Finally shaking off the premise that he was perhaps a one-hit wonder, TV creator Chris Carter unveiled Millennium to the network with its television premiere on this day back in 1996. In truth, the various investigations of 'Frank Black' (as played by genre heavyweight Lance Henriksen) may've been a bit too dark and muddled for audiences of the day, making the program appealing for more cult sensations than the more mainstream alternative, The X-Files. It lasted three seasons, and here's the series' premise as provided by the good folks at IMDB.com:
"A former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium."
"A former FBI profiler with the ability to look inside the mind of a killer begins working for the mysterious Millennium Group which investigates serial killers, conspiracies, the occult, and those obsessed with the end of the millennium."
The venerable Whit Bissell played a troubled space station administrator aboard Star Trek's classic episode, "The Trouble With Tribbles." The actor also booked appearances aboard Science Fiction Theatre, I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957), One Step Beyond, The Time Machine (1960), The Outer Limits, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, The Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, Soylent Green (1973), The Bionic Woman, Project U.F.O., The Time Machine (1978), and The Incredible Hulk. Though he's no longer with us, Bissell was born on this day in 1909.
Clocking up an impressive resume of nearly two hundred film roles, Billy Barty certainly distinguished himself from the competition in the realm of fantasy. Often times, he was hidden under make-up (as he was above left from 1987's Masters of the Universe), but his winning disposition always came through. Though he's no longer with us, Barty was born on this day in 1924.
Though Marion Ross will no doubt always be remembered as one of TV's best moms (TV's long-running Happy Days), SciFi fans will never forget her visit to The Outer Limits. Ross was born on this day in 1928.
If you've piloted a starfighter, then you deserve a mention here! Wally K. Berns chased down Buck Rogers in the 25th Century in a guest role aboard the NBC SciFi/Drama. Though he's no longer with us, Berns was born on this day in 1929.
Brian Kerwin found himself where no man has gone before when he learned It Came From Outer Space II (1996). Kerwin was born on this day in 1949.
Athlete-turned-actor John Matuszak played a role in 1984's SciFi/Cult flick The Ice Pirates (pictured above with Anjelica Huston) as well as making appearances in The Goonies (1985) and Superboy (1989). Though he's no longer with us, Matuszak was born on this day in 1950.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
HubbaHubba Alert! The lovely Glynis Barber was packing heat and a fair amount of womanly charm with her work aboard the fondly remembered Blake's 7. More recently, she's turned up in a small role aboard The CW's Fantasy/Drama The Outpost. Barber was born on this day in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Fandom owes a debt of gratitude to producer Gale Anne Hurd as she has a long and distinguished attachment to all things genre-related. High quality stuff, too, not a bunch of knock-offs. She's been one of the driving creative forces behind such projects as The Terminator, Aliens, Alien Nation, Tremors, The Incredible Hulk, and (most recently) AMC's TV series The Walking Dead. Ms. Hurd was born on this day back in 1955.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Hubba-hubba Alert: Darlene Vogel may not be a name of every SciFi fans' lips, but I for one am thankful the small favors she's done by appearing in Back to the Future 2 and Syfy's beloved Farscape. Vogel was born on this day in 1962.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
If it makes me wrong by saying that Melinda McGraw has to be one of the hottest actresses on Planet Earth, then I don't want to be right! Unfortunately, she's only flirted with Science Fiction (but who doesn't love a good flirt?), appearing as Dana Scully's sister on The X-Files, performing some voice work in the Enter the Matrix video game, along with solid appearances on Millennium, Quantum Leap, and ABC TV's The Crossing. McGraw was born on this day in 1963.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
