freedom fighters' who have been working for Banning. Ethaniel has discovered that they have a Therian bomb and wants to disarm it before it is used. By coincidence Dent is visiting at the same time. He is there to pick the bomb up for Banning. The militia commander refuses to do this and his men wipe out all of Banning's men with Dent. When Ethaniel and Laura are discovered in the compound the militia now how three enemies to hunt down. It doesn't take long for Ethaniel and Dent to bump into each other and decide that they need to team up if either of them is to stand a chance of getting out alive."
"Laura and Ethaniel infiltrate the compound of the Militia Volunteer Force. They are a group of 'Freedom fighters' who have been working for Banning. Ethaniel has discovered that they have a Therian bomb and wants to disarm it before it is used. By coincidence Dent is visiting at the same time. He is there to pick the bomb up for Banning. The militia commander refuses to do this and his men wipe out all of Banning's men with Dent. When Ethaniel and Laura are discovered in the compound the militia now how three enemies to hunt down. It doesn't take long for Ethaniel and Dent to bump into each other and decide that they need to team up if either of them is to stand a chance of getting out alive."
On this day in 2001, Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda aired "Pitiless As The Sun." This served as the fourth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"A planet asks the Andromeda for help when its cargo vessels are attacked by unknown vessels. Trance goes down to the planet to find out more about the people, and ends up being interrogated about her past."
"A planet asks the Andromeda for help when its cargo vessels are attacked by unknown vessels. Trance goes down to the planet to find out more about the people, and ends up being interrogated about her past."
On this day in 2001, Earth: Final Conflict aired "Subterra." This served as the fourth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Renee is still having trouble getting anyone to believe her about the Atavus. She meets a man who tells her that people who live underground are disappearing, due to the Atavus. They find a chamber used to make hybrids."
"Renee is still having trouble getting anyone to believe her about the Atavus. She meets a man who tells her that people who live underground are disappearing, due to the Atavus. They find a chamber used to make hybrids."
On this day in 2001, Mutant X aired "Fool For Love." This served as the fourth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Shalimar becomes close to another feral when it's "lust at first sight," but matters become complicated when her new boyfriend tries to find a cure for his condition."
"Shalimar becomes close to another feral when it's "lust at first sight," but matters become complicated when her new boyfriend tries to find a cure for his condition."
On this day in 2004, Andromeda aired "The Eschatology Of Our Present." This served as the fifth episode of the program's fifth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Beka receives a message from Virgil Vox, the radio personality, concerning a secret from her past. She follows his instructions to a secluded community, where she impersonates a dead child, who would be about her age now. Her "father" reveals that he has been guarding a secret and that it is now time for him to pass it on to her."
"Beka receives a message from Virgil Vox, the radio personality, concerning a secret from her past. She follows his instructions to a secluded community, where she impersonates a dead child, who would be about her age now. Her "father" reveals that he has been guarding a secret and that it is now time for him to pass it on to her."
On this day in 2004, Star Trek: Enterprise went "Home" ... or so was the title for the third episode of their fourth (and final) season. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The crew take some time off. Archer meets an old friend, captain Erika Hernandez. T'Pol takes Trip to Vulcan, with a surprise waiting. Phlox finds out Earth has become xenophobic."
"The crew take some time off. Archer meets an old friend, captain Erika Hernandez. T'Pol takes Trip to Vulcan, with a surprise waiting. Phlox finds out Earth has become xenophobic."
It all began right here: on this day in 2006, the Doctor Who spin-off called Torchwood enjoyed its initial premiere on the tele. According to our friends at IMDB.com, that first adventure was titled "Everything Changes," and here's what all the fuss was about:
"Police Constable Gwen Cooper comes across the mysterious organization known as Torchwood. While investigating their world, she finds technology and methods she never imagined."
"Police Constable Gwen Cooper comes across the mysterious organization known as Torchwood. While investigating their world, she finds technology and methods she never imagined."
On this day in 2008, Gemini Division aired "Termination Date." Officially, this served as the thirty-fifth episode in the program's only season. Unfortunately, I've been unable to locate a specific plot summary for the installment so instead here's the program summary as provided by the reliable Wikipedia.Org:
"Gemini Division is about an NYC detective investigating the murder of her fiance that suddenly appears to be not as it seems. During the ensuing investigation she uncovers a global conspiracy involving the creation of simulated life forms known as "SiMS" that have assimilated themselves within the unsuspecting public and a mysterious clandestine organization called Gemini Division that is created to take them down. It is often criticized given that the narrative is weak and watered down to maximise air time to 'load' adverts to the audience."
"Gemini Division is about an NYC detective investigating the murder of her fiance that suddenly appears to be not as it seems. During the ensuing investigation she uncovers a global conspiracy involving the creation of simulated life forms known as "SiMS" that have assimilated themselves within the unsuspecting public and a mysterious clandestine organization called Gemini Division that is created to take them down. It is often criticized given that the narrative is weak and watered down to maximise air time to 'load' adverts to the audience."