There's no way I could do justice is summarizing the career of Kevin Michael Richardson. This talented voiceover phenomenon is well on his way to boasting almost five hundred different screen credits! SciFi fans know him best for his work aboard Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Transformers Prime, Monsters Vs. Aliens, Ben 10: Omniverse, Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., Teen Titans Go!, and Samurai Jack, to name but a few. Richardson was born on this day in 1964.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Writer, producer, and director Christopher McQuarrie has definitely earned his stripes in the realm of genre entertainment with his participation in such projects as Jack The Giant Slayer (2013), Edge Of Tomorrow (2014), and The Mummy (2017). McQuarrie was born on this day in 1968.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Again, you may not recognize the face, but you may know Nika Futterman's voice. She provided the villainous tones to Star Wars: The Clone Wars Asajj Ventress as well as so many other animated characters. Check out her profile at IMDB.com to see what I mean. Ms. Futterman was born on this day in 1969.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Though his workload usually showcases his talents in more mainstream fare, Adam Goldberg has given genre fans something to cheer about. He did have a great guest role aboard Fox TV's underrated Space: Above and Beyond as well as a starring role in the USA Networks Frankenstein reboot (pictured above left). Goldberg was born on this day in 1970.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Funnyman Craig Robinson played it as straight as he could aboard Dragon Wars: D-Wars (2007). As far as genre projects go, he's also booked screen appearances aboard Hot Tub Time Machine (2010), Escape From Planet Earth (animated) (2013), and Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (2015). Robinson was born on this day in 1971.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
The lovely Persia White -- shown above from her work aboard The Vampire Diaries -- has really only dabbled with Science Fiction: she's had small roles in Weird Science, The Burning Zone, and Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction. White was born on this day in 1972.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Character actor Michael Weston is one of those talents who pops up all over the place, but genre fans might remember him from his work in the TV miniseries adaptation of Coma. Weston was born on this day in 1973.
Antony Starr headlined Cinemax's Banshee, debatedly one of the best 'red meat' neo-noirs to air on television (so far as this viewer is concerned). Thankfully, he's transitioned in Amazon's The Boys -- a dark twist on the contemporary superhero tale -- so that I can feature him here. Starr was born on this day in 1975.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
When ABC TV's Flashforward tried to be the next Lost on the Boob Tube, showrunners brought along the talented Zachary Knighton in the guise of 'Dr. Bryce Varley.' Knighton was born on this day in 1978.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
A devilish Mariana Klaveno seriously sunk her teeth into some quality work in the HBO Fantasy world of True Blood. Klaveno was born on this day in 1979.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
No longer content to fight crime with the power of the press, hunky Mehcad Brooks suited up as the vigilante 'Guardian' aboard the CW's Supergirl. Brooks was born on this day in 1980.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
California-born Will Harris enjoyed a bit of screen time aboard the Walt Disney Superhero/Comedy Sky High (2005). He also found work in In Time (2011) for New Regency Pictures. Harris was born on this day in 1986.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
Mia Wasikowska dipped her delicate toes into the realm of Fantasy in the guise of none other than 'Alice' herself aboard Alice In Wonderland (2010) opposite a creepy Johnny Depp. Wasikowska was born on this day in 1989.
TV's The Crossing was yet another one of those short-lived programs which benefitted from a terrific premise but yet suffered from writing that never quite capitalized on its strengths nor its on-screen talent. The beautiful Kelley Missal enjoyed a generous subplot in the show, but as the adventure never got out of its only season we're left with no idea how it all ended. Still, kudos for the attempt, and Missal was born on this day in 1993.
[Source: IMDB.com]
[Source: IMDB.com]
During the 2015 TV season, relative newcomer Chloe Rose enjoyed guest starring roles aboard both of Syfy's newest dramas, Dark Mattter and Killjoys. Rose was born on this day in 1994.
In her youth, a fresh-faced Conchita Campbell helped bring the mystery of Alien Abduction and what came next to life for USA Network's The 4400. Campbell was born on this day in 1995.
A star is born! Here's another one to add to your respective bucket lists, space fans: Flying Disc Man from Mars premiered theatrically on this day in 1950. I know that I've never seen -- heck, I've never even heard of it -- but that publicity photo has all the makings of something special. According to the citation at IMDB.com, here's what it's all about:
"A single-handed hero sets himself against Martians trying to assume control of Earth."
"A single-handed hero sets himself against Martians trying to assume control of Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (per the Turner Classic Movies website), Valley Of The Dragons enjoyed its first theatrical engagement ever for the good people of Kansas City, Missouri. Director Edward Bernds helped adapt a novel by Science Fiction author Jules Verne for the script, and the feature starred Cesare Danova, Sean McClory, and Joan Staley. Here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Algeria 1881. Two men, Michael Denning and Hector Servadac are having a duel with one another when a comet goes past the earth at low altitude. The strong wind this creates transports the two men to the moon. They find themselves in a jungle inhabited by reptiles and prehistoric humans. They have a difficult time before they manage to adapt to the dangers, but eventually they each find a girl to spend time with, awaiting the next return of the comet to take them back to Earth."
"Algeria 1881. Two men, Michael Denning and Hector Servadac are having a duel with one another when a comet goes past the earth at low altitude. The strong wind this creates transports the two men to the moon. They find themselves in a jungle inhabited by reptiles and prehistoric humans. They have a difficult time before they manage to adapt to the dangers, but eventually they each find a girl to spend time with, awaiting the next return of the comet to take them back to Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 1970 (in the United Kingdom), When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth gave audiences their Jurassic fix well before that film franchise. Written (in part) and directed by Val Guest, the Fantasy feature starred Victoria Vetri, Robin Hawdon, and Patrick Allen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Sanna escapes being sacrificed and meets Tara. Together, they live in a seaside tribe that worships the Sun God and survive the dangers of the creatures from the Mesozoic era."
For the record:
To the film's credit, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth enjoyed a 1972 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Best Visual Effects.'
"Sanna escapes being sacrificed and meets Tara. Together, they live in a seaside tribe that worships the Sun God and survive the dangers of the creatures from the Mesozoic era."
For the record:
To the film's credit, When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth enjoyed a 1972 Academy Award nomination in the category of 'Best Effects - Best Visual Effects.'
On this day in 1974 (in Finland), Zardoz enjoyed its theatrical release. Written and directed by John Boorman, the feature starred Sean Connery, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
"In the distant future, a savage trained only to kill finds a way into the community of bored immortals that alone preserves humanity's achievements."
On this day in 1984 (in Uruguay), Ghostbusters scared out what business it could at the box office. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"After being kicked out of their university, parapsychology professors Spengler, Stantz and Venkman decide to go into business for themselves by trapping and removing ghosts from haunted houses. After some initial skepticism, business is soon booming as The Ghost Busters rid New York of its undead. When a downtown skyscraper becomes the focal point of spirit activity linked to the ancient god Gozer, however, the problem may be more than the team can handle."
"After being kicked out of their university, parapsychology professors Spengler, Stantz and Venkman decide to go into business for themselves by trapping and removing ghosts from haunted houses. After some initial skepticism, business is soon booming as The Ghost Busters rid New York of its undead. When a downtown skyscraper becomes the focal point of spirit activity linked to the ancient god Gozer, however, the problem may be more than the team can handle."
On this day in 1985, Evils Of The Night came to light on the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi/Horror release:
"Vacationing teens are systematically kidnapped and taken to a strange, rural hospital, run by a mysterious group that needs their blood."
"Vacationing teens are systematically kidnapped and taken to a strange, rural hospital, run by a mysterious group that needs their blood."
A star is born! On this day in 1987 (in Italy), Aenigma played for audiences in attendance of the Dylan Dog Horror Fest. Written (in part) and directed by Lucio Fulci, the Horror/Fantasy starred Jared Martin, Lara Lamberti, and Ulli Reinthaler. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The spirit of a comatose teenage girl possesses the body of a newcomer to her girls boarding school to enact bloody revenge against the elitist, lingerie-clad coeds responsible for her condition."