On this day in 2010, Syfy's Sanctuary aired "Firewall." This served as the second episode of the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Will is having trouble recovering after his experience with Kali, but the team soon finds that insomnia is the least of his problems. Helen discovers an unbelievable gift from an equally unbelievable source."
"Will is having trouble recovering after his experience with Kali, but the team soon finds that insomnia is the least of his problems. Helen discovers an unbelievable gift from an equally unbelievable source."
On this day in 2010, Smallville aired "Isis." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the long-running program's tenth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Oliver enjoys his new, public role since he outed himself as super-hero, yet misses Chloe desperately and feeling guilty. His example further inspires Clark to tell at least Lois, but just when they meet to that end an Egyptian jewel allows the Pharaonic goddess Isis to take possession of her body, eager to resuscitate her beloved Osiris, all required being at hand from a major exposition in Metropolis, but that would also revive his realm, hell, on earth. Tess, who is otherwise preoccupied with Lex's boy-clone Alexander, joins Oliver and Clark at Watchtower, where she proves herself able to fill in for Chloe IT-wise. Even with that invaluable research, Clark nearly perishes in his supernatural duel with Isis. Cat get caught in the fight and mistakenly believes Lois is the evil Blur."
"Oliver enjoys his new, public role since he outed himself as super-hero, yet misses Chloe desperately and feeling guilty. His example further inspires Clark to tell at least Lois, but just when they meet to that end an Egyptian jewel allows the Pharaonic goddess Isis to take possession of her body, eager to resuscitate her beloved Osiris, all required being at hand from a major exposition in Metropolis, but that would also revive his realm, hell, on earth. Tess, who is otherwise preoccupied with Lex's boy-clone Alexander, joins Oliver and Clark at Watchtower, where she proves herself able to fill in for Chloe IT-wise. Even with that invaluable research, Clark nearly perishes in his supernatural duel with Isis. Cat get caught in the fight and mistakenly believes Lois is the evil Blur."
It all came down to this: on this day in 2012, Alphas concluded its run on television with the airing of "God's Eye." This served as the thirteenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Separated from the team and haunted by vivid hallucinations of his daughter, Dani, an injured and increasingly desperate Doctor Rosen seeks a final confrontation with Alpha leader Stanton Parish."
"Separated from the team and haunted by vivid hallucinations of his daughter, Dani, an injured and increasingly desperate Doctor Rosen seeks a final confrontation with Alpha leader Stanton Parish."
On this day in 2013, Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D. aired "Girl In The Flower Dress." This served as the fifth episode in the program's inaugural season, and here's the premise as listed on IMDB.com:
"Centipede kidnaps another gifted man. S.H.I.E.L.D. tries to track them down. Also, secrets about Skye are revealed."
"Centipede kidnaps another gifted man. S.H.I.E.L.D. tries to track them down. Also, secrets about Skye are revealed."
On this day in 2014, Space Janitors aired "Probe Droid." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by ConTV.com:
"Darby and Mike find a droid they weren't looking for. Like at all. At. All."
"Darby and Mike find a droid they weren't looking for. Like at all. At. All."
I'm not going to pretend to understand why showrunners and productions companies do what they do when they release programs, so consider this a big "it is what it is": though the Doctor Who spin-off Class wouldn't premiere on the tele until 2017, audiences in the United Kingdom were treated to an interest premiere of the show on this day in 2016 ... along with the country of Canada and the nation of Turkey. The first episode was titled "For Tonight We Might Die," and here's the premise from IMDB.com:
"Coal Hill Academy comes under the attack from the merciless Shadow Kin resulting in an unlikely bond between four students: Charlie, Ram, April, and Tanya, with the help of their math teacher, Miss Quill."
"Coal Hill Academy comes under the attack from the merciless Shadow Kin resulting in an unlikely bond between four students: Charlie, Ram, April, and Tanya, with the help of their math teacher, Miss Quill."
On this day in 2016 (in the United Kingdom), Class aired "The Coach With The Dragon Tattoo." Officially, this served as the second episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Ram struggles to cope following events at the Prom, isolating himself from the others. But when the school is faced with a dreadful new threat, the gang must unite to fight it."
"Ram struggles to cope following events at the Prom, isolating himself from the others. But when the school is faced with a dreadful new threat, the gang must unite to fight it."
On this day in 2017, Star Trek: Discovery aired "Lethe." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The USS Discovery crew is intrigued by new addition, Lt. Ash Tyler. Sarek seeks Burnham's help, rekindling memories from her past. Admiral Cornwell questions Lorca's tactics."
"The USS Discovery crew is intrigued by new addition, Lt. Ash Tyler. Sarek seeks Burnham's help, rekindling memories from her past. Admiral Cornwell questions Lorca's tactics."