"The spirit of a comatose teenage girl possesses the body of a newcomer to her girls boarding school to enact bloody revenge against the elitist, lingerie-clad coeds responsible for her condition."
A star is born! On this day in 1990 (in Germany), audiences went back into the world of cinematic Fantasy with the release of The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter. Directed by George Miller, the picture starred Jonathan Brandis, Kenny Morrison, and Clarissa Burt. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young boy with a distant father enters a world of make-believe and magic through a portal within an antique book."
For the record:
In 1992, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated actor Jonathan Brandis for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
"A young boy with a distant father enters a world of make-believe and magic through a portal within an antique book."
For the record:
In 1992, the Academy Of Science Fiction, Fantasy, And Horror Films nominated actor Jonathan Brandis for a Saturn Award in the category of 'Best Performance By A Younger Actor.'
A star is born! On this day in 1994, the television universe of Alien Nation grew a little larger with the broadcast premiere of Alien Nation: Dark Horizon. Series' regulars Gary Graham, Eric Pierpoint, and Michele Scarabelli returned for the drama; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Followup movie to the TV series about 250,000 aliens, or "Newcomers" as they are known, who have settled alongside the humans in California. Most of the Newcomers were slaves, and the Overseers are now looking for them. They send Ahpossno to earth to locate the slaves to take them back to the ship."
For the record:
For the 1995 Primetime Emmy Awards, Dark Horizon enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special,' but it didn't go home with the trophy. It did, however, take home the high honor from the 1995 Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
"Followup movie to the TV series about 250,000 aliens, or "Newcomers" as they are known, who have settled alongside the humans in California. Most of the Newcomers were slaves, and the Overseers are now looking for them. They send Ahpossno to earth to locate the slaves to take them back to the ship."
For the record:
For the 1995 Primetime Emmy Awards, Dark Horizon enjoyed a nomination in the category of 'Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special,' but it didn't go home with the trophy. It did, however, take home the high honor from the 1995 Saturn Awards in the category of 'Best Single Genre Television Presentation.'
A star is born! On this day in 2002 (in the U.S.), Time Changer changed time for interested audiences. Written and directed by Rich Christiano, the SciFi/Fantasy starred D. David Morin, Gavin MacLeod, and Hal Linden. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A Bible professor from 1890 comes forward in time to the present via a time machine and cannot believe the things that he sees!"
"A Bible professor from 1890 comes forward in time to the present via a time machine and cannot believe the things that he sees!"
A star is born! On this day in 2005, The Boy With The X-Ray Eyes revealed itself to audiences. The feature starred Bryan Neal and Dara Hollingsworth, and here's the plot summary as provided by our friends at IMDB.com:
"Andy receives a special pair of powerful glasses from aliens who need his help to retrieve an item that could destroy Earth."
"Andy receives a special pair of powerful glasses from aliens who need his help to retrieve an item that could destroy Earth."
A star is born! On this day in 2014 (in Japan), Garm Wars: The Last Druid enjoyed its first theatrical screening for audiences in attendance of the Tokyo International Film Festival. Written (in part) and directed by Mamoru Oshii, the SciFi/Thriller starred Lance Henriksen, Kevin Durand, and Mélanie St-Pierre. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a world where clone soldiers from three military tribes are locked in a perpetual battle of air, land and technology, one clone is separated from the battle and finds herself on the run with a group of unlikely companions."
"In a world where clone soldiers from three military tribes are locked in a perpetual battle of air, land and technology, one clone is separated from the battle and finds herself on the run with a group of unlikely companions."
A star is born! On this day in 2020 (in the United Kingdom), Skylines enjoyed its first theatrical presentation ever for audiences in attendance of FrightFest. Written (in part) and directed by Liam O'Donnell, the SciFi feature starred Lindsay Morgan, Jonathan Howard, and Rhona Mitra; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When a virus threatens to turn the now earth-dwelling friendly alien hybrids against humans, Captain Rose Corley must lead a team of elite mercenaries on a mission to the alien world in order to save what's left of humanity."
"When a virus threatens to turn the now earth-dwelling friendly alien hybrids against humans, Captain Rose Corley must lead a team of elite mercenaries on a mission to the alien world in order to save what's left of humanity."
On this day in 1952, Space Patrol aired "The Electronic Man." Officially, this served as the forty-third episode in the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by Space Patrol: Missions of Daring in the Name of Early Television:
"Buzz finds an electronic transmitter planted on Terra by an alien race and set to automatically transmit information about the United States back to their planet. He and Happy follow the directional beam of the transmitter to the home planet of the aliens in the Outer Galaxy."
"Buzz finds an electronic transmitter planted on Terra by an alien race and set to automatically transmit information about the United States back to their planet. He and Happy follow the directional beam of the transmitter to the home planet of the aliens in the Outer Galaxy."
Kirk gets punished by the Melkot for trespassing on their planet, so they sentence him and his landing party to play the part of the losers in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. ... No, seriously, I'm not kidding ... Star Trek's "Spectre of the Gun" first aired on this day back in 1968, and, despite the goofy premise, it really isn't half bad.
On this day in 1975, the animated Return to the Planet of the Apes aired its seventh episode of its only season: an adventure called "Attack from the Clouds." Here's the summary from IMDB.com:
"As Urko plans his latest campaign to wipe-out the humanoids, Ape City is terrorized by a flying, prehistoric beast. The apes are not alone as the creature sees fit to frighten the humanoids and actually steals one of their cow-like creatures. Once again, Jeff, Bill, and Judy must save the human race."
"As Urko plans his latest campaign to wipe-out the humanoids, Ape City is terrorized by a flying, prehistoric beast. The apes are not alone as the creature sees fit to frighten the humanoids and actually steals one of their cow-like creatures. Once again, Jeff, Bill, and Judy must save the human race."
On this day in 1975, a temporal anomaly yanked Doctor Who's TARDIS out of its journey and deposited the Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith on the planet Earth in 1911, thus beginning the tale better known as "Pyramids of Mars." The story which pitted our favorite timelord against an alien taking the identity of the Egyptian god Sutekh went on to become one of the most popular tales of the Doctor, and how fitting that it would star most folks' favorite man from Gallifrey, Tom Baker.
On this day in 1979, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century aired "Return of the Fighting 69th." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Buck Rogers and Wilma Deering pursue notorious gunrunners Commander Corliss and Roxanne Trent who are planning on dropping deadly nerve agents from the 20th century on Earth. A squadron of elderly space fighter pilots led by Major Noah Cooper who were forced to retire are brought back into active service so they can lead an attack on the criminals' asteroid base. Because of their age, Wilma has doubts about the squadron's reliability, but Noah's team departs to prove they still have what that takes to get the mission done. During the attack, Buck and Wilma are captured by Corliss and Trent who both show horrible scars from injuries they received from Wilma during a previous confrontation."
"Buck Rogers and Wilma Deering pursue notorious gunrunners Commander Corliss and Roxanne Trent who are planning on dropping deadly nerve agents from the 20th century on Earth. A squadron of elderly space fighter pilots led by Major Noah Cooper who were forced to retire are brought back into active service so they can lead an attack on the criminals' asteroid base. Because of their age, Wilma has doubts about the squadron's reliability, but Noah's team departs to prove they still have what that takes to get the mission done. During the attack, Buck and Wilma are captured by Corliss and Trent who both show horrible scars from injuries they received from Wilma during a previous confrontation."
- If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's collection of screencaps from the episode right here.
- If you'd like to know more, then check out SciFiHistory.Net's interview with screenwriter David Carren regarding his thoughts on penning this episode and the screenwriting process right here.
On this day in 1980 (in Japan), Star Fleet aired "Find F-01." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by the Star Fleet Wiki:
"The Imperial Alliance lay siege to Earth Defense Forces, demanding the handover of the “F-Zero-One”. The crew of X-Bomber battle against time to repair their ship before Star Fleet Command is destroyed."
"The Imperial Alliance lay siege to Earth Defense Forces, demanding the handover of the “F-Zero-One”. The crew of X-Bomber battle against time to repair their ship before Star Fleet Command is destroyed."
On this day in 1985, Misfits of Science aired "Guess What's Coming To Dinner." This served as the third episode in the program's only season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Harry, genius bottle-washer at Humanidyne, cobbles together a transmitter from company discards - and makes contact with aliens. At least, that's what he thinks he's done. The reality is far more dangerous."
"Harry, genius bottle-washer at Humanidyne, cobbles together a transmitter from company discards - and makes contact with aliens. At least, that's what he thinks he's done. The reality is far more dangerous."
On this day in 1986 (in the United Kingdom), Doctor Who aired "The Trial Of A Time Lord: Part 8." Officially, this served as the eighth episode in the program's twenty-third season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"The first transfer is flawed, so Dr. Crozier needs to transfer Lord Kiv into another host body. Unfortunately, Peri meets all the requirements for the subsequent candidate. Since the Doctor's been helpful and has somewhat of a personal interest in Peri, he's permitted to locate an equally suitable substitute candidate, if he can. The prosecution rests."
"The first transfer is flawed, so Dr. Crozier needs to transfer Lord Kiv into another host body. Unfortunately, Peri meets all the requirements for the subsequent candidate. Since the Doctor's been helpful and has somewhat of a personal interest in Peri, he's permitted to locate an equally suitable substitute candidate, if he can. The prosecution rests."
On this day in 1987, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future aired "The Mirror In Darkness." This served as the sixth episode of the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"An impostor is posing as Captain Power and luring refugees to reveal themselves, only to be digitized by Soaron. A couple of humans manage to escape this fate, and when they meet the real Captain Power, decide to get their revenge."
"An impostor is posing as Captain Power and luring refugees to reveal themselves, only to be digitized by Soaron. A couple of humans manage to escape this fate, and when they meet the real Captain Power, decide to get their revenge."
Despite its tendency to give everything a somewhat happy ending, Quantum Leap was some serious quality television. It used sci-fi as a tool to give one man -- Dr. Sam Beckett -- as chance to right some of history's wrongs. On this day in 1989, the show aired "What Price, Gloria?" Here's the plot summary as listed on IMDB.com:
"For his first leap into a woman, Sam is a gorgeous secretary. He must deal with the sexual harassment of his boss and the attempted suicide of his roommate."
"For his first leap into a woman, Sam is a gorgeous secretary. He must deal with the sexual harassment of his boss and the attempted suicide of his roommate."
In "The Curse of Fenric, Part 1," the Doctor (of BBC's Doctor Who) and his companion Ace find themselves embroiled in an old curse involving the Vikings near the end of World War II. The episode aired on this day back in 1989.
On this day in 1990 (in the U.S.), The Flash aired "Honor Among Thieves." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's first season; and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Central City Museum prepares to receive a valuable historical object. A group of specialists try to steal it."
"Central City Museum prepares to receive a valuable historical object. A group of specialists try to steal it."
On this day in 1993 (in Germany), Star Trek aired "The Cage," the original pilot installment to the Gene Roddenberry classic Science Fiction program. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
On this day in 1993, "Mysterious Stranger" aired as the sixteenth episode of Time Trax's (split) first season. According to our friends at IMDB.com:
"Darien sees an ad in the paper addressed to him, telling him that a fugitive from the future is in Mexico. Despite being warned by Selma that it could be a trap, he goes. He finds the man but learns it's not him but another man from the future and Darien thinks he's weird. But he claims the man is here. So Darien sets out to find him but the other guy keeps following him."
"Darien sees an ad in the paper addressed to him, telling him that a fugitive from the future is in Mexico. Despite being warned by Selma that it could be a trap, he goes. He finds the man but learns it's not him but another man from the future and Darien thinks he's weird. But he claims the man is here. So Darien sets out to find him but the other guy keeps following him."
On this day in 1995, Babylon 5 aired "Comes The Inquisitor." This served as the twenty-first episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"Kosh tests Delenn's allegiance while G'Kar attempts to bring his people together on Babylon 5."
"Kosh tests Delenn's allegiance while G'Kar attempts to bring his people together on Babylon 5."
It all began right here: on this day in 1996, Fox TV went into the dark with the premiere of Chris Carter's Millennium. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Frank, Peter Watts from the Millennium Group and Lt. Bletcher and Det. Giebelhouse from the Seattle P.D. are after "The Frenchman", a sexually confused serial killer obsessed with prophecies, who targets strippers and gay male hookers."
"Frank, Peter Watts from the Millennium Group and Lt. Bletcher and Det. Giebelhouse from the Seattle P.D. are after "The Frenchman", a sexually confused serial killer obsessed with prophecies, who targets strippers and gay male hookers."
On this day in 2000, Seven Days aired "Rhino." Officially, this served as the third episode in the program's third season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Parker teams with an old friend, a Navy SEAL, to prevent the assassination of the new president of Columbia at a White House state dinner."
"Parker teams with an old friend, a Navy SEAL, to prevent the assassination of the new president of Columbia at a White House state dinner."
Star Trek: Voyager aired the fourth episode of its seventh season on this day in 2000. "Repression" was a Tuvok-centric story, as the Vulcan security officer found himself playing detective, investigating a series of attacks on former Maquis members.
On this day in 2002, Firefly aired "Out Of Gas." Officially, this served as the fifth episode in the program's first (and only season), and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Mal and the Serenity crew are celebrating Simon's birthday when there is a fire in the engine room. Soon Keylee learns that the life support system is not working since they need a new converter. Mal order his crew to live Serenity in the two shuttles and Wash releases a distress signal. While breathing with difficulty, Mal recalls how most of the members of his crew joined him in the Serenity while waits for a miracle."
"Mal and the Serenity crew are celebrating Simon's birthday when there is a fire in the engine room. Soon Keylee learns that the life support system is not working since they need a new converter. Mal order his crew to live Serenity in the two shuttles and Wash releases a distress signal. While breathing with difficulty, Mal recalls how most of the members of his crew joined him in the Serenity while waits for a miracle."
On this day in 2003, Starhunter 2300 aired the eleventh episode of its second season, an hour titled "Supermax Redux." Here's the plot summary as provided by Wikipedia.org:
"While transporting an insane prisoner named Quigley, a small ship attacks the Tulip. Aboard is Max, a man who briefly owned the Tulip, and who claims the attack was a weapons malfunction. Max comes aboard with his associates Mina and David and proposes a business partnership over dinner in the grand ballroom. He has invested in a mining operation for a rare alloptrope of carbon - called Omnium - which Caravaggio determines to be a powerful energy source. In reality, Max has come aboard looking for a priceless necklace made of Omnium, which according to an old holo-diary, was hidden somewhere in the ship by a woman named Nora who was a passenger aboard the Tulip when it was a space liner, almost a hundred years ago."
"While transporting an insane prisoner named Quigley, a small ship attacks the Tulip. Aboard is Max, a man who briefly owned the Tulip, and who claims the attack was a weapons malfunction. Max comes aboard with his associates Mina and David and proposes a business partnership over dinner in the grand ballroom. He has invested in a mining operation for a rare alloptrope of carbon - called Omnium - which Caravaggio determines to be a powerful energy source. In reality, Max has come aboard looking for a priceless necklace made of Omnium, which according to an old holo-diary, was hidden somewhere in the ship by a woman named Nora who was a passenger aboard the Tulip when it was a space liner, almost a hundred years ago."
On this day in 2005 (in Germany), Starhunter (aka Starhunter 2300) aired "Rivals." Officially, this served as the sixteenth episode in the program's second (and final) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Callie's irritation with the Tulip's ongoing technical problems - and her general frustration with the impassive Travis - is aggravated when the stylish Seattle and its debonair captain rescue the crew from a problem it can't handle."
"Callie's irritation with the Tulip's ongoing technical problems - and her general frustration with the impassive Travis - is aggravated when the stylish Seattle and its debonair captain rescue the crew from a problem it can't handle."
While most of the show was a bit too tame for my tastes, CBS's apocalypse drama Jericho occasionally had some nice moments examining what it would be like for those to survive some mysterious national catastrophe. On this day in 2006, "9:02" explored the idea of how the hopelessness of learning no one is coming to rescue them plays on the fears of the townspeople ... and some resort to very serious bullying.
I guess it's never enough just to be shirtless and sweaty; some folks also gotta be tortured! That's what the episode of Lost that aired on this day back in 2006 would have you believe. "Every Man For Himself" saw Sawyer (pictured above) being subjected to a torturous experiment by those pesky 'Others' in order to settle the man down.
On this day in 2012 (in the United Kingdom), Red Dwarf aired "Entangled." Officially, this served as the fourth episode in the program's tenth season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Whilst Cat and Kryten find themselves doing everything in unison due to 'quantum entanglement' Lister loses the shuttle craft 'Starbug' and Rimmer to a group of hairy genetically engineered life forms in a poker game. To ensure he keeps his side of the bargain within twenty-four hours they have attached an explosive device to his groin due to go off when the time is up. Having unsuccessfully tried to bargain with them with the 'spoon of destiny' the crew have to locate Professor Edgington,the inventor of the groinal exploder,to save the day - which she does,though Rimmer's chances of romance are cruelly dashed."
"Whilst Cat and Kryten find themselves doing everything in unison due to 'quantum entanglement' Lister loses the shuttle craft 'Starbug' and Rimmer to a group of hairy genetically engineered life forms in a poker game. To ensure he keeps his side of the bargain within twenty-four hours they have attached an explosive device to his groin due to go off when the time is up. Having unsuccessfully tried to bargain with them with the 'spoon of destiny' the crew have to locate Professor Edgington,the inventor of the groinal exploder,to save the day - which she does,though Rimmer's chances of romance are cruelly dashed."
On this day in 2017, Lifeline aired "Killing Me, Won't Stop Me." Officially, this served as the sixth episode in the program's first (and only) season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Norah finally meets the mysterious Jack, who challenges her to let the universe play out as intended. Meanwhile, Nathan takes the hacking of Lifeline's computer system very personally, making sure the man responsible pays a high price."
"Norah finally meets the mysterious Jack, who challenges her to let the universe play out as intended. Meanwhile, Nathan takes the hacking of Lifeline's computer system very personally, making sure the man responsible pays a high price."
On this day in 2017, The Ministry Of Time (aka The Department Of Time) aired "Contratiempos." Officially, this served as the twelfth episode in the program's third (and final) season, and here's the plot summary from IMDB.com:
"President Adolfo Suarez's election must be protected to ensure the democratic transition in Spain. As the Ministry suspects of the Exterminating Angel, an opportunity to defeat both them and the Sons of Padilla presents itself. However, the leader of the Angels has one last trick."
"President Adolfo Suarez's election must be protected to ensure the democratic transition in Spain. As the Ministry suspects of the Exterminating Angel, an opportunity to defeat both them and the Sons of Padilla presents itself. However, the leader of the Angels has one last trick."
